Snapdragons

Missing Persons

"'Man missing: Abraham Webster. Last scene working at his pub on July thirtieth. Webster is in his mid 60s and is described as having gray hair, a slight limp, being just over five feet tall, and having no unusual or distinguishing markings. If any information is known, please contact police officials immediately.'...well how's that, Alice? It seems there's a new missing person every month. I must say, I'm intrigued."

"Yes, Theo. The more you read to me the more I'd also like to learn more about these disappearances."

"The disappearance before that was of one Ms. Evans. A governess reported missing on the fifteenth of June. And before that Mrs. Adley, housekeeper. March twenty third."

"I assume they are all from a similar area of London?"

"Not quite…some are from further away. But they do all have something in common; rather low income jobs. If somebody is behind all these disappearances, then that would make easier prey. Less burdensome to cover up, as well."

"I see. The less important,  the more forgiving to hide. And if there were witnesses, throwing about some money or threats could keep matters private."

"Precisely, dear. Though, I suppose we cannot assume that all of this is connected quite yet."

Theophania Endicott lounged during afternoon tea, flipping through the newspaper, tea growing colder minute by neglected minute. Her satiny chestnut hair hung loose over her shoulders and eventually slid slowly from its tame wave and into her tea cup. The hair frayed out in the liquid, skimming and floating on the surface unseen.

"Oh, um…Theo. Your hair."

Theophania quickly glanced up to meet the other's eyes but noticed just as fast what the issue was. She gave a small chuckle and thankful look as she pushed the hair away and over her forehead, chocolate coiffure falling over itself and pooling in a natural, bewitching way.

"Thank you, Alice. What a mess I would be without you."

Alice blushed and timidly smiled back, covering her pink cheeks with now cold porcelain. Alice Oakley had become acquainted with Ms. Endicott just a few years earlier, being just 22 years old now. She had been at a home for the less fortunate, a place for children who had nowhere to go, nowhere to learn. There Alice was staying, trying to pick up information and find a way into the world, something to do with herself.

Theophania had been looking for someone to spend her days with, being highly educated but having no occupation. She felt lucky and wished to share her fortune with someone less so. When she met Ms. Oakley, she knew right away that they would get along famously.

Now they shared their fortune and lived together, throwing parties and entertaining, laughing and telling stories, and occasionally getting involved in cases where they would be guaranteed a good mystery to solve. Theophania's father had worked for Scotland Yard and her sister's son, Edwin, was a detective. It made sense that Theophania and others she got along well with should find entertainment in mysteries.

As Theophania skimmed the newspaper for more information, rays of sun shifted with the change of hour. Shattered gold crept over the patterned carpet of the city home. Soon plates and cups also shifted with the recognition of passing time.

"I really do believe it's time I start involving myself more in mysteries," said Theophania with a stifled yawn. "I'd love to help people find justice, to help victims find peace. And I suppose I should also spend more time with Edwin. I feel responsible in a way. As if I owe it."

Alice brushed away honey colored hair as it tumbled out of a tall bun and relaxed more into her seat opposite of her yawning companion. Yawning truly is contagious. Alice felt her eyes grow tired.

"Maybe you could accomplish both at once. You could pay him a call about the disappearances."

"Good idea, thank you. But I believe there's somebody I have to meet first. They could even help investigate these missing persons."

She flipped the newspaper and held it so that her fingers were framing a particular article. In bolded letters it read:

Alistair Fairfax leads the world of forensics. Ten cases solved in the last month due to new technology and aspects of crime.

…

Before Alice and Theophania knew it, evening was approaching. The world became darker, books were read, and light, colorful shawls were worn in an attempt to look at least a bit like it actually was summer, even in the gloomy city. Discarded plates clinked as they were taken out of sight. The two ladies had come up with a plan and had felt satisfied. They could afford to laugh the rest of the night away.

"And- and then he says," Theophania imitated a deeper voice. "'Excuse me, my ladyship, but could you please pass the sugar?'" She interrupted herself with an eruption of laughter, jostling Alice who rested on her lap. "We were eating dinner! Why in the world would we have sugar!"

Alice slid back in a fit of giggles. "The stories of your old suitors never get old, Theo." Theophania adjusted herself to keep Alice from falling off of her.

"I'm glad they entertain you. But I am also grateful that my father never stood for any of that nonsense."

"Truly. I hate to think of where you would be now with those suitors."

And so they laughed and giggled and spoke endearingly until it was time to head off to bed. The next day they would write to Mr. Fairfax to plan a meeting and discuss their mystery. But they weren't  aware that the next day…was not going to be quite so ordinary.