Begin!

~Beatrice's POV

Time had passed since Karrie told me about Ernest, and in turn I told her about Gregor. Both our family names would be tainted by these men but we had to stay strong. We had to ensure others that we were not like them. But other than that, things have been running smoothly. Sammie had her baby a couple months ago and we had both gotten to be there for her. Beautiful little girl, looks just like her mom; wonder if she'll inherit the eyesight.

Bertie and I were set and ready for the ball this weekend. I was hopeful that this would be a good night at first but after hearing about Ernest turning to the wrong side I was suddenly feeling an odd sense of foreboding. A very similar sense to the one I felt that night at the opera house months ago. I think Bertie could tell I was on edge. I had even bought a costume with real working dragonfly wings just in case I needed to get away quickly. (Don't ask where I found it.)

"Bea, you know, we don't have to go to the party."

"I know that, but what if Olaf knows I'm going? What if he's planned for me to be there? And if I'm not there he could take it out on someone else at the party? The only family that isn't attending is the Widdershins cause Sammie has Fiona to care for now."

Bertie ran a hand through his untidy hair thinking about this possibility. I can't help thinking he's always cute when he does that.

"If you're really sure something could go down, call Lemony. He said he'd be willing to help again if you needed it."

I perked up instantly, "Of course! And since it's a masked ball Lemony can come in disguise and he won't get hurt." I hugged him tight. "It's perfect!"

Bertie chuckled. "I'm happy to help. Maybe I can meet him this time? Might be nice since he's willing to help you with so many dangers."

"I'll see to it." I said, letting go of him and going over to my phone.

I pulled out the card Lemony had given me and dialed the number, hoping that someone would answer fast. Unfortunately, the answer I got was from a male voice I didn't recognize.

"Hello?"

"Uh, hi, I was trying to reach a Moxie Mallahan through this number," I said politely. "I'm an associate of her boyfriend and I need to talk to her."

"I'm her father," He replied, "Moxie's been out with Lemony all day, they're helping their friends out with some things. I don't know when she'll be home, but I'll tell her you called, miss…?"

"Beatrice Anwhistle, sir, and thank you for being understanding."

I hung up, "Well looks like we won't get the message to them as fast as we wanted."

Bertie looked thoughtful again. "Do you remember how to get to Stain'd By The Sea?"

"Train is the fastest method I'm told, but I don't know if it's heading out soon. Why?"

"Simple we go find them ourselves and ask, I'll come with you so you're not traveling alone this time."

"That's kind of you Bertie but we could still wait for them to call back."

"Bea," He put his hands on my shoulders, gently, and looked right at me with his handsome blue eyes. "Do you really believe that your life will be in danger at the ball?"

"...Yes, and I don't know what to expect, and it scares me."

"Then seeking them out is worth it for that alone. And I'll be right there to watch your back the whole way."

I couldn't help but smile. "The whole way?"

"I'd follow you anywhere, Beatrice."

And so one train ride later had arrived in Stain'd By The Sea. It was nighttime when we got off the platform but I at least remembered my way around. I decided that they had to be home by now, it wasn't unreasonable but I hope they didn't try to call back and got worried. We first went to the lighthouse since it was the most logical place.

"Now don't worry about offending Lemony by you being here, ok Bertie? He wouldn't hurt you for any reason."

"I can believe that; you'd kick his ass…"

"You're damn right I would," I replied.

I knocked on the lighthouse door, but we got no response. Damn. They must not be home yet. There was only a porchlight on so we could see.

"Now what," Bertie asked.

I was about to reply, but the sound of a car pulling up stopped me. We turned to see that Lemony and Moxie had come home right on schedule… and they appeared to have been somewhere important based on Lemony's nice tux and Moxie's lavish dress. (Though I questioned the fact the she was still wearing her news reporter hat with it.) They didn't notice us immediately upon getting out of the car so they were talking about something else.

"You think Pip got Ornette home ok? She was completely smashed for almost half the reception," Lemony asked.

"Ah, Pip's a careful driver, besides drunk passengers comes with the taxi driver job. And I won't complain about drunk Ornette Lost, she's my spirit animal, Snicket."

Lemony chuckled. "If you say so."

"Yeah I still can't believe Kellar and Ellington are married now."

Lemony shrugged. "She's not that bad."

I saw Moxie give him a look and he quickly added, "Ugly though. Very ugly."

Moxie nodded in approval and reached into the car to get something, but I couldn't see it clearly. "Here's hoping they never have kids cause I ain't babysitting."

"They don't seem the type, you've got nothing to worry about. But they could change their minds."

Then I saw Lemony notice us as she was distracted. He quickly walked over to us.

"Bea, what- when-"

Moxie looked up at us with something in her arms and shut the car door before hurrying over. "When did you get here?"

"I'm sorry, we tried to call but you weren't home so we decided to come ask you in person," I said. "Lemony, Moxie, this is Bertrand Baudelaire, my boyfriend, and I need a final favor from you Lemony… It's about the upcoming masquerade ball."

Lemony nodded and quickly opened the door to get us out of sight. We were brought into the kitchen to talk. It took me a moment to notice that the thing Moxie had been carrying was a lovely red rose bouquet, I had already seen that they had been talking about attending a wedding but wow. It made me feel happy for them. Moxie seemed to notice this and quickly set the flowers aside on a counter; I swear I saw her blushing.

"Alright, what's going on," Lemony asked

"Is it safe to talk in front of her," Bertrand asked, glancing at Moxie.

"Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of Moxie. We'll keep it off the record, right?"

Moxie sighed, "Only because I'm in a good mood tonight…"

I quickly explained what had been uncovered about Ernest and my worries about Olaf planning something for the ball.

"I have other precautions but I need outside help again," I pleaded.

"Ernest turned on his brothers?"

"He turned on all of us. The Duchess looked crushed to see another betrayal of our code," I replied.

Lemony looked thoughtful for a moment, "I have one plan. However, I also have one catch."

"What is it?"

"I promised Moxie she could come with me, if I was needed again."

Moxie smirked. "And his prime associate doesn't get left out. Win-win."

I looked at Bertrand and could tell that every instinct in his brain wanted to say "no." For all intents and purposes, Moxie was a civilian. Bringing a civilian into volunteer business is never a good idea; not to mention against multiple rules. But we had little choice. She wanted to help, and Lemony could probably vouch for her skills. And she didn't look like she was gonna take no for an answer this time. Last time I was here Lemony had to convince her to stay, I don't think he's capable of doing it a second time.

"Well what's your answer," Lemony asked.

I sighed, "Fine, but you have to stay discreet or you could get him and yourself in serious trouble."

"I'm a journalist, I can do discreet."

"I'll take your word on that. Now what's your plan Lemony?"

~End of Chapter!