Chapter 3: Day One

Smart mouse, I would have decked him if he was still in here, I thought to myself when I stepped out of the closet in the under garments that he had managed to find in the back of the flat.

As much as I detested dresses, that detective sure knew how to make me think otherwise. Once I had dressed, I walked over to the mirror and carefully looked it over. Since it was Basil's, I already knew that it would be a bit big for me. It was nice, but simple, a light shade of pink. The only thing that irritated me, were the several layers of petticoats that I wore underneath, which gave me a bit of a puffy look that I usually despised. I used one of the detective's belts and wrapped it around so that the dress didn't seem so loose.

While combing my hair, I heard a soft knock on the door. Assuming it was the detective, I quickly smoothed out any wrinkles that remained, brushed out the remaining tangles from my hair, and quickly put it up in a sloppy bun before allowing him to enter. However, the mouse that entered was not who I expected it to be the second the door opened.

"Hello," the familiar little girl said in a shy tone while she remained standing by the door. "Basil sent me to get you."

I nodded as I placed the used nightdress on the end of the bed and slipped into a pair of light pink shoes that Basil had quickly ran out to get. They too were a bit large, but I guess it's better to feel safe than sorry, right?

I became nervous as we made our way down the staircase. My heart pounded harder with each step I took. I didn't know what to expect once I made it downstairs, but despite my nervousness, I managed to control it for the time being. Once at the bottom, I remained behind wile Olivia ran up to the three grown mice seated by the fireplace. Tugging on Basil's sleeve, she was able to get his attention. After a short pause, the detective looked from the child towards where I stood.

"Ah, there you are, my dear," Basil announced cheerfully as he rose from his seat, possibly waiting for me to approach him. When I didn't he did not seem to be taken offense for he smiled softly and came to me. "It's all right, no need to be shy."

Feeling a bit reassured, he took my hand delicately. However, for some unknown reason, the second his hand touched mine, once again my heart gradually began to beat faster. But as quickly as the strange feeling appeared, it vanished right when we reached the other two gentleman.

"Miss Méndez, I would like to introduce you to Hiram Flaversham. Of course you've already met his daughter, Olivia." I nodded before he continued. "And this is my friend and trusted colleague, Dr. Dawson."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss," Hiram said kindly, kissing my hand.

"How do you do, my dear," Dr. Dawson said next as he shook my hand.

"Pleasure to meet you both," I replied politely, still feeling a bit over-whelmed with the fact that I was standing face to face with characters I have loved so dearly for eighteen years of my life.

While Basil, Mr. Flaversham, and Dr. Dawson continued with their topic of discussion, I excused myself, feeling that it wasn't my place to listen to their conversation. Not knowing what else to do, I took the opportunity to have a look around the small flat. For as long as I could possibly remember, I always wondered what other rooms there were here since all anyone ever saw was the sitting room.

Walking passed the staircase, down a small hallway, the first room I came across appeared to be a small library for the most part. The walls were a solid shade of dark green, white a brown fireplace sat in between two large bookcases. Curious, I walked over to the right one and began skimming through the various titles and topics. Grabbing a random book, I sat comfortably in one of the white chairs in front of the unlit fireplace and began to read what I soon found out was a Romance novel.

Hmm, Basil and Romance...no, it must belong to Mrs. Judson, I thought while my eyes remained glued to the page.

"Aren't you freezing?" a tiny voice questioned, causing me to glace upward. "I'm sure you'll catch a cold."

"Well, I appreciate your concern, Olivia, but I'm sure I'll be fine," I replied politely, placing the book on my lap.

"Here," she began as she stepped closer, holding out a shawl, "just in case."

Taking it, I wrapped it around me. It did help a bit, but not much. Still as long as it made the small child in front of me happy, then that was all that mattered.

"You're from Puerto Rico, right?" I nodded to her question before she continued. "Where is it? What is it like?"

Laughing lightly, I gave her a soft smile. "Before I answer these questions, how did you find out where I was from?"

"I, um, overheard Basil discussing it to Daddy and Dr Dawson while you were still upstairs," she cautiously replied. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No, it's quite all right. No need for apologies," I stepped in. "Now, about those questions of yours..." She smiled with excitement and quickly sat in the chair across from me, waiting patiently for my answers. At this point, I knew I had to be extremely careful with my words, not just with Olivia, but with everyone...especially Basil. "Well, Puerto Rico is a small island off the coast of Florida."

"So, it's near America?"

"Yes, it is. It's a tropical island, so it's warm all year round."

"You don't get snow at all?" she asked, rather shocked by my answer.

"No...," I paused briefly, feeling a bit saddened about that bit of truth, "...it never does."

After a long minute or so, the sound of Olivia's father calling to her broke the silence. Exchanging final goodbyes, they departed, which left me alone with my book yet again. However, trying to get back into it became quite difficult, almost impossible. So finally, I gave up trying and placed it back in its rightful place.

Walking back into the sitting room, I gave a heavy sigh and plopped myself down on the green couch that sat right up against the wall behind Basil's chair. I began to question why Olivia's comment bothered me so. True, I missed seeing snow, but here was my chance. So, why be depressed?

It almost seemed as if the weather had read my thoughts, for when I glanced up at the window ahead, large snowflakes began to fall. If anyone were to see my reaction, they might think I've never seen snow in my entire life.

Wrapping the shawl tighter around me, I headed towards the window, taking a seat on the bench. I watched as children began flooding the streets, giggling with glee. The wondrous sight hypnotized me. Everything I always imagined Victorian London to be was right in front of me.

"Beautiful sight, isn't it?" Basil questioned, causing me to jump slightly.

"Oh...Um, yes it is," I replied, smiling warmly. "It's quite a shame that I've never been able to see it until now."

"Mmm-hmm," he nodded. Clearing his throat, he leaned against the banister, crossing his arms while he focused on me. "So I take it that you have lived in Puerto Rico your entire life?" he asked rather suspiciously.

"Y-yes," I answered with slight hesitation. The way he approached the topic caused me to panic.

"Because it's quite baffling how you seem well educated in manners and etiquette...And how you fluently know the English language."

"My father is a well-educated mouse, Mr. Basil. He is the one who taught me right, and how to speak English. He told me that it would be of great use for me now that the United States has claimed our island."

"Quite right," he stated, a bit embarrassed by his comment. "My apologies if I have offended you."

"No, you haven't offended me at all," I assured him. "It's ordinary for anyone to assume something every now and then." Nodding carefully, the inquisitive detective took out his pipe and struck a match, taking a couple puffs before placing the box of matches back in his smoking jacket.

"So pray. Tell me what you remember before you were found."

"Not much," I began to explain. "I was spending some time with a close friend of mine earlier that day. Later on that evening, once she left, I grew tired and fell asleep. The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes only to see that I wasn't home any longer."

"Hmm, that's strange," Basil mumbled to himself, taking another puff before continuing. "So, not once did you awaken."

"No. It is just as I said; I did not awake until I was dumped in that alley. What makes the situation more strange is the fact that I'm usually a light sleeper, but whoever took me must have drugged me somehow." Halfway through my explanation, Basil began to pace back and forth, waiting for anything that could be helpful to figuring out who took me. Once again, he ceased in front of me, and leaned against the banister.

"Any enemies that you are aware of?"

"No..."

"And your father?"

"None as far as I know, he's highly respected by his fellow employees...but then again, even amongst those that are respected, there could be people who are envious. However, probably not envious enough to the point of kidnapping their boss' daughter and sending them to a foreign country. There really isn't any motive in that."

"Really? May I ask what his occupation is?"

I panicked "He...um...he manages a crew on the loading docks in San Juan."

"Oh, so I take it that is how he learned English as well?" he carefully questioned, possibly curious about my hesitant response. "Pardon the quick change of subject, but, again do not take offense, I would wager that to be one of the only ways for him to learn the language and then be able to teach you."

Shaking my head, assuring him that no offense was made, as I cleared my throat. "Yes, that is correct. He's hard working and tries his best to provide for his family. He's the kind of employee that anyone would love to have at least that is what his own boss as stated."

Basil continued his pondering, as he remained standing in front of me, his concern or suspicion towards me increasing by the second. For some reason, it began to make me a bit nervous. However, I remained as calm as I possibly could, that way I couldn't attract any more concern or suspicion, and brought my attention back towards the snow that continued to fall.

"If you would like, I could give you a tour of the city," he kindly offered, deciding to drop the topic of discussion for the time being.

"That would be delightful, if you don't mind of course."

"Not at all, my dear. However, we must begin now before the snow becomes too deep." I nodded in response before taking his hand. Once again, I felt the same strange but warm feeling from the first time he offered his hand to me. This time, however, I wasn't quick enough to hide it.

"What?" I asked confusingly.

"Nothing," the detective began to answer as he offered me a spare coat with an amused smile on his face, "but I do believe you are blushing." He chuckled once more when my expression changed. Why in God's name was I blushing? Does it have to do with this strange feeling...whatever feeling that may be? I guess only time will tell before I am able to get the answers.