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~Chapter Three: Her Butler, Undercover~
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"I hate downtown London; too loud and full of people," Jane said, getting out of the carriage from riding in town.
"Yes, it was quite a crowd, but at least you'll have some peace and quiet in this house," Sebastian said. "I say that they don't care about the temperature in this season."
"The season, huh? Seems they don't give a damn about getting a cold."
"There must be something going on here, then. At least we don't have to worry about those four." Jane gripped an envelope she carries while heading upstairs.
"Quietness is all I need for this case from the queen," Jane said finding the room she needs to be in. Sebastian opened the door for his mistress, letting her in the room. It was messy and Lau, Madam Red, and Grell were in there, seeming to be looking for something.
"My goodness, where do they keep the tea in this place?" Madam Red asked, looking in a wooden cupboard.
"I can't find it either," Lau said. Sebastian smiled in displeasure, while Jane looked pissed with having people in the house she needs to be in.
"Don't be silly! It won't be in there, you know!" Madam Red added, mentioning Lau as he looked in the round flower pot.
"What are you three doing here?" Jane asked.
"Well you're here early, Lady Jane," Grell said.
"I guess I know what this means," Lau said.
"That's right. The Queen sent you here for an important errand," Madam Red said smiling. Jane nodded, rubbing her forehead from her headache.
"That's right. Sebastian, fix us some tea and croissants."
"Yes, my mistress." He headed out of the room to fulfill his lady's order, while Jane continued on about her errand.
"There was another murdering last night. A prostitute was found bleeding to death on her chest at a chapel, for according to the queen, was a different type of blade that isn't a knife. These kinds of killings are far from human. The most recent victim was a woman named Mary Ann Nichols. The name is probably for the newspaper who reported these incidents: Jack the Ripper."
"A frightening name, eh?" Lau added. The door opened and Sebastian entered with tea and croissants.
"I hope you enjoy my lady's request," he said, smiling. He took a cup of tea and a small plate of a croissant, giving it to Jane.
"That's why I'm here early. I need to solve this case for the sake of Queen Victoria's people," Jane added. Lau smiled and opened his eyes, looking at Jane.
"Are you sure you'll be brave enough to handle this? Even though you're an adult now, will you be able to take over a crime scene that bloody?"
"I've gotten over my fear of the sight of blood. It doesn't bother me anymore, so I'll be okay." She took a sip of her tea, refreshing her throat.
"I wouldn't be so sure of it, my lady. The blood and gore is practically all over the place." Lau placed his hand on Jane's cheek, close to her ear. "Are you prepared to see such a thing? For being a woman, you might seem scared." Jane removed his hand from her face, looking at Lau in the eye.
"Since I'm head of the Worthington family, and the Queen's mockingjay, it'd be wise not to ask me such foolish questions."
"You're right. Forgive me, Jane." Sebastian looked at Jane cautiously, understanding her words.
"Let's head there, then," the brunette said, heading out of the room. The others followed her and headed to the carriage. The area was filled with people; whispers and voices transmitting into one person's ear to another. They walked over to where a light brunette was standing where the scene was behind him, making sure the people in front of him stay out of the way. Jane and Sebastian went to his location, and tried to pass, but the young man noticed and placed his hand on the brunette's shoulder.
"Sorry ma'am. For your age, you shouldn't go through."
"I'm here to see the victim's body, good sir." The older man looked at her crazy and was shocked.
"The body? Are you kidding me?"
"Well, if it isn't Lady Worthington. What brings you here?" a man with glasses and a top hat asked.
"You know this woman, sir?" the brunette asked.
"I'm here to help, Sir Arthur, due to the Queen's orders," Jane replied, showing her envelope. The two men were surprised, while Jane took the papers from the man beside Arthur. "So you haven't found any clues yet, huh?" Arthur took the papers and looked at Jane.
"We at Scotland Yard are capable of handling this case. No need for you to interfere," he told Jane.
"Excellent. Shall we go now, Sebastian?" she asked walking.
"Yes, my lady," he replied following her. The other three followed them after the two were ahead of them.
"So, Jane, where are we going now?" Madam Red asked.
"We're going to see someone who would know a crime like this."
"You don't mean...?" Lau asked.
"That's right. We're going to see him," Jane said. The group walked to a parlor, to what seemed like a scary, unusual place to be. They looked at the front, which was the Undertaker's store.
"So, what's this place?" Lau said.
"Can't you see it?!" Jane yelled, glaring. She didn't want to be in such a bad mood, but at times, it feels like she's going through a hard time, especially being on her monthly.
"Are you okay, Jane?" Madam Red asked. Jane sighed, feeling her forehead from an intense headache.
"Not really. Sorry for acting up," she apologized respectfully.
"You see, Lau, this is a funeral parlor, owned by an acquaintance of my lady's," Sebastian told him. The five head in and it was dark with no light used at all.
"If we are looking for answers, then this is the place to be," Jane added. Grell closed the door, and after that, laughter was heard.
"Hehehehe~. Welcome; I thought I have been seeing you for some time now." Sebastian and Jane looked calm, while the other three were freaked out as if they were in a scary novel. "My lady, it's so good to see you. Do I have the pleasure of fitting you in one of my coffins today?"
"No, that is not why I am here. I wanted to-" Jane was interrupted by Undertaker's fingers lightly touching her face.
"No need to say," he replied, putting his hand out of her way. "I'm already aware, very well aware. My last customer was a bit unusual, we say. I helped though. I made her look beautiful again."
"I would like the information please."
"I see now. The funeral parlor is only your cover business, right? If so, how much is it for information?" Lau asked. Undertaker looked at Lau with his gleaming eyes and went to the Chinese man, creeping him out.
"I don't need coins, there's only one thing I want from you." Undertaker looked at Jane and went to her, placing his hands on her shoulders, giving the brunette an automatic uncomfortable look. "Please, my lady. Give it to me and I'll tell you anything."
Such a freak, Jane thought. The gray haired man clapped his hands and held them there.
"I need the true extraordinary gift of laughter! Just one joke and all the information you want will belong to you!"
"Lunatic," Jane mumbled.
"Allow me, my lady," Lau said. "Here is my joke; it's a classic. So on which side does the tiger have the most stripes? On the outside! Get it, haha?" Lau looked at him to see if he did. "Hehe?" For his silence, he failed.
"My turn," Madam Red said. "I live for gossip; so this story will make you laugh so hard just to get curled up and die." When she told her joke, it was full of swearing and unexplainable words she was using, it even made Jane and Sebastian looked disturbed and confused. The Undertaker of course, didn't laugh, so she's out.
"Now, my lady, it looks like you're the only one left. I have given you a special discount last time, and I'm not going to do it again." Jane clenched her teeth and growled, due to her disapproval.
"It can't be helped," Sebastian said.
"Sebastian?" Jane said.
"Hm." Undertaker smiled. Sebastian pulled his gloves down firmly, closing his eyes.
"Everyone, please step outside. No matter what happens, do not attempt to listen to this." His face was serious, it took surprise to his lady.
"Will it work, Sebastian?" she asked.
"I never failed you, and I never will," he replied. Jane nodded and went outside with the others. She closed the door and looked at the store, waiting until the joke is done with. It turned into silence, as if they want to hear what Sebastian is telling Undertaker. All of a sudden, a loud, noticeable laugh struck inside the parlor, coming from Undertaker. His laughter was so loud and strong, it took the sign down with no help. His laugh died down and the door opened, revealing Sebastian, smiling as usual.
"Please do come back in now. I believe he'll tell us everything we want to know." They took Sebastian's words and went back inside, seeing Undertaker with drool coming out of his mouth, probably due to lack of breathing after Sebastian told the secret joke. After he calmed down, he was able to talk and breath properly.
"It was an interesting pattern I've been seeing after all these days. I often get customers who are incomplete. Hehe."
"Incomplete?" Sebastian said out of curiosity.
"Yes; their interests was missing and it was completely... odd." The listeners were surprised. "The killer makes a big mess at the body, but the part particularly was excised."
"He did it on a road that was public, but not on traffic," Sebastian said. "Wouldn't such an excision have been difficult for an amateur, particularly in the middle of the night?"
"You're a clever one, aren't you, butler? I was thinking the same thing." He went up to Jane again, placing his hand on her shoulder. "He would slit her throat with a sharp weapon, and then he rips her womb," motioning his hand to Jane's stomach, creeping her out. "After that, he takes her precious womanly part." He poked her cheek with his long finger nail. "There would be more places to slash through. Sadistic killings like this don't stop until someone makes them." He walks over to his desk, and turns his head to see Jane. "Can you check him out like a beautiful mockingjay?"
"I'm in honor for the Queen's orders and my family. I rid of the Queen's threats that are in her hands. By any means necessary."
In the carriage, with Grell riding, due to him being silent, Jane figured out her clue for the murder.
"His information narrows down the suspects."
"First, we look at those with the necessary skill set," Sebastian added. "We cross out the alibi for the nights the murdering occurred. The mover of the organs would suggest some kind of gruesome ritual. We should concentrate on investigation the people on secret societies."
"As if that narrows this case? Why even I have the medical skills for this!" Madam Red said. Jane looked at the woman beside her. "Besides which, it's winter and the season is just half over. Any doctors who follow the nobles to the city will be returning to the country-"
"Then we'll have to conclude the investigation quickly," Sebastian said.
"Impossible," Lau replied. Sebastian placed his right hand to his chest and smiled.
"I should be able to do this much at least. Otherwise, what kind of butler would I be?" Lau and Madam Red looked as if they had heard something wrong, while Jane smiled and looked at the outside view. His face turned to Jane's attention, making her look at him, leaving her smile to fade. "I'll begin the list of suspects and begin questioning them for you immediately, my mistress." He opened the door, planning on getting out. Grell turned around to see what was going on, and Sebastian's head was in his view. "Now if you all will excuse me."
"Sebastian," Jane spoke up before he let go.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Be careful."
"I always will be for your sake, ma'am." He let himself free, and rode with the wind. The other two looked at him like he did something so stupid. They look at the back window, seeing that Sebastian isn't there.
"Does he even know we're moving?!" Madam Red asked.
"Sebastian will take care of it now," Jane said calmly. "We can head home and have a cup of tea while we wait."
An hour passed, and the four headed to the house, Lau opening the door. He along with Madam Red gasped when they saw Sebastian bowing and smiling with his eyes closed.
"Welcome back, everyone. I have awaited your turn. Your afternoon tea is ready for you in the drawer room," he said taking Jane's coat and putting it on a black and gold coat hanger. She walked inside, while the other three looked at him with curious eyes.
"Hold on," Madam Red said, "how are you here?"
"I finished up a little errand, and I went home to edify you."
"You made the suspect list already?" she asked while Jane headed upstairs.
"Well, yes, I made up a list of names based on what we've discussed, and I contact them all, and I asked them relevant questions."
"Come now, Sebastian, that's impossible, even for you." Sebastian opened the scroll and started to read the suspects' information and awareness of the killing. Jane smiled, while Grell looked at him with awestruck. Lau looked pleased, while Madam Red was stunned by his quick thinking of how he did this. When he finished the suspects list, it dropped to the floor and it has come to his mind about the one responsible for the case.
"I have narrow down to one possible suspect."
"Are you sure you're not just a butler, not a secret officer?"
"You see, my lady. I'm just simply one hell of a butler," he told Madam Red, placing his right hand to his chest.
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"It's Viscount of Druitt," Sebastian said, adjusting his glasses, "also known as Aleister Chamber. He graduated from medical school but has never gone into training. Lately, he's thrown several parties at his home. But behind the scenes of this is a secret gallery of his gatherings."
"I heard he was into black magic for his own cults," Madam Red replied.
"So your suspicion is that he's holding these parties to perform ritualistic sacrifices to local prostitutes?" Lau asked.
"This is the last party of the season," Jane said, as the carriage door opened and a man took her hand to let her out, revealing her blue and white dress with gloves, along with a matching mini hat. "And this means that this is our last chance." The four headed in the mansion, where there was other people with fabulous ball gowns and tuxedos the ladies and gentlemen wear.
"So, how will you plan this out, Madam Red?" Lau asked.
"Jane will be my younger sister visiting from Birmingham, and Sebastian will be her husband." Jane blushed with a glare.
"Why do I have to act like Sebastian's wife?!"
"Because, dear, I think you two are just so lovely together," she added smiling.
"I agree," Lau said. Jane fumed, her fists gripping.
"You two must be drunk or something!"
"You may think I'm drunk, but you don't want them to know you're the Worthington daughter," Madam Red said walking to be beside Jane. "Besides, I've heard that Lord Druitt has a thing for women in blue, and we do need to catch his eye, right?"
"You know you did say something like that, didn't you?" Sebastian asked. Jane looked away with a disappointed look on her face, and her butler, or husband, as of now, took her and started walking to find Druitt.
"First things first, we need to locate this murderous viscount," Jane stated.
"Right, at least Isabel or Cheren isn't here. It would be hell."
"Oh, wow! That dress is adorable!"
"Yes, it is, dear." The two instantly clicked and looked behind them, with shocking expressions. They were here, surprisingly. "Let's get a drink, Isabel." The two smiled at each other and went to a man carrying lemonade.
"It's not-! Why the-? How are they-?" Jane stuttered, feeling pressure and anxiety.
"My lady, I-I mean, love, please calm down. Let's move quickly," Sebastian said, placing his hand on her shoulder and starting to walk.
"Oh, that dress is so beautiful!" Jane gulped and was paralyzed. She didn't want to be undercover and be in the same house with her cousin and future cousin-in-law. "You in the blue and white dress, it's so adorable!" Sebastian took his lady's waist and guide her to their left.
"Moving this way now."
"Hm? Where is she?" Isabel asked herself, trying to find Jane. Where the table has cake, Sebastian and Jane sneaked a peek if she's gone, and she was. The brunette sighed a relief while they went back down.
"This isn't good. I didn't expect her here," Sebastian added.
"If the head of the Worthington family was seen at a party like this," Jane said.
"Then the Worthington family name will be ruined for generations," Sebastian assisted her sentence. She gripped the table-cloth, cursing and shaking her head. Sebastian placed his hand on Jane's naked shoulder. Jane turned around and looked at him. "We'll go to Madam Red. It'll be okay, my lady." He helped her up and went to the laughing woman with Lau, fanning her, and Grell, serving her a drink.
"You are such a dear!"
"Seems like she's having a swell time..." Jane mumbled.
"There you are!" Isabel said, making Jane jump. She was taken by the hand from Sebastian's.
"Come this way, my lady." They hurried through the ballroom, seeing a man carrying lemonade. "Sir, that lady over there requires lemonade."
"Yes, sir." When Isabel went to where the man was, he went to her, asking for lemonade. Being stalled, Jane and Sebastian went outside, where no one's there somehow.
"Why do these things always happen to me?" Jane asked panting.
"Lord Druitt looks as handsome as ever!"
"His hair shines like the sun!" The two went to look inside, to see a blond man talking to another man, drinking lemonade.
"That's him. Let's go," Jane said
"Yes," Sebastian agreed. When they head into the inside, violins started playing. The dancing began, which made Jane glare.
"Damn it. I'll never get close to him."
"The only way we can, is to dance our way to the viscount." The crow demon took his lady's hand and walked over to the dancing area.
"You'd expect me to dance in public, and with you?"
"You already know that I'm one hell of a dancer. Besides, I've taught you and you did well for Lady Isabel's engagement party."
"Is it necessary?" Jane asked, looking pissed off.
"Shall we dance now, my mistress?" he asked, taking Jane's hands to his and began to waltz. He looked at Jane, seeing her discomfort, and then to find Isabel, who was watching them, impressed. "We cut across like so." They moved to their right and Jane felt her heart explode with embarrassment and exhaustion, panting in Sebastian's arms.
"Never, ever, do this to me again, Sebastian."
"How can you be so tired now? We just moved here twenty seconds ago." He helped his lady up, and together, they heard clapping, which was coming from Lord Druitt's hands.
"Your dancing is wonderful, just like a robin, my sweet lady," he said to Jane.
"Let me offer you a drink, mistress," Sebastian said, leaving them alone.
Now's my chance, Jane thought. "Good evening, my lord." She bowed with a fake smile.
"I do hope you're enjoying the party." He took her hand and kissed it, making Jane feel sick.
"Oh yes, it's wonderful. You see, I've been waiting for you to talk to me all evening."
"Really?"
"Yes, my lord. I've been bored of dancing and eating." The blond smiled and went closer to Jane.
"You are a spoiled, but beautiful robin, aren't you, my princess?" His hand met her waist, rubbing it softly. "Looking for something more entertaining perhaps?"
I'm so going to kill this pervert. Jane looked at the blond and smiled. "You have more amusements? I'd be more interested."
"Of course," he replied, putting his two fingers on Jane's chin. "I'd be happy to show it to you, my beautiful lady."
I swear, I'm going to kill him after this is all over! Jane thought. "Like what, my lord?" She looked at Isabel, who was watching them. I must hurry before this dance is over.
"You want to know?"
"Yes, sir. I've been dying to know." If Isabel comes this way, I'm done for, and my name will be ruined.
"You seem to be young."
"It's not wise to tease a lady like me; I'm not a little girl, you know." The music stopped, and Isabel ran to their direction. She's coming!
"Now, now. What has you so distracted, dear?" Lord Druitt asked Jane, cupping her chin.
"It's nothing, my lord." My life is over. When Isabel was a few feet away from Jane, a masked man was in front of her with a white cabinet.
"Everyone, may I please have your attention. The magic show will begin shortly." It was Sebastian, smiling. Jane sighed a relief with the blond knowing. "Sir, may I please have your assistance?" He looked at Lau, who smiled and went to his direction.
"Funny, I never called for a show this evening," Druitt said to himself. Jane looked at him, her eye glistening.
"My lord, I've seen all kinds of tricks. Can we please go?"
"Anything for you, my sweet."
I think I'm going to be sick, Jane thought, walking with Lord Druitt. Sebastian looked at them and smiled, knowing things are going according to plan.
"This is a normal cabinet, I shall be inside, bound with chains. Swords will pierce through the cabinet, and I shall emerged perfectly unharmed." He went inside the cabinet, closing it. Lau looked at the sword from his right hand, and then at the cabinet where Sebastian is.
"Here goes nothing," he said. He went on the of the cabinet, and stabbed the top of it, making the audience gasp with fear. He took more swords and stabbed where it looked like Sebastian was pierced by them. The chains separated, and Sebastian opened the door, being completely unharmed. People applaud and cheered, impressed by the show.
"That was impressive, Sebastian. I never thought you would be able to survive," Madam Red said.
"For a moment there I thought I killed you," Lau added
"It actually hurt more than I expected. I didn't think you'd aim straight for my head. Anyone else would have died," Sebastian said.
"So what's the trick to this anyways?" Lau asked.
"You stabbed him that many times without knowing?" Madam Red asked glaring at Lau.
"Like I told you, there were no tricks or illusions, just magic," Sebastian stated simply.
Finding answers from the suspect, Jane followed Druitt, who opened a door for her.
"In here, I think you'll be amused with this." He closed the door, and Jane covered her mouth and nose.
What's that terrible smell? It's so horrible. Jane thought to herself. She couldn't take it in and started to faint, seeing Druitt smiling evilly.
"You'll be enjoying this, little robin."
Moments passed, and Jane doesn't know where she is, even by opening her eyes. She was blindfolded, and her hands were tied together by a rope.
"And now, what you've all been waiting for: tonight's crown jewel!" A curtain rose, Jane noticing despite being blindfolded.
"I'm sure she'll make a lovely decoration. You can keep her whole and healthy, and not to mention, she has two different eye colors. Now, for any biddings?"
So that's what he's up to. He sells the person's organs and sells them at his parties? A person started to untie the blindfold from Jane, leaving her to open her eyes.
"Sebastian, come get me now." Her eye started to glow, and the flames died down.
"What's this?" Druitt asked, blinded by the dark. Jane remained calm, while someone or something was beating up people unconscious. When it was over, the flames started to rise again from the candles, showing Sebastian in front of her.
"Really, my lady. Are you willing to get yourself captured like that?"
"As long as the contract is in place, you will follow me everywhere whether I asked you to or not."
"This type of contract is sealed by a mark a demon places on his prey. The demon and prey are bound by it, due to the prey's mark growing brighter when the demon is near her." He opened the cage with his hands, showing his strength.
"And no matter what you do, you'll never betray me." Sebastian smiled and ripped the ropes off of Jane.
"Yes, my lady. I will be with you until the end. Even if I perish, I will still be with you, in the depths of hell. This is how demons are compared to humans. I won't lie to you."
"Good. You'll never lie to me, no matter what."
"Yes, my mistress."
"I believe this solves the Jack the Ripper case," Jane said, looking at Druitt. "This was easier than I expected.
"Scotland Yard will probably be here soon. So let's take our leave." He picked his lady up to be on his back, making her blush. She gripped his shoulders in order not to fall. "Are you ready, mistress?" Jane nodded and Sebastian took off his glasses, running to an open window, and jumping to the roof of the mansion. Isabel turned around to see if she saw something, but she didn't. She rubbed her eyes, and looked more clearly.
"I could have sworn I saw something."
"There you are, dear!" Cheren said walking to her. "I was so worried that you would be lost."
"Don't worry, love. I just went outside to look at the sky," she replied smiling.
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The next day came by and the newspaper's headline clarified that Jack the Ripper strikes again.
"The Ripper strikes again?" Lau said, looking at the paper.
"So the Viscount wasn't him after all?" Madam Red added. Jane gripped her hands into fists, mad about the result.
Damn it! I thought I cleared the case! Jane thought, glaring at the headline. Sebastian frowned at her, but was serious as well, knowing who would be the actual murderer.
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If you like this story and want more, alert me and review along the way at the bottom of this chapter! :)