Subj: A Long Fatal Love Chase Chapter Two
Date: 7/19/00 9:51:19 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Melissa

Sherlock Holmes handed Josephine a cup of tea that Mrs. Hudson had just poured, "Thank you Mrs. Hudson that will be all."

"Thank you," Josephine said taking a sip of the hot tea.

"Do you feel well enough to tell us what is troubling you?" Sherlock Holmes asked her.

"I think so," she said. "I am being chased by a man. I don't know who he is or what he wants with me."

"Why don't you start at the beginning my dear," Dr. Watson said helpfully.

"Of course, I live with my father Count Julian Carnahan, and my aunt. My mother died nearly fifteen years ago. About two months ago I began seeing a man hanging around my father's estate. I told him about it, but he thought it was nothing to worry about. I saw this man everyday, I should my father, and he sent the police out, but the man disappeared. Then two nights ago, the man came to the door. He said his name was Alexander Benson, I have no idea what he wanted, my father wouldn't tell me. Then last night I awoke to noises, it sounded like someone was trying to get into the house. I got dresses and went down stairs. I found that the parlor doors were locked, and that there were voices coming from the room. It was my father and Mr. Benson. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I knew that they were arguing. I heard a gun shot. The doors of the parlor opened and I stood face to face with that man. He had shot my father, I saw him lying on the floor. He tried to grab me and said, "It is you isn't it Josette." I pulled away and ran out of the house and woke up James, and we drove here. I know that Mr. Benson followed us."

"And what of your aunt?"

"I don't know, when I went down stairs I believe she was still asleep. I don't dare to go back."

"We could send word to her that you are safe," Dr. Watson said.

"That would be wonderful," Josephine said sounded relieved.

"Do you think your father had anything to do with this man?"

"I don't know," she said.

"Well I think that we should go to you home and see what we can find out there. There's no need to fear, Miss Carnahan, Dr. Watson and I will come with you," Sherlock Holmes said.

"Oh thank you Mr. Holmes."

Holmes rang for Mrs. Hudson again and when she came into the room, he said, "Mrs. Hudson, will you take Miss. Carnahan and fix her something to eat. We will be leaving directly."

"Yes sir."

"So Watson, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure, it's all very mysterious."

"Yes, but the answer must be simple."

"I wonder what he meant by "It's you isn't it Josette?"

"I suspect he thinks that she is someone else, My dear fellow."

To be continued. . .

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.