On the mansion's ground floor, Marianne had led Olivia to the entrance to Gideon's room. Olivia was surprised when she saw that it led to –

''The basement? Gideon lived in the basement?''

Marianne gave her a grimaced smile. ''Everyone thought he was mad, even though it was his choice, but Uncle Gideon was always one for making bad decisions. Still want to have a look?''

''Yes,'' Olivia answered.

Marianne opened the door and the two women descended down the dark stairs. It had a damp smell, and the dangling lamps flickered a bit. ''Sometimes I think Uncle Gideon chose the basement because of all this,'' Marianne said.

''That actually wouldn't surprise me,'' Oliva agreed, pinching her nose from the smell.

They reached the bottom, where the smell was even worse. ''No-one has been down here for a long time,'' Marianne informed Olivia, picking up a mouldy old blanket, ''not since Uncle Gideon moved out.''

She suddenly let out a yelp. ''Are you alright, Marianne?'' Oliva asked in concern, seeing the young woman had tripped over a bucket.

''I'm okay,'' she giggled. ''I'm a little clumsy.''

Olivia sighed in amusement and noticed a door in one corner and walked over to it. She gingerly touched the doorknob, as though it was covered in slime, and opened it to see a cracked toilet, with an old bathtub that looked all wear and tear. The tap was dripping. ''There's a bathroom in here too?'' the young woman asked.

Marianne looked up. ''Ah, yes,'' she said slowly. ''After Uncle Gideon chose this for his room, a bathroom was installed for him due to his … problem.''

''Problem?'' Olivia repeated, frowning.

''As unpleasant as he is, Mother said it's not polite talk about some of Uncle Gideon's issues. But since you are a detective, Miss Flaversham, you will probably figure it out soon enough.''

With the bathroom in mind, Olivia already had a hunch of what Marianne was talking about, but figured it was best to not question her about it. If anything, she would ask Gideon himself about it when they next saw him.

Leaving the bathroom be, Olivia continued searching the basement for clues. She saw another mouldy blanket and removed it to reveal an old chest. It was evident this chest had been looked in recently by the lack of dust. Old chests were great places for finding clues, so Olivia intended to look onside, but was disappointed to find it had a padded lock.

''Leave it to me,'' Marianne said with a grin, as though she had never seen anything so exciting. She produced a small pin from her pocket and began to pick the lock. With a small click, the padded lock came unstuck and the chest swung open.

''Why didn't I think to bring a lock-pick?'' Olivia asked herself, shaking her head. ''I must start doing that. Thank you, Marianne.''

Marianne accepted modestly.

The two women looked down in the chest and saw a mixture of textbooks and newspaper clippings. ''These must be his books from university,'' Marianne guessed, holding one up. 'Studies of Law.' ''

Olivia picked up two more books and started at them. '' 'Inheritance Law'? 'Law and Court Orders'? Gideon wanted a career in law enforcement?''

''I never knew that,'' Marianne said. ''I knew he went to study at University of Mouseford until he got kicked out for trying to hurt Mr Basil, but no-one said what it was he was studying.''

''I bet anything this lawyer ambition was influenced by Samuel and Marianne Ratigan,'' Olivia said grimly.

''That makes sense,'' Marianne agreed. ''And no doubt in my mind that this whole lawyer stuff was about him wanting to help criminals like Ratigan and the Viper, rather than innocent people.''

Olivia agreed with Marianne. They pulled out some newspaper articles and were even more stunned, both girls overcome with nausea. Most of them were about Ratigan and the atrocities he committed. Ratigan's pictures were circled with arrows pointing at them with words such as ''To Be Avenged!'' and ''Justice for Marianne's Child!''

Other news articles were about Basil being praised for his heroics in foiling their schemes. In these articles, however, Basil's name had been crossed out on every line it appeared in, his pictures had been scribbled all over, and on the papers were arrows pointing at the pictures with written words such as ''Career Destroyer!'', ''To Be Punished!'' and ''Girlfriend Stealer!''

''Camilla Anderson,'' Olivia said, referring to that last jab.

''So that was her name,'' said Marianne. ''Yes, Uncle Gideon always ranted on about this girl he accused Mr Basil of stealing from him.''

''Well, it's a lie,'' Olivia said defensively. ''William would never steal anyone's girl. Camilla simply liked him instead of Gideon – and honestly, I don't blame her.''

Marianne patted her shoulder. ''Don't worry, I knew Uncle Gideon was talking rubbish. I'm guessing that things didn't work out for Mr Basil and Camilla then?''

''Camilla was too scared of the danger of William's family profession.''

''I see what you mean. But is Mr Basil still single?'' she asked, a hint of hopefulness in her voice. ''I know he's about twice my age, but he's just sooooo handsome.''

Rather than getting jealous or annoyed, Olivia giggled. ''Sorry, Marianne, but I'm afraid he's now spoken for.''

Marianne pouted, as though she had just been refused ice cream. ''Oh, poo! I knew that was probably the case, but it's okay to have crushes, isn't it? Mr Basil has been my celebrity crush for a long time.''

''I don't blame you,'' Olivia said, smiling.

''Whoever the girl is Mr Basil has picked, I hope they have a long and happy future together.''

Olivia had to stop herself from saying ''thank you''' to Marianne.

''Anyway,'' the Richmond teenager said after a pause, looking serious, ''it looks like my uncle's hatred for Mr Basil runs deeper than I thought …''

''Indeed,'' Olivia said darkly, pocketing one or two news clippings.

Marianne peeked back in the chest, digging through the very bottom. ''What's this?'' she asked, and pulled out a small doll of Basil in his detective clothes, covered in needles.

Oliva saw and her eyes widened. ''May I see that?'' she asked sharply and Marianne relented. ''There's no mistake,'' Olivia said after examining the doll. ''This is the Viper's handwork. He often makes dolls of his victims to mock them.''

Marianne looked alarmed. ''But why would there be one in Uncle Gideon's old chest?''

''Why indeed?'' Olivia repeated, narrowing her eyes.


Helen followed the carpet just as Victoria had instructed. Now she was standing outside the door of Victor's study. She stared at the door and swallowed, as though she though afraid the door would trap her forever. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the door handle and the door swung open with a creak. Helen entered the room. It looked just like an ordinary room, with family pictures on the wall. Perhaps it was just because she was new to this, but Helen was starting to doubt she'd find any clues but it was worth a try. As quietly as she could, she began to look through the drawers but found nothing of importance, until she found a half-torn piece of paper. Helen turned the paper around and found some words on it: ''I'm sorry, Priscilla, I hate leaving you and the family in the dark, but it's for the best. I have to do this alone. Please forgive me.''

This must be Victor's writing, the young woman thought. Puzzled but intrigued, she pocketed the paper.


Having had enough findings in the basement, Olivia and Marianne began to make their way upstairs.

''So anyway,'' Marine was saying to Olivia, ''I intend to make an actual career for myself.''

Olivia nodded. ''Tell me about it,'' she said approvingly, and told Marianne all about her school years, how she dared to be different from other schoolgirls, and took the boys' classes.

After she was finished, Marianne pulled her into a chocking hug. ''Miss Flaversham, you are my hero! I admire woman who are different. I will do my best and not give upon my dream.''

''What's that?'' Olivia asked.

Marianne shrugged. ''I don't know yet.''

Olivia rolled her eyes in amusement. The two girls walked past the door near the stairs when it suddenly creaked open. Olivia and Marianne turned to see a female mouse in her sixties exiting. Her face looked frail and tired, as though she hadn't slept for many years, and her hair was a light grey. She was wearing her wedding dress.

''Grandma Vera,'' said Marianne, as she made her way toward them, very slowly, her arms reached out as though she was a zombie. Olivia and Marianne caught the old mouse in their arms when she stumbled.

''Grandma Vera!'' Marianne cried.

''Are you alright, Mrs Richmond?'' Olivia asked.

Vera stared right at the young woman with a softened expression. ''Olivia Flaversham?'' she said, her voice all horse, as though she hadn't used it in a long time. ''Your poor father. I know what he went through.''

Oliva knew what Vera was talking about. ''Thank you, Mrs Richmond, I'll be sure to tell him. He was devastated when my mother died, but he had me to make him smile again, and even though Samuel and Gideon dampen the mood, you also have a family who are there for you.''

''Olivia is right, Grandma Vera,'' said Marianne and hugged her tightly. ''You have me, Juliet, Mother, Father and Uncle Emmett.'' She giggled. ''You now, that feels a bit weird, calling him 'Uncle' when he's only five years older than me, even though he is my uncle.''

To her surprise, Vera also let out a chuckle. ''Grandma Vera, you haven't laughed in a long time!'' Marianne said in a delighted voice, pulling out of the hug and looking at her grandmother, who was smiling.

The moment Marianne removed herself from her grandma, the old mouse woman pulled Olivia into a hug. ''Thank you, dear,'' she said. ''Your words have filled me with joy.'' She looked down at her dress. ''Victor was my life. I wore this dress on our wedding day.''

''So the dress is a symbol of Victor,'' Olivia said. ''It's understandable, but I don't it would be healthy for you to wear it all the time,'' she added gently. ''And I think you can miss Victor without being miserable all the time. After all, he wouldn't want that.''

Vera patted Olivia's hand.

''Do you need help with the toilet?'' Marianne asked her grandmother, a little awkwardly.

''No, Marianne, dear. I only came out because I heard your voices, but I do need to have a nap.''

''Let's get you sorted, Mrs Richmond,'' said Olivia, and she and Marianne helped the old lady back to her room.


The garden on the other side of the human-sized mansion was a truly wondrous place. The grass was beautiful, blowing in the wind and maim rustling noises as though it was talking. The flowers were in full bloom, filling the garden with life. That was just the way Samuel Richmond liked it, for his Marianne had loved flowers. He enjoyed sitting in his chair, staring out at the lovely garden. Luckily, the human owners of the house were away in holiday so Samuel didn't have any worries about being caught. Even on days he could not go outside for some reason, his bedroom window overlooked the garden so he would always stare out of the glass. That was the only time he would open his curtains.

''This is the life, don't you think, Marianne?'' the old man said, as if he was speaking to someone invisible. He rocked back and forth in his chair. ''If only you could see it now. You always enjoyed the outdoors. Why don't we go for a walk?'' He heaved himself off the chair and began to walk slowly. ''I remember on sunny days like this, you would always tickle Ratigan. You were the best mother I had ever known, better than those –'' His face twisted into anger – ''Basils ever were. If I were choosing adoptive parents for your children, I certainly would never have chosen that Bernard and Maggie Basil! I failed to protect your children. I'm so sorry, Marianne, I hope you can forgive me. If I hear or see any sign of any Basil I want nothing more than to –''

Samuel stopped, scowling with deep suspicions. He was now facing the mansion, staring up at his own window that overlooked the garden. The last time he checked, his curtains were always closed, as they always were, so why were they open? Adjusting his monocle, he narrowed his eyes, and his face twisted into fury when he saw a familiar figure wearing detective clothes looking down at something.

''Basil of Baker Street!'' he spat.


''William?''

Basil looked up from reading another journal and saw Olivia and Marianne entering Samuel's room. ''Olivia!'' Basil said, smiling, as the two girls walked over. ''And you must be Miss Marianne?''

''Mr Basil!'' Marianne said excitedly, and shook the detective's hand like mad, as though her life depended on it. ''I finally get to meet you in person! You're even more handsome in real-life than you are in the papers!''

''Your mother did say you like celebrities,'' Basil chuckled. ''And am I, by any chance, a crush of yours?''

''Yes,'' Marianne giggled, blushing furiously. ''I know you have a girlfriend and I wish you two all the best.''

''Thank you,'' Basil said, looking at his love. ''Olivia, this is Juliet.''

Olivia said hello to the older Richmond sister, but Juliet held her hands to her ears. ''Juliet is deaf, Miss Flaversham,'' Marianne informed her. ''Something happened to her hearing when she was born.''

''You poor thing,'' Olivia said sympathetically, translating through sign language. ''I know what it's like to feel different compared to everyone else, but don't let it get you down, Juliet.''

''I never do,'' Juliet replied.

Basil stared at Olivia. ''You know sign language?'' he asked in amazement.

Olivia shrugged. ''One of the many things I studied.''

''You continue to surprise me. I myself could never do it until Dawson taught me.''

As Basil and Olivia stared at each other, Marianne looked between them and smirked. As I suspected, she thought. Though she was puzzled by the age-gap, neither Basil or Olivia judged her sister, so she was not going to be critical.

''What's that, William?'' Olivia asked, pointing at the journal.

''I found an awful lot of journals in Samuel's drawers,'' Basil said, and Juliet handed her one.

Olivia opened it and read what Basil had read earlier. ''So Ratigan was fifty when we foiled his scheme,'' Olivia said. ''If he is still alive, he'd be fifty-nine,'' she added in a whisper.

''Yes,'' Basil confirmed, ''and Violet would be fifty-six. Samuel wrote down details of her birth so I – I wanted to … to see if …''

He trailed off, but he didn't need to say anything. Olivia placed a hand on his shoulder.

''Where is he?!'' shouted an angry voice. ''That murdering detective better not still be in my room!''

''Uh-oh, it's Great-Grandpa Samuel,'' Marianne said. ''He must've seen the curtains open from outside.''

Marianne quickly translated to her sister what was happening. ''You two should get out of here,'' Juliet said to Basil and Olivia. ''If Great-Grandpa catches you he –''

The four individuals froze when a chilly atmosphere suddenly entered the room, as though it was winter. They slowly turned around and saw, with anger beyond describable, Samuel Richmond!

''What,'' he growled, snapping his cane in half, ''do you think you're doing?!''

''Great-Grandpa,'' Marianne said quickly, ''it wasn't them –''

''SILENCE!'' Samuel roared. ''You are not worthy of the Richmond name, you silly little girl! Or the name Marianne! Your parents were spiteful in naming you that! I don't buy that guff about you being named after Priscilla's grandmother. You allowed the murderer of my Marianne's children to enter my room! My private area! Traitor! And you!'' He turned to Juliet. ''You can't hear so I can say anything I want to you! You are a useless –''

''Don't you speak to them like that!'' Olivia shouted, having never felt such anger. ''Juliet and Marianne are good girls who care about their family, unlike you, you mean-spirited Scrooge!''

Samuel's face grew very red. ''I will not be disrespected by the likes of Basil of Baker Street and his associates!'' he screamed, marching right up to the Flaversham woman, who stood her ground. ''Miss Flaversham, Miss Darling, or whatever name you are using at the moment, you hold your tongue, young lady, or I will –''

''THAT'S ENOUGH!'' Basil shouted, stepping in front of his love. ''I will not tolerate your criticism any longer!''

''Here he is! The famous phony detective who hides behind the image of a hero. Not using an alias today, I see.''

''No, Mr Richmond.''

''No-one, and I mean no-one, enters my rom without permission, especially someone like you!''

''We are here on a very urgent case, Mr Richmond, and we are not letting you get in the way. And Olivia is right. Miss Juliet may have a disability, but she's not useless – in fact, she strikes me as the type who won't let it hold her back. It is you who needs help, Mr Richmond, with your delusions about Ratigan and Marianne. If Marianne really was as kind and selfless as you say she was, she would be most unhappy with your uncouth behaviour.''

''You don't know what Marianne would want, you insufferable pest!'' The old mouse saw the book in Basil hand and snatched it, growing red once more. ''You had the audacity to read my private books?'' He reached out his hand an attempted to slap Basil's face, but the detective ducked out of the way in time. ''Out, all of you! Out, Out, OUT!''

Basil and Olivia ushered Juliet and Marianne out of the room.

''By the way, you nosy runt,'' Samuel sneered at Basil, ''Violet will never be your aunt.''

He slammed the door shut.

''Great-Grandpa Samuel is seriously scary when he's angry,'' said Juliet.

Marianne grinned. ''But it was worth seeing the smile wiped off his face.''

Olivia saw Basil look crestfallen and hugged him. ''Ignore him, William. As you said at the party, Samuel Richmond knows nothing about love or compassion. He needs to learn that family bonds are not necessarily defined by blood. Ratigan can be disowned as your uncle since he was a monster, but Violet was your aunt, and she always will be.''

Basil held her tight ''You're right, Livy, as always.''

Juliet and Marianne smiled at the pair. ''What is going on here?'' asked an exasperated voice, and the group turned to see Helen and Victoria, the latter with her hands in her hips.

They filled them in about Samuel. ''No offense, but it sounds as though Gideon isn't the only one who needs an asylum,'' said Helen.

''I have always thought that myself,'' Victoria agreed, looking solemn. ''Mr Gideon certainly seems to have inherited Mr Samuel's temper. I'm just glad none of you were hurt.''

''Do you need more help from us, Mr Basil?'' Juliet asked.

Basil translated: ''You girls have done so much for us already, and I would hate to get you in any more trouble.''

''In that case, come with me girls, your mother wants you,'' said Victoria, and the maid and the Richmond sisters headed downstairs.

Basil looked over his shoulder at Samuel's closed door and grimaced. ''It's best we all talk somewhere else,'' he suggested. Olivia and Helen agreed so they walked down the corridor.

''Now, I can say for certain that Samuel is not hiding anything,'' Basil said. ''His reaction to me being in his room and reading his journals proves that.''

''It does?'' Helen said, puzzled.

''Elementary, my dear Helen. What we saw was simply anger over his privacy being invaded rather than panic.''

''I agree,'' said Olivia. ''Yes, some rodents who are hiding something can display that sort of anger to cover up their panic, but not in this case. Samuel's anger was genuine.''

Basil nodded. ''I've met enough rodents to read and sense their behaviour. Only culprits who are exceedingly skilled in acting can hide their true emotions from me. That's why Ratigan had the whole family fooled for years with his doting brother and uncle show.''

Helen frowned and Olivia told her they would explain later.

''Plus,'' Basil added, ''I read the journal in which he wrote about the party and, though he wrote things down I will not repeat as they were rather unpleasant, it was clear to me he had no knowledge of the Viper.''

''You know best,'' Helen shrugged.

''Did you girls find anything?'' Basil asked hopefully.

''I found some stuff in Gideon's old chest,'' Olivia revealed, patting her pockets. ''You need to see it.''

''I also found something Victor wrote,'' said Helen. ''It's ambiguous, but it's something.''

Basil grinned. ''Good, it makes me feels better over the lack of Samuel findings. But let's wait until we are back in Baker Street before showing me your discoveries. We –''

The sound of nearby door caught their attention. The trio looked to see Emmett stepping out. He was still wearing his green nightshirt. He jumped when he saw them. ''Mr Basil! And …. Miss Flaversham,'' he mumbled in embarrassment, blushing. ''I heard Grandpa shouting, so I figured to was best to stay inside until it was over.''

''Hello, Emmett,'' Basil said, forcing a big smile on his face. ''Yes, we just had a run-in with your grandfather, one I would rather not repeat. Still in your nightwear, even though it's such a nice day?''

Emmett looked down. ''I've been so busy with my work I lost track of time,'' he admitted. ''As Mother used to say: 'Time flies when you're having fun.' '' He coughed. ''What brings you to our family home, Mr Basil?''

''We are here on an urgent case, Emmett.''

''Is it the Viper?'' Emmett asked hesitantly.

''I never discuss details of my cases with strangers,'' Basil answered matter-of-factly.

Emmett twitched. ''Got it,'' he said, glancing at his bedroom door behind him.

Basil saw this and narrowed his eyes, his instincts kicking in. ''Do you mind if take a look at your room, Emmett?''

Emmett fumbled nervously and stepped in front of his bedroom door protectively.

''Are you hiding something?'' Olivia asked, also narrowing her eyes.

''No,'' Emmett answered, a little too quickly.

Charlie's words earlier played in Basil's mind but he carried on playing it cool. ''If you're not hiding anything then there is no harm in us looking around then is there?'' he said pleasantly, clasping his hands together.

''Mr Basil, I don't think you should –''

''Mr Richmond!'' Basil burst out, losing patience, causing the young man to jump back. ''We are in the middle of a very important investigation! If you don't cooperate, you could find yourself in big trouble! Do you want that?''

''No,'' Emmett said meekly, and reluctantly stepped aside.

Basil, Olivia and Helen entered Emmet's room. The room was certainly a reflection of Emmett's favourite colour: green walls, green carpets, green curtains, green duvet cover and even green drawers. It was as if they had stepped into a jungle. The whole time, Emmett was looking around the room anxiously, as though looking for a burglar that was hiding.

''You're outdone yourself,'' Helen remarked.

''Aye, you're certainly passionate about all things green,'' Olivia added.

Emmett laughed bashfully. ''Thank you.''

Basil picked up the camera he saw huddled in one corner and carefully inspected it. After prising the device open, he looked at Emmett.

''Are you taking pictures as part of your college course, Emmett?'' the detective asked. ''

''I often do,'' Emmett replied, but Basil could detect a note of panic in his voice. ''I love photographs of the outdoors. If I see something interesting while outside, I take a picture.''

''Is that why the film is nearly all used up?'' Basil persisted, holding up the camera. ''Am I right in thinking this is to with this work you've been doing all morning?''

''Yes, it is. The empty camera is from ages ago, though. Haven't had time to take picture's recently, or refill the camera up.''

''And why is that?''

Emmet looked uncomfortable. ''Because … because …''

''Look at this,'' Helen said suddenly, and everyone turned to see her holding up what looked like a small photo album, but the front cover had a stick-on piece of paper with the words, ''SECRET PROJECT''.

Emmett's eyes widened.

''I wonder what's in there?'' Oliva said curiously.

''It must be collection of Emmett's outdoor pictures,'' Helen said to her, and was about to open the book when Emmett abruptly snatched it up and held it to his chest, breathing in and out as though he was running at high speed, beads of sweat on his forehead.

Basil narrowed his eyes once more. ''May I have a look at that album?'' he asked, holding out his hand.

Emmet glanced at Olivia. ''You don't want to see it. It's … nothing.''

''Then let me see it,'' Basil repeated, now in a warning tone.

Emmet clutched the album tighter.

''Mr Richmond,'' Basil said fiercely. ''If you don't show it to me, I can just ask your sister-in-law and –''

''Please, no!'' Emmett pleaded. ''She knows nothing about this! No-one does!''

''She will know if you don't hand it over,'' Basil said, in a tone that made it clear he was not messing around.

Very reluctantly, Emmett held the photo album out to the detective. Basil had nearly grabbed it went Emmet snatched it and began to dash toward his bedroom door. Before he reached the door, Basil tackled him and pinned him to the floor.

''Going somewhere?' the detective said with a dangerous smirk.

''Mr Basil, please!'' Emmett cried. ''You'll get the wrong idea!''

''Oh, I will, will I?''

While Emmet was still struggling with Basil, Olivia picked up the book and she and Helen opened it.

''NO!'' Emmet screamed, beside himself.

The two girls stared for a moment at the album's contests. After flipping through a few more pages, they inhaled sharply and looked at Emmett. ''So,'' Helen said, glaring hard at the young man, who buried his face in his hands.

''What is it, Helen?'' Basil asked.

In an uncharacteristic dramatic tone, Helen said, ''Emmett here is a stalker!'' and held out the open album.

Basil's mouth hung open when he saw the contents. ''WHAT?'' he shouted, flying into a frenzy. He snatched up the album and flicked through it ferociously, his anger increasing. On every page were, taken from every single angle, pictures of Olivia!

''This is your idea of 'interesting'?'' the detective bellowed, placing a protective arm around Olivia.

Emmett stood up, his eyes full of pleading. ''It's not what you think,'' he said, holding up his hands in protest and looking directly at Olivia. ''Miss Flaversham, I didn't mean any harm. I know this book is wrong, but I really like you, you're beautiful, and I guess … I just got carried away with my camera.''

Olivia nodded stiffly and looked back at the album. ''Most of these pictures of me seem to have been taken on the college grounds,'' she noted. ''Now that I think about it, I thought I could often see a flash as I was walking.''

''Now you know why,'' Basil said, glaring daggers at Emmett. ''So this is what Charlie meant.''

''Charlie? You met him?''

''Just before we came here,'' Helen said. ''He told us there was something about you that we needed to be cautious of, and that you were asking about Olivia lot.''

Emmett looked mortified. ''I only asked if he had seen you lately. He was also a few questions about her, so I'm –''

''What sort of questions?'' Basil asked.

''Same as me, if he had seen you lately, and if I knew I you were doing anything. Charlie came by because his aunt was unwell so he wanted to check on us, and he had a good tour of the house since he hadn't been here for a while. Mr Basil,'' he added, now looking at the detective, ''I promise I will never do anything like this again. Please, spare me, I don't want any trouble, my family has been through a lot already.''

Basil flicked through the album for a moment and stared at Emmett long and hard, his expression displaying a hint of scepticism. Finally, he said: ''Emmett Richmond, I am furious at our little discovery, and I don't tolerate this sort of uncouth behaviour. However, since you seem sincere about your apology, and for your family's sake, I will overlook it, but I'm afraid you cannot have this back, am I clear?'' Emmett nodded, but flinched when Basil marched right up to him and jabbed a finger at his chest. ''Just to let you know, if Olivia or I see another flash, if you go anywhere near Olivia again, or if I see another one of these albums the next time we visit, there will be consequences for you. Understand, Mr Richmond?''

Emmett swallowed, looking nervous and twitchy. ''Yes, Mr Basil.''

Basils put the book in the bag of materials and straightened out his Inverness cape. ''Good. Olivia, Helen, I think we've investigated enough here for now. It's time for us to take our leave.''

Giving Emmett one last glare of warning, Basil marched out of his room, followed by the girls. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, they found Priscilla, Juliet, Marianne and Victoria smiling at them.

''Mrs Richmond,'' Basil said to Priscilla. ''Thank you very much for allowing us into your home, and our work here is done for the time being. We apologise for any distress we may have caused you.''

''It's alright, Mr Basil,'' said Priscilla. ''You're just doing your job.''

''I just hope Samuel hasn't become even more bad-tempered,'' Olivia added, looking worried.

''Ah, don't worry, Miss Flaversham,'' Marianne assured her. ''His bad temper reached maximum a long time ago.''

''But it might be best to avoid him if you come again,'' Victoria advised, and everyone agreed.

''By the way,'' Priscilla added, placing an arm around Juliet, ''I can't thank you enough for treating my daughter with kindness. As I said before, Juliet endured a lot of ridiculing at school for not being able to hear, so much we had to take her out and home-school her.''

''Juliet is deaf?'' Helen repeated, not having heard this before, and bowed in respect. ''I honestly had no idea, I'm sorry you've endured so much judgement,'' she added to the older girl, and Marianne translated to her sister.

''I appreciate everyone's concern,'' Juliet said with a smile, ''but, as Mr Basil said, I am determined not let it avert me from doing things I want to do.''

''And what do you want to do, Miss Juliet?'' Basil asked.

''I love to dance so I want to be a dancing instructor.''

''I'm sure you will be success in that,'' Olivia said.

Juliet nodded.

''And, of course, Marianne will be too, with whatever it is she wants to do,'' Priscilla said, hugging her younger daughter so she wouldn't feel left out.

''I will, Mother, but I still don't know what I want to do,'' the teenager admitted.

Basil tipped his deerstalker cap to the Richmond woman. ''Take care, all of you,'' he said.

They were about to leave when Priscilla said, ''Wait! Have you … found anything of Victor's behaviour?''

''Not yet, Mrs Richmond,'' Oliva admitted, ''but we'll get to the bottom of it soon, I promise.''

Priscilla looked anxious. ''Whatever it is he's doing, I will forgive him for the secrecy as long as he's not …'' She swallowed, ''committing adultery.''

Olivia patted her hand. ''Try not to think the worst,'' she said comfortingly.

''She's right, Mother,'' Marianne agreed. ''Father would never do that; he loves us far too much.''

Priscilla nodded but still look worried. ''Come back anytime you want,'' she said to the trio, who then departed.

''Well,'' Basil said, ''it's always nice to make new acquaintances, isn't it?''

''Aye,'' Olivia agreed, ''and once we've investigated Gideon, I really think we should try and find out what Victor is doing.''

''Indeed,'' said Basil, ''because I find it very convenient that on the day we turn up, he is absent, along with the butler.''

Helen placed her hand to her chin. ''Hmmm ...''

Basil saw Olivia glance at the bag and placed his arm around her. ''Livy, are you alright?''

''I'm just a bit anxious about Emmett's album,'' she admitted. ''He took all those pictures of me and I never knew.''

''I will make sure it never happens again, darling,'' Basil said firmly.

''Now that we've looked around the Richmond manor,'' said Helen, ''is it time to – ?''

''Yes,'' Basil replied with a grin, and looked down at the bag of materials. ''Next stop: Gideon Richmond!''


There! The Richmond manor investigation is complete, for now anyway.

That was rather intense, wasn't it?

Yes, Emmett's secret Olivia file is unveiled. Now you understand why I told you to keep his photography in mind. Yes, it's creepy, but was Emmett being harmless, or does he have a more sinister reason for having it? Only time will tell.

Olivia can handle herself, of course, but I love Basil going into protective mode. He really loves her.

And Juliet is determined not to let her disability prevent her from achieving her dream of being a dancing teacher. I want her to be a role model for disabled people. As Olivia said, I'm sure she will be great. As for Marianne, she will find out her dream soon enough. If you like these two sisters, I can reveal you will see them again.

Basil seems to have stolen a lot of woman's hearts, hasn't he? Chuckle. It could be interpreted as a running gag. But of course, Olivia is the only one for him and vice versa, like Roger and Jessica Rabbit.

Vera appears to be slowly recovering from then loss of her husband. Olivia seems to have a positive effect on people, doesn't she? She's like Tohru Honda in Fruits Basket.

Next time, prime suspect Gideon will finally be interrogated, but will our heroes find anything?

See you soon!