Sophie Lacroix, famed French pianist, was found murdered in one of the practicing rooms of "The four willows" late yesterday evening. Unlike her colleague Vladimir Peshilka, who was found murdered in a similar room three days ago, Mlle. Lacroix died of a bullet that hit her in the back. Again there were no clues left and again it was one of the so-called locked room murders. Scotland Yard is investigating.

"What do you think of that, Watson?"
"I would say that lady's death is no coincidence. But... Who is killing the famed pianists of Europe?"
"That is our job to figure out."

The carriage stopped at the gate of that very mansion. We got out, and after Holmes paid the driver, we started to walk towards the door. We where halfway through the park as Holmes started to tell me about our client for the first time, though we've already left home yesterday.

"Mr Jerren Eideard, once a famed pianist himself, keeps on setting up an annual contest for Europe's best pianists at his mansion since he made a fortune and retired 12 years ago. A first place brings not even fame, but also a lot of money with it. There are 15 pianists from all across Europe each year, but this time it seems somebody isn't playing all that fair."

Just the moment we stopped in front of the mansion a small bunch of policemen ran out of the door into the direction of the goldfish- ponds. The man who leaded the group stopped as he saw us.

"You might be a bit late, Mr. Holmes", he sneered.
"Another body, Inspector Mayburn?"
"Yes, Roseline Filiberto. The gardener found her floating in one of the ponds."

Holmes raised an eyebrow.

"And how was she murdered?"
"Easy." , the Inspector said as we all walked towards the pond, "she drowned. But I would say it was suicide after she realised what she'd done."

"Suicide after she realised what she'd done?"
"Yes, Mr Holmes, I found a lot of evidences that there was a little romance going on between Mr Peshilka and Mlle. Lacroix. Ms Filiberto was in love with the man as well, and I would say she wanted to eliminate her rival."

"But Mr Peshilka was killed first.", I interrupted the Inspector, wondering where the logic in that should be.

"Well, you're right, Doctor, but I would say she killed him by accident, then killed her actual victim and then herself 'cause of her broken heart."

Holmes sighed as we reached the pond: "Whatever you say, Inspector."

Proceed to Part Two