The Great Captain Alex Gregory

The Missive

The letter arrived three days after my meeting with Captain Gregory. The mailman rang my bell and handed it over with a little bow.

"Have a nice day, ma'am," He smiled and bopped off, almost bouncing down the street. I watched after him, shaking my head, wondering how someone could love their job so much that they had to dance down the street doing it. Turning my attention to the thick letter, I closed the door and sat at my kitchen table. The letter itself was gray and fixed shut with a lump of white wax in the shape of a skull. I raised a brow. Casting a glance over the flat, I stopped at a framed photo on the counter. Sarah and I in front of this apartment building.

The flat was cozy, but made for two. Five rooms total in total, it was the best thing I'd seen. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and kitchen, it was too big for just me. I wanted Sarah back.

I took a steadying breath and turned the letter over, reading the sharp script on the front.

Alexander Gregory

Inquirer Extraordinaire

1517 East Rivit Street,

London

I raised my eyebrows, slightly surprised to hear from the skeleton after he'd politely thrown me out. I popped the wax and slid the letter free.

Miss Ellie Sandce,

I have thought about this long and hard. I am willing to take this job and answer your question on two conditions. One, my fee is paid in a timely manner and without complaint. Second, you are to accompany me and assist in every part of this investigation. I will expect you tomorrow at 9:00am precisely. We have much to discuss about the logistics and duration of this venture. Do not be late.

Regards,

Captain Alexander Gregory, Inquirer Extraordinaire

I sat back in my chair, stunned. I'd never thought that he'd actually say yes. Tomorrow at nine, huh? I glanced over the other papers scattered on the small, round table. Bills and warnings, all past due or on their final stages. Without Sarah, I couldn't keep this place.

"Alright Mr. Alexander, you've got yourself a deal," I said to the letter in my hand. Then I started packing. All my clothes, all my money, I gathered everything into a single canvas bag and plopped it next to the door. Then I gathered Sarah's stuff and did the same. Chances where we would be homeless when I found her. Better to have all of our stuff on hand then try to fight the new tenet or sneak in and grab everything. Now all I had to do was wait. Not showing up to work wasn't the worst thing I could do.

But there was someone I needed to talk to before I left. I grabbed my jacket and eight piece hat, locking up the flat after me. The old lady on seventh that sold flowers would worry herself sick if I didn't show up. And that didn't weigh well on my conscience. The walk was short, only a block away, and the older lady's face lit up when she spotted me jogging across the street. Her smile was wide, eyes lost to her crows feet.

"Ellie! Hello, my dear, how are you? Here for your usual?" Granny Edna asked in her shaky voice.

"Nah, not today," I sat on the short garden border wall next to the flower seller, "I just came to tell you that I won't be around for a little while."

Edna nodded understandingly. "Finally got someone to look for that lovely friend of yours?" She rolled a few sunflowers up in wax paper. I sighed and dropped my chin in my palm.

"Yeah, I dunno about him though. Runs an 'inquirer' business. Met him through your friend Calum, actually. At the pub," I watched the people pass, trying to feel confident in tomorrow's plans. Granny laughed lightly.

"I've heard some good things about that business. Never an unsatisfied customer an' all. You know, this might help you in more ways then one," I tried not to glare at the elderly woman.

"Granny, if this is about me branching out and making friends, I'm telling ya I don't need 'em. I've got Sarah. And you."

"And that is very sweet of you, deary, but your Sarah is missing and I am an old lady that sells flowers on the street."

I snorted and smiled. "Granny, it's not about the quantity of friends; it's the quality. I could have ten or ten thousand and still not have a soul to help me. But with you and Sarah, I know I have someone in my corner. Just because one is gone and the other sells flowers doesn't mean you two aren't the best gals I've ever met." Granny Edna tittered and patted my cheek.

"Well, here, on the house. If I won't see you for a few days I want to know that you have something pretty to look at and maybe you'll remember me, eh?" Granny Edna handed me a small bouquet of seven flowers. Azelea, bells of Ireland, chrysanthemum, Iris, sweet pea, violet, and a mixed zinnia. I shook my head, smiling ruefully.

"How do you get such beautiful flowers? In the middle of London? Thank you. I'll be sure to point anyone looking for the best flower seller your way," I kissed her wizened cheek and waved, heading back to my flat. A small note fluttered among the stems.

Please let Calum know where you're going

I'm sure he'd be happy to know you found

Some answers.

Cheers, Granny Edna

I chuckled and changed course. The pub wasn't too far from here and I could make it without being caught out after dark. Looking both ways, I crossed the street and started jogging.