Author's Note – This is a very short chapter. Sorry, I'll make the next one longer. I'll also be sure to include John who, as I realized while writing this, that I haven't actually shown yet.

The Word

Chapter 3

"What do you want from me?" Susan asked quietly.

"Nothing much… just some information." The soldier assured. He stepped close to her. "What can you tell me of Professor Digory Kirke?"

"Professor Kirke?" Susan asked, completely confused. "But he died a little over fifteen years ago." Along with the rest of her family.

The soldier looked at her expectantly. "Yes, I am aware of that. Tell me, what was your relationship with him?"

Susan felt herself stiffen. She had no desire to speak to this man about Professor Kirke, or anything related to him. "He was a family friend. I had stayed in his home during the Blitz." She said curtly.

The soldier did not look convinced. "Just a family friend? You were named in his will. You and your siblings, I believe. Of course, it's a terrible shame how they all perished in that horrible train accident. But that made you the sole benefactor. You inherited everything."

At the mention of her brothers and sister, Susan felt herself becoming angry. The fear that had settled deep within her stomach since she had arrived dissipated as she drew herself up to her full height, looking all the more like the queen she was. "And what of it?" She demanded coolly. "I don't see why it would be any business of yours."

"It isn't just my business. This is a matter of national security."

Susan couldn't help but laugh a little at that. "How could it possibly be a matter of national security? Professor Kirke was just a sweet old man!"

The soldier's amused expression vanished from his face. "I can assure you it is. Your 'family friend' had within his possession information that is of vital importance. Which would now be, since his death, in your possession."

Susan turned slightly away from the soldier, absently gazing at the décor. Silently telling the other man that he wasn't worth her time. She dimly recalled using this type of body language on particularly annoying suitors in Narnia. "When I inherited Professor Kirke's estate I thoroughly and meticulously inspected every possession and document. There was nothing that could be of use to you or anyone but me."

"Yes, I am completely sure." The soldier hissed. "But just to make sure we will be sending someone to inspect your house and any artifacts that had once been possessed by Digory Kirke…" He turned back to his folder, before suddenly looking up at her again. "Oh, and of course we will be interrogating your husband and daughter, of course. Take her to a holding cell."

Before Susan could protest two soldiers came and escorted her from the room.

TWTWTW

Mary frowned as she looked at the clock in the kitchen. Five hours had passed since her mother had left for the store. It was eight o'clock in the evening and not only had her mother not returned but her father had not come home from work either. She had called the bank and had been assured that her father had left on time, and yet…

Mary chewed her lip nervously. Something was wrong, but what was she supposed to do? She couldn't just sit around waiting for them all night. Making up her mind Mary threw on her shoes and left the house.

The store was a little ways away from the house and it took her almost half an hour to get there on foot. Mary felt her stomach drop when she walked into the parking lot. Her mother's car was still there and she could see that the driver's door hadn't even been shut all the way. Mary's mother always made sure to shut the door and lock it when she entered or exited the car. She was paranoid about being carjacked. Mary had always made fun of her for it. Now it looked like something had happened to her. Mary felt like crying.

She stood there forlornly in the parking lot wondering what it was she was supposed to do.