Chapter 11
1800 Words
Alexander stared at the name written on his notes, circled twice, and underlined.
Helena Umerez
The name is familiar. Reading so much information had some of the names jumble on his mind. He is not certain if this name is somehow connected to Amelia’s murders. However, the time of Helena’s disappearance is very coincidental with Amelia’s coming out into society. He wonders if this information has any significance with her condition.
It isn’t a pleasant experience witnessing a loved one’s death and Amelia suffered on it. It didn’t even help that her father’s poor parenting skills lead her on being secluded for years, not even seeing her mother’s burial. Such events during childhood years are one of the causes of mental disabilities.
And then to add to her misery, right after she finally experienced freedom, another dreadful thing happened. This chain of events is unmistakably traumatic no matter the way one sees it.
“Did they find Miss Helena?” he asked.
Amelia lowered her sewing before shaking her head. “They searched for days, all around town but they did not see her or found a clue to her whereabouts.”
“Is it possible that she ran away? Does she have a lover? They may have eloped.”
“No, she won’t do that. Her lover will never leave town, that I’m certain.”
Alexander started tapping his pencil. “You mentioned that Sir Lance wasn’t present right when Helena was said to be missing.”
“Yes,” she answered. “Until all the guests went back home actually.”
“They didn’t suspect him?”
“It turns out that they are used to him always sneaking out of the party without a proper farewell. And these occurrences are always with a woman. So no, they did not suspect him at all. He has a reputation of being a rake and they ignore it because he has good looks, money, and influence.”
Alexander was disturbed by this. He stared at the name more and tried to recall everything that he read.
“How did this issue go? Was it solved? Did they eventually find her?”
“I am not certain now since I am staying here. I haven’t heard any news about it. However, I think they did not.”
Alexander immediately raised his head to her. “You think not? You think that they haven’t found her?” he asked to be sure of what he just heard.
“Yes.”
“You look so certain, Miss. Why is that?”
“I just know.”
Alexander closed his notes and leaned closer to the woman. His forehead has frowned and he looks very confused.
“Is she one of your victims, Miss?”
She stared back at him with those impassive eyes. “I believe you have to find it out for yourself, Doctor.”
~~~~~~~
Alexander could not sleep and he’s too bothered that he does not want to read anything more of Amelia’s case. Having enough tossing and turning on his bed, he got up and grabbed his coat. He needs a drink.
He went to a pub, not far from his lodgings, already filled with men and women alike. He took a seat by the counter and a bulky man approached him.
“What’s yours?”
“I’ll have him, Roger,” a woman said behind the man. “Fine evening, Sir,” she greeted him. “Beer?”
“Yes, please,” he said as he fishes for a coin in his pocket.
The woman smiled at him as she serves his drink. “You’re from around here?”
He looked at her longer. She's lovely. Her hair is a tumble of the color of sand and her eyes are as blue as the ocean. She has apparent lines on the side of her mouth, something caused by repetitive facial expressions. He believes that it is from smiling.
“I have a job here," he finally answered.
“Amarus is quite a big country, Which part is ‘here’ exactly?”
He squints his eyes to the woman but then eventually answered, “It’s a private job so I’m afraid I cannot tell. I am hired specifically focusing on one person.”
The woman nodded. “Lucy, by the way. I own this place.” Then held her hand.
He is not rude so he accepts it and gave a firm shake. “Alexander.”
“What pushed you to go out tonight, Alexander?”
He drank from his beer. “I didn’t know that this place interviews their customers.”
“You’re a different case.”
“How so?”
“You’re young and handsome,” she bluntly said. “Unlike my daily customers who are old and grumpy.”
“I’m young and handsome?” he repeated.
“What? Haven’t heard that before?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “You’re unbelievable.”
Lucy laughed and Roger looked at them in suspicion.
“Speaking of old and grumpy customers,” she said then walked towards the newly-arrived men to attend them. However, not a moment later, she went back to him, sporting a wide smile. “Another beer?”
He looked at his glass and saw that it’s already empty. He is still not sleepy so might as well. “Yes, another one.”
“My question.” Lucy brought back. “What brought you here, in my lovely pub, Alexander?”
He sighed. “Fine.” Then had one big gulp and started. “I can’t sleep. I am completely bothered and I shouldn’t feel this way in my line of profession. My damn feelings should not get in the way.”
“Is it about a woman?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“How envious that she occupies your mind until now.”
“It is not something to be envious of, Lucy. I can assure you that.”
Lucy laughed. Roger, not liking them being too close with each other, intervened by calling the woman. He saw the woman rolled her eyes before going to the man. He watched them talk from a distance. It’s obvious that Roger is pissed and Lucy does not care about it.
His drink was finished again when Lucy came back to him. “Another glass?”
“Last one, I think,” he answered.
She poured his glass to the brink and leaned closer to him, resting her elbow on the counter and her face on her hand.
Alexander glanced at the big man. “Your husband?”
Lucy snorted. “He wishes.” She glanced at the man as well. “He only works here, that’s all.”
Alexander looked away before Roger would think they are talking about him.
“How long have you own this pub?” he asked.
She grinned. “You’re interested in my life now?”
He shook his head, smiling. “I just wanted to make a conversation.”
“If you say so.” She stood up straight. “The money to build this was from my sister’s hard work. But she did not get to see the fruit of her labor since she died early.”
Alexander cannot believe Lucy would open up easily to him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. It’s so long ago and I’ve accepted her death already.” Her smile came back. “To answer your question, I’ve owned this place from the very start when it began doing business.”
“Your parents?” She did not answer immediately. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable.”
“No, no. They died when I was young. It was me and my sister before but now, I’m all alone.”
“I am delving too much in your life when it's my first time in here, aren't I?”
“Well, you have to return the favor." She went back to her position, leaning and showing her ample cleavage. "Where do you actually live?”
Alexander was already halfway done with his third drink. “I live in Tzinisce. I just came here, at Amarus, for work as I have said a while ago.”
“I’ve never been in Tzinisce.”
“It’s not as busy as this place,” he said.
“Nothing could beat Amarus in terms of that.”
Alexander glanced at Roger again. “I’m afraid I’m keeping you company that you can’t attend to your other customers.”
She moved her face closer to him, whispering, “Roger can handle that."
Alexander gulped down the remaining contents of his glass. “I have to go, though.”
“You don’t want to talk anymore?” she asked, tilting her head to one side.
“Some other time. I have to be early tomorrow.” He fished for more coins in his pocket. “Thank you for your company.” He handed it to her and she looked at it with a frown.
“You already paid.”
“This is for your company.” Her frown deepened. “I can’t stay but I can go back here in my free time and pay you for a night.”
Her mouth fell open slightly. This time, he was the one confused.
“Do you actually think I’m a w***e?” she asked slowly.
From her actions, one would thought she is that.
Alexander blinked. “You’re not?”
“I am not!” she shouted, alarming her customers.
He looked at her in disbelief. With a reddening face, the woman stormed out of the room and banged the door on her way.
Roger lets out a boisterous laugh, clearly delighted with how things escalated and fell. “I advise you, Sir, to walk away now and never come back,” he said, shaking his head.
Alexander finally lowered his raised hand full of coins and looked around him. Those who were watching them a while ago were smiling, entertained with what they have witnessed. He puts the coins back in his pocket and walked out of the pub, ashamed.
He came back to his lodgings, still confused. On his bed, he analyzed what just happened. Lucy was too welcoming, charming, and beautiful. She has the appeal and actions of a courtesan. By that, he would clearly assume she is one.
Turns out he is wrong.
And now, instead of going straight to sleep. His mind is now on Lucy and how badly he had treated her when she's just being nice and welcoming. The alcohol did not hit him hard enough to get him to doze off. It only added on things that kept him up that night.
#DTSOAM
- Writer
