Chapter 14: So Much for a Happy Ending
Crickets chirped their nightly sonata as the dark carriage travelled the abandon road. Hector, and his female companion, Sophie Conwell sat close to one another while their boss sat opposite to them.
"Are you certain he will be there?" Hector questioned, coughing harshly from a large cloud of cigarette smoke that hit him in the face.
"Of course he will. I had received word from Charles that he and the girl departed over two hours ago. Amadeus should have the others set for the next step," the vial creature replied with such confidence. "This little arrangement would have never been made possible if it hadn't been for your pet."
"Grandfather was rather dubious about the whole thing," Sophie said, recollecting the whole ordeal. "But when Mr. Basil brought up his younger brother's client, he was more persistent."
"Indeed. Just remember, do not lose sight of them."
"Right, sir," said Hector as they came to a halt.
"Perfect. This will be a night that neither one of them will ever forget…"
With each passing hour, I grew more anxious, more nervous as I watched Paula standing off to the side with a few other young women. The whole time I wondered what she was speaking to them about and wondering what they were saying to her in return. When she smiled or laughed, my heart pounded.
"So, Johnny, there seemed to some speculation that these recent murders are linked to a certain former rival of yours," said a particular voice that I wished to not hear.
"Nothing seems to get passed you, William," I replied with my usual sarcasm. My brother, whom at times I wish not to claim him as, stood tall as he gave me that irritating smirk. Like myself, he had the same colour fur (light brown with a tan muzzle and underbelly). The only differences—aside from him being incredibly aggravating—he was a bit taller than I was and rounder; no doubt sitting at a desk all day. Of course, he also had dark brown eyes, which he inherited from our father.
"No, nothing does," he agreed, ignoring my tone, "especially you not being able to take your eves off that client of yours. I doubt you've been listening to a single word-"
"Do you always find it necessary to point out the painfully obvious? I feel no need to stand here listening to you dabble on about your usual topic of conversation, especially when it is of no interest to me."
"Well, perhaps we could speak of something more to your interest."
"Such as…?"
He paused briefly before looking in the exact direction I was earlier. "Miss Méndez…It seems that there is something going on between the two of you, my dear brother."
"And if there is, what business is it to you?"
"Not just to me, Johnny. You are now an icon to all of England. Anything you do will soon become everyone's business. But as your older brother, all I am saying is watch yourself."
"My, my, brother, aren't we the being the concerned and overprotective elder sibling this evening."
"Well, we mustn't forget how the lovely Miss Covington broke your heart-"
"Damn it, William," I began, keeping my voice down, "things are different. I'm different. I'm not as naïve as I once was. And if it is any consolation to you, I highly advise you to keep your nose out of my personal life."
"What personal life?"
"Excuse me," I interjected before he could say more. Turning away from him, I smiled proudly while I made my way across the large room.
"Evening Detective Basil," one of the young ladies of the small group I approached announced. Hearing this, Paula turned towards me, smiling beautifully.
"Jonathan…" said Paula, her eyes gleaming brightly.
"Evening, ladies, would it be quite all right if I steal Miss Méndez for you?"
"That's quite all right, Mr. Basil," the same women allowed. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Méndez."
"Likewise," she said before taking my offering hand. Looking up at me, she looked at me curiously. "What are you up to?"
"You will see," I told her just as the small orchestra began to play. When she noticed where I was leading her to, she panicked for I felt a slight jolt. "What is it?"
"I-I-I can't."
"You can't"
"I mean, I don't know how."
"To dance?"
"Yes-No, no, I know how to dance, but…but…This requires elegance and grace. Two things I do not really have." She paused. "I don't think it is such a good idea."
I laughed lightly, taking her hands into my own. "With all due respect, my dear, I happen to think it is a wonderful idea."
"I'll just embarrass you. Surely there are others who are willing to-"
"There is, but I would like to dance with you." Seeing her blush slightly showed me that she was flattered by this. Then, an idea came to me. "And in all honesty, I do not know how to dance either. Let's at least try." Smiling softly, she nodded before we took our place. Bowing to her, I held her close. As we moved, I felt her hand constrict my own and her eyes gradually begin to focus on our feet. "Keep your eyes on me," I told her as we waltzed across the floor.
"I thought you said you couldn't dance."
"Correction: I told you that I didn't know how. But I must confess-"
"You tricked me."
"Well, I was going to say I lied, but that seemed like an appropriate word." I smiled as she shook her head, biting her lip as she glanced up at me with a crooked grin. "You are going fine." Right as I made that comment, she tripped over my foot. But before she could fall, I used my arm that was around her waist to keep her steady.
"You were saying? I'm a walking klutz."
"More like a waltzing klutz, but you have done very well this far." When the song ended, I kept her close for just a moment longer before finally taking a step back from her. It was just then that I heard the clock tolls and looking towards it, the time read ten o'clock. Gazing back at her, I looped her arm through mine and escorted her out of the room into the dimly lit hallway.
"Where are you taking me," Paula asked curiously as we turned into another hallway.
"Just down here," I answered, not telling her more than I was thought was necessary. Reaching the double doors, I turned the knob and opened it, allowing her to step out first. Doing so, I heard a soft gasp escape her lips. Before her was an elegant rose garden. Though it was covered in snow, the fluffy white substance seemed to be in the most perfect places, making the sight that much more glamorous.
"Jonathan, this…This is…"
I chuckled, wrapping my tailcoat around her shoulders. "I thought you might like it." Taking her hand once more, I walked a bit further on the cobblestone path. Up ahead there was a small fountain and in front of it was a stone bench.
"Tell me…," she said softly, taking a seat. Sitting beside her, I gave her a questionable gaze.
"Tell you what?"
"Why you brought me here."
"Must there always be an explanation for the things I do?"
"This is you we're talking about here, bringing a young woman to an isolated, but romantic location. There must be a reason behind it."
Knowing I now couldn't stall any longer, I took a deep breath. "Yes, there is a reason why I brought you here." Placing my trembling hand in my trouser pocket, I pulled out a small square box. "But first, there's one other thing I wanted to give you, but I felt that this should wait for a more opportune time."
"Oh, Jonathan, you didn't have to get me anything else. This gown alone must have cost you a fortune," she said as I handed the box over to her.
"It was well worth it though." Starting into each other's eyes for a moment or so, she finally opened the lid revealing a heart necklace. Tears of happiness filled her eyes while she smiled happily.
"It's beautiful," she said softly. Taking it from her, I undid the latch, placing the necklace around her neck. "Thank you."
I only hoped that our time together could have lasted forever. However, it soon came to an abrupt end. Just I was about to say a word, we both heard rustling ahead of us. I told Paula to stay where she was while I checked the area. Oh, how I soon regretted making that decision. The closer I thought I was getting towards the noise, the further I failed to realize I was from her. When the rustling stopped, I heard a loud blood-curdling shriek.
"Oh, God…," I whispered before sprinting back. I was too late when I found Paula gone and small traces of blood on the corner of the bench as well and on the ground. She must have struggled for there were many of two different pairs of footprints. When she was able to get away, she slipped, hitting her head on the corner of the bench and more than likely instantly going unconscious.
"Paula!" I called out, getting no response. I knew this was probably useless, but I had to do something. Before I could say her name again, I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head, causing everything to go black.