11am 1st November 1899

Vanessa would come to rue the day that Malcolm Montague walked through her door. It was her one massive regret; that she ever listened and agreed to working for him. That came much later however, when he walked in for the first time, he appeared to be the epitome of respectability. His hat was perched perfectly on his head, his coat immaculate and the moustache neatly trimmed. She looked up from the book she had been reading and offered the gentleman a smile, “Good Morning,” she said warmly.

“Good Morning,” he replied before touching his hat. The manners and accent of the man were those of good breeding, though she had never met the man before.

“Can I help?” she asked as she placed the book aside and sat up.

“I hope so, I am looking for a Ms Carrow.” He said, eyeing the odd things that adorned the walls of the little shop.

“That’s myself, what can I do for you?” she asked.

“You are the Necromancer?” she nodded, sitting up a little straighter. “Then perhaps we can talk.” The man removed his hat and she waved her wand at the door, shutting it and flipping the sign to closed.

“Please,” she said, “How can I help you?” she asked, keeping her tone kind. He crossed over and took one of the seats at her table and she joined him.

“It’s my nephew,” he said. She watched as the man placed his hands on the table, tried to still them, couldn’t. Snapping her fingers, she ordered tea for them both from the elf, hoping that would put him at ease. It didn’t do much but it did stop the fidgeting of his fingers.

“What about your nephew?” she asked before taking a sip of the tea.

“He died recently and I don’t think it was of what they said it was,” he said. “My name is Malcom and I’d like this looking into further,” he said.

“I’m going to need some details from you then,” she said, seeing how hard he had trying to keep his emotions in check, “Take as long as you need.” The man said no more on the matter, just reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out a scroll.

“Everything you need to know is written here,” he said with a small nod. Vanessa took the paper and placed it onto the table. Sipping her tea, she studied the gentleman once more. His soft brown eyes showed the depths of what he was feeling and she knew then that this was a case she would definitely take. Of course, she would talk to her partner about it but there was little he would say against it, especially when she told him what she had seen.

“Thank you,” she said as she replaced her now empty mug of tea, “I have no doubt this is something we can assist with,” she added. His shoulders sagged a little with relief, she assumed, and his eyes met hers again.

“I do hope so,” he said, getting to his feet. The rest of the conversation was pleasantries as she showed him to the door. Her mind already thinking on what needed to be done, and what needed to be arranged before they could work on this request.