7 Chapter 6: Little Surprises.

***Recommended Song: Gymnopedie No. 1.***

(Violet)

It was a few days since an encounter of victims found at the scene, still haunted her. She dare not come out of her room, much of the worry that Granny Lou might be thinking about. She stared up at the high ceiling, recalling about her precious moments, a deadly fate if she didn't act on her feet. But at the back of her mind, she is praying to God that these men would not come back to finish off the job that was intended fo her.

She is the only witness to what happens, so they sent two police escorts, guarding the house, if ever the men would fancy get the job done. She hasn't done any reading of Althea's journal, as whatever she is reading, felt that the same thing to her would happen. Violet heard a knock on the door, "Violet, can I come in?" Her Granny Lou questioned.

She can only sigh, "yes Granny Lou." She looked at the door and a smell of fragrant breakfast hit her quite hard, supposed she didn't eat anything for few days now, Granny Lou would be worried by now. "I cooked your favorite breakfast. Fresh figs with a side of crostini and some goat cheese, I know you would not hesitate to not eat it." When her wrinkled smiled, Violet's heart softened, making her forget the traumatic event that happened to her.

"Thank you Granny Lou." She grabbed the plate from herhands and sat up. "Do you need anything else dear?"She questioned, making her nod.

"Oh after you are done eating your breakfast, I have something for you to do." She said, making Violet perk up a little bit by the request. She continued to eat her breakfast, the smell of fresh fig, can make anyone gobble that up for a second, "Can it be?" She questioned.

Violet can only sigh, that was only an isolated incident, it will never happen in real life, it would never ever happen, She tried to erase this thought off her mind, help Granny Lou out with something, at least she could really remove herself from that little incident that is making her stay up at night.

Violet grabbed her plates and headed on out to the living room, where Granny Lou is just cleaning around the house. "Oh thank heavens that you are now out and about, I have a job for you at the garage." Granny Lou exclaimed. "Clean the garage?" Violet questioned, another cleaning services that she has to be doing now.

"Oh c'mon now, you managed to clean up the attic, now it's time for you to do something. Get your mind off of off things that happened to you." She explained. Violet can only sigh, "I guess it's better than doing nothing in your room." Granny Lou instructed her to sweep the floors and use a dust cleaner inside the crevasses of shelves. And if she ever sees anything that might be useless, that she could throw them away at the black plastic trash bin.

Violet nodded and immediately got started with removing the ivory sheets off and opened the garage door up. Well the problem is that she cannot find anything that could open up the garage door up, which she has to resort to going to the front of the house and get it to open up. She took a peek at the window, making sure that nothing suspicious was waiting for her at the front door and by a deep sigh, she got out of the door and headed to the front of the garage.

Violet held onto the handle and tried to lift it up but it would not budge. She took a deep breath and tried again, it opened up completely, that the light shined upon the dusty and cobwebbed filled space, that has never been cleaned in a very long time, that all can Violet's only action is cough excessively. She was in awe of how boxes upon boxes stacked upon each other and sheets covering the items underneath.

"This is going to be a long day." She sighed in frustration and got to work immediately, as she rummage through years of hoarding. "How in the hell did this get into this state like this." Violet was getting more tired as time went by from putting boxes from one side to another. She took a small break for a second to get a fresh air from the congested dusted space.

She suddenly find herself looking up at the sky, "such a pretty blue sky today." A small smile formed that made her completely forgot the past few days of paranoia, some peace and quiet for once in her life, can it be like this forever. Violet her timer sound off and has to get back to work again.

It took a while to get things under control and an idea formed in her head. Since there is a lot of clothes in boxes hidden, it would be a great idea to have garage sale. They were in a surprisingly in great shape despite being hidden for a very long time, and other vintages bits and bobs that have been stowed away in this time capsule.

More rummaging through the boxes, until she saw something quite particular in her eyes. As Violet looked through the little box, it revealed a postcard, a faded yet colorized painted picture of a bustling city of Monterrey, Mexico . She looked at the back, postmarked on May 23, 1914.

To: Emile Bette Hammerstein

From: Althea Viola Hammerstein.

Chere Soeur,

I am having a grand time here in Mexico, it reminds me a lot about Philippines, the language, food and even our culture too. My Spanish classes really paid off as I have been made, as Pierre announced, "the head translator for the whole entourage." They were quite, how should I word this, ignorant, they are making these poor local men, women, and even children carry our luggage around and treating them like they are some kind of slave. I tried to tell them that it's not really their obligation, but they insist that they should clearly served the white tourist coming in. In the end, I can't really win an argument, if they really insist, so be it then.

I do hope you are eating well and helping mama and papa out around the farm, you know what it's like to be holding a sack of feed for the cattle huh. I performed in Monterrey as of our first stop, at a quinceanera , a birthday celebration of a girl going into womanhood and I played the guitar will all of my might and soul. Everyone love the performance that I presented but that the men present were quite infatuated with fact that a beautiful foreigner would play such songs, even thought I digress to that fact. If you were here, I would gladly have you by my side as a pianist here. I love you always and take care of yourself my sweet sister.

Sincerely yours,

Althea V.

Violet placed the postcard on the shelf and continued to rummaged again and this..."OH MY!"

She looked a photo of an almost naked woman, showing off her perfect back and her hair was tied up in a fancy coiffure, embellished with what Violet can assume was little gems or pins to keep the hair in tact. She turned it over, it was that same year, 1914 and the signature belonged to Althea. She switched photos and saw her half revealing face, such allusive yet mysterious look and written, "for you." There was something quite particular look to her, she seemed familiar but doesn't know how to fully grasp it. Who was she looking, did something happen to make her feel this way, to show off a side that a man's deepest desire.

"Don't make any assumptions yet Violet, these are photos. She could've maybe sent them to someone quite special like Edward or that creepy pen person writing that letter," She talked to herself, all the while rummaging around, "There are so many things here that they are so heavy to-"

Oh snap...

The dried up ropes were rotted out by dust and the possibility of water leaking into them, making it vulnerable to snap in half. Violet had a moment of shock before immediately getting up and ran to get the papers to avoid flying off to the oblivion. She's lucky that it didn't really happen and set them aside for now, as she is almost done with sorting them out in a methodical way that in three categories, one that they can keep, throw away and a finally a possible garage sale that they can fairly fetch a price.

Now looking at the space, it's more spacious and have more room to wander about. Violet carried the remaining box that are filled with letters and other miscellaneous items of Althea to her bedroom to get to know about this little secret of hers.

"Granny Lou, I finished cleaning the garage up." She exclaimed. Granny Lou came out to through the door and immediately smiled. "My, I can finally walk through here now. Sorry, you're the one you should be cleaning." She can chuckle, "it's alright Granny, I'm glad that I can help you out now, I was wondering if we could do a garage sale since there's mountains of clothes and other trinkets that can be sold for a fair price at these." Violet exclaimed.

"I don't know Violet," Granny Lou hesitated, "would they sell? It's outdated and way past the era it was in. People are currently buying that are currently on trend and these aren't." She can only scratching the back of her neck in such doubting moment. "We should try at least, who knows a new trend is that the younger generation would usually go thrifting around." Violet explained. Granny Lou was much too hesitant for her own comfort. Nonetheless, she closed the garage down and grabbed the box and placing it it on her bedroom.

Violet took a hot bath and once she finished it off, getting herself dressed up and eating her lunch with Granny Lou. "I can't believe it's already the afternoon." She said, making her laugh. "Time flies by when you keep yourself busy. You seem to be back to your normal self now, it worries me day and night of what happened to you know." Granny Lou's slight hurt tone from her only granddaughter.

"Let's not think about that Granny Lou," Violet held her grandmother's hands tightly, "while I was cleaning through the garage, I saw something that was quite peculiar and a little surprising."

"My Violet, do tell me what you have found so far." She excitedly replied back to what she has said. They finished off with their lunch and she grabbed the box from her bedroom and they went to their living room and up to the living room. "I found that Althea is something that I don't fully grasp it." Violet explained, as she took out letters and upon letters, and then trinkets. Finally some photographs and some papers that went along with them.

"What in the hell did that letters come from,"Granny Lou exclaimed, "and so many trinkets and things." Violet can only laugh, "yes, I think this would interest you." She gave Granny Lou the almost nude photo of Althea and her eyes widened in surprise. "Is that Great aunt Althea?" She questioned.

"Wow, I never thought that she's this beautiful, she reminds me of you." Granny Lou muttered softly. Violet gave her a weird look and continued on looking through anything that might catch an eye, which they did.

A piece of flyer that showed the name, "Fairies of the West," and showed the names on the bottom, or so what their name should be. "Who's Dory, Flora and Viola?" Granny Lou questioned. Violet turned the paper and showed a little brief look on who they are.

Doris "Dory" Williams

Age: 23.

Physical Attributes: Blonde brown, green eyes, slender arms, and large hips.

Talents: Acting, juggling, and slap stick comedy

Florencia "Flora" Lee.

Age:23

Physical Attributes: Brown hair, small eyes, petite, slender arms, small waist, semi-brown skin.

Talents: Singing, tap dancing, and an animal handler of a lion named, Magnificent.

Calista "Viola" Hammerstein.

Age: 17

Physical attributes: long brown-black hair, slim waist, ample hips, porcelain like-eyes, delicate hands, pink full lips.

Talents: Playing the guitar, singing and dancing.

They show off a hand written drawing of three women on paper, donning the most beautiful hats and dresses on them. "She was so young when starting this off and why did she change Althea's name here?" Violet questioned in her head, she needs to do research on this particular on this topic. She explained to Granny Lou that she used to be in a Vaudeville group and showed the stacks upon stacks of letters and all that they could do is just marvel at the sight of it so much.

"Do you want to sort papers out?" Violet questioned and Granny Lou can only laugh at that response. "Darling, I was born ready." As she formed a face, wrinkles around her mouth formed, which warmed her heart. They started to go through the brown patina aged letter and a pattern starts to form, with the obvious being that there are many letters being sent from her, some aren't opened and the address are based both Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

"Cambridge, Massachusetts, sounds like where Harvard is located. And where Edward went, did he send her those letters?" She questioned. Violet looked rummage through when she saw a photograph of a man. She examined the photograph and turned around, written, "Sweet Dreams," and it was signed by, Alonzo Brichese. She examined the photograph and he was a handsome man and stared with such conviction and ambition in his eyes. His raven black hair stood out the most, but there was nothing left to the imagination due to the brown and black photograph.

"Granny Lou, look at this picture." Violet exclaimed. Granny Lou grabbed her reading glasses and too examined the photograph. "Do you know who Alonzo Brichese is?" She questioned, making her nod, "I don't know who Alonzo is," She replied back, making her sigh in disappointment, "but I do remember someone visiting here. Five men were present at the front door, your great-great grandmother was talking to them, but I know she was talking to a sixth man possibly. This is a very long time now, please take this with a grain of salt."

Violet continued to sort out the letter when she felt something quite hard, solid, and cold to the touch. She lifted it out of the box, to be introduced as an intricate porcelain box, adorned by painted hummingbirds, white and purple flowers and by the looks of it, plated pearl all over it. When opening the box, there was a weird looking key and checked around if there is anything could fit into this, and it was the box itself. Violet inserted the key and as it turns out, it was a music box, playing quite incoherent which needs some tuning but there was something happen.

"That's Gymnopedie No. 1. Your great grandmother used to listen to this particular piece by a French composer, Erick Satie." Granny Lou suddenly spoke. The moment she started to speak of that piece, her smile faded to oblivion. "Are you okay?" Violet questioned. "It's nothing my dear, the music brings back memories." She flashed a small smile at her, but that was all to it.

Violet felt time stopped for her, looking at her wrinkle old eyes, the pleasant, caring eyes, that she brought to whomever she meets, was only met by such melancholic nostalgia, yet too painful to remember. Violet tried to decipher Granny Lou, a mystery in itself to solve.

Granny Lou excused herself and retreated back to her bedroom and Violet sighed, "I should've let her hear that music." But she carried on what she was doing, sorting out the letters and before she could do anything else. She first opened the first letter from Boston and it was dated on June 14, 1913.

Dear Calista,

It was an unforgettable night back in Whistler, Canada. Your voice and dance has entertained many of the masses that were present, including me. And the walks we took around town, made me think about friendships that we could form from our exchange of letters together. I know that you are going around the country in the Midwest and parts of the East Coast to do your shows. If I ever have the time, I would take the liberty to travel to the nearest shows and have a chat at the nearest cafe. Take good care of yourself and hope you don't tire yourself too much.

Sweet Dreams,

Alonzo Brichese.

"He seems to be a good man so far," Violet thought, "but did Althea ever told or written back to Alonzo that Calista is not really her real name." Again, she can only sigh again, as she has now open, this time from Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was much too impressed that there was a wax seal, that open up quite easily, not a single tear. It was dated on twenty first of June, 1914.

Dear Calista Viola,

You gave me quite a chase when I tried looking for you everywhere. You are an enigma to begin with and the moment I saw your performance back in Monterrey, Mexico, it was a beautiful night there. My friends made a trip down here as a way to escape my hard life of college. And the rebels of us men, we sneaked into the governor's home to cause some troubled, but then I heard this song. It was bewitching to listen, that it has followed me through the garden, making me go through crowded men in attendance and to my surprise, you were there. I was much too entranced by the way you strum a guitar, expertly moving one chord to another, making it a pinnacle moment in my trip. By the time I blinked my eyes, you disappear from my sight, before I even got to introduce myself. I hope this letter gets to you and by the time you are reading this, I have returned back to Massachusetts. I do hope we see each other, if time and fate permit us. If you would let me, I could take you out for tea or dinner out. I await for your response.

Sincerely,

Dean.

"Edward unknowingly knew Althea before meeting with each other," Violet said to herself, "but I do wonder what he looks like. Surely he would've given her some sort of picture for her to remember by?" She looked through the box again but none was kept but of Alonzo Brichese. Again, she can only sigh, cleaning up the table and among other things, heading in to her bedroom to do some reading again.

Violet wants to stop by Granny Lou's room, but her hand hesitated to knock on the door. "Maybe I should give her space." She softly said, before retreating back to her own room. She plopped down her bed and grabbed the journal from the bedside table and open up to where she left off. "I haven't been going out for three days now," It started off, "the whole incident that happened, has made Chief Traver forbidding me to not be out of the vicinity, unless I am being escorted out with either Chelsea or any police officer that was present."

POV Althea.

I have been cleaning the house far too much, almost finishing up with "The Mysterious Affairs at Styles," and I have to say this book is by far the most intriguing and it has me at the edge of my bed every night. And the climax of staying in this whole dilemma is that I get to babysit Alexandra. I gave an offer for Susan to look after her and with no hesitation, she accepted.

We did everything together, such as baking some cookies and apple pie for us to feast upon. But when Monday came rolling, the day of the trial and dreading to come. I ate some simple breakfast and immediately got myself suited up for this trial. I recently bought something from the catalogue, which Chelsea suggested that I should be getting new clothes because everything that I own is all out of style and past the decade.

I picked out a bright yellow shirt blouse, a dark brown knee length skirt, matching with my brand new brown slipper flats, which I dear hope that I could really run with these. I didn't forget to wear my diamond drop earrings and a brand new white gloves, that slipped on perfectly on my delicate hands. I put on a semi-bright red lipstick and I was getting ready to tie my hair when I heard a knock on the door. I sighed in frustration on who might be at the door, and when I was ready to confront who it was at the door, "Edward!"

I looked at him, top to bottom, "are you going to a banquet?" I questioned. He dressed so fashionably, with an all white outfit and the only thing that was stood out from this bright outfit is that black tie, tucked in his pristine jacket. "Oh doll, this is what you call, standing out from the crowd." He proudly exclaimed, making me roll my eyes. "Why are you here? Don't you have to be at the courthouse?" I questioned.

"Well, Chief Traver ordered me to pick you up, just to make sure that you are actually present," he exclaimed, "and of course to protect you if anything happens to you." He gave me a wink and all I could do is just roll my eyes. "Come in, make yourself at home while I have to tie my hair." I replied back. I moved out of the way and he closed the door behind him. There was some sort tension in the air and I really hate it, "so do you want something to eat? I have some cookies that I made with Alexandra yesterday." I said to Edward. "It's alright, I already ate something for breakfast." He replied back.

I finally finished tie my hair and it was perfect to the touch. I grabbed my brand new brown bag and was ready to go out of the house. "Are you ready to go?" I said and to see him getting to comfortable with eating my cookies and reading my book. "Can I say that these cookies are quite delightful to taste." He exclaimed and I was ready to smack him for making a mess on my armchair.

I looked at the clock and we are going to be very late if he continues to be like that. "Come on, we're going to be late." I firmly said, making him stand up, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief and put away my book at the side. We exit of the apartment complex and I am no longer surprised with what he has this time, a brand new car. "How many cars do you own?!" I exclaimed, making him smack his head with his head. "OH DOLL! Do I have to tell you that I own many cars!" I can only give him a weird look, "are you sure that you didn't steal it?" I whispered.

He laughed at me, "stealing?! I make a substantial amount of money to be buying these technological monsters that have existed in mankind." I can only roll my eyes again, the way he phrases things. I entered inside the car, to see a newspaper there New York Times specifically. I read the morning paper and it shows a photograph of Edward and a familiar picture of "Madame Florencia."

Florencia and I go way back, specifically, when I joined a girl troupe, "Fairies of the West." She's great showgirl, knowing how to get the crowd going and with her extravagant personality, it did really shine on the spotlight. All came crumbling down, when I came into the picture.

"Front page news three days in a row." I smirked as I read carefully, with quotes such as, "rendezvous back in Genoa leads to a broken heart of Madame Florencia." This is such a waste of their time to be talking about a sensational news stories that would pull the viewers in with such gossip, are they getting desperate because they are losing money or maybe to change it up a little bit. Madame Florencia, I know much better to be sleeping around with a rich man, when her career is on the rocks.

"Three days after the interview in front of the New York City General Hospital," I said to Edward,"still reporting this kind of garbage for the whole city far and wide to see,aren't you ashamed?"

"Althea, they love to keep up with stories around here, you have to get used to that sort of thing here. I don't feel any kind of shame, it's part of life around here," He replied back simply and all I can do is just snickered back, "or maybe you're jealous?"

I laughed loudly at him, "jealous? You annoy the living hell out of me." The whole car ride was silent and before you know it, we arrived at the courthouse. Edward got out first and opened the door to mine, and lend me a hand, and escorted me out of the car. Reporters started to bombard us with their flash of cameras right in my eyes as we entered inside the courthouse.

It was already bustling as we entered the court room, with Mrs. Adiamak there at the right part, while the left is empty. I sat next to her, as she wiped her tears with her handkerchief. "Hello Miss Althea." She greeted. "I'm quite alright, thank you for asking." I patted Mrs. Adiamak's back and she took a deep sigh of relief. "I hope this would go quite well." She said. As time has gone by, the started to fill up the courtroom, I feel my anxiety going up, that sweat started to form on my hands beneath my gloves.

"Calm down," I muttered, "stop sweating so much. I immediately removed my gloves and wiping it down in my skirt. I saw Chelsea coming in, with her finest clothes that I've seen her in my time working. "You look great there." I complimented her. "Thank you my dear. I see that you followed my advice and got yourself new clothes from the catalog, I am proud of you for taking that initiative to do so,"She replied back, "you know this is the very first court trial that I ever went."

"Well good for you, I certainly have to go through a lot of these trials, and my hands are sweating like fucking hell." I exclaimed. Edward turned back at me, the piercing brown golden eyes, filled with seriousness and determination, "minimize your profanity here." Then I heard the doors open up and someone yelling, "all rise," immediately standing up, of the presence of the judge. "Please be seated," He spoke in a deep, yet commanding voice, "this is the case between the death of Irene Adiamak and Arnold Smith versus George Carter. What does the prosecutor plead to the sentencing of the accused?

"The prosecution pleads guilty your honor." Edward replied back to the judge, with such confidence that he exudes. "Well the defense, what do you plead?"

"We plead, not guilty your honor." The defense replied back. "Well, who would you like to present themselves to the court of law?"

"I would love to volunteer your honor," Edward stood up from his seat and looked at me briefly with a smile on his face before looking at the crowd, "I would like to say that good morning to your honor, the jury and present here all. It maybe a good morning to all us here, but for some not so much, as the murder of Irene Adiamak and Arnold Smith had shattered many people here in way that's quite unpredictable. Some who might come in here out curiosity, might feel some kind of pity while others, don't. The Adiamak's immigrated had a grand plan to come to the United States of America because of their homeland, in which is now known as Poland, from what I can assume, they don't offer the same rights and freedom, that this country alone offers. They knew that coming here and making this dream work will be hard, that's why by the time Irene became at age where she could work, she would be the breadwinner of the family and sending her four younger brothers to school and paying the rent of an apartment that is the worst I have seen in my whole life. When things got too hard, she goes off to New York City and that's where she met Mr. Carter, a man of promises, a false pretense of working at a grand hotel as a cleaner, which turns out to be working at a brothel home. She was forced in this line work, and felt ashamed to come home in a state like this, so she didn't call her parents or even writing to them, in fear of being a shame in her family name. She felt the suffering that happened to her, when she met Arnold Smith, a known criminal for doing petty crimes such as, stealing and embezzling money from vulnerable hardworking men and women. Everything seemed to change when he met Irene at the brothel house and there seems to be a great connection between. They talked about their dreams, what they want to make themselves out of in life and then decided to run away. On the night of June 7th, the scheduled date for them to escaped to the nigh, which tragedy struck when they are found shot and beaten to death in front of 240 Centre St. What I am trying to say here is that, Mr. Carter should be guilty for the count of double homicides and one attempted murder and assault on Lt. Althea Hammerstein."

I looked up at Edward, almost wrapping up the climax of his monologue speech, did he refer to me as Lieutenant? "People of the jury, Mr. Carter deserves to rot in jail for the crimes he committed." He got back to his chair and silence loomed over for seconds, when Mr. Carter's defense lawyer stood up. I was shocked, Lt. Althea Hammerstein, I was ready to hug anyone with that big honor having, but I have to behave myself.

"Your honor, the jury and people who are present in today's trials. I want to say those are quite valid points given by Prosecutor Edward Dean, it really is, but I don't believe that he should rest of his life in prison. Sure it was illegal to have a brothel, which deserves to be staying for a few years, but he did not orchestrated the killings of Irene Adiamak and Arnold Smith, and the supposed harassment of Althea. I don't think she even has the guts to come up to tell anyone her about what happened to her." The defense lawyer and Mr. Carter looked at me with such hatred in their eyes, I cannot let them get away with this, I am not afraid of you, just you wait.

I looked forward, not looking at the left side. I can only hold tight my bag, as a way to relieve any outburst lingering within me. "May the court present the first witness up to the stands." I saw Jennifer standing and walking up the witness stand up in front of everyone and raising her right hand. "Do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth and the only truth, so help me God?"The judge said. "I do." She replied back and sat down. Edward stood up from his chair, "Mrs. Carter, what do you do?" He questioned off. "I'm the owner of an apartment complex." She replied to the question.

"Well do you know all of your tenants?"

"Yes, the majority of the tenants I know them."

"From what I researched, that complex is specific for women who are either single parents or who are disowned by their family, correct?"

"You are correct, Prosecutor Dean."

"Objection your honor, is this relevant to what this case is about!" He objected to the judge. "Sustained, you may continue with the questioning Dean."

"I would like to question on how long have you been married with Mr. Carter?" He questioned, cleaning his fingertips. "We have been married for a very long time now, around 35 years now." She muttered. Her voice seemed to be shaky, I don't know if Edward noticed this slight change there too. I kept looking at Jennifer, I hope she would say the whole truth. I sighed deeply, every word that she said has my heart beating quite fast. "With the around those 35 years of happy and blissful marriage, does Mr. Carter ever tell you about his work or businesses that he did?" He questioned. Jennifer was silent for a while before opening up her mouth, "He told me some work he did and owns a brothel, but that's all he ever said to me." She replied back to his question.

"There are no questions left for me." Edward said, walking away from the witness stand. I looked at him in such wonder, would he question them so simple?. "May the defense start the cross examination." The defense lawyer got up and looked at Jennifer with such disdain. "I have a bad feeling that he paid to be silent." Chelsea whispered. I kept this in mind and I continued to observe her quietly, she was looking around the people in the crowd, left and right of us.

"Say what you have said to me." I quietly whispered. "So what Prosecutor Dean has questioned some simple questions for you, I know that you are going through things and it is quite a hard time for you to be talking about your husband, I'll start off you with some easy questions." He said.

I took a deep breath and held it tightly in my body. "Do you have any idea what your husband does, the full extent of your knowledge." He questioned. Again, there is some silence in the air, and I saw her eyes, it was devoid of any feeling in her body and spirit within her. Then I knew, she doesn't care anymore, what happens to her, her fate has already been sealed when she

"He owns a brothel and goes around offering his friends women around for their services." Her voice was much like a whisper, though I can hear her. "So you know the full extent of your husband's work, then why didn't you tell the police about it." He questioned. She looked up to his face, "I was scared of my own husband, I don't know what he is capable of doing when I tell the police." Then she broke down in tears, that I wanted to stand up and comfort her at the stands.

"Scared of what? Your husband that would hurt you? How can a man like him would hurt you, there is no police reports that would subject you to your own beatings!" He retorted. "OBJECTION YOUR HONOR," Edward's roared into the room, "Mrs. Carter is a deep distress, can we have a 30 minute recess to calm her down!"

"Objection overruled. I'll tell the court when it is time to have a 30 minute recess, continue on with your cross examination." The judge yelled at Edward. My heart is beating faster than it already is. "He did hurt me! I didn't tell anyone or the police because he would kill me. As far as me knowing Irene, I met her with at the brothel house and I tried to convince her to leave this world because if she didn't," She yelled back, "he would either get rid of her or be sold off somewhere far away. He did that to countless women around, one of them my former tenants used to live!"

Then it erupted to the loud cry of Mrs. Adiamak and others gasped at the revelation that they heard. The gasped turned into whispers and loud commotions, the judge his gavel to stop to have order and I was lost to what is happening around me. She never told me that part when I questioned her, this is far too serious that I could ever imagined. All of the sudden, I saw Mr. Carter pulling something out of his pants and I immediately dashed into him and jumped at him.

I grabbed his hand and I saw him with a gun and I immediately used all of my might to get rid of the gun away from him but then shots fired and ricocheted around off the room, which started a stampede. Then guards break up the fight and I fix myself up. "I will kill you next time!" He yelled at me, with spit showering all over my face.

"Kill me? Then I can see you in hell." I replied back. They take him away and all I can do is sigh from what happened to me. "You are pretty reckless what you did there!" Edward exclaimed at me, making me roll my eyes. "Reckless?! That was merely me saving everyone in that courtroom, I bet you didn't see that gun when he draws it up." I retorted back, making him sigh. "But still, be careful of yourself. There are some people who are worried about you." He replied back.

"Don't worry about it, I know you're just looking out for me," I said, "but you called me Lieutenant, what does this mean?" Edwards gave off that smile that he exudes, "yes, I called you Lieutenant because Chief Traver said that you are the first intern to have actually solved a case in the history fo the New York Police Department." He got something from his inside jacket and it revealed to be the shiniest badge that I have ever seen. "Is this it? This is mine?" I swapped it away from his hands and just admire it shining brightly in my eyes.

I can hear him laughing at the back of me, "you like it?" And I looked behind him, "excuse me, I love it, this is the biggest honor that I could ever have." I smiled widely and at him, very weird to be doing in a time like this.

"What happens now? The judge dismissed the trial because of the outburst." I said. Edward can only sigh, thinking about what to do next. "There's going to be a retrial next week, I think it would be a private affair instead of a public because of what happened today." He explained. "Do I have to come along," I questioned, "I mean I am the witness of the attempted murder." He shrugged, "you don't have to go to the retrial, but it maybe better if you can come along with me." I nodded and then all of the sudden, I heard someone calling my name. When I turned around to see a familiar figure into the distance.

"Who's that calling you?" Edward questioned. "Don't worry, I know this person, a great friend of mine," I replied back, starting to pace myself towards him, "I can handle myself."

I waved goodbye to Edward and towards to a familiar person, Pierre Couture. "Ma cherie, who's that man with you?" He exclaimed, giving me a kiss on both cheeks. "How did you find me?" I questioned, surprised by the odd timing of it all. "Well, I have connections around here," he exaggerated, "I'm kidding, your sister told me and I came here immediately."

I chuckled lightly, "we have a lot of catching up to do then."He stopped for a second, "you didn't answer my question. Who was that man with you?" I gave him an uncomfortable smile, "he's a coworker of mine. There's nothing for you to worry about." He can only sigh, "are you sure he is the nothing to worry about Althea?" I grinned, "don't worry, he is nothing for your little heart to worry about." Pierre Couture is my manager and my closest confidants during my time on stage. I used to be a showgirl, starting at the age of 15 and ending my career at the ripe age of 17, before I turned 18. I was discovered at a local tavern back at Big Sky, playing a guitar and decided to take me to the group. I would've been an entertainer instead of a detective, if fate hadn't intervene. I haven't seen him for around 5 years now, but I am much to relieve to see him again all of these years.

We ended up having to get lunch at a high end restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. We sat down outside and Pierre signaled the waiter to get us some menus to look at. "You still dress up with such grace and dignity ma beauté." He complimented, making me smile. "I bought this at a catalog." I replied back. We ordered our food and drinks, he got a salmon drizzled with some cream laced with lemon while I get a summer beef vegetable soup. That's when we started to really catch up with what is happening to life.

"Emile told me that you started to work at New York City Police Department, how is it going so far?" He questioned. "It's very eventful," I declared in my most sarcastic voice ever, "a murder took place in an apartment complex that I am staying which turns out to be a gangster and a street walker, who is working at a brothel few blocks where I live! It's such a total mess to be in!" Pierre listened on how I ramble on with what I am saying, "you know that is the life you partake in life. All you can do is just enjoy?" He said, making me nod in agreement in his statement.

"How about you? Are you finding any jobs for you, ever since the troupe dismembered?" I questioned. Pierre sighed, "ever since the ending of the war, entertainment seemed to be slowing and no one is watching the entertainers that I manage seemed to lose motivation and just fired me. I tried doing some other work just to make ends meet but it's been rough for me." Pierre can only sigh and I think I made things worse. "I'm sure there are jobs here to offer in New York," I happily replied back, "let's change the topic, I hate to see my dear friend sad."

So we immediately change the mood and the moment my mouth opened, I have to talk about Dorothy. "How's Dorothy doing? The last time I heard from her is that she moved to England." I asked. Pierre gasped, "she moved to England all right. From what I heard that she married a Marquis by the name of Henry Boyd of Runsbury in Scotland, making her Marchionesses Dorothy Williams-Boyd." He explained, making my eyes widened in shock. "She is getting married to man named Henry. You know, we shouldn't trust a man named Henry." I joked, making him laugh out loud.

"You haven't change, you love to insult other people. But don't worry, Dorothy just wrote back to me saying that he is been treating her very nicely." He replied back. "As he should be, don't want her head to be off there."

Pierre again laughed like a maniac, also making me giggle, "Dorothy can't make those jokes up back in the day. Oh lord, how did she get that nickname of "Funny Dory?" We laughed at the silly anecdotes as I continued to sip on my tea.

We continued to have a beautiful day out in the bustling city of Manhattan. When the food arrived, my eyes are feasting in such beauty. "I almost forgot how much a grand old you are with, I remember you would ride around in your horse, doing these complex stunts, just to make people happy. Those were the days, that are much simple." He can only sigh as he reminisce the past, "and don't forget what you did at Monterrey, you were magical to look at."

"Pierre, you know how to flatter me, but unfortunately, I am not one of the most beautiful woman that has graced in this world." I can only smile back as I continued to eat my soup.

"Which reminds me, as I was heading to the courthouse going on, a name by of Edward Dean is involved with Florencia" He said. "That news has been ongoing for three days now, reporters around here are like vultures. I though she knew better to not open up too many rich men." I said. "Althea watch that mouth of yours! I know you are joy to be with but sometimes you have to watch what you have to say." I sighed deeply, "I know, but you have to admit, it is true."

"I hate to say bad things about anyone dear, you know me," He pleaded but all I can do is just smirk at him, "oh you are right then. I just don't get it, she used to be into her work and a perfectionist of her craft, but all she does is just host large parties to everyone and going round about with such influential, aristocratic men."

"Money makes a person change the moment they are given the right opportunity to do so. She can flounder around her money for all I care, but I hope it doesn't get to the point of something quite despicable and desperate that she might get herself involved with." I finished eating my soup and sipped down the last drop of my tea.

He signaled the waiter to get our final total for the meal and afterwards, we are out of the restaurant. We strolled around the metropolitan city of Manhattan, as large skyscrapers are taking form right in front of our eyes and such, with my beloved friend. "Where do you want to go next?" Pierre questioned, making me shrug and in deep thought. "Well anywhere your heart pleases, I will show you around if you want to." I replied back.

"Well, we have to do some shopping and I am paying!" He exclaimed. My eyes widened "but...you don't have to do it!" "No buts ma cherie, you can choose the clothes and jewels that your heart contents." He insisted, which I cannot say no to. I felt dizzy afterwards, with amounts of jewelry, clothings and miscellaneous things such as Cartier, Tiffany&Co, and brands that I cannot fathom to remember anymore. Night started to come by slowly, slowly walking to the direction of the complex.

"So tell me Althea, what's the name of that co-worker of yours?" Pierre suddenly asked, making me scoff. "Why do you need to know his name, he's just a nobody to me," I replied back. "Oh do tell me Althea, and besides, you don't come across a good looking, comrade with you." Pierre insisted that I should gossip about every waking moment. "His name is Edward. Edward Dean." His name just rolled off my tongue like it was nothing.

In a moment of realization, "oh that man from the papers! He's much good looking in real life then I hope he isn't a womanizer? Just like the papers portray him?" He joked. "He certainly is ladies man dear Pierre. And has a extravagant collection of cars." I added on. We both laughed and bickered playfully back and forth until we reached the front door of the complex. He was much too worried if I would be able to carry everything to the upstairs but assured him that it's not a pain to do so.

"Where are you staying for the night?" I questioned. "There's a hotel that I booked in advance, it's around 6 blocks here," He replied back, "it is so wonderful to have a grand time together, just like the old days."

"Yes, just like the old days." I muttered. I waved goodbye to Pierre, as he walked away from the night. I took a deep breath, closed the door behind me. I don't know what I would feel today, the trial that followed and the crazy confession that happened and unexpectedly meeting my old manager and friend here in New York. What a crazy time to be in now. I can only sit down at my armchair, with some cookie crumbles present, making me boil in anger for Edward not cleaning after himself.

"He really wants rats coming in my apartment." I growled in annoyance. I removed my clothes off for today and threw them at the basket. I removed my makeup off with some cold cream, rubbing it deeply to my skin. My body feels like wearing off, so I crashed my down to my bed and drifted off to sleep.

(Violet)

Violet looked up the clock and it was already 5 o'clock in the afternoon. She closed the book and looked at the music box. She turned the box again, opening it up where the figurines started to spin slowly to the beat of the song. "What became between Althea and Edward, or perhaps Alonzo and Althea." She wondered.

Violet can only stare at the two figurines, spinning around, until she notices something something hiding behind the little ring compartment. When the music stopped, I removed the little velvet cushion, to reveal a paper, which seemed to be smeared with some kind of red ink or blood. She opened up the little piece of paper carefully, and it turned out to be a long paper, filled with the faded drawings of flowers, in a particular order. She looked at the back with some sinister riddles going on.

"The first two letters can be shown by the drawing of a specific," it said, "and everything else that this drawing shows would be one word." Violet was puzzled by what the paper is said, and the drawing is much to faded to be seen. She can only sigh and cleaned up the papers around the room, before she could invite her grandmother for tonight's dinner.

Since the music box is having trouble producing a clearer note, she might as well find someone who specializes in fixing it. Violet twisted the key again and placed the jewelry box on the bedside drawer and just admired the two figurines again.

*** To be continued ***

Epilogue.

June 3, 1914.

It was as starry night in Monterrey, Mexico, as everyone gathered around to the quinceanera of Leonora Amador, the governor's daughter. Everyone seems to be having a great time at the party accompanied by with the violins, trumpets and loud drums that made the party even more of a special night.

Althea along with Dorothy and Florencia came out with their best looking outfits as they descended down the stone grand staircase, with a smile on their faces. Some didn't dare to look at their foreign clothes and giggled softly to be looking like pile of mess. Others are curious of this avant-garde pieces but most looked at Althea, the star of the night, brighter than anyone in this room. Her hair was tied up in a simple bun with little strands of hair falling down softly to her youthful face. A dress that were embroidered with such skill by artisans showing off roses and little birds all over the soft fabric of what it used to be pineapple fibers but now a masterpiece, showing off a little bit of her shoulders and neck to maintain her modesty flair. She fanned herself with her very own fan as she made her way around the event, greeting the main celebrant and the governor.

"Here she goes again," Florencia scoffed, "everyone is paying attention to her." "Oh don't be like that Flor, they are just amazed of how amazing it looks on her," Dorothy exclaimed, trying to console her, "I think they got tired of seeing us Americans wearing something like this."

Florencia can only look at Althea, which only fueled her jealousy towards her. Drinks and some hors d'oeuvres are being served around the guest and she doubles the down her mouth as she examined Althea around, talking to other politicians and the aristocratic men around.

"Dory, look at her being all high and mighty that now she gets to talk and be surrounded with other men," She complained, "and that hideous dress, who made that dress. And not only that, she's showing off her neck and shoulders! I would never ever in a million years would do such a thing!" "Flor, don't say those foul things to her. She got that dress made by a seamstress back at the island Philippines. The Spanish would use to wear that due to the humid weather, like here," Dorothy explained, making Florencia roll back her eyes, "and stop complaining too much, it's bad for you already, even Pierre started to notice."

"Why do I have to listen to you." Florencia immediately leaves Dorothy alone and goes off to try to talk with other guest present. Meanwhile, many are eager to have a talk with the beautiful, young Althea, listening to her sweet and angelic voice, coming from her plump pursed lips.

"La Bella, what do you like to do in your free time?" They questioned, making Althea giggle. "I love to hunt out in the wilderness, catching some big game with deers and some moose when moving up north," She explained, making them nod in understanding, "but I also like to perform on stage with a guitar at hand and dancing around for everyone present." They jeered on and kept on talking, bombarding her with confessions of love and proposals of marriage, which she declined respectfully.

Meanwhile, a group of men sneaked into the party and one of them is the young Edward Dean, getting out the rigorous schooling of Harvard for time off, and what better way is going down to Mexico. The whole trip is them traveling around the place and getting themselves drunk and into fights with the locals.

This is more of a formal party and have to refrain themselves from not getting themselves into too much mischief, which could really cause lots of havoc and trouble for the guest around. All of them dispersed, heading off to different parts. A group of girls signaled Florencia, which she turned around to be greeted by the ever handsome Edward Dean.

"Is that Edward Dean?" They questioned, as they fan themselves quickly and profusely. "Yes, that is the Edward Dean! My, he's like heaven sent to us!" The other exclaimed.

Florencia examined him top to bottom, the bright brown eyes that shined through and his light golden brown hair that matched well together. There are many men in her life that she would like to compare for some reference, but not with him, he was too perfect. "What is all the buzz about this Edward Dean here?" She questioned.

"You haven't heard, he is the heir of the Dean Oil Company from his father, who died in mysterious circumstances." One explained. "But there are rumors going around that he killed his father, so he could spend on his money."

"I heard he has some crazy disease that makes women go hysterical."

Their conversations go on and on about the rumors circulating around, but in Florencia's mind, it was the perfect opportunity to get close to him and see where this leads to. "Florencia Lee Dean." Her mind recited that name a few more times, before coming to the conclusion, that name suits her the best.

"I'm going to talk to him." She said to her friends, with a new found conviction. Before they would have a word, she approached him oozing confidence inside of her but only to be turned away. She heard the giggles behind her and when she turned around, they all stopped what they were doing.

The night is almost about to come to a close and there would be a special performance. But the only problem is that the intended guitarist who would be playing has gotten sick and can't be here. Pierre suggested Althea to be playing the performance, which they hesitated. "She can play a guitar?" They asked. "Will she be able to play the songs that were requested by the celebrant?"

"Don't worry, whatever the music that you give her, she will deliver." Pierre explained, to put them at ease at least. They looked at each other, to get any objections out of their mouths, nothing. "Do you know where she is?"

"OH! I know certainly where she is." Pierre replied back, looking at the direction of where he is looking at, men crowding her around, her sitting down and having a little chat with them. "My, what a beautiful sight to see." They were in awe with what they were looking at.

They decided to fetch her, all the while trying to get through the men blocking her. "Calista? Can we borrow you for a second?" They questioned, which she nodded, excusing herself from the men who would love for her to stay.

Althea took a deep sigh, "thank you for getting me out of there, they were bombarding me with confession of loves and proposals," She exclaimed, scratching the back of her neck, "so why do you need me here?" She questioned. "Pierre here, suggested that you should be the replacement for the performance. You can play any songs when someone tells you." They said.

"I can play any songs, what is the song that you want me to play?" Althea questioned. They gave her a list of songs, well there is only two songs, which is quite playable at her level. "I can play these, give me a second." She said, excusing herself, getting her guitar.

Edward Dean was much too bored with the party going on and he is ready to call it a night, looking around his friends. "Edward where are you going!" Exclaimed his best friend, Alfred. "Going home, this party is no fun!" He retorted back. Then his three friends, William, John and Clarence came up the stairs, with a surprised look.

"There's going to be an another performance and all of the male goers are getting up close!" John happily said. Edward was much too puzzled and decided to follow his group of friends along. "What a waste of time." He whispered to Alfred. "Relax, this will be interesting." Alfred replied back.

Before they got down from the staircase, music started to play, such a hauntingly piece that rang in his ear. He hurriedly went down the stairs and tried to push everyone out of the way, to see the performance in much closer view. "What's so special about this performance?" He questioned, as he tries to get himself through.

All of the sudden, he stopped, as the light was orbiting around the mysterious musician. He squinted a little, trying to get a better view. Then his eyes adjusted to the light and his heart stopped for the very first time. He was much too enchanted with what he was looking at, as she strum her delicate hands. Edward looked at the most beautiful woman that he has ever seen, with a flower tucked in her ears. She smiled at everyone around her and then their eyes met together.

"What could she be thinking?" He questioned himself. He smiled back, in return she smiled a bit wider with his presence. Then another song played, which it felt more familiar to him, Claire de Lune, he didn't know it can be played at a guitar like that. The soft and sweet music, softened it a little as night became quite near. He examined her play with the guitar and she did it with such ease and expertise, as if it she knew the notes by heart without looking at anything.

By the time the music ended, everyone clapped at her performance and she bowed down to everyone. Althea waved goodbye to everyone as she retreated back inside and ready to call it a day and as for Edward, he tried to get through, trying to ask her name at least but alas, he didn't.

Alfred, John, William, Clarence and Edward en route to their boarding house to call it a night. He looked up at the sky, the beautiful night stars twinkling up above, much too beautiful to look at. He didn't join on the conversation that was happening that night, he wondered if he got there much quickly, will he get to introduce himself to the lady performer? That was one regretful thing that happened in his life, as he sulked for the rest of the trip, when William gave him the name of the performer.

"Her name is Calista, she's from Big Sky, Montana." He said. Edward's eyes lit up in such vigor of happiness and decided to get writing a letter for her. Those were the things that he clutched hard on his heart, the beautiful and enigmatic Calista. As many years have gone by, he still held onto of the recurring image of her. Maybe only time can permit them, but what if, she was near than he notices.