Chapter 4

It was the second of September. The cool fall breeze blew Jennifer's hair as she stepped from her car at the Raleigh-Durham airport. Her cousin, Jason, would keep it for her untill she returned.

“Call me when you return“, Jason shouted as he waved goodbye to Jennifer.

“I will”, answered Jennifer as she waved back to him.

The airport was terribly crowded and the walk to the US Air gate seemed endless. She could have used the people mover but needed the exercise. Looking at her watch she saw it was only 6:57. She knew she was early but Jennifer had a real thing about being late. It was her biggest pet peeve. She could sense the seconds ticking away.

Fumbling through her purse, she found her tickets and presented them to the gate attendant.

“I'll check your luggage ma'am and your tickets . Your flight will not depart until 8:05 remarked the gate attendant, you have some free time, if you'd like to browse the shops or visit the lounge.”

“Thank you very much“, remarked Jennifer politely.

She stepped into the nearby lounge. Since she would obviously not be driving, a few drinks to relax her couldn't hurt. Trying to make up her mind from the drink list, she was distracted and had not noticed a waiter approaching her.

“Would you like a cocktail while you wait“, she heard a voice ask.

“Why yes, that would be most relaxing. A Tequila Sunrise please. Flying does make me a bit nervous“, Jennifer answered with a smile.

The waiter quickly returned with her drink and sat it in front of her on a little fancy napkin. It was just what the doctor ordered and much better than tranquilizers. Time went by quickly while she watched other people in the lounge and passengers scurrying about in the main lobby.

“US Air Flight 207 now boarding at Gate 5“, a loud voice over the speaker announced.

“Oops, that’s me“, she thought. Jennifer sprang from her seat, sipping the last drop of her drink. Better hurry, she thought. She left a tip for the waiter, grabbed her carry on luggage, and walked quickly to Gate 5.

She had already checked in her luggage so all she had with her was a small overnight case along with an overcoat she had thrown over her left arm. There were quite a number of people taking this flight, Jennifer thought as she walked down the ramp to the plane. She loved to fly, it was a nice distraction

“Your ticket please, an attractive blond stewardess requested as she stepped on board the plane. You're in 7A“, she announced as she directed Jennifer to the first class section.

“Thank you“, replied Jennifer with a smile.

She stepped onto the plane, quickly found her seat, and stowed her overnight case into the overhead compartment. Fortunately, there was no one assigned to the seat next to her. There was a lot of traffic on the plane now as she sat down and tussled with fastening the seatbelt.

“Its quite a long flight, would you like a pillow“, another stewardess asked.

“Yes please that would be nice“, answered Jennifer.

“Here you are. Fasten your seat belt please, we will be departing momentarily“, instructed the stewardess.

After the usual array of announcements and instructions on seatbelt use, airbags, etc., they were ready to take off. It was an easy assent and dinner was served as soon as the plan leveled and about an hour into their flight. An elderly lady and her husband were seated to the right of her. What a cute couple, she thought as she watched them hold hands and talk. I wonder if I'll be like that forty years from now she thought. But then, she had to catch a husband first!

“Are you going to London dear?” Asked the elderly lady.

“Why yes, to meet someone. A relative of someone I used to know. And you, where are you bound for?” questioned Jennifer.

“Ah, to Cambridge we are. Our son lives there. A fine boy he is. Gave us five beautiful grandchildren, he did. Can hardly wait to see them“, answered the grey-haired-gentleman.

“You best get some rest now, the both of you its a long flight. You want to be fresh to battle those grandkids“, suggested Jennifer fearful the couple would keep her awake.

“You're right of course, dear“.

Jennifer too put the pillow behind her head and placed earphones in her ears and listened to music. Kenny G….. he was hard to beat when you needed to relax. She too drifted off into a peaceful sleep. It was very quiet on the plane and most of the passengers were either sleeping or reading books as the plane lifted off into the darkness.

“Miss, miss, wake up please and fasten your seat belt, we are preparing to land, a stewardess said shaking Jennifer gently. She didn't realize she had been asleep the entire flight.

The touchdown was made quickly. Jennifer unfastened her seatbelt and grabbed her carry on luggage, coat and purse. She carefully made her way down the ramp and proceeded to the baggage department. After picking up her luggage she headed for the doors at the front of the airport where numerous taxis and limousines were waiting. She was just about to hail a taxi when she noticed a young Englishman with a sign in his hand and bearing her name.

“Are you looking for me“, she asked.

If you’re Miss Winters I am, remarked the young man.

Come this way Ma'am, Sir William has provided transportation for you.

Thank you very much, responded Jennifer.

She thought the young lad meant a taxi, she was somewhat surprised when he escorted her to a white limousine and opened the back door.

Are you sure this is for me.

Quite Ma'am.

Just sit back and relax. Would you like a drink or anything.

No Thank you.

After loading her luggage in the rear of the automobile, the young man seated himself behind the wheel of the limo and fastened his seatbelt. He briefly gave instructions to Jennifer for the location of the bar, the TV remote and other ammenities of the limo.

My name is Rudolph Ma'am should you need anything.

Thank you Rudolph.

He pressed a button and a dark glass rolled up separating her and Rudolph.

Well, just check this contraption out, she thought. There were buttons and little cabinets and a bar. With a flick of a button, she turned on a television just in front of her. She pressed a button to roll down a window on her right to admire the English landscape. Such a beautiful place she thought but she could not help but wonder why Sir William thought she could be of assistant to him.

The ride must have been about fifteen minutes to the estate. She was still looking out the window when they made a left turn between two large concrete pillars. On the pillars on her side there was a gold etched sign that read Landour Castle. Yes this was it. Just ahead she saw a large mansion. The term castle fit it well. It was somewhat medieval in architectural design. You know, cold and drafty looking but still an aswsome structure.

Rudolph parked the limo directly in front of the main door. Jennifer waited for him to open the door.

Welcome to Landour Castle Ma'am announced Rudolph as he grabbed her luggage from the back of the limousine.

Hmm... Can;t say that I have ever visited a castle before. There aren't any ghosts here are there.

No ma'am, not to my knowledge.

Right this way.

Jennifer followed Rudolph as he walked up the steep stairway to the main entrance. A butler, suitably attired opened the door to great Rudolph.

Ah Jasper, this is Miss Winters.

At your service Ma'am.

Thank you Jasper.

Ill show you to your room.

They walked down a long hallway and Jasper opened the second door on the left to a very luxurious bedroom. The room was decorated in pink and white with a large white canopy bed trimmed in gold.

Wow screamed Jennifer.

Are you quite satisfied with the room ma'am, asked Jasper.

You are kidding right? Definite, thank you Jasper.

Very well, I will notify Sir William of your arrival.

Rudolph was just setting her luggage down on the large tapestry rug.

Will you be needing any thing else, Mis winters.

No, thank you Rudolph. You've been great.

Thank you ma'am. Ill be off then.

Jennifer was hanging her clothes in the large walk-in closet when she heard a knock at the door.

Come in she hollered.

In walked a short and slightly stout man with a mustached that curled up slight at the ends. He was dressed very neatly in a dark suit. Kind of stuffy looking really.

Miss Winters, I'm Sir William Vincent Landour, eh stated somewhat loudly throwing his chest outward proudly. Welcome to my home. Do these accommodations suit your taste?

Extending her hand to him in friendship, she remarked. A pleasure to meet you sir and yes these accommodation are wonderful. You have elegant taste.

I'm afraid I would have to give that credit to to my late wife, Melinda. She did manage to do that correctly.

Oh, I'm sorry when did she die.

Oh the bloody b***h didn't die, I divorced her, he shouted. Caught her in the garden shed with the stable hand not to mention she damn near tried to bankrupt me. Oh, I'm sorry my dear, enough about her. Come well have a spot of tea and you can tall me about yourself.

Sir William led her to his study where they sat in large leather covered chairs, sipping tea and engaging in meaningless conversation. She listened to everyone he said for clues as to why he had brought her here. Finlay Jennifer stood. up.

I really must get some rest, stated Jennifer. Jet lag you know.

Of course my dear. How rude of me. You must be exhausted and hear I have talked your ear off. Even though she had slept on the plane, she was exhausted. It was late in the evening, she didn't even realize that she had missed dinner.

Jennifer had been sleeping soundly when a loud knock was heard at the door.

Come in, she said in as raspy voice, not yet fully awake.

Good morning Ma'am, greeted a stubby little woman in pink and white uniform. With a grin from ear to ear, she held a quite full breakfast tray in her hands.

Morning, you don't mean I slept through the night and missed dinner.

Raid you did ma'am but this should make up for it.

Good morning to you too and you are.

My name is Fanny, if you be needing anything further.

No this is quite wonderful.

My, my I have never had treatment like this before, she thought. The breakfast was unbelievable. Everything was prepared to perfection. Eggs Benedict, bacon, ham, steak, danish and other pastries she did not recognize but where delicious. Whole fresh milk and honey topped the meal off. Now this is a far cry from the local coffee shop she was accustomed to hanging out at back home. She finisher her breakfast and dressed for the day. Just casual, slacks and a cotton shirt. The weather was slightly cooler than back in the states. Now to see what this is all about she thought. Sir William had rambled on the night before at tea so but they still had not discussed why she was there. Jennifer walked out of the room and down the hall where she ran into Fanny.

Can I be of some assistant to you ma'am.

Why yes, is Sir William available.

Well, he is up and about if that is what you mean. He's down at the stables. There, she pointed out the nearby window and to a building on the left in the distance.

Thank you.

The water was quite nice for a walk. She entered the stable and saw Sir William at the other end mounting a horse.

Ah, I see your up Missy.

Do you ride.

Well a little not really well though, I'm afraid.

Nonsense, Nathan, mount Royal Dame for Miss Winters.

Yes sir, answered a young stable boy still holding the reins for Sir William.

Nathan pulled out of a stall a healthy brown mare of sturdy conformation with a dark mane and tail.

She's beautiful, remarked Jennifer.

Yes, I quite pride myself on my horses dear. Thoroughbreds all of them.

And you should. They certainly are quality as she looked back at the steed Sir William had mounted.

Jennifer held the r4eins for Royal Dame as Nathan b rushed her and then saddled her appropriately.

She's ready for you now, remarked Nathan.

Here' Ill help you... as he extended a hand toward her left foot.

You;re all ready.

Shall we, pointed Sir William to a nearby path.

Jennifer turned Royal Dame around and headed down the path beside Sir William.

As they rode, Jennifer initiated the conversation.

Sir William, will you please tell me just why I am here.

As I told you my dear, I need to find out who killed my sister Margaret and I believe you can help.

And just how is that sir. I really didn't know your sister all that well. I visited yes, when I could.. but I don't know who killed her.

Was she having any problems with anyone that you know of/

No, like I said, to my knowledge everyone at the resort was fond of her. But you know she really did not get out that much so it would appear that it was either a random crime or someone that knew her very well. I thought at the time that maybe it was a robbery, but I couldn't see why anyone would want to take anything from her.

Did they send you any of her belonging or anything that was found on her at the time.

As a matter of fact, the did ... answered sir William. He now appeared in deep thought. A pendant. It had been broken away from its chain. I guess Margaret grabbed it in the struggle.

Do you still have it.

Why yes, when we bet back I'll show it to you, maybe it will ring a bell.

They continued on their ride across the estate and back to the stables.

You did very well my dear.

Thank you Sir William but I am very rusty at this.

Nathan took both of the horses by the reins to cool them down.

Come dear, tis lunch.

He led her back to the castle and into a large dinning hall. Crystal and gold chandeliers hung from the ceiling. This is all so breathtaking she thought.

Have you ever had pheasant my dear.

No can;t say that I have.

Its much like your chicken I believe.

Now Sir William, you really must tell me what it is you expect me to do.

Esther the cook began serving the dinner. Pheasant, roasted potatoes, red cabbage and other vegetables lined the large dinner table.

Well, I knew that you were an acquaintance of my sister. She spoke very highly of you. In fact I did some checking on your background. I know that your are an accountant and a very reliable person. Thats a lot more than I can say about the bloody police there, he said with a concerned look.

I just want you to talk with the other residents and maybe do a little snooping to see what you can find out.

What about the pendant.

Ah yes, just a moment. He wiped his chin, stood up from his chair and waked briskly to the nearby study. It was just a few moments until his return. He walked to where Jennifer was seated and opened his left fist that was tight clenched.

Do you recognize it my dear

Oh no.. she stood up with a shocked look on her face.

Pray tell, what is it dear..

I met some just weeks after Margaret's death. He was wearing a pendant identical to that one.

That really is strange, he said.

You see this particular pendant is only made here in London.

Oh dear, it does sound like a connection doesn't it.

No, no she thought. It ain't be Noah.