The Mysterious Case of the Mayflower Dame

Chapter 2: Playing with Fire (Part VI)

“Apart from that…” Eleanor continued, though her words express a slight hint of sadness.

“Due to a certain incident yesterday, that special someone got severely hurt because of me. I’ve been thinking a lot about it, and I wish to take a break from all of this. I wish to rest for a while and find myself along the way.”

The rest of us listening to the radio broadcast at the lobby were shocked, and I’m certain the same applies to everybody tuned in. It wasn’t Eleanor’s fault that I got pierced by a wooden object.

It was very unfortunate that it happened instantaneously, which is why I’m wondering how did Eleanor reach the conclusion that it was her fault? In the first place, what are the chances that we would get caught in that crossfire? With so many things to ponder, I immediately went off as soon as I got my folders from my room. I took a quick call using the phone booth beside the station, trying to set up a meeting with Cecil since she is her manager after all.

I tried calling non-stop for five minutes until I lost all of my spare pennies. I decided to go home first, before going directly towards her usual place if she is there. Hopping inside the cab, it didn’t take me too long to arrive at the apartment in Chestnut, a hundred blocks away from the police station. I opened the door, dropped my files on the first chair that I see, and hurriedly popped the first pill in the bottle.

This might cost me a lot later on but I need to suppress the pain for as long as I can. My mind feels fuzzy due to the sudden turn of events. Suddenly, I heard knocking on my door. The pace was almost akin to someone trying to break it down with a hammer.

Opening it, I was surprised to see Cecil again but she carries the face of someone confused with what’s going on. I gave her the benefit of the doubt even though I don’t know how she got my address.

“What’s in god’s name is going on Jonathan!?” I should be the one asking this.

“I have no clue. I’m pretty much unaware of it myself since I just heard her thoughts on the radio.”

Her face crumpled as she tried her best to keep her poise amidst the severity of the situation.

“Were you able to contact her at least?” I asked, trying to assess if she left any words on Cecil’s part.

She nodded no, “How I wish it was possible. ”

Both of us tried to deduce her whereabouts, since she left the radio studio in a hurry less than an hour go. I called the office and issued a case at the precinct in order to make the search for Eleanor much easier. We don’t expect her to be too far from our sights. As we continued walking outside, the London Police department already sent a few men to help me along with two vehicles. It is a high profile case and I’m concerned that there’s not even a single trace of where she is.

Something struck me… “Wait, Cecil, you said that Eleanor’s father was supposed to visit me right?”

“Yes, I did say that. But the reason for his visit is unknown to me. I assume it’s for encouragement.”

“What if it’s related to her? He never came to visit me which makes me think about what he knows.”

Her right eyebrow was raised as we got inside the vehicle, “That doesn’t make any sense Jonathan. If he does know something, then he should’ve told you when he arrived?”

It’s definitely not a coincidence that something is amiss here. First, is Eleanor asking her father to visit but didn’t come, next is Eleanor taking her so-called break from which she went missing, and the last one is the fact that not even her own manager is aware of anything. We have to visit her house in order to verify all of our doubts.

Giving the orders, we ventured on to Eleanor’s house in Cambridge. Her family owns an ancestral house granted by the duke two centuries ago. It’s been well preserved, and embellished to perfection, as a request by Eleanor’s mother before she passed away. Reaching the place after numerous stops due to traffic, the proud Elizabethan art screams as soon as we step outside of its gate. From here on out, I ordered the rest of the officers to return and send my regards to Rubik.

Cecil did the honors of knocking by pulling a rope, clanging the front doorbell. After a minute or two, an old woman wearing a black sleeved dress with an apron approached us. The familiar face of Cecil was enough to let us in.

“May I know your business today Ms. Ley?” She asked as she escorted us to the front door, passing through numerous well-cut topiaries on the walkway. I assume Ley is Cecil’s family name, first time I’ve heard of it too.

Cecil looked at her with grace, replying to her inquiry with uttermost courtesy, “We would like to speak to the master with some important business on our hands. With me right now is Inspector Jonathan of London PD, and he would like to ask a few questions.”

The woman seems pleased as she opens the door to us with a warm smile, “I shall notify him immediately, please take care of your guest until then Ms. Ley.”

We went inside the house after the exchange, and I was dumbfounded by everything. From the ornaments, furniture, and tiles, it is fancy beyond what I know. This place strongly reminds me of Charlie Chaplin’s abode when I saw pictures of it. However, it is a different feeling once you are in front of greatness itself. The atmosphere is warm, and the lights are bright enough to illuminate the place like pearls under the sun. 

Cecil asked me to sit on one of the chairs in the living room while preparing tea. Nearby was a portable boiler that you need to turn on, while beside it were cups and three kettles on standby. This place is literally set to receive guests but by the looks of it, I’m the only one they’ve received for quite some time. Hearing the sound of the boiling water, Cecil also sat down on the chair adjacent to mine.

I immediately asked, “You must be a noble yourself. Am I correct Miss Ley?”

“Oh no! My family is influential but I’m nowhere near Eleanor.”

“Influential people are scary regardless of names,” I replied, teasing her a bit.

Her skepticism about my thoughts are right on track. This is the first time I’ve talked to her casually because she emits a different aura whenever she is with Eleanor.

“So does that mean you are afraid of Eleanor?”

“Makes sense actually.”

The water was already boiled by the time we finished talking. Cecil prepared me some Ceylon tea with some Danish biscuits on a small plate. Just in time, the woman arrived along with a familiar face. Eleanor’s father in the flesh, his face looks troubled over something. His body appears to be recuperating, and his eyes are pale—obviously a sign of stress. Amidst being in such a state, his body is well shaped for a man in his fifties.

Being assisted by the woman, he sat down on one of the chars, with his shoulders perfectly laid back. Cecil also poured him some tea and prepared a separate plate for sweets. I smile in anticipation with his arrival.

“How many years has it been since I’ve last seen you, Jonathan?” He asked.

I looked up, trying to remember, “Roughly almost a decade. I haven’t seen you since the accident so I can’t establish when.”

His tone changed into a more depressed state as he sank a little deep on his chair, “Oh… I see…”

This man’s name is Lucio Narcissus, one of the main figures in the entertainment industry since the world war. He’s the one who sponsored me during my studies and up to now, I resent his decision to meddle with my life. I lost track of his efforts many years ago due to my independent nature. One has to ask, what happened to my family? Both of my parents were officers and were killed in action in order to save the man sitting in front of me. Though the marks of their bravery were imprinted to me at an early age, it still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth whenever I reminisce of such. Also, from what I could remember, Lucio is affiliated with the Royal family, but I wasn’t able to determine its degree.

“I don’t wish to waste any more of your time Mr. Narcissus. Do you know where Eleanor is?”

“I do… But before I tell you, give me a good reason as to why I should do that?” this I agree.

Cecil intervened, “With due respect sire, I’m Eleanor’s manager. She didn’t tell me anything about her plans and it’s alarming as it is. Jonathan came over with me since her interview gave hints that she blames herself for what happened.”

Lucio cleared his throat and replied “Your intentions, I can understand Cecil. But what about you Jonathan? It’s been years when I last met you, yet here you are trying to search for my daughter.”

He is trying to press the topic further, “I have the same reason as hers. The fact that she took this burden out of nowhere is bothersome.”

Lucio picked up his cup and sipped with composure. He is trying to process our words while chomping a few biscuits. After finishing one or two blueberry tarts, the woman behind her gave her a napkin and looked at us with his uttermost confidence painted all over his face.

“For this moment only, I’ll believe that all the words you both said were true. Now, I want you to come with me.” He stood up from his chair and was given a cane for support.

We walked along with him and ventured further into the manor. At the north side of the living room, the main stairs could be found, connecting the east hall and west hall. There’s a large door just in front of the stairs, which I presume would be where they host gatherings. We turned left and went in front of the first room in sight. There’s a circular bronze name plate on the polished rosewood door, written on it were the initials E.N.   

(To Be Continued)