About this news, Dempsey was totally shocked. He pressed her close to him. Harry's body relaxed slowly. Abbott cleared his throat and she broke away from his embrace.

„Excuse the interruption, Lady Harriet. The Guests are waiting in the salon. They are waiting for you."

„Oh no, I have completely forgotten",she moaned.

„They had left the house this afternoon and returned an hour ago. Maybe you should talk to them? They are very restless."

„You are right, Abbott. I should send them home. Can you wait for me at the fireplace, Dempsey? It will not last long",she suggested.

„This is not a good idea, Harry. I don't know what's going on but it seems to me to be wiser not to send off the guests. Each of them could be involved. We must treat this house as a crime scene, even, if it is difficult. Can ya do this?",he asked, tense.

„These are all good friends of my father. They would never hurt him",she said in horror.

„Harry, a crime has been committed. Everyone in this house is a suspect and ya know that. You have to concentrate", he said forcefully and took her by her shoulders.

„What should I tell them? I'm totally confused. How can I persuade them to stay, after what happened?",she asked sadly and tears welled up in her eyes.

„They wanted to visit a horse auction, tomorrow. Maybe the are willing to stay, Lady Harriet. I'm going to look after your father. Excuse me", Abbott interrupted her and disappeared.

„If someone doesn't wanne stay, he becomes suspicious. Do ya think you can try?", Dempsey said softly and kissed her on the forehead.

„You accompany me to the salon? I need your support, Dempsey. I can't believe it was one of them."

He just nodded and smiled at her lovingly. She took his hand and led him into the salon. The guests were seated at the table and talked excitedly about the events. Commander Duffield noted Harry first. He immediately jumped up and took her in his arms.

„Oh Harriet, I'm really sorry about what happened. Is there any news? How is your father?"

„He is stable but I am very worried. It's nice to see you, Uncle Duffy. You remember my friend James Dempsey?", she said friendly and returned the embrace.

The two men greeted each other with a handshake. Harry looked around. In addition to Commander Duffield, four other guests were present. She greeted each warmly.

„Aunt Martha and Uncle Charles, nice seeing you again", she said softly and introduced Dempsey.

„Oh, look at you, Harriet. You look adorable. London and the police are well suited to you. No wonder, with this great man by your side. How is Freddy? I'm so worried after what happened. I heard he is in a coma", said her aunt nervous and exaggerated.

„Yes, he is but he is stable", Harry repeated.

A young couple came up to her and the woman kissed Harry on the cheek in greeting.

„Harry, you look gorgeous. Who is this fine fellow? You are a beautiful couple."

„We are not together. He is my partner in the police. James Dempsey? These are Sarah and Brandon Ashcroft. Sarah is my cousin."

After she had welcomed all, Harry took the word.

„Something terrible happened but I am very confident that Freddy is getting well soon. You all had a long journey to visit this horse auction and on behalf of my father, I would ask you to stay. In this difficult hour, I'm glad you're here. You are his good friends and he wouldn't want you to go. I beg you to stay."

„On behalf of all present, we accept this invitation, of course. You are family and we want to support you in everything",Commander Duffield said, on behalf of all guests.

„It was a tough day and I want to rest now. See you tomorrow at breakfast. Feel like home and don't be afraid to ask for something. Good night", Harry said shortly, and it was obvious that she felt bad.

The guest whispered as they left the room. Dempsey had to restrain himself not to go back into the salon. This pompous behavior disgusted him.

Together they went to the fireplace first. Harry closed the door behind her and turned the key. She did not want to be disturbed when she told Dempsey, what had happened. Dempsey got into a chair beside the fireplace, while she mixed some drinks. She pushed a chair beside him and handed him a glass.

„Okay, angels, what happened here?"he asked anxiously.

„In Freddy's blood an unknown poison was found. The lab doesn't know what it is. He immediately fell into a coma. His condition is critical and I don't know if he will survive. Freddy was always so strong and now he looks so fragile. If we don't find the antidote in time, he will die",she said through her tears.

„You have any clues? Does anyone have a reason?",he asked in focus.

„Dempsey, you're talking about my father! He is the kindest person I know. No one could have a reason!"

„Are you sure? Do you know all the circumstances? Nothing happens without a reason", he pushed harder.

„What do you think who you are? Do you think that I don't know my father? Do you think he is involved in something criminal? You are shameless. We are talking about my father, Dempsey. He is the most important person in my life."

Tears ran down her cheeks and he didn't know what to do. Would Harry allow a touch or a embrace? She was of obvious very angry.

„Sorry, Harry. I didn't want to hurt you. I'm trying to find just a clue."

„I'm tired of being hurt from you, Dempsey. You have to trust me. I know my father and he never has done anything illegal. There is no reason for such an attack. I'm totally exhausted", she sobbed.

„You are personally involved and it's hard to concentrate. I understand and it's not the first time that this happens. You have to focus, Harry. Is there someone who would have a reason?", he asked, still stubborn.

„No, there is no one. I have not the faintest idea."

He put a hand on her knee and squeezed gently. Harry let this loving gesture happen and looked him straight in the eye. His eyes were worried.

„We will do it, Harry. Trust me. Your father will live. Without evidence, we should focus on the guests. I'll ask Abbott for a room plan and yesterday's daily routine. Maybe I can search the rooms unnoticed."

„Tomorrow they will be on the horse auction. This is our chance. Hopefully it's not too late."

The ringing of the phone made them both jump. Harry picked up the receiver.

„Winfield Hall", she said shortly.

„Three million pounds for the antidote. You have 76 hours before he dies. I'll call again",threatened her a male voice.

„Hello? Who's there?", she said but the caller hung up.

Horrified, she hung up the phone. Her eyes were turned to stone.

„Harry? What's going on? Come on, answer me."

„He will die in 76 hours if I don't pay three million pounds. It's about money. Someone blackmailed us. I don't have £ 3 million. It's not about my father. It is purely and simply about money. How can I get the money?",she asked, totally shocked.

„Not at all, Harry. We have 76 hours to catch the offender!"

TBC...

Argh, poor Freddy! Hope you like the plot. I guess it's going to be a hard time for Harry and James. I hope to update soon again. Please review if you like it...or not*smile*