The Ladies of Whittaker

Chapter 3

"The who?" James asks, confused.  "The Whittaker Women. That's what they call the female members of the McKenzie Family," Edward explains. "Oh them! What about them?" James asks his friend. "One of them has died, Rose McKenzie," James tapped his chin. "Oh yes her. Her death was in the papers. A real tragedy," James shook his head. "Her father however, thinks there's something more to this. He request that you come and investigate for him," Edward lays down a bag, filled with coins.

 Louise ran forward and picked at each coin. "Edward....." "He agrees," Louise interjects. "Louie!" He exclaims. "You're not turning this down," She hisses. "Fine...fine," He laments, "I'll do it but not for the money." With Charlotte left find to take care of Emma, the five adults set off to Whittaker Castle. 

"For the latest invention. Oof! It sure doesn't drive smooth," Louise complains. "Horse carriage, automobile, same uncomfortably," James spat as they drive over another pothole. 

The car pulls into the driveway of the Castle and the four mouths almost drop. The Castle, though ancient looking, gray and showing age, was enormous. Green fields greet their eyes and a fountain stood in the front. The car stops at the massive door and the five climb out. They go up the steps and Edward goes to knock when he turns to James. "Don't embarrass me, James. These are high society folks." James dismissed his concern. "I haven't embarrassed no one. You'll swear you left me home," James told him. Content with his answer, Edward knocked and the door opened. 

The maid greets them and the five adults acknowledged them. "Welcome to my home, Mayor Cromwell," Mr. McKenzie greeted. "Sir Lloyd, these are my friends, Thomas Davis, Louise Steward and Mary Steward," Edward introduced them. "Officer Steward," Mary curtsied. "Ah yes, the woman who fought the dreaded Nicole Moore. Yes, I remember your face," Sir Lloyd said. "Well I'm not forgettable," Mary replied. 

The pleasantries were interrupted with a loud sound, like something broke. All eyes turn to James, who was desperately brushing the broken shards of a vase under a dresser. Edward pinched the bridge of his nose and Mary holds back her laugh. "Ah yes. I was feeling a bit ignored. I was the one you invited after all," James said, approaching the group. "You must be Mr. Steward," Sir Lloyd offered his hand. James instead took his sleeve and licked it. "Tastes like wool," He observed. "So Sir Lloyd, why did you send Edward Cromwell to me?" James asks him. 

"Well, Mr. Steward....I need your help," Sir Lloyd remarked. "With what? I cannot raise her from the dead or can I? No, it's a rhetorical question....or is it?" James said ominously. Getting no response, he continues, "You called me here to help, but with what help exactly? To shine your shoes? To find out which maid is your wife?" "James!" Edward hisses through clenched teeth. "Or....to help with your daughter who is in a comatose state?" James turns to Sir Lloyd. The elderly man nodded. "You are correct, Detective."

Upstairs, he opened the bedroom door. There Lynette sat, unmoving and staring at the open window. "Ever since Rose died, Lynette hasn't been the same. She lost interest in things, can no longer attend school. I fear for her health," Sir Lloyd said, concerningly. James glanced at the man then his eyes move to his daughter. James enters and clears his throat. "Ms. McKenzie. I'm Detective James Steward," He introduced himself. After getting no response, he walked over to the chair. The girl's mouth hung open and her eyes had a lifeless in them. 

James waved his hand in front of her face but she didn't blink. He then leaned closer and looked forward, following her gaze. She was staring at the tower that was part of the architecture of the castle.  James straightens up and turns to her father. "Why is staring at that?" He asked, pointing to the tower. "I have no idea," Sir Lloyd replied. "Evil," Lynette muttered. James turns back to her. "Evil is in this place," She said. "What kind of evil?" James asks her. "The vilest kind. Death," She said as a tear slipped down her cheek. 

"Has she eaten?" James asks as he ran down the stairs.  "We've tried-" Her father began. "Well has she drunk any water?" He interjected. "Yes, we've succeeded in that," Sir Lloyd answered. "James, where are we going?" Mary quired her husband. "Home, dear. Sir Lloyd, I'll be back with a solution," James promised him. "You'd better," Sir Lloyd nodded. With that they all left. 

A/N: Wonder what's going on with Lynette and with the ominous message? Can't tell you that. Spoilers :)