Murder

A short story by Deirdre Murphy

Chapter 1:

"Hurry up girls, we're leaving right now", her mother said.
"I'm coming, OK", replied Sara angrily.
Sarah had been looking forward to a nice exotic holiday in the sun with the family but that all changed when her Dad lost his job. So, instead her parents had rented out a castle down the country in the middle of nowhere! And to make matters worse Sara's so-called "favourite" cousin Rebecca had been invited to join them. Of course, Rebecca was delighted but Sara was horrified when she heard her cousin was coming.
"It will be great fun to have a friend with you", her parents kept telling her.
"Huh, a friend", Sara mumbled to herself.

"Come on Sara, don't keep your Mummy waiting" said Rebecca in a nasty voice. Rebecca was the street angel house devil type of person; you know, looks sweet and innocent but really a right pain while Sara who was caring and nice had her bad hair days too!

* * * *

After many hours of driving they approached the castle. It was spooky, as night had already fallen. Relieved to get away from Rebecca, Sara got out of the car. All the time Sara tried to get away from Rebecca but at the same time stayed close by her parents.

It was a very old dark castle. They walked side by side in to the castle and went exploring. Inside the castle was like going into another world. There were chandeliers and lanterns all around the place. Sara's Dad, Bill, picked up a lantern saying:
"Well what do you think?".
Sara looked at her Mother and she looked back.
"Em, well it's big", said her mother, Elaine.
"I think it's wonderful uncle Bill, it makes me feel like a Princess", said Rebecca in an angel like voice.
"Well, I'm glad you think so, Rebecca. Anyway, look at the time, Up to bed. Take your pick you have a great variety of rooms", Bill said.
"Good night girls, see you in the morning", he said.
"Yeah, good night. Oh, and Uncle Bill and Auntie Elaine thanks for letting me come with you", said Rebecca.
"It's a pleasure and don't you wish our Sara was as polite as Rebecca", Elaine said.
"Yes, I agree" said Bill to Elaine.
As soon as the girls got a room they went straight to sleep. After the long journey they were very tired.

Chapter 2:

The girls were awoken early the next day to the sound of the phone ringing. Sara and Rebecca went downstairs to see what all the commotion was about.

"Sara, I have some good news called her father. A company just rang who have a job vacancy and they want to interview me", he said.
"Oh, Dad that is brilliant", Sara said.
"Yeah, Uncle Bill that's marvellous", said Rebecca.
"But, there is only one problem, myself and your mother will have to go to the city today and stay overnight but I'm afraid you two can't come", Bill explained.
"Oh, we'll be fine on our own", Rebecca said reassuringly.
"Yeah, Dad we'll be grand", Sara said.
"Well, OK if you are sure", Sara's Dad said.

* * * *

"Bye Mum. Bye Dad. See you tomorrow", Sara said.
"You've got our number if you need us and you know where we will be", Elaine called out the car window.
"Yes Mum we know the number so relax and good luck", called Sara and "see you tomorrow".

* * * *

"Oh, Sara, we are going to have great fun, won't we", said Rebecca cheekily.
"Yeah… Fun", Sara mumbled under her breath.
I need a plan, a devious plan, to get away from Rebecca and I think I've got it, Sara thought to herself.
"Rebecca, come here", Sara shouted.
"Yes, I'm here. What do you want", Rebecca replied.
"Do you want to play a game?", enquired Sara.
"OK, what type game?", Rebecca asked.
"Hide and seek", Sara suggested even though she hated the game but it was all part of her devious plan.
"Sara, don't you think you're a bit old for baby games?", Rebecca said offensively.
"Well, let's play anyway, you're on, count up to 50", Sara said.
"But, but…" Rebecca interrupted.
"1, 2, 3, I'm gone", Sara shouted.
Where will I hide Sara thought to herself as she was running up the stairs.
"Ready or not, I'm coming", Rebecca shouted.
"Uh oh, where will I go. There's a room over there I could go to. It's an old library. Maybe they have some interesting old books but they all look so old fashioned", Sara said to herself.
"I'm coming", Sara heard Rebecca calling.
Sara looked at the fireplace with the candlestick on it.
"Maybe if I pull the candlestick the fireplace will turn around", Sara said to herself sarcastically. Sara went over and turned the candlestick. Suddenly there was a strong gust of wind and all Sara could see were books flying everywhere!

Chapter 3:

"Vera, Vera, get up off the floor and its not reading time. What are you doing in the library anyway?", asked an old woman in a long grey dress which was the same colour as her hair.
"Vera, my name's not Vera", cried Sara. " I'm Sara" she said.
"Oh, Vera, you are a funny child", the old lady said.
"But I' not a Vera sort of person. I swear my name is Sara Marie Ruth O'Brien", she pleaded.
"Look Vera, you must have hit your head when you fell in the library. Just go to your room and go to bed for a while and you'll feel better", the old lady said.
"Thank you, Miss … eh. What is your name again?", Sara asked. "Mrs Edwards, Mrs Edwards, my child, Mrs Edwards", she repeated.
"She's very sick", Sara heard her Mrs Edwards mumble under her breath.
How am I supposed to find my room when I don't even know where I am Sara thought to herself. Suddenly she saw a room with the letter V on the door and thought that must be her room. Sara walked in to the room which was massive with a four poster bed. There was a red carpet and velvet curtains to match. Sara jumped into the bed and sank down into the soft sheets.

Chapter 4:

Sara woke to hear shouting.
"She has no right to be in my bed", said a well dressed lady as she barged into the room.
"Vera, how dare you even come into my private "Thursday" bedroom without permission and how dare you sleep in my bed", the lady continued.
"But, but…", Sara tried to explain.
"No, buts. I expect a very good explanation", the lady said.
"Well, I was in the library and…", Sara had just started to explain when Mrs Edwards came into the room.
"It's all my fault. You see Vera hit her head in the library and I put her in here as it was the nearest room", Mrs Edwards explained.
"Well, you know the rules, Mrs Edwards, I'm afraid you'll have to work for four weeks without pay and all you will get to eat are the scraps. Now please withdraw and you too Vera. Go", the lady ordered.

* * * *

"Mrs Edwards, come here Mrs Edwards. Why did you say it was your fault when you had nothing to do with it?", Sara asked.
"Well, you know you have no family to support you. So, I thought I should take the blame", she said.
"Oh, Mrs Edwards thank you so much. I know. I'll split whatever pay I get with you when I get it", Sara offered.
"I don't expect that Sara as I'm thinking of quitting anyway", Mrs Edwards explained.
"I have saved up enough money to be able to afford to live on my own, But I am not sure yet so my dear child don't worry", she explained.
"Oh, well I'd better get to work", said Sara.
"See you later dear and remember don't mess with Lady Victoria. You're already treading on thin ice", she warned.
"Oh, don't worry", Sara said.
So, that's why there was a "V" on the door Sara thought to herself.
"Vera, Vera, get down to the children's playroom and take them to their dinner in the dining room. You're already nearly ten minutes late", called Lady Victoria.
"Yes, I'm coming Lady Victoria. I'll be there in two shakes of a lamb's tail", Sara called.
Now actually finding the playroom and the parlour was a different story. Sara went down another flight of stairs until she came to a door that said "Kitchen". She knocked on the door and went inside.
"Excuse me… em, could you direct me to the children's playroom?", she asked this scary looking kitchen porter.
"Yes, it's down the hall, the second last door on the left or is it on your right?. No, it on the left. Oh, I don't know. You'll find it with a sign on the door", he grunted.
"Thank you, Sara said and beat a hasty retreat.
Wow, he made me even more confused Sara thought to herself.
"Second door on left. Here it is", Sara said.

Chapter 5:

Sara went inside to find two children very well dressed like their mother. The boy was about eight years old and was playing with a train set and a girl about the same age as herself was reading.

It's so weird when people know me and I don't know them but I'd better call them for dinner even though I don't even know their names Sara thought.
"Children, time for your dinner", but they didn't budge.
She said it again: "Dinner". Still no response.
"Look Vera you know you must call us by our first names not just "children" when it's time for dinner", the boy said.
"I don't know your names, I mean I can't remember your names", Sara said truthfully.
"Well, we'll just have to inform our mother, won't we", said the girl in a mean voice just like Rebecca would say.
"Oh, it's alright em Miss Abigail and Master Henry from now on I'll address you by your first names", Sara said.
Phew, I'm so lucky those books have name tags on them Sara thought to herself.
"Miss Abigail and Mater Henry, your dinner is being served in the dining room", Sara announced.
"Thank you for informing us properly", Henry said.
Wow, they are snobby Sara thought to herself. "Address us by our first names", Sara mumbled mocking Henry's accent. Just then Mrs Edwards popped her head around the corner.
"Vera, stop talking to yourself and get back to work or you'll be in even more trouble", Mrs Edwards warned.
"Well I'm not making a very good start am I?; first Lady V and now Abigail and Henry. What next", Sarah thought?
The children were to take one hour for dinner so Sara decided to do some dustings and find her way around the castle.

Chapter 6:

Sara went into rooms much nicer than the one in which she stayed. They were probably Lady V's weekend rooms she thought. Sara dusted and cleaned with all her heart trying to do enough so she would get a pay rise and give Mrs Edwards a decent share of her pay. Sara finally came to a room at the very back of the west wing.

The west wing was forbidden to children and especially young maids like Vera but being the adventurous type Sara went to the end of the very last room. This door was marked with a sign saying "NO ENTRY" but Sara was not put off by this and in she went just walking herself into more trouble.

This room topped the rest. It was a massive old ballroom which seemed to be used for storage as there were boxes everywhere except for a cleared space at the very back. Suddenly Sara heard footsteps and voices which were getting closer. Then the doorknob began to turn.

Quickly Sara did what everybody in her situation would do… jump into one of the boxes. Luckily there was a little hole in the box which Sara could peep through.

Two figures walked in to the room going to the very back where there was lots of space. Sara kept quiet and still so she could listen to the conversation.
"Frederick Johnson, I always knew it was you. I hope you know your plan to make my life a misery worked and I am damn right miserable. But, why did you do it… why did you kill my …", she stopped.
"My who" thought Sara. "Say it, go on" Sara said to herself.
Suddenly a box fell from the top pile of boxes and Sara missed the rest. All she heard was: "… here,11.00pm tonight.
Sara waited until she knew the coast was clear.
"Who was that and who killed who", Sara asked herself?
It was all too confusing. Then Sara saw something glittering in the corner of her eye. She walked over to a box with diamonds and pearls in it. She picked up a diamond picture frame and inside was a photograph of a young couple. Sara examined the picture carefully and it was definitely Lady Victoria; but who was the man?
"This is all so weird", Sara thought and "I am definitely coming back here tonight to solve this mystery once and for all", she said confidently to herself.

Chapter 7:

Sara got back to the children's playroom just before the children themselves.
"Vera", Henry called
"Yes", Sara replied
"You're off duty now. You may go", Henry said. "Oh, thank you for telling me Henry. Good bye. I'll see you", Sara said.
Now all I have to do is find Mrs Edwards so she can show me my room where I can get some sleep before going to the west wing to solve the mystery.

* * * *

"Yes, so Vera this is your room", said Mrs Edwards. "And if you ever need me that's my room down the hall. Goodnight"
"Yeah, goodnight and thanks", Sara said.
"Wow, look at the state of this room I have to stay in. This is not fit for living in. It's an attic thing and disgusting", Sara mumbled to herself.
"Oh well, I suppose I am a maid in the year … wait what year am I in?", Sara thought. Maybe I'll find out later? Now, I'd better get t sleep because I have a big night ahead of me", Sara thought.

* * * *

Sara woke up at ten to eleven.
"Uh oh, I'll never get to the west wing in time with Lady V on the way as well. Well I'll just have to go for it", she thought.
Sara sneaked down dark corridors still not familiar with the castle but she tried her best to navigate by retracing her previous steps.
"Look, there is the west wing, yes", she cried. "Uh oh I got a bit carried away. I hope no one heard me", she said to herself this time. Sara ran down the corridor as fast as she had ever ran but still managing to keep really quiet. When Sara approached the ballroom she got a bit scared and had second thoughts.
"No, I am going to solve this mystery", she thought reassuring herself as she sneaked into the ballroom. Suddenly she heard those footsteps and voices again like deja vous she jumped into the box again. The doorknob turned around and two people walked in once again.

Chapter 8:

"Well, well, well Frederick you have returned", said Lady Victoria. "I already told you that your plan to make my life a misery worked but now it's my turn. Say your prayers Frederick", she cackled.
"Oh Heaven's what is she going to do", Sara held her breath and felt really scared.
Suddenly Sara heard a scream.
"No, No, No, it wasn't meeeeeee…."
Then Lady Victoria ran from the ballroom dramatically. Sarah waited until she knew the footsteps were far away. She got out of the box and walked to the end of the room. There, lying on the floor was Frederick Johnson with a knife stuck in his chest and blood dripping to the ground.
"Oh my Gosh, she killed him. Lady Victoria is a murderer", Sara thought.

Sara ran quickly from the ballroom too frightened to investigate the murder any further. She ran to her bedroom and plonked herself on her bed too shocked to sleep. But she drifted off once or twice.

Sara got up the next morning and ran down to Mrs Edwards bedroom and knocked on the door. "Come in", replied Mrs Edwards in a friendly voice. At first Sara hesitated but then finally walked in.
"Oh Vera, how may I help you", asked Mrs Edwards.
"Well, I have got to tell you about something I witnessed last night", said Sara.
"Sara, you can tell me anything", Mrs Edwards said.
"OK, well yesterday while Henry and Abigail were at dinner I went cleaning and then I came to the west wing and went it to the ballroom. A man called Frederick Johnson came into the room", Sara was interrupted…
"… Frederick Johnson", cried Mrs Edwards.
"I knew him well. He worked here as the Estate Manager for poor Sir Roger (Mrs Edwards blessed herself as he said Sir Roger)", Mrs Edwards explained.
"Who was Sir Roger", Sara asked?
"Oh, Sir Roger was Lady Victoria's husband but he was killed in a mysterious horse riding accident many years ago", she said blessing herself again at the mention of the word "Roger".
"Well, does Frederick still work here", Sara asked?
"Oh no Sir Roger and Frederick had a falling out and he was fired just before the horse riding tragedy.
"Tell me the rest of your story, Vera", Mrs Edwards asked.
"Anyway, I heard Lady Victoria say to Frederick something about making her life a misery and to meet her in the ballroom at 11.00pm last night. So I wanted to solve the mystery and I too went there last night at 11.00pm", Sara continued.
"When lady Victoria came in she cackled, then after a while she stormed out of the room. When I knew she had gone I came out of my hiding place and went to the end of the room and there lying on the floor was Frederick with a knife stuck in his chest", Sara explained.
"Oh Vera don't be so stupid "said Mrs Edwards.
"No Mrs Edwards I swear I saw it happen", Sara said.
"Vera that's it I'm calling the doctor you must have hit your head when you fell", said Mrs Edwards.
" Don't, Mrs Edwards I didn't hit my head", Sara pleaded.

Chapter 9

"No, she seems perfectly fine, nothing wrong with her whatsoever", said the doctor to Mrs Edwards while examining Sara's head.
"Are you sure, could you double check", Mrs Edwards asked.
" I'm positive Mrs Edwards she's not sick at all", the doctor said.
"Well thanks anyway Doctor Arnold, " said Mrs Edwards sounding disappointed.
"You're welcome! Goodbye now, see you", the doctor called back.
* * * *
"Mrs Edwards can I come in please?" called Sara while knocking on Mrs Edwards bedroom door.
"Yes Vera come in" called Mrs Edwards from behind the door
So Sara went in and started talking to Mrs Edwards once again.
"I know you don't believe me but I swear I witnessed the murder! and if you come with me I can prove it to you" said Sara feeling very determined.
"Well I suppose Lady Victoria and the children are out so it's worth a look," replied Mrs Edwards.
"Thanks for giving me a chance Mrs E", said Sara.
"OK Vera lets go, prove to me that lady Victoria is a murderer

* * * *
"Here we are the west wing, now the ballroom is down here the last room on your left" said Sara to Mrs Edwards.
"Vera you know the west wing is forbidden", said Mrs Edwards.
"Yes" Mrs Edwards, but don't worry if we get caught I'll take the blame", said Sara.
Sara and Mrs Edwards sneaked into the ballroom quietly and walked to the end of the room. There were drops of blood on the floor, which seemed to be in a trail, so they both followed it.
"Vera did you set this up", said Mrs Edwards sternly.
"No I didn't, I promise", replied Sara truthfully.
"Mrs Edwards look! The blood stops right in front of this door, should I open it", Sara asked.
" Yes Vera go on, open it, " said Mrs Edwards thinking it was all a joke.
So Sara opened the door and a body fell out onto the floor. "Aaaaahhhhhh it's Frederick. Oh Vera! I'm so sorry I didn't believe you that he was murdered but I didn't think Lady Victoria was a murderer.
" Well does this change your mind? " Sara asked

Chapter 10:

" What is it? " asked Mrs Edwards.
"It looks like a locket! " Sara replied.
Mrs Edwards took the locket from Sara and opened it. Inside was a picture of Lady Victoria and Sir Roger
"Vera you were right she is the murderer, we're working for a killer ,oh my golly gosh " gasped Mrs E!
"Come on Mrs Edwards let's phone the police.
"Phone, what's that", said Mrs Edwards puzzled?
"Oh, I meant send a telegram", Sara said.
Phew, that was a close one Sara thought.
"Yes, that's a good idea. Let's go as we can still call the police before Lady Victoria and the children get home, if we hurry", said Mrs Edwards.

* * * *

"Yes, you are right, Lady Victoria did kill him", said the policeman. "The fingerprints on the knife matched those on Lady Victoria's belongings.
"Sh… I hear something", Sara warned.
Suddenly Lady Victoria stormed in to the room.
"I am a great killer amn't I", she said laughing hysterically.
"Lady Victoria", said the policeman.
"Who said that", Lady Victoria said in a shaky voice?
"Me, Lady Victoria and I arrest you for the murder of Mr Frederick Johnson.
"But I, I, I …", said Lady V dumbstruck.
"Save it all for the Magistrate", said the policeman sternly.
"But what about the children", Lady Victoria said sounding worried.
"Oh, don't worry they will be taken in to care", said the policeman.

Half an hour later…

"Mrs Edwards, could I speak with you please", said the head police officer. "Since Lady Victoria has no other relations the castle is being left to you", he announced.
"Really, I'm now the owner", said Mrs Edwards sounding very happy with herself.
"Yes", he replied.

Chapter 11:

"Vera, Vera, guess what? I now own the castle and I've decided I want you to live here with me. Well what do you say", Mrs Edwards asked.
"Well, I'm afraid I can't accept", said Sara with great disappointment.
"Why not", asked Mrs Edwards.
"Remember I told you I wasn't Vera. Well I am not. I am Sara O'Brien and I am from the year 2001.
"But how did you get here", asked Mrs Edwards confused.
"Well, my family came on a holiday to the castle and I went in to the library and pulled a candlestick and then I arrived here in a gust of wind. Now. I'm afraid I must go back", explained Sara.
"But, but …", Mrs Edwards was speechless.

In the library…

"Well thanks again Mrs Edwards for all you have done for me. I don't know what I would have done without you", Sara said.
"Goodbye dear child", said Mrs Edwards.
"I won't forget you either", said Sara.
"Bye"
Sara pulled the candlestick again. Once again came the gust of wind and the books went flying.

* * * *

Sara found herself back in the library. The she heard someone calling.
"Sara, Sara please come out. I can't find you. Are you OK", Rebecca said.
"That's strange, it's Rebecca calling and she sounds worried", Sara thought.
"I'm in here", called Sara.
Rebecca ran in to the room and threw her arms around Sara.
"Oh Sara, I thought you'd died or something. Don't do that again", Rebecca said practically crying.
"Oh, don't worry I won't", Sara replied.

The two girls walked down the staircase arm and arm to the ground floor. As soon as they reached the bottom of the stairs the door opened and in burst Sara's parents.
"Hey girls, guess what, I have a new job", said Bill.
"Oh brill", said Sara.
"Cool", said Rebecca.
So, did anything interesting happen here asked Sara's mum?
Sara looked at Rebecca and Rebecca looked back.
"No", they both replied at the same time!

The End.