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Words to Ponder:

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Thank you for commenting from AO3 .org: Spirit_Mirror and Jennifer! XD

So, for the chronology of the Jack the Ripper murders, I had to adjust the actual dates and shuffle around the order of the victims so it fits with what occurred in the Black Butler manga/anime.

Also, on another note, I'm conflicted about following the manga or the anime. Both versions have exclusive characters that I absolutely love; Alois Trancy and Hannah Anafeloz from the anime and Joker and Snake from the manga being my favorites. I'll make a decision by the next chapter.

And, one more thing, I plug with absolutely no shame my recently updated TMNT/InuYasha crossover, Just a Little Kiss! ^.^

Chapter 6

Kagome hummed as she watered the potted plants in the foyer of the Midford family's London townhouse. Lady Frances decided the family would remain in the city for a few days after the end of the season so her son could visit. Today, she wore her light pink kimono-esque dress under Elizabeth's instruction with her black obi tied in a large bow behind her.

"There we go," she said to herself once she was finished, "Only a few more left to go."

Kagome ascended the stairs to go to the next room on her watering list, the drawing room. She paused outside the opened door and announced her presence to Frances and her son, Edward, who were inside enjoying their midmorning brunch.

"Forgive my intrusion, my lord and lady. May I come in?" she asked.

"Yes," Frances answered with a brief nod, "You have impeccable timing. I have a task for you."

After stepping in and setting her watering can aside, Kagome stood before the two nobles.

"Yes, ma'am?" she asked, awaiting orders.

"Paula has stepped out with Elizabeth, so I need you to pick up a few things in the city in her place," Frances told her.

"Yes, milady. I'll leave right away," Kagome replied, taking the offered banknotes and shopping list and tucking them in the sleeves of her dress.

"Could you also bring back a copy of today's newspaper?" Edward requested before she could leave.

Frances wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Whyever would you want one of those? News as of late has not been pleasant."

"Perhaps, mother, but I've been avidly following the 'Jack the Ripper' case. He struck again in Whitechapel last night," Edward explained.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I believe the incident occurred while you and Elizabeth attended the Viscount of Druitt's party."

Kagome stumbled as she left the room, drawing the attention of her mistress and her son.

"Is there a problem?" Frances asked.

"No, my lord and lady," Kagome answered, giving them an apologetic gesture, "I'll just be going."

Soon after speaking, she hurriedly left the room, exited the house, and took to the sidewalk. Her head was too muddled with thoughts to ask for a ride in the coach.

After about twenty minutes of walking, Kagome arrived at the market and picked up the items from the short list Frances provided. Using the change from those purchases, she bought the paper from a boy outside. A quick leaf through its pages confirmed what Edward said before. Jack the Ripper struck last night killing two women, Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes. Both women were well known prostitutes in the Whitechapel area of London found at 1 A.M. Using that information, she constructed a timeline for the murders and Aleister Chamber's party.

'Let's see. The party started at 8 P.M., and we left around 11:30 – 11:45. The Viscount was apprehended a few minutes after that, and there was no way he could have left the mansion especially with that clandestine gathering he arranged during the party. The timeline pretty much rules him out as a suspect.'

She pursed her lips together in thought. 'I wonder what Ciel will do now.'

After another flip through the paper, Kagome found a small article on Aleister's illicit evening activities without naming any specific perpetrators. She rolled her eyes; the Viscount had more than enough money and connections to buy off the police and the media.

"Where to now?" she said to herself, "There has to be something about the attacks that was overlooked."

The only place she suspected she could obtain that information was the Undertaker's funeral parlor. She might be overstepping her bounds, but, if Ciel was going to put himself in danger, she wanted to make sure the boy was okay for his own sake as well as Elizabeth's.

"Maybe I'm just making excuses to meddle again," she said, smiling morosely, "Watering flowers, dusting furniture, and acting meek isn't really me, now is it?"

Making a quick decision, Kagome headed to the funeral parlor, hailing a hansom cab for faster transportation. Fortunately, everything she bought at the store was nonperishable, so she could delay her return to the townhouse for an hour or two before she would be missed.

When she stepped out of the coach and stood in front of the dingy building, Kagome took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

"Hello?" Kagome called out as she walked further inside, the door closing behind her, "Undertaker, are you here?"

She stiffened when his pale arm cloaked in black circled around her waist from behind and consequently pulled her to him.

"Of course I am here, poppet," he answered, "I would never leave when there's so much work to be done."

He pulled away from her, snickering. "I suppose that's the reason why you've come, correct? Did the Earl send you?"

Kagome shook her head. "I came on my own. I wanted to ask if you had any more information on Jack the Ripper and his victims."

The Undertaker grinned. "So the Earl's methods proved unsatisfactory, eh? Even with his faithful dog by his side, the beast is limited by the orders of his master."

Kagome hummed thoughtfully. She had a feeling the Undertaker was selling Ciel short.

'Or maybe he's implying Ciel didn't know exactly what orders to give Sebastian to get the right results.'

"Could you tell me what the victims had in common other than being prostitutes in the same part of the city?" she asked.

The Undertaker chuckled, twirling his fingers together. "If it's that information you want, you'll have to try harder to obtain it."

Kagome huffed. "Does that mean you need another visit from the Tickle Monster?"

The Undertaker squealed and trembled, hugging himself tightly around the middle. "The mere memory of your magic fingers is still adhered to my skin! No more of that payment is necessary! But there is something else I require from you."

"What is it?" she asked.

The Undertaker grinned and leaned closer to her, stopping when his nose lightly brushed hers. Unafraid, Kagome didn't back away and stood her ground.

"My poppet, you are so pretty," the Undertaker whispered, his hot breath caressing her face, "Those rosy cheeks, those full pink lips, and those eyes, eyes so full of warmth and life. And…"

Raising his right hand, the Undertaker lightly touched Kagome's lips with the tip of his fingernail. Slowly, he trailed it over her chin and down her neck until his fingertip rested above her heart.

"…there's this too."

"I can't let you have it," Kagome stated, knowing exactly what the strange man was pointing to.

He giggled, the sound of his voice maddening. "Don't fret, poppet. I have no need for bits and baubles. You are the rightful guardian of such treasures and an able guardian at that."

Kagome smiled wryly. "Most would certainly contest that sentiment, myself included."

She jumped when something hard, cold, and heavy was plopped in her palm. She looked down to see a clump of chains attached to an assortment of diversely shaped lockets.

"What are these?" she questioned.

"They are my treasure. Guard them well, and I am at your service, Lady Priestess."

The Undertaker stepped away from her and bowed. Kagome wasn't sure if he was making fun of her or not.

After pocketing the odd necklace, she cleared her throat. "You want it, you got it. So are you going to help me?"

The Undertaker nodded. "I am a man of my word. Ask and I shall provide."

Kagome carefully considered her next response. The Undertaker may be willing to help her but dealing with him was tricky business.

"You are the one who took care of all the postmortem examinations and the burial preparations for the victims, right?" she asked.

"That's correct. Scotland Yard did commissioned their own medical examiners to perform autopsies." The Undertaker paused to giggle. "Of course, the cause of death was quite obvious."

"Even so, you must have access to the medical records of the deceased," Kagome pressed.

"Indeed I do. They're spotty at best considering my guests' shared profession, but I received copies of them."

"Would it be possible for me to see them?" she asked, slightly hesitant. As far as she knew, medical records were confidential even after death. If that was true, the Undertaker didn't seem to care.

"Of course, my poppet."

The Undertaker led Kagome to his parlor and set her on one of his coffins before he left. When he returned, he carried a stack of papers and a tray of tea, all of which were surprisingly covered in thick layers of dust. Kagome nodded as she accepted them, wiping the debris away. Squinting in the dim lighting and gingerly sipping her tea, Kagome skimmed the files for any important details.

The first recorded Jack the Ripper victim was a prostitute known as Annie Chapman, age 47. Her body was discovered on Friday morning, August 31, 1888 at 3:40 A.M. Her throat was slit leaving two large cuts across her neck. There were several other incisions along her abdomen along with a deep wound ripping open her lower body where the uterus was removed. It seemed all injuries were caused by two distinct blades.

Kagome shuddered when she looked at the attached photographs. She'd seen dead bodies before, but this mutilation was positively barbaric despite the grainy quality of the images.

'Let's see…' Kagome thought as she read further, 'Prior to death, Chapman spent some time in and out of the hospital. She gave birth to three children while living in the Knightsbridge district of London. Her last child, John Alfred, was born disabled in 1880.

'Beginning in 1884, Chapman regularly sought treatment for alcohol related ailments seeing various physicians. Her last two operations were abortions performed by Dr. Angelina Durless at Royal London Hospital in the middle of 1888.'

Kagome blinked as she read the name again.

"Lady Angelina? Must be a coincidence."

When she was finished with Chapman's records, she switched to the information on the next victim, Mary Ann Nichols, age 43. Her body was found on September 8th at 6 A.M. Between 1866 and 1879, she gave birth to five children. Like Chapman, she also had treatment for complications due to excessive alcohol consumption.

"She also had abortions performed by Dr. Durless around the same time," Kagome observed, stunned once more.

A single occurrence of Madam Red's medical services could be written off as coincidence, but another was a suspicious connection. She quickly skimmed the next two reports and found both Stride and Eddowes, like the other two victims, had voluntary abortions performed by or under the supervision of Madam Red beginning in 1888.

Frustrated with the discovery, Kagome pushed the reports away. It was absolutely impossible to imagine the sweet, loving doctor who cared for her family so dearly and nursed her back to health had something to do with these horrific murders. However, the obvious connection was damning.

'But Elizabeth told me she saw Lady Angelina was at the Viscount's party, so she couldn't have killed Stride and Eddowes,' she thought, trying to poke holes in that theory, 'How could she leave and reappear without anyone noticing? That kind of speed is simply—'

Her train of thought screeched to a sudden halt.

"Inhuman," Kagome finished aloud when she arrived at a sudden, disturbing conclusion.

She abruptly shot to her feet, knocking the files and her bag form the market on the floor.

"Shit!" she exclaimed, "I forgot all about that!"

"Troubled, poppet?" the Undertaker asked, suddenly appearing in the doorway.

Kagome turned to him, pressing a hand over her frantically beating heart. "Definitely. If I don't get back, I'm going to be in real trouble."

Grabbing her bag, Kagome ran for the exit, the chain of lockets jingling loudly as she moved. Before she stepped outside, Kagome shouted over her shoulder.

"Thanks again! I'll come visit you soon!"

"Good luck, poppet!" the Undertaker replied, cackling as she ran away.

"You're going to need it."

By the time, Kagome returned to the townhouse, Elizabeth and Paula did as well. Frances was also waiting with stern looks and a harsh lecture. As punishment for her tardiness, Kagome was sent to the scullery to assist the kitchen maids for several hours. Considering this was her first official offense, the penalty wasn't too unreasonable. Before reporting to work, she tucked the Undertaker's treasures away in her bed clothes for safe keeping.

As she scoured the pots and pans, Kagome couldn't help thinking about Madam Red and Jack the Ripper. If her deductions were right, Ciel could end up confronting his own aunt about the horrendous crimes and turning her over to the police. Her heart ached for the orphaned boy and his task, delegated to him for reasons she did not know.

'I have to do something,' she thought, resolute.

When she finished her last pan, the large, male cook pulled her aside, staining her sleeves with his greasy hands.

"Milady is waiting for you in the kitchen," he told her, "You're finished for the day,"

Kagome nodded and walked outside the room, tucking her disheveled hair behind her ear. She stood in front of Lady Frances, ashamed by her actions and dirtied appearance.

"I apologize, milady. My actions were inexcusable," she said, her head bowed and arms folded in front of her.

Frances nodded. "See that you don't repeat them. You are dismissed for the remainder of the evening."

Before she could leave, Kagome called out to her. "Milady, is the Royal London Hospital near here?"

"I suppose so," Frances answered with a quirked eyebrow, "Why do you ask?"

"If you would allow it, I would like to see Dr. Durless," she requested.

Kagome stood completely still as Frances stared at her long and hard before the lady finally nodded.

"Very well. She has a late shift at the hospital and already declined my invitation to dinner." She wrinkled her nose at Kagome's appearance.

"Change your clothes and come to the main entrance. I'll arrange transportation for you."

Kagome bowed and quickly ran to the servants' quarters to clean up. Looking through her clothes, she found the first uniform she received from Lady Frances along with some other plain dresses she was given to wear in public. She considered putting one of them on but decided against it. Elizabeth adored seeing her in her other outfits despite the whispers and discrete stares she received from passersby. Having experienced the same thing when she travelled in the Feudal Era, she could only imagine what they thought. However, the influence of the company she kept prevented the harsh words from reaching her ears.

Quickly washing up and changing into her black French maid uniform, Kagome went to the front entrance of the house. In the doorway, Edward hugging Elizabeth goodbye alongside their mother and Paula.

"I'm off, mother," Edward announced once he pulled away.

"Be careful, Edward," Frances instructed with a nod, "And before you go, I'll need you to take Kagome with you."

"What?" Elizabeth exclaimed, "That's not fair! Kagome can't leave with him!"

Kagome nearly sighed; she expected this to happen.

"I'm not going to stay with him permanently. I'm just hitching a ride," she explained, crouching so she was eyelevel with the blonde girl.

Elizabeth looked at her suspiciously. "Are you sure that's all it is?"

"Of course! I'd never leave you for your brother," she assured her.

Edward covertly glanced at his mother. Noticing his gaze, she nodded once, conveying her consent. He understood and placed his hand on the door handle, turning to the raven haired maid as she stood.

"Come along then," he said to her.

"Yes, my lord," she replied and quickly went to his side. Edward nodded and turned to Frances and Elizabeth.

"Farewell, Elizabeth, mother. You too, Paula."

"You take good care of her!" Elizabeth told him, "I won't forgive you if you let anything happen to Kagome."

"I promise nothing will happen."

Once the parting was over, Kagome followed Edward out the house and into his chartered coach. She took her seat across from him after telling the driver her destination.

"So what are you up to?" Edward asked without any preamble.

"I'm paying Dr. Durless a visit at the hospital," Kagome answered, "I didn't get a chance to see her at the Viscount Druitt's party last night."

Edward snorted, an uncharacteristic gesture for a nobleman. "What a disgraceful cur he is. To think Elizabeth and mother were in his home while he was up to his vile perversions. I'm glad you kept an eye on my sister and the Viscount at bay."

Kagome shrugged. "I was just doing my job. Elizabeth is such a wonderful girl, and I love working for your family. They make me feel at home." She paused, smiling softly.

"The same goes for Dr. Durless," she continued, "I don't know what I'd do without them."

"I can see," Edward replied fondly, "Mother and Aunt Ann think very highly of you. So does Elizabeth."

"You really think so?" Kagome asked, astonished.

"Yes. Particularly Aunt Ann." He paused, looking extremely thoughtful before he spoke again.

"Did anyone ever tell you about her, for lack of better words, tragic circumstances?"

Kagome shook her head. "Not at all."

"I see. A few years ago, she was in a quite unfortunate accident. As a result, her husband died instantly, and she lost her unborn child due to her severe injuries," Edward answered.

"How horrible! I never imagined something so awful happened to her."

Edward nodded. "Her womb was also surgically removed during the emergency procedure."

Kagome's eyes widened. "So she can no longer have any children."

"Yes. She considers Elizabeth and our cousin as her own children. Even more than she did before the incident. I'd even venture to say she regards you in the same way to a lesser degree."

"Wow. I never considered anything like that was possible."

"Well, now that you know, I suggest you refrain from making more mistakes like the one you made earlier," Edward stated, "And count yourself lucky. Mother is usually much harsher with her punishments."

Kagome smiled sheepishly and nodded. "I understand, my lord."

When the carriage stopped in front of the hospital, Kagome bid Edward goodnight and thanked him for his cooperation.

"Are you sure you don't want me to wait for you to conclude your business?" he inquired again. Kagome shook her head.

"I'll be fine," she iterated, "Please go on home unless you'd like to visit Dr. Durless yourself."

Edward shook his head. "I'll send Aunt Ann my regards later. It appears you have a precise reason for seeing her. But, if you won't accept my offer, be careful and leave with Aunt Ann. That serial killer is still at large."

"I promise I will."

Once Kagome stepped out of the coach and it rode out of her sight, she looked at the Royal London Hospital's entrance and took a deep breath. More than ever, Kagome feared the results of the investigation, both hers and Ciel's. After her talk with Edward, there was a lot more on the line than she first realized. Despite her reservations, Kagome boldly opened the front door and approached the receptionist's desk. She needed to verify or refute her suspicions and prayed the outcome, whatever it was, ended peacefully.

"May I help you?" the receptionist asked.

"Yes. I'm here to see Dr. Angelina Durless."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No, I've come to call on her on behalf of the Midford family."

Luckily, the young woman knew of the familial relation and gave her directions to Madam Red's office with little difficulty. When she reached it, Kagome knocked on the door and immediately received permission to enter. The red haired baroness was understandably surprised to see her in the doorway.

"Kagome dear, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"Good evening, Lady Angelina," Kagome replied with a polite bow, "I was free so I thought I'd sneak away to pay you a visit."

Angelina smiled. "Then by all means come in and have a seat. I missed you at the Viscount's." She shuddered.

"What a miserable gathering that was. To think such vile events where going on right under our noses."

Kagome quietly took the offered seat, crossing her legs at the ankles and smoothing her skirt over her thighs.

"Yes," she responded, "It was quite awful."

"Are you alright, Kagome?" Angelina asked, picking up on Kagome's somber disposition, "You seem preoccupied."

"I suppose you could say that. It's just troubling to think someone capable of such evil could be so close to you," Kagome stated, trying to keep her tone even.

Angelina blinked, surprised by the statement. "I can agree. As I recall, you did dance with the Viscount at the party."

"I did. I didn't particularly like him at first, but I never expected him of something like that."

"Sometimes the person guilty of such acts is the one you least expect."

Kagome nearly shuddered. Angelina's tone was ominous and cryptic and a blank expression entered her eyes. It was extremely unsettling. Before Kagome could reply, her stomach let out a hungry growl. As soon as she heard the sound, Angelina reverted to her usual, kind countenance as she smiled and stood from her seat.

"I'll get you something from the cafeteria," she announced.

"Oh, you don't have to do that!" Kagome protested.

Angelina walked up to her and reached out her hand, lovingly brushing Kagome's bangs from her forehead and subsequently stroking her cheek.

"It's no trouble at all. You can't ignore your health, dear."

With that, Angelina left the room, closing the door with a click. Once she was sure she was gone, Kagome stood and straight for the doctor's desk. She didn't have much time. She felt so guilty for what she was doing, but this was a necessary action.

'There has to be something here!' she thought as she went through every paper and folder she could find, careful to place everything back in its proper place.

Kagome searched until she came across a bound leather journal, one of the few objects that didn't fit with anything else she found. She flipped through the first few page, looking for clues.

'It's a hand written patients' log.'

She continued until she reached records starting at the beginning of the current year.

'They're all here! Chapman, Nichols, Edd—'

"My lady?"

At the sound of Grell's voice, Kagome quickly closed the book and ran from her suspicious position. She barely had time to make it to her seat before he opened the door.

"Hello, Kagome," the brunet butler greeted her, surprised, "I didn't know you'd be here. Is Lady Elizabeth with you this evening?"

"No, I came on my own volition," she answered, "It's nice to see you, Grell."

At her quiet admission, he grinned, his smile long and wide, and approached the miko.

"My dear, how I long to see you in red, your perfect form drowned, burned, and buried in that magnificent color," Grell began, "Yet our every encounter is met with disappointment. My desires never truly realized."

Kagome shrugged; the comment wasn't wholly unexpected. "I was wearing pink earlier today. It's a light variant of red, ya know."

"Oh no! That simply won't do! Not for me," He approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip tight.

"There's only one solution I can see," Grell continued, "I will take on the burden and clothe you the way you should be."

Kagome winced when his grip tightened.

"I'll drape you in pretty, pretty red, and I swear I'll make you enjoy every second of it!"

"Grell! What are you doing?"

The butler removed his hand and stepped away from Kagome when Angelina entered the room.

"Forgive me, my lady," he told her, his head bowed, "I was merely inspecting Kagome's peaked complexion."

Angelina sighed. "You see? You must be lax in your self-care if even Grell could take notice."

She set a tray down on her desk containing a glass of water, an apple, and a few pieces of toast.

"I'm sorry, but this was all they had so late on such short notice. Nevertheless, I expect you to eat all of it."

"Yes, ma'am," Kagome replied. She ate two pieces of toast, about half of the apple, and downed the entire glass of water under Madam Red and Grell's watchful eyes.

"I couldn't eat another bite," she declared once she set down the glass.

"Very well. That's good enough," Madam Red said before turning to her butler, "Grell, bring this to the cafeteria then bring the carriage around. We'll be returning Kagome before we go to the Phantomhive estate."

"Yes, my lady," Grell dutifully answered and left.

"You're going to visit Earl Phantomhive?" Kagome asked.

"Yes," Angelina answered with a nod, "He's understandably troubled with the outcome of his investigation. You are following it, correct?"

"Not exactly," Kagome answered, appearing as convincing as possible, "I only read the reports in today's paper. Honestly, if I hadn't chosen to accompany the Earl that day, I wouldn't know any more than that."

She quickly added. "I didn't mention what happened to anyone else."

Angelina giggled. "I know, dear. You need not worry about all that. After a few games of chess, Ciel's mind will be put at ease for a time. It always seems to work."

While Grell set to complete Madam Red's instructions, the two woman spoke on much lighter topics than before as they walked to the hospital's entrance. Kagome was immensely thankful for the distraction. The superficial topics required little thought and allowed her the mental freedom to focus on one key item she needed to remember from Angelina's journal.

'13 Miller's Court, Dorset Street, Whitechapel, London,' she recalled.

After Kagome and Angelina exited the hospital and boarded the coach, the ride to the Midfords' city home was silent. Kagome looked out the window at what scenery she could make out in the night, appearing to settle into a light doze. Angelina alternated between doing the same and watching Kagome.

Just as the carriage reached the appropriate street, Angelina began to speak.

"You are a very special girl, you know," she stated, her tone affectionate.

"Pardon?" Kagome asked, looking up from the window.

"You are beautiful, kind, exceptionally bright, loyal, and so much more," she continued, "Meeting you has been quite the experience."

Kagome was puzzled. Angelina's words seemed to mean so much more than a simple parting.

'It seems like we'll never see each other again.'

"Our meeting would not have occurred if you didn't help me the way you did. I might not have survived without you," Kagome replied, sincere.

Angelina thoughtfully hummed.

"Through my studies, I've learned a doctor's duty is not to heal. She cannot restore body to full pulsating vitality with her own hands, not completely. A doctor merely gives a body all the means available, and it will heal itself. That certainly happened with you," she said, "Your recovery was quite remarkable."

"Still, you took a chance and used your hands on me. You gave me life, and I fought to keep it," Kagome replied with a shrug, "I just happened to be successful."

Angelina nodded. "I suppose that makes sense too."

"My lady," Grell declared from outside, "We have arrived."

"So this is our goodbye."

Suddenly, she reached forward and gave Kagome a hug. Though initially feeling awkward, Kagome returned the embrace, holding the noblewoman just as tightly.

"I've always wanted a girl, a girl just as beautiful and special as you," Angelina confessed, "Any mother would be proud to have a daughter like you, Kagome."

Kagome nodded, now knowing exactly how deep the sentiment was.

"Mine is," she answered, instinctively knowing that was true. Day to day, her mother—among many others—was always in her thoughts whether it was intentional or not.

Angelina pulled away first and stroked Kagome's cheek, her expression poignant. "But she seems to have lost you."

"It may appear so, but my place is here now," she answered, her smile bittersweet.

'Kaa-san is always waiting patiently for me to return,' she thought, 'Are you still waiting? Is everyone else?'

Pulling away, Angelina said, "Well then, off you go. Remember to be mindful of your health. We can't afford to lose you either."

"I understand, Miss Angelina. Until we meet again."

When Kagome stepped out of the coach and began walking away, she heard Grell's voice.

"Meet again indeed."

When Kagome approached the front door, a male servant let her inside and escorted her to her room. Kagome sluggishly changed into her night dress and collapsed into bed. Running around all day and all of her extra work made her exhausted.

'The Ripper, whether the culprit is Madam Red or not, won't act the night after another attack. I'll go out tomorrow evening.'

Kagome closed her eyes and fell into a troubled sleep, repeating the vital information in her head until she slipped into unconsciousness.

'13 Miller's Court, Dorset Street, Whitechapel, London.'

-O0o0O-

The next morning, Kagome awoke and performed her usual chores in addition to preparing for the Midfords' return to their home in the country. As she expected, Jack the Ripper didn't act the night before, and she was immensely grateful for the chance to rest. Consumed with her plans for the evening, Kagome kept to herself and patiently waited for the sun to set. Luckily, the arrangements for departure occupied everyone's time and energy, and her inattention when unnoticed.

'I'm in big trouble if I get caught,' she thought. Lady Midford would undoubtedly make yesterday's punishment look like a treat.

When the clock read 7:30, Kagome stole away to her room. Inside, she changed into her least conspicuous outfit, the navy blue maids' dress, and grabbed her brown bag. She packed some spare change for transit fare and a small hunting knife she took from the family's large collection.

"What are you up to?"

Kagome froze and turned to the doorway to see Paula looking at her curiously. She frowned when Kagome didn't immediately answer.

"Are you going somewhere?" she asked, "Lady Elizabeth wouldn't like to see you garbed so plainly."

Kagome sighed and decided to tell the truth. "I plan on sneaking out tonight. I'm not asking for your help, Paula. Only that you look the other way."

"That certainly is a lot to ask. Even if we're friends," Paula softly replied.

Kagome nodded. "Too much. If you don't do it, I'll understand, but I'm still leaving with or without your support."

The brunette was silent for a long time before she said, "This must be a really important matter, so I won't stop you. Just be sure to come back. Whether you're punished or not, Lizzie still wants you around."

"Thanks, Paula," Kagome said, letting out a deep, relieved breath.

Repositioning her bag on her shoulders, Kagome opened the bedroom window and hopped outside. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw Paula close the window for her. Assured, she made a break for the street, careful not to be seen. She knew she was going through a lot for the sake of the Jack the Ripper case, but too much was riding on the outcome for her to simply turn a blind eye to it all.

Even if the serial killer's identity was never revealed to the public, if his identity became a sinister family secret and one the Midford family had to keep, Elizabeth would be crushed. Ciel was also a likely casualty. Even with his demonic companion and their contract, that boy could not confront he horror his aunt wrought and expect to walk out of it unscathed.

'If she did it,' Kagome mentally added. She still had her suspicions set on another lone culprit connected to the kind doctor.

With a combination of public transit and walking, Kagome arrived at the Whitechapel address after nearly an hour of travel. During her venture, it began to rain.

The house in front of her seemed empty, and she couldn't sense anything out of the ordinary. As far as Kagome could tell, only one person was inside. Slowly, she raised her hand to knock. The door eerily opened under her light touch.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" she called out, "Ms. Kelly?"

Kagome was answered by a series of muffled, panicked cries from a corner of the one room dwelling. She rushed forward to find a woman bound and gagged in a wooden chair, her tear streaked face adorned in heavy eye shadow and ruby red lipstick. Ignoring her instincts, Kagome hesitated to go to her aid.

'Something's wrong,' she thought, 'This shouldn't be so easy.'

"You're smarter than you appear, but, regrettably, that is not enough."

That was the last thing Kagome heard before a sharp pain in the back of her neck rendered her unconscious.

-O0o0O-

punkish furball – Bum, bum, bum! I hope you've all enjoyed this latest installment. It was particularly hard to write, but I believe I nailed it. If you have any comments or questions, please contact me! XD

Until next time, TCB! =^.^=

(edited 11.20.2013)