"So constable, who do you think committed the crime?" I asked looking at the two suspects we interigated.
"Well I think that suspect one has a decent alibi, but we should confirm it."
"Good." I said checking my pocket watch. "Well constable Mary, it looks like it's time for supper. We'll let them think over their crimes and solve the case later." I deduced. My daughter quickly gathered the plushies we had "arrested" this morning and ran upstairs to put them away. I smiled after her. She was a splitting image of her mother. The way her tight red curls bounced behind her, her optimistic view on life that paired well with her bright smile. That smile could light up room. She was five now, and at that stage of never ending questions. She only asked about her mother once. She asked if she was a good person. "Your mother was the best woman I know", I responded. She nodded and proceeded to tell me about some fascinating thing she read in a book.
I didn't mind raising her by myself. I took time off when I needed too, but being a detective, there's never really a set schedule. When I got calls that needed immediate action, i would phone the midwife down the street, Miss Ogden. She became Mary's "female influence". She taught her how to read and how a girl should dress. Miss Ogden and myself didn't see much point in telling her that she should only wear dresses, knowing they would rip when she played, but society deemed it necessary. They took well to each other. Mary had claimed that every Sunday after church we were to spend the day together, if possible. We both agreed and since then, that's been our routine.
"Dad?" Mary's quiet voice asked behind me. I hadn't realized that I was stating out the window. I probably frightened her.
"Come love, you don't want to eat a cold dinner." I smiled, taking her small hand and walking into the kitchen. Our cook, Samantha, known more commonly as Mrs. Kitchen had prepared a lovely meal for all of us. She stayed at the house full time, and often ran errands for me while I was at work. She was a tall woman, even in bare feet she surpassed me. The old couple that lived here before us had hired her and I kept her on after they passed. She was a black woman, but educated in arithmetic and literature. A rare mix. She helped Mary with her letters and some simple math during the summer and while I was gone and assisted her with homework during school. She isn't a maid or cook. She's family.
"Mary wash up in the sink before you sit." Samantha ordered, placing a piping hot dish on the table.
"Yes Ms. Kitchen!" She yelled, scampering off. I smiled.
"That goes for you too. You should be setting the example." Samantha said to me after Mary was gone. I nodded.
"Yes Ms. Kitchen." I teased. She gave me the good old side eye and went to fetch the rest of the food. I followed after her to wash my hands. I turned on the water and over it, I heard the door knock. Samantha murmured something to herself and went to see who it was. I knew it wasn't the Inspector. He always called if a case came in at dinner time. That meant that it could be any constable from the station. I sighed and turned off the water, drying my hands on the old dish rag. I straightened my tie and made my way to the front door.
"Thank you Samantha." I said, taking over for her while she tended to Mary. "How may I help you?" I asked the woman at the door.
"Wi- Detective," Julia said, her voice faltering to find words, "something terrible has happened."
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Hehe cliffhanger! I'm sorry it's taking me so long to update. Exams have been killer and I don't have and pre written chapters. (Lol fml) Any ways, this chapter to me seems really choppy and weird so please leave me some feedback!️ I promise that the plot will pick up [eventually].
Special shout out to user RuthieGreen! Your feedback has been super helpful!
Stay tuned for more!️
- Emily