Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me.
Chapter 10
The Inspector gets an eyeful. There is another murder.
Marguerite sipped her tea daintily, watching as Elizabeth Thomas held Greta, fussing with her. She briefly wondered why Elizabeth and her husband had no children. Maybe they couldn't, or maybe they had decided not to. Whatever the reason, Marguerite had to admit she was good with Greta. Elizabeth would probably make a fine mother, despite the fact that she was nosier than hell!
She glanced over at Jessi, who had just set down her tea cup. Marguerite waited until Elizabeth was out of eavesdropping range, before she spoke.
'Thank you for accompanying me, Jessi. I know how hard this whole charade has been on you.'
Jessi rubbed her hands together.
'I know that you all must think me very weak...you know...for letting it all get to me.'
Marguerite hadn't expected that response. She was almost embarrassed to answer.
'Uh, no. Jessi it was perfectly understandable that you'd be a little shaken.'
'But?' Jessi asked.
Marguerite was about to say, 'but nothing', but changed her mind.
'I guess I found myself not expecting anything to get to you, Jessi. I mean, Challenger was well known before that last expedition, as one to venture into parts unknown. I thought you would've been used to the uncertainty his work brought to your lives.'
Jessi stopped rubbing her hands. She cast an eye on Elizabeth, who was still playing with Greta over across the room.
'He never brought it into our home life, Marguerite. And we've never had enough of a home life in all of our years of marriage. At least, not enough of one to satisfy me. I just wanted some peace, before George decided that I was too boring to live with again, and went off on another expedition.'
Marguerite was stunned by the older woman's last sentence. Did Jessi really think that Challenger found her boring?
'Jessi, I know for a fact, Challenger does not feel that way about you. I think it's just when he becomes interested in the unknown, it consumes him.'
Jessi smiled softly. 'I used to think that if the two of us had just had children, a child, or a whole brood, would've given George a reason to stay. Now I regret not having them everyday.'
Marguerite knew Greta was probably a painful reminder of this for Jessi. She didn't know what to say to her.
Luckily, Elizabeth came back over with Greta, interrupting the moment. She handed Greta back to Marguerite, then sat down in a chair across from them.
'Your husband and you are so very lucky, Marguerite. She's so good and doesn't mind being handed off to just anyone. I cannot tell you how many screaming babies I've held, that you couldn't please no matter what you did, or did not do.'
Greta looked up at Marguerite, then over at Jessi. Marguerite handed Greta over to Jessi, then cleared her throat.
'Elizabeth, this is more than just a social call.'
Elizabeth held up a hand. 'Say no more! I am aware of that awful murder on your estate the previous night. Did I hear correctly, that the man was a suitor of one of the young women you have been chaperoning?'
Marguerite rubbed her face. 'Ah, yes, it appears that way. Listen, I am here to assure you that the authorities are looking into this. So, neither the neighbors, nor yourself, have anything to fear.'
Jessi smiled and nodded at Greta, then looked up at Elizabeth as well. The woman was not smiling. Jessi looked at Marguerite, who didn't appear to notice the change in Mrs. Thomas's facial expression.
Elizabeth leaned forward. 'You must have really thought I was quite the fool the other day, didn't you?'
Jessi began to feel anxious. She hung on to Greta tightly. Marguerite leaned back, competently relaxed.
'I don't know what you mean, Elizabeth.'
'That's Mrs. Thomas to you, dear. My husband just returned from London and told me all about your real background.'
'Oh?'
Elizabeth stared at Marguerite hard. 'I have heard you are unusually cool under pressure. You would have to be, to house murderous creatures in your home.'
Now Jessi was completely unnerved! She stood up, still holding on to Greta.
'Let's go, Marguerite.'
But Marguerite smiled, then leaned forward.
'What 'creatures' would you be referring to, 'Mrs. Thomas'?'
Elizabeth leaped out of her chair!
'I could've been killed the other day! I walked right into a trap!'
Now Marguerite stood up. 'Don't be ridiculous! My husband and...'
'Your husband?! Please! Don't even get me started about what decent people are saying about Lord John Roxton and yourself! I'll have you know that I have a right mind to call the authorities! After all, I am one of the few people that have seen Professor George Challenger and Lord John Roxton!'
Now Marguerite began to get angry! God! The schmoozing she did with this boring, tedious woman, just so she could get in good in the community, within society. And for what? At the time it had been for Greta, and Veronica and Finn as well. But it wasn't worth this! She rolled her eyes. Roxton had known that all along.
'We're leaving, Mrs. Thomas. And the authorities have already searched my home and found nothing. I don't know of these people that you speak of. The only persons living in my home are the Layton sisters, and my dear aunt here.'
'Aunt?! Oh please! And I just saw Lord Roxton kiss you the other day!'
'Have a good night, Mrs. Thomas.' Marguerite said sweetly, then turned, motioning for Jessi to walk on ahead. They weren't even half-way out of the room, when Mrs. Thomas's voice rang out an order.
'Stop! Stop please!'
It was the word 'please' that caused Jessi to stop first. Marguerite almost bumped into her.
'Why did you stop? Keep going, Jessi!'
'Marguerite, if there is anything we can do to buy George and the others some time, we should do it.'
Marguerite sighed, smiled at Greta, then turned around. She walked half-way towards Elizabeth and stopped.
'Alright, Mrs. Thomas. What is it now?'
Elizabeth's hands began to shake. She walked up to Marguerite.
'I'm sorry I threatened you both. But we could make a deal. One that would benefit us both.'
Marguerite looked her up and down, then looked back at Jessi. She then turned back to Elizabeth, half-laughing.
'A deal? Why would I need to make one? You said it yourself: you, with the exception of a couple of servants, were the only one to see Lord Roxton and Professor Challenger. It would be my word against yours. And believe me, I can make my word as good as gold when need be.'
Marguerite then turned her back on Elizabeth and nodded to Jessi to leave. It was at that moment, that Jessi's eyes went wide and she screamed to Marguerite.
'Look out!'
Marguerite turned back to catch a blow to the head from a statue, their 'host' had surreptitiously picked up from a nearby table, once Marguerite had turned away from her. Marguerite dropped to the floor, unconscious.
'What is the meaning of this?!!! What have you done to her?!!!' Jessi screeched, bending down, with Greta still in her arms. She reached one hand out to touch Marguerite's head.
Greta began to cry. Elizabeth reached out for the baby. Jessi jerked back and stood up.
'Why did you do that?' Jessi asked, more angry than scared. She clutched Greta, who was now screaming.
Elizabeth's hair had begun to come undone. Jessi backed away a bit. Elizabeth didn't resemble the well, put together woman, that had welcomed them into her home a few moments before....
'Where are your servants?! Jessi snapped. She realized that Elizabeth had not only answered the door, but had served them their tea!
'Gone.' Elizabeth muttered, smiling at a crying Greta. It was almost as if the child knew that the woman that had just held her, had come unhinged.
'What do you mean gone? You fired them?' Jessi asked, making small talk and looking around. Could she get away and hold on to Greta?
'Gone...gone...just like Edward.'
'Edward? Edward is your husband, right? Well, Mrs. Thomas, we'll just call him and everything will be fine.'
Elizabeth began to laugh.
'Unless you plan on having a seance, you won't be able to get much of an answer from him!'
God! Jessi thought. The woman's husband was dead, and probably the servants too! They should've stayed at home and had dinner with the ape killer!
'What is it that you want?' Jessi asked, backing out into the foyer with Greta.
Tears began to shine in Elizabeth's eyes.
'My baby. The one that I should've had...that I lost.'
Jessi felt a flicker of compassion for the woman. She, herself, had 'lost children' issues that she had long buried. But every once in awhile, they rose to the surface, like earlier with Marguerite.
'I'm sorry, dear. When did you miscarry?'
Elizabeth reached out for Greta. Jessi took another step back. Greta was still crying, but not as noisily.
'When I found out my husband died...in London...with another woman. She was some kind of newspaper heiress...and married to boot! Can you believe that! God! Edward had been carrying on with her for months! I felt so helpless! So, I got pregnant...I knew it would bring him back to me! But he didn't care. He planned to marry the whore...I doubt she would've left her husband.'
Jessi sucked in a breath. 'Was the woman's name, Gladys?'
Elizabeth's eyes left Greta's face and focused in on Jessi. She then nodded.
'Yes it was. Gladys. Gladys Whore!'
Jessi swallowed hard and looked around for an escape route.
'I know you're Professor Challenger's wife. Your husband, yourself and Lord Roxton are in so much trouble...I will help you. I won't say a thing...just give me the baby. I will raise her like my very own. She will be my own. Little Effie doesn't stand a chance with two parents involved in such a nasty scandal.'
Little Effie? Jessi thought. God! She had already re-named Greta! Her eyes strayed briefly to Marguerite's still figure on the floor. If she was going to do something, then she had to do it quickly!
Jessi widened her eyes and nodded to Marguerite's form on the floor.
'Oh my God! She's waking up!' she yelled.
Elizabeth turned quickly to see to Marguerite. Jessi ran with everything she could muster, to the front door. Elizabeth, seeing she had been duped, had turned back around and was heading towards the door. On the way out, she grabbed a letter opener from off of a nearby table.
When Jessi got the door open and ran out into the drive, she knew she would not have enough time to get to the automobile. She then decided to take a short cut...through the lawn that divided Elizabeth's property with Marguerite's. She prayed for Greta's sake, that Elizabeth had not killed Marguerite with that knock on the head. She then prayed that if Elizabeth had not killed Marguerite with that blow, the deranged woman didn't try to finish the job.
****
Finn tried to keep from gagging, as she saw Renata's knuckle hair sift through her bowl of soup! She was sure that she wasn't the only one at the dinner table, who now knew that Renata Hargrove was the ape creature.
Beatrice Krux was passed out on a couch in the drawing room. She had drank her dinner, before dinner.
Malone had not shown up yet, something Finn had tried to pretend not to notice. Vee looked like she was doing a good enough job forgetting about him. Then again, her eyes were on Renata.
Roxton pushed away his soup. Renata looked at him when he did this. Bloody hell! Either he was seeing things, or the poor girl had grown sideburns since the last time he had glanced across the table at her!
Challenger for his part, was deeply saddened. The girl was quietly transforming into an ape right before their very eyes! And worse, Renata, herself, was very casual about it, keeping up conversation as if everything was normal!
'Is everything alright, John?' Renata asked.
Roxton's eyes met Finn's briefly, before he answered.
'I'm fine. How's your soup?'
'Delicious! You don't want yours?' she asked, somewhat surprised.
'Uh...no...I've lost my appetite. I'm just so eager to hear what you've been doing with yourself since we last saw you.'
Challenger jumped in. 'That's right, dear. Tell us what you've been doing with yourself?'
Instead of answering, Renata stood up and stretched, so that she could grab Roxton's soup bowl. She then picked it up and drank from the bowl. Veronica looked at Finn. They both giggled.
Roxton scraped back his chair, excused himself and left the room. Challenger excused himself as well, smiling apologetically to Renata, who looked embarrassed.
'I'm sorry to have offended him, Uncle George. He's the last person I want to embarrass. I've just been so hungry lately.'
Challenger patted her shoulder gently.
'I'm sure you haven't offended anyone, Renata dear. I'll see where John went off to.'
Challenger scraped his chair back, giving Veronica and Finn warning looks. Veronica tried to stop smiling. This really wasn't funny and Renata really was a nice woman(with the exception of her crush on Roxton). She had to be embarrassed that this was happening to her.
Suddenly, she felt Renata's eyes on her.
'You're making fun of me, aren't you?'
Veronica suddenly felt embarrassed. She had been making fun of her in a way...this helpless looking, hairy woman, was the fearful ape creature? The one that had killed Jack, Gladys and the unknown man with her?
Finn tried to reassure her. 'Uh, no. I mean...'
'Do you think I like what's happening to me?! If I could stop it I would! But I can't! I've been taking the medicines that my father left around...I wanted to look so pretty for John tonight!'
Finn nodded her understanding, then reached under the table to caress her cross-bow. If Renata so much as snarled, that was the end of her!
****
Challenger found Roxton pacing in the drawing room. Challenger's eyes went past him and to the bookcase.
'I think now would be the time to let the Inspector out, John.'
Roxton stopped pacing and shook his head.
'She doesn't deserve this! Damn her father! He did this to her!'
'I have no doubt he did, John. But she has also killed three people. We need for the Inspector to see Renata changing into this creature.'
'We are not giving her over to that man! She needs help! Surely there must be something you can do for her, George?'
Challenger sighed. 'I can't make her my priority, John. Not anymore. I promised Jessi we would clear this mess up. Maybe later I could help, but not before clearing our names and restoring my wife's life back to normal.'
'The Inspector will kill her!'
Challenger just stared at Roxton. Roxton turned and walked back into the diningroom. Challenger then walked over to the bookcase and began to climb the ladder.
****
Malone pulled up in his automobile and parked behind one of Marguerite's. He had gotten back logged by all of his work and Jack's. He would have to make someone interim Assistant Editor.
He could tell from the quiet, that Renata had not changed into anything yet. Personally, he didn't know what to make of his fiancee's theory. He had never met the young woman, so he couldn't imagine what could've made her murder Gladys.
Malone got out of his car and began walking up towards the front door, when a cry ripped through the night. Specifically, a baby's cry.
Ned stopped suddenly, staring at Marguerite's door. That was Greta and she was not in the house! He looked to his right, then began to back away, unsure.
A figure came stumbling towards him. Ned looked around for some sort of weapon, in case it was the ape killer. But, as the figure drew near, he realized that the person was Jessi Challenger. She was clutching a screaming Greta to her bosom.
Malone ran over to her, taking Greta from her. He looked at Greta first.
'It's okay honey! It's okay! Jessi, where is Marguerite and why....'
He stopped and examined Greta's little outfit. There was blood on it! He looked from Greta, to Jessi, who then collapsed to the ground! Ned gasped! What the hell??? Had the ape creature done this??? What was wrong with Jessi???
Malone turned and ran for the house, thinking it best to get Greta to safety and then find help for Jessi.
****
Challenger climbed down off of the ladder, as the bookcase slid back. The Inspector was calmly sitting at a table. He stood up and edged out. Challenger showed him his hands.
'I am unarmed, Inspector.'
'How mighty kind of you, Professor. I take it you intend to free me?'
Challenger's expression turned hard. 'Yes, but only so you can meet the creature, face to face.'
The Inspector raised a brow. 'Yes, just like the creature was in this ghastly room you imprisoned me in! I don't know what your game is, Challenger, but if you are going to kill me, do it now and do it quickly!'
Challenger sighed impatiently. 'The ape killer is Renata Hargrove....Dr. William Hargrove's daughter.'
The Inspector squinted at him. 'Don't be ridiculous! Hargrove's daughter died years ago, something you well know!'
'Hargrove was on the plateau as well. He was performing all sorts of genetic experiments. He mated with an ape...the result produced a daughter that was half woman, half primate. Only, when we first met her, she looked like a normal, young woman. Hargrove tested something on her, something that has turned her into a monster. Don't kill her. She can't help it.'
The Inspector's mouth dropped open! 'You're not kidding, are you? Just what the bloody hell am I supposed to do when she goes wild? Catch her in net?'
'We'll help you restrain her.'
The Inspector shoved past Challenger. He began looking around.
'Where is my gun? Lord Roxton knocked it out of my hand earlier.'
'Inspector please!'
The Inspector saw the tip of his gun peeking out from under a couch. He also so a woman passed out on it. He peered at her. Was that Beatrice Krux? It had always been his impression that she was not close with Marguerite. Oh well! As he walked over to retrieve his gun from under the couch, Malone burst into the house, clutching a screaming Greta.
****
Roxton had sat back down and watched, as Renata's teeth suddenly began to look quite sharp. He couldn't stand it anymore.
'Veronica, Finn, I want you to leave the table.'
Veronica looked at Roxton as if he had lost his mind!
'I'm not leaving you alone with her!'
Renata interrupted.
'You can go. I came here to see....to see...'
Finn eyed her, before exchanging glances with Roxton and Veronica. It was almost as if Renata was losing her train of thought.
Renata suddenly scooted out of her chair, and almost skipped around the table towards Roxton. She then offered him a hairy hand.
'Let's dance, Lord Roxton. Please. I want to show you how much I've improved.'
Before Roxton could think of any words of rejection, Malone burst into the house, carrying Greta. Roxton jumped up, shoving Renata aside. She growled, falling back against a wall. Veronica eased out of her chair, then ran to Ned as well. Finn stood, pulling out from underneath the table, her crossbow. She pointed it at Renata. Renata's eyes were on the scene in the hallway.
Roxton grabbed Greta from Malone, seeing the blood.
'What the hell happened, Malone?! Where is Marguerite and Jessi?!' Roxton demanded, pulling Greta close to him and kissing her head. But she would not stop squalling.
Challenger and the Inspector rushed forward. Challenger grabbed Malone's arm.
'Ned, the child was with Jessi and Marguerite. Where are they?'
Ned licked his lips. 'Jessi is outside...she's hurt, Challenger, badly, I...'
Challenger shoved him aside and ran out of the door. Roxton was about to go after him to find out Marguerite's whereabouts, when a high pitched, scream/growl came from the dining room.
Veronica, Ned, Roxton(Greta began crying even louder when she heard the sound) and the Inspector, turned and looked in the dining room. Finn was pointing her crossbow at Renata, who almost didn't look anything like her former self. Finn eased out of the dining room towards the group. Ned reached out and pulled her beside him.
Roxton's weapon was too far away to get to. In retrospect, that had been a stupid move on his part. But, he realized that there had been a part of him that never believed Renata was the ape killer in the he first place. What would he have done if Renata had not been the creature, yet, the creature showed up? He still wouldn't have had a weapon nearby!
Renata began moving towards them slowly. Her voice was guttural.
'Who's baby is that, John?'
Roxton was about to answer, when Finn reached over and took the child from Roxton. Greta calmed down some.
'She's mine Renata...mine and....and....Ned's here!'
Veronica's eyes widened! What the hell?! Granted, she knew where Finn was going with this. Maybe Renata would spare their lives if she thought that the baby was not tied to Roxton in anyway. But she could've picked Challenger or the Inspector over there as the father! Why Ned?
The Inspector had had enough of this nonsense! Reasoning with a beast! What utter crap! He raised his pistol and fired at Renata three times. She lurched back with each shot, emitting a piercing howl. Just before she dropped to the ground, she looked at Roxton.
'I love you, Lord John Roxton.'
Renata then dropped to the ground with a hard thud. Roxton watched as the Inspector walked over and kicked at her form. Renata slowly began to turn back into her former self. The Inspector shook his head. For now, it didn't look as if he had shot a murderous beast. It appeared as if he had slain an unarmed woman at dinner.
Roxton looked at Veronica, Ned and Finn.
'Watch Greta, will you? I have to find Marguerite!'
Finn, who was holding Greta, nodded, then began talking to her. She moved away from the murder scene. Ned walked after her, trying to get Greta's attention as well. Veronica watched the threesome. It was then, that the answers she had been seeking about Finn, became crystal clear. Ned, her Ned, was the man that Marguerite had said was 'unavailable' to Finn! And Marguerite hadn't wanted to tell her, lest it cause trouble. Veronica decided that it already had.
****
When Roxton got outside, Challenger was cradling Jessi's injured form on the lawn. He bent down beside her as well. He picked up one of her hands, rubbing it. God! This could not be happening! Would fate be cruel enough to separate Challenger and Jessi for good?
Jessi's eyes fluttered. She looked around and saw Challenger. She then looked over at Roxton. She coughed.
'Easy, dearest. Don't try and talk. We're going to get you inside and I'll stop this bleeding.' Challenger said in a soft, reassuring tone.
But Jessi's eyes stayed focused on Roxton.
'She...she...she...hit Marguerite....'
'Who, Jessi?' Roxton asked patiently, feeling very impatient on the inside.
'Elizabeth...she wanted Greta...her husband was having an affair with Gladys.....'
Roxton gently let go of her hand. He looked at Challenger.
'I'm going over there! I'll be back.'
Challenger did not answer, and began to stroke Jessi's hair.
****
Roxton jumped through the shrubs that separated Marguerite's property from Elizabeth's. It began to rain, as he stopped short at the site of Elizabeth Thomas, laying on the lawn, moving her arms and legs, as if she were making a snow angel. She was still clutching the bloody letter opener.
Roxton carefully edged past her and ran to her house. The front door was wide open as he hurried in.
'Marguerite?! Marguerite?! Marguerite, answer me!'
Roxton walked into the front room, and saw her prone body right away. He hurried over to her, felt her neck for a pulse, then breathed a sigh of relief when he found one. He then picked her up and hurried from the house.
It was beginning to pour, as Roxton ran with Marguerite in his arms, edging carefully past the homicidal Elizabeth Thomas, who was now laughing loudly and making the angels.
When Roxton returned to Marguerite's property, Veronica was kneeling with Challenger. Jessi's eyes were closed. She looked very still. Veronica had her arms around Challenger, crying. Ned and Finn stood in the doorway with Greta, who appeared to be watching as well.
Ned saw Roxton and hurried out into the rain. He helped him with Marguerite.
'What the hell happened?!' he yelled over the rain, as they neared the house with Marguerite.
Roxton just shook his head. 'Later! Is Jessi...'
Ned nodded. 'It looks that way.'
Greta stared as her father carried her mother past her, and into the house.
****
Challenger scarcely noticed Veronica's presence, or her arms around him. Jessi had managed to tell him that she didn't regret one moment she had ever spent with him. It was all Challenger could do not to scream. For he knew that wasn't true. Even as his darling was staring death in the face, she was trying to spare his feelings.
How the hell could this have happened?! He thought, as he felt her slip away. The ape killer was with them?! How could this Mrs. Thomas have turned out to be a killer as well?! Why hadn't they foreseen the woman's instability?! How could this be happening?! Why?! God, she must've been so scared! If only he had left with Jessi this morning like she had asked! If only he had turned himself in and not ran!
Other police cars began to come up the drive. Inspector Wills ended up standing in the doorway with Finn and Greta. He glanced at the baby, thinking she was as confused as he. He then laid eyes on Professor George Challenger, and shook his head sadly.
Chapter 10
The Inspector gets an eyeful. There is another murder.
Marguerite sipped her tea daintily, watching as Elizabeth Thomas held Greta, fussing with her. She briefly wondered why Elizabeth and her husband had no children. Maybe they couldn't, or maybe they had decided not to. Whatever the reason, Marguerite had to admit she was good with Greta. Elizabeth would probably make a fine mother, despite the fact that she was nosier than hell!
She glanced over at Jessi, who had just set down her tea cup. Marguerite waited until Elizabeth was out of eavesdropping range, before she spoke.
'Thank you for accompanying me, Jessi. I know how hard this whole charade has been on you.'
Jessi rubbed her hands together.
'I know that you all must think me very weak...you know...for letting it all get to me.'
Marguerite hadn't expected that response. She was almost embarrassed to answer.
'Uh, no. Jessi it was perfectly understandable that you'd be a little shaken.'
'But?' Jessi asked.
Marguerite was about to say, 'but nothing', but changed her mind.
'I guess I found myself not expecting anything to get to you, Jessi. I mean, Challenger was well known before that last expedition, as one to venture into parts unknown. I thought you would've been used to the uncertainty his work brought to your lives.'
Jessi stopped rubbing her hands. She cast an eye on Elizabeth, who was still playing with Greta over across the room.
'He never brought it into our home life, Marguerite. And we've never had enough of a home life in all of our years of marriage. At least, not enough of one to satisfy me. I just wanted some peace, before George decided that I was too boring to live with again, and went off on another expedition.'
Marguerite was stunned by the older woman's last sentence. Did Jessi really think that Challenger found her boring?
'Jessi, I know for a fact, Challenger does not feel that way about you. I think it's just when he becomes interested in the unknown, it consumes him.'
Jessi smiled softly. 'I used to think that if the two of us had just had children, a child, or a whole brood, would've given George a reason to stay. Now I regret not having them everyday.'
Marguerite knew Greta was probably a painful reminder of this for Jessi. She didn't know what to say to her.
Luckily, Elizabeth came back over with Greta, interrupting the moment. She handed Greta back to Marguerite, then sat down in a chair across from them.
'Your husband and you are so very lucky, Marguerite. She's so good and doesn't mind being handed off to just anyone. I cannot tell you how many screaming babies I've held, that you couldn't please no matter what you did, or did not do.'
Greta looked up at Marguerite, then over at Jessi. Marguerite handed Greta over to Jessi, then cleared her throat.
'Elizabeth, this is more than just a social call.'
Elizabeth held up a hand. 'Say no more! I am aware of that awful murder on your estate the previous night. Did I hear correctly, that the man was a suitor of one of the young women you have been chaperoning?'
Marguerite rubbed her face. 'Ah, yes, it appears that way. Listen, I am here to assure you that the authorities are looking into this. So, neither the neighbors, nor yourself, have anything to fear.'
Jessi smiled and nodded at Greta, then looked up at Elizabeth as well. The woman was not smiling. Jessi looked at Marguerite, who didn't appear to notice the change in Mrs. Thomas's facial expression.
Elizabeth leaned forward. 'You must have really thought I was quite the fool the other day, didn't you?'
Jessi began to feel anxious. She hung on to Greta tightly. Marguerite leaned back, competently relaxed.
'I don't know what you mean, Elizabeth.'
'That's Mrs. Thomas to you, dear. My husband just returned from London and told me all about your real background.'
'Oh?'
Elizabeth stared at Marguerite hard. 'I have heard you are unusually cool under pressure. You would have to be, to house murderous creatures in your home.'
Now Jessi was completely unnerved! She stood up, still holding on to Greta.
'Let's go, Marguerite.'
But Marguerite smiled, then leaned forward.
'What 'creatures' would you be referring to, 'Mrs. Thomas'?'
Elizabeth leaped out of her chair!
'I could've been killed the other day! I walked right into a trap!'
Now Marguerite stood up. 'Don't be ridiculous! My husband and...'
'Your husband?! Please! Don't even get me started about what decent people are saying about Lord John Roxton and yourself! I'll have you know that I have a right mind to call the authorities! After all, I am one of the few people that have seen Professor George Challenger and Lord John Roxton!'
Now Marguerite began to get angry! God! The schmoozing she did with this boring, tedious woman, just so she could get in good in the community, within society. And for what? At the time it had been for Greta, and Veronica and Finn as well. But it wasn't worth this! She rolled her eyes. Roxton had known that all along.
'We're leaving, Mrs. Thomas. And the authorities have already searched my home and found nothing. I don't know of these people that you speak of. The only persons living in my home are the Layton sisters, and my dear aunt here.'
'Aunt?! Oh please! And I just saw Lord Roxton kiss you the other day!'
'Have a good night, Mrs. Thomas.' Marguerite said sweetly, then turned, motioning for Jessi to walk on ahead. They weren't even half-way out of the room, when Mrs. Thomas's voice rang out an order.
'Stop! Stop please!'
It was the word 'please' that caused Jessi to stop first. Marguerite almost bumped into her.
'Why did you stop? Keep going, Jessi!'
'Marguerite, if there is anything we can do to buy George and the others some time, we should do it.'
Marguerite sighed, smiled at Greta, then turned around. She walked half-way towards Elizabeth and stopped.
'Alright, Mrs. Thomas. What is it now?'
Elizabeth's hands began to shake. She walked up to Marguerite.
'I'm sorry I threatened you both. But we could make a deal. One that would benefit us both.'
Marguerite looked her up and down, then looked back at Jessi. She then turned back to Elizabeth, half-laughing.
'A deal? Why would I need to make one? You said it yourself: you, with the exception of a couple of servants, were the only one to see Lord Roxton and Professor Challenger. It would be my word against yours. And believe me, I can make my word as good as gold when need be.'
Marguerite then turned her back on Elizabeth and nodded to Jessi to leave. It was at that moment, that Jessi's eyes went wide and she screamed to Marguerite.
'Look out!'
Marguerite turned back to catch a blow to the head from a statue, their 'host' had surreptitiously picked up from a nearby table, once Marguerite had turned away from her. Marguerite dropped to the floor, unconscious.
'What is the meaning of this?!!! What have you done to her?!!!' Jessi screeched, bending down, with Greta still in her arms. She reached one hand out to touch Marguerite's head.
Greta began to cry. Elizabeth reached out for the baby. Jessi jerked back and stood up.
'Why did you do that?' Jessi asked, more angry than scared. She clutched Greta, who was now screaming.
Elizabeth's hair had begun to come undone. Jessi backed away a bit. Elizabeth didn't resemble the well, put together woman, that had welcomed them into her home a few moments before....
'Where are your servants?! Jessi snapped. She realized that Elizabeth had not only answered the door, but had served them their tea!
'Gone.' Elizabeth muttered, smiling at a crying Greta. It was almost as if the child knew that the woman that had just held her, had come unhinged.
'What do you mean gone? You fired them?' Jessi asked, making small talk and looking around. Could she get away and hold on to Greta?
'Gone...gone...just like Edward.'
'Edward? Edward is your husband, right? Well, Mrs. Thomas, we'll just call him and everything will be fine.'
Elizabeth began to laugh.
'Unless you plan on having a seance, you won't be able to get much of an answer from him!'
God! Jessi thought. The woman's husband was dead, and probably the servants too! They should've stayed at home and had dinner with the ape killer!
'What is it that you want?' Jessi asked, backing out into the foyer with Greta.
Tears began to shine in Elizabeth's eyes.
'My baby. The one that I should've had...that I lost.'
Jessi felt a flicker of compassion for the woman. She, herself, had 'lost children' issues that she had long buried. But every once in awhile, they rose to the surface, like earlier with Marguerite.
'I'm sorry, dear. When did you miscarry?'
Elizabeth reached out for Greta. Jessi took another step back. Greta was still crying, but not as noisily.
'When I found out my husband died...in London...with another woman. She was some kind of newspaper heiress...and married to boot! Can you believe that! God! Edward had been carrying on with her for months! I felt so helpless! So, I got pregnant...I knew it would bring him back to me! But he didn't care. He planned to marry the whore...I doubt she would've left her husband.'
Jessi sucked in a breath. 'Was the woman's name, Gladys?'
Elizabeth's eyes left Greta's face and focused in on Jessi. She then nodded.
'Yes it was. Gladys. Gladys Whore!'
Jessi swallowed hard and looked around for an escape route.
'I know you're Professor Challenger's wife. Your husband, yourself and Lord Roxton are in so much trouble...I will help you. I won't say a thing...just give me the baby. I will raise her like my very own. She will be my own. Little Effie doesn't stand a chance with two parents involved in such a nasty scandal.'
Little Effie? Jessi thought. God! She had already re-named Greta! Her eyes strayed briefly to Marguerite's still figure on the floor. If she was going to do something, then she had to do it quickly!
Jessi widened her eyes and nodded to Marguerite's form on the floor.
'Oh my God! She's waking up!' she yelled.
Elizabeth turned quickly to see to Marguerite. Jessi ran with everything she could muster, to the front door. Elizabeth, seeing she had been duped, had turned back around and was heading towards the door. On the way out, she grabbed a letter opener from off of a nearby table.
When Jessi got the door open and ran out into the drive, she knew she would not have enough time to get to the automobile. She then decided to take a short cut...through the lawn that divided Elizabeth's property with Marguerite's. She prayed for Greta's sake, that Elizabeth had not killed Marguerite with that knock on the head. She then prayed that if Elizabeth had not killed Marguerite with that blow, the deranged woman didn't try to finish the job.
****
Finn tried to keep from gagging, as she saw Renata's knuckle hair sift through her bowl of soup! She was sure that she wasn't the only one at the dinner table, who now knew that Renata Hargrove was the ape creature.
Beatrice Krux was passed out on a couch in the drawing room. She had drank her dinner, before dinner.
Malone had not shown up yet, something Finn had tried to pretend not to notice. Vee looked like she was doing a good enough job forgetting about him. Then again, her eyes were on Renata.
Roxton pushed away his soup. Renata looked at him when he did this. Bloody hell! Either he was seeing things, or the poor girl had grown sideburns since the last time he had glanced across the table at her!
Challenger for his part, was deeply saddened. The girl was quietly transforming into an ape right before their very eyes! And worse, Renata, herself, was very casual about it, keeping up conversation as if everything was normal!
'Is everything alright, John?' Renata asked.
Roxton's eyes met Finn's briefly, before he answered.
'I'm fine. How's your soup?'
'Delicious! You don't want yours?' she asked, somewhat surprised.
'Uh...no...I've lost my appetite. I'm just so eager to hear what you've been doing with yourself since we last saw you.'
Challenger jumped in. 'That's right, dear. Tell us what you've been doing with yourself?'
Instead of answering, Renata stood up and stretched, so that she could grab Roxton's soup bowl. She then picked it up and drank from the bowl. Veronica looked at Finn. They both giggled.
Roxton scraped back his chair, excused himself and left the room. Challenger excused himself as well, smiling apologetically to Renata, who looked embarrassed.
'I'm sorry to have offended him, Uncle George. He's the last person I want to embarrass. I've just been so hungry lately.'
Challenger patted her shoulder gently.
'I'm sure you haven't offended anyone, Renata dear. I'll see where John went off to.'
Challenger scraped his chair back, giving Veronica and Finn warning looks. Veronica tried to stop smiling. This really wasn't funny and Renata really was a nice woman(with the exception of her crush on Roxton). She had to be embarrassed that this was happening to her.
Suddenly, she felt Renata's eyes on her.
'You're making fun of me, aren't you?'
Veronica suddenly felt embarrassed. She had been making fun of her in a way...this helpless looking, hairy woman, was the fearful ape creature? The one that had killed Jack, Gladys and the unknown man with her?
Finn tried to reassure her. 'Uh, no. I mean...'
'Do you think I like what's happening to me?! If I could stop it I would! But I can't! I've been taking the medicines that my father left around...I wanted to look so pretty for John tonight!'
Finn nodded her understanding, then reached under the table to caress her cross-bow. If Renata so much as snarled, that was the end of her!
****
Challenger found Roxton pacing in the drawing room. Challenger's eyes went past him and to the bookcase.
'I think now would be the time to let the Inspector out, John.'
Roxton stopped pacing and shook his head.
'She doesn't deserve this! Damn her father! He did this to her!'
'I have no doubt he did, John. But she has also killed three people. We need for the Inspector to see Renata changing into this creature.'
'We are not giving her over to that man! She needs help! Surely there must be something you can do for her, George?'
Challenger sighed. 'I can't make her my priority, John. Not anymore. I promised Jessi we would clear this mess up. Maybe later I could help, but not before clearing our names and restoring my wife's life back to normal.'
'The Inspector will kill her!'
Challenger just stared at Roxton. Roxton turned and walked back into the diningroom. Challenger then walked over to the bookcase and began to climb the ladder.
****
Malone pulled up in his automobile and parked behind one of Marguerite's. He had gotten back logged by all of his work and Jack's. He would have to make someone interim Assistant Editor.
He could tell from the quiet, that Renata had not changed into anything yet. Personally, he didn't know what to make of his fiancee's theory. He had never met the young woman, so he couldn't imagine what could've made her murder Gladys.
Malone got out of his car and began walking up towards the front door, when a cry ripped through the night. Specifically, a baby's cry.
Ned stopped suddenly, staring at Marguerite's door. That was Greta and she was not in the house! He looked to his right, then began to back away, unsure.
A figure came stumbling towards him. Ned looked around for some sort of weapon, in case it was the ape killer. But, as the figure drew near, he realized that the person was Jessi Challenger. She was clutching a screaming Greta to her bosom.
Malone ran over to her, taking Greta from her. He looked at Greta first.
'It's okay honey! It's okay! Jessi, where is Marguerite and why....'
He stopped and examined Greta's little outfit. There was blood on it! He looked from Greta, to Jessi, who then collapsed to the ground! Ned gasped! What the hell??? Had the ape creature done this??? What was wrong with Jessi???
Malone turned and ran for the house, thinking it best to get Greta to safety and then find help for Jessi.
****
Challenger climbed down off of the ladder, as the bookcase slid back. The Inspector was calmly sitting at a table. He stood up and edged out. Challenger showed him his hands.
'I am unarmed, Inspector.'
'How mighty kind of you, Professor. I take it you intend to free me?'
Challenger's expression turned hard. 'Yes, but only so you can meet the creature, face to face.'
The Inspector raised a brow. 'Yes, just like the creature was in this ghastly room you imprisoned me in! I don't know what your game is, Challenger, but if you are going to kill me, do it now and do it quickly!'
Challenger sighed impatiently. 'The ape killer is Renata Hargrove....Dr. William Hargrove's daughter.'
The Inspector squinted at him. 'Don't be ridiculous! Hargrove's daughter died years ago, something you well know!'
'Hargrove was on the plateau as well. He was performing all sorts of genetic experiments. He mated with an ape...the result produced a daughter that was half woman, half primate. Only, when we first met her, she looked like a normal, young woman. Hargrove tested something on her, something that has turned her into a monster. Don't kill her. She can't help it.'
The Inspector's mouth dropped open! 'You're not kidding, are you? Just what the bloody hell am I supposed to do when she goes wild? Catch her in net?'
'We'll help you restrain her.'
The Inspector shoved past Challenger. He began looking around.
'Where is my gun? Lord Roxton knocked it out of my hand earlier.'
'Inspector please!'
The Inspector saw the tip of his gun peeking out from under a couch. He also so a woman passed out on it. He peered at her. Was that Beatrice Krux? It had always been his impression that she was not close with Marguerite. Oh well! As he walked over to retrieve his gun from under the couch, Malone burst into the house, clutching a screaming Greta.
****
Roxton had sat back down and watched, as Renata's teeth suddenly began to look quite sharp. He couldn't stand it anymore.
'Veronica, Finn, I want you to leave the table.'
Veronica looked at Roxton as if he had lost his mind!
'I'm not leaving you alone with her!'
Renata interrupted.
'You can go. I came here to see....to see...'
Finn eyed her, before exchanging glances with Roxton and Veronica. It was almost as if Renata was losing her train of thought.
Renata suddenly scooted out of her chair, and almost skipped around the table towards Roxton. She then offered him a hairy hand.
'Let's dance, Lord Roxton. Please. I want to show you how much I've improved.'
Before Roxton could think of any words of rejection, Malone burst into the house, carrying Greta. Roxton jumped up, shoving Renata aside. She growled, falling back against a wall. Veronica eased out of her chair, then ran to Ned as well. Finn stood, pulling out from underneath the table, her crossbow. She pointed it at Renata. Renata's eyes were on the scene in the hallway.
Roxton grabbed Greta from Malone, seeing the blood.
'What the hell happened, Malone?! Where is Marguerite and Jessi?!' Roxton demanded, pulling Greta close to him and kissing her head. But she would not stop squalling.
Challenger and the Inspector rushed forward. Challenger grabbed Malone's arm.
'Ned, the child was with Jessi and Marguerite. Where are they?'
Ned licked his lips. 'Jessi is outside...she's hurt, Challenger, badly, I...'
Challenger shoved him aside and ran out of the door. Roxton was about to go after him to find out Marguerite's whereabouts, when a high pitched, scream/growl came from the dining room.
Veronica, Ned, Roxton(Greta began crying even louder when she heard the sound) and the Inspector, turned and looked in the dining room. Finn was pointing her crossbow at Renata, who almost didn't look anything like her former self. Finn eased out of the dining room towards the group. Ned reached out and pulled her beside him.
Roxton's weapon was too far away to get to. In retrospect, that had been a stupid move on his part. But, he realized that there had been a part of him that never believed Renata was the ape killer in the he first place. What would he have done if Renata had not been the creature, yet, the creature showed up? He still wouldn't have had a weapon nearby!
Renata began moving towards them slowly. Her voice was guttural.
'Who's baby is that, John?'
Roxton was about to answer, when Finn reached over and took the child from Roxton. Greta calmed down some.
'She's mine Renata...mine and....and....Ned's here!'
Veronica's eyes widened! What the hell?! Granted, she knew where Finn was going with this. Maybe Renata would spare their lives if she thought that the baby was not tied to Roxton in anyway. But she could've picked Challenger or the Inspector over there as the father! Why Ned?
The Inspector had had enough of this nonsense! Reasoning with a beast! What utter crap! He raised his pistol and fired at Renata three times. She lurched back with each shot, emitting a piercing howl. Just before she dropped to the ground, she looked at Roxton.
'I love you, Lord John Roxton.'
Renata then dropped to the ground with a hard thud. Roxton watched as the Inspector walked over and kicked at her form. Renata slowly began to turn back into her former self. The Inspector shook his head. For now, it didn't look as if he had shot a murderous beast. It appeared as if he had slain an unarmed woman at dinner.
Roxton looked at Veronica, Ned and Finn.
'Watch Greta, will you? I have to find Marguerite!'
Finn, who was holding Greta, nodded, then began talking to her. She moved away from the murder scene. Ned walked after her, trying to get Greta's attention as well. Veronica watched the threesome. It was then, that the answers she had been seeking about Finn, became crystal clear. Ned, her Ned, was the man that Marguerite had said was 'unavailable' to Finn! And Marguerite hadn't wanted to tell her, lest it cause trouble. Veronica decided that it already had.
****
When Roxton got outside, Challenger was cradling Jessi's injured form on the lawn. He bent down beside her as well. He picked up one of her hands, rubbing it. God! This could not be happening! Would fate be cruel enough to separate Challenger and Jessi for good?
Jessi's eyes fluttered. She looked around and saw Challenger. She then looked over at Roxton. She coughed.
'Easy, dearest. Don't try and talk. We're going to get you inside and I'll stop this bleeding.' Challenger said in a soft, reassuring tone.
But Jessi's eyes stayed focused on Roxton.
'She...she...she...hit Marguerite....'
'Who, Jessi?' Roxton asked patiently, feeling very impatient on the inside.
'Elizabeth...she wanted Greta...her husband was having an affair with Gladys.....'
Roxton gently let go of her hand. He looked at Challenger.
'I'm going over there! I'll be back.'
Challenger did not answer, and began to stroke Jessi's hair.
****
Roxton jumped through the shrubs that separated Marguerite's property from Elizabeth's. It began to rain, as he stopped short at the site of Elizabeth Thomas, laying on the lawn, moving her arms and legs, as if she were making a snow angel. She was still clutching the bloody letter opener.
Roxton carefully edged past her and ran to her house. The front door was wide open as he hurried in.
'Marguerite?! Marguerite?! Marguerite, answer me!'
Roxton walked into the front room, and saw her prone body right away. He hurried over to her, felt her neck for a pulse, then breathed a sigh of relief when he found one. He then picked her up and hurried from the house.
It was beginning to pour, as Roxton ran with Marguerite in his arms, edging carefully past the homicidal Elizabeth Thomas, who was now laughing loudly and making the angels.
When Roxton returned to Marguerite's property, Veronica was kneeling with Challenger. Jessi's eyes were closed. She looked very still. Veronica had her arms around Challenger, crying. Ned and Finn stood in the doorway with Greta, who appeared to be watching as well.
Ned saw Roxton and hurried out into the rain. He helped him with Marguerite.
'What the hell happened?!' he yelled over the rain, as they neared the house with Marguerite.
Roxton just shook his head. 'Later! Is Jessi...'
Ned nodded. 'It looks that way.'
Greta stared as her father carried her mother past her, and into the house.
****
Challenger scarcely noticed Veronica's presence, or her arms around him. Jessi had managed to tell him that she didn't regret one moment she had ever spent with him. It was all Challenger could do not to scream. For he knew that wasn't true. Even as his darling was staring death in the face, she was trying to spare his feelings.
How the hell could this have happened?! He thought, as he felt her slip away. The ape killer was with them?! How could this Mrs. Thomas have turned out to be a killer as well?! Why hadn't they foreseen the woman's instability?! How could this be happening?! Why?! God, she must've been so scared! If only he had left with Jessi this morning like she had asked! If only he had turned himself in and not ran!
Other police cars began to come up the drive. Inspector Wills ended up standing in the doorway with Finn and Greta. He glanced at the baby, thinking she was as confused as he. He then laid eyes on Professor George Challenger, and shook his head sadly.
