A/N: Welcome to my NEWEST project! I was asked by a friend of mine to write a Murder Mystery set in the 1920s. The characters are themed around real friends of mine, and I could NOT turn it down! Most of the plot is my idea, but some of my friend's ideas are in it as well. I'll leave that to you to find out what's what. Until then, Enjoy!

Twelve Hours

December 22nd, 1920

I hate India, the people are terrible, and the hotels are small, and everywhere I go it smells like Curry. The only good thing here is the freaking alcohol, and the only thing I have been looking forward to is the ride back to the airport, so I can go back home to England.

I had finally gotten to the front of the line, when I was nudged ahead by the man standing behind me.

I turned to face the culprit, and it turned out to be a man who was wearing a black suit with a gray vest, tie, and fedora to match.

"Sorry about that sir." The man said, tipping his hat.

"That's quite alright." I replied nonchalantly, proceeding onto the train.

I found myself a seat in the first class seating area, where there were plenty of people to go around. One that caught my attention was the bartender. A middle aged man, talking up a storm with another gentleman.

I walked over, and asked for a drink.

"What can I get you sir?"

"Make me the best drink you can make."

"You got it." The bartender pulls out a bottle of whiskey, and pours me a glass. I look at him crazily.

"Take the glass, and leave the bottle." I nod, and take the shot.

"There enough for one more?" I turn to face the man who bumped me.

"Oh, yes, of course." I signal the bartender to get him a glass. He does, and even pours it.

"Thanks. Again, I'm sorry for bumping you earlier, the name's Anthony."

"Anthony, like, the guy who inherited all his family fortune?"

"Yep…"

"What's a rich kid like you doing in India?"

"Just, seeing what's out here, not really liking it."

"Hmph, well, I was here visiting family, I'm from England."

"No shit, me too!"

"I'm surprised we haven't crossed paths before."

"I don't know, you look kind of familiar, do we know each other?"

"Um…" I became distracted by a figure sitting in the corner, wearing an all black schoolgirl dress, with a vest over it. She had very short hair though, so if you didn't see the dress, you'd assume she was a boy.

"Who is that?" I direct Anthony's attention to the figure.

"Her, I don't know, but if I had to guess, I'd say she's a runaway, going on maybe, a few months…" Anthony shrugs. "I've seen her on a couple of other train rides."

"Hmm, interesting…" I turn my attention behind me, and stare in awe at the next site.

Another woman, wearing a poofed out ruffled red dress, is sitting casually in the first class, and she looks so familiar.

"Now, that, is Lilac. She's one of the best pro golfers in the world."

"She golfs?"

"Yeah…" Anthony pulls out a magazine, and hands it to me. Sure enough, the woman sitting across from me looks just like her. "Go get her tiger." Suddenly I'm sent flying towards her.

I stop myself just an inch away from her lips, and immediately pull back.

"I'm so sorry miss."

"That's quite alright sir…" She stands up, and wipes down her dress, flattening it out.

"My friend over there, kind of…"

"Yeah, I saw…"

"Right…" I cleared my throat, trying to hide my face, as I felt a bit red.

"I'm Lilac, I represent the U.S."

"Didn't they just play a tournament here?"

"Yes, I placed in the top five."

"Impressive." I tipped my hat to her.

"Thank you. Well, I'll see you around, I'm going to go catch a smoke." She pulls out a fancy long cigarette, before heading to the section between the train cars.

I turn to see a slightly larger man talking with the conductor.

"What do you mean I can't ride in first class?"

"Sir, that is a third class ticket, therefore I have to ask you to go back there."

"There's no one else on this train! How can you not have room for one more!?"

"Sir…"

"Excuse me, but I couldn't help but overhear." I step in. "Lemme see your ticket sir." He hands it to me, and sure enough, it is a third class ticket. "Alright, I'm willing to pay for him to be up here, just name your price."

"No sir, you don't have to- "I turn my head to him and he goes quiet.

"Alright, pay up before we get off." The conductor turns to leave. "We depart in five minutes." He says, checking his pocketwatch, before leaving the car.

I sighed, and turned around, knocking a book out of a man's hand.

"Excuse yourself sir." The man picks up the book.

He is a slim man, wearing glasses, and all white.

"I know you. You're Professor Birch, I must say, I admire your work." I say.

"Well, it's nice to be recognized." The Professor says.

Before we can continue to talk, the train whistle blows, and everyone goes quiet, as the train begins to move.

Lilac comes back in, and takes a seat. She looks over to me, and waves over the seat, wanting me to sit with her. I smile slightly and go to sit.

Anthony is sitting across from me, and he keeps looking at the nun, Anne. He hides a smile, and looks like he's blushing. I nod to him, and end up drifting off to sleep…

A/N: I was honored to be allowed by a friend of mine to write this story for him. I hope he and all of you that actually read it like it as much as I liked writing it. I will see you next time!