Chapter 9: to catch a killer part 1
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
AN 11th of Jan: hey readers here's the new chapter and I have some important news I might be going into the navy if I pass the application process and training you will be looking at an apprentice chef with the RFA, wish me luck with this Love Snow
After the festivities had ended everyone seemed to fall into a quiet routine, with Sannan and Hijikata in the library, Alice helping Sebastian and Baldroy in the kitchen, Heisuke was exploring the mansion with the others. Meanwhile somewhere in London another prostitute lay dying as her attacker proceeded to tear out her woumb with uncontrolled savagery, leading to another horrifying crime scene the next mourning for Scotland Yard.
The next morning Alice was summoned to Ciel's study to be briefed about the current events that held London in the grip of terror.
"this is the fifth murder within the last few day's, her majesty is growing most concerned and has asked me to intervene, however I need help, you and your associates can be my eyes and ears, I had considered madam Sharp but that would put more people at risk" Ciel began to say.
"so you need what little medical knowledge I have, eyes and ears and possibly be live bait" said Alice with a slight smirk, thinking that this was going to be fun.
"yes and you'd be paid handsomely for your services, but I warn you that this is going to be dangerous and I can't guarantee your safety" Ciel replied sternly, hiding his worry for the woman he saw as a big sister.
"I recommend that you send Sebastian make a list of possible suspects, I've got some errands to run then I'll be back with any info I can find for you" Alice said as she walked out of the study to collect her bag and walk out of the heavy oak front door.
Meanwhile Hijikata was speaking to Sannan when he heard Alice leaving, when he saw Alice walking through the front gate and into the city. Hijikata quickly stopped and began to descend the stairs calling for Heisuke.
"Alice has gone out, I want you to keep an eye on her, tail her but make sure that you're not seen, from what I've heard she's probably going to the docks to meet someone, make sure she's safe" commanded Hijikata in a stern voice.
"Okay, Okay, I'm on it" said Heisuke rushing to get out and after Alice if only to escape Hijikata's ranting.
Meanwhile Alice had managed to walk towards the old dock yard, where the Mangled Mermaid stood strong and proud for the people to see, while Alice had told herself that she would never set foot within the confines of the tavern/brothel again she did promise to drop in and see Nan whenever she was ever in the area if only to catch up and knock Jack Splatter for six as a warning.
"Well look who's back" said a familiar feminine cockney voice that came from above, making Alice Look up to see Nan looking out of the window smiling down at her.
"You know me, turning up like a bad penny as always" countered Alice with a smirk.
"Come in, you can tell me all about it" said Nan in a semi motherly tone.
Alice quietly entered the large building making sure to bypass the randy sailors, fishermen and a myriad of other shady characters looking for a good time at her expense, her route taking her past the kitchens and up the employees staircase. The place had changed significantly, since the last time she was there bearing in mind that the building had been burnt to the ground by Jack Splatter three years ago.
As she approached the upper levels of the building she passed several of the girls, all of them she knew because of various reasons and Nan being one of the main ones, all of them owing her a debt of thanks for saving them from their former pimp, Jack Splatter who was found beaten senseless and with several knife wounds in an alley way in Whitechapel, he lived but he was never the same again thanks to Alice, he was now the new resident in her old cell in Rutledge only without Nurse Mary or Dr Ryan's help.
"It's good to see you, the last time you sent a letter was four months ago!" Nan said in a slightly reprimanding tone giving Alice a small slap to the back of the head.
"Sorry Nan, but I was caught up in some thing's" Alice replied apologetically as she ducked to avoid another slap to the back of the head.
"please don't tell me that you're pregnant" Nan said sternly.
"What? No! I'm not pregnant, but I was taken into the Army's protection" Alice said her cheeks going a stunning shade of pink.
"oh so that's it, are they looking after you properly, cause if they're not I'll show'em" Said Nan smiling and rubbing her knuckles unconsciously.
"Don't worry they are and I've become a part of their group" Alice replied feeling slightly uneasy about the situation.
"like what?" Asked the older woman raising her left eyebrow.
"Emergency medic, the men are soldiers, Samurai they get injured on duty more times than not" Alice said looking at Nan skeptically, knowing it's the truth, but not knowing whether it would be believed.
Meanwhile Heisuke was trying to look for Alice with in the bar area of the building whilst fending off the young women attracted to his exotic appearance and some rather drunk and disgruntled men believing that he had stolen the girls from them, quickly giving up he decided to wait outside figuring that whatever she was doing was important.
It was about ten minutes later when Alice left the building and started to walk back towards the town house, not knowing that she knew that he was tailing her Alice went about the business like collecting ingredients for the dinner that night, eventually when Alice got to the poulterers she straightened up and smiled.
"Heisuke if your going to tail me next time please wear something less noticeable" said Alice as she entered the shop to make her purchases grinning as she gained one up on him.
After five minutes Alice and Heisuke walked back to the townhouse groceries in hand.
"So who were you talking to in there?" Asked Heisuke softly.
"oh Nan she used to work for my family before the fire" Alice replied as she opened the door and carried the groceries down to the kitchen.
While Alice was in the kitchen Heisuke was being grilled by Hijikata, after a small amount of time told him that Alice caught him on their way back. This led onto a rant from Hijikata about putting Alice's safety first and not getting caught, Heisuke could easily tell that not only Hijikata was nervous in this new environment with all of it's new and possible dangers, but his affection towards Alice was really starting to show.
Back in the kitchen, Sebastian was amazed at what the Earl's house guest was doing, she managed to shoo Baldroy away from her cooking and then requested Sebastien's assistance, after that while they barely said a word to each other they worked in complete synchronization, the only word's said where the beginnings of requests or commands with quick replies of "on it" or "it's already done", if felt refreshing to Sebastian that there was someone who was competent in the kitchen.
Within an hour the dinner was made and ready to be put on the table. Dinner was held in a rather pensive silence, with eyes darting from one person to another with the occasional glare from Ciel, Alice or Hijikata as they ate their meal, a rather heavy, rich and stodgy game pie with boiled vegetables and mashed potatoes, something that the Shinsengumi weren't very used to due to it's composition.
After dinner Alice spent her time with Ciel playing chess, it had been a while since she had played the game and she was a little rusty but she could still beat Ciel hands down, after a few rounds they'd begun to chat about the case.
"You know that this case could be dangerous, with the espionage investigation and evidence gathering " Ciel stated finally showing his concern for Alice, she was the closest thing to a big sister he had and he feared for her.
"Ciel, my life has never been easy or safe, plus outside of Baldroy you're the only family left, I'll do anything for you little brother" said Alice smiling softly as she moved her bishop to face the king winning the game.
Ciel smiled sadly knowing that what she said was true, he knew that growing up was hard for her, after she was sent to the assylum, then to Bumbey's home for wayward youths, however his mood lightened when he remembered that things had got better for her since then. She had her life back and that was all that mattered now.
Meanwhile Hijikata was sat in his room, wondering why he'd done what he did, many excuses ran through his mind but none of them seemed to fit as they were all pathetic seeing as she knew her way around London, she could protect herself, and she had people who cared about her as well as a strong determined nature, however he knew she was fragile, and weak these made her venerable, she was also rather cocky and reckless when it came to facing her opponent's, her standing up to Kazuma was a great example of this in action. After a few minutes he sighed and pulled himself together as he got out of his chair and went to speak to Alice about what he did.
"What do I have to do? To make you know that I love you?" He whispered softly as he left the room.
Meanwhile Sebastian had arrived with his list of suspects and their alibies from parties to treating patients, however there was only one suspect that had ties with all of the women, meaning he had been in contact with all of them within two day's before their deaths, the viscount Druitt, otherwise known as Aleister Chambers, a rather handsome, flamboyant man who loved to throw lavish and extravagant balls, he was also known to chase after pretty young things in dresses.
"we're going to have to catch him in the act" said Alice with a slightly frustrated moan, knowing that no one would believe them due to Ciel being a child and Alice being seen as mentally unstable.
"you're right" replied Ciel before he called Sebastian over.
"Master?" Inquired Sebastian softly as he surveyed the peculiar pair stood before him.
"Take Alice to the best seamstress you can find, and have her fitted for the finest gown that money can buy, we need to go the extra mile to catch our killer" said Ciel, cracking a small yet unnerving smile.
"why do I get the feeling that live bait is involved in this plan" said Alice sighing as Sebastien took her by the arm and escorted her out to get fitted.
Two hours later Alice was stood in a royal blue, white and silver ball gown with all of the extras, frills, gloves, jewels and matching shoes, it made her feel as if she was a doll or shop dummy, it was rather uncomfortable, her hair had been immaculately groomed and styled, held in place by thousands of painfully positioned hairpins and finished with a silver and sapphire tiara.
Meanwhile from Hijikata's perspective, her transformation was astounding despite her obvious discomfort, much like a caterpillar to a butterfly her beauty had increased dramatically, while she was beautiful already in his eye's, this demonstrated how much beauty she had hidden away from prying eyes. With this his fear grew, if there was someone would snatch her away from him, or if this serial killer would target her for it.
As the others stopped what they were doing and see what was going on, only to be met with such a sight, they couldn't believe that this was Alice, the young woman they'd seen at the Headquarters, cooking, cleaning and healing their wounds. While she was pretty enough she seemed so Prim and proper as well as plain, but now seeing her now, she was a beauty, a hidden princess in the making. As they caught a glimpse of her, all of the less restrained men of the group when bright pink as they blushed at the vision that was Alice Liddell.
"wow, if that's what Alice looks like in English party clothes imagine what she'd look like in a kimono!" Exclaimed Heisuke grining knowing that his comment would rile up Hijikata.
"Heisuke-kun I wouldn't say that with Hijikata-kun in earshot" warned Shinpachi knowing what consequences where a head, noticing Hijikata's cheeks and ears go a shocking pink and begin shuffling on the spot as they watched Alice leave for the viscount's ball. This was when the others decided to fall silent and with knowing smiles return to what they were doing.