Into the Dark

Chapter Nine

"Headmaster Dillingham?" Josh asked. I scanned the office. Everything looked the same, except the armchair was empty and the chairs had been rearranged.

"W-whoa, did we got from there to-" Maya eyes were bulging in shock. Before I knew it, her knees went weak and she collapsed on one of the chairs.

"Good thing she won't remember this," Jasmine muttered, straightening Maya so she wouldn't fall off the chair.

"Um, guys? I think I found something," Josh said. "It's a note." He straightened the piece of paper and began to read it aloud.

"To the Troublesome Three. This is Mr. B. I have captured Deborah, and your identity is no longer in danger." We sighed in relief and Josh went on. "However, I would like you to come visit me in my mansion. I have written the address below. I would be delighted to see the three who made it this far. Especially the little girl."

I crossed my arms over my chest and ignored Jasmine's snickers. Josh put the paper on the desk.

"That's it. Should we go? A bit suspicious that this person knows so much about us," he said. I nodded in agreement.  

"What about Maya?" Jasmine asked.

"I'll leave her with the secretary," Josh said.

"Maybe he's a friend of Headmaster Dillingham. I say that we should go see him since he has Deborah."

****

We arrived at the mansion and I gasped in awe. Two golden gates led into a driveway and there was a beautiful fountain at the front. The mansion itself was enormous with hundreds of rooms.

"Wow," Josh said, after a moment. "This is even bigger than Mr. Leto's!" We walked up to the door and knocked. After a couple of seconds, it was opened by a maid. She gave us a welcoming smile.

"Do come in, Mr. Benedict is expecting you," she said politely. We nodded and started to walk in, when she pushed us backwards. 

"Don't forget to take off your shoes!" she exclaimed. A man appeared behind her.

"Now, that's not the way to treat guests, is it Flora?" he asked. Instantly, she whipped around to see him towering over her.

"Um, I...sorry-"

"Run along, the stew needs to be watched," he said, and Flora immediately scurried to the kitchen. He turned to us.

"However, I would like you to take off your shoes. Don't want you to drag dirt in here," he said. "Meet me in the living room." When he turned around and headed back into the house, Jasmine stuck out her tongue and began to imitate his voice. She still took off her shoes and then we headed inside.

The interior of the house was even more amazing than the outside. A chandelier hung overhead and the winding stairs were endless.

"Um, how will we find the living room?" Josh asked. "I mean, there is probably like, multiple of living rooms in this place." We shrugged and began exploring around the house. There were several rooms, but each one was either filled with shelves of books or instruments.

I  found a room that looked somewhat like a study, and clearly, it was Mr. B's. I knew that I shouldn't be snooping around, but I couldn't help it when something caught my eye. A red envelope, exactly like the one Josh had gotten, laid on his desk. I picked it up and held it up in the air. A letter fell out.

Dear Dillingham,

I see that you have been busy while I was gone. Of course, it's not like you care. But the thing is, I have found out your little secret.

I gulped before reading on.

Why don't you join me at my home for a cup of tea? Then, we can discuss my plans. Oh, and the threesome that you have sent on the mission are hilarious! They are so gullible!

My hand quivered from anger as I read.

Deborah? She works for me, and thanks to your little group of Musketeers, I know everything.

Mr. B

"Guys? I-I think you need to see this," I said. Josh came up next to me and began to read, while Jasmine continued to look around the study.

"Oh no. That's not good," Josh said.

"Indeed it isn't." We turned around to see Mr. B facing us, an evil grin plastered onto his face.

****

"One word," Jasmine said. We turned to look at each other.

"Run!" we shouted in unison before dashing off. I started to run towards the door and yanked on the handle. It was locked from the outside.

"Flora!" Mr. B shouted. "Do catch these little rodents, hm?" I turned around to see Flora smiling like a kid with candy.

I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a knife from the corner. Flora froze in place.

"You wouldn't dare!" she exclaimed. Truth be told, I would never have the guts to stab someone with a knife.

"Oh, I would," I lied. "Move away, slowly." She backed up against the wall.

"Now find a way for us to get out," I said. Flora nodded and gestured me to follow her. She led me through the halls and into a room.

"You can go through the closet. There is a secret passageway," she said. I nodded and put the knife down on a table. I opened the closet, but there was nothing except for clothes. I turned around to see Mr. B and Flora, who was holding the knife.

"There's no escape now."