Stalking Jack: The Hunt Begins... (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 1) by Madison Kent Read Free Book Online Page B

time there, I am much more level headed about the possibility of danger.
     
    On the morning of the 19 th , Madeline hurriedly dressed and took breakfast in the hotel café. The concierge had accommodated her, and her Hansom was ready. She had Anna’s address and gave it to the driver. He gave her a stern look, and questioned if she was sure she wished to go to Whitechapel in the midst of all the mayhem, but she said it was her aunts that lived there to assure him of her safety. They lived on Mumford Street, which according to the map she had, appeared to be in the heart of Whitechapel.
    After a scenic jerky ride, the smell overtook her before the area even came into view. She did bring her handkerchief as suggested. She wasn’t prepared for the sight of the swarms of haggard people, shuffling about, mostly looking gaunt and hapless. The haunting look in their eyes, of being lost, was in many faces. She recognized that look, for it was in the eyes in her own mirror for many months now.
    She did not have a weapon but thought she would acquire one. She had learned to shoot as a child, as most parents prepared their children to be self-reliant in a city that could be, at times, prove to be dangerous. She decided she would also get a small knife to put inside her walking boots.
    She had arrived unannounced at Mumford St., believing that if she were unable to be received, she would take to the streets for her assessment and return later to her hotel.
    She had asked the coachman to stay, in the event that the ladies were not home. She knocked several times, and when the door opened, Anna met her with outstretched arms.
     
    “Madeline, we had hoped you would come, but often, words spoken at the moment are sometimes a person being gracious and not always to be taken in earnest,” said Anna.
    “We are grateful you are here. It is not much to look at, our humble living quarters, but it has been our home these many years and a place filled with happy memories,” said Helen.
    “I could think of nothing but your niece and your safety. Have you thought of doing anything that might ensure you are not in danger?” asked Madeline.
    “Probably to move, that is all I can think of. With our inheritance, we can finally afford to leave here, but not until we know Polly is safe,” said Anna.
    “Polly?” said Madeline.
    “Mary Ann’s nickname is Polly . Her father always called her that. Although Helen and I were born here, we also are part Polish. Our father was English with the name of Nichols, but our mother was a Polish immigrant from Warsaw. Whitechapel is made up primarily of immigrants that fled Poland and other areas such as Russia. We are Polish Catholic, but there are many Polish Jews that live in Whitechapel. Our father was Protestant but allowed our mother to bring us up in the Catholic religion. It is difficult to break the poverty bonds that hold us here. The immigrants overflow into England, most looking for opportunity, but finding poverty.
    Our uncle Walter, they called him Slim, moved to America. Being single, he was able to travel freely, hoping one day to see us all again. We heard little from him and assumed he was dead until we received the news from the solicitor that he had left us money in his will. Although they did not mention Polly, as we are the only surviving children of the brothers, we would like to share what we can with her, and hope she might be able to make a new start of it,” said Anna.
    “I understand completely. It was very difficult for my father to support us before he became a physician. I remember my mother saying they both worked at many things to bring income. That included sewing, baking, shoeing horses, and anything to provide while he was instructed in medicine. Even now, he is solvent, but nothing in the way of a lavish living by any means.
    It would be wonderful to find your Polly, and perhaps we could all look together for your new residence,” said Madeline.
    “I think it wise