Skulduggery Pleasant - Becoming Whole (Valduggery)

7

Alias

It was raining again by the time they reached Elizabeth's house. Valkyrie had complained about her hunger like always and Skulduggery had told her she could eat after they were done questioning Elizabeth. She had sulked, complained and been a lot more annoying than usual, but Skulduggery understood why as he played back the memories of last night. Skulduggery knocked three times on the front door of the old house, the smell of food cooking didn't miss Valkyrie's attention however. And as they stood there allowing themselves to be drenched by the downpour, her belly rumbled. The sound of a dog barking rang out until they heard someone shouting for it to be quiet. Then suddenly, the front door swung open revealing Elizabeth Row wearing a dressing gown and slippers, holding her small Yorkshire Terrier in her arms, and a look of surprise crossing her face for a small second. "Skulduggery Pleasant!" Her Irish accent sounding out as she smiled. "What brings you to my house?" Skulduggery was about to reply before she continued. "Wait. Let me guess." Her pale hand rubbing her even paler chin. "I bet it's something to do with the man I found hanging in the woods down there, isn't it?"

"Guilty as charged." Skulduggery joked unenthusiastically.

"And who do we have here? Who is this beautiful young lady?" Elizabeth was waiting for Skulduggery to reply but Valkyrie answered the question any way.

"I'm Valkyrie Cain." She forced out a smile to the annoying woman. "I'm Skulduggery's partner."

"My oh my." Her hand clutching her chest. "I didn't know you were dating, Mr. pleasant. If I had known I would have snatched you up for myself." Her hand pushing his wet shoulder playfully.

"Oh, we aren't dating." Valkyrie replied almost too quickly. "I'm his work partner." Valkyrie looked at Skulduggery for help but he didn't speak.

"Then why are you blushing my dear?" Elizabeth was beginning to get on Valkyrie's nerves.

"I'm n-"

"Where are my manners?" She interrupted Valkyrie. "You two are soaked all the way down to the bone. Please, come in." She stepped to one side allowing them both to enter. Skulduggery made a point to wipe his wet shoes on the door mat, Valkyrie, however, did not as she trudged her way into the kitchen following both Skulduggery and the smell of bacon cooking. Elizabeth placed her dog on the wooden floor and went to flip the bacon before Skulduggery began to talk.

"Knave Hallow. Does that name mean anything to you?" Skulduggery asked Elizabeth who's back was still turned, facing the frying pan.

"I can't say it rings a bell. Is that who I found hanging?"

"It is. Did you see anything else suspicious that night?" The Yorkshire Terrier had began jumping up for his attention which Skulduggery ignored.

Elizabeth spun back round to face them. "I can't say I did."

"So you had never seen him up until that night?"

"No, Mr. Pleasant. I'd never seen him before in my life." Her arms crossed over her chest. And the smell of bacon was really starting to play with Valkyrie's mind and her belly rumbled loudly again, Elizabeth laughed. "Hungry?"

"Very." Valkyrie didn't even hesitate to answer.

"Well it's a good job I've accidentally fried too much bacon. How's a bacon sandwich sound?" Elizabeth smiled.