The Red Phenix

Chapter 2

The sun was warm on Rose's skin. She basked in her dresses. Warm days were few and far between during autumn but the sun being bright helped. She breathed in the soft scents of the earthy grass and trees as she enjoyed the weather.

From her right a man came into her view. Black hair hard faced, jaw like a statue. He looked practically carved. She did not know him. Yet he began walking in her direction. Suddenly she was less calm than a moment ago.

He was dressed in a black suit with a bowler hat on his head. As he waltzed towards her she reached for her pockets. For hidden in her skirts was a blade small enough to live there.

His dark eyes penetrated her gaze and she knew he was definitely dangerous. He began to speak in a deep husky voice.
"Madame my name is Judice I am a detective with our local police department. I am here on behalf of some murders that have been taking place in the city."

Her heart beat picked up, but she kept her face straight. "Yes, detective I have heard of such wild tales. The city is starting to seem more dangerous for ladies like myself. Is there something I could help you with". She gave him an innocent enough glance.

" We have a warrant to search your husband's wares to see if he may be involved. We have been tracking this killer for quite sometime now and the trail has led onto this street." He paused with a sigh, "Would you possibly know of any unusual behavior with him or anyone else around you".

" My husband I can assure you is a proper gentleman. He goes to work and comes home. I make him breakfast and dinner and we go to bed but if you truly must look go ahead" she stood and walked to her front door and opened it wide.

As the detective walked inside he glanced at all the furniture and walked straight toward there kitchen he picked up a rather large press for cracking nuts and inspected it. Then opened the drawers and rummaged around. As he poked and prodded to look for whatever he has in mind but it seemed as though everything he picked up was wrong. He wrote in a little flip book and walked back towards Rose.

"It seems nothing here matches the description of the murder weapon. But if anything suspicous happens send a telegraph to the station and we will investigate further". He nodded and out the door he went.

She suddenly felt a chill go up her spine as if she had just met a predator much stronger than herself. He didn't feel like any other officer. He felt wrong and out of place.

She threw on a walking dress and some walking shoes grabbed her umbrella and out she went. She had to go see her husband. She had to tell him of this experience. She had to warn him he may be in danger.

For a man she didn't care about. She sure did need him. She nearly ran to Remmington court she did not look proper as she should but she felt it was necessary to warn him.

As she was approaching the court Detective Judice stopped her. " My lady where do you think you are off to." He smiled menacingly at her.

" I'm off to bring my husband some lunch he deserves to see his wife at work sometimes and my detective were you following me" she veered at him.

" I was simply taking a stroll and saw you" he laughed under his breath as if it was funny for him. Rose pushed past him and didn't look back, he grabbed her by the shoulder.

"Look ma'am I just want for you to watch out for yourself if your husband truly is dangerous as I suspect you could be his next kill " he let her shoulder go.

She didn't even turn around as she addressed him " my dear detective what makes you think he's the dangerous one". She the walked off into the building.

When she saw her husband the only thing that crossed her mind to do or say was to stand nearby him and tap him on the shoulder. He jumped a little, but turned around elated.

"My dear what are you doing here" he hugged her and kissed her upon her head. She pushed him away lightly and looked into his eyes.

A sigh escaped her lips as she began to speak. " A detective was at our house today". She then proceeded to tell him the intentions of the visit and what had happened. As she spoke a look of horror broke on his face. The seriousness had taken it's tole.

He sat down on a small chair nearby. " My dear this is serious. If I am accused officially I will lose my job here. I promise you I have done no wrong"his face turned red. " Did he put his hands on you or harm you at all" he checked her up and down.
" No he didn't harm me my love" despite her words or reassurance no emotion danced on her lips.

Her husband stood and began walking and motioned for his wife to follow. Together they informed his boss of the sudden accusations made at his expense. His boss seemed very unfazed as he spoke, " For now I would like you to take a break from your post. Only until the scandal has passed. I am aware of what a Gente man you are and know that none of their words are true. Although of your wife next time I ask her to dress more appropriate for a court setting. I understand the reasons. Though it made her look out of place and could have drawn attention. For now Dale should receive all work you had until you return. Please hand your work into his office and inform him and I hope this situation passes quickly." With that they walked to Dale's office and the paperwork was given with information. To their home they went.