The Last Trilogy (eBook)

Nando von Niederhaeusern (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2024 | 1. Auflage
201 Seiten
epubli (Verlag)
9783759841070 (ISBN)

Infos

'In this gripping thriller, three unusual investigators from different parts of Europe team up to solve a series of gruesome murders that has already claimed 14 lives. Luca Rossi from Italy, Sofia Vargas from Spain and Eddie Hughes from the UK are called together by Interpol to form an international investigative unit. Together they uncover the dark secrets behind the business card murders, which turn out to be part of a disturbing game spun by a network of intrigue and secrets. As they pursue the perpetrators, the investigators are confronted not only with the dark secrets of the series of murders, but also with their own inner demons. The plot takes readers through various European locations, including Copenhagen and Croatia, and immerses them in a world where the boundaries between good and evil are blurred. In a narrative style that delves deep into the thoughts and feelings of the characters, 'The Last Trilogy' offers a gripping journey where the truth is even more disturbing than the darkest nightmares. With a gripping narrative style that immerses readers deep into the thoughts and emotions of the characters, 'The Last Trilogy' offers an unforgettable reading experience. A gripping thriller that impressively blurs the thin lines between good and evil, truth and deception, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.'

Nando von Niederhäusern is an up-and-coming author from Switzerland. With a profound understanding of the psychology of people and their needs, he brings a unique perspective to his thrillers. His debut novel 'The Last Trilogy' takes readers into a dark world where nothing is as it seems. With ingenious plots, well-developed characters and unexpected twists, Nando von Niederhäusern has given the thriller genre an exciting new interpretation. In his spare time, Nando is a passionate motorist and gym enthusiast. When he is not working on his next novel, he enjoys the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland and is inspired by nature. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Textauszug

Chapter 1: The Writer

 

 

Near Brussels, Belgium, 02.05.2023, 5:43 PM.

 

 

A warm spring breeze brushes against the faces of the two Interpol agents, Edward Hughes and Luca Rossi, as they ascend the cobblestone driveway to the secluded estate of Belgian writer Victor Duvall. Edward Hughes, a tall and lean British man with blond hair, pauses in the middle of the path to tie his shoes. His partner, the noticeably smaller Italian, Luca Rossi, initially doesn't notice and continues strolling towards the main entrance. The late afternoon sun reflects in his striking green eyes as he realizes his partner has stopped and he turns back towards him, squinting into the sunlight.

"Hey Eddie, what are you doing?" Rossi asks. "Just tying my shoes. Go ahead, I'll catch up. With your short legs, you need the head start," Eddie responds, smiling. "You better hurry up. With your fair skin, you might burst into flames otherwise," Rossi retorts, continuing his stride towards the main entrance.

Victor Duvall's paved estate stretches out before Edward Hughes and Luca Rossi like an oasis of splendor and mystery. High walls made of rough, gray stone enclose the property, which sprawls extensively. The sound of their footsteps on the cobblestone pathway is echoed by the high walls, as if the estate wants to swallow up the intruders.

The trees lining the property bear the marks of centuries-old history. Their branches rise majestically, creating a dense canopy of leaves that shields the sun and lends the estate a mysterious, almost fairy-tale-like ambiance. Birds chirp in the crowns, and the buzzing of insects fills the air.

The cobblestone pathway leads to an imposing entrance gate made of wrought-iron bars. The decorations and curls on the gate testify to craftsmanship from bygone eras. Behind the gate looms a majestic manor house, a stately estate in the style of a Belgian mansion. Its dark bricks and high roof give it an almost menacing aura.

The windows of the house are protected by elaborately crafted wrought-iron grilles. Their reflections only hint at what lies inside the building. Vines climb the walls, lending the estate a touch of dreamy romance.

The gardens surrounding the mansion are a symphony of colors and scents. Rose bushes in vibrant reds and pinks form the centerpiece of an expansive flower garden. Bees and butterflies dance among the blooms, and the scent of fresh flowers fills the air.

A mighty oak tree provides shade over a lawn perfect for social gatherings. A pond with sparkling water reflects the blue sky and the clouds drifting gently over the estate.

Just moments later, the two investigators stand before the entrance door of Victor Duvall's estate.

Rossi asks urgently, "What are we even supposed to ask this guy? Are you aware that this Duvall was proven to not even be near the body? We're about to question a writer who specializes in true crime stories based on one of his books about a murder!" Desperately, Rossi looks for a change in his partner's expression. With a calm voice, Eddie responds, "Just leave it to me. Besides, the suspicion is far from unfounded as you're making it out to be. Stick to the facts. No press release provided exact details that he could have depicted so accurately in his book."

Eddie raises his hand and rings the doorbell. However, for Rossi, the discussion is not over yet, and he whispers to Eddie, "It's been 6 months since the body was found. It wouldn't be surprising if someone had spilled the beans in the meantime."

"What do you think, how long does it take to publish a book? Just because..." Eddie is interrupted mid-sentence by the opening entrance door. An elderly gentleman with silver-gray hair and a slightly stooped posture appears.

"Goede avond," the older gentleman opens the conversation, and Eddie responds, "Good evening, sir. Do you also speak English?"

"Indeed, I do! May I ask who you are and what brings you to us this evening?" inquires the butler.

"Apologies, of course, my name is Edward Hughes, and this is my partner Luca Rossi. We're from Interpol and have an appointment with Mr. Duvall. Is he available?" Eddie politely asks. The older gentleman nods in agreement.

"Yes, Mr. Duvall is expecting you already. Please follow me." The butler ushers the two investigators inside. As they follow the house servant into the interior of the estate, Rossi notices a cold and almost eerie atmosphere.

They pass through the elaborately decorated entrance hall with a few steps and find themselves in the adjacent living room. Compared to the entrance hall, this room appears much more modest. An elongated solid wood table sits in front of a small bar at one end of the room. Meanwhile, a much smaller glass table surrounded by four cozy armchairs forms the centerpiece. Behind them, a fireplace adorns the wall of the living room. The entrance area where the two investigators stand is adorned with little more than a sideboard and various pictures on the wall. The room appears modest, just adequately furnished to feel cozy and not sterile.

The house servant who led them into the room turns to them, smiles kindly, and speaks, "Mr. Duvall will receive you shortly." Before Eddie or Rossi can respond, the older gentleman starts walking back towards the entrance hall and disappears from their sight.

"Weird," murmurs Rossi. Eddie furrows his brow. "What do you mean?"

Rossi looks around the room and replies, "The guy must be swimming in cash, right? So why is everything so modestly furnished? And besides, the house servant vehemently avoids making eye contact with me." Eddie shrugs and responds, "Not everyone needs to flaunt their wealth like you do! But you're right, I would have expected something else too, and I found the servant peculiar as well."

In the distance, the investigators hear approaching footsteps and turn towards the room entrance. The footsteps gradually grow louder until finally, a handsome man with a sporty stature, shoulder-length black hair, and brown eyes stands before them. A subtle nod signifies the greeting, while his lips remain sealed.

Eddie scrutinizes him attentively and politely says, "Good evening, sir, I assume you are Mr. Duvall?"

The elegant man, Victor Duvall, confirms Eddie's assumption with a nod, while still thoroughly examining Luca Rossi.

Rossi adds to the introduction, "You probably already know who we are. This is my partner Edward Hughes, and my name is Luca Rossi." He eagerly analyzes every tiny movement of Mr. Duvall. The mysterious writer is not intimidated by Rossi's penetrating gaze. Duvall, still calm and composed, responds with a firm voice, "Please, have a seat." He gestures towards the chairs behind the investigators.

As they make their way to the center of the room and take their seats, Duvall speaks again: "I hope you don't mind my butler not offering you a drink, but I prefer to take care of that myself with my guests. I would offer you a gin, but since I assume you're not allowed to drink on duty, perhaps a glass of water would be more suitable?"

While Duvall is already pouring a glass of gin and about to put the bottle away, Rossi replies, "Well, since we'll be off duty afterwards anyway, I suppose we can make an exception."

"I'm glad to hear that," Duvall responds and sets out two more glasses before joining Eddie and Rossi at the table. "So, if I understand correctly, you would like to question me about one of my books, is that correct?"

There is a brief moment of silence until Eddie reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a book.

"That's correct, we're specifically referring to this book." Eddie holds up the book with the cover facing Duvall and reads the title aloud: "The Last Hours of Alexandra Sinclair."

As he opens the book and flips through the final pages, he continues, "As you already know, it's about the murder of Alexandra Sinclair. But first, I'd like to ask you a general question about your books. I know your written stories have been highly successful. I've also heard that many relatives are very grateful to you for your work, as you capture the stories of their loved ones. However, I can't help but ask you this question. If I may quote the last lines of your book,"

Eddie places his finger on one of the final pages of the book and begins to read aloud:

"The intervals between my heartbeats are increasing, and the further apart they are, the more intensely I feel my blood being pressed through my veins. Accompanied by the fear that this might be the last beat of my heart. But now, the feeling of fear leaves me; I feel no cold or warmth, neither panic nor fear, everything is dark, yet it feels like I have arrived. One last time, the air fills my lungs and then escapes, with a gentle hum, from my body. I know that this was my last breath, and I am grateful that I was able to live this life." END.

For a moment, silence reigns. Victor Duvall sits comfortably in his chair, taking a brief sip of his gin before Eddie formulates his question: "I must admit that this is the first of your books that I have read, but I have been told that you always narrate your stories from the first-person perspective. I don't mean to intrude, but after all, your books depict real people who have suffered terrible deaths. So why do you use this narrative form? You weren't there, yet you speak in the voice of the deceased. Isn't that somewhat macabre?"

With a questioning look, Eddie raises his head, and Rossi's gaze fills with curiosity as they await Duvall's response....

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 14.7.2024
• Verlagsort: Berlin
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror ► Krimi / Thriller
• Schlagworte: Dark Secrets • Exciting revelations • Intrigue • Manipulation • Thriller • Violence
• ISBN-13: 9783759841070 / 9783759841070