Free Stalking Jack: The Hunt Begins... (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 1) by Madison Kent

the driver. Did you have any success last evening in your quest to find your Polly?”
    “I think we just might have. At least two people seemed to think they knew her. Clinton, it is not a place for anyone to live, that area. How do they go on like that?”
    “They don’t live long, Mum. Many a time I’ve heard of another death that occurred from disease or some other unfortunate accident, and they have not reached their 30 th year.”
    “If my friend Phillip should inquire or anyone else, you know where I will be then.”
    “Good luck. I will see you upon your return.”
    She had reread some passages in A Study in Scarlet and found herself once again fascinated with Mr. Holmes, and thought she would try to apply his logic to the situation she found herself in. It certainly couldn’t be a detriment to observe and look for hidden clues in the case of the quest for Polly Nichols.
     
    Anna and Helen were sitting on the front porch, dressed in lovely blue and maroon suits with pill box hats. Although matronly, the warmth of their smiles transcended age, and she felt a sisterhood with them.
    “Good afternoon, did you sleep well?” asked Madeline.
    “If the truth be known, we had a restless night. We began the morning tea at five, as we were unable to stop thinking of our brother’s daughter. I suppose we had always suspected it was that bad, but not having ventured there in the evening for a very long time, I don’t think we really understood how horrific the conditions were,” said Anna.
    “My dears, it is a dreadful place to try to exist. It is certainly understandable why those who find themselves with no other way to live would choose a stimulant to erase the pain of the life they are experiencing. What a playground for this mad man, or woman, but of that I doubt. You can see how he could mingle unnoticed in that crowd,” said Madeline.
    “Before this person began terrorizing our city, we did not seek her out. We had considered it and worried to ourselves, but did not take any action. We feel guilty we did not act sooner, but I feel now we may have a chance to save her,” said Helen.
    “We will certainly do all we can. Ladies, I must say, you both look very smart.”
    “As do you, I like your lavender coat. It’s becoming and brings out your lovely blue eyes,” said Anna.
    “I have very little clothing that does not appear somber and devoid of any fashion. This is one of very few items of clothing I possess that is not dreary. Someday again I will wear something other than black. There will come a time when I will not need to carry my grief so openly and can keep it close without the garb that makes me look so pale and unattractive.”
    “Nonsense—you are not unattractive, but anyone can see in your eyes that you carry a burden. Someday if you feel able to, we will be here, if you wish to talk,” said Helen.
    “Yes, someday, but this day we have urgent business, so let us go.”
    The sun was again not the friend of London.  Although it was not raining, the wet in the air dripped onto your clothing. The fog drenching them with dampness made them uncomfortable, and Madeline clenched her coat around her.
    “The Britannia is on Dorsett, just off of Commercial. Would you like to begin there?” asked Madeline.
    “That’s fine. I’d like to go to the Princess Alice, also. I spoke with Sophie and the girls yesterday, and they said they heard the Alice was the pub all the young people frequented,” said Helen.
    Even in the inclement weather, they were forced at times to walk single file. The mass of human flesh grinding against each other resembled cattle passing through a small gate.
    “Thank goodness, I see it in view. Let’s get out of this throng,” said Anna.
    Once inside the Britannia, Madeline was comforted to see they also served food and alcohol. She ordered bourbon for her and tea for everyone else, and they also ordered a plate of dried pastries. The pastries looked like they were