Opportunity: At any time. They knew victim’s habits and could just walk in on him.
Means: Kitchen knives? Pocket knives?
Action: Discover contents of the will. Check on missing knives.
Doctor Frederick Prescott:
Motive: Inheritance of the title.
Opportunity: Unless his illness is a sham or greatly exaggerated – none.
Means: Hired assassin.
Action: Establish how ill he is and proceed from there.
Mr Alexander Prescott:
Motive: Inheritance of title.
Opportunity: By own admission was in the study at the right time.
Means: Could have brought weapon with him.
Action: Discover who put the note on the table at the Palace. Could he really not have noticed the body? Experiment.
Mr Alexander Prescott’s sons (Marcus, Charles, Bertram & Adrien):
Motive: Inheritance of title (applies only to Marcus) or expectation of personal gain if father inherits (all of them).
Opportunity & Means: All familiar with house and location of study. Probably all knew about open window. Would bring weapon with them.
Action: Establish whereabouts during possible timeframe for murder.
Mr Horace Prescott & his three sons (Percy, George, Jerald):
Motive: Unknown, unless expecting significant legacies.
Opportunity & Means: All familiar with house etc.
Action: Establish whereabouts during possible timeframe for murder. Check the will.
Madame Vaillant:
Motive: Fury at being dismissed. Expectation of legacy??
Opportunity: May have known about location of study & likelihood of open window.
Means: Brought weapon with her. Or a besotted lover on her behalf? Or paid assassin?
Action: Check will. Check whereabouts.
Campbell the dismissed footman:
Motive: Revenge for sacking without character.
Opportunity: Would know about study, window etc.
Means: Brought weapon with him.