I followed Roderich out of the sleeping car, we made it to the door leading to the lounge then froze. Very indiscreet and angered yelling could be heard through the cars. We exchanged a curious glance as I pressed my ear against the door. One of the voices was Timothy Lexington's, his tone had changed considerably from when he spoke to us. He was much louder and more forceful, but I couldn't make out any words. We cautiously headed across the cars into the lounge as quietly as possible. Timothy emerged from Emmaline's dressing room, closing her door with a loud slam. His temple throbbed as he gnawed on his cigar. He muttered swears to himself for a moment until he noticed us. We met eyes as he took a long drag.

"We'll be stopping for a day or two in about an hour. Natalie Vos is insisting we stop so we can pick up mail regarding her ex-husband. I apologize for any inconvenience. Good day." He huffed and stalked off. We stayed silent until he left the car. Soft music and softer sobs could be heard from backstage. Roderich and I shared another glance.

"I'd better check on her. Can we post-pone dinner?"

He sighed and nodded. "Go ahead. We can dine in town I suppose, until then I'll keep an eye on Timothy."

He set off to the dining car as I lightly rapped my fist on Emmaline's door. I pulled it open after the third knock, she was sitting at her vanity with puffy eyes and a crystal glass of something in her hand.

"What?" she said bluntly.

"Hello. Is everything alright?" I questioned. Hussy or not I couldn't help but feel bad for her.

She wiped a tear and looked up at me with those wide green eyes. "Minor family dispute is all. What can I do for you?"

If that was minor, I'd hate to see them fight over something important. "I was hoping you'd do my makeup." I lied through my teeth. "I'm going out tonight."

She raised an eyebrow and stood up from her stool. "Sit down then, I'd love to fix you up. Would you care to borrow a dress as well?" I didn't have time to answer before she started rifling through her many dresses in the closet. She turned and looked at me for a moment then went back to scrolling. She ended up pulling out a sea-foam green A-line silk dress. The neckline and the hem were pearled. She turned to me and held it up.

"How about this one? It'd look lovely with your hair."

"It's very pretty, wherever did you buy such a thing?"

She scoffed. "It's a gift from my ex-husband. When I had Mary Ann, he suggested I take on a more approachable look so I wouldn't be deemed unfit. Some good that did. I don't care much for cool colors or being approachable for that matter." She giggled and began to brush my shiny hazelnut waves with a silver brush. It had pink flowers painted on the back. Quite expensive it looked.

"I wasn't aware you were married." I said as I watched her brush out my hair in the mirror.

She re-parted my bangs and went back to brushing. "Sure was. For three years, we dated two years prior. We split sometime after we lost Mary Ann. Hair up or down Dahling?" I felt guilty for once again bringing up her daughter. Time to change the subject.

"Up please." I told her "Do you know any good restaurants in the area?"

"Mmhmm! There's a lovely Italian restaurant a few blocks from the train station. It requires a reservation as all good places do, but if you use my brother's name, they should find a way to squeeze you in. Consider it a favor for solving the case." She smiled lightly and wrapped a small piece of hair around her curling rod. "So If we're going to be friends and all, you've got to tell me who the lucky guy taking you out is." She kept arranging small pieces of hair into the updo, tucking them where she pleased as if she'd done this a million times before. She was quite skilled at this.

"I don't know if it's like that, actually I think I asked him. But it's the detective, Roderich Coldwell. You know him right?"

"Met him briefly, seemed a bit uptight. Don't worry though, based on the way you look even if it wasn't originally supposed to be a date it will be soon enough. Do you like him?"

"I'm not sure yet. I certainly admire him but I don't know him well enough to make any further judgement. I suppose I'll know by the end of tonight." I answered honestly.

"That's quite a boring answer." She giggled and pulled out her makeup box.

"Big talk for a lady who said 'I can't' instead of actually answering a question earlier." I teased.

"Hush now. You know how complicated it is." She snorted and sorted through her lipsticks. "Alright Dahling enough gibber-jabber. We have to pick a color. I'm thinking something more neutral because your hair is gorgeously extravagant and of course you're so pretty you don't need the excess makeup. The French rose is classic but bubblegum pink would look so timeless on you. The of course there's-" She was cut off but a knock at the door. She took a quick swing from her crystal. "Come in."

It was Matthias. He had already changed into his doorman uniform, I suspected just because he knew he was going to see her. He leaned up against the door frame and watched her put her glass down and sigh with relief.

"Woah. who did you think was knocking?" he looked slightly concerned. "Also hello Ms. Baker. Enjoying your stay? Besides the murder of course."

"Yes, very much."

"What can I do for you?" She asked suddenly 10 times more interested in picking a lipstick color. A very important decision that obviously needed to be made this very instant.

" I can see you're busy at the moment. Do you have time to chat later? In private of course, it's an important matter." He asked nonchalantly and watched her for reaction. She froze like a deer in headlights. I raised an eyebrow but I was sure neither of them was paying attention to me.

"Uhm- Yeah that'll be fine. Come find me once I get back from town."

"That can be arranged. Where are you headed?" he asked casually.

"Toni's." She answered simply, not looking up as she applied the French rose lipstick to my bottom lip.

"Oh..." He looked down, apparently pretty disappointed with this news. Must've been someone she knew well. Probably an ex-lover, possibly an ex-husband. "I- Never mind. It's not important. I'll ask your brother." He shot her one last look and headed for the door.

"It's not like that."

"Do what you've got to do. Ray probably needs me in the front so..." He smiled lightly and hurried off the stage towards the locomotive.

She set down the lipstick and rolled her eyes. "One sec Eliza." She hurried down the stairs and caught up with him. I scooted towards the door and watched them curiously. Was she going to belt him? "I'm your boss so you are required to shut up and listen. Got it?"

"Timothy's actually my-" She put a finger to his lips to keep him quiet.

"Shut up and listen. I'm not quitting and running off or whatever it is you think I'm going to do. I'm just going to make sure he knows of Vos's death. It's only fair to him as a parent. Nothing more, nothing less. Got it?"

"Loud and clear Ms. Lexington." He sunk apologetically. She pulled the finger off his lips.

"Good. See you later then?"

"Please." He grinned as she turned and marched back into the dressing room, her hips swaying in her sparkly dress. How badly I wished to see his face as he left. I sat back down in my stool looking amused as ever as she shut the door.

"Can we talk about that?"

"Absolutely not... right now. Come find me after your date. Maybe then. Now let's see if I can finish you up without any other distractions.


Emmaline finished working her magic and I changed into my dress. Perfect fit. I was headed towards the door to meet Roderich and passed the Lexington Suite.

"Might I take you out somewhere tonight, Love?" That was Arthur's voice. He had a heavy Trans-Atlantic accent.

"I already made plans-" Emmaline answered.

"I'm sure they can be rescheduled, can't they?" Timothy interjected. Emmaline didn't answer for a minute.

"Of course. I can handle my affairs a tomorrow." Apparently, that satisfied him, because Timothy Lexington then exited the room looking pleased as ever. Why on earth he would care about the whole situation was beyond me.

I met Roderich by the door. He was dressed in a slivery waistcoat with slim fit black slacks and a maroon tie. I'm sure he caught me staring. He cleared his throat and adjusted his bangs self-consciously.

"You clean up nicely."

His ears turned pink and he flicked back his bangs again. "As do you my dear, you look absolutely ravishing in that dress." I took his arm and grinned at him.

"Thanks, it's a gift from Emmaline. She got us dinner reservations as well. Isn't that nice?" He thought for a moment as we walked out of the train and down the streets.

"I suppose so. I mean it does look rather lovely on you, and I can't see her wearing it in her line of work." He scoffed and I put a hand on his shoulder.

"Give her a break, would you? I think there's more to it than what we see on stage."

He raised an eyebrow. "You learned something while you were in there didn't you? I knew you would."

"I suppose I did but I'm not quite sure what yet. There's something not quite right about the family as a whole." We turned the corner to a lovely Italian restaurant. This must've been it. There was a flowering hedge outlining the edge of the patio. Architecturally, it was styled to look like a European storefront. There was a sign in the front that read "Vargas Bistro." We walked in and were greeted immediately by the host. He seemed to bounce in place at the host stand, quite an upbeat lad.

"Hi! Do you have a reservation?" He asked a bit too excitedly. Roderich made a face almost as if to say 'Who the hell is this guy?'

"Oh yes. For Lexington please." I answered him and smiled.

"Got it. You're a friend of Emmaline's, yes? Will she be joining you this evening?" He asked.

"What makes you say Emmaline?" Roderich inquired.

"You've met Timothy. Do you think he has many friends?" He answered.

"No-"

"Exactly. Mr. Lexington is a devoted businessman. From what I've learned, men like him don't have friends. So will there be anyone else accompanying you this evening?"

"No just us. Emmaline has other plans." I answered.

He smiled. "That's fine. We'll be happy to serve you nonetheless. If you'd follow me, please." He led us through the bustling restaurant to a table towards the back by the dancefloor.

There were other patrons in the area. They looked like the Lexington's. They all seemed to be very wealthy. Women wore shiny jewelry and silky dresses and furs. Men wore waistcoats and jackets. We were seated and the host ran to grab water. It was a lovely little restaurant with a fountain sitting proudly behind the dancefloor. There was an ivory piano in the corner, quite expensive looking. I watched Roderich tap along on the table to the soft music playing.

"Do you play?" I asked him curiously.

"Oh yes. We had one back home. My mother taught me to play."

We paused for a moment as a server came by and dropped off a bowl of focaccia. It smelled freshly baked and yeasty with the slightest hints of olive oil and rosemary.

"Can we have menus please?" I asked. He looked at me as if he was questioning if I was serious. We both stared at each other before he realized I most certainly was not.

"This is a fine dining establishment Madam. Our menu is Table D'hôte."

"What's that mean?"

"It means you get what you get." His tone soured. "All our food is of the highest quality, so it's going to be damned fine."

"Excuse me, that's no way to talk to a lady-" Roderich started.

"Heard. The next course will be out soon. When it is I'll send a real server and go back to the kitchen. Then we won't have to have another pleasant conversation." Oh, so he's a cook. That explains a lot, mostly why they aren't to be seen or heard from. He disappeared back into the kitchen.

"How rude." I scoffed. "I was just asking the question."

Roderich nodded. "I do hope he sends us someone better next time."

"So anyways. Have you always lived in D.C.? I haven't ever seen you around before." I grabbed a piece of the open crumbed bread and pulled it apart into small pieces on my plate to chew on while we talked.

"No, I moved to the city about 5 years ago because they offered me the job. It pays enough, but it gets quite lonely. I grew up out in the country where it was always quiet and serene. There wasn't much to do so I would sit and play the piano. I miss it sometimes."

I nibbled on my focaccia pieces and watched his face. "Do you still have family there or did they move with you to the city?"

He looked down a bit guiltily. "They stayed there, still have the same house and everything. They understand why I had to move to the city, but I don't go home very often and perhaps I should... Well, What about you? Have you always lived here?"

"I've always lived here. I live with my mother." I was a bit ashamed of that, but there was almost nothing I could do about it. "She can always use the help around the house and I'm happy to do it. I would like my own place someday but of course you know how it is. My salary alone isn't going to pay for they and it's hard to find work as a single woman, I suppose harder if I were to be married." He raised an eyebrow as the second course was brought out. Apparently, it was a lemon and herb arancini with fresh Parm, thankfully they sent a new server. "I've been travelling a bit to see what life would be like on my own." I confessed.

"I'm sure we can figure out a salary to fit your lifestyle. There's no reason you should feel stuck in one place just because nobody wants to hire you, especially for such a unworthy reason. Their loss of course. I suppose if you were someone like the hussy, I could understand but you, my dear, are quite brilliant. They'll see soon enough." He smirked and took in a forkful of arancini.

"So, what'd you find out from Timothy? Or did you spend the whole hour coming up with compliments?" I teased.

He let out a snort. "The whole family is strange for a number of reasons. But I don't know why yet. Timothy is tied to Arthur's hip despite the bankruptcy. He's a smart man who, as far as I can tell, doesn't truly care for anyone with the singular exception of his sister and even that's a question in my mind. Why on earth would he do any sort of business deal with Kirks Oil? My only guess is that he knows something we don't." The salad course appeared. Arugula tossed in olive oil with a sprinkle of sea salt. Where was the rest of it? Why couldn't we have some croutons or something? Utterly dull it was.

"Such as?"

"Ludwig Vos is dead and we're stopping to have the will read. I suspect he plans to make a little money off it but more than that, elections are coming soon. Perhaps he's looking to make use of Kirks's government ties? Most big businessmen have them. He could just ask of course, but he's looking for a long-term partnership... I overheard them discussing, Kirks is going to ask Emmaline to marry him. Timothy says she's willing."

I gasped. "What is he smoking in those cigars?! The doorman is absolutely head over heels in love with that girl."

"Oh please, she doesn't care." He flicked his wrist. "They come, she seduces them, they leave, she forgets everything about them and the cycle repeats. It's just business to her. There's no way that doorman is going to break the cycle." He rolled his eyes.

"It's not the same. You'll see." I defended.

"In a perfect world, you'd be right-"

"I am. We'll bet on it. If I'm right, then you owe me a favor at my leisure. No questions asked. If you're right, then I'll owe you a favor. Sound fair?"

"It's a deal." The main course was sat down before us, the salad was taken away since neither of us had really touched it. Linguini with little neck clams in beurre Blanc. I took a few bites of my pasta and considered something. Jack and Natalie killed Vos, we confirmed it. But everyone on that train hated Ludwig Vos, some more passionately than others. They all wanted him dead and gone, could it have been a set up from the very beginning? Did Timothy bring them all together in hopes someone of the bunch would take the step off the deep end and kill him? But then what would he get out of it? A dead rival and an association with his murder? That couldn't be good for business. If he did want to kill off Vos so badly, he would've made sure he was out of the picture completely.

"What are you thinking about?" Roderich asked.

"You." I answered and grinned.

"Oh really?" he lit up and I instantly felt bad.

"No. I was thinking about the case. What do you think Timothy would get out of Vos's death?" He sort of drooped in place at that answer.

"That was a bit harsh, miss Baker." He popped a clam in his mouth and looked at me with puppy dog eyes.

"Sorry, I promise I didn't mean it that way."

"I'm sure you didn't. So back to your question, Timothy had two things to gain from Vos. A dead rival, and some sort of business security. It sounded like Vos knew something of the Lexington company that Timothy didn't want out. It sounds like he ran a bootlegging operation, but there could be more to it than that based on the way he's been acting. I suppose the will should be telling." The server stopped by and took our empty bowls.

"Could anyone else have something to gain from Vos's death, besides a dead enemy?" I asked thoughtfully.

"Maybe former business partners and of course Natalie Vos and her dear attendee." Dessert was brought to the table. A chocolate tartlet with chocolate ganache and cherry gastrique. It disappeared in a haste; I wish they gave me two instead of that dumb salad.

"Now since you've offended me ever so much, I'd say you owe me a dance. Wouldn't you?" he smirked and held a hand out for me.

"I would but I don't know how-" I admitted meekly. He looked quite amused at that answer.

"Of course, you do, look at them. They just kind of swing in place." I glanced at the couple on the floor, they just kind of swayed in circles, and the music was slow. How hard could it be? I took his hand gamely and led him out to the floor.

"I apologize if I step on your toes." I teased as he pulled me close. I could hear his heart beating faster by the minute. He smelled of lavender and with a slight musk of amber and cedar. It wasn't spicy and sensual like Emmaline's; it was rather alluring in a much more subdued and romantic kind of way. He hummed along softly to the music and tapped the notes lightly on my back. We sort of turned in place for a while until the song ended. He ran a finger along my spine, I shuddered in place.

"Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" He whispered in my ear.

I flushed. "I suppose it wasn't." I swallowed hard realizing how close I was to him. "We should be getting back; I don't know how long Matthias is on duty."

"God how I wish you were wrong." He took my hand and we met the host at the front desk. Roderich pulled out his wallet, but it was shooed away.

"Miss Lexington stopped by and paid the tab. She said she hopes you have a nice night. Come Back again soon!"


"Thanks for dinner." I grinned at him. The train lanterns were on, we stood outside alone.

"I did promise it didn't I?" he chuckled. "Although, since the hussy bought it-"

"Emmaline" I corrected.

"Right. Since Emmaline bought it, I suppose I'll have to take you out again sometime. What do you say?"

"I'll definitely consider that." I gave him a kiss on the cheek, leaving a pink lipstick stain. His ears turned red again as he helped me in the train. Timothy sat at a table chatting up the two army buddies. Emmaline stood in the corner in her short red dress wrapped in fur. She was chatting with Francois and Raymond. Francois had dumped his apron and chefs jacket for a freshly ironed shirt with a waistcoat and blazer. His hair was immaculate. It was hard to believe he was the same man we saw in that kitchen. Raymond still looked rather scruffy. His sleeves had been rolled up, his white shirt was covered in inky black coal stains. Even his hair was messy, but they didn't seem to mind. I wouldn't have dared look such a way in front of one of the richest women in the world, furthermore my boss, they must've gone way back. How interesting. The door clicked shut and I turned to Matthias.

"Are we the last ones back?"

"Yes Ms. Baker, doors open tomorrow."

"Thank you. I apologize for making you wait then. Please do call me Eliza. Ms. Baker is much too formal, and I don't care much for that."

Those gorgeous blue eyes lit up as he smiled at me. "I couldn't agree more Eliza."

"So now that we're on a first name basis, what's been going on here?"

"Off the record, Timothy's been wandering around giving staff orders. A complete pain he's been. Emmaline and Arthur were together for a while, then she left with Raymond and Francois. No doubt to escape the tyranny. Lucky bastards."

"You didn't go with them?" I asked curiously. "She might have liked that."

"Someone's got to watch the doors, make sure nobody walks out carrying a dead body." he joked. I made a face. "Too soon. got it."

"So where do they go?"

"Can you keep a secret."

"Obviously." I lied. For some reason, he believed it.

"Usually, Raymond makes up some excuse for needing Emmaline, like they need her signature on a shipment of something. Francois tags along to help him carry it. Then they go out and find somewhere to drink. Emmaline's ex-husband owns a speakeasy in town. They probably went there because they can get free drinks. I wouldn't recommend going on your own though, the man is something of a crook." He glanced at Emmaline as I put a hand on his shoulder.

"I think it's sweet that you care about her."

He shushed me. "I'm just precautioning you against going alone."

I rolled my eyes. "So, you said he's a crook, what was he convicted for?"

"He wasn't ever convicted, but anyone who's ever met the man knows he's got mob connections." I raised an eyebrow. Mob connections huh? Quite convenient considering Timothy's bootlegging operation. Even more convenient they still have a tight link between them.

"My, aren't you the gossip?" I teased.

"News travels fast around here." He shrugged.

"Oh? What else can you tell me? Off the record of course."

"I heard tell from Marie that the partners in crime had a massive fight but that's just a rumor. I would ask her if you wanted to know more. Jack's never got on so well with the rest of us." Wonder why? Maybe because they were into each other's business, and he wanted no part of it. Maybe because he was a murderer. Who could really say, but him staying out of the gossip circle would make it harder to find information on Natalie Vos. My thoughts were interrupted by the approach of Emmaline.

"Are you gossiping without me Dahling? Do tell." She smirked and readjusted her diamond necklace. That wasn't there before. Who bought it for her?

"Marie says she heard Natalie and Jack fighting." I explained. "But you didn't hear it from me."

"Oh really?" She lowered her voice. "Do you think they broke it off?"

"I haven't seen either of them all night, of course that's not uncommon for him." Matthias commented.

"Morning will be telling, I suppose." I agreed. "Hey, thanks for dinner by the way."

She waved me off. "It was no problem. I was just out galivanting anyways. We still headed out tomorrow night, yes?"

"Of course." I agreed.

"That's my girl. I would've happily done so tonight but the dew dropper had other plans-" She spoke a bit too loudly. Timothy shot her a sour look and chomped on his cigar. She backed right down quickly. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go deal with my staff." She hurried back to Francois and Raymond. Matthias eyed him curiously.

"Does that happen often?" I asked

"She's always been under his thumb to some extent, but more so recently than ever. He would never raise a fuss in front of Francois though, he's got pull in the newspaper."

"That could be bad for business."

He looked at me hesitantly. "You two are friends. Got any advice on that one?"

"Can you afford diamonds?" I suggested.

"Let me specify, any good advice."

"That is good advice." I insisted. "Just tell her how you feel and ask her out."

"... Do you know something?"

"I don't gossip about friends."

"Spoil Sport." He grinned at me.

"Sorry. Now if you'll excuse me, it's getting late, and I must retire. Have a nice night."

"Alrighty then. Have a nice night, Eliza."


Once I was behind the door, I pressed my ear to the wall and listened. I could hear the trio conversing.

"So what happened to rich people not having friends Ms. Lexington." Raymond snickered.

"What happened to you not leaving the front, Ray?" She shot back at him.

"Admit it, you'd miss me if I was back there all day."

"Dahling I dream of the day!"

Francois made a noise I couldn't quite make out. "Only because her boyfriend is allowed to come out when you're in there."

"Quiet yourselves! You know that's utter bullshit. How do you think Arthur would react if he heard you spewing such nonsense about?!"

"He'd buy you a bracelet to go with the necklace, and the ring, and the dress."

"Ignore him." Raymond snorted. "He's just jealous he didn't get one."

"Oui! I need a rich lover to buy me jewelry even if I don't love him."

"He doesn't even buy it it's my brother's money- Oh shut up Francois! I do too!"

"Are you telling us or yourself?"

"... You know I'm your boss, right?" It was silent for a moment before she continued. "I suggest keeping your theories to yourselves. You don't want my brother on you, do you?"

"Oh yes, I'd adore that."

Her tone quieted much more until it was barely audible. "Save it for Toni's I can't afford to get into any more trouble, and neither can you. Now pretend we're conversing professionally, Timothy's watching."

"Got it, Croissants in the morning and of course thank you for signing that very important shipment of coal for us. If you require our services further, we'll be in the kitchen."

"Goodnight." I heard her heels clicking around and hurried into my room. She headed down the hall at a strut, I could hear her. More footsteps followed, then Roderich's door closed. So, there was a mafia connection, and a possible breakup between killers. That was worth looking into if given the opportunity. Hopefully Roderich learned something. I changed out of my dress and made sure the door was locked before I headed to bed. Tomorrow was going to be another long day.


The day seemed to fly by, I got breakfast with Roderich on board. Sure enough, Matthias was right. Jack and Natalie avoided each other as much as possible. She opted to join the Lexington table. How perfect they looked, their clothes unwrinkled and modern, Emmaline completely done up in a tight white dress hemmed just above her knee. Daring and borderline indecent, but she pulled it off. Her waistline was intricately beaded and shimmered when she strutted about. She still had on her necklace, it peeked out beneath the fur she wrapped herself in. Her brother looked quite pompous as he sat next to her, smoking his cigar in a full navy suit. He knew how they looked, how everyone longed to be them. Arthur kept an arm tight around her shoulders, he looked slightly less expensive than them but still fit in quite nicely. Kenneth was young, fresh faced and smart. He sat across from his father, chatting lightly with Emmaline and occasionally the staff as Arthur and Timothy talked business. He had a wonderfully profitable future laid out for him through these mentors. It was almost as if they were made of diamond; rare, sparkly, expensive, flawless. But alas, they weren't. Upon further inspection, there most definitely were underlying issues beneath the beauty, The first of which was Natalie Vos sticking out like a sore thumb. Her hair was thin and colorless, and she dressed quite plainly compared to their extravagant displays of wealth and power. She was frail and her face was extremely severe. She didn't fit with them in the least bit. She sat with her arms crossed, slouched in her seat. They all sat perfectly still, poised and confident. She didn't look like them, act like them, speak like them; I wondered why on earth she chose to hang around with such a prestigious crowd. The other issues were much more subdued. Emmaline and Matthias were refusing to make any sort of eye contact. Something happened between them after I went to bed, and I have a feeling it wasn't pretty. Timothy must've noticed as well because he would stare down Matthias- and by association the rest of the staff- when they brought coffee. She was chatting with Kenneth but of course couldn't hold eye contact with him either. She crossed and uncrossed her legs under the table and wore what might've been the fakest smile I'd ever seen. She practically ran when Francois requested help in the kitchen. Timothy sat with his legs wide open, unblinkingly focused on his conversation at hand, only stopping to glare at the staff.

Enough of them, I had my own problems. There were two people we needed to isolate and try to extract information from: Emmaline and Marie. Jack, Arthur and Timothy wouldn't talk, there was no way. They were too close to whatever was happening. We needed to target the loose ends as they would be more likely to let something slide. Besides, we'd already established the train was a cesspool of gossip and drama. Roderich needed to handle Marie while I was out. We did however learn the train would need to be empty tomorrow morning because it was the staff's day off and of course the Lexington's had an all-important meeting with the press. But we would need a spare key to get in, which we don't have, or a really good reason, which we can't fake. I'm hoping Roderich can look about and find the key as well without getting into too much trouble. My night out with Emmaline could not come soon enough.


I self-consciously straightened my dress at Emmaline's door. It was a forest green, emerald gown with a sweetheart neckline. My waves cascaded down my back, meshing wonderfully with my peachy lipstick. I looked quite lovely if I do say so myself. She swung the door open to greet me. Her glossy red lips glistened when she smiled at me.

"Dahling! you look positively gorgeous! Green really is your color." I was pleased she approved. Truth be told, it was the only evening wear I had brought along. Nobody told me Ludwig Vos would die on my vacation, much less that I'd be going to a girl's night out with the second richest woman in the world; if they had I would have been much more prepared. "Are we about ready to go?"

"Of course. Let me just let Roderich know we're leaving so he knows not to wait up for me." Not really. In reality it was a signal that he could check backstage for a spare key, but she didn't need to know that detail. She led me down the hallway into his room, opened the door, and lightly gave me a shove in. Roderich turned and adjusted his glasses. He stared at me for a minute, waiting for me to say something.

"We're going to be headed out for a while." I informed him.

"Enjoy your night out, you look absolutely lovely."

"Spin!" Emmaline commanded from behind the door. I spun in a little circle and Emmaline popped up behind me. "Isn't she just gorgeous?"

"Very much so, yes." He bashfully agreed with her.

"Just leave the papers on my desk." I told him. That was the cue that Emmaline had left the backstage room unlocked and he was free to head in.

"I will. Good night." He flicked his bangs back and nodded. The message was received.

I shut his door and followed Emmaline to the locomotive. We were greeted by the doorman.

"Going out for a bit, Ms. Lexington?" he asked, once again not making eye contact with her.

"Yes. We probably won't be back for a while so don't feel obligated to await our return. Just lock it up, I remember how to get in." She tapped on her leg and opted to stare at the door rather than him. Something definitely happened between them.

"That'll be fine. Take care of yourself out there, you too Eliza."

We stepped down onto the ground. She didn't turn around as he closed the door.

She cleared her throat and turned to me. "It's only three blocks away. It shouldn't be too far of a walk."

"Where are we going? Dinner? Shopping? Dancing?" I asked. She just smiled and headed down the streets.

"You'll see soon enough." We kept walking until we reached a small storefront. It was pretty must in there was a few Knick knacks on the shelves and such. There was no real rhyme or reason to all of it. There was a phone booth inside for no apparent reason. It sat right between two bookshelves. Who designed that? An old man sat behind the cash register, watching us closely. Emmaline pulled out a black card with gold embellishments out of her sparkly clutch and flashed it at him. He nodded at her.

"Call Jenny." He said simply. I watched as Emmaline headed to the phone booth and dial 8-6-7-5-3-0-9. That wasn't a real number. what was she doing? There was a loud click. She promptly left the booth and moved a single red book to the side to reveal a door handle.

"Dahling. why must you make it so hard these days?" She turned and asked him.

He shrugged. "Long time no see, Ms. Lexington. We can't be too careful these days with B.S. Zwiling sniffing about and all."

"Don't tell me the rat dared come to town?"

"Oh yes. Knocking us off would make quite a headline, especially for his campaign. How proud he would be. If Timothy knows what's good for him, he'll watch his step."

"I will certainly pass that along. Is Toni in tonight?"

"He's down at the bar. Good luck down there."

Emmaline turned the handle and pulled the bookshelf open and led me down a set of dark wooden stairs and through a short brick tunnel. It led to a room filled with people chatting up at lounges and tables, others dancing about. There was a long bar towards the back of the room. The backwall lined with bottles of liquor. Two men in grey waistcoats ever so diligently tended to their thirsty patrons at the bar. A diamond chandelier hung from the ceiling, it sparkled in the dim lights. A Brass phonograph played swing music sat on the shelf with the liquor bottles. The walls were brick, I supposed to dim down the noise. The whole place smelled of leathered cigarettes and strong spicy perfume. Emmaline smiled widely. Clearly, she felt at home here.

"Ever been to one of these?" She asked.

"Before prohibition I went once with my dad. It wasn't anything like this though- There was no dancing or anything of that sort. Just a bunch of old men sitting in a dark bar drinking their troubles away." I confessed. She glanced around and met eyes with a handsome man at the bar. She waved at him and took a deep breath.

"Oh? Then this'll be great fun! Come with me, I'll introduce you to the owner." She grabbed my hand and led me to the man she had waved at. He wore a black slim fit suit and had gorgeous brown hair.

"Emmaline, What a pleasant surprise! I didn't know you were in town." He jumped to his feet and pulled her into a tight hug. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and she returned the favor, leaving bright red lipstick stains on both sides of his face. He slid one hand down to her behind and she quickly backed up. The pleasantries were over. His green eyes admired her fondly as she cleared her throat.

"Tony, meet my dear friend Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is my favorite ex-husband and juice joint owner, Tony." He stepped forward to 'greet me' properly. I took two steps back and held out a hand to shake instead. He looked rather shocked at that, but I was here with his ex-wife, I didn't need to provide him favors for a free drink. Emmaline nodded at me approvingly as if to say, "Good choice."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Elizabeth. Any friend of my favorite ex-wife is a friend of mine." He grinned at me. He was charming, no doubt, but he seemed sort of slippery and he had a glint in his eye I didn't care for. Emmaline must've noticed it too because she looked slightly uncomfortable.

"I have to get a report from Harland, but then I'd be happy to keep you ladies' company."

"No! I mean- We have some things to discuss privately, but so do you and I. I'll come find you when I'm ready."

He raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Oh really? Well then I look forward to seeing you later." He winked at us as he walked away. Emmaline rolled her eyes.

"He seemed friendly, why did you break it off?" I asked curiously.

"He IS my favorite ex-husband, and we didn't have some sad and brutal breakup story. We just- when we lost Mary Ann, we became emotionally detached from each other y'know? He was never a bad husband and I still care about him, just not like that anymore. Shall we?" She gestured to two empty seats at the bar. We sat and I stared at the menu blankly as she signaled the bartender. "The Last word please with a lime twist."

The bartender looked at me as if waiting for an answer. I chose the first thing I saw on the menu.

"Bees knees I suppose." He nodded and went to work on our cocktails. Emmaline smirked at me and asked the question I'm assuming got her out of bed this morning.

"How'd the date go?" She sipped her astringent cocktail and looked at me.

"You get right to the point, don't you?" I watched her in disbelief. She grinned and kept sipping her drink.

"Cmon Dahling, you just asked me about my ex-husband. It's only fair." She was right so I took my drink and told her. It was much to sour for my taste.

"Mmm-hmm. Sounds spicy. Do you like him? Because I can tell he's smitten just from the way he looks you." She finished up her drink and signaled the bartender for another. "French 75 please."

I thought for a moment. I did have fun with him. He was soft spoken and sweet, he seemed to value my thoughts as more than a potential lover but as a human being. Although, that could've been because he had recently hired me. He had sort of an understated charm about him that I found quite attractive. It couldn't hurt to take him out again.

"I Do like him. he's sort of interesting, and he treats me well but he's rather... uptight about certain things and I don't know if I care for that. Regarding you specifically." I took another sip of my drink and pursed my lips. Still too sour, it was almost undrinkable.

She leaned forward in her stool. "Then you should take him out again and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There could be an underlying reason behind the whole thing, what that is I wouldn't know. You're a detective, maybe you can figure it out." She seemed to like that idea. "Yeah! We could go through his things to see if we can figure it out. That'd be great fun!"

"That'd be a invasion of privacy, but I'll keep it in mind." I promised.

She scoffed. "Honestly dahling. Arthur said he could barely talk to him because every time he heard someone at the door he'd suck in his gut and preen his stupid hair in case it was you. Quite like a schoolboy. Truth be told, I found it quite amusing, but Arthur thought he was going to go mad." I visibly cringed as I took a sip of my cocktail. I couldn't take it anymore, I had to wave down the bartender.

"Can I get something sweeter please?"

"Like what?" He asked. Sir, you're a bartender. You tell me.

"Get her a Clover Club." Emmaline rolled her eyes and interjected. She didn't have the patience to deal with this guy.

"A little testy madam." I rubbed my hands together. "Just for that, you have to tell me what happened with Matthias."

"Nothing happen-" She started to protest.

"I'm a detective don't insult me so. It is your turn."

She took a long drink and slammed her glass down. "Last word please." The bartender dropped off my drink and sighed as he went to start her another one. Her hand trembled.

"He stopped into my dressing room last night and he- he said he's in love with me and has been for some time."

I took a sip of my drink. This was much better. It was sweet, fruity, foamy and had just the slightest hint of acidity to it. "You knew that though. So did I, So did Raymond. Actually, the whole train did during our unveiling of the killer." My face burned with secondhand embarrassment; I can't imagine how bad that whole thing was for him. "So what'd you say?"

Her hand kept shaking and drifted to her clutch. "I did but... I didn't know how deep it went. I assumed it was some silly thing that would pass. That's how it tends to be in my line of work. They come, they see, they like it, they move on. But Eliza, For years?! I didn't think for years. God and that look on his face- I won't forget it anytime soon."

What'd you say?" I repeated. A pit formed in my stomach. I knew what she'd said. "Oh Emmaline, you didn't!"

"I told him I couldn't accept that. It wouldn't be fair to my brother. Besides..." her hands kept shaking as she fumbled through her bag and pulled out a ring. "I'm engaged to Arthur Kirks."

The ring was silver with 5 diamonds engraved in the front. It was enchanting and sparkly. I almost choked on my drink.

"Do you love him?" A tear slid down her face as she slid the ring onto her finger. She looked a little bit disgusted.

"No but... I have to. It's the least I can do for Timothy."

"Why?"

"Have you heard his poetry?! God it's so awful I just-"

"-No, I mean what does it have to do with your brother? Why is he involved?"

"Oh. When I lost Mary Ann, I lost everything. I had nowhere to go, no money in my pocket because of the divorce. You know how hard it is for single women to find a job these days. Who would hire me? I was recently divorced with a dead child. Nobody, that's who. Anyways, Tim took me in and gave me a place to live and a job entertaining his various business contacts. He got me a fresh start and a home when I needed it most. So if he wants me to marry Arthur, I'll marry Arthur. It's the least I can do for him." He gave her a life then opted to use it for personal gain. Why? Furthermore, what good would it do him to have her marry Arthur? He just announced bankruptcy.

"So not Arthur and not Tony. Do you care for the doorman? If you could. And I want a straight answer here. None of that 'I can't' business."

She froze. "I don't like that question."

"Too bad, spill so I can help."

"Well, We would both be fired, my brother would cut me off the family tree, I would be publicly shamed, Oh! and I would lose all my stock in the company. I've been working to accumulate it for years so people will finally take me seriously. This goes without saying, but we'd be broke. See, I might consider caring for him, but I'm not nearly as stupid and doe eyed as I put on. I don't want to be broke again and lose everything I've worked for. Those boobs out there who say, "All you need is love." are full of it."

I watched her face as she took another swing of her drink.

"So you do like him, but you're a cynic."

"I'm a realist." She paused for a minute; a small smile formed on her face. "But uhm. When I first got the job I would do my show, then immediately go back to my dressing room and spend the rest of the evening by myself. At some point, Matt took notice so he would stop in my room and keep me company when he got the chance. He just kept doing it until it was something I looked forward to. He was one of my first friends on the train, by force. Eventually, we started to venture out together and he introduced me to other members of the staff. That's how I got to know Francois and Raymond. Truth be told, I think they like me more than Timothy, but good god those boys are gossips! Anyways, In his own way, he was also there when I needed him. But blood is thicker than water. I hope he finds someone wonderful. Someone he can tell his stories to and dance all night with. Ever seen the man dance? His fox trot is something of a fox jig. Rather than slow-slow-fast-fast he goes fast-fast-fast-fast. I tried to teach him the proper way once but y'know, I kind of like his funny little way of doing it. I hope she lives by his family so he can see them more often. And most of all, I hope she's not rich. It causes trouble." She finished her dreamy monologue and gave me a look. "You owe me now."

"I'm sorry. That's quite a pickle you're in." I finished my drink and patted her on the arm.

She stared at her ring and decided to put it back in her purse. "It's a sour one at that."

"You know what isn't sour though? This cocktail." I signaled for another Clover Club.

"Careful Dahling, we still have to walk back to the train and it's getting late. We should probably go once I talk to Toni. You can entertain yourself for a few minutes right?" She asked hesitantly.

"Of course I can."

"All right then, If I'm not back in 20 minutes call my brother."

She slid her ring back on, I'm assuming for handsy-ex protection and sauntered across the floor to her ex-husband. They talked for a few minutes then headed out onto the dancefloor. They danced much faster than Roderich and I. I sipped my cocktail and watched them. He would lift her off the floor as they spun. She would wrap her legs around his neck, she didn't care who saw. Her upper thighs up by his face as he dropped her into a deep dip. I drank cocktail after cocktail as I watched them. She wouldn't dance with Arthur like this. Would she dance with Matthias like this? Or would they dance slowly, romantically and sincerely like Roderich and I. He wouldn't look down her dress like Antonio did, He loved her too much. Would Roderich do that to me? Certainly not. We weren't that scandalous, we cared for each other, they were just dancing. What had he said to Arthur? Damn it, Emmaline I want details! Somewhere in there, I got lost in a mess of thoughts and alcohol. It was hot in there. The last thing I heard is Emmaline swearing at full volume and calling for her dear ex-husband.


I began to wake up outside the train. The air was cold and dry. My eyelids fluttered open and I watched Emmaline reach under the train window and pull out a key. I reclosed my eyes as light flooded out of the train. Emmaline started profusely complaining.

"Are we still on this about your marriage?" I asked groggily. There was an awkward silence.

"She's... Really drunk." Emmaline explained defensively, her voice slurred ever so slightly. I heard Tony snort. I felt my body move up. They must've gotten me inside because it smelled like coal, cigar smoke and Emmaline's perfume.

"We'll take it from here. Now please get off my train." Timothy spoke. Cold and uncaring he was. The door shut moments later.

"If you can carry her, I'll get the door." Emmaline offered.

"Are you sure you have time? Or do you have to go back and rendezvous with your ex-husband? Because last time I checked you were engaged to Mr. Kirks. I would strongly suggest acting like it." Timothy said curtly.

"I came home, didn't I?" She shot back hotly. "If I was being ever so unfaithful, I would've stayed the night wouldn't you say?"

"Oh please. You came home because of Ms. Baker not out of dignity."

"Oh really? Did you notice my ring? He noticed it and knew not to do anything because of this wonderful engagement you arranged for me. Thank you ever so much." Her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Think of it this way then. You can be the most powerful woman in the States, or you can live alone somewhere and hope someone will hire you." He barked. She seemed to shut down at that.

"You've obviously been drinking too much. I suggest heading to bed as soon as we take care of Miss Baker. I need you to deal with Zwilling tomorrow morning."

"As in B.S. Zwilling? He won't cave to me, he's too smart. Besides he's a total bore." She asked and pulled open a door. I heard the handle turn. Thank God, I could finally get some rest without having to listen to them bicker back and forth amongst themselves. They set me down in the bed and tucked me into the blankets. I snuggled up against what I thought was a pillow as I heard the door lock. Away from the Lexington family quarrels, away from the handsy ex-husband, away from the murdered general and his murderer wife,away from illicit cocktails, away from abandonment-issues Roderich. Just me, snuggled up in bed with my pillows.

As much as I thought I was away from these things, even for the night, I was wrong. So very wrong.


A/N: Updates Will be slow as I'm very busy. Thank you for your patience and support.

Written by: Scarlett Knox

Page count: 25

Lightly edited

Chapter: 2/5