A Vicious Cycle

by Eliza Brookes

  “You don’t have a career on the line,” Crane shrugged, “I’m not doing this officially. Unofficially, it’s all yours.”

  “Don’t you dare,” Allegra seethed, “I know you. There’s something you’re not telling me.”

  “I would never,” Crane squeaked, his eyes widening. “It’s common knowledge that Sarah Kinsleigh always calls into the boss when she isn’t happy. This may surprise you, but thanks to you, my boss doesn’t like me very much. Look, just take one for the team and find out what happened here.”

  “That explains things,” Allegra sighed, “but I don’t owe you anything. You always arrest me.”

  “I was hoping for a clean slate,” Crane said seriously.

  “You’re unbelievable,” Allegra scoffed, “the last time I said that, you used me to get information. Then you used me as bait when things didn’t work out. Am I the bait again? As soon as I’ve got the answers you swoop in and take all the credit?”

  “Do you want the credit?” Crane asked without batting an eyelid.

  “No,” Allegra stammered, “I want to go home. It’s time for a shower.”

  “It’s the middle of the day?” Crane said in confusion.

  “I’ve already been here for three hours,” Allegra hissed, “this place is creepy, and I found a dead body. Shower time.”

  “Alright, Allegra,” Crane said sternly, and she braced herself for handcuffs, “a young woman died here. They’re lying about that whole twenty-four hours thing. If they really are used to her disappearing, then why did they call you? I’m guessing that you can gain their trust a lot more quickly than I can.”

  “Do you think it was one of them?” Allegra asked in a hushed tone, surprised by his sincerity.

  “Who knows?” Crane shrugged, “The girl could have been dating someone they didn’t approve of. They might have nothing to do with it. All I’m saying is that they know something, but they aren’t talking. They called you for a reason and I need you to find it. We can work together on this.”

  “Once again I’m the bait,” Allegra sighed.

  “I don’t hear you complaining,” Crane shrugged.

  “I’ll talk to them,” Allegra conceded, “but they might not want me around now that she’s dead.”

  “That’s never stopped you before,” Crane pointed out.

  “Alright, enough with the charm,” Allegra said sarcastically, “I’ll talk to them. But I want updates as soon as you have them. I need to know everything. How she died, when she died and anything else you can find off the body. I also need a guarantee that I can call you for information only you can get. You know, bank records and stuff.”

  “Is that all?” Crane asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “No,” Allegra crossed her arms over her chest, “you owe me a favor.”

  “What kind of favor?” Crane asked cautiously.

  “Let’s just say that I know this won’t be the last time I’m called to a murder scene. I’m storing up favors for when I need them.”

  “No,” Crane shook his head, “absolutely not.”

  “Fine,” Allegra shrugged, “enjoy the case of the uptight family.” Crane hesitated, and she smiled at him, knowing that she had him right where she wanted him.

  “Okay,” he sighed, “but the favor has limits.”

  “I want it down in writing.”

  “Don’t you trust me?”

  “No.”

  “Harsh,” he complained, “but I’m going to let you get on with it. Call me if you need anything.”

  “Of course, you are,” Allegra sighed as she watched him walk away. A few months ago, she never would have guessed that Crane would be asking her to take over a case, let alone that she’d be able to have a civil conversation with the man. Times were changing. She just wasn’t sure if it was for the best.

  “You’re still here?” Sarah asked in surprise when Allegra walked back into the room.

  “Yes,” she said with a sympathetic expression. “I wanted to make sure that everyone is alright. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you,” Christopher said with a gruff voice.

  “I hope you’ll respect our need for privacy at this time,” Tyler said abruptly, fixing her with a steely look.

  “No,” Sarah said abruptly, surprising everyone.

  “What do you mean?” Tyler asked in shock.

  “My dear, if you would just humor me,” Sarah told Allegra, ignoring her gaping grandson. “I was hesitant when Christopher called you, but now I see your value.”

  “You do?” Allegra asked, mirroring Tyler’s shock.

  “Yes, I was so sure that Penelope would come back to us. I see now that she won’t.” Sarah stopped, her voice quivering slightly. She looked toward the window and blinked a few times before turning back to Allegra. “Those policemen are going to poke and pry into everything. I’d rather have you here. At least I know that you will handle all of this with dignity.”

  “How do we know that?” Tyler interrupted looking upset.

  “We called her here to find your sister,” Sarah said calmly, “she did that. Now, we can ask her to find Penelope’s killer.”

  “We’ll pay you very well,” Christopher spoke again, and she felt her defenses drop. Grieving parents were her weak spot.

  “I’d love to help,” Allegra told him sincerely.

  “Good,” Sarah clapped her hands, “would you like to send James for your things?”

  “My things?” Allegra echoed.

  “Yes,” Sarah told her, “I assume you’ll be staying on the estate since it will be easier to find out what happened.”

  “Wait, mother,” Christopher protested.

  “This is my home, Christopher,” Sarah told her son sternly, “I’ll invite whoever I want.”

  “I’m sure Allegra would prefer her own home,” Tyler said sympathetically, surprising her. Allegra gave him a grateful smile and he nodded slightly at her.

  “My dear,” Sarah turned to her again, “this is a highly sensitive matter. I’d prefer it if you were on hand at all times. Penelope spent her last days here, and I’m afraid that it is where she met her end. But, the trail starts here. I want daily updates, and I want you to get answers as soon as possible. Now, I’m going to say this once and for everyone to hear. I am hiring this young woman. She works for me. She answers to me. She is allowed everywhere on this estate, and you'll answer all her questions.”

  “All?” Henry asked.

  While they were waiting for the police, Allegra was introduced to each member of the family. Henry as Christopher’s adopted brother, was a quiet man who hadn’t said anything except for a few passing remarks.

  “Yes, Henry,” Sarah looked at him intently, “everything. I want you all to know that I will not let this go. Penelope deserves only the best.”

  “She was my daughter,” Christopher said angrily, “I should be the one to handle this.”

  “I know, my darling,” Sarah said in a soothing tone, “but you need to focus on helping Violet during this difficult time. Let me help you.”

  “Grandmother’s right,” Tyler agreed, “you’ve got enough to deal with. Which is why I don’t think she should be staying here. This is a private time.”

  “Tyler,” Sarah said sternly, “I have made up my mind. She stays.”

  Sarah made the statement with such authority that even Allegra forgot to protest. She sat back on the couch and watched the family dynamic unfold. Sarah was the matriarch, and she made sure that everyone knew that she was in charge. She found it odd that a woman with such a tight rein on the family would manage to lose track of her granddaughter. She did not look like the type of person who would allow a wild child to darken her halls.

  “I’ll call my housekeeper and ask her to pack a bag,” Allegra said meekly. She decided that it would be best to do what the old woman said and stay on her good side. She would find out a lot more that way. Crane did tell her to gain their trust.

  “I’ll tel
l James to drive by now,” Sarah said primly, “tell your housekeeper to pack enough for a week.”

  Allegra nodded again, noting the not-so-subtle hint. She had a week to find out what happened to the young woman before Sarah lost her patience. She had done more in less time, but suddenly she felt her hands go clammy. She didn’t want to know what happened to those who disappointed Sarah Kinsleigh. She excused herself and went to call Eleanor.

  Eleanor was shocked to hear her strange request but agreed without hesitation. Allegra felt grateful that she had decided to employ Eleanor as her housekeeper. When she first moved to Llewes Cove she had been afraid that she would be lonely, but Eleanor took excellent care of her. Before she went back to face the strange family, she dialed one last number.

  “Greta, you’ll never guess what happened. I hope you have a stable internet connection, because I have to give you a video call.” Allegra was surprised to find the secluded estate boasted excellent internet connection and speed.

  Chapter Three

  “This family is weird,” Allegra hissed into her smartphone.

  Her friend Greta, a woman with bright red frizzy hair and opinions larger than her petite body, wrinkled her nose as she watched Allegra explain the situation over a video call. The estate was too far for Greta to come and join Allegra on the investigation, and so they had to use the amazing internet connection to their advantage.

  “I feel like I’m in a horror movie, you know the opening scene when the unsuspecting woman goes to work for the mysterious family?”

  “You aren’t exactly unsuspecting,” Greta pointed out.

  “You know what I mean,” Allegra said.

  “If you’re so uncomfortable, then why’d you say yes?”

  “A girl died, Greta,” Allegra said primly, and Greta raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “Okay, okay, Crane doesn’t want to get involved so he asked me to do it. Now I know why. I’m going to call him and tell him I’m out.”

  “We both know that’s not true,” Greta scoffed. “You’re there because you’re curious. The past month has been boring and now finally, something interesting popped up.”

  “That isn’t true,” Allegra pouted, using her arm to support her head.

  James, the sort-of butler, showed her to this room before going to pick up her belongings. It was pretty, but like the rest of the house, it was frozen in the nineteen-fifties. She wasn’t sure what was expected of her but decided to call Greta as soon as she was alone to try and regroup. It had been a crazy morning. She wanted to poke around the house but felt uncomfortable about invading the family’s privacy.

  “Tell me you haven’t been going stir-crazy?”

  “I haven’t,” Allegra protested feebly, “Eleanor was teaching me how to bake. I’m getting very good at it.”

  “No,” Greta shook her head vigorously, “you aren’t. Look, stay put and find out what happened to the girl. It would mean the world to them, and they’re going to pay you. Besides, wouldn’t it be great to have Crane in your debt?”

  “He’ll probably just wiggle his way out of it.”

  “He does strike me as the wiggly type,” Greta agreed.

  “I don’t think I can do this alone,” Allegra admitted suddenly, staring off into the distance with a nervous expression on her face. She chewed at her bottom lip as she realized that she didn’t have any allies on the estate. Crane did tell her she could always call for help, but help was a long way off, and she might be in the same house as a murderer. “If it was someone in the family, I could be in real danger.”

  “You’ve never been afraid of danger before,” Greta told her soothingly, “and you have pepper spray. Just keep your door locked and the pepper spray close.”

  “What if the murderer is in the house?” Allegra whispered, turning on her back so that she could keep an eye on the door in case someone tried to sneak up on her while she had her back turned.

  “It is a possibility,” Greta said slowly, “if you’re scared, Eleanor and I can come get you. This isn’t your job. Crane needs to man up and face the spooky music.”

  “No,” Allegra said softly, “I’m just a little freaked out.”

  “You have every right to be,” Greta burst out, “you aren’t a trained professional, he can’t just leave you alone like this. What if one of those rich weirdos killed her? What was her name?”

  “Penelope,” Allegra said slowly, getting up and surveying her room again. She stood by the window and watched the front lawn as Greta continued her rant. Violet walked into view, clutching her cardigan closer to her body as she looked around her in bewilderment. Allegra frowned at the mother.

  “That poor girl. Why would someone do that to a young woman? You know what, the more I think about it, the more I want you to come home. It isn’t safe. There are some seriously sick individuals in this world.”

  “You know what, Greta,” Allegra said absent-mindedly, “I’m going to have to call you back.”

  “What? No, don’t you dare.”

  Allegra ended the call, cutting Greta’s protests off. It didn’t take her long to make her way to the front lawn where Violet stood staring down the driveway with dull eyes.

  “Violet?” Allegra asked softly. She hadn’t seen her since they found her daughter a few hours ago. She wasn’t sure how Violet was taking it, but an unusual feeling emanated from the woman. Violet turned to look at her and Allegra suddenly understood. Violet was on some sort of suppressant. There was no emotion on her face, but her eyes had a glassy appearance that betrayed the presence of strong medication.

  “I hear you’re staying,” Violet said tonelessly. Allegra nodded cautiously, wondering if she should call Christopher. “You shouldn’t.”

  “I’m here to help you find out who did this to Penelope,” Allegra explained, feeling sorry for the bereaved mother.

  “No,” Violet shook her head stiffly, “Penny. Call her Penny. She’s Penny. I hate the name Penelope.”

  “I don’t understand,” Allegra tried not to let any emotion enter her voice, but Violet’s strange behavior was beginning to unnerve her.

  “She named her that,” Violet gestured back to the house with a small nod. “I always hated the name. So many syllables. I wanted to name her something with a little more spunk, you know? But mother gets the last word.”

  “The last word?”

  “I know, I know,” Violet said emotionlessly, “I’m being bitter. She does so much for us, she’s such a lovely old dear. I should be more grateful. What an honor that she wants to name my children. I just have to be more grateful.”

  Allegra took a small step toward the woman as she realized that Violet wasn’t talking to her anymore. She was staring down the driveway and muttering to herself about how she should be more grateful.

  “Violet,” Allegra said again, “why don’t you come with me? It’s better in the house.”

  “No,” Violet shrugged Allegra’s hand off her shoulder and shook her head. “I need to wait here.”

  “Why? What are you waiting for?” Allegra asked, looking back at the house and wondering if she should call for help. There was no way she could leave Violet by herself, the poor woman wasn’t thinking clearly.

  “I’m waiting for Penny. She’s going to spend some time with us. School has been so rough on the girl. I knew she didn’t want to study business, but it’s what Sarah wanted so Penny did it.”

  Violet’s words made Allegra want to cry. Instead of correcting her, Allegra decided to stand next to her and wait with her. It was a lonely place Allegra had been thrown into, it wouldn’t do any good to try and bring her back just yet. They stood like that for a few minutes. Looking down the driveway, waiting for someone who had already come home.

  “Allegra?”

  She turned to see Christopher walking up to them with a concerned expression on his face. His eyes flickered over to his wife, but he quickly looked back at Allegra.

  “Christopher,” Allegra responded, not leaving Violet�
��s side. “What can I do for you?”

  “I was just wondering how you’ll be going about this investigation?”

  “I don’t think this is a good time,” she said uncomfortably, her eyes flitting back to Violet’s emotionless profile.

  “I know my mother made it clear that you report to her, I’d just like to have a little information too. If that’s at all possible.”

  “Of course,” Allegra said soothingly, “as soon as I know something, I’ll let you all know. I’m so sorry that this is happening. I’ll try and make it easier in any way I can.”

  “I appreciate that,” Christopher said appreciatively, “I wanted you to know that although you officially work for my mother, I’m the one signing the checks.”

  “I didn’t know that,” Allegra said slowly, scrutinizing the man in front of her. He seemed fidgety and she took a small step back. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying,” Christopher said heavily, looking around anxiously, “that you should know who you’re really working for.”

  “Sarah made it clear that I wasn’t supposed to disturb either of you with this,” Allegra reminded him.

  “I’m the one who called you,” Christopher reminded her, “and I’d appreciate it if you remembered that.”

  ‘I’m sorry, Christopher, I’m confused. Why would you like me to remember all of this?”

  “My mother will be the second person to find out what you know,” Christopher said suddenly, “and I will be the first. You won’t tell anyone, or else you’re fired.”

  “Is this some sort of test?” Allegra asked in shock, taking another step back.

  “Just do as I say,” he said hastily, “My mother would like to speak to you. She’s in the living room.” Christopher stepped aside and took hold of his wife’s arm before nodding at her. She stood there for a few seconds, staring at the couple, a thousand thoughts running through her head. When she finally realized that their interaction was over, she made her way back into the house where the imposing Sarah sat waiting for her.

  “Welcome, dear,” she greeted with a warm smile.