Murder At Dawn

Chapter 3- Green House

Chapter 3

"What's so hysterical Jeff?" Penelope questioned calmly, as she looked him straight in the eye. 'Jeff?' Even he wouldn't allow me to call him that! Deputy Jeff cleared his throat before replying, "Sorry ma'am, this won't happen again." He greeted her, although she was ignorant towards him. I was mesmerized by her height! She must've been like six foot three or something, and those stilettos boosted her up an extra 2 inches!

She ignored Jeff and turned to me quickly, she extended her hand for me to shake. "Miss Wagons, I'm Penelope West but you must call me detective for now on," she shooed away Jeff and continued speaking, "I'm here to help with the case of Todd, my and your dear-" she quickly pulled out a glove. The other detectives pulled out a pen with all their eyes on me. Her hand neared my face then she snatched a piece of white stuff out of my hair. The detectives whispered to each other, and then hushed when Penelope snapped her fingers. One of them scurried forward with a clear bag. She carefully placed the evidence in between two small glass plates and laid them inside. With that she spoke again.

"Anyways, like I was saying, he is both our friends and I will do anything to bring this murdered into shame," I wept again, and fell to the floor. Her hand touched my shoulder, I shuddered by this. "I am terribly sorry. But we can't get anything done if you are to act like this." She stated smoothly. I felt her tear a piece of my heart out at the thought of caring about the murderer. Todd was better than that, and he deserved to be cherished. I never would forget him, but right now that's not what I need to focus on... I stood up slowly without a word, and then I straightened out my coat. I spoke strongly to them, 'Well then we best get started, before anyone else gets killed, after all, at the rate we are at, they might be in China..." I smiled at what I had said. There was a growl of frustration from Jeff. Penelope held him back, "she needs to be alone, and this kind of attitude won't get anything out of her." That's all I heard before I raced into the Greenhouse, where it was warm, compared to their hearts.

The doors of the green-house came into view. My legs hurt, I felt as if they were going to pop off at any second! My breathing was unsteady; I soon started to feel all of my body cramp up. Finally I reached the door, I screeched to a stop so I could unlock it. This was the only room that I had the key for. I breathed heavily, and then I reached inside my pocket and fished around for the key. My finger touched the tip of the cold, rustic-gold metal. I breathed in deeply and snatched the key out of my pocket. On the top, an 'A' was engraved into the circle of gathered gold. That stood for 'Alice'. I sniffled, and clenched the key in my hand. Frustrated, I grumbled, and jabbed it into the lock. I turned the key until the lock clicked, which signaled it was open. Then I gripped the handle, and swung the door open...

A fierce warm wind almost blew me away. I peered inside at the blossoming flowers that abruptly squeezed shut. Frost seared the stem and leafs of all the plants that sat by the entrance. I shuffled inside, and grabbed the handle behind me. I made my way to the orchids, found at the back. The warm air covered the cold and consumed me. I sighed and removed my overcoat; I slipped my fingers in between the velvety, violet, petals. The orchids were always his favorite; he said that the smell was always fresh and comforting.

I lay down on a bench and threw a quilt and a couple of sheets over me, for a quick nap. We kept those inside just in case a freeze occurred. The plants would die quickly. In my case, I would probably die in this weather. I had the choice of sleeping in a heated house with electricity. But there was no way I was going back out there.

My eyes shut, and I breathed slowly. A peaceful state of mind...

June 30, 5:30 P.M.

My eyes fluttered open; most of my senses were still at rest. As I stayed still, I felt a brisk draft seep through the layer of blankets that lay on top of me. My vision cleared and I found that I faced the window. It was slightly dark out; I must've slept through noon. I shifted to my left side to face the orchids. Sighing I reopened my eyes to stare at the flowers. But they weren't the same; they normally were stalky and tall. Now they were ripped apart, knocked down and scattered all over the concrete floor. At the sight of this, I panicked and jumped to my feet quickly. I scanned the room, and then I reached for the garden scissors that lied on the Tool Cart. Tiny, faint footprints caught my eye as I tiptoed around the corner. Good thing I slept in the back of the greenhouse. I doubtfully followed them, which led to the harvest room.

As I took one step, I heard a clang from behind me. I quickly turned, my heart raced, it pounded rapidly trying to escape my chest. I tried to calm my shaky breaths; I took stance in which to protect myself. I shuffled quietly to the spot where the noise was created. I saw a tail tucked behind the hose. That must be the cause to the death of my beloved orchid! Suddenly, it jumped out at me. I shrieked and fell on my wrist. I stabbed at the empty air in fear. My breath was held in, and I could faint in any second. When I regained myself, I rolled over onto my stomach and groaned in pain. With one arm I pushed myself up; I muttered and winced in pain. I reached for my wrist where the pain increased. My eyes beat me to it. It was blue and purple and seemed to hang there lifeless. My eyes widened when I turned my arm sideways to get a better look. Blood trickled onto the floor which led to a grossing sight. There was a white, sharp thing piercing out of my skin. A bone.