Disclaimer: I own none of the characters listed below but I do own the events which transpire below.
Due to recent outbreaks I wish to mention the following. I do not accept translations and/or copying portions of my work. Both without my permission is considered plagiarizing and will be reported. Regardless of credit given by the person copying, I view it as wrong since it was done without my consent. I hope everyone will respect my wishes.
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What have I gotten myself into, I have to ask myself. I'm staring up at the stone facade (check that word, facade) and I have this feeling that I should get back on a plane and go home. There is this horrible feeling deep in my soul and I know something bad will happen. There is no way any of this can go well and maybe it's better if I just go home. I turned around and stared at the imposing gates that were closing behind the limo service. Giuseppe had taken all the stops in my arrival and I was surprised he didn't want me to burst in the doors on a motorcycle. That would have really gotten them in a tizzy.
I turned back to look at the cars in the driveway. Let's see here:
1. Blue Sedan: Isobel and Alaric
2. Green Convertible: Jenna
3. Black Bentley: Lexi
4. Red sports car: Stefan
5. Bicycle: Bonnie
6. Rolls: Tyler and Caroline
7. Limo: Elijah and Klaus
8. Dark Blue Camaro: Damon
9. Grey Sedan: Lawyer
The name escaped my mouth and I felt a ripple move through me. It was something about the name, it seemed. How could a name affect me so completely when I didn't even know what he looked like? I shook my head to get rid of the feelings and leaned over to peer into the interior of the car. There was one blanket, red and cotton. There was a small handyman kit in the backseat, open with one screwdriver missing. I moved to look at the front end of the car and saw a pendant dangling from the rear-view mirror. On closer inspection I found it to be a black bird with a real blue ribbon dangling from its beak. Below, something caught my eye and I heard the gasp leave my lips.
I reached out and touched the picture lying in a stack of papers on the passenger side. It was my face. I lifted the picture from the car and stared at the picture of me in an old style dress. It was from one of those beach stores which allowed old time photos. I let out a small cry when I realized I was looking at her. Katherine Pierce...my own personal doppelganger.
I traced a finger over her face and tried to see the differences I was sure existed. Her hair was curly or perhaps it was done for the picture. Her cheekbones were sharper and her lips seemed fuller. Her breasts were larger but they looked to be fake so some obvious work. She seemed vain and cold. But then I...I was known to be cold so what sort of judge was I?
A sound broke through my thoughts and I whirled around to stare at the nearby trees. It sounded like a tree branch snapping and I reached inside my jacket to feel my holster. I knew it was precaution but I felt safer with it strapped to my body. I dropped the picture back into the car and turned to move closer to the woods, my hand remaining on the small gun on my side. It wasn't my favorite but much more easily concealed.
There was movement and I took off. Through the trees I ran until I emerged into some sort of clearing. I spun around and found nothing. There was nobody nearby and no indication someone had recently been through. Nothing had been trampled and little had been moved in a long time. I heard the soft rumbling of water and I spun to look into the center of the clearing.
It was a beautiful area, a garden with a natural water source. The bubbling water was relaxing and I moved closer to investigate. Lilies grew there in pots surrounded by ivy. A small statue rested in the center and I approached it slowly. Delicate feet rested against the stone pedestal, carefully arranged to imply dancing. The dress flared out as if in motion. The bodice was conservative but highlighted a young woman's torso. Breasts were lovingly carved out of the stone and I nearly reached out to touch them.
It was a calming location, clearly meant for contemplation and serenity. I could hear the birds in the trees and I couldn't help but close my eyes. I tried to remember the last time things felt calm in my life, the last time I felt safe and nothing materialized. There was some distant memory in my mind but I couldn't see where or with whom I was. But it was there, lingering in the background.
My eyes opened and I was confronted with the delicate picture she made in the meadow, a stone Goddess. My eyes lifted to her neck in my quest to see her face. The stone turned nearly alabaster as her delicate neck and arms burst playfully from the dress. Each finger was carved out of stone but on the left hand was silver diamond ring. I slid my fingers to the ring and felt the cement beneath my fingers.
"Sophia," a voice said. I spun around and came face to face with an elderly gentleman. He was stooped a little from a bowed back but his silver eyes were sharp. He looked well enough in his grey suit, not incredibly rich nor poor. He was holding a briefcase and watching me intently. "You must be Miss Gilbert."
"Yes, and you are?" He smiled gently and moved over to stand near the statue. He gazed up at the statue and reached down to kiss the ring gently. His eyes shut for a moment as he appeared to whisper some loving sentiment to her. He straightened and moved to a nearby bench. He faltered as he went to sit and I reached out to steady him.
"Thank you. It's Grayson. I am...was Mr. Salvatore's attorney. We are unable to begin without you."
"Are they expecting me?"
"No. I have kept that secret from all," he said. He turned to look up at the statue. "She held my own heart once but she only had eyes for Giuseppe. You look a little bit like her actually."
I stared up at the remainder of the statue. Her alabaster neck gave way to delicate features. Her eyes were blue glass and I stared up at the care the sculptor had taken with her likeness. Her hair swirled out from her body and I wondered about the woman. Who was she? Why was a shrine hidden here?
"The first Mrs. Salvatore and Damon's mother. She was taken from them when Damon was three. She caught pneumonia and passed within a few days and Giuseppe was never quite the same," he explained. He bowed his head and murmured a prayer. It was beautiful and I found myself wiping away a tear. He loved her still.
"She was loved by many," I stated. He nodded a little and then reached out for aid. I helped him to his feet and he placed one red rose at Sophia's feet. "Do you know why I'm here?"
"I'm sure it has something to do with Mr. Salvatore's murder. He had speculated and I had thought him playful and worried over nothing. It seems I was wrong. If he trusts you then that is enough for me. I shall aid you in any way I can," he said quietly. He smiled and took my hand as he escorted me towards the house.
"He warned me they would react poorly," I said. He nodded a little before chuckling loudly.
"Understatement, my dear. I understand the family has not had the pleasure of your acquaintance. I'm sure Damon will be the most interesting case."
"How is he? His wife died recently and I wonder how he's holding up..." I trailed off.
"Better than most, I suspect. He's more torn up over his father's death than Miss Pierce's," he explained.
"So she never took his name?" I thought it odd since Katherine seemed to care most about appearances. Salvatore was a more influential name than Pierce. It was an interesting choice on her part.
"No. I think she liked her independence. Mr. Salvatore did not approve. Well ready to face the lion's den?" He smiled with a twinkling wink and I smiled. This man could enchant anyone.
"I suppose I should just get it over with..." I said. His hand touched the knob and he ushered me in through the door. The inside of the manor was dark but it was beautiful. The doorways were surrounded by garlands with bunches of flowers dripping from them. I glanced up and saw a basket of wildflowers dangling nearby. It was an oddly feminine gesture although no women lived here.
A soft melody echoed through the entryway and I nearly closed my eyes in pleasure. The pianist's fingers must have been flowing over the keys. I glanced around the entryway and found myself transported to a time forgotten. The decorations and furniture spoke of the 19th century while the flowers spoke of simple pleasures. I reached up and found a layer of dust along the planters. They had not been cleaned in a long time, yet someone had hung flowers throughout the home. On a nearby table a sprig of cinnamon was being burnt.
"The real estate agent..."
"Ms. Sommers?"
"She would like to sell, yes?" He nodded at the question and I smiled. The cinnamon was a nice touch but surely there had been a reception elsewhere. There was no evidence of any type of gathering occurring here recently. Why make it seem like an open house when it so clearly wasn't? Perhaps she was expecting to list shortly. "He was found on the carpet right there?" I pointed.
"Yes. The family had it removed," Grayson replied. I nodded again, taking a mental picture of the premises and logged my first impressions. The piano player shifted to something classical but I didn't recognize the melody. I looked at the table in the walkway and noted two coffee cups were left. They might not know I was coming but someone was expecting me. Grayson slipped from my side and entered the room.
"Now that we are all here, we can get started. Miss Gilbert, if you'd join us in the Parlor?" He said as he walked over to the small desk situated behind the couch. I turned and took my first steps into the room.
It went better than I expected. An older blonde woman dropped her tea cup while a man went ashen. The woman I had identified as the healer looked amused by the situation and she stifled a giggle. A blonde girl, who seemed a bit more conservative than her demeanor spoke of, seemed to be surprised by my appearance. Exactly three people seemed to not know who I was which I thought were the Saltzman's and the real estate agent. Everyone else seemed stunned into silence.
"This is quite impossible! How...how can Katherine be here!" The blonde woman asked. Two men a few years older than me stood near the fireplace. One had a look of amusement to match the healer's expression while the other one licked his lips. I was a piece of meat to him and I knew he would be interesting to say the least.
"This is not Katherine, madam," the butler said from behind her. "This is Miss Elena Gilbert."
"Hello, all," I said. The blonde woman opened and closed her mouth a few times before falling into stunned silence.
"Shall I get your bags Miss Gilbert?"
"I'll get them myself. Thank you though," I replied. I looked at each person in turn, save for the person at the piano. They were the only grieving people who looked as though there was no grief amongst most of them. Everyone seemed stiff as though appearances were all that mattered. I couldn't help but wonder about their true feelings.
"I wouldn't mind being married to you," a voice said. I spun to see the piano sitting amongst the windows. I stepped closer and immediately realized who was sitting at the piano bench. I also realized no picture could do this man justice. I felt the gasp leave me and I watched as his lips curled into a smirk. He licked his bottom lip and I immediately had a vision of him rolling me into a four-poster bed, head thrown back in pleasure. Tumbling, tugging, pulling, and arching would come next while his piercing blue eyes held me in a lock.
His hands were artistic and I knew musician hands would be an asset. His fingers were long and lithe and I knew he would be a masterful lover. His hands would be finely tuned to play anything and I felt my body was too willing to find out just how masterful he could be. His eyes were playful as he met mine and I knew he was undressing me with his eyes. Small changes in the ice blue depths signaled his instant attraction.
He was beautiful. His features could be carved from marble and I forgot where I was as I gazed at him. His dark hair fell around his face in a messy array that looked planned while strands dusted over his cheeks. His blue eyes could have held any secret and a woman would have fallen into his arms, not caring if he had taken part in some horrible crime. His nose was chiseled in perfection and his lips were full, yet curved in a sexy smirk. He did some sort of movement with his eyes and I clenched my thighs together.
He reached out suddenly and took my hand and I gasped as our fingers slid together. He leaned forward and kissed my hand gently, his tongue darting out playfully. As his lips caressed my skin, his eyes held mine in an unshakeable grip. His fingers caressed my palm with soft movements as if to promise later delights.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Elena Gilbert. Now, you must explain to me why you look so much like Katherine," he said. His voice sent shivers down my spine and I was captivated by the rough quality in his voice. His voice whispered seduction as his fingers tickled the palm of my hand.
I pulled it back suddenly but his smirk stayed in place. I removed myself from him and spun to look at the room. Many of the women had a knowing look while the men were too busy watching the exchange with amusement. The blonde woman was grimacing but she glanced to the man I was sure was Stefan. Ah...the mother. She looked well for 44.
"She's Katherine's twin," Stefan said quietly. "You are the older twin, right?"
"Yes. Three minutes older," I replied.
"I was so sure she had a sister but she denied it. She kept saying we were remembering her doubly so. I only...one time. I was four maybe...five?"
"Four," I answered. "The last time I was in Mystic Falls, I was four."
"Katherine had a sister!" The blonde woman screeched. Stefan turned and slid closer to comfort her. Damon moved closer and I spun, losing my balance. He caught me and I slid into his arms, effortlessly.
"Falling for me already," he whispered.
"Shouldn't you be mourning your wife?" I asked as I pulled myself from his embrace.
"Katherine didn't wish to be mourned and it would be a disservice to dishonor her wishes," he replied simply. "Grayson, the will then."
"Of...of course Damon," he stammered. I narrowed my eyes when I noticed the amusement in his eyes as he watched my exchange with Damon. He reached into his briefcase and removed a packet of papers. He smoothed them out on the dark surface and reached for a pair of glasses hidden in his breast pocket.
"I, Giuseppe Salvatore, declare this to be my Will, and I revoke any and all wills and codicils I previously made..." Grayson began. We all tuned out the legal jargon as everyone waited to receive their share. "I will now read the personal letter attached in Mr. Salvatore's hand. He is quite specific in his bequests.
Good Afternoon my friends and family,
I am sure some of you are quite delighted to hear of my passing, especially the one who chose to murder me. I am not bitter as I had expected it for some time. I can only wish I had been present for Miss Gilbert's arrival. I imagine she's caused quite a show and rightly she should. I am only tormented by the idea of not gathering those important to me sooner. A lot of mistakes have been made and it is time to rectify them. This is why my new will was drafted within the past few weeks.
For the sake of argument I will share the previous will. Originally Stefan was to be left everything, save 100,000 dollars to be given to Damon. His mother left him some artwork and a small sum to be granted to him on his thirtieth birthday but I wish to bestow it sooner. Regardless of my previous feelings I have decided to give something to each of you sitting and/or standing in this room.
To Miss Caroline Forbes, I leave you my art supplies and 50,000 dollars to help you with your endeavors. I trust you to use them wisely. Out of interest for yourself, you may view my own private art collection as soon as you wish. I know an art student will love the opportunity.
To Mr. Tyler Lockwood, I leave you my sailboat. May the sails carry you far from nearby shores and save you from a life you did not wish to lead.
To Miss Jenna Sommers, I leave you the downtown condo in order to make a living and ask you to remember to not take things that do not belong to you.
To Mr. Elijah Trudeau, I leave you my first edition "The Great Gatsby" and I caution you to not be quite as foolish. To love is to trust and you will surely find your trust has been misplaced.
To Mrs. Isobel Saltzman, I leave you one book of history to be provided by Grayson. As you would normally receive all, I warn you to care for things existing outside of history and to cherish what you already have.
To Mr. Alaric Saltzman, I leave you 250,000 dollars to be spent as you see fit. I also give you the Beauty you so desired. Grayson shall gladly provide the keys. I am sorry to have dealt with our fallout so poorly but you look so much like Sophia and it pained me to be near you. I only wished you had known your sister better and we had been closer.
To Miss Bonnie Bennett, I leave you 75,000 dollars to thank you for all of your help and comfort. I also leave 100,000 dollars to be given to the Children's charity in your name. I ask you to be helpful as you see fit but to remember to not always give all information so freely.
To Mr. Niklaus Trudeau, I leave you the key to my safety deposit box. It may not be want you want but you would do well to learn you can't always get what you want.
To Miss Elena Gilbert, I leave you the keys to the castle. Until you have discovered what you should, you will have all the power to come and go as you please. After the job is completed, you are welcome to take one thing from the Manor as it is now, regardless of value. I trust you will take the most important.
To my ex-wife Lexi, I leave you the city home. I trust that will be sufficient.
To my son Stefan, I leave you nothing save the complete payment of your gambling debts. You have a fresh slate and I suggest you take advantage.
To my friends, Grayson and Richard, I leave you each 50,000 dollars to thank you for your generosity. Grayson will provide you, my dear friend, with a letter of recommendation. I hope your next employ will be fulfilling.
And finally to my son Damon, I leave you my estate save the items listed above. As my direct heir, you inherit all of my holdings, monetary and sentimental. I ask you care for them. I also leave you with a word of advice, find something that makes you happy and don't you dare let go.
I have made my wishes known in sound mind and body and I hope you will all find yourselves pleased. If you don't then consider it my final laugh.
Goodbye,
Giuseppe Salvatore
Once the first one was read, I turned to watch the reaction of each person in the room. Caroline, Bonnie, Tyler, Grayson, Richard and Damon seemed happy. Damon seemed surprised but he recovered quickly. The remaining people seemed angry. Lexi threw something but I was too busy watching Niklaus's face to notice what it was. Stefan dropped his head and started mumbling soft words.
"Well isn't that like him, always having the last laugh?" the man I guessed was Elijah said. I couldn't help but smile at his tone. Giuseppe seemed to be having the last laugh and few seemed amused.
"I think I should be going," Bonnie began. "My shop can't stay closed for too long or business suffers."
"Miss Bennett?" Grayson called. Bonnie whirled around to meet his gaze, gypsy skirts swirling around her. "There is a condition for the will."
"Oh?" She replied softly.
"Yes, Mr. Salvatore has made it clear nothing will be disbursed until Miss Gilbert has sufficiently completed her job. Until that time the house will remain open for those who need a place to stay and everything will be provided. I bid you all a good day." He stood suddenly and left with a bit of a flare. I applauded his exit and turned to find eleven pairs of eyes trained on me. I had few friends in this room.
"Let them rip you and then make a dramatic exit," a husky voice murmured. I caught Damon's eyes as he slipped towards the entryway to see Grayson out. I couldn't help but watch as he walked away, his pants dipping on his hips daringly. He would definitely be an interesting roommate.
"So…does anyone wish to confess?"
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And so they've met. I'm already envisioning lots of fun moments between them throughout the mystery. I seem to notice Damon's birthday is quickly approaching. What should he get?
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