Basil chuckled. ''It was Martha who gave me the idea. I have a plan that can prove Gideon's guilt or innocence …''

''What plan is that?'' Helen asked.

''You'll see,'' Basil replied, grinning.

''Is this to do with what you found out at the Rat Trap?''

Basil and Olivia informed her of their discovery at the seedy tavern. When they were done, Helen's jaw dropped.

''So the Viper is looking to avenge Ratigan? I never knew they were affiliated, but I can see why the Richmonds are suspect. And you think he may have some other big grand scheme as well?''

''Elementary, my dear Helen,'' Olivia said before Basil could speak, and the detective smiled.

The trio walked until they reached the local crafts and costume shop. ''Why are we here?'' Helen asked in confusion, looking at Basil as though he had lost his mind.

''This is where I usually come for disguises,'' Basil revealed, ''but since I have so many ready for use, I haven't needed to purchase any in a long time, but that's not why we're here.''

Seeing Helen look puzzled, Olivia patted her best friend's shoulder. ''Don't worry, Helen, you'll understand William's way soon. I remember when Doctor Dawson and I first accompanied William on my case all those years ago,'' she chuckled. ''Every eccentric thing he did were completely baffling to us, we just stared at him!''

''Indeed, you did,'' Basil agreed. ''After we became a team, Dawson was still bamboozled by my unorthodox ways, but after a while he became accustomed to them.''

Helen nodded slowly. Even though she was still confused as to why Basil wanted to visits the crafts shop, she figured it was best top just go along with it. After all, Basil may be eccentric, but he always manged to crack cases.

''Let's go,'' Basil said opening the door, and the three mice stepped inside.

''Ah, Mr Basil,'' said the male mouse behind the desk, smiling. ''What can I do for you today?'' He was a chubby mouse with light hair going grey, round glasses similar to Hiram's, and was wearing an apron.

''Hello, Harry,'' Basil said. ''Olivia, Helen, this is Harry Perkins, the shop owner. ''He always assists me with my disguises.''

Harry saw Olivia. ''So you must be Olivia Flaversham. Funny how time flies. I remember reading your victory over Ratigan in the papers, and you looked so much smaller in them pictures.''

''Now I'm taller,'' Olivia said, gesturing to herself. ''This is my best friend, Helen Baker. She's assisting us on the Viper case.''

''Are you the daughter of the journalist, George Baker?'' Harry asked, and Helen confirmed she was. ''Where's Doctor Dawson, Mr Basil? Is he alright?''

''He's fine,'' Basil assured him, ''but he's had to withdraw from the case for a while due to … family circumstances,'' he finished slowly. Dawson would want Pauline's pregnancy kept secret from all, and Basil also did not want to take any chances of the Viper finding out.

''Tell him I send him and his wife my regards,'' said Harry. ''So, how are you going with the Viper? Do you need me to whip up a new disguise to capture him?''

''We are investigating one of the prime suspects, Harry. No disguise is required, but rather materials: specifically, thread, cloth and needles.''

Olivia understood what Basil's plan for Gideon was and grinned. ''Ah, so that's it,'' she said slyly.

''Very well,'' said Harry simply, and disappeared into the back. It was clear he was used to Basil's unusual requests.

Basil tapped the counter, and the girls looked around the shop curiously, inspecting the contents.

Harry re-emerged moments later, carrying a small bag. ''Here you are, Mr Basil. I hope the materials will help you.''

''Oh, they will,'' Basil said confidently, grinning. ''I can't wait to see the look on Gideon's face when I show him this.''

''Gideon? Are you talking about Gideon Richmond?'' Harry asked. ''His sister-in-law came in here for the other day to buy materials with which to make dresses for her daughters. Said she wanted to browse in a different shop rather than the ones near her.''

''Did she say where they live?'' Olivia asked.

''In a mansion in Kensington.''

Oliva nodded. ''The wealth district. Thank you, Harry.''

At that moment, the shop door opened, and a mouse woman with brown fur with messy hair entered the shop. She greeted the trio.

''Hello, Mr Perkins!'' she greeted Harry.

''Hello, Miss Thompson. It's been a while. More materials, I assume?''

''Yes, for Mrs Radcliffe.''

Hearing that name, Basil and Olivia perked up.

''Did you say you work for Mrs Radcliffe?'' Basil asked. ''As in Regina Radcliffe?''

The woman looked bashful. ''Oh, my, Mr Basil of Baker Street!'' She looked at him flirtatiously, causing Olivia to scowl. ''You're so handsome. Yes. I'm Rebecca Thompson, one of Mrs Radcliffe's employees.''

''And you're buying materials for her clothes, are you?'' Olivia repeated, trying her best not to glare at her.

''We haven't had to for a while, but we're starting to run low,'' said Rebecca.

''As you know, Mrs Radcliffe has about three shops in London, one not far from here, the other one near Buckingham Palace, the biggest one in Oxford, where she first started her business. That one is so enormous, as large as the royal's quarters. The materials used for the shop around here are brought from here.'' Harry said proudly. ''Besides you, Mr Basil, Mrs Radcliffe and her workers are my most frequent customers. Miss Thompson here is one of the main employees who comes for materials, as well as another who visits perhaps more than anyone.''

Basil was surprised. ''Really? I never knew that. And since you've come here you work in this local shop, am I right, Miss Thompson?''

Rebecca looked at Basil dreamily, as though he was a treat she was saving for later. ''Why, yes, Mr Basil. How deductive of you.''

Olivia rolled her eyes, half-annoyed, half-amused. ''How come you're collecting the materials, rather than Mrs Radcliffe herself?'' she asked.

''Charlie rang the shop this morning and informed that his aunt has a nasty migraine.''

''Oh, dear,'' Helen said sympathetically. ''Hope she gets better.''

''I hope so, too,'' said Harry. ''I'm honoured to be able to serve the famous children's clothes designer. I've always admired Mrs Radcliffe. She's made a name for herself.''

''And pretty soon, Olivia will too,'' Helen said.

Olivia smiled and Basil agreed.

''We really should be going now,'' the detective added.

''See you later, Mr Basil,'' Rebecca said in a silly, romantic voice, waving at Basil.

The trio left the shop and Basil couldn't help but smirk at the expression on Olivia's face.

''Looks like someone's jealous,'' Helen teased.

''Maybe a bit,'' Olivia admitted. ''It's natural, isn't it? And I shouldn't be surprised, given how famous William is.''

''Precisely, darling,'' Basil said. ''As I told you before, many of my female clients throughout the years had tried to charm me, some even only pretending to need assistance. Not only that, but some initially set out to seduce me, but abandoned that goal when they saw the extent of my eccentricity. But regardless, you don't need to worry, Livy, the only woman with whom I am infatuated is you.''

He kissed her cheek and she giggled.

Helen smiled. ''I hate to interrupt your love nest,'' she said apologetically, ''but we need to find Gideon or his family. Harry said they live at Kensington.''

''Haven't been there on a case for a while,'' Basil said. ''Let's go.''

The trio hoped on a trolley, and in no time at all they were at their destination. Helen was in awe when she the area. She knew Kensington was one of the wealthiest districts in London but she was astounded by how stylish it was: well-kept gardens, fancy automobiles and well-dressed residents, humans and rodents alike.

''Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore,'' the young artist murmured to herself.

''Come on, Livy, Helen,'' Basil said to his two companions.

''Mr Basil?''

The three mice looked up and saw Charlie walking toward them. He was carrying a bag of food in his hand.

''I didn't expect to see you here, Mr Basil,'' said the young man, and then he smiled brightly when he saw Olivia. ''Darling Olivia! How delightful to see you again!''

He tried to pounce on Olivia, but Basil placed a firm but gentle had on his face. ''Mr Bennett,'' he said in a civil voice, forcing a smile, ''you appear to be forgetting that Olivia and I are now couple.''

Charlie blinked for a moment, as though he didn't realise what was going on, before a big, forced smile appeared on his face. ''Of course, my mistake. Sorry, Mr Basil, sorry, Olivia.''

''As I told you before, you really must control yourself, young Charlie,'' Basil said. ''If you keep this up, people will see you as some sort of predator and have you locked away, and then you will be unable to become a detective. How would your poor aunt feel if that were to happen?''

Charlie looked ashamed. ''You're right, Mr Basil. Aunt Regina has taken good care of me all these years after Mother died, even when enduring so much hardship. She lost her sister, Uncle Tim, my unborn cousin and family she never knew. The last thing I want to do is hurt her in any way.''

Basil nodded approvingly. Though Charlie was trying, Bail still felt the untrustworthy vibes, and that puzzled the detective.

''Speaking of Regina,'' Oliva piped up, ''we just bumped into someone who work at your aunt's shop, Rebecca Thompson. She said you rung up this morning and said Regina isn't well.''

''That's right,'' Charlie nodded, ''Aunt Regina came down with a nasty migraine late last night. She didn't want to skip work but it couldn't be helped. It's best she stays in bed while she recovers.''

''Maybe we could stop by for a visit later and see how she's doing,'' Basil suggested. ''Would you mind telling us where you live?''

Charlie looked at his idol sharply. ''I appreciate that thought, Mr Basil, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline. I'm protective of Aunt Regina, just as she is of me.''

''Of course,'' Basil said.

The young man held up the bag of food. 'That's what this is for. I can't cook very well, but I'm determined to make some soup for her. I want to pay her back for everything she's done for me.''

''How thoughtful of you, Charlie,'' said Helen. ''And do you live around here?''

''Not really,'' Charlie said vaguely.

''Then why are you shopping here?'' Basil asked.

''With my aunt falling ill, I thought I'd visit Emmett and his family and see how they were doing. I told them about Aunt Regina and they gave me this food.''

''Where do the Richmonds live?'' Helen asked.

''In that big mansion over there,'' Charlie said, pointing, and Basil instantly saw it.

''Thank you, Charlie,'' Olivia said politely.

''Se you all later, and good luck,'' Charlie said, and walked past them. ''By the way,'' he added, turning around, ''you might want to be cautious of Emmett. I know he's my friend, but he was asking about Olivia as well as … you'll see when you get there.''

''See what?'' Basil persisted. ''What about Emmett?''

''It's not my place to tell you. Please don't think badly of him.''

''What do you mean?'' Olivia asked, but Charlie turned back around and carried in walking. ''Charlie, wait!''

''What was that about?'' Helen asked.

''We're going to find out,'' Basil said, a determined look in his eye, and the trio started walking to the big white human house at the end of the street. He wasn't sure Charlie was telling the truth, but anything concerning Olivia needed to be investigated.

''You still don't trust Charlie do you, Basil?'' Helen asked.

''While it's useful to talk to people about information, I don't trust anyone apart from the few I have allowed myself to be close with, unless I can detect utter trustworthy vibes from them. Helen, you are Olivia's best friend and you have those vibes.''

Helen was amused to hear that.

That's right, Olivia thought, as she remembered that night nine years ago when she and Dawson first met Basil, he had trusted the good doctor almost immediately.

In no time at all, they had reached the large mansion. It was big and dark, like somewhere you would read about in old scary books. Despite this, the trio made their way to the rodent quarters and knocked on the door, which opened to reveal an elderly mouse woman about Mrs Judson's age. She had grey hair tied in a bun, glasses and was wearing a maid's outfit. In one hand was a feather duster.

''Hello, madam,'' said Basil, bowing professionally. ''I am –''

''Basil of Baker Street,'' said the woman, in a slow but sweet voice. ''Everyone knows who you are.''

''This is the Richmond residence, isn't it?'' Olivia asked.

''It is, miss,'' the old woman confirmed. ''I am Victoria, the maid. Come on inside.''

Victoria stepped aside to let the trio in doors, and immediately they were standing in the enormous parlour, which had a piano tucked in one corner. ''This way,'' Victoria said, and they followed her into the large living room that put Basil's to shame. The room had deep red carpets and curtains, large purple velvet chairs and sofas, and glass cabinets filled with fine china cups and saucers. On the walls hung many pictures of various mice that were undoubtedly Richmond ancestors, including the present generations (with Samuel and Gideon scowling). Sitting in one of chairs was a mouse woman in her early fourties, drinking a cup of tea. She had brown fur, deep brown-green eyes and was wearing a lilac dress made of silk.

''Mrs Richmond,'' Victoria said in respectable voice, ''Mr Basil and his friends are here.''

''This is a pleasant surprise,'' said the woman, smiling. ''Please sit down and make yourselves at home. Victoria, can you please brew some more tea?''

''Yes, ma'am.''

Victoria left the living room as Basil, Olivia and Helen sat down on the sofa directly across from where the woman was sat. Basil placed the bag of materials on the floor.

''Mrs Richmond?'' Basil repeated. ''I presume you are Victor's wife?''

''Yes, I am Priscilla Richmond.''

''This is Olivia Flaversham and Helen Baker. They are assisting me on the case while Doctor Dawson attends to an urgent family matter.''

Priscilla looked right at Olivia. ''How nice to finally meet you in person, Olivia. Is your father alright?''

''Yes, he's doing fine.''

Basil looked between the two women, stunned. ''Oh, you're acquainted with Hiram, Mrs Richmond?''

''Priscilla came to the toyshop many years ago to ask Father to make some toys for her children. I was at school that day so I never met her myself.''

Basil blinked at his love. ''You never told me this before, Olivia.''

Olivia shrugged, smiling. ''You never asked,'' she teased. ''I did wonder when I heard the name Richmond, but I wasn't entirely sure. By the way, Mrs Richmond,'' she added, ''I'm sorry for breaking your brother-in-law's heart.''

''Don't apologise,'' Priscilla assured her. ''You can't help how you feel. Emmett was saddened at first when he told us, but I'm sure he has moved on.''

Olivia was relieved to hear that. Within a few minutes, Victoria returned with some more tea and the four sipped.

''I don't mean to be rude, Mrs Richmond,'' Basil said suddenly, holding his cup, ''but we actually have an ulterior motive for dropping in. It concerns Gideon. We met your husband and his brothers at the king's party and –''

''Victor told me about what happened,'' Priscilla interrupted, now looking serious. ''I was relived no-one got hurt by the Viper.''

There was delicate pause. ''Mrs Richmond, has there been anything … strange happening in your family recently?'' the detective asked carefully.

Priscilla frowned. ''Now that you mention it, Victor and Emmett have been acting all secretive and shifty recently, and I'm starting to get worried. Emmett's been in his room an awful lot, which is rather unlike him, he normally goes outside to take pictures on his camera.''

''What about Victor?'' Helen asked. ''Is he here?''

''That's the thing. Victor and our butler Hank left yesterday evening to do something but still haven't returned, which worries me even more.''

Basil frowned and drunk some more tea in thought. ''Is that so?'' he said slowly.

''Could Victor's sneaking out have anything to do with Gideon?'' Helen asked.

''That is a possibility,'' Priscilla admitted. ''Gideon's caretaker has frequently been ringing up and it sounds as though Gideon's behaviour is getting worse.''

''Victor talked about admitting Gideon to an asylum,'' said Olivia, ''but I got the impression he seemed reluctant to do so.''

''That would be to avoid upsetting his mother, Vera. The poor thing's still grieving for Victor Senior and only leaves her room to go the toilet, so I think Victor wouldn't be able to deprive her of another family member, even if no-one likes him apart from Samuel.''

Olivia understood.

Basil took a mental note of that last part. ''Mrs Richmond, do you mind if we take a look around?'' he asked, sitting down his empty cup, and picking up his bag of materials. ''Maybe speak to other staff or relatives?''

''Of course. Just be careful of Samuel. My daughters Juliet and Marianne should be around here somewhere, and they will be more than happy to help.''

''Marianne?'' Basil, Olivia and Helen repeated together.

Priscilla smiled. ''We named her after my grandmother. Samuel refuses to believe it, though, convinced we named her Marianne to insult him.''

''He would think that,'' Olivia said, rolling her eyes, but Priscilla chuckled.

''Just to warn you about my girls: if you come across Marianne, she's always happy to meet new people, but can get very excited when it comes to celebrities, or anyone connected to famous people.''

''She sounds very lively,'' Basil chuckled.

''As for Juliet,'' Priscilla added, ''I know she's overcome her … uniqueness, but please don't make fun of her. She endured a lot of that at school. Sorry, I'm just very protective of my children.''

''You mean she was bullied?'' Olivia said angrily. ''Don't worry, Priscilla, I would never make fun of anyone, and I hate bullies.''

Basil placed a hand around her shoulder. ''And you don't need to apologise, Mrs Richmond,'' he added, and led the girls to the deserted parlour. After making sure no-on was in hearing distance, the detective said: ''Now, let's split up. Olivia, see if you can find anything on Gideon, I will investigate Samuel. And Helen, you on Victor. After what Priscilla told us I'm curious about his secretive behaviour.''


Olivia opened one door and found herself in a hallway that had suit of armours standing in a straight line, more framed pictures and cobwebs. Victoria obviously hadn't got round to dusting this area yet. It gave off an eerie atmosphere, as if Olivia was in the house of Count Dracula or Frankenstein. Olivia noticed one suit of armour was shorter than the rest, a few inches shorter than herself, and patted its head. The young woman carried walked along the corridor, not seeing the short armour turn its head to follow her direction. The suit of armour walked on tiptoes as it continued to follow Olivia. The young woman suddenly stopped and, just as the armour reached its arms up to scare her from behind, Olivia wheeled around and grabbed the suit's arms, pining them behind its back.

''Got you!'' Olivia said in triumph.

''Oh, drat! Foiled again!'' whined the armour's high voice, before giggling. The armour removed its head to reveal a young woman who was a few inches shorter than Olivia. She had brown fur, pretty blonde curls and Priscilla's brown-green eyes.

''Juliet or Marianne, I presume?'' Olivia guessed.

''Marianne,'' said the woman, holding her hand out. ''Juliet's my older sister. Nice to meet you.''

Olivia shook her hand and helped Marianne out of the armour. ''What were you doing in that get-up?''

''I often do. It's a joke of mine, making it appear as though the suit of armour has come to life. It worked the first time, but now everyone knows it's me so it's old to them. When I heard Victoria greeting guests, I thought I finally had my chance to fool someone. Sadly, it wasn't to be,'' she tutted. ''But how did you know – ?''

''Quite simple really: your armour was notably shorter than the others, which clued me in there was something funny about it, and my detective instincts sensed there was movement behind me.''

''You're a detective? Like Me Basil?''

''In a manner of speaking. I'm now part of Mr Basil's team. We've become … close. I'm Olivia Flaversham.''

''The toymaker's daughter?'' Marianne said, before screaming in delight and shaking her again, but more energetically. ''What an honour! Your father made some of our toys years ago! Juliet and I loved the princess dolls he made! You and your father became quite famous after the Ratigan case nine years ago. I was six when it happened so my memory is a little fuzzy, but I do recall seeing your faces in the paper with the queen. You, your father, Doctor Dawson and Mr Basil himself. I remember there was one picture where you gave Mr Basil a –''

''So you're fifteen, then?'' Olivia interrupted, bright red in the face, desperate to change the subject. She remembered that picture. It had been a cute moment, a little girl thanking the man who had saved her life, everyone had gushed over it, but for some reason she was always bashful about it.

Marianne was puzzled by the reaction, but smiled. ''Yep. Juliet will be eighteen in October. Since you are with Mr Basil, I assume you here on a case, Miss Flaversham?''

Olivia confirmed it. ''It's about your uncle Gideon.''

Marianne grimaced. ''I know Uncle Gideon is family, but I don't like him. I don't like Great-Grandpa Samuel either. He's always scornful and rude to everyone, and he never smiles. It's as though he's determined to drown the house in eternal misery. He's especially nasty to me, but that will be because of my name.''

Olivia looked at her sympathetically. ''Ignore him, he's just a miserable old Scrooge who never had ghosts visit him,'' she said, and Marianne giggled in agreement. ''I know Gideon lives near Regent's Park, but does Samuel live here?''

''Unfortunately, yes. We all do. The night of King Edward's party, just as the boys were about to go, our butler Hank informed that Grandma Vera had had a panic attack from grief, so Father stayed behind to check on her for a bit before he left for the party. Don't worry, Grandma Vera is fine. She may be getting on a bit, but she's one tough cheese cookie.''

''Glad to hear nothing else has happened to her. How come you didn't go?''

''I'm allergic to nuts and accidentally ate some food containing nuts just before, and it would've been rather difficult for Juliet to go given her …condition, so Mother stayed to look after us.''

Marianne coughed, hoping she hadn't said too much. Olivia seemed the sort of person who would not judge, but Marianne was very protective of her older sister.

Olivia was even more curious about Juliet now, but figured it was best not to ask unless Marianne told her herself. Whatever it was, it was the sisters' business. Instead, Olivia acknowledged it and thought about something else. ''Marianne, would you mind showing me Gideon's old room? I have a feeling I might find something there.''

Marianne grinned. ''Not at all. What about Great-Grandpa Samuel?''

''That's William's job. Mr Basil's first name,'' she added.

Marianne's grin widened. ''I will be sure to thank Mr Basil later. Great-Grandpa is so rude to us all the time so why not return the favour? He likes to spend a lot of time in the garden so Mr Basil should be safe ...''


Helen went upstairs and saw a purple carpet on the floor that stretched for miles, with a few doors at either side of the wall. She peeked inside each of them, but they weren't of any use. Helen suddenly stared when she saw a large framed portrait on the wall at the end of the hallway and walked up to it. It was a portrait of a young Queen Mousetoria with a man who had a fine crop of blonde hair and wearing a Royal Guard uniform.

Helen felt an abrupt hand on her shoulder and jumped, as though a large spider had landed on her, and turned to see Victoria.

''Sorry, for the fright, dear,'' she said solemnly, staring at the portrait. ''Sadly, they are no longer with us.''

''Is that Victor Senior?'' Helen asked.

''Yes, that is the former master of the house. He died only a few months ago after a long battle with cancer. Master Victor was a stubborn one, determined to fight until the very end. Mistress Vera has been prostrated with grief ever since, poor dearie, though she seems to be getting better. She's starting to talk a bit more, but she still wears her wedding dress day and night. Master Victor worked as a Royal Guard for Queen Mousetoria for many years. Unfortunately, not long before Ratigan's scheme nine years ago, he was struck with arthritis in his limbs. But even after this, he remained good friends with the Royal Family, and we all attended the queen's funeral.''

''The king said that told us all about what happened to Victor Senior at the party,'' Helen said. ''He certainly sounds very loyal to those he cared about.''

''He was, dearie,'' Victoria agreed sadly. ''Now his eldest son and namesake, Victor the second, is head of the family, and he really is his father's son. He will do anything for those he cares for.''

''Priscilla said he's been acting strange lately.''

''Yes, Mistress Priscilla has been most worried. Master Victor refuses to talk about with anyone apart from Hank. I just hope he is not doing anything bad. If his father was here, he would be most displeased if it was.''

''Where does Victor usually spend his time here?'' Helen asked. ''I know its rude to look in someone's room without permission, but if I can find out what he's up to, it will ease Priscilla.''

Victoria started dusting the walls. ''Bless you, dear. Normally, I would scold anything of the sort but you have good intentions. Carry on following the carpet until you reach the balcony, and Master Victor's study is on the last left next to it.''

Helen thanked the maid and headed off to follow her directions. Victoria placed her free hand over her heart. ''May the Richmond family soon be at peace, with no secrets or arguments?'' she said to herself.


In another hallway not too far from Victor's study, Basil was also wandering the corridor, looking for anything of Samuel's. ''Now, if I was Samuel, where would I hide stuff I wouldn't want people to see?'' he said to himself, as he often did when working on a case. ''Where would I be likely to have my room?''

Basil felt a tap on the shoulder and turned to see a young woman who was the spitting image of Priscilla, but her eyes were pure brown like Victor's. She was so slender and delicate-looking, as though she was a flower that would fade without water. She was wearing a pale-yellow dress with a frilly collar.

''Oh! Hello, ma'am,'' the detective said. ''I assume you are one of Priscilla's daughters?''

The woman shook her head and held her hands up to her ears and Basil understood: she was deaf. So this is what Priscilla meant, he thought. Luckily, Dawson had studied sign language a long time ago after coming across a few deaf patients and had taught Basil, so the detective repeated what he had just said through sign language.

''I'm Juliet,'' the woman said out loud. He felt sorry for her that she couldn't hear, and angry because she had been bullied for being different. On the plus side, she was behaving so casual she obviously wasn't deterred by it at all.

''Hello, Miss Juliet. I am Basil of Baker Street. Me and my friends are here on an urgent case. I am looking for anything related to Samuel,'' Basil said in sign language.

''Great-Grandfather?'' Juliet repeated, grinning, moving her fingers about. ''Sure, I will help. What are you looking for, Mr Basil?''

Basil translated: ''Anything that may tell us if he's been up to anything.''

''I know where his room is,'' Juliet said. ''He's outside so he won't catch us. Follow me.''

Basi obliged and followed the young woman. He wanted to ask her about her disability but it seemed rude. Juliet saw his uncomfortable look. ''It's alright,'' she said. ''You can ask me later, after you and your friends have finished on your case here.''

Basil felt relieved to hear that. They stopped outside a door that looked like any other door, but there was a large sign that said: ''NO ENTRY UNLESS YOU HAVE ANYHING OF MARIANNE'S!''

Basil shook his head. ''It really is all about Marianne,'' he sighed in sign language to Juliet. ''Not your sister, but –''

''I know which Marianne you mean, Mr Basil,'' said Juliet, grimacing slightly. ''I understand he lost someone important to him, but Great-Grandpa has always been so wrapped up in the past. But this door is nothing, wait until you get inside.''

Basil had a feeling what Juliet meant by those words, and carefully pushed on the door, which creaked opened, and the moment the two stepped in, it was as though they were in a dark cave. It was the gloomiest room Basil had ever seen, with black walls, carpets, curtains and even the bed. The curtains were drawn even though it was a beautiful sunny day, with candles standing on the desks. Pictures of Samuel throughout the years hung on the walls, most of them featuring him looking sullen, apart from the ones in which he was with a rat woman with pretty black curls and bubbly eyes. Marianne without a doubt, Basil thought. Her resemblance to Ratigan and Violet was uncanny.

''Well, this room certainly reflects Samuel's personality,'' Basil said, and Juliet agreed, ''and I see what you mean, Miss Juliet.'' He looked at the curtains. ''Perhaps a little light wouldn't hurt, then we can actually see properly.''

He put down the bag of materials, opened the miserable curtains and sun shone through, filling the room with light, and Juliet blew out all the candles. Now that the room was no longer engulfed in darkness, Basil looked at the bedside table, which was completely covered in dust, apart from the bottom drawer. Intrigued as to why this was so, the detective opened the top drawer, coughing from the dust and saw a black journal. It was evidenced from the dusty powder that Samuel had not read it in a long time, and Basil wiped it with a cloth. Even though it was only a book, Basil stared at it as though it was some sort of disease. He looked down and saw more identical dusty journals stacked in twos in the drawer. Basil pinched his nose as though the drawers were letting off some foul smell and opened the journal.

27th May 1847

Today marks both a joyous and sad occasion! The joyous part is that my Marianne has finally become a mother, the one thing she has always longed for. She is my dear friend and her happiness means everything to me, so seeing her holding her baby and smiling filled my heart with joy.

On the sad side, there were complications during her labour, and my poor Marianne nearly died from the childbirth, but both she and her baby were saved by the doctor. I will forever be grateful to him. The poor baby boy, he was too big to be delivered the normal way, but the doctor delivered him by a C-section. The boy is very strapping and looks just like his mother. Padraic James Ratigan. I just know he will inherit Marianne's brains.

Victor wanted to hold him, but I forbid it, until Marianne gave her say-so. I have to admit, my son was actually good with Padraic, but no son of mine would ever be as good-a parent as Marianne.

And Percy. Percy Ratigan, Marianne's husband. He is so lucky. It still makes me jealous he gets to have Marianne, but I can see he truly loves her, and vice versa, so I only accept him for her sake. However, I wish I was the one married to Marianne, and I might've been if my parents hadn't been worried about our financial troubles and arranged for me to marry a rich man's daughter! Katherine is so plain, not a patch on Marianne.

If I was a lesser man, I would leave Katherine and do everything in my power to get Percy out of the way so I could have Marianne and Padraic for myself. But I won't. Marianne would never forgive me if I did anything of the sort, since she thinks fondly of Katherine. Percy loves Marianne, but it makes angry he never wanted children, I could see his forced smile when he held Padraic. On the other hand, he agreed to have Padraic for Marianne's sake, so as long as he puts her smiles above his own, I will not throttle him. But if he makes her cry, I will not hold back!

Oh, Marianne, why did you have to fall in love? Why?!

Basil felt slightly nauseous. Even in his youth, Samuel was just as shallow and Marianne-obsessed as he was now. And it made his blood boil to read him actually celebrating the birth of Ratigan. No doubt Samuel had been the only one mourning his death nine years ago.

With Samuel having written about his uncle's birth, the detective wondered. He flipped through the journal but found nothing. He picked up another journal and found the date he had been looking for.

17th March 1850

This is officially the worst day of my life. My old and dear friend Marianne Ratigan – my beautiful, smart, sweet Marianne – has passed away. Nooooooooooooooo! Why did this have to happen?!

Marianne went into labour with her second child only yesterday. After what happened with Padraic she was told it would be dangerous to have any more children, but my brave Marianne was determined that Padraic would have a sibling or two so he wouldn't be lonely. That's Marianne, putting those she cared for before herself. As worried for her health as I have been these last nine months, I wouldn't have expected anything less from her. And now she's gone! I will never see Marianne again!

Even as she was dying, she was happy that her baby was fine. A baby girl! Nearly a day old and already she looks just like her mother and brother, and I know she will grow up to be just as beautiful and kind. Violet Patricia. It was love at first sight for Padraic. I had never seen him more excited for anything. He will be a devoted big brother. I'm glad Baby Violet is fine and healthy.

Percy is now my least favourite person. Right after Marianne succumbed to her death, we found he had toppled himself, no doubt driven by grief. He had left to join her. I appreciate he wanted to be with her, but I sickens me he has left her two children orphans! And now child services have stuck their noses in and are taking Padraic and Violet to an orphanage! I will NEVER forgive Percy!

After he had finished reading, Basil felt a wide range of emotions. As much as he hated Samuel, he was grateful for these words. He had been there when Violet, Basil's beloved aunt, was born and had written details of her birth. Violet had been born a very healthy baby despite Marianne's frail health, but the baby had lost her mother right afterwards. He recalled Grandma Maggie telling him many years ago that on the day she and Grandpa Bernard had met the Ratigan siblings, the moment she had heard new-born Violet crying, she had felt a connection to the baby.

Against his better judgement Basil flipped through the journals, looking for any more mention of the aunt he had adored.


I knew the Richmond family investigation would take long, so I split it up into two parts to make it easier for readers. I'd been trying to figure out how to divide it up, hence why it's taken all this time.

It appears that Samuel and Gideon are not very popular with their own family, but it's no surprise.

As Samuel's journal reveals, Ratigan's birthday was 27th May, which was also Vincent Price's birthday. Given how much Vincent Price loved playing Ratigan, he no doubt would've liked the idea of them sharing the same birthday.

I created Juliet as being deaf as representation for the disabled community. Since Dawson is a doctor, I figured he would've seen patients like Juliet in his time and thus learned things such as sign language, which he then taught Basil.

Vera wearing her wedding dress all the time was inspired by Miss Haversham in Great Expectations.

What is Victor up to? Why has he been acting secretive? And what is it about Emmett that Charlie warned Basil and friends about?

With Basil and his team splitting up to look for clues, it feels like a Scooby-Doo mystery, doesn't it?

Next time, Emmett's secret will be revealed, and we will finally meet Vera.

See you soon!