Haunted

Haunted (Chapter 4) Asking

Sorry for the long wait, lol. I keep getting stuck =__=    Kat XX

They discussed their plan of action again over the breakfast table, which seemed to have become a mission headquarters of sorts.

"We need to gather as much information as we can about the ghosts," Ciel said, shovelling food into his mouth faster than usual. "We'll ask around, and see if anybody knows anything about them. We need to at least find out who they are, and when they were murdered."

Alois was also eating quickly. "But it could have been any length of time ago," he replied. "They could have been killed before we were born. The culprit could already be dead!"

Ciel rubbed a hand wearily across his sole eye, and shook his head. "That's what's worrying me," he said. "We'll just have to hope that isn't the case."

Sebastian, who was standing stiflly behind his master, smiled a little quietly before leaving the room.

--

The man at the hotel desk was short and burly, with an enormous grey moustache that looked as though it might take over a good fraction of his face if left unattended to. His head was shiny and bald, and he sported a small pair of gold spectacles atop his bulbous nose. He appeared to be asleep at his post, but stood up quickly when Ciel and Sebastian approached him.

"Sarah and Timothy, ye say?" he responded in a broad Scots accent, when Ciel enquired about the two children. He scratched his head. "Now haud on a minute... let me think. The names do seem tae ring a bell..."

"We have reason to believe that they may have been murdered here at some point," Sebastian interrupted, hoping to jog the man's memory a little. "Do you think you can tell us anything?"

The desk worker stood frowning a moment in thought, then shook his head, giving up. "I cannae think..." he said, looking up at Sebastian. Given that he was little over five foot tall, talking to the butler made him feel rather dwarf-like. Glancing sideways at Ciel, he added hastily, "I can tell you someone who might know of them, though." He rummaged around in the drawer underneath his desk, and produced a crumpled piece of paper and a pen. "Auld Widow Smith who lives up yonder," he continued, scribbling away. "She knows everything that's happened around here since she was a bairn. Here, I'll give ye her adress." He passed the paper to Ciel, who took it, thanking him for his time.

The young earl turned to go. "Come, Sebastian." he said, heading towards the door. "We'll catch up with the others, and then I think it's time we go pay this Widow Smith a visit."

Sebastian smiled. "As you wish, my Lord." he said, flipping the hotel worker a coin.

What a strange pair, the man thought to himself in bemusement, as he returned to his duties. I wonder who they are.

--

Ciel went to find Alois, who had disappeared in the huff after being told that he would only make a nuisance of himself if he came along with them to question the hotel staff. He found the boy sitting in his room sulking.

"I don't suppose you're talking to me now, are you?" Ciel asked gingerly, sitting down next to him on the bed. Alois just shot him a baleful glare, and didn't say anything. Ciel sighed.

"I knew it," he said, rubbing a hand wearily across his face. "Look, I didn't mean to upset you. I just... I suppose this whole damn case has got me on edge, that's all."

Alois continued to stare at him sullenly.

Ciel sighed again. "I'm sorry," he persisted. "You're not a nuisance. I didn't really mean it. Will you forgive me?" He reached over and awkwardly tried to take the older earl's hand.

Alois remained silent for a moment longer, then suddenly burst out laughing. He grabbed Ciel and pulled him down onto the bed with him.

"Mmf, can't breathe..." Ciel muttered into the front of Alois' coat, surprised at the boy's sudden change of spirit. What did I just say? He wondered to himself.

Alois chuckled, and rubbed his eyes. "I give up," he grinned, trying to get his breath back. "It's impossible to stay mad with you!"

"Does that mean I'm forgiven, then?" asked Ciel, gasping for air slightly. Alois was rather strangling him.

Alois rolled over so as not to squash him, and smirked. "I suppose so," he said grudgingly. "But don't be expecting to get much sleep tonight!" And with that suggestive remark, he jumped up off the bed and ran out of the room, laughing.

"H-hey!" Ciel got up hurriedly and ran after him, blushing all the way.

--

Widow Smith's cottage was a mere fifteen minute's journey from where they were staying, so the group decided again just to walk. Walking, however, meant that they had to pass through the center of the village, and Ciel and Alois soon found themselves to be the subject of many curious stares from the villagers. "Look at that," people muttered; "They're nobles! Stinking rich, they are. " and "They're so young, though... I wonder what happened to their parents."

Alois, unused to all the extra attention, giggled. "They think we're brothers!" he said.

"No wonder," Ciel replied grimly. "Would you please let go of my hand? People are staring at us!" He glanced round and shot a withering look at Sebastian, who was smirking in a most infuriating manner.

"Not a chance," Alois grinned. "You're still paying me back for earlier!" He squeezed Ciel's gloved fingers.

Ciel sighed grumpily. "What kind of 14-year-old goes off and sulks like an overgrown baby, anyway?" he muttered under his breath.

"Hm? Did you say something?" Alois asked.

"Nothing at all-" Ciel began to answer, when Sebastian, who was walking a few paces behind them, cleared his throat. "Sorry to disturb your intriguing conversation Young Master, but we're almost here." he interrupted, a hint of laughter in his tone. Ciel glared at him again, and glanced at the piece of paper in his hand. "It's that one there," he said, motioning towards the house at the end of the street. He went up and knocked on the door. "Widow Smith?" he called. "Are you there?"

"I'm here," the hoarse reply came. "Who are you and what do you want?"

Ciel paused a moment. "I am Ciel Phantomhive," he continued. "Earl Trancy and I just want to ask you a few questions. We won't take long."

There was a moment of silence. "Come in," the voice said. Sebastian stepped forward, and opened the door for his master.

The room inside the cottage was small and musty. Threadbare curtains that might once have been white hung from the dusty windows, and the wooden floorboards creaked in protest when stepped on.  In the corner of the room was a small table; beside which the fireplace sat, with a wooden rocking chair in front of it. A tired-looking old woman sat in the chair, rocking slowly back and forward. She looked up when Ciel and the others entered, and the young Earl could see that she was completely blind. She smiled faintly, making the lines of pain etched into her face deepen.

"Pardon me for not answering the door," she said apologetically. "My legs aren't what they used to be, nor my eyes. Now, what do a couple of earls like you want with an old woman like me?"

Ciel sat down in the chair that Sebastian had pulled up for him. "We want to know if you can tell us anything about two children that might once have lived here. Do the names Sarah and Timothy mean anything to you?" he asked.

"We think they might have been murdered!" interjected Alois, who had taken a seat.

Widow Smith stiffened when Ciel mentioned the ghosts.

"Sarah and Timothy," she said slowly. "Now those are two names I haven't heard in a long time."

Ciel leaned forward intently. "Do you know anything about them?"

"I should," Widow Smith said, smiling bitterly. "After all, I was there when they were killed."