Chapter Four: Here She Lies
As the Laytonmobile made a speedy journey through the rambling English hills, the Professor sported an expression of concern, worry, and dismay on his face. I sat beside him, occasionally glancing out of the window to the shrubbery landscape. Every now and then I looked over at the Professor. His constant expression was being to worry me. Something about the phone call he'd just recieved was obviously very important. I sighed, then turned my attention back to the window.
This is Luke's seat, a thought randomly came, Luke should be sitting here. And Flora should be in the back seat. What's happening?
Since the phone call, neither me or the Professor had said a word.
Time to break the silence.
"Professor, what was that phone call about?" I asked, making the Professor jump slightly, as he had become consumed by the silence, "Why are we going to St. Mystere?"
"Something's happened to Flora," he replied, not taking his stern eyes off the road.
"Oh my God, something bad?" I asked again, although I didn't need to. I could see it in the Professor's eyes.
"Yes. . .yes, something bad," he answered, "Although Lady Dahlia wasn't clear about what had happened. She sounded very upset, as if she was about to be reduced to tears. Oh, I do hope Flora is alright. . ."
We soon arrived in St. Mystere, the drawbridge already open for our arrival. I followed the Professor through the village, and he showed no hesitation in getting to the Manor. My eyes darted around the village. The villagers of St. Mystere were glaring at us with eyes of sorrow. They already knew what had happened to Flora, and were showing pity towards us.
This is bad. They don't want us to know.
We approached the door of the Manor. The Professor gave three loud knocks, and almost instantly, the door was opened by Matthew.
"Oh, Professor Layton, finally," he said, a deep quiver in his voice.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Matthew," the Professor said, "I came as soon as I could."
He gently pushed me forward.
"This is Victoria," he explained, "She's, erm, she's a new apprentice of mine."
I violently shook my head 'round to face him, my face saying 'erm. . .what?'
He narrowed his eyes at me, as if to say 'just play along with it.'
Matthew meerly nodded at me, then led us upstairs to Flora's bed chamber. Lady Dahlia was stood outside the room, her whole body shaking, and her skin white and pastey. You could tell she had just had a shock.
"She's in there. . ." she managed to splutter before running downstairs, tears streaming down her face.
"Professor. . .she was distraught," I exclaimed, "I don't like the sound of this. . ."
"Neither do I," the Professor agreed, gently squeezing my shoulder, "Come now, we must see Flora."
He slowly entered Flora's room, me behind, both of us stricken with sick antisipation. Within the room was a four-poster bed, upon which Flora was laid. We stepped closer to the bed, then the Professor sat down at the foot of it. Flora's body was frail, thin and wasted. Her brunette hair was out of it's normal up-do, and sprawled out around her head. Her hands were clasped together and laid upon her stomach. There was no sign of movement.
"Professor. . .she's. . ." I began to stutter, "She's. . .no, she's not. . ."
"Yes, my dear," the Professor sighed, respectfully removing his top hat, and holding it against his chest, "She's passed."
A deep sadness ran through the Professor. He ran a hand down Flora's stone cold skin. The silence creeped over us once more. I placed a sympathetic hand on the Professor's shoulder, my eyes still on Flora. The door of the bedroom then opened, and Matthew walked in.
"Matthew," the Professor said, standing up and placing his hat back on, "What happened to her?"
"I'm afraid I can't be certain, Professor," Matthew replied, "She arrived in the village this morning, looking very healthy and happy to see us. And then, she was cooking in the kitchen, and suddenly keeled over. She showed no sign of how she died. . ."
"What time did she. . .you know," I asked, remembering I was now an 'apprentice'.
"Eleven fourty seven," Matthew answered, "But like I said, the cause of death is still unknown."
"Thank you, Matthew," the Professor said, "And I assure, Victoria and I will get to the bottom of this."
Oh my God, he was being serious. I'm his apprentice now.
Matthew nodded once, then showed us out. As soon as we stepped out of the Manor, the Professor placed both his hands on my shoulders and looked deep into my eyes.
"Victoria," he began, "I know not long ago we were just two strangers in the street, but I urge to come with me. Be my apprentice, I need your help to solve the cause of Flora's death. I trust, you're intellegent, I know you'll do well. Please, come with me."
I stared back into his pleading eyes.
This is actually happening. Accept it, he needs you.
"Of course, Professor," I accepted.
A sigh of happiness escaped the Professor, and a small smile formed on his lips.
"Come now, young apprentice," he said as he began to make his way back to the Laytonmobile, "We have much to do."
I bit my lip, smiled, then followed him.