Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine
Chapter 5
Roxton and Marguerite get Greta back, Challenger realizes that the murderer followed them from London.
Roxton paced beside the park bench that Marguerite calmly sat on. She clutched the duffle bag full of money. Roxton stopped to look down at her.
'Don't you think it's risky, keeping that kind of money around the estate?' he asked her.
Marguerite sighed. 'I'm not in the mood to be lectured to.'
Roxton clasped his hands together. 'Why is it that when I give you well-meaning advice, you take it as some sort of lecture?'
Marguerite stood up. Her eyes flashed! 'And why is it that you bring up things of little importance at times like this! What does it matter? At least I had the money on hand.'
She sat back down again. Roxton sat down next to her in the space beside her.
'While we wait for this Barnaby character, I think we should have a talk.'
Marguerite rested her chin down against the duffle.
'Really John, this is not the time.'
Roxton looked around. He saw no sign of anything. He then focused in on Marguerite again.
'Was my story so terrible? The one in which I became your long-lost husband?'
Marguerite lifted her head and looked at him. She smiled tiredly.
'No, John. It was cute.'
'Cute?'
'John, you, Veronica and the others, think that this whole thing is one big joke, don't you?'
Roxton peered at her. 'If you're referring to that silly story you told about my being dead, yes. But I tried not to blow your cover, Marguerite. I do understand on some level what you have built for yourself here.'
'Do you? We both know what society is like. I did what I did for Greta, not to cover my embarrassment over having her out of wedlock. I don't want her to be embarrassed or ashamed of me...or you.'
'And you think I do?'
'No, not intentionally.'
'Marguerite!'
'John, Elizabeth Thomas clearly doesn't know who you are. But many people around here are well traveled. They'll remember that Lord John Roxton was never killed by savages but was lost on a plateau....with me. That and this trouble that Challenger and you are in...the people that don't recognize your name already, will know it soon enough if we don't clear your names. I just believe you weren't thinking.'
Roxton was at a loss for words. And to hear her tell him that 'he wasn't thinking' was like the pot calling the kettle black!
But, he kept a civil tone. 'Marguerite, your story isn't going to hold up because I'm not going to play this role for long.'
Marguerite stared at him. 'What are you talking about?'
'The fact that you told people around here that your husband was dead, meant that you had no faith in me. You didn't think I'd come for you once Emma died, did you? So, you set it up so that no one would ever know me, including my own child.'
Marguerite looked away. She didn't want to talk about this now.
'I would appreciate it if you would look at me when I'm talking to you.'
Marguerite looked at him again.
'I have my daughter's interests in mind as well, and in case you don't believe that, I plan to ask Mrs. Thomas to throw a welcome home party for me. People will get used to seeing me and then...'
Marguerite jumped up! 'John! That does not solve the real problem! We are not married! You were never my husband! I won't live with you like you really are, when you're not!'
Marguerite stopped talking suddenly, looking behind Roxton. Roxton stood up and turned around as well.
A woman came out of the darkness. She was carrying Greta. Marguerite sucked in her breath. Roxton looked over at her.
'What? Do you know her?'
All Marguerite could do was nod. It was Beatrice Krux, Barnaby's wife. She had left Barnaby, hadn't she?
Beatrice approached them, holding Greta, who looked as if she had just been on a holiday or something! She grinned at Marguerite. Marguerite dropped the duffle bag and reached her arms out.
'Give me my baby, Beatrice! I should've known you were in on this too!'
'How could you have known? You were too busy giving birth to children out of wedlock! Barnaby never even thought your real name was Marguerite!'
But, Beatrice handed Greta over to her. Marguerite glared at Beatrice. Roxton was staring at Greta. The baby was staring at him as well.
'She's a good baby, Marguerite. She deserves better than you.' Beatrice said quietly. She then locked eyes with Roxton.
'Lord John Roxton. I had heard you were the poor unfortunate that became ensnared in her trap.'
Marguerite calmly handed Greta over to Roxton. Roxton held his daughter for the first time. She smiled at him. Roxton felt his heart soar. Marguerite noticed none of this. She reached inside her small pocket book and pulled out a pistol! Roxton looked over at her, pulling Greta closer to him.
'What the hell are you doing?! Roxton hissed at her.
She cast him a sideways glance. 'Shut-up! We're going to handle things my way!'
Marguerite looked back at Beatrice.
'Where is that miserable excuse for a husband of yours? Too cowardly to come here himself, hey? Well, you tell him if it hadn't been me, Harry would've found some other reason to disinherit him!'
Beatrice didn't even look remotely frightened. 'He's dead. The wound was too deep. He lost so much blood....'
Beatrice then put her face in her hands and began to cry. Marguerite lowered her pistol, and put it back in her handbag, then picked up the duffle bag. She smiled at Greta, then looked at Roxton.
'Let's go.' she said.
Roxton looked at Beatrice. He then looked at Marguerite.
'Take the baby.'
Marguerite looked puzzled, but handed him the duffle bag for Greta. Greta really did look healthy. She snuck a glance over at Beatrice. She supposed the woman did a good job in caring for her daughter.
Roxton walked over to Beatrice, bag in hand.
'Take the money and go.'
'What?!' Marguerite screeched. The sound caused Greta to become fussy. Marguerite looked at her.
'No, no precious. I wasn't yelling at you. Your father is about to do something very stupid.'
Marguerite then became quiet. She looked from Greta to Roxton. He was looking at her as well. They both recognized what she had just said, was an acknowledgment to Greta that Roxton was her father. Though Greta would never remember it, neither Roxton, nor Marguerite, would never forget it.
Roxton turned from Marguerite and Greta, to Beatrice, who was wiping her nose with her hand. He wasn't about to offer her a handkerchief. She had helped abduct his child.
'You're....you're giving me the money?'
'Roxton!' Marguerite yelled softly, as to not upset Greta.
Roxton ignored her. 'Your methods were reprehensible, and by rights, we should phone up the police right now.'
Beatrice only nodded.
'But, Barnaby was wronged.'
Marguerite rolled her eyes. Greta looked at her. Marguerite whispered to her.
'Barnaby was a creep!'
'Take it and don't ever come around my family again, do we understand one another?'
Beatrice wiped her nose with her hand again. Roxton handed her the duffle. Beatrice opened it, her mouth dropping open. She then latched it closed again. She then glared at Marguerite, before turning and leaving the park, in the direction from which she came.
Roxton watched her for a brief moment, before returning to Marguerite and Greta.
'Generous with my money, weren't you?' Marguerite asked.
Roxton held out his arms. Marguerite handed Greta over to him. Greta smiled at him again. Marguerite could tell that her daughter liked her father.
Roxton began rubbing Greta's back. 'You said yourself that you lied about Barnaby. We don't need bitter ex-relatives showing up on our doorstep every couple of months.'
'I don't have that many enemies, John.'
'In any case, I have a feeling about Beatrice. She just got pulled in to whatever her husband was up to. We won't hear from her again. I can't believe you were really going to kill her.'
'Not her, John. I just didn't believe that slimy Barnaby was nowhere around. I'll thank Finn for killing him when we get home.'
Roxton looked at Greta. He began talking babytalk to her. 'That's not very nice talk for a lady to hear. Lady Greta Roxton...Lady Roxton...'
Marguerite began walking. Roxton began to talk to his daughter again, though his eyes were on Marguerite.
'I wonder when your mother will learn to be a good, dutiful wife.'
Marguerite stopped. 'I know what you're doing and I want you to stop it now.'
'What?' Roxton asked innocently, looking from Greta to Marguerite.
Marguerite stared at the two of them. They were the mirror image of one another. It was sweet to see on the surface, but the reality was heartbreaking. Greta would never be seen as John's legitimate heir!
But, Marguerite refused to think about that right now. Greta looked so content in her father's arms. Marguerite smiled softly. She knew the feeling.
For his part, Roxton wondered if he would ever really know what Marguerite was thinking. Her expression just now had been one of contentment, if only for a brief moment.
'We can make this work, Marguerite. Don't shut me out. We will be married. Just say when.'
Marguerite looked from Greta to Roxton.
'Let's worry about this ape creature you're being framed by. Then we'll worry about the other things later.'
Roxton was about to say something more, when Marguerite linked her arm with his free one. Greta was being held by his other arm. Together, they headed back to her automobile.
****
Ned opened the door and ran out to meet a wild eyed Finn. Challenger and Veronica followed. Jessi stayed in the doorway.
'What is it?!' Ned asked. He was carrying a pistol. Finn clung to him briefly, before letting him go. Her eyes locked with Veronica's. They were so trusting. She would be so hurt if she ever knew, Finn thought.
'Finn?! Where is Jack?' Ned asked her sharply.
Finn pulled herself together. 'He's dead...at least I think he is! Some creature...an ape...mauled him. It's over there!' She pointed off in the distance.
Ned, Challenger and Veronica looked at one another. Finn eyed them. What was that that Jack had said? Something about Challenger and Roxton being wanted in London for 'animal murders'?
'Either you all don't believe me, or you do! I just said some ape thing killed Jack! What's going on here?!'
Veronica walked over to her and put an arm around her.
'Go back inside and stay with Jessi. We'll see to Jack.'
'Vee! I have a right to know what's going on here! And why are you here, Challenger? Vee and Ned's wedding isn't for a couple of months!'
'Go back inside with Jessi, child!' Challenger barked, easing off into the darkness with Malone. Veronica gave her a gentle shove back towards the house.
'You're not coming?' Finn asked.
'I'm going with the men. I'll be right back. See to Jessi. I think all that screaming really unnerved her.'
Finn watched as Veronica slipped off into the darkness as well. Was this ape creature the same one from London? How could that be?
Finn turned and walked back up to the house. Jessi was standing in the doorway. She hugged Finn for a moment, then set her away from her.
'Are you alright?' she asked.
'Yeah, I guess. Why wouldn't I be. I just saw Jack get killed by some sort of thing out there.'
Jessi pulled her into the drawing room. She then sat the girl down on a sofa.
'I can go and find the kitchen. I'll get you some hot drink, something to soothe your nerves?'
Finn stood up. 'Actually, what would help, is if you told me why Challenger, Roxton and you are really here?'
Jessi smiled at her. 'Well, I'll tell you what: I'll tell you why we're here, if you answer a question I have for you?'
Finn didn't like the sound of that deal. For she had overheard Challenger and Jessi talking about her, when they thought she had been asleep. The question would probably be about Malone.
Finn sat back down again. 'Are you here because of that creature out there? Did it follow you here?'
Jessi rubbed her hands together nervously. 'Yes, and I hope not. Did you get a good look at what it was?'
'It was some sort of ape.'
Jessi closed her eyes briefly and swallowed. Now Finn wondered if she should get her a drink!
'I was right!' Finn exclaimed. 'But I don't understand what an ape killer would have to do with Challenger or Roxton?'
Jessi opened her eyes again. 'I think I'll see what's keeping them.'
Finn touched her arm. 'Challenger would not want you out there. Even if the creature is gone, he would not want you to see the carnage that's been left behind.'
Jessi nodded. Her eyes then strayed to the wide open front door. Finn noted this, and walked over and closed it. Jessi nodded again and sat down. Finn walked back into the room and sat down beside her.
'Okay, a deal is a deal. What did you want to ask me?'
Jessi peered at her. Now was not the time to bring that sort of nonsense up. Besides, the poor dear's friend had been killed. But, there had been something in their behavior before they left this house, something that told her that Finn was being coerced into leaving with Jack.
She had hoped from the wagging tongues around here, that maybe she had been mistaken about Finn's affection for Ned. That this Jack person, was someone Finn had grown to care for.
But the child was barely shedding a tear over this man's death. It made Jessi wonder.
Jessi patted Finn's hand. 'Now is not the time, dear. Oh, I hope everyone's alright!'
Finn squeezed Jessi's hand. 'Don't worry about a thing. If that monster tries to break in here, I'll kill it with my crossbow. I still have it, you know.'
Jessi's other hand flew to her throat. But she covered her surprise.
'I'm sure you do, dear.'
****
Challenger had seen more human remains left behind by raptors, than what this creature had left of Jack Farrell. Veronica covered her mouth. She was pretty sure she recognized what was left of his hair. Ned put an arm around her.
'Are you alright?' he asked.
Veronica took her hand away from her mouth and looked at him.
'How can I be alright? I mean, I disliked him intensely, but I would've never wished this on him...or anyone! My God! There's no way a human did this! How can they think that you or Roxton did this?'
Veronica had directed her question to Challenger, who was kneeling down, examining the remains. He looked up at her.
'I'm sorry. What did you say?'
Ned answered. 'Honey, remember, there's a theory that either Challenger or Roxton is this ape creature!'
'Oh please!' she turned away, scanning the grounds. She saw nothing. But then again, Finn and Jack probably saw nothing as well.
Ned kneeled down. 'The police will have to be called. We'll have to find another place to hide you.'
Challenger nodded and stood up. 'One this gets out, it will make Roxton and I look even more guilty.'
Veronica joined them. 'No one knows you're here. It will be fine. This estate is huge! We'll just hide you somewhere on the grounds.'
Ned shook his head. 'Veronica, Mrs. Thomas knows that Roxton, Challenger and Jessi are here.'
Challenger rubbed his jaw. 'Yes. And I'm sure Scotland Yard is this close to catching up with us. Once they pool their resources with the police here, they'll figure out where we are.'
Veronica shook her head. 'There's another problem as well.'
Ned and Challenger looked at her questioningly.
'This blows Roxton and Marguerite's cover wide open. Mrs. Thomas has probably spread the fact that Marguerite's thought to be dead husband is home. Once this gets out, everyone will know that Roxton was married to someone else, not dead. And his being an accused murderer...I feel so badly for both of them.'
Ned walked over to her and pulled her into his arms.
'We'll do what we have to do to help them...and Jessi and you, Challenger.'
Ned had looked back at Challenger, who was kneeling over Jack's body again. Ned and Veronica looked at one another.
'What is it?' Veronica asked. She knew Challenger well enough to know when something was bothering him.
He had picked up a piece of white cloth.
'This could be part of Jack's shirt, but....it looks like a piece of woman's clothing.'
Ned and Veronica had no time to ponder that. Marguerite's automobile drove up the lane, next to the lawn they were on. It stopped, when the headlights hit the group. Roxton, who had been driving, got out. He looked back at Marguerite.
'Go inside with the baby, now!'
Marguerite got out of the automobile with Greta. She peered over, but could not see much in the dark. Roxton hurried over to them.
'I see we have our girl back.' Ned said.
Roxton nodded, surveying the carnage. 'What the hell happened?!'
'Jack Farrell and Finn were out here talking or something. Finn barely escaped with her life.' Challenger explained.
'But this poor chap did not.' Roxton assumed correctly. 'What happened?'
'Finn says it was an ape creature. John, we cannot stay here.' Challenger said.
Roxton nodded again. 'That thing has followed us here. Marguerite, Greta, all of you are in danger. I feared this.'
Veronica shook her head. 'We've been in tight spots before. We can fight this. You don't have to go anywhere!'
'This thing wants us, Veronica.' Challenger explained. 'It won't stop until it's killed anything and everyone in it's way.'
'Let's just see what Marguerite thinks, okay?' Veronica asked.
'There's nothing for her to think,' Roxton answered. 'We just got our child back. I will not endanger her or anyone else around here with my presence.'
'I'll find another place for you.' Ned said quickly. But Veronica continued to shake her head.
'I think you underestimate Marguerite's strength and determination. Besides, there is no way in the hell any of us would let that creature get Greta. Let's see what she thinks.'
Roxton looked at Challenger, who just shrugged. Roxton did not want to leave Marguerite or Greta again. But the thought of this thing doing something like this to them...he felt his throat close up. But he nodded his assent to Veronica. Challenger walked over to Roxton.
'We need to find out the identities of that man and woman the creature killed in London.'
Roxton looked at him and nodded again. Challenger walked back over to what was left of Jack, and picked up the white cloth and put it in his pocket. He then walked with Roxton, Veronica and Ned back up to the house to call the authorities, and tell Marguerite the news.
Chapter 5
Roxton and Marguerite get Greta back, Challenger realizes that the murderer followed them from London.
Roxton paced beside the park bench that Marguerite calmly sat on. She clutched the duffle bag full of money. Roxton stopped to look down at her.
'Don't you think it's risky, keeping that kind of money around the estate?' he asked her.
Marguerite sighed. 'I'm not in the mood to be lectured to.'
Roxton clasped his hands together. 'Why is it that when I give you well-meaning advice, you take it as some sort of lecture?'
Marguerite stood up. Her eyes flashed! 'And why is it that you bring up things of little importance at times like this! What does it matter? At least I had the money on hand.'
She sat back down again. Roxton sat down next to her in the space beside her.
'While we wait for this Barnaby character, I think we should have a talk.'
Marguerite rested her chin down against the duffle.
'Really John, this is not the time.'
Roxton looked around. He saw no sign of anything. He then focused in on Marguerite again.
'Was my story so terrible? The one in which I became your long-lost husband?'
Marguerite lifted her head and looked at him. She smiled tiredly.
'No, John. It was cute.'
'Cute?'
'John, you, Veronica and the others, think that this whole thing is one big joke, don't you?'
Roxton peered at her. 'If you're referring to that silly story you told about my being dead, yes. But I tried not to blow your cover, Marguerite. I do understand on some level what you have built for yourself here.'
'Do you? We both know what society is like. I did what I did for Greta, not to cover my embarrassment over having her out of wedlock. I don't want her to be embarrassed or ashamed of me...or you.'
'And you think I do?'
'No, not intentionally.'
'Marguerite!'
'John, Elizabeth Thomas clearly doesn't know who you are. But many people around here are well traveled. They'll remember that Lord John Roxton was never killed by savages but was lost on a plateau....with me. That and this trouble that Challenger and you are in...the people that don't recognize your name already, will know it soon enough if we don't clear your names. I just believe you weren't thinking.'
Roxton was at a loss for words. And to hear her tell him that 'he wasn't thinking' was like the pot calling the kettle black!
But, he kept a civil tone. 'Marguerite, your story isn't going to hold up because I'm not going to play this role for long.'
Marguerite stared at him. 'What are you talking about?'
'The fact that you told people around here that your husband was dead, meant that you had no faith in me. You didn't think I'd come for you once Emma died, did you? So, you set it up so that no one would ever know me, including my own child.'
Marguerite looked away. She didn't want to talk about this now.
'I would appreciate it if you would look at me when I'm talking to you.'
Marguerite looked at him again.
'I have my daughter's interests in mind as well, and in case you don't believe that, I plan to ask Mrs. Thomas to throw a welcome home party for me. People will get used to seeing me and then...'
Marguerite jumped up! 'John! That does not solve the real problem! We are not married! You were never my husband! I won't live with you like you really are, when you're not!'
Marguerite stopped talking suddenly, looking behind Roxton. Roxton stood up and turned around as well.
A woman came out of the darkness. She was carrying Greta. Marguerite sucked in her breath. Roxton looked over at her.
'What? Do you know her?'
All Marguerite could do was nod. It was Beatrice Krux, Barnaby's wife. She had left Barnaby, hadn't she?
Beatrice approached them, holding Greta, who looked as if she had just been on a holiday or something! She grinned at Marguerite. Marguerite dropped the duffle bag and reached her arms out.
'Give me my baby, Beatrice! I should've known you were in on this too!'
'How could you have known? You were too busy giving birth to children out of wedlock! Barnaby never even thought your real name was Marguerite!'
But, Beatrice handed Greta over to her. Marguerite glared at Beatrice. Roxton was staring at Greta. The baby was staring at him as well.
'She's a good baby, Marguerite. She deserves better than you.' Beatrice said quietly. She then locked eyes with Roxton.
'Lord John Roxton. I had heard you were the poor unfortunate that became ensnared in her trap.'
Marguerite calmly handed Greta over to Roxton. Roxton held his daughter for the first time. She smiled at him. Roxton felt his heart soar. Marguerite noticed none of this. She reached inside her small pocket book and pulled out a pistol! Roxton looked over at her, pulling Greta closer to him.
'What the hell are you doing?! Roxton hissed at her.
She cast him a sideways glance. 'Shut-up! We're going to handle things my way!'
Marguerite looked back at Beatrice.
'Where is that miserable excuse for a husband of yours? Too cowardly to come here himself, hey? Well, you tell him if it hadn't been me, Harry would've found some other reason to disinherit him!'
Beatrice didn't even look remotely frightened. 'He's dead. The wound was too deep. He lost so much blood....'
Beatrice then put her face in her hands and began to cry. Marguerite lowered her pistol, and put it back in her handbag, then picked up the duffle bag. She smiled at Greta, then looked at Roxton.
'Let's go.' she said.
Roxton looked at Beatrice. He then looked at Marguerite.
'Take the baby.'
Marguerite looked puzzled, but handed him the duffle bag for Greta. Greta really did look healthy. She snuck a glance over at Beatrice. She supposed the woman did a good job in caring for her daughter.
Roxton walked over to Beatrice, bag in hand.
'Take the money and go.'
'What?!' Marguerite screeched. The sound caused Greta to become fussy. Marguerite looked at her.
'No, no precious. I wasn't yelling at you. Your father is about to do something very stupid.'
Marguerite then became quiet. She looked from Greta to Roxton. He was looking at her as well. They both recognized what she had just said, was an acknowledgment to Greta that Roxton was her father. Though Greta would never remember it, neither Roxton, nor Marguerite, would never forget it.
Roxton turned from Marguerite and Greta, to Beatrice, who was wiping her nose with her hand. He wasn't about to offer her a handkerchief. She had helped abduct his child.
'You're....you're giving me the money?'
'Roxton!' Marguerite yelled softly, as to not upset Greta.
Roxton ignored her. 'Your methods were reprehensible, and by rights, we should phone up the police right now.'
Beatrice only nodded.
'But, Barnaby was wronged.'
Marguerite rolled her eyes. Greta looked at her. Marguerite whispered to her.
'Barnaby was a creep!'
'Take it and don't ever come around my family again, do we understand one another?'
Beatrice wiped her nose with her hand again. Roxton handed her the duffle. Beatrice opened it, her mouth dropping open. She then latched it closed again. She then glared at Marguerite, before turning and leaving the park, in the direction from which she came.
Roxton watched her for a brief moment, before returning to Marguerite and Greta.
'Generous with my money, weren't you?' Marguerite asked.
Roxton held out his arms. Marguerite handed Greta over to him. Greta smiled at him again. Marguerite could tell that her daughter liked her father.
Roxton began rubbing Greta's back. 'You said yourself that you lied about Barnaby. We don't need bitter ex-relatives showing up on our doorstep every couple of months.'
'I don't have that many enemies, John.'
'In any case, I have a feeling about Beatrice. She just got pulled in to whatever her husband was up to. We won't hear from her again. I can't believe you were really going to kill her.'
'Not her, John. I just didn't believe that slimy Barnaby was nowhere around. I'll thank Finn for killing him when we get home.'
Roxton looked at Greta. He began talking babytalk to her. 'That's not very nice talk for a lady to hear. Lady Greta Roxton...Lady Roxton...'
Marguerite began walking. Roxton began to talk to his daughter again, though his eyes were on Marguerite.
'I wonder when your mother will learn to be a good, dutiful wife.'
Marguerite stopped. 'I know what you're doing and I want you to stop it now.'
'What?' Roxton asked innocently, looking from Greta to Marguerite.
Marguerite stared at the two of them. They were the mirror image of one another. It was sweet to see on the surface, but the reality was heartbreaking. Greta would never be seen as John's legitimate heir!
But, Marguerite refused to think about that right now. Greta looked so content in her father's arms. Marguerite smiled softly. She knew the feeling.
For his part, Roxton wondered if he would ever really know what Marguerite was thinking. Her expression just now had been one of contentment, if only for a brief moment.
'We can make this work, Marguerite. Don't shut me out. We will be married. Just say when.'
Marguerite looked from Greta to Roxton.
'Let's worry about this ape creature you're being framed by. Then we'll worry about the other things later.'
Roxton was about to say something more, when Marguerite linked her arm with his free one. Greta was being held by his other arm. Together, they headed back to her automobile.
****
Ned opened the door and ran out to meet a wild eyed Finn. Challenger and Veronica followed. Jessi stayed in the doorway.
'What is it?!' Ned asked. He was carrying a pistol. Finn clung to him briefly, before letting him go. Her eyes locked with Veronica's. They were so trusting. She would be so hurt if she ever knew, Finn thought.
'Finn?! Where is Jack?' Ned asked her sharply.
Finn pulled herself together. 'He's dead...at least I think he is! Some creature...an ape...mauled him. It's over there!' She pointed off in the distance.
Ned, Challenger and Veronica looked at one another. Finn eyed them. What was that that Jack had said? Something about Challenger and Roxton being wanted in London for 'animal murders'?
'Either you all don't believe me, or you do! I just said some ape thing killed Jack! What's going on here?!'
Veronica walked over to her and put an arm around her.
'Go back inside and stay with Jessi. We'll see to Jack.'
'Vee! I have a right to know what's going on here! And why are you here, Challenger? Vee and Ned's wedding isn't for a couple of months!'
'Go back inside with Jessi, child!' Challenger barked, easing off into the darkness with Malone. Veronica gave her a gentle shove back towards the house.
'You're not coming?' Finn asked.
'I'm going with the men. I'll be right back. See to Jessi. I think all that screaming really unnerved her.'
Finn watched as Veronica slipped off into the darkness as well. Was this ape creature the same one from London? How could that be?
Finn turned and walked back up to the house. Jessi was standing in the doorway. She hugged Finn for a moment, then set her away from her.
'Are you alright?' she asked.
'Yeah, I guess. Why wouldn't I be. I just saw Jack get killed by some sort of thing out there.'
Jessi pulled her into the drawing room. She then sat the girl down on a sofa.
'I can go and find the kitchen. I'll get you some hot drink, something to soothe your nerves?'
Finn stood up. 'Actually, what would help, is if you told me why Challenger, Roxton and you are really here?'
Jessi smiled at her. 'Well, I'll tell you what: I'll tell you why we're here, if you answer a question I have for you?'
Finn didn't like the sound of that deal. For she had overheard Challenger and Jessi talking about her, when they thought she had been asleep. The question would probably be about Malone.
Finn sat back down again. 'Are you here because of that creature out there? Did it follow you here?'
Jessi rubbed her hands together nervously. 'Yes, and I hope not. Did you get a good look at what it was?'
'It was some sort of ape.'
Jessi closed her eyes briefly and swallowed. Now Finn wondered if she should get her a drink!
'I was right!' Finn exclaimed. 'But I don't understand what an ape killer would have to do with Challenger or Roxton?'
Jessi opened her eyes again. 'I think I'll see what's keeping them.'
Finn touched her arm. 'Challenger would not want you out there. Even if the creature is gone, he would not want you to see the carnage that's been left behind.'
Jessi nodded. Her eyes then strayed to the wide open front door. Finn noted this, and walked over and closed it. Jessi nodded again and sat down. Finn walked back into the room and sat down beside her.
'Okay, a deal is a deal. What did you want to ask me?'
Jessi peered at her. Now was not the time to bring that sort of nonsense up. Besides, the poor dear's friend had been killed. But, there had been something in their behavior before they left this house, something that told her that Finn was being coerced into leaving with Jack.
She had hoped from the wagging tongues around here, that maybe she had been mistaken about Finn's affection for Ned. That this Jack person, was someone Finn had grown to care for.
But the child was barely shedding a tear over this man's death. It made Jessi wonder.
Jessi patted Finn's hand. 'Now is not the time, dear. Oh, I hope everyone's alright!'
Finn squeezed Jessi's hand. 'Don't worry about a thing. If that monster tries to break in here, I'll kill it with my crossbow. I still have it, you know.'
Jessi's other hand flew to her throat. But she covered her surprise.
'I'm sure you do, dear.'
****
Challenger had seen more human remains left behind by raptors, than what this creature had left of Jack Farrell. Veronica covered her mouth. She was pretty sure she recognized what was left of his hair. Ned put an arm around her.
'Are you alright?' he asked.
Veronica took her hand away from her mouth and looked at him.
'How can I be alright? I mean, I disliked him intensely, but I would've never wished this on him...or anyone! My God! There's no way a human did this! How can they think that you or Roxton did this?'
Veronica had directed her question to Challenger, who was kneeling down, examining the remains. He looked up at her.
'I'm sorry. What did you say?'
Ned answered. 'Honey, remember, there's a theory that either Challenger or Roxton is this ape creature!'
'Oh please!' she turned away, scanning the grounds. She saw nothing. But then again, Finn and Jack probably saw nothing as well.
Ned kneeled down. 'The police will have to be called. We'll have to find another place to hide you.'
Challenger nodded and stood up. 'One this gets out, it will make Roxton and I look even more guilty.'
Veronica joined them. 'No one knows you're here. It will be fine. This estate is huge! We'll just hide you somewhere on the grounds.'
Ned shook his head. 'Veronica, Mrs. Thomas knows that Roxton, Challenger and Jessi are here.'
Challenger rubbed his jaw. 'Yes. And I'm sure Scotland Yard is this close to catching up with us. Once they pool their resources with the police here, they'll figure out where we are.'
Veronica shook her head. 'There's another problem as well.'
Ned and Challenger looked at her questioningly.
'This blows Roxton and Marguerite's cover wide open. Mrs. Thomas has probably spread the fact that Marguerite's thought to be dead husband is home. Once this gets out, everyone will know that Roxton was married to someone else, not dead. And his being an accused murderer...I feel so badly for both of them.'
Ned walked over to her and pulled her into his arms.
'We'll do what we have to do to help them...and Jessi and you, Challenger.'
Ned had looked back at Challenger, who was kneeling over Jack's body again. Ned and Veronica looked at one another.
'What is it?' Veronica asked. She knew Challenger well enough to know when something was bothering him.
He had picked up a piece of white cloth.
'This could be part of Jack's shirt, but....it looks like a piece of woman's clothing.'
Ned and Veronica had no time to ponder that. Marguerite's automobile drove up the lane, next to the lawn they were on. It stopped, when the headlights hit the group. Roxton, who had been driving, got out. He looked back at Marguerite.
'Go inside with the baby, now!'
Marguerite got out of the automobile with Greta. She peered over, but could not see much in the dark. Roxton hurried over to them.
'I see we have our girl back.' Ned said.
Roxton nodded, surveying the carnage. 'What the hell happened?!'
'Jack Farrell and Finn were out here talking or something. Finn barely escaped with her life.' Challenger explained.
'But this poor chap did not.' Roxton assumed correctly. 'What happened?'
'Finn says it was an ape creature. John, we cannot stay here.' Challenger said.
Roxton nodded again. 'That thing has followed us here. Marguerite, Greta, all of you are in danger. I feared this.'
Veronica shook her head. 'We've been in tight spots before. We can fight this. You don't have to go anywhere!'
'This thing wants us, Veronica.' Challenger explained. 'It won't stop until it's killed anything and everyone in it's way.'
'Let's just see what Marguerite thinks, okay?' Veronica asked.
'There's nothing for her to think,' Roxton answered. 'We just got our child back. I will not endanger her or anyone else around here with my presence.'
'I'll find another place for you.' Ned said quickly. But Veronica continued to shake her head.
'I think you underestimate Marguerite's strength and determination. Besides, there is no way in the hell any of us would let that creature get Greta. Let's see what she thinks.'
Roxton looked at Challenger, who just shrugged. Roxton did not want to leave Marguerite or Greta again. But the thought of this thing doing something like this to them...he felt his throat close up. But he nodded his assent to Veronica. Challenger walked over to Roxton.
'We need to find out the identities of that man and woman the creature killed in London.'
Roxton looked at him and nodded again. Challenger walked back over to what was left of Jack, and picked up the white cloth and put it in his pocket. He then walked with Roxton, Veronica and Ned back up to the house to call the authorities, and tell Marguerite the news.
