Chapter 7

Thank God its finally Friday, Jennifer thought. She looked at her watch. It was now 4:45. Just enough time to clear her desk before meeting Jason in the lobby. Five o'clock came quickly and she scrambled to grab her jacket and purse. The thirteenth floor had a great view of the city but sure made it tough getting to the lobby in a hurry when your elevator makes twelve stops down.

As handsome as Jason was some of the office staff surely would have mistook him for her lover when he cheerfully kissed her on her cheek and threw his arm around her. They were not just cousins... but the best of friends.

“We'll run by your place and get your things and be off. Any place you'd like to stop for dinner?”

Why not Darrell's?

Ah you want to really hit the old pocketbook yeah?

No silly! Dutch. This trip is strictly Dutch.

Now thats the way I like to hear a woman talk.

Jason escorted Jennifer out the door and into his awaiting Volvo. Jason always was the practical type. You know, cloth seats not leather none of the frilly extras. Darrell's was a popular dinning spot, but Jason and Jennifer just happened to beat the made rush of the popular dinner hour.

Can I get you something from the bar while you wait” asked a perky waitress.

Why not, I'll have a bourbon and coke, answered Jason.

I'll have a Margarita on the rocks, answered Jennifer.

Ah, living dangerously are we, Jason stated Jokingly.

Really, Jason! Jennifer grinned.

They sipped their drinks while waiting for their dinner to arrive. Their real of prime rib, baked potato, salad and dinner bread soon was brought to their table.

This looks splendid said Jennifer.

The two of them sat quietly devouring the meal before them. After a brief conversation they paid for their meal and walked back to Jason's car.

Ready to rid o girl

Yes, we really should be off.

They had stopped b y Jennifer apartment before dinner so their only other stop before Kensley Beach was for fuel. Jenifer could not help but doze after such a heavy meal and the smooth ride. It was not until Jason pulled into the rocky driveway at the Kensley Beach cottage that she awake.

We're here already? She asked.

Sure sleepyhead, you slept the whole way.

Sorry Jason, didn't realize how tired I was.

That's ok.

Come along now, grab your bags

Chauvinist

They laughingly climbed up the stairs to the cabin, bags in hand. Jason took the back bedroom, while Jennifer threw her bags down in the front bedroom. They quickly unpacked and went out on the front porch and sat down in t he wicker chairs facing the river.

Its nice here, said Jason.

Thats right, you've never stayed here before have you

No, I only knew the way down here because I remember Mom telling me about the place.

I'm sorry, I should have given you directions, since I was so thoughtless as to fall asleep.

Lucky for me I did have directions. Now Jen-o-girl, just what is this great mystery you have to solve.

There, she pointed to the Landour house that now stood dark and dreary looking. Margaret Landour was murdered in that old house. The odd thing is... her nephew is living there now. Well, at least part time. Her brother is an English Nobleman. The nephew is wealthy in his own right. I was here the day she was murdered and when her body was found.

How awful for you my dear.

Yes it was. She was a simple dear old lady. You would never think anyone would want to kill someone like that.

Jennifer continued to relay to Jason the events of the previous months. He listened to every word as if he too was now drawn to this mystery. Jennifer kept looking back towards the old manor like she was waiting for it to speak to her.

My dear Jason, I must be off to bed, she finally said as she noticed him beginning to nod in his chair.

Yes, of course, Jason replied as he stood up from his chair. SE you in the morning dear girl,.

The two of them were soon off to sleep in separate bedrooms. The beach was peacefully quiet now with only the sound of crickets and an occasion dog barking.

A loud rap at the front door awake the two of them at 6 AM the next morning. Jennifer threw on her robe and stumbled to find her slippers.

I'm coming, she shouted impatiently as she walked out of her bedroom toward the front door.

What in the.... don't you have any sense of time, Jennifer yelled. Jason could hear her shouting as he too grabbed his robe and walked onto the porch.

Well, well,... it appears I have interrupted something, remarked Noah who stood just inside the screen door with a smirk y look on his face.

Not that its any of your business, but this is my cousin Jason, Jennifer screamed back at him.

Sorry bout that old chap, remarked Noah again as he extended his hand to shake Jason.

No harm done old chap answered Jason sarcastically. I assume the two of you know each other so I'll just go and change.

Just what do you think y you're doing here at this time of the morning.

I saw your car here and wanted to see if by chance you were here.

Look Noah, I'm here for a reason. Sir William wants me to find out who killed his sister. I was going to try to get in touch with you, but since your here, I need to take a look inside the house. That will be alright won't it.

But of course, I have nothing to hide. When would you like to come

Jason and I will be over shortly, around 8 AM.

He's a nice sort of chap, but must you bring him along.

Yes, I want him with me.

Very well then. Come at your convenience. If I'm not there when you arrive the key will be over the door Ill leave you now. May I see you later.. alone.

Yes, of course if you behave yourself, Jennifer smiled.

Noah turned to leave with a dissatisfied look on his face as if he expected Jennifer to leap into his arms at such an early hour.

Well now, I suppose that was Mr. Wonderful, eah remarked Jason from behind her.

Well, he can be, you know. Enough of Noah I must get dressed

By the time the two of them had finished breakfast, it was almost ten and the morning sun was climbing over the astern shore.

Are you ready to see the house now?

Sure, why not? Nothing like a tromp through an old mansion to keep the spirits up, Jason replied jokingly.

Jennifer and Jason walked up to the steps of the Landour house and as Jennifer tapped on the door, it swung open. How strange she thought. Noah would never leave the house unlocked with so many valuables inside.

She slowly opened the door; her previous anticipation now turning to fear, remembering the lat time she opened that door. Jennifer called out to Noah but there was no answer. Instead, she distinctly heard a scuffle near the kitchen. Waling slowly, with Jason at her heels, she approached the kitchen. Just as she reached the corner of the kitchen wall, she saw a figure dressed in black with a ski mask on running past her out the back door.

As she stepped into the kitchen she found Noah sprawled out on the floor bleeding slightly from his head, Jennifer knelt down beside him and lifted his head.

Are you all right old chap? Questioned Jason.

Well, I'm not in the habit of getting clubbed in my own home, but yes thank you I'll be all right.

You sure you don't need a doctor? Jennifer asked concerningly.

Your arms around me are all I nee3d, smiled Noah.

Gee, I've heard better lines at the theater, replied Jason smiling.

Who was that guy and what did he want? He didn't appear to be here for the antiques?

Actually, he did seem familiar to me, but with the mask it was impossible to tell. I walked in and found him snooping in the basement.

He must have been the killer.

But why would he come back here? Asked Noah with a now worried look in his face.

Because there was something he left, and Margaret had it in her hand when she died.

What? Asked Noah

A pendant just like yours, Jennifer pointed to the pendent that dangled from Noah's neck.

Oh, no, it can't be! Noah remarked with an anxious look on his face.

What is it Noah

The black sheep. That scoundrel Eric

Who's Eric asked Jennifer curiously.

My half-brother. The family disowned him years ago when he tried to sell my father's company out from under him. Damn him! How could he do this?

How can you be so sure he's the one who killed Margaret? Asked Jason.

Because these crests were specifically made in London to signify the family heritage. There were only three made, one for father, Eric and I.

Are you sure they are the only ones that exist?

They are the only ones I know about.

You must give the police this information, demanded Jennifer.

Yes, of course you're right. I just didn't think he would stoop so low. We were not even sure he was still alive after all these years. Yes, I will tell the police. He has to be stopped.

The police station was dimly lit. Hookers, drunks, homeless, they were all there. Some standing and arguing with officers while others sat in chairs that were lined up against the wall. Noah and Jennifer slowly moved toward a large desk where an officer sat.

Excuse me officer, said Noah, I'd like to file a complaint please.

The officer handed him a paper and pen and pointed to an empty chair against the wall. Noah detailed the events of the last few hours that he could remember and whom he thought the probably suspect was. When he had completed the document, he handed it back to the officer.

We;ll be getting tin touch with you if we find out anything”, responded the officer.

Come on” Jennifer said as she tugged on Noah's shirt.

We've done all we can do here.

I suppose you're right, answered Noah. I can't help hoping that its not Eric.

Noah was quiet as he sat with his arm propped up on the car door as Jennifer drove them back to Kensley Beach. She had not seen him this quiet before. Could the person that attacked him really be his half-brother? Obviously that prospect really bothered Noah.

It was dark by the time they arrived back at the house. Noah got out of his side of the car, walked around and leaned against the hood pe3ering out over the water.

Honey, I know you're upset, but try to get out of this mood your in, remarked Jennifer trying in vain to shake Noah fro his eerie silence.

With a slight smile, Noah grabbed her around the waist and puller her toward him. You are something else you know that.

You know I have to find out, don't you? I have to know if a member of my own family could do something like that.

Of course, and I'll do whatever I can to help you do that.