Erich Adler was a childhood friend of Matthew Crawley. His mother, a common woman from London, worked in a dress shop and his father a German heir to nothing of particular importance, owned one of the first automotive plants in Germany. Erich, an only child inherited very well when both his parents died in a train crash. He flew as a test pilot when he wasn't working at Scotland yard as an investigator and enjoyed the novelty of putting his life in harms way. He loved women, but not nearly as much as he loved himself.

Although Matthew spoke highly of Erich, Lady Mary was never very fond of him nor his whimsical notions about women. Despite this, she needed his help and would over-look his annoying behavior in order to utilize his well regarded investigative skills and reputation for confidence.

That afternoon, Erich arrived in bold fashion, driving a mercedes-benz as quickly as any motor car had ever entered the grounds of Downton. Everyone was unimpressed, but not more than Mr. Carson who wanted to turn tail and lock every door to Downton leaving Mr. Adler outside alone in the swirling dust that trailed behind him.

It wasn't that he lacked class or charm, in fact, he had both. It was that he didn't care for either. His mother, a commoner, was frequently ill-treated for her lack of status and many considered her the ruin of his father's estate. None of which was true and it broke Erich's heart. He always defended and stood by her side but rarely behaved with graceful manners merely out of spite to his father who never defended her. As soon as Erich started talking about flying planes however, no one seemed to notice his lack of etiquette. In fact, ladies suddenly found him very charming and gentleman urged one another to meet him.

Later that day Anna overheard the younger female servants whispering about how dashing Mr. Adler was. She smiled to herself as she recalled having those very same conversations years before she fell in love with John. She even chatted with them for a few moments before Mr. Carson turned corner and all the girls scattered like mice, leaving Anna standing there alone.

Ignoring the flurry of young maids, Carson focused only on Anna. "Does Lady Mary require anything special for this evening?"

"I don't believe so, but I will ask her."

"I think Mr. Adler might be staying longer than a few days." Carson had no idea why Erich was really visiting but he already couldn't wait for him to leave.

"Really? I hadn't heard. I wonder if Lady Mary knows his intentions?" Anna was testing to see what Carson might know.

"Well, we'll have to wait and see I suppose," was all Carson offered her in reply.

Just then Erich Adler entered into the hall with them. He had been roaming through the servant's area.

"Oh, there you are...its Anna isn't it?" They were both surprised to see him.

Mr. Carson, obviously disgruntled by Mr. Adler's presence in the servant's area interjected. "How can I help you Mr. Adler?"

"Well, I was searching for Anna, and I've found her. I suppose you could best help by leaving us to talk privately." He responded in a playful tone, although Mr. Carson was clearly insulted.

"As you wish." was all Mr. Carson offered as he walked away with sharpened curiosity.

Anna had not noticed when she first met Mr. Adler the extreme qualities of his appearance. "Handsome" was not quite the appropriate compliment. With soft molten-brown hair, slightly curly and cropped close to his head, a concrete jaw and cheekbones that appeared chiseled, and consuming deep water-blue eyes. Anna noticed only that he stood as tall as John. No longer in his formal suit, he wore only a simple white dress shirt that clearly displayed the strength of his forearms below the sleeve rolls at his elbows. She was struck by how casual he was dressed as a guest in the middle of the day at Downton. He looked more like a gardener than a gentleman.

"Why were you looking for me Mr. Adler?"

He glared at her for a moment before speaking, exploring her features with his roaming eyes.

"You're a rather tiny woman Anna."

She felt her face blush, "I beg your pardon?"

"You're so very petite aren't you? My mother was petite. I find that I'm usually surrounded by robust men, so when I come across a creature like yourself, it strikes me as...delightful."

Anna just stood there blinking at him. Unsure of what he was talking about, or why. "oh." was all she could summon.

Erich continued to appear astounded by Anna's small features. "Look at you, I think I could actually fold my hands around your tiny waist and..."

Anna took a step back away from him as he absentmindedly motioned as though he would actually reach to grasp her waist. "Mr. Adler, please."

He started laughing to himself, as he raised a fist to his mouth resting his elbow on the other arm folded around his chest. "I'm sorry. Do forgive me. I forget my manners all the time. I'm just so used to blurting about whatever's on my mind."

Anna relaxed finally and gave him a small smile. "Its quite alright. You just...surprised me Mr. Adler. Now what is it that I can do for you?"

Erich gave Anna a wide grin, "Well now, I could think of many things I would like you to do for me..."

Anna blushed at his bold statement and nearly broke into tears but instead cleared her throat cutting off the possibility of charming him with her emotions. She was angry and wanted desperately to run into John's arms in that moment. How could this man dare say such an insult to her. He knew why he had been summoned here - in part to find her husband!

"I'd better get back to work." She sounded frustrated and didn't try to hide this fact as she started to walk away.

Erich stepped in front of her to stop her. "Anna please. I do apologize. Let me explain.."

Anna hoped he had been looking for her to discuss John, but he seemed in no hurry to do so. She wondered, knowing that one or several other people were lurking around the corners to overhear - what they might think of his impromptu and crude visit to the servants' hall.

He smiled at her softly for a moment, clearly admiring her then looked around to see if they were alone, "Anna, honestly, I was testing your nature. Forgive me, I needed to know what kind of wife you are to Mr. Bates. Do you understand?

Anna let out a breath of relief. "You were testing my loyalty to Mr. Bates?"

"Yes...and you are an honorable woman. Very few women can resist my looks." He said this with such matter-of-factness that Anna allowed her self to do a double take of his appearance. She felt slightly dishonorable for her agreeable thoughts.

"Anna, actually I was hoping we could speak alone for a moment about..."

"Of course, but not here. I'll meet you upstairs in the library."

He squinted his eyes at her and inhaled his lips for a moment, before saying, "I would love to meet there, except I don't know where that is."

"Right...of course you don't. Well then, you'd best follow me." Anna walked past Erich and started up the stairs as he followed her only with his eyes.

Anna paused on the stairs and turned to look back at him, annoyed slightly. "Well? Aren't you coming Mr. Adler?"

He smiled brightly and jumped the railing with one swift movement, brushing up against Anna as he landed on the stair behind her. "As you wish, I'm following."

Anna just looked at him for a moment, first astonished that he leapt over the railing so easily, but more-so that he seemed to sway her opinion of him from one extreme to the next. In one instant she could go from admiring his kindness and intellect to loathing his rather obvious admiration for himself. Not wanting to fuel his ego, she said nothing and continued walking the stairs and on to the library. Erich followed swiftly behind.

When they reached the library, Anna was relieved to find Lady Mary there.

"Where on earth have you been Erich? I've sent half the staff around looking for you." Lady Mary made no attempts to hide her already deepening frustrations with Erich.

"My apologies, I was trying to get a "feel" for the place.

"I believe we should discuss why you're really here and get straight to the point. Anna, please lock the doors to ensure we are not interrupted and stay to discuss this matter with us."

"Yes milady," Anna quickly locked the library doors as Mary began explaining specifically what had transpired over the past couple of days with his lordship, Mr. Bates, and Mr. Murray.

When they finished the initial story, Erich began questioning them both for more details.

"Mary, does your father have any known enemies?"

She considered this question for a moment then raising her eyebrows responded, " Not that I am aware of, but I suppose that is always possible, however I do think it is unlikely."

"Why do you think it unlikely Mary?"

"Father is a very fair man, and he is very generous. Even more these past few years."

"Yes. He is very generous." Erich sounded as though he was insinuating something more.

"What are you trying to say Erich?"

"Are you aware that he sends money to support one of your former maid's children through school?"

Mary had no idea what he was talking about but did not want to give the impression that this was something unusual. "Father frequently supports those who are less fortunate. There is nothing unusual about that."

Erich kept looking at Mary trying to read her expression when he moved on to ask, "And Anna, what about Mr. Bates? Does he have any enemies?"

Anna shrugged her shoulders slightly and gave a concerned look as she responded. "He spent time in prison when he was wrongly convicted. It is possible he made enemies."

"Did he ever talk about anyone in particular?"

"His cell mate gave him a bit of trouble while he was there, but he never made mention of him again once he was released, so I'm not entirely sure."

"What had he been convicted of?"

"Killing his first wife."

Erich was slightly shocked by Anna's response. "Oh...well, you don't hear that everyday. Do you ever...doubt his innocence?"

"Erich! don't be rude to Anna. Mr Bates was proven innocent." Lady Mary would not tolerate anyone speaking against Anna.

"It is quite alright milady. I believe that is a fair question coming from an investigator. Especially under the circumstances. And no, Mr Adler. I never doubted my husband's innocence. Not for one second."

"Very well..." Erich found Anna even more fascinating for her profound trust in Mr. Bates.

"Mary, obviously Lord Grantham trusted Mr. Murray with the finances of Downton for many years, did Mathew have the same trust in Murray as your father?"

"Well...he did continue to work with him, even after there was a disagreement about the future development of the estate's finances. Mathew would have never worked with someone he didn't trust."

Erich paused for a moment and reviewed his notes. "I seem to have more questions than answers at this point I'm afraid. I would like to speak with Tom Branson. Has he been made aware of this situation?"

Mary looked at Anna, then back to Erich before she responded. "No. No one beyond myself, Anna and mother are aware. I suppose we do need to inform Tom, perhaps he can be of more help. Anna, will you please summon him here as soon as possible?"

Anna stood at once, "of course milady, will you need me further or shall I return to my duties?"

Lady Mary empathized with Anna for a moment as she realized how weary she must be. "Oh Anna, I'm so sorry. You must be exhausted from worry. Perhaps you should return to the cottage for an afternoon of privacy and rest."

"Thank you Lady Mary. I will find Mr. Branson and then I think I would like some time alone. Please telephone me if you think of any further questions Mr. Adler."

Lord Grantham had insisted on installing a telephone in the cottage when John was continually worried about Anna during her pregnancy. At first it was bothersome as Mr. Carson took to telephoning them more frequently than they enjoyed. They had relished in their privacy as soon as they moved into the cottage together, and away from everyone at the house. But now Anna was thankful for the telephone because now, without John, the cottage felt too far away from everyone.

Anna made her way back to the cottage quickly. She hadn't been home during the few days since John had left for London. Part of her desperately hoped she would find John waiting for her, as though nothing had happened. But once inside their cottage, the reality of the cold and quiet home, bereft of his warmth and loving presence, consumed Anna. She hurried through every room, searching for answers, desperate for comfort, hearing only her own echo as she ran. Finally, upon entering their bedroom, she fell to her knees and sobbed. Where was he? What could be going on? For the first time since John left, she allowed herself to consider the worst. What if she never saw him again?

Anna pulled herself from the floor and fell into their bed. Hugging John's pillow, she breathed in the wonderful scent of her husband. Anna felt hollow regret for the many months she had suffered silently while he remained loyal and constant. John never pushed her to talk or caused additional angst during the many months after her miscarriage. On the contrary, he was steadfast in his patience and love for her. Many days, her only solace was his presence. She was beside herself now, worrying and thinking only of him. She needed him and would do anything to find him. Why were they not going to London to look for John and Lord Grantham? Anna flew up out of the bed. Why was she resting? She had to find her husband. She was going to London if she had to do it alone.

With a renewed determination, Anna packed some of her things, changed clothes and started down the stairs when the phone rang. She dropped her bag and ran to answer.

"Hello?"

"Anna? Its Tom. Mr. Adler is on his way to the cottage, he just learned of some helpful details from Lady Grantham. Gather your things to travel to London tonight.

"Yes! Why on earth we aren't already there...who all is going?"

"Mary isn't going. She is afraid to leave George behind and he's fighting a fever today. She will stay with him and Sybil. I will go with you instead."

"Thank you Mr. Branson. I will be ready when Mr. Adler arrives."

As soon as she hung up the phone, there was a knock on the door. Anna opened the door to find Erich already there to gather her up.

"Mr. Adler."

"Did Tom alert you to our plans?"

"He did. I am already prepared to go to London."

"Yes. It would appear that way. Were you planning to go without us?"

"I am prepared to do whatever it takes to find my husband Mr. Adler, even if that means doing it alone."

Erich looked at her with a slight admiration in his gaze. "I believe you would Anna. Mr. Bates is a lucky man. But lucky for you...I won't let you do this alone. Give me your things, we're leaving."