《Love & Murder: An Eliza Winter Mystery》Empty Box
Advertisement
Eliza had never loitered outside a gentleman's club before, so she isn't sure of the proper protocol. Could she pop inside White's and ask if Lord Bradshaw was still in? Was it all very hush-hush and the members coming and goings stayed private? She only knew that women were not allowed.
She paced in front of the grand Portland stone building, with its French motifs making the club feel particularly posh and unwelcoming. She lingered near the iron gate and every time the wide black door opened, she'd try and peek inside. She hoped she hadn't missed him; she was unsure how long to wait around.
When one man finally dropped down the short staircase, Eliza plucks up the courage to ask, "Excuse me sir." The older man turns to her while capping his head with a homburg hat and as he raises a bushy eyebrow she continues, "Do you know if a Detective Inspector Bradshaw is currently in residence?" She thought she'd try the detective route, playing a worried little lady as opposed to a stalking lover. He glances over his shoulder and was about to brush her off when Eliza adds, "It's of life-or-death importance sir. I have information he needs and have no way of getting it to him."
He sighs, "Was just finishing a cuppa. Should be out shortly miss." He then turns away from her before she could ambush him with anything else. She wants to give herself a pat on the back but manages a wide smile instead. She continues to pace and dash over to the door every time another member comes out. She must have waited another fifteen minutes when the secretive black door opens and Colin wanders out. She watches as he too places a hat onto his neat dark hair as he saunters down the wide steps.
"Lord Bradshaw!" Eliza says eagerly, startling the poor man. He puts his hand to his chest in surprise and gasps, "Lady Eliza! What on earth brings you here?"
"Do you have a moment?" Eliza asks while giving him a pleading stare.
"Of course, walk with me," he replies as he nods over to the pavement. She strides over to him and as they walk in step, Eliza finally says, "We need to go to Kent."
Advertisement
"Kent? Why?" He asks with a glance over to her.
"I can't explain it, you'll think I'm mad but I believe something is there in connection to Penelope. I want to go explore the poppy fields near her aunt's estate. I believe that's where rendezvous had been taking place and maybe Kent is the home to our murderer," Eliza says quickly, almost speaking so rapidly, she fears she'll become tongue tied.
Colin stops on the pavement and pulls Eliza out of the other pedestrian's way. They stand beside a pastry shop and Colin says, "I went to the club last night to find some things out." Eliza hears the jingle of the pastry door opening and his eyes flit to the movement behind her, "Have you already had breakfast? Can I buy you a cup of tea or a scone perhaps?" He looks around him and she can tell it's a ploy to get them off the street. He pulls at her elbow and they enter into the pastry shop. Colin nabs them a small round table in the corner and orders two cups of tea and an almond croissant. Eliza pulls her gloves off and makes herself comfortable. Colin leans into her and finally continues their discussion, "I asked around the club and Penelope was definitely seen hanging around the front, waiting for someone the day she disappeared. I can't tell you everything, but I have my suspicions Lady Eliza. I think our gentleman is a Londoner."
Eliza shrugs, "Many Londoners, wealthy Londoners, have homes elsewhere. They could have met in Kent and continued their relationship here in London."
"There are a lot of could haves and maybes in this case it seems. Things don't add up and other things come to light that don't play into anything else," Colin says with a shake of his head. The cups are dropped between them and Eliza wastes no time digging into the buttery pastry.
"You never told me what aspect of this case you were looking into last night. I fear the wine got me...rather off track," Eliza admits with a blush.
Advertisement
"Your boldness got us on track with the gentleman's clubs," Colin reminds her but it only makes her feel warmer.
"But what were you looking for at the opera? You are very coy, I'll give you that Bradshaw. I had completely forgotten that you were on an assignment there." He sighs and then leans back into his rickety wooden chair. He folds his arms and then says, "I think Penelope was someone's formal mistress."
Eliza's eyes widen, "A formal mistress?" She repeats, like they are dirty words, simply appalled that he'd even suggest it.
"We always thought she was sneaking around with someone she wasn't supposed to be, but now I think she was someone's established mistress."
"Why would she ever agree to that? She was young and had options. Why tether herself to a married man?"
He shrugs, "Anya admitted that Penelope had a gown drawn up for the opera. It was delivered the day before the funeral and it jogged her memory. When pressed for details, Penelope had told Anya that she wasn't going for the performance, but for an opportunity for some alone time."
"But what does you going to the opera achieve?" Eliza asks.
"Penelope had written down a date and box number, on a random page in her diary. It took me a moment to figure out what it was, but when I had received my own tickets to the opera, I realized the connection. Last night at the opera I had a clear view of that box number," Colin admits. Eliza stops picking at the remaining almonds and gasps, "Whose box was it?"
"I don't know. The box remained empty all evening," Colin admits and her shoulders slump.
"Blimey, so Penelope was someone's mistress," Eliza says again, unable to grasp the decision behind it.
"It appears so but it's all speculation at this point," Colin adds. He picks up his tea and as he sips Eliza says, "I still want to go to Kent. She went up there enough to raise suspicion and if she was someone's mistress, we can see who has a home in Kent that's also in London and if any of those households have members at White's."
"You know I can't check out who members are," Colin states plainly, but Eliza simply says, "If a name or face looks familiar to you in Kent, you can check up on them." Colin looks to Eliza over his teacup and then says, "When do you want to journey to Kent? And what will you say to your parents? I assume they will not allow you to travel unaccompanied." Eliza puts a finger to her lips as she thinks it over. She hadn't thought of that and there's no way her parents will let her disappear for a day unchaperoned.
"I want to go as soon as physically possible. I can arrange for Lucy to accompany me, that should suffice," Eliza says.
"Alright, I'll see what I can arrange," Colin replies. "I have a dinner I have to attend tonight in Westminster, but I'll see if I can shuffle things around to make it up there tomorrow."
"I'll speak with my parents tonight and arrange things with Lucy. Can you phone me and let me know if you're able to make this work?" Eliza asks and Colin gives her a nod.
As they push their way out of the pastry shop, Colin gives Eliza's gloved hand a squeeze and then gives her a flirtatious look. The spark that was there while they were under the influence was clearly still there sober. She laughs and then says, "I'm not sloshed enough to give you a kiss right here on the pavement again. Not in broad daylight."
"Damn, should have slipped some whiskey into your tea then," Colin says with a wink and then drops Eliza's hand. "I'll phone when I know anything."
"I'll be waiting," Eliza says before turning and heading for home.
Advertisement
- In Serial118 Chapters
Love Unfolding
Be brave enough to take off the mask you’ve been wearing and be who you are underneath. I think in life, happiness comes from deciding to follow your heart over your fears. So, let’s follow Ka...
8 495 - In Serial35 Chapters
Living Selfishly While Working Towards A Peaceful Life
It was a Tuesday. Shouldn't it be Thursday? It was sunny outside. Shouldn’t it be cold? It was hot in his room. Wasn’t it supposed to be winter? He was burning up. Did he prefer being cold or hot? He was hungry. Didn’t he have dinner right before this? His parents were arguing. Didn’t he stop living with them a long time ago? His sister was crying. Why did that sound fill him with dread? It took him a moment to realize, but then it became clear Bai Li had been reborn. Looking at his new life, he resolved to live a peaceful life. He was determined to selfishly avoid his family and not work any more than necessary. Why was nothing turning out the way he planned? Wait, who is this man that has taken an interest in him? Go away. He is 100% straight. More than that, he doesn't want to be involved in messy things. Content warning: Contains themes of homosexual relationships. BoyXBoy. Yaoi.
8 156 - In Serial41 Chapters
The Darkest Souls
when enemies end up living in the same house, and the going to the same school, what do you think would happen? Amelia Moore, ends up living with the one and only Axel Russo. He's the bad boy and the enemy But what happens when he learns some secrets about her and end up falling for her would everything change? check out the story to find out more xoxo, svdsouls :)
8 100 - In Serial64 Chapters
Mr. Executive
Alexander James is at the top of the food chain with his multi billion dollar company. Just the sound of his name makes men's blood boil in jealousy and women to go to long lengths just to get a second look back for his other worldly good looks. He's known to be a player and getting every woman he wants with just a snap of his fingers.Nora Davis is the awkwardly clumsy girl that most people wouldn't even give a second glance at. So when Nora who's been looking hard to find a good job after being fired unjustly from her previous one gets desperate and applies for a job at Alex & Co Enterprises knowing she won't get in but life is full of surprises and Nora receives exactly that in the shape of a smirking and adonis looking Alexander James.[COMPLETED BUT NEEDS A LOT OF EDITING SO BEAR WITH ME PLEASE]
8 213 - In Serial19 Chapters
Abstract Theories
Highest rank #10 in spiritual"Take me home, please-" She requested him in a broken voice. Haani paused to look in her direction for a moment but she refused to meet his gaze. Nodding more to himself, he understood at once what she meant by home. Walking towards her side of the car he opened the door for her. Without a word she got out and started walking towards the house before Haani could clasp his large hand around her arm to stop her. She abrupty stopped and turned around to face him. Her face as blank as a stone sculpture yet to carve. "It's not safe here." He informed her with genuine concern. "Then where is it safe? With you?"......Famous artist Haani Fateen knows that nothing comes for free, you always have to set a bait to catch your fish. So, when he finds the source of inspiration to his art, he sets his game. Sanari Abdul knows one thing, men are enslaved to their desires. So, when she finds herself trapped in his games, she can't escape anymore.
8 86 - In Serial22 Chapters
Quarterback's Study Buddy
Noelle Cartwright did everything by the book. Some call her 'stuck-up.' But, she never cared. She's a high-school senior with a lot on her plate and no room for romance. All she wants to do graduate high-school and finally start her life. That is, until Carson Holt, captain of the football team, Carson Holt flashes her a dazzling smile and begs for her help in Biology. Carson Holt is the stereotypical slutty footballer whose main concern is getting his grades up and getting off the bench. He needs help in Bio but he didn't think he'd get mixed up with a sweet, quiet girl. Who would have thought he'd actually care for her.
8 378

