By Madeline Morphew
Chapter 1: Visitor at the front door
Jarvis McBride was a careful person.
He had everything under control, always in straight line, order. A pistol was tucked into his brown long coat, money of different countries in his wallet and even a passport in his pocket. Driving in his black automobile he felt like he should be, safe and secure. But even driving down the quaint countryside road, there was a sense of an unnerving presence.
Gripping the wheel a little tighter he sped up a tad. He sighed as he thought of the day’s events. Work, work, work. Always work, but not the work expected of any man of his looks.
He sighed as he looked up at a picture of a girl, his little girl. The black and white photograph showed a smiling daughter, hair in pigtails and a toothy childish grin across her face. A woman was holding her by the waist, mouth open in laughter at what of must been a silly joke.
He pushed the thoughts of the past away as he focused on the road. Cows wandered in old picket fences looking lazily as he speeded past. Everything seemed calm.
Suddenly, a car appeared parked in the middle of the road. Jarvis quickly slammed on his brakes and cursed when he was thrown slightly forward. Steamed, he kicked open the door and stood facing the car in front of him.
It was cherry red, shiny and new looking, a silhouette of a man, the driver, sat in the front seat and another leaned against the hood.
“Gentlemen, I’m going to have to ask you to move.” Jarvis said with steel determination etched onto his face.
“Gentlemen?” The figure replied questionably, throwing a cigarette onto the ground, putting a foot onto it to dim its light. “I prefer the word sir.” He said as he looked up, a devilish grin spread across his face.
Jarvis’ face went deathly white at the sight underneath the man’s fedora.
“Hello Jarvis… Miss me?” The man asked before pulling out a gun. The long barrel of the gun was the last thing Jarvis saw before his world stopped.
This time, Jarvis McBride wasn’t careful enough.
XXXXXXXXX
Captain Haddock looked up from his newspaper as his best friend, TinTin, came over with a tray of peppermint tea. TinTin smiled as he settled himself down at the table.
Steam rose from his white cup as TinTin sipped his quietly. He reopened his book and started to read again. His faithful white rat terrier, Snowy, dozed at his feet dreaming sweetly of chasing squirrels.
Captain Haddock shook his head as he commented, “Well, you did it TinTin.”
“Did what Captain?” TinTin asked curiously, looking up from his worn copy of Sherlock Holmes.
The Captain held up the newspaper toward him, “You made the front cover.”
TinTin peered at the headline which read in bold, black letters: Famous Reporter Outsmarts Bandits and Crooks, Bandits Brought to Justice!
TinTin shrugged as he returned to his novel, “It’s great, Captain.” He replied in a bored tone.
“What? Blistering Barnacles! You must be excited for being on the front cover! You’re famous lad!”
“Fame and fortune isn’t everything Archie.” He replied taking another sip from his tea.
“Well,” Captain Haddock said as he lifted his cup up in a toast. “Here’s to you boy!”
The Captain was pressing the cup to his lips when the most annoying thing happened to ruin the moment. The doorbell rang.
The Captain snorted on his tea, making himself cough slightly. “Thundering Typhoons! Can’t a man get some peace?”
The Captain said as he stormed up from his wooden chair. Snowy reluctantly followed him out of the room.
All the while, Captain Haddock grumbled to himself, “I swear if it’s Jillion Wagg that blasted insurance man again… I’m goanna’ kill the little menace.”
He about made it to the door, when Snowy shot out from under him, making him trip. Luckily he caught himself on the door before he could embarrass himself.
“Blue blistering barnacles!” he cursed, getting worked up by the second.
He opened the door wide and yelled, “Who are you?! And what do you want?!”
He opened his eyes, to see no one there. He swiveled his head left and right before looking down, to see a girl with big blue eyes staring back.
“Oh… I… Umm…” The Captain muttered, feeling his face flush red. “Why… hello there little… Um… lassie.” He said bending down. “What are you doing here?”
The girl looked slightly up, wide-eyed in awe as she giggled.
“Who is it Captain?” TinTin and Nestor their butler asked from the inside. They made it to the door and were just as surprised as the Captain was.
The girl’s hair was braided back and tied with a red ribbon. Her hair was blonde as grain and freckles lined her fair skinned face. In her right hand she held a black suitcase and she looked about 17 years old.
“Hello. Is this Marlinspike Hall?” She asked politely.
“Why yes it is. What brings you here and what’s your name?” TinTin asked kindly to the awestruck girl.
The girl smiled before answering, “My name’s Angelina McBride, but you can call me Angel.”
“D-Did you just say McBride? As in, Jarvis McBride?” The Captain asked dumbstruck.
“You know him?” Angelina asked in surprise.
“Why yes! We were in the Navy together for the longest of time. What brings you all the way out here?”
She held out a note addressed to Captain Haddock. “My dad told me to come here if he didn’t return by Saturday. He told me to give this to you, too.”
Captain Haddock took the note and started to read:
Archie,
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other since the war, but I need a favor of you. Something has come up at work and I’m afraid that I won’t be home for a while. While I’m gone please take care of my dearest Angelina until I can return safely. She’s the love of my life and I know you’ll do great.
Sincerely,
Jarvis McBride
Captain Haddock felt a little dizzy after reading the letter. Taking care of a kid? That he doesn’t even know? He sighed, hoping that this girl wasn’t a devil incarnate like Abdullah, the spoiled prince that lived Arabia.
He looked at the girl who actually was a little short for her age. She looked at him politely with patience. “Why don’t you come inside, girlie? Nestor can fix you something to eat.”
Angelina smiled as she walked forward; they heard a clucking noise with every step and saw a cane that they didn’t notice before. Along one of her legs, was a brace. TinTin and Captain Haddock realized in a few seconds, that Angelina was crippled.
TO BE CONTINUED….