Vanished, Part 1

Vanished, Part 1, by Kathryn

Ding, Dong.

The tall, double doors were opened by a butler dressed in tailcoats. 

"Yes?" 

"I'm here to see Ms. Appleton. I believe she is expecting me."  

"Yes, please come in." The butler ushered her in and seated her on a large comfortable couch. "Please wait here." 

A few minutes later, a distinguished, elderly lady dressed in old fashioned clothes walked into the room. Her greyish-brown hair was in a curly bun, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with delight. 

"Mrs. Clermond!" She laughed. Dot hugged her. 

"Hello, Vicky." 

Victoria Appleton was a wealthy widow. She lived in a high New York City penthouse, along with her many servants and maids. She was a longtime friend of Dot's family. 

"My goodness, I don't think I'll ever get used to the name Dot Clermond. How did your honeymoon go? Romantic, I hope!"

Dot remembered being pulled into a shaky lifeboat, her hair matted with sea salt, and Herbert almost falling into the ice cold ocean water as they waited for the entire island to explode. 

"Uh, it was...Wonderful!" She smiled. "And how have you been getting along?" 

"Oh, alright I guess. It just gets lonesome here sometimes. Butlers don't carry conversations very well." Dot giggled. 

"Well, now that Herbert and I are settled in our apartment, we'll have plenty of time to visit you." Suddenly, the sharp doorbell rang again. Henry, the butler, walked in the room and again opened the double doors. This time he came back with an envelope. 

"A man delivered this, Ms. Appleton."

"Excuse me, won't you?" Vicky asked, opening the letter. Dot watched as Vicky's blue eyes went back and forth. Her face turned pale and her lip quivered. 

"Vicky?" Dot asked. Ms. Appleton's shaky hand gave her the paper.

Come to alley behind Jenson's bakery at sundown tomorrow. Bring lots of cash. Come alone. If you don't show, or don't come alone, you'll be really sorry.