MCMILLER

Graves Works For...

December 1862

Brickshaw Villas, Brickshaw

The clanging of forks and spoons echoed through the dining hall. Everyone was enjoying their breakfast in a relaxed mood and cheerful chattering. Ever since the previous night's events, the people of the house have thanked Jacobson a lot and the man smiled at them with a smirk. Even Genevieve smiled at her savior with gratitude, yet young Lily made no comment.

Meg wasn't present, Swan noticed and Mrs. McMiller claimed she hadn't seen her 'son' since 'he' left 'his' room. Swan munched on her bread glumly, where could her friend be? Feeling rather full, Swanhild grabbed the basket of laundry from her mother and left the dining hall to do her daily morning washing.

The winter season had started to take its place and the air had become chillier. Leaves of the trees had mostly fallen and Swan walked on the path that once filled with dancing colours, now silent and still.

Swan and Meg never went to Swan Lake that night, knowing that the lost were found and the latter had the intention to do her deductions, which Swan knew as deep thinking. Meg seemed angry that night and went to her room without saying goodnight or goodbye.

Swan Lake's grey waters rippled as another cold gust of wind blew by. Swan grasped the shawl she had wrapped on and saw someone by the banks of the lake. Walking closer, the 'someone' took shape of her friend and Swan sighed, shaking her head as Meg threw a pebble after another into the water, causing quite a stir. Luckily, the swans have headed to the warmer south and the lake was left with nothing except its lonely ripples.

"So," Swan began awkwardly, setting down her basket. "I heard that you haven't had breakfast."

"Not hungry," the young detective mumbled and threw another pebble.

"Aw come on," she said and another wind blew, almost blowing her shawl away.

"Why don't you wear something thicker, instead of wearing a shawl? You look like an old woman."

"Meg, that's not funny."

"I know."

"So, still grumpy."

"I don't know, Swan. I didn't analyze anything last night. Too much going on in my head. Came here to clear it this morning."

"Does throwing stones help?"

"Not much. Oh well, I have a message from your boyfriend."

"My... boyfriend? Do you mean..."

"Dalton? Oh yes, let me see," Meg murmured and took a piece of paper from her pocket, the letter Dalton sent. "Please tell her one this, 'I miss you Swan and I love you'. And tell her that I'm sorry for leaving our date without notice."

"Did he?" she blushed and her cheeks coloured, she bent down and dipped one of the cloths into the lake.

"Oh yes, well back to our topic. How was Jacobson this morning?" Meg asked.

"Eating," Swan said, recalling what the man did. "Smirking, yes. Receiving thanks and eating. Did I just say that?"

"Yes you did."

"Oh great, just like that. Nothing else."

"Well then, what's the time?"

"Didn't you keep the locket by your side as Dalton always did?"

"Oh yes I did, hmm... I have to get going."

"What?"

"Run errands for my 'mum' again," Meg shrugged. "Please tell Prof. Nelson I'll be late today as well."