Hunting the cat.

[Chrystal]

Kathy Lake smiled as she climbed in through the window of the mansion. This was one of the easiest jobs she's pulled in a long while. The trellis running up to the third floor balcony had been a little shaky but it had supported her weight. The window opened with ease and she was in.

Soft snores came from her left as she tiptoed across the room. Moonlight shining through the open curtains revealed a young woman, not much older than herself, asleep in a tangle of blankets. Kathy shrugged and moved across to the woman's dressing table. A large jewellery box sat on it, closed, but with the key in it. Kathy grinned, and lifted the lid.

This was a mistake, She hadn't seen the key protruding from the side of the box, and as the lid was lifted, the key began to turn and the box began to play misic with strident chimes. Kathy closed the lid again, shutting the noise off, but it was too late.

"Who's there?" The woman in the bed asked sleepily. Kathy shrugged. This wasn't the first time things had gone horribly wrong, and she was more than prepared. The stiletto slid from its sheath in her boot and she crossed the few paces to the bed, nothing more than a dark shadow in her black breeches and shirt. The blade thrust up under the woman's chin, blood spurted and her cry of surprise was stifled before it began.

Kathy wiped the blade on the woman's night gown and re-sheathed it. She shrugged. This was not good, because the hunt for her would intensify now, but she refused to leave empty handed. She took the offending jewellery box, carrying it back to the window where she had dropped her back pack. Back out and scramble back down the creaking trellis, pack on her back. She slipped into the shadows of the rhododendron bushes that lined the house's driveway, the scent of the flowers almost overpowering. Certainly more than enough to fool the bloodhounds now being used by the police.

A quick scurry alongside the driveway to the gate, and out into the lane. Her horse, Nightmare was waiting for her. She jumped on, bareback, and rode off into the night, her long black hair flowing behind her in the wind.

[Aviva]

*It was as her clock struck six that Annabelle stirred. Her dark blue eyes opening sleepily to seemingly simply stare at the cause of the sound.*

It is already morning?"

*She half mumbled into her pillow , her voice becoming softer as sleep started to over take her once more. Her auburn hair rolling over the pillows and about her face in tangles and knots. Her leg lifting up to curl and wrap about the down cover. Her hands moving to strike off the sound as she remembered it was Saturday. She was due at work by seven. A soft groan escaping her naturally dark lips as she threw her pillow across the room to strike a wall. It knocked down several pictures as it struck it's target. Several heavy thuds hitting the wooden floor as she growled into her other pillow.*

*The relaxed foot that had wrapped about the down cover began to kick it slightly then angrily.*

"Another day with that pompous gent who feels women are lower than the ground he walks on!"

*Only a few seconds later a loud thumping starts to sound fromt he other side of the door.*

"Madam Annabelle you are requested to come to the station promptly. There has been another robbery."

*The intruder gave her no time to respond as she heard the heavu thump, thump, thump of heavy boots strike against the wooden floors outside.*

"I shall also have to chat to Mrs Tepworth about letting them in without informing me first."

*Despite her annoyed words she rose from her bed, quickly stripping, washing and starting to change within minutes. Her hair tied back into a plaitt then rolled up to be discreetly hidden beneath a hat. She dressed in a light, simple blouse, jacket and simple but fasionable skirt that came down to her ankles and flared out slightly to touch the floor. Pulling her shoes on as she ran out of her room door.*

"Another one? So soon? I wonder what he shall make of this one."

*Her voice falling to one of dislike once more. Her lips tightening to a thin line though turned into a warm smile as she found herself outside the station.*

"Domesticated, delicate , weak stomached female. Part five."

[woegman]

Edmund Worthington was called the greatest detective of his time, and he wallowed in every bit of the publicity that it garnished him.  Sure, it wasn't the stage, but had it not been said that great actors fooled the theatre, whilst the greatest actors fooled the world?  He was sure that had been said somewhere, by someone rather important.  If not, why, it out to have been.  To be truthful, his memory for such things was dreadful.  Frankly, his memory for all things was less then brilliant.  He scowled at the thought, and reached for his pocket watch.

"Damnable girl," he growled softly, "I've been here a quarter hour already.  Where the devil has she got off to?"

Edmund stalked the lobby of the constabulary with his brow furrowed, his teeth clenched about a pipe.  His stance and demeanor made him look as if in serious, uninterrupted thought, and when had the reputation that he had, that was enough to keep anyone from asking any curious questions while he waited for his secret weapon to arrive.  It did not bother him, the unethical nature of their deal; yes, the girl did the real work in these cases, but without his name, without his stage presence, she would never have been taken seriously as a detective.  That he should get both fame and half the earnings of their cases was but a small price for the grace of his being.  At last, he spotted her outside the station, and he stormed to the door, catching her eye and beckoning her indoors.

[Aviva]

*A ever so faint smile touched her lips, before moving she slipped hand into a pocket, taking out a simple but chunk pair of glasses. The lenses though did not help her sight as her eyes were fine but it seemed to aid her in keeping her under the radar from any police officers. Often off putting and quite ugly to say the least but they worked to her advantage. She noticed the beckoning a brief moment passing before she pushed the door open and entered the bulding. Though she carried herself well she had to prevent herself walking to eagerly or too aggressively. Her steps almost delicately placed and planned out. After all ..all she was , was his assitant, a pretty face who could write and clean up oh and sometimes do other menial tasks befitted her gender.*

*She puts such thoughts aside before her frustration could peak and her annoyance at such conditions would show. She had wanted this after all. It was the only way to do the work she loved, even if Mr Worthington gained the praise, the trust and the money of the people while she was barely giving a second glance if even at all a first once it was noted she was indeed female.*

*She moved to stand in front of him bowing her head curtly with a light smile.*

"Good morning Detective. I hear there has been another robbery."

[woegman]

"Not JUST robbery, my dear Annabelle," Edmund answered loudly, catching the attention of anyone within earshot, "Muuuuurder!"

He was quite pleased with the melodramatic flair with which he spoke the last word, and it was all he could do to keep from smiling and bowing to the shocked and attentive audience of constables and reporters that had entered the room.  He saw a frown of disapproval from the chief inspector - ah, apparently the murder was not yet public knowledge.  Oh well, Edmund thought.  Who better than to make the announcement than he?

"But fear not, my friends.  Edmund Worthington is on the case, and this vile villain shant get too far!"

He paused, leaning over one reporter's pad, and softly added "No, no, that's Worthington, with a 'thing'.  Wor. Thing. ton.  Yes, yes, much better."

"Now, if you all will excuse me, I must speak with my private chronicler," he said, dismissing the crowd, and then turned towards Annabelle, drawing her close.

"Murder!" he rasped softly, and all hints of confidence vanished, "I've never dealt with a murder before!  God, what the blazes are we to do?"

[Aviva]

*She could barely control herself from bursting into fits of laughter having to remain straight face at Worthington's over acting but managed to control her face to form a look of shock and dismay. One hand rising up to clutch her chest as the reporters and other investgaors looked on in surprise.*

*She managed to bring herself under control properly as he pulled her close.*

"I am sure you shall do as you have done before Worthington , capture the vile villain and send them where they belong."

*The words were muttered and though a edge of sarcasm twisted her voice they sounded to the unknowing ear extremely genuine as she continued her act. Not daring to risk the chance of their deal being guessed at in any way.*

"Shall we be on our way?"

[Chrystal]

Kathy woke early Saturday morning, and ate a leisurely breakfast. The morning edition of the paper did not carry any mention of her activities the previous night, but she didn't really expect it to. Nightmare was sleeping off the nights exertions when she went out to check on him. She shrugged, and left him in the stable, then made her way into town. Her clothing was quite different now. A ragged green jacket over a low-cut, frilly bodice, a long flowing skirt made from home-spun weave and hand dyed with various fruit dyes. Her ensemble was completed with a silk head scarf, her only concession to quality, that kept her hair back out of her eyes. She went barefoot, and carried a large wicker basket with her.

Face smeered with grime, she set up her meagre stall outside the police station, where she knew she would overhear gossip and rumour. "Lucky 'eather, me dears?" She asked anyone who happened to glance her way. A few of the more kindly or more superstitious actually bought the sprigs from her, at thrupence a sprig, or five for a shilling.

She didn't see Annabell arrive, but she watched with interest as the heard of Fleet Street's finest raced off, vying for the few hansom cabs around at this early hour, to get back to their offices to break whatever story they had just learned.

"Lady Mitchell, murdered in her bed!" She overheard one reporter say to another. "Apparently her throat was cut from ear to ear!" Kathy resisted the urge to chuckle at the exaggeration. She had done no such thing. A single thrust with the stiletto, through the larynx, and into the brain. And the bitch had probably deserved it too.

"Any idea who did it?" The other asked.

"No, but with Worthington on the case, they'll have the bounder dangling from a rope in no time!"

A uniformed constable noticed her. "'Ere, 'ere, Now then, Ye can't sit there, miss. Ye'll 'ave te move along!"

"Lawks! Sorry off'cer, Oi'll be on me way, Oi will!" She made a show of hobbling off, and disappeared around the corner.

She chuckled as she made her way home. Worthington was a pompous ass, she knew, having crossed swords with him on a few occasions, so to speak. And yet, his success rate in solving cases had gone up lately. She wondered if it might have anything to do with his pretty young assistant.

Back home, she washed her face and feet, changed into clothing more suited to a Victorian lady of leisure, and prepared for her luncheon date with her fence.

[markjohn510]

Sitting comfortably behind his office desk in the basement of his pub, Justin lit a cigar to start of the days proceedings, the cigar was a Cuban, he settled for nothing less, after all being a fence had it's perks. Dressed in a three piece black suit with shining black shoes and sleek black hair, he worked through his latest acquired piece. It was a vase stolen form the royal family of Russia, It bared their mark, an antique indeed. He examined the royal crest as he picked up his magnifying glass and smiled at it's authenticity, settling it down he began to look over his office, admiring the success he had achieved in such  little time, at just 28 he owned his own pub, and an underground black market for illegal goods. He was good at what he did, and word on the street if it's authentic, Justin will buy it, regardless of the strings attached to it, and no one could touch him, even though the police always have an eye on him, his operations remain secret and well disguised, obviously he had a certain amount of support with him, links to the commissioner of police, a few inspectors on payroll, a judge or two here and there. Life was good. He was young, rich and powerful but alone, and that is the way he preferred things, he had a dark side not many were able to witness, because of his mastery at disguise, and his excellent oratory.



As he say pondering over all of these thoughts, he heard a large bang above him, quickly he hid the priceless vase in a secret compartment under his desk and put out his cigar, with one hand he brushed his sleek hair behind his ear and with the other he opened to the door to his office and made his way upstairs, only to be cut off half way by a big man,almost too big to fit in the staircase, almost completely bald and very foul smelling, followed by at least a dozen armed guards, Justin knew exactly who he was and what he was here for, but Justin did not have what the man had come for. "Why hello Igor,what a pleasant surprise,I was just thinking of you" Justin says,lying with complete confidence, Igor grunted in response,"Come come,lets talk in my office" said Justin,making is way back down the stairs,opening his office door and sliding behind his desk into his chair. As the guards followed Igor inside, Igor asked two to accompany him and the rest to wait outside. Igor began to speak, in his deep crackling voice." Do you have it?", Justin sat with complete confidence and stared at Igor in the eye,"First of all how many times do I need to tell you not to barge into here like this? This is my cover up,If you need to meet me, it's to be at the dock after 8pm,what part of it don't you understand?", Igor was not the type of person to take crap from anyone, but for some reason, he bowed in front of Justin's temper, "I'm sorry" he started," but I don't have much time, I need it and I need it fast", Justin ran a hand through his hair again,"My contact is in possession of it, I am to meet up with her in a while,meet me at the docks at 10 with my payment and I will have it ready for you" Justin replied,satisfied, Igor stood up and made his way out,he turned back to Justin,nodded his head and stormed out with his guards. Taking a sigh of relief, Justin took a moment to collect himself, happy with what he had accomplished he checked his watch to see there was half an hour left for his meeting with Kathy, he collected his coat and made his way up to the main floor, lighting another cigar and putting on his hat he saw one of the bartenders socializing with a woman while a customer waited with an empty glass. He put the cigar back inside and in movement of rage grabbed the bartender by his collar with both hands and threw him over the counter onto the wooden floor, he started punching the bartender like mad and no one dare interfere, they just watched as the poor bartender got the beat down of his life,when Justin finally caught his presence back, he saw the bartender lying semi conscious in a pool of his own blood and two teeth, he let go of him and said in a cold voice that chilled the room,"next time think of the customer first before you think your free to mingle", he then stood up and went behind the counter,after cleaning his hands with a cloth,he poured beer himself into the customers glass,"sorry bout that,this ones on the house" he said more warmly and cheerfully,with that he took off his ha,ran a hand through his hair,put the hat back on and made his way outside for his meeting.

[Chrystal]

Kathy sat in the coffee house, waiting impatiently. At last, she spotted Justin's familiar figure ousing towards her. "Ah, there you are. You're late!"

She produced a small cloth bag, that held the contents of the jewelery box she had stolen last night. The box itself was still back at her house and would, over the next day or two, help to heat it.

"The item you requested is there, along with some trinkets and the biggest bloody pearl necklace I've ever seen. Plus I had to kill the bitch, when she woke up. I want extra, because if things get as hot as they did last time I killed, I won't be able to work for a while."

While giving this little speech, in a soft voice that carried across the table to the fence's ears only, she kept her hand firmly on the neck of the bag.

[ooc]Hi Markjohn, nice post. I certainly have no objections to you joining, if the others don't[/ooc]

[markjohn510]

[ooc]nice to meet you too chrystal, I know Aviva doesn't object either because she gave me the link to this post,all's left is woegman,meanwhile I'll continue[/ooc]

without even the slightest regret, Justin sits down in the vacant seat across Kathy, setting his hat down on the table and taking another cigar,lighting it up calmly as he listens to what Kathy says, once hes done, he feels the cigar go dry, as he lit it for the second time and so he kills it in the ash tray in front of him. Sitting back in his chair he starts,"The kill is on your head,all I asked was to retrieve the item",he takes a pause and runs a hand through his hair,taking the bag from Kathy's hand,Justin inspects the item under the table,checking to see if it is indeed intact,he then pulls out a lighter and burns the gem on the jewelery,to check its authenticity,satisfied he puts it back in the bag and places the bag in his pant pocket. He then collects himself and calls the waiter,who greats him with extreme gratitude,"a scotch on the rocks and whatever the lady wants",Justin says as he turns to Kathy,after she gives her order,Justin speaks again,"the payment will be made in the usual manner,I will have the money delivered to your house in the white briefcases you love",picking up his glass the waiter has just brought,he drinks it in one go and sets it back on the table,"put this and whatever she has on my tab",after tipping the waiter generously,he then stands up and puts his hat back on,he tilts it slightly in Kathy's direction before making his way out again.

[Aviva]

((OOC: Not quite what I had meant but welcome to the thread. Woegman has no problems with you joining the thread at all.))

[woegman]

((OOC: I'm fine with it :)  I won't be able to post until a bit later tonight though, sorry all.))

[Chrystal]

((OOC: Ah, I was wondering what the form was for OOC posting here! Thanks!))

Kathy sighed. She had tried. Anyway the promised payment for this special item was enough that she wouldn't need to work for a while anyway. Why anyone would be willing to pay such a huge sum for something so trivial, she really couldn't fathom, nor why it should have been hidden inside a secret compartment of the musical jewellery box of Lady Mitchell.

A simple clay doll, not particularly attractive, nor even particularly well made. That's all it was.

Her curiosity was piqued. Kathy regarded herself as a cat-burglar, she subscribed to the theory that, at some time in the distant past, one of her ancestors had been visited by the Egyptian goddess Bastette, who had somehow past on the feline blood... It was pure fantasy, of course, but it amused her.

However, she also knew what curiosity allegedly did to the cat. She sighed. It would be the death of her for sure, some day, but she had the nagging feeling she'd been played, and she didn't like it.

She headed for the public library to do a little investigation of her own.

((OOC: In my experience, RPs like this NEVER go the way intended, unless someone GMs it at keeps a hand firmly on the tiller. Anyone up for a little espionage?))

[markjohn510]

The doll placed securely in his pocket, Justin headed home,there was still a while before the delivery to Igor was to be made and so Justin decided to take a small nap in his mansion before he would head over to the docks at night,but their was one thing he needed to do first,as he stepped in,he called one of his guards to his room,asking him to wait at the entrance, he quickly took out a beautiful white leather bag and started filling it with money. Once full,he put on the lock,the code to which Kathy knew,as it was the letters of her name. He then handed the briefcase to the guard and asked her to deliver it to Kathy.

Once the guard left, Justin locked the door and took off his coat and tie,resting them on the table beside his bed,taking the doll out of his coat before he did. Opening the buttons to his vest and sliding his his shoes off,he started examining the doll in his hand, the doll had quite a history, it is said to take the ugliness out of a person and give him eternal beauty,while taking the ugliness upon itself,"well it certainly takes ugliness upon itself" Justin thought. For a moment or so he pondered over whether it could be true, but he then got over it thinking he was a businessman and this was a product, he is not interested in a products power,but it's worth, and this product is surely worth a lot to Igor. As he set the doll inside a locked box on his table,the key to which he put in his pant pocket,he smirked at the amount of money he just gave to Kathy, finding it amusing that although it was a huge amount, It was nothing compared to the amount he would be getting from Igor for it. With the same evil grin, Justin dripped off to sleep,making sure to have himself woken up at 9:30 so he could reach the docks on time.

[Aviva]

*Annabelle's eyes slowly slid about the hall as she listened to the quiet murmurs, the gasps and the general rumor mongering began.*

"Did you hear that she had her throat split open?"

"Really...What did they take?"

"Well no one knows that yet, though one of the first constables at the scene was heard stating such."

*Annabelle shook her head firmly. Well at least there was one bonus to these rumors. They could work to her advantage should these robberies and now killings continue. Her eyes drifted to Detective Worthington at his moment of weakness. Seeing a small not win his hand which had a address on she reached forth and slowly peeled it from his fingers.*

*Looking at the address her eyes narrowed before turning to one of the constables near by. A warm, charming smile touching her lips ever so briefly.*

"Is Worthington's cart ready to go to the scene?"

"That it is Ma'am."

"Thank you.*

*Annabelle nodded her head curtly as she moved to stand behind Worthington. She then stepped aside him she discreetly but firmly delivered a elbow to his ribs towards the doors.*

((Sorry not trying to god mod.))

[woegman]

((OOC: Sorry all - got home late last night and was exhausted.  I am, unfortunately, heading out for the long weekend, to be back Tuesday.  Aviva, I totally trust you with Edmund, if you want to post as him till I get back - I just hate keeping y'all on pause!  Sorry!))

[Chrystal]

Kathy read up on the Mitchells. Lady Sandra Mitchell, the woman she had killed, was supposedly the only child of Earl and Lady Mitchell. Earl Mitchell spent most of his time in the colonies (which made Kathy doubt that Sandra was his only child). Lady Mitchell Snr. spent long periods in the South of France.

Thus Lady Sandra had the family home more or less to herself. Kathy recalled seeing the woman on the social circuit a few times, but had not really liked her. Something odd struck her. In the court circulars, Lady Mitchell Jr. was mentioned frequently, but always as "Currently abroad". In fact, the court circular from last week listed her as "Away for the summer". She clearly had not been.

Kathy shrugged and headed home, in time to receive her payment. She counted the money carefully, nodded then wrote out a receipt as always and passed it to the guard. The briefcase went into a cupboard with several others like it. Justin didn't know, but she made a small amount of money selling them back to the store he bought them from.

She climbed into her carriage and drove to the Mitchell estate. Sure, it was a bit foolhardy, as it almost played into the hands of the police, returning to the scene of her crime, but there was something nagging her and she needed to find out what it was.

[Aviva]

*The elbow to the ribs seemed to work instantly. Edmond jumping slightly then tapping her hand lightly almost condescendingly.*

"That we should my dear Annabelle. Time to move do stop dawdling. This crime will not solve itself."

*Within moments Edmund was within his carriage getting comfortable on the leather seats. Though as Annabelle tried to lift her foot to take the first step a constable holding the carriage door open promptly closed it on her.*

"I doubt you are required for this part Ma'am. Not the place to be for a lady such as yourself."

*Annabelle scowled slightly at the man though most of it was hidden behind the heavy glasses.*

"Do not worry young man she shall not be seeing anything a young lady should not be. She shall just be helping me in what tasks she is able to."

*The constable paused a moment but opened the door to allow Annabelle in. Once seated Annabelle lifted her right hand to knock on the hard wood surface letting the horseman know all was ready. She heard the snap of the whip as it struck hopefully empty air above the horses heads rather than their flesh with only seconds passing they started their journey to the victims estate.*

*As the noise got louder from outside Annabelle slipped her glasses off and back into there pocket. She sighed quietly before lifting her hand up, her thumb and index finger parting until reaching the bridge of her nose to rub the reddened skin gently. She licked her lips slightly before bringing her gaze to Edmund. Her tone of voice changing dramatically from the gentle, almost subservient tone to demanding and almost aggressive.*

*That was quite the performance back there, though I am not sure all of those within enjoyed the act."

"We both have our parts in this role we play Annabelle. I do mine, you do yours and we both get what we want."

*His tone of voice had also changed dramatically, becoming lower, losing the arrogance and confidence of before.*

"What do we know currently of the case?"

"The woman's name is Lady Sandra Mitchell, married once though he died. She is the only child to Earl and Lady Mitchell or supposedly so at least. Her father was away a lot during her child hood and even now so whether that is actually true no one can say."

"Do we have a inventory yet of what she had on the property?"

"We shall do upon arrival."

"How was she killed?"

"From what I have been told it appears to be a type of blade through her throat though it was not slit open as the rumors go."

"Did she have any businesses of her own and did she have any plans for about this time?"

"No she appears to have been a lady of leisure and rumors do seem to state that she was meant to be away though obviously was not."

"Have you been informed of how the criminal got into the property?"

"So far I have only been told about oneopen window. Appears a trellis led up to the ledge."

"The criminal then would have to have been relatively light in weight unless it has broken."

"The carriage started to slow down then come to a completely stop. By the time the carriage door was being opened once more Annabelle glasses were back in place and she looked like the meek and mild assistant she appeared to be. While Edmund had brought back to the for his extreme talent for acting out his part. Lifting a hand he helped her down.*

*Annabelle looked about the house that she could see as she took her time to smooth and straighten out her skirt. Leaving Edmund to go ahead and start clearing the scene of any remaining constables or busy bodies. She moved to walk about the large mansion, counting the windows, doors and seeing where any other possible ways in were. "

[Aviva]

*By the time Edmund beckoned her over she had briefly inspected the only trellis that lead to a open winder. There appeared to be no damage along it. She had also quickly scouted about the garden, sometimes bending on one knee to sniff at the flowers. She approached the mansion slowly as she looked along the ground. Sadly if their criminal had arrived or left by horse there was too many tracks to follow any one in particular as the became muddled with those on the street.*

*She walked up the siars while two constables moved down obviously the ones up until down having been looking after the room where the crime happened. One face pale and sweaty while the others eyes seems slightly glazed over.*

*Her breath caught in her throat slightly as she entered the bedroom. Though the victims body was covered currently the smell, the heat and the bloody patch could not be ignored.*

*Though Edmund seemed to be in far worse condition, standing right next tot he open window. His face contorted slightly;y into a grimace while his cheeks seemed to grow increasingly redder and darker every second that[passed.*

"Do we have a inventory now?"

"That we do."

*He reached into one of his pockets and slipped a piece of paper out, not truly turning to face her as she accepted it gently. The inventory was quite large but a few items were missing. One music box, some jewelery and a family heirloom doll.*

"She lowered the piece of paper to her side as she scanned the room. This room and the rest of the house were very lavish showing welath and to some degree taste. Yet the thief had only taken these items in particular.*

"This crime was not for money."

*She stated simply as she finally started to move toward sthe body. She pulled the sheet down as she chewed her lower lip. Taken int he grim view before slipping a note book and pencil from another pocket she began to make mental notes as well as the physcail. Scribing down what she saw.* 

"She was not killed by the throat either, though witht he amount of blood would be easy to miss. It looks like the blade went up and through her chin. A quite silent and hopefully for this lady a quick death."

*Edmund had started to cough at the window, lifting his hand open to cover his mouth still not truly daring to look into the room any more than he dared.*

"But why kill this one? If the recent spate of robberies are all linked?"

"Maybe the victim woke up, perhaps the criminal accidentally caused the music box to chime."

*Edmund merely nodded his head slightly, even now his flair and confidence leaving him.*

"What makes you think it was not for money?"

"If you look around you will see the answer is very simple. The lady of the house is dead, to our knowledge there is no one here to disturb her and yet the criminal only takes a handful of items. The only problem could of been their transport.*

[Chrystal]

Kathy drove her trap into the Mitchell's drive way to be stopped by a uniformed officer. "I say, what is the meaning of this?" She demanded.

"Sorry, milady, but no-one may come or go. This is a crime scene, don't ya know?"

"No I most certainly do not!" Kathy blustered, playing her role to the hilt. "I have an appointment with Lady Mitchell Junior, and I demsnd to be admitted." She snapped her whip at the bay gelding pulling the trap and the horse obediently trotted forwards, leaving the bemused constable blowing his whistle to attract the attention of others nearer the house.

She used the same force of her personality and her right of command on them. A person used to getting her own way, an elemental force of nature, the lowly peelers could not stand before her and were simply blown aside by her determination as she marched into the house. "Lady Sarah?" She called out, loudly. "Lady Sarah? What on earth is going on?"

[Aviva]

*The sound of the whistle firstly catches her attention as she glances in the windows direction.*

"What is going on...?"

"Look's like someone has come a visiting. Perhaps a preplanned visitor?"

*Annabelle moved towards the stairs as she heard someone yelling. The door slamming behind her as she moves to the top. Her eyes narrowing on the woman at the bottom of the stairs. She moved a couple of stairs down, her right hand moving to grip the banister firmly.*

"Her voice returns to the gentle, calming, reassuring tone.*

"I am sorry Miss but you shall have to wait outside. I am sure one of the officers out side can tell you what has been happening."

*Though she finds the womans call for Sarah a little odd. Her eyes brow rising slightly though hidden between her hat and glasses.*

[Chrystal]

Kathy focused her attention on the mousy little woman. There was an instant click of recognition. This was no mousy assistant, but a woman playing a role, as she herself was. She had to hope her acting was good enough. After all, the police were not expecting anyone to come barging in with such bluster, while she herself was expecting to see the woman behind Worthington's sudden success. She had not, however, expected her to be quite so pretty behind the obvious disguise.

Kathy felt her self flushing slightly. She hoped that it would be taken for outrage and not what it really was. "Why Madam, I will do no such thing. I demand to see whoever is in charge here. I demand to speak with Lady Sarah. How dare you invade her home in this way? Where is she?" Kathy turned and opened the door to the day room, "Lady Sarah?" She called.

[Aviva]

*A ever so faint smile touches her lips as she turns her gaze towards the bed room door. Though there was no joy in what had happened during the night she fell into her role comfortably and with a great element of relish.*

"Detective Edmund Worthington, A lady wishes to speak with you. She is I believe down int he day room. She insists on knowing what happened to Lady Sarah."

*Her tone ever so slightly seemed to draw the name out delicately as the bed room door opened. Edmunds slightly flustered face appeared.*

"Of course, off course my dear Annabelle I shall deal with the woman."

"As he spoke the constables that had been attempting to monitor the property appeared in the front door way.*

"Sorry sir, she got passed us before we could blink. She's a feisty on that one."

"I doubt she is incapable of hearing either."

"Annabelle retorted quietly under her breath just loud enough for Edmund to hear as he marched down the stairs once more his own mask back in place as the role of detective washed over him. He paused as he faced the door way into the day room His gaze giving a brief look over the female to ascertain how well he would have to act before speaking.*

*Though all the while wondering why all of a sudden women were so eager to throw themselves about trying to get into work far beyond them and obviously trouble.*

"It is alright Constables I shall talk with her."

*His tone of voice once more authoritative, calm and decisive.*

"I ask you Ma'am to calm down before I discuss anything with you. Perhaps take a seat."

*Annabelle followed after him, her hat coming visible above and behind his head. Her hands locking in front of her , her fingers entwining as she listened and watched quietly.*

[Chrystal]

Kathy was enjoying herself thoroughly. The detective asking her to calm down, she decided, ought to have precisely the opposite effect. "Calm down? What do you mean, calm down?" She all but shreiked. "I'm perfectly calm, thank you, and who might you be, sir?" She stole a glance at the demure looking assistant, her gaze sliding down across the woman's bosom, and she felt herself blush slightly again. She blinked and imagined the girl in a state that brought a deeper flush to her cheeks.

Good, now she looked flustered as well as sounding it. "Are you in charge here? I beseech you sir, tell me what is happening?"

[Aviva]

"I suggest you sit down Ma'am none the less. If I may ask how well do you know Lady Sarah...Miss?"

*Annabelle fought a smile at the females reactions that appeared quite overly done but perhaps understandable. Though if this was calm she dreaded to find out how the female was to be in the next few minutes when she found out the truth.*

*She continued to watched the woman silently from the hall way ready to step in should it appear a females touch was required. The woman's flaming cheeks catching her attention, she was certainly high strung by all appearances.*

[markjohn510]

As Justin wakes,just in time,he realizes he does not have much time,quickly getting dressed and taking the doll in his pocket,Justin leaves for the docks,where he finds Igor patiently waiting,as usual with his fleet of guards. Justin approached calmly and asked Igor if he had brought the money,Igor showed a line of briefcases all which the guards opened to show they were full of money,he asked them to be dumped in the river,Igor seemed confused but obeyed,little did he know justin asked for water proof briefcases for a reason,they brief cases were thrown in but Justin already had a  net in place which wold allow him to collect the money later,this was just a twisted joke that amused him,he enjoyed being able to throw away huge sums of money. As e handed Igor the doll,Igor smirked,this was too easy,Justin was the victim. his guards showed Justin the real briefcases,which they had switched,Justin remained calm,but his mind went blank,nice doing business with you,Igor smirked as his guards tightened a mask around Justin's head and threw him into the river.He gagged and eventually died,but he also had one last trick up his sleeve,as he was being tied up,he threw his lighter at the barrels of gunpowder around the docks,as soon as he died,the docks burst into flames,killing Igor and his guards,but the doll lie there,in the middle of all the blood and guts,scratch less,peaceful.

((OOC:I got rejected,sorry to have entered your roleplay without prior permission,enjoy))

[Chrystal]

((OOC: Aww. Sorry to hear that, MJ. I hope it wasn't because you jumped in here, because quite honestly your character was a good one and added something (saved me making a NPC for the fence!), and I do recall Aviva pointing you to the thread, which IMHO was an invite to have a read with a view to joining at the very least! I'll miss you!))

Kathy sat down in one of the arm chairs. This, of course, was the tricky part. She had done her homework before leaving the library earlier, but the last thing she wanted was to leave the door open to an awkward question that she did not know the answer too. "Oh, um, well, not that well... We've met once or twice on the social circuit. My mother was a good friend of her mother, before she passed on. Look, what is this all about? Who are you?" Kathy started to rise from the chair again.

This is such fun! She thought. This is why I do what I do.

((OOC: Viv, honey, I think you've missed one very important question that someone should have asked by now...))

[Aviva]

((Even though you have been rejected you can still if you wish continue to role play in the non adult threads and extremely sorry if that is the reason you got put on hold.))

((OOC: Perhaps I have or perhaps planning to see what Miss Kathy does.))

*Edmund nodded his head slightly though he glanced ever so briefly over his shoulder to Annabelle her fingers rising and falling in a light tapping notion as if to indicate him to push ahead. With a nod barely perceptable he turned his gaze back to the female.*

"And who exactly would Sarah be? "

*The man asked as a eyebrow rose. Annabelle turned and moved to the remaining constables to have any other doors covered for the first time they seemed to obey her without question as Annabelle herself moved into the room sliding in discreetly between the door way and Edmund herself.*

"Annabelle watched the female closely as she waited the answer tot he question. Then as she moved tot he chair placing a hand on the womans shoulder gently she finally spoke up.*

"And who would you be?"

*She could not help but feel some odd sense of recognition of the female now she was up close though currently she could not place where.*

[Chrystal]

The first question from Worthington actually genuinely confused Kathy and she allowed her confusion to show. "Who...? Lady Sarah Mitchell, the lady of the house of course... Surely you know that..." Why on earth would he ask that. Surely he knew, and why would he suspect that she didn't?

The hand on her shoulder made her look up. That pretty face, concealed behind those thick glasses. there was recognition in those eyes. More than just that of knowing a kindred spirit - but surely that as well, Kathy felt. "Me? I'm... hold on, you still haven't told me who you are, and I believe I have a right to know! I mean, you could be anyone!"

[markjohn510]

((OOC: Don't really know the reason,but 'm trying to find out,thanks chrystal,I would love to do a non-adult role-play with you if you like))

[Aviva]

*Annabelle's gaze turned to Edmund a moment as her hand gently squeezed the shoulder, the touch seemingly meant to calm and soothe her.*

"The owner of this property was not owned by a Sarah Mitchel nor has it been for many a year."

*Annabelle squeezed the shoulder a little more firmly as she added a little of her weight to the grip, though it was not obvious it was a silent hint for the woman to remain in her current place.*

"This is Detective Edmund Worthington Miss and I am Annabelle Jones. Now rather than avoid answering the question on who you are you may find it best to answer us...now."

[Chrystal]

Kathy looked up again. "I didn't say it was. I said she is the lady of the house, which she is." She shrugged. "Pleasure to meet you I'm sure..." The sarcasm in her voice was biting!

The pressure on her shoulder was just a little unnerving. Kathy was sure she could break the grip if need be, but that would involve explanations. Besides, she rather enjoyed the feel of the woman's fingers on her shoulder. "I'm Miss Katharine Lake of the Bedfordshire Lakes. My mother, God rest her soul, was Lady Georgina Lake. My father is Ambassador Lake. He is currently serving overseas as Ambassador to the Royal Court of Norway."

Which, Kathy thought, was another reason why she did what she did. Boredom and loneliness, coupled with total frustration at the system that refused to let her or women like her be who they really were.

"Now will you please tell me what the devil is going on?"

[Aviva]

It is quite apparent you are not the owner of the house..but nor has there been a Lady Sarah for quite some time. The owner of this house was a Sandra Mitchel Miss Lake.

*Edmund stated, exaggerating some what on the word was. Trying to draw it out slightly in hopes Kathy would pick up his meaning without him having to be blunt with her.* 

*At the mention of Kathy's name, her grip loosens slightly the name was familiar though the face not quite. It took a few moments before she remembered the woman as a young teenager. The teenager then had been angry a lot of the time and one that was open about her feelings of womens terrible treatment. Not that Annabelle had ever been able to confirm her feelings then or even now.  She openly stared at Kathy surprised by how much she had grown up since she had left the school. She hoped the disguise she wore as a female would keep her from remembering who she was. For this would possibly get her dropped from the case and left for Edmund to run. Her face paling at the thought.*

[Chrystal]

((TYPO! NO FAIR!!!!!)))

[Chrystal]

((okay, I'm going to try and repair the context without enormous amounts of editing posts.))

Kathy was stumped. "That's what I said wasn't it? Lady Sandra Mitchell?" She thoght back over the last few minutes and actuallay burst out in genuine laughter. "Oh Oh goodness. I didn't did I? I said Sarah? Why on earth...?" She honestly didn't know why she had said Sarah. Then it came to her. "Of course... Sarah Mitchell was an old acquaintance of Papa's from back when he was working in Whitehall... She died quite suddenly a few weeks ago - horse riding accident I understand. I remember reading about it in the paper. I probably got all confused, what with seeing the police outside."

That cleared up in her own mind, she glanced up at Annabelle again. "Why my dear, you've gone quite pale. What is the matter? Perhaps you should sit down?" She made as if to get up and give her seat to the Peeler's assistant.

[Aviva]

*A  few moments passed before Annabelle managed to pull herself together. Her head shaking slightly though a little too roughly causing her hat to almost tumble while her auburn plait fell down reaching passed her back, the tips of her hair just brushing against the curve of her skirt.. As she felt Kathy move her grip tightened on her shoulder while her weight increased. Her finger tips pressing the hardest against her shoulder though not hard enough to truly cause pain she felt slight concern she may end up leaving marks.*

"I am fine. Sorry just a slight dizzy spell."

*She nodded once more as she re-listened to Kathy statement through her mind. She tried to remember the last few weeks of news releases and a vague memory of Sarah's death did spring to mind though the true details currently eluded her. Her gaze turned to Edmund to nod her head slightly this time far mor relaxed as she regained her briefly lost composure.*

"Can you tell me , my dear girl was there any specific reason for why you were meeting her?"

[Chrystal]

Kathy winced slightly at the fingers gripping her shoulder and moved a hand to cover Annabelle's. Her grip gently loosened the fingers. She listened to the Detective's question, and shrugged. "Why yes, I was to come over this afternoon for croquet... Now where did I put... Ah, here... no..." She rummaged through her purse taking care that the Peelers didn't see the small derringer she carried. She had forgotten it was there. The American firearm was a perfect lady's weapon, but its presence in her purse would give rise to unwanted questions at this time.

She gave up and snapped the purse closed. "I'm sorry officer, I don't seem to have my invitation. I probably assumed that as it was just the two of us and she was expecting me, that I did not need it." She sighed in exasperation. "Look, am I being investigated for some crime? Because if so I think I should contact my solicitor. If not, then I think you ought to get your girl to remove her hand from my shoulder and tell me what you have done with Lady Sandra!"

[Aviva]

*Annabelle felt unease curl up in her stomach, the feeling of a dozen snakes swirling about as they tangled around each other though her grip loosened as soon as she felt Kathy's touch. Her medium frame moving a few inches away to give her personal space. The story seemed sound though something, or many things did not just settle right. Her instincts telling her there was more and she was missing something.*

"We have done nothing with your friend though I am afraid to say she is no longer here. I am surprised you did not hear before your arrival. I am sorry to say your friend was killed last night we suspect while she was being burgled."

*Edmund responded to her questions and retort seemingly respectful of the death now while he watched her closely. Annabelle had turned to watch Kathy's face extremely closely from behind her glasses as she remembered the Kathy she had taught as a teenager. The way she was and the way she was now did not quite seem to fit comfortably in her mind.*

[Chrystal]

Kathy was waiting for this. Oh my god, they are going to hang me by the neck until I'm dead! She said, in the privicy of her own thoughts. What have I done! She felt the colour drain from her face at the thought. She imagined her own corpse, bloated and decaying, dangling from a gibbet and the bile rose in her belly.

She suppressed the nasty little thought about it being a neat trick, because to allow it would break the feeling of nausea and shock she was cultivating. "K... Killed? How..? I ... I mean, why? Oh, poor Landy Sandra... Oh my, I swear I feel quite..." Actually, the mental image of crows pecking out her own eyeballs had been just a little too much and she gulped, swallowing back her nausea. "Oh dear!" She managed to mumble.

[Aviva]

*Annabelle watched as the colour drained from Kathy's face and seemingly even her neck. Was that a touch of green she saw? *

"I think it would be best if you did not know the finer details. "

*Edmund spoke loudly enough to be heard by any near by but for a brief time showed some either consideration for anothers feelings or perhaps he just did not want to go over the details himself again.*

"Do you need a drink of water? Or perhaps some fresh air?"

*Annabelle asked from her part of the room. Her voice quieter than before as she watched the effect of Edmund's news.It was at this point a constable delivered a few slips of papers to Edmund. Passing them over silently before leaving the room again. As Edmund glanced through them Annabelle fought the urge to walk to stand behind him and look over his shoulder to see them. He would show them to her later no doubt. Once it was more certain no one would be able to guess at what was truly going on.*

[Chrystal]

Kathy looked up at the concern in Annabelle's voice. "I ... um... Something a little stronger, perhaps?" She nodded to wards a side table where a decanter of brandy stood, along with a couple of balloon glasses.

She had noticed the strange looks passing between the detective and his assistant, and was pleased that her theory had been confirmed. The bumbling fool she had encountered three years ago had been transformed into a brilliant detective by the work of his assistant. She stood carefully and walked with a deliberate wobble over to the brandy, helping herself to a generous portion. She wondered if there might be a way to seduce the lady assistant away from the detective.

"Miss? Oh miss, would you come over here please?" She asked.

[Aviva]

*Before Annabelle could prevent Kathy from getting a drink she had moved to the drinks cabinet and began pouring, with her wobble and the still  ill look touching her face she moved across the room rapidly. Scared the woman would suddenly fall from a faint or worse be ill from drinking while not feeling well. She stood next to Kathy and attempted to grasp the drink while at the same time Kathy's upper arm to prevent her from toppling over.*

"Are you alright Miss Kathy?"

*Her tone turning gentle and caring.*

[Chrystal]

Kathy leaned heavily on Annabelle's arm. she smiled. "Thank you dear". She threw back most of the brandy and coughed. "Oooh That is better. Medicinal purposes, you understand?"

Annabelle's concern seemed genuine and Kathy decided to strike. With words, of course. "Miss Annabelle," She murmured softly so no one else could hear. "Doesn't it bother you that he takes all the credit for your work?"

Before the woman could reply she sipped her brandy again and launched into another coughing fit. "Oh dear, I fear I shall have to sit again." She said more loudly, and staggered back to the chair.

[Aviva]

Annabelle stared at Kathy's hand as it rested on her. A burning sensation flaring along her skin worrying that suddenly Kathy would point her out for their previous knowledge of each other, once Kathy speaks Annabelle sighs with relief. Her pale face gaining some colour at last as she turns to watch Kathy return to the chair.

"I hope the medicine helped you greatly."

She barely kept her slightly flaring temper in check with Kathy's successful hit to a ever growing sore spot. Her eyes narrowing to thin slits then widening as she took a deep breath and turned to face Edmund a faint smile touching her lips.

"I would like to take your address details please Miss Lake, should we need to contact you for future more official discussions."

Edmund spoke as everyone appeared to settle down. He may not be a fine detective but he knew the situation was starting to spiral out of control and the women seemed to be running the show.

[Chrystal]

Kathy nodded. "Of course." She fished in her purse again. "My card, sir?" She handed the card to Annabelle. "And may I have yours, should I need to contact you for any reason?" She shuddered. "My but this is a grisly business is it not? She was killed during a robbery did you say? Was anything taken?" She shrugged and added by way of explanation, "I have contacts in the world of insurance. It could be that someone, somewhere may attempt to sell an item and a valuation may be asked for. I may be able to assist you in your case, Miss Annabelle, Mister Worthington."

She deliberately named the assistant first, to see if it produced a reaction.

[woegman]

((Lol, I am so totally behind - ladies, if you wish, I will bow out completely - sorry my vacation and brief illness brought me so far out of the loop.  Let me know if you wish me to continue - if not, I will simply read and follow along! :) ))

[Aviva]

((Please continue on by me. I jsut hope Edmund has been acceptably played. Sorry you have been ill.))

[woegman]

"Yes, uh, thank you," Edmund responded, taking the woman's card and sliding into the pocket of his vest.  His face remained cheerful, if stern, and a brief smile crossed his lips as she continued talking, though the smile never touched his eyes.  In fact, his heart began to beat heavily, and it took all his effort to maintain his composure.

Edmund had never been a great detective - he knew that, even if all the world, save Annabelle, thought otherwise.  He simply had no mind for it - remembering facts, keeping track of clues, all that was rubbish, to him at least, and he never could get a grasp on it.  There was one thing, however, that he excelled at...and that was acting.  It was his one true passion, his one great calling.  For all his blustering and pretentiousness, for however worthless he may be at actually detecting anything, the one area that he could honestly take pride in was his ability to act, to fool, to deceive...and to pick up when someone else was doing the same.

He missed the fact that Miss Lake had addressed Annabelle first.  With a flourish, he stalked behind Miss Lake, and then placed his hands gently, reassuringly on her shoulders.

"I am sure that whatever information you have will prove quite useful," he said cheerfully, but his eyes lacked cheer as he locked gazes with Annabelle, his facial expressions, hidden from Miss Lake, conveying his doubt in this woman's story to the true detective.

[Aviva]

Annabelle slipped a card out of a small pocket along her skirt. The cards of course were not hers but Edmund's. She could not truly advertise herself as a assistant without the cards seemingly mocking her but she managed to bare being able to advertise him , purely because even though no one else knew it the cards did help her in the long run.

She had her own suspicions of Miss Kathy Lake, aided by the fact of her previous knowledge of the girl and she could not miss Edmund's brief facial showing of his doubts also but she also felt there was something bigger to this murder and robbery beyond money.

Holding out Edmund's card to Kathy as she accepted the one offered at the same time.

"If you do remember anything that may be of assistance do not hesitate to let us know. As for the insurance friend perhaps simply give us their details and we can take it from there." 

[Chrystal]

Kathy shuddered as the detective put his hands on her shoulders. They were cold, through her thin if proper cotton blouse. She accepted the card in return and placed it in the front pocket of her purse. The detective behind her would surely see the derringer if she opened the main pouch now. She felt something change in the air, something intangible, as if a message had passed that she was unaware of. Something told her it was time to leave.

But there was something else... Something nagged at her. She stood and turned and in that one instant, Annabelle was silhouetted against the window at just the right angle. It clicked into place. Of course! "Well, I suppose I had best be going", She gasped out. "Of course, I won't tell anyone what happened here? I imagine you want to keep it under wraps for now? So you can persue your investigations in some decorum?" She couldn't resist rubbing the detectives' noses in the fact that the press already knew and soon there would be no way to trip a suspect by getting them to reveal knowledge of the crime.

"It was lovely to see you again, Miss Annabelle, mayhap we can meet up again in more pleasant circumstances and catch up on old times?" With that, she turned on her heel and headed for the door.

[woegman]

Edmund looked to Annabelle and cocked his head, his question plain on his face.  Should we let her leave?  He mouthed softly, as the woman stood, and then he strode with her towards the door.

"Certainly," he said in a voice that bespoke confidence he certainly did not feel, "We wouldn't want to keep a lady of your stature over long.  Do let us know if you can think of anything pressing to our case, won't you?"

He reached the door before she could, and made a show of readying to open it, as he glanced back at Annabelle for a hint of what he should do next.

[Aviva]

As Edmund and Kathy moved to the door and Edmund glanced to her, Annabelle nodded her head firmly. Even if she suspected her of some form of ill doing there was currently no evidence to suggest other wise and she should be easily enough able to track down should evidence turn up. Her gaze moved tot he stack of documents that had been placed into her hands while the unpredictable meeting had been happening her interest currently being more there than any where else. She just hoped she would get enough time to be able to over look them without any interference from any body else.

She curtsied politely in Kathy's direction , her head bobbing in a curtly nod as she lowered her head in what hopefully appeared to be appropriate for their varying ranks even within the female confines of male egos and fear.

[Chrystal]

Kathy smiled politely as Worthington moved to the door with her. She suddenly had a very bad feeling. This had not been a good idea. She had learned nothing of any real value, and she may just have given away far too much.

Some silent signal passed. She could tell that, and Worthington opened the door. She inclined her head to him in thanks, and returned Annabelle's courtesy with a nod. "I will be sure to stay in touch!" She murmured as she left. Heading for her carriage which was being held by one of the uniformed Peelers. And pigs will fly! She thought to herself. It was time for "Katherine Lake" to take an extended vacation...

[Aviva]

Once Kathy had left Annabelle sighed with relief before reaching out and accepting the various documents from Edmund's hands. Though he was not truly passing them too her then uttered something under her breath as she gazed out of the window.

"Have a few of your constables follow her. I would suggest more than one and some of the ones who are naturally sly. "

The order though obvious could now only come from Edmund, if she tried to approach them and request such they may refuse her and valuable minutes lost. While she waited on Edmund to make the order she started to look at the documents. Holding black and white pictures of what had been stolen, the only thing that truly caught her attention was the doll. The jewelry she understood but the doll? Why would one with such funds like Lady Mitchell have something as ugly at that? Perhaps sentimental reasons and it held some sway over another in such a way?  That made no sense but then people had killed for far less and far stranger reasons.

Looking up through the window once more she saw a few of the constables start leaving the premises to pursue Kathy. Unfortunately most of them were far too obvious she felt. Though she was hopeful a couple would keep track of her down to a area. She had a idea, slipping upstairs she stripped out of skirt and blouse. Briefly browsing through Lady Sandra outfit in what appeared to be a wardrobe room she slipped into some of her more basic clothing. though even that was fr more better quality that she could ever imagine.

The dark blue shirt molded to ehr upper body nicely while the several layer dark navy skirt built out her frame giving her a bigger bottom and thighs. The jacket was odd at the shoulders, extra fabrics seemingly filled into them giving her a larger build. She pulled out what looked to be a simple shawl and slipped her hat, and glasses off. She waited until Edmund came up stairs before opening the door suddenly and stepped out.

"I am hoping you can handle it from here Edmund. I am going to look into our unwelcome guest. "

Without waiting for him to answer she moved down the stairs but passed him the documents back.

"See what you can find out about this doll please."

Moving down the stairs rapidly and out of the house she moved in the direction Kathy Lake's carriage had been pointing where one constable remained.

[woegman]

Edmund stood there, holding the doll, dumbfounded by Annabelle's amazing change in appearance.  Inwardly, he was quite jealous of the girl and her boundless talents.  As good an actor as he was, he reluctantly had to admit she was more a master of the craft than he could ever hope to be.  At times, it drove his ego mad, and at said times he might take out his frustration on her character, his "simple assistant", but the solid truth was that he envied her.  Her brilliance, her cunning, her skills.  And more than that...he found her irresistibly attractive.  That shamed him more than anything, and he felt the hint of a blush touch his cheeks.  It was ridiculous, of course - for one, their partnership would be ruined by anything approaching a relationship.  It was one thing to drag an "assistant" along into dangerous investigations, but a lover?  Socially, he'd be ridiculed, financially, he'd be ruined.  This was his one shot at greatness, her one shot at using her incredible talents at solving crime...he shook the thoughts from his head, and looked down at the doll.

"What the devil am I to do with this?" he muttered softly.  Rising, he went downstairs, and caught one of the constables still on site, a fresh man, by the looks of him.  He didn't remember the man from when he arrived earlier, but he hardly trusted his memory. 

"Say there, fellow," Edmund beckoned, drawing the man near, "Have a look at this, would you?  I've a theory, but for the prudence's sake...have you ever seen its like?"

The bobby looked at the photo, and gasped aloud.  Edmund's brow furrowed.

"Out with it, what is it man?" he demanded.

The constable pointed at the doll, then looked at Edmund amazed.

"I just came up from Dockside, sir - shift rotation.  I'm here coverin' Mackenzie's duty, bein' he's ill, sir."

"Jolly good," Edmund spat impatiently, "but what in blazes has that to do with anything?"

"Dintcha hear, sir?" the man asked, betraying a bit of his lower breeding through his words, "There was awful explosion down by the Thames, sir.  All wot was found after was a doll, a doll just like this one, sir.  It's at the station house, sir."

"Fetch me a carriage, then, man!" Edmund cried, waving the photo in the air, "To the constabulary!  The game is most definitely afoot!"

[Chrystal]

Kathy made no attempt to hide her movements. She knew she was being followed. Damn but those Peelers were clumsy. but she simply drove home. Her groom took care of the horse and buggy and she dismissed him for the evening.

Lake House had an interesting history. In the 16th century it was a parsonage. The church itself was burned during the reformation and never rebuilt, but one of the interesting aspects of the Protestant and Catholic monarchies' persecutions of each others' religions was the building of a lot of secret escape tunnels in parsonages.

Of course, this information had been carefully hidden and when her grandparents had purchased the house there had been no record of the secret passage anywhere. Kathy had stumbled upon it quite by accident one day when playing.

And so, she went about her normal evening routine, eating supper, having a brandy and reading, and then when it finally grew dark, she retired to bed. Any observer would see her oil lamp move from room to room, she even went to the bedroom window at one point, to open it slightly. It was a hot, muggy evening and she hoped the watchers were being plagued by mosquitoes coming off the lake in the grounds.

She moved to the bed, lay down and blew out the lamp. and rolled out of bed the other side. She dressed again in her "working clothes". Soft black shoes, black socks, black breeches, a black sweater of the type favoured by men who played that strange new sport of Rugby Football, and topped with a black cap. She took soot from the fireplace and rubbed it on her hands and face.

Then moving by touch alone, made her way carefully and quietly down into the library. The bookshelf at the far right was the one, furthest from the window. The book at the far right of the bottom shelf, "An exigency of convolutions pertaining to parallelism of the Schism", concealed the switch. The bookcase swung silently inwards and she stepped past it, allowing it to close behind her without a sound.

The other end of the tunnel was concealed within a disused barn - disused that is except for Nightmare, stabled there during the day. She smelt her mistress and snorted softly. "Good girl!" Kathy grinned. "We're going to our other place for a while. Would you like that?" She whispered softly to the black mare.

She muffled the horse's hooves with rags, something the mare was well used to. Her black leather pack was concealed within the straw and she pulled it onto her back, then cautiously pulled the barn door open. "Anyone about, girl?" she whispered. The horse snuffed softly, a sign that all was well, and Kathy mounted her bareback and rode silently off into the night.

[Aviva]

Annabelle had spent the next couple of hours following the directions of the constables. Though some where along the line either she had made a mistake or they did as she walked about the familiar streets in a circle then finding nothing she wished to seek she returned to her school. Opening the front door she had quickly moved to her office, opened her book of varying information of girls past and present. Finally she found the information she was looking for Kathy's old address. There was no guarantee that she would still be there but it was worth looking into. Finding a carriage the trip was quick to Kathy's house but all appeared dark.  When some time had passed in silence the driver began to grow bored and chatter.

"Are you looking for a friend."

"So to speak."

"I am surprised for any lady to bout alone after the goings on today. The lady, the explosion at the docks....You should not be out on ye own really Ma'am"

"What dock explosions?"

"Haven't ye heard? The docks got blown up surprised you missed the sounds..some street thug and those from across the sea involved so rumors say."

"Could you take me their immediately...please."

"But what about ye friend."

"I shall catch up with her soon enough I am sure. I shall pay extra if need be."

At the mention of being paid extra the man was quickly off leading towards the docks as fast as he could.

"I hope I am not too late...I shall skin him alive if he screws up..."

She muttered to herself quietly unheard by the driver as the horses struck the road and the sound of the whip striking thin air covered her voice.

[woegman]

As his carriage pulled up outside the station house, Edmund swallowed a small lump of nervous apprehension.  He was not used to working without Annabelle - indeed, he never worked without her, and usually made some sort of excuse to wait for her during the times that they were separated.  He was masterful at making such excuses, and he wondered, now, as the carriage came to a halt, why he hadn't done so this time.  All he knew was that Annabelle had thought the doll important, and hearing that it was at the station house, he had an overwhelming feeling that it wouldn't be safe there...so he acted on instinct, to head off any one else who might try and intercept it.

His thoughts were interrupted as the excited bobby threw open the carriage door.

"This way, sir," he said, and Edmund leapt out of the carriage, following the bobby inside.  A moment later, the young, excitable young constable produced the doll, handing it to Edmund carefully.

"'Ere it is, sir," he said, a bit out of breath, "I just knew you'd think it important, sir...it's why I grabbed it, rather then let it be swept up with the rubbish, sir.  So, wot's it about, then, eh?"

Edmund looked at the doll, his face a portrait example of intense scrutiny and deduction; his mind, however, was another story.

"It's just a bloody clay doll," he thought to himself, as he pretended to look over it for clues as to its worth, "Why the devil does the girl think it so important?"

Still, who was he to question Annabelle?  She was the brains, and if she thought it important, he should to.  He wondered if he shouldn't head to the docks, to see if there was anything else there that might look important, more so, perhaps, than this silly doll.  Looking up at the constable, he changed his face to one of determined resolution.

"Now, now, Officer," he replied to the young bobby, stowing the doll away carefully in a hidden, inner pocket of his overcloak, "I hardly think we have time for a bit of show-and-tell.  Quickly, take me to the docks where you found this."

((Edited - I thought it was a rag doll, reread and saw it was clay.  Edited to make it match!))

[Chrystal]

Kathy rode through the night, until she came to a little hovel in the countryside. Wood smoke curled unseen from the chimney, and chickens clucked softly in the coop. A dog barked as she dismounted. "Hey Buster, come here!"

The dog trotted up and jumped up at her. She caught it's forepaws in her hands and ruffled it's ears. The door opened a crack and an older woman looked out. "Oh, it's you. Y'd be'er be comin' i'side then."

Kathy smiled. "Let me see to Nightmare first?"

"Okay, lass. T' stable's empty since Gretchen got sent t' glue fact'ry"

Kathy nodded. Gretchen had been an old mare, and the news didn't come as any surprise. She led Nightmare in and rubbed her down, then gave her some fresh hay. Then she turned and headed into the cottage. "Well, I've got myself in over my head this time, I think"

"Oh?" The older woman raised an eyebrow, but said nothing more until Kathy had finished telling what she knew, which wasn't much, and what she suspected, which was quite a bit. Then she got up and went into the kitchen. Kathy followed, and watched as the woman made a cup of tea for them both.

They went back into the front room and Kathy sat in one of the big, comfy arm chairs by the fire and sipped slowly. "Thanks, mum!"

[Aviva]

The carriage driver pushed the horses to the limit to get Annabelle to the docks as quickly as possible. As she left the carriage she slipped him what money she had on her thankful she had at least kept her purse. It was not too hard to see the chaos that ensued now as she looked at the docks her eyes narrowing into slits.

"This could mean absolutely nothing. It could mean something."She thought to herself as she made her way towards the largest gathering of constables in one place she had ever seen. None of them paid any attention to her of course and those that had seen her this morning did not recognize her under the rich ladies clothing.  Though this gave her the perfect time to slip about and observe without hindrance as they discussed what had been found so far. One rather over excitable constable mentioning a doll obviously a great monetary value was found and Edmund had it. "So the crimes are linked....but why?" She thought of the doll again and shuddered at the thought of it's odd appearance.

She counted several bodies in her quick scan of the area and she could smell the gunpowder every where. This was obviously not a accident. She moved further away from the constables now looking for one Detective in particular.

[woegman]

Edmund's carriage careened towards the dock, stopping with a rear of the horses and the clatter of wheels on cobblestones.  He leapt from the carriage, his young constable friend in tow, and raised his arms towards the constables that turned towards the sound of the carriage.

"Fear not, my good men," he said loudly, "Edmund Worthington is on the case!"

A few of the constables clapped politely, a few more stood about staring, and a handful rolled their eyes.  Edmund ignored them all, scanning the gathered crowd for Annabelle, whom he suspected might have beaten him to the docks.  He had forgotten her outfit change, however, and so his eyes passed over her as she made her way through the crowd.

Edmund strolled up to the head constable, watching as the man laid out bits of waterlogged and burned bank notes.  Edmund gave a low whistle - there was a lot of money there.  Some sort of payout, perhaps?  What could have been worth such an enormous sum?  Curiouser and curiouser, he thought, and then he made his way over to the bodies.  Most were burned beyond recognition, but one was waterlogged, obviously drowned.

"Who's this one, then, where'd you find him?" he asked the constable, toeing the body with his left foot.

"Caught in a net downriver, along with several briefcases filled with newsprint, topped with bank notes, sir," the constable responded, "E's a local fence, name uv Justin Harkness.  Specializes...pardon, specialized, in fencin' stolen antiquities." 

Edmund furrowed his brow; why would anyone put a bank note atop a stack of newsprint?  He had no idea, but he bet Annabelle would.  As an official investigator on the case, he was allowed to take a stack of the newsprint with bank note, and put it in his pocket with the doll.  Now, if he could only find Annabelle, maybe they could start making sense of this mess.

[Chrystal]

((OOC - I'm going to leave you two to develope the action for a bit. Kathy's next appearance won't be until next morning))

[Aviva]

Annabelle during that time had managed to be able to sneak a look at the bodies that so far had been discovered, Those that did not appear to be of this country were badly burned and their deaths obvious. The other though was still wet where he lay and he appeared to have drowned more than burned. She looked at the devastation of the sight. The dock workers themselves would not had so much powder to have caused such destruction should a instance like this happen.  Someone else had to have set this up was the killers here or was there someone else involved in this crime and managed to get away. She was not sure that was actually possible.

She uncovered her face to look about the sight once more looking for Edmund.

"Where the hell is he? "

Thought it gave her time to consider how Kathy was to be dealt with. The fact that she appeared to have been avoiding being  followed suggested she was more involved in this case than she admitted to.

[woegman]

At last, Edmund caught sight of Annabelle, and he rushed over to her, trying not to seem to eager.  When at last they were close enough to speak without being overheard, he excitedly pulled the doll and the packet of newsprint from his inner pocket.

"Looksie, Annabelle!" he whispered excitedly, "Clues!  I got them before anyone else made off with them - what luck, say?  I knew you'd want them, so I made sure to get them before anyone else had a chance to."

He handed the items to Annabelle, then furrowed his brow in concentration.

"Ugly little bit, innit?" he asked, regarding the doll, his lower-class true accent slipping a bit.  He heard it, winced ever so slightly.  Hanging around with all these bobbies made it a bit tougher to maintain his upper-class act.  Thankfully, it was a slip heard by no one but his employer.

"What do you make of all this?"

[Aviva]

Annabelle inwardly frowned and sighed in irritation as Edmund finally found her until he revealed the two pieces of evidence he had with him. Admittedly the fact that he had handled then in his pocket irked her greatly though for now she kept this feeling buried under the surace while she accepted the pair. The doll was actually in her opinion far uglier than the black and white picture had given it credit for. This puzzled her further as to why this particualr item was stolen when many items of far worthier value had been untouched.  She looked skyward and sighed silently a moment before looking at the second lot. Her eyes narrowed intently as she looked at the print hidden beneath the money.

"Is there anything else that we need to do here?"

She asked gently even though no one was near by to hear she felt saefer continuing their play especially in public. The line suggested that she currently had done what she could do until she had a closer look at the bodies recovered. Not something she could do in public but perhaps he had a couple of jobs to be pretended to be done.

[woegman]

Edmund picked up her hint effortlessly - it was a routine they had practiced so often it was as second nature as breathing.  Raising an eyebrow and looking about, he made a show of considering everything and everyone that might take notice. 

"No, my dear Annabelle, I believe we have all we need."

He punctuated his sentence with a mysterious glare given to an observing street urchin; the child paled as if under suspicion, and inwardly Edmund chuckled.  He still had it, by God.  Turning, he stalked towards the carriage, and offered Annabelle a hand up.  Once they were inside, he gave the driver directions to their office, and they were on their way.  Shortly thereafter, he leaned in towards the girl.

"So?  What do you think?" he asked, more curious than he normally was.

[Chrystal]

Denny Lake turned and ran. The rozzers weren't after him, he knew that, but it felt like they were. That pig-faced one had given him such a look. He ran back to where his ma was waiting.

"Well, Denny? What's what?" She asked.

"The lass, she's def'ly t' one in charge, tha's fer shooer. An they fahnd a clay doll, loik. Ugry lil fing it were too. Lossa dead-uns too. One dey fished outa river. Looked a bit loik tha' bloke Justin wot Our Kaff sells 'er loot ta."

"Good lad, Denny. 'ere's a tanner." Ma Lake handed her youngest the coin and watched hem scarper off into the night, no doubt to buy backy or drink. She smiled. He was a right one that, Denny. She made her way home thoughtfully. Kathy would be very interested in what Denny had learned.

[Aviva]

She smiled faintly to Edmund as he offered her his hand and helped her into the carriage. As she settled down into the seat she looked closely at the ugly doll though nothing was obviously odd about it bar the feeling that it would of been the last thing any one would steal but it would appear that it was being offered in some type of exchange for money. She then glanced at the money and the similar sized pieces of news paper. She looked at a few of them trying to get a date though the words were not English but the date she found finally on one of the scraps. The date was for the day before.

One hand rose to stroke her neck lightly as she stared at the two pieces, the money itself was English. The foreigners would not need nor want English money but they would have use for the unknown news paper. Where as the man who appeared to have drowned had appeared English he would not need the scraps of paper but the money.

"I do not understand what the doll has anything to do with this but it would appear the  men that lacked English blood were trying to buy it from the drowned man though obviously they were trying to  hold back the agreed amount of money. Perhaps he had found out though I do not understand why he would of gone to the extent he may have by blowing up the docks as he did unless it was already planned. Perhaps he planned to back stab them but they managed it first. "

[woegman]

Edmund frowned and scratched at his head, raising his eyebrow quizzically.

"Devil if I know," he said, "Any idea of who the soggy sap may have been?  He had a bit of a look about him, one I've seen before..."

He puzzled over it for a moment, and then a look of realization washed over his face.  Smiling, he snapped his fingers.

"That's it!" he exclaimed, "I know that look well - it's one of a fellow dressed above his class; I could tell by the way the clothes fit, a bit too baggy, a bit too showy as well.  I'll lay good odds the gent was something of a foreman...either a crime boss or...yes, perhaps that's it!  A pawnbroker, bychance?"

He turned to Annabelle, to get her read on things.

[Aviva]

"Well the doll certainly did not get there by itself at all and judging from the size of him I doubt his weight would not have damaged the trellis beyond what it was. It took a light frame and a light foot. I am not sure he had either. So if he gained the doll it had to have been bought from the person that stole it..though I do not understand why the others sought this thing either."

She smiled lightly at Edmund for once it seemed genuine as he may have finally been able to be of true use to her rather than simply a image she needed to portray and use.

"We may actually make a detective out of you yet Edmund. How long until we get to the station with all this going on?"

[woegman]

"Go on," Edmund blushed with pride.  He found he actually liked being useful, even if it was only a bit, "Shan't be long now - they've done a marvelous job of keeping the street clear."

Edmund sat back in the carriage, pondering the feeling, and gave a studied look over Annabelle.

"It really is unfortunate, Ms. Annabelle," he said after a moment, "That you don't get the credit you deserve.  I know sometimes...well, often, I take that for granted.  But truth is...I'd still be an unknown actor without your brilliance.  You've given me my greatest role...and for that, I am thankful."

Edmund flushed.  He was not used to being openly thankful, but that feeling of appreciation, that feeling of worth, had inspired him.  He looked out the window, noting their location.

"Not far now...station house is just ahead," he said.

[Aviva]

Annabelle turned her head to openly stare in surprise at Edmund suddenly change of character. At first she could not tell whether he was simply staring in his grand role once more though the way his skin changed colour indicated that perhaps for once he was actually being genuine.

"It is not a true fault of yours Edmund. You do not make the differences in genders that is decided by those far and above us but maintained by all...at least out in the open. Though it is a pleasant situation to hear you say so, even if the circumstance is a extremely poor one."

She began to shift on the seat after what felt to be the strangest conversation with Edmund that she had ever had. It was rare for either to speak openly about the situation that surrounded them.

"I shall feel better when we get these things back to the station. Looks like we shall be working late tonight. At least it is Sunday tomorrow."

[woegman]

Edmund felt himself blush openly as the young woman stared at him.  It was true that he had always been somewhat of a cad, but the feeling of usefulness that was building in him made him realize how much he depended on the girl, and something in him needed it to be said.  He had not admitted it yet, but there was another reason he needed it to be said.

“No fault of mine, perhaps,” he consented, “but for once, I felt it needed to be said.  And to be honest…something frightens me about this case.  The brutality of it all, the extraordinary measures of violence over what…a doll?  I…I just wanted my appreciation to be spoken in case…”

He trailed off.  He’d never been very good at confronting his own mortality.  Words failed to come, but thankfully he was excused from having to speak further, as the carriage arrived at the station house.  He coughed, and turned away, embarrassed by the whole situation.  Just as quickly, though, he shifted gears, and resumed the mask of the confident, brilliant detective.

“We’ve arrived, Ms. Annabelle!” he announced over loud, so that the coachman could hear, “And soon, we shall have the clues we need to capture this fiend!  Come – let us away to the station house, and begin piecing this mystery together!”

[Aviva]

Annabella watched that the man before her changed back to the annoying pig that frustrated her all the time in less time that it would have taken for her to be able to click her fingers and summon a carriage herself. She realized suddenly that she did not quite know him fully bar what image he portrayed to one and all.  She had often wondered whether her enjoyed being able to and having the ability to make her feel a full one inch tall in height when he started one of his professional acts. The thought stayed for a second until the carriage pulled to a halt and she rose to her feet. She stepped down after him and was offered a hand as was the right style of etiquette at least here.

Though he had of course began walking ahead of her before she had truly found her feet on the ground and was in the station before she had the chance to count to five.

He walked abruptly to his large and in her opinion overly luxurious office. She placed the items down on his desk and then pulled her chair over so that she could settle. She pulled out a pair of glasses and looked at the paper first.

"Could you see if you can find out which language this paper is printed in for certain. I do not wish to make any forms of mistake. As for this doll..."

She rose back up and walked to her desk. She opened up several drawers until she found what she was looking for. A simple sewing kit. She placed a needle, thread and a shiny pair of delicate scissors on a piece of white cloth she had also retrieved.

[woegman]

Edmund picked up the paper and rubbed his chin curiously.  He was not, of course, an expert linguist, but he did have a fairly wide exposure to written languages, thanks to his years on stage.  He studied it for a bit, trying to see if he could recognize any of the script.  There was something familiar about it, something...

"Aha!" he exclaimed, standing proudly, "That's it!" 

He rushed to his filing cabinet, flipping through stacks upon stacks of unsorted papers.  Then, finding what he was looking for, he drew out a piece of yellowing paper and rushed over excitedly to Annabelle.

"There!" he exclaimed, pointing.  The paper was a copy of a theater playbill.  It was written in the same language as that on the paper, and in small print, near the bottom of the bill, was Edmund's name.

"It's from a role I did with a touring company," he said, puffing up proudly, "This one was in Romania.  The printer fouled up and put the names in the wrong order; I should have had top billing, of course...but alas, foreign help, you know?"

[Aviva]

"Romanian? Are you quite sure Edmund?"

She decided to ignore his brief lapse into his acting once more because she hoped if she ignored it eventually he would get the message that it did not work with her and that he would sort of push that side of his nature far away when they were at least in private.

"If it is Romanian why would they be after such a ordinary doll? And do we have any information on the Lady yet or do we just have the surface details still?"

She did not actually look at him this time as she  spoke but had began to cut away some of the threads of the doll's dress very gently as she wished to see if this so highly sought doll had any more secrets to reveal to the pair. The dress came away easily and she had spare thread to be able to put it back together again when she was done. Though it was just as she was about to start unthread the cloth that contained the stuffing she heard too loud bangs from out side. She was just rising to her feet as the office door was forced open and crashed at the wall behind it.

Two large men entered the room one yielding a gun device and the other a large stick. Annabelle grabbed the dolly and slipped it under the desk while everyone seemed to be in a state of confusion.