Day 37: 14 December 2025

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 Short Story -- Monkshood Manor: Part 9


Teddy left the box of photos and journal on a side table by the entry way. She grabbed a torch light, a hefty walking umbrella and headed outside. She just wanted to have a quick look around where she thought she'd seen the man or shadow or whatever it was. 

When she headed to the copse, she noticed that Mr Drey was already out there with his own torch and a hefty log. 

'Anything?' Teddy asked walking up over. She noticed the shoe prints in the soft earth. They were a different size and shape from Mr Drey's. 

Mr Drey looked up. 'Just these foot prints.' He gestured to the foot prints. They got lost in the grass but appeared to be heading off further into the manor's estate. 

'Should we call for the police?' Teddy asked. 

'We could,' Mr Drey answered. 'But I'm not sure there's much they could do.' 

'Still. They should at least know, yes?' 

'If you wish, Miss.' 

Teddy looked at Mr Drey. She looked at the ground under the trees. She looked at the foot prints. A heavier set next to one of the middle trees. Clearly he'd been standing there for awhile. But there was no other evidence -- no broken twigs or pieces of ripped fabric or cigarette butts. None of the convenient clues that mystery novels led you to believe were always present at a scene. 

'Shall we divide and search a little more,' Teddy ventured. 'I could go to the right and you to the left. We can walk for just a bit and see if we pick up anything?' 

'If you wish, Miss.' 

'Meet back here in fifteen minutes?' 

'Of course, Miss.' 

Teddy headed off, sweeping the group with the beam from her torch. But she didn't see anything out of place. 'How frustrating!' she said turning around at about ten minutes. 

Unfortunately, Mr Drey hadn't been any more successful and together they headed back towards the house. 

'Just come in through the front door,' Teddy said as they drew near. Mr Drey looked like he very much wanted to say no and just head around back, but he went against his better judgement and walked in with Teddy. 

She put the umbrella back and picked up the box and journal. 

'I'll be down for dinner in about 30 minutes, if that's okay,' Teddy said. 

'Of course, Miss.' 

'Would it be possible to just eat in the Drawing Room?' 

'Yes, Miss. I'll make sure it's all arranged.' 

'Thank you, Mr Drey,' Teddy said honestly. 

And with the most warmth Mr Drey had mustered so far, he answered, 'It's my pleasure, Miss.' 

Teddy then headed off to her room to clean up, while Mr Drey made his way to the kitchen. 

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