He could not shake the feeling that they had been shadowed since the Sheriff's office. He stepped off the path. As the group traveled around to the front of the residence he noticed a figure off in the distance making itself known. The size and gait of the figure was none other than the newly acquainted Captain Pierce. He was no doubt keeping tabs on the investigation. But who exactly would he be reporting to?
Nera knocked on the front door and waited for a response. When no one came she changed her tactics and rapped with the iron knocker ring hanging from an iron vine. Blossom huffed with impatience as they waited. Still no response. Groth stepped forward and tapped Nera on the shoulder. She had about lost her balance before she moved aside. The large green man lifted a massive fist and brought it down on the door three times. The sound behind the door was like thunder in a cave. Eyes grew wide and they held their breath as the echo rang throughout the house followed by the muffled sound of glass breaking.
They jumped back as the door swung open.
"Yes, yes, what is it, what do you want?" A furrowed man wearing a butler's uniform sprang to life in the doorway. He angrily looked left and right eyeing each of them. Pas stepped forward and greeted the man.
"We are here with the Law Offices of Nam Shamdylynn. We are investigating the wrongful death of Lady Alexandria on behalf of our client Mr. Wendell."
The man thought for a moment, weighing the situation. "I am Jeeves the Seneschal, I do not know what assistance I can be to you." He attempted to call Fox and Pas out on their bluff. The team maintained their professionalism and he invited them in.
"Where was the body found?" Fox asked in his best attorney voice.
"Her in the home," replied Jeeves with a smirk.
"We know, that is why we have come to investigate the home," interjected Arin. "Where at in the house!"
Jeeves faked a smile at Arin and turned back to Fox. "She was found in the arboretum. What a dreadful sight it had been." He paused for a moment and looked at Pas, "that pile of filth will get what he deserves when he swings from that gallows."
"May we see where the body was found," asked Pas?
"You may investigate anywhere you need, however I ask that you keep a low profile as there are guests about the residence."
"Who are these guests, visiting the home of a dead woman?" Demanded Fox.
"They are suitors of the highest profile come down from Stret. Count Drusk and Lady Angelique are staying in teh home. They too are in mourning." Jeeves lowered his gaze to the floor.
"I wish to know of these suitors, take me to them." Fox spat with one finger pointing to the sky.
Jeeves gave his crooked smile, "do you wish to see the arboretum or visit with the visitors from Stret?" As Jeeves asked this question, time appeared to stop. Blossom and Nera felt as if this short interaction had consumed hours of time. Arin himself wondered if some sort of enchantment had befallen the room.
Pas again changed the topic of conversation, "What did her key open?"
"I'm not sure what key you are referring to?" Jeeves was clearly feigning naivete.
"The key around her neck, she wore it every where she went, I'm guessing it's been stolen."
"She kept the key a secret, she was the only one who knew what it opened." He replied.
The group pressed Jeeves further and finally he agreed to lead them to the arboretum. They moved through the parlor and to a hallway. It was long and poorly lit. They made their way single file. The hallway was lined with closed doors, some had faint lights glowing from underneath. They continued walking, and walking, and walking, and....
Enter the Arboretum!!!!!
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