Echoes of the Past

Chapter 4

In a quiet, secluded part of the Downton estate, away from prying eyes and ears, Sam Winchester stood with his arms crossed, his expression tense. "Tom's suspected of murder?" he asked, his voice low but incredulous.

Veronica nodded, leaning against a stone wall, her arms folded across her chest. "Yeah. I overheard part of the conversation between Lord Grantham and Inspector Miller. It seems they think Tom might be involved in Sir Philip Tapsell's death."

Sam shook his head, still trying to process the information. "Did you notice anything unusual when you went to get Tom earlier?"

Veronica's gaze flickered as she remembered. "Actually, yeah. When I went to get him, the temperature dropped—like, noticeably. And Tom... he looked like he'd seen a ghost or something horrifying. A cold spot."

"Like a ghost?" Sam's tone shifted, his hunter instincts kicking in.

Veronica nodded. "That would be my guess."

Sam frowned, considering the implications. "You think Tom's linked to all of this?"

Veronica shrugged, thoughtful. "He has something to do with it, but I don't think he killed anyone. He was with his daughter the night of the murder."

Sam nodded. "Sounds like we're dealing with a vengeful spirit. Someone with a grudge."

"Right," Veronica agreed. "But who? What could've triggered it?"

"Good question," Sam replied, his mind already working through the possibilities. "I'll dig around, see if I can find some leads on who this spirit might be. In the meantime, stick close to Tom. He seems to like you."

Veronica smirked. "Same to you, Sam. Someone's got the hots for you around these parts."

Sam looked puzzled. "What?"

Veronica raised an eyebrow, her teasing tone unmistakable. "Guess which one of Lord Grantham's daughters has been staring at you like you're a piece of candy? She's blonde with brown eyes."

Sam's eyes widened as the realization hit him. "Edith? No way."

Veronica chuckled. "Denial ain't just a river, Sam."

Sam shot her a look. "It's not happening."

"Sure, sure," Veronica quipped, shaking her head as they made their way back toward the house.

XXXX

Inside the servants' dining hall, the air buzzed with quiet murmurs as the staff discussed the shocking news. Word had spread fast—Tom Branson, a suspect in the murder of Sir Philip Tapsell.

"I don't believe it," Anna said softly, her hands clasped together. "Mr. Branson could never do such a thing."

Bates nodded in agreement. "He's a good man. He wouldn't kill anyone."

But not all of the staff were so convinced. "He has a bit of a checkered past, doesn't he?" one of the footmen remarked. "Wasn't it bound to catch up to him eventually?"

Another servant frowned. "Checkered past or not, Mr. Branson's always been loyal to this house. It doesn't make sense."

At that moment, Sam and Veronica stepped into the room, and the conversation paused briefly as the pair took their seats. Anna, still unsettled by the news, turned to Veronica. "What do you think, Miss Conroy?"

Veronica glanced around the table before answering. "I haven't been here long, but I never got the sense that Tom was a murderer."

Sam nodded in agreement. "Same here. Tom's not that kind of person."