Heather Poirot - Thirteen at Dinner - [ON HOLD]

Prologue - Diary Entry -

"Heather? Your father wants to speak to you."

I groan. "Coming, Sara."

The book goes down. Why does Father wish to speak to me? I'm very aware that I have to go stay with Uncle James when Father and Uncle Arthur go to that dinner or whatever it is tonight. I don't need to be reminded of this fact.

I have nothing against my Uncle James, It is simply that I am with him more than I am with Father. I'm always sent to stay with Uncle James when Father and Uncle Arthur are off working cases. Once in a while, I'd like to actually go with Father. It's awkward at my uncle's home. He has three children, I am an only child. I'm much older than them, as they are all under ten.

I stand and look around my room. I suppose it would be atrocious to Father. It's actually a bit of a mess, but I prefer it that way. It's my way of showing that I am not exactly like my everything-has-to-be-just-so father. I like to think of it as, well, my own small form of rebellion.

I suppose I shouldn't dawdle. Father wouldn't like that.

I walk out of my bedroom and to the other side of the flat.

"Yes, Father? Sara said you wished to speak to me."

 Uncle Arthur isn't here - odd.

"Yes, Heather. It seems James and Annabelle have both caught the influenza, so it seems you will have to attend the theater with Hastings and I."

I can't believe it. Was I not wishing, only a moment ago, that I could go with Father and Uncle Arthur instead of going to Uncle James's house?

"I'm very sorry for Uncle James and Anna."

And that is all I will say on that point.