Scarecrow of 1889
Chapter 53: Who is next?

Chapter 53: Who is next?

During the weekend, Jane decided to take a break from her work and attend a soiree hosted by one of the influential families in Riddleford. She set aside her usual black attire in favour of a royal blue gown that revealed her bare shoulders. Her hair was elegantly tied up, with the strands of her fringe softly framing her temples.

"Look at her, finally attending a soiree after all this time. The rumours must have gotten to her head," one woman whispered to her friend, eyeing Jane as she walked past.

"It was only a matter of time before she was the topic of conversation again. If she’s trying to shake off the label she gave herself, I wish her good luck," the second woman sneered. "She’s a spinster. No man would take her as his wife, especially knowing she was involved with that killer."

"Jane Reinhart is a doomed name. At least she didn’t run away with another man like her mother," another guest murmured, glancing at the twenty-four-year-old woman.

Jane ascended the stairs, accompanied by her friend Charles, whom she had invited since Addison was busy. She picked up a glass of wine, while Charles, looking slightly nervous, opted for water.

"You should relax. It’s showing," Jane murmured softly, raising her glass and taking a sip.

"Remind me why I agreed to this?" Charles asked after taking a sip of his water.

"Because you were worried about my scheme," Jane reminded him, a polite smile plastered on her face.

"Thanks for the reminder. It’s a bad idea to involve yourself in this. Not to mention, the people here speak vilely about you. It’s like they have nothing better to do than judge others," Charles said, looking annoyed by the stares being passed from a distance. "And did I mention your man?"

"He is not my man, Charles," Jane corrected him. As they reached the railings, she stopped to look down at the people gathered, chatting with glee. Her eyes scanned for any suspicious actions among the men talking to the women. "It would probably be easier if I were a frequent guest and knew everyone’s business."

"That’s simple. All you have to do is find the gossip monger, and you’ll have all the information you need," Charles stated before finishing his glass of water. He then added, "Jane, even though Ricardo isn’t your man, he is in love with you. Do you think he’ll take it lightly when he finds you with me? I might be the next victim on his list, especially after how he was provoked in court."

Jane hadn’t forgotten how Ricardo had lunged at the lawyer after being instigated, making a spectacle before the judge and the crowd. But now it felt futile, given how things had turned.

"He isn’t an evil being; his actions stem from a sense of justice, even though I agree they were drastic. He won’t hurt you, Charles," Jane assured him. She then added, "I don’t belong to him, nor does he have a say in what I should and shouldn’t do. No one ever has, and no one ever will." It was how she had been raised.

"It’s one of your many admirable qualities," Charles said with a chuckle. While Jane was busy observing the crowd, he stole a glance at her, admiring her beautiful face.

Charles couldn’t look away from her. No one looked as captivating as Jane, and the envy of the other women only fuelled the rumours she had subtly ignited. He then asked her, "Any leads on what exactly we are looking for?"

"There are only a few women in Riddleford living the life of a spinster. We need to watch the men who are talking to those women. Keep an eye on them," Jane stated.

Charles glanced behind them, noticing the two men assigned by Gruger. "You should ask those bodyguards to do that. They’d be more useful. But in a way, the men who approach you will immediately come under suspicion... It makes you wonder what issue the murderer has with spinster women. If I didn’t know Gruger was an idiot, I’d put him at the top of the suspect list."

It made sense, Jane thought. Gruger despised her for getting in his way while solving cases. A person whose opinion of women was low. More than her eyes on people, it was the other way around. She then informed Charles,

"We need to play this smart. I’ll mingle and try to draw some attention. Meanwhile, you and the bodyguards keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously."

Charles nodded, "Got it."

After splitting up with Charles, Jane began to mingle with people she was familiar with. These were the individuals who either loved talking about themselves and their busy lives or those who were curious about her activities. Throughout, she wore a pleasant expression, gliding across the vast room with elegance.

"Miss Reinhart, we meet again," said Judge Reynolds, accompanied by his wife.

"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds," Jane greeted them politely.

"You have been the talk of the town in the soiree circles," Mrs. Reynolds remarked with a soft smile.

Jane smiled back before replying, "I can only imagine."

"It is a true pity that your efforts were wasted. Especially after the trial that took place for three months," Judge Reynolds shook his head in disappointment. "And look, what happened later? The mayor is dead."

"This is why they say bad things happen when there is bad action. God spares none, and reflection is always around the corner," Mrs. Reynolds said in a solemn voice. "It is the judgement of God," she said.

Judge Reynolds huffed and responded to his wife, "That’s like telling everyone else to commit suicide." Jane didn’t know how to react to this, because it felt like there was a high chance of it happening. If yes... who could be next?

"Maybe not kill themselves, but at least admit how they were in the wrong. Poor man to be cornered when he is ill," Mrs. Reynolds shook her head. Meeting Jane’s gaze, she added, "My sister suffered from dementia. I know how it feels when people don’t believe."

"Aunt Mable, I got you a drink that you might like," came a young woman with green eyes. She was twenty years old.

"You are always such a dear, Auro," Mrs. Reynolds said as she took the drink. She then introduced, "This is my niece, Aurora Edgar. Auro, this is Jane Reinhart."

Aurora’s eyes widened slightly, and she said, "I have heard so much about you, Miss Reinhart."

"I hope it’s all good," Jane half-joked, aware of the whispers circulating around her.

Aurora shook her head with a smile and replied, "You won the famous case that Uncle judged. Most of us girls hear about your work."

Jane felt a genuine smile form on her lips, appreciating the younger woman’s admiration. "I’m glad to hear that," she replied.

"Maybe you should help Miss Reinhart, Auro. Especially with how you have been wanting to help," Mrs. Reynolds suggested. Seeing Jane’s questioning gaze, she clarified, "You see, like many other young men and women, Auro has been trying to figure out the... murderer from the last case you worked on. If her mother were still alive, she would have received an earful for it. If you have a spot open for work, maybe you could offer her one."

Jane noticed how Aurora looked excited by the thought of it, but she didn’t want to hire anyone, at least until the current secret case was done. "I will let you know when there is an opening. I am sure we could use a young woman like yourself," she said, without disheartening the young woman.

"Auro, why don’t you offer your company to Miss Reinhart? It would be rude to leave her alone," Mrs. Reynolds insisted.

"Oh, that’s alright..." Jane said, turning to look where Charles stood. But the man had disappeared somewhere. She then thought that maybe she could use this time for something. She asked the young woman, "Do you know everyone here, Aurora?"

The young woman nodded, "I think fairly so."

"Wonderful. I would like to hear some gossip!" Jane put on an excited smile, before leading the woman to the side as they began to walk.

In the evening, Charles dropped Jane and her two assigned guards at Reinhart’s residence. He said,

"Have a goodnight, Jane," waving his hand as he watched her walk into the house. When he turned to look forward, his heart stumbled as someone else had slipped inside the carriage from the other door.

"Mucho tiempo sin verlo, Charles. Very long since I last saw you," Ricardo greeted the man, while wearing a fedora hat. "How have you been doing?"

Not good! Thought Charles to himself, feeling the carriage begin to move.

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