Marlene sat in her brother’s office quietly as she waited for her brother’s return. She grimaced as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair, her now bandaged gunshot wound aching. When the door finally opened there was a small crowd waiting outside.

Marcus slammed the door in their faces.

“Ring Master is going to be the death of me…” He sighed angrily.

“Who’s Ring Master?” Marlene asked innocently.

“He is the number one most wanted criminal in the city of London,” he replied as he ran his hand through his messy black hair. He then poured a cup of tea for his sister and handed it carefully to her.

Marcus sat in his chair, “You don’t remember anything?” he questioned.

“no.” she said with her head down, feeling guilty for not remembering even her brother.

Marcus sat back in his chair. He looked straight at her with sadness in his eyes and breathed in before speaking, “you’ve been gone for 7 years Marlene.”

“How is that possible?” she questioned; alarmed, almost dropping her porcelain cup of tea.

“We don’t know, I’m shocked myself... I almost accepted that you were d- never mind. You’re here now and that’s what matters.” “It’s late and I want you to get some rest before I ask you any more questions.” He got up and helped his sister get up as well.

“C’mon sis.” Marlene followed. They entered a car that was waiting for them. As they rode, Marlene looked out of the car window, watching the dark, foggy London city pass her by. They drove up to an unfamiliar large building. She spent the night in a room that felt awkward and unfamiliar to her. The next morning she wandered down stairs. Marcus was waiting for her at the breakfast table, “The Governor would like to meet you later today, if that’s alright with you.” He asked. What would a governor want with me? “That’s fine,” she replied, deciding not to ask any questions yet.

“I don’t live here,” Marlene spoke cautiously remembering why she felt uncomfortable. “I want to go home,” she added. Marcus sighed dejected, “alright, I’ll take you to your home.”

The siblings rode to a large estate much like her brother’s estate but as soon as Marlene laid eyes on it he felt like she had seen it every day of her life. The long driveway brought them up to a large brink home equipped with beautiful greenery surrounding the home and leading to the gardens. Marcus helped his sister inside, she walked through the building somehow ending up automatically at a set of stairs, and she didn’t know how she knew where to find them. She followed the stairs up and ended up in a workshop. Marlene saw everything from old cars to robotic animals; it looked like they haven’t been touched in years.

Then she saw a robotic owl perched on a metal bar. She reached out to touch it. Suddenly its head turned and it screeched at her, spreading its wings, flying around the room above her head. She screamed, shielded her head and ducking down to hide under a nearby table. Marcus ran into the room and just smiled, “Gidgit is glad you’re home.” Marcus whistled, making the robotic owl land on Marlene’s good shoulder and rubbed his head against hers. For the first time since Marlene has been back, she smiled.

Looking at the rest of the house, she gasped seeing how beautiful it was to her, and she felt herself breathe a sigh of relief as Marcus let her look into the rooms. She felt at home, but something still nagged at her.

“I’ll come get you in a few hours, do not wander off by yourself. It isn’t safe.” He warned

“Marlene wandered the beautiful house but then heard someone else in the house. She came to the kitchen and saw a short stubby lady. The lady gave her a big embrace.

“Your brother called me and informed me you came back,” she said with glee, almost giggling.

“I’m Mary, your cook,” she added, “Marcus told me you don’t remember much. I’m just here to help you feel more comfortable. Biscuits and jams are on the table in the garden room for brunch dear.” Marlene tried every kind of jam there was and the biscuits were mouth-watering. Gadget flew from the open window and perched on a branch.

“You like me,” Marlene said softly, smiling. Gidgit hooted in return. Marlene then saw some photos; she went over to get a closer look. Mary came in with a tray in her hands, porcelain teapot and cups riding on it.

“Was I married?” Marlene spoke up, Mary visibly flinched, continuing to prepare the tea for her before she finally spoke softly, “you were.”

“What happened to him?”

“It isn’t my place to tell you. You need to ask your brother.” Mary handed the teacup carefully to Marlene, “there you are, enjoy your tea love.” She turned on her heels and was gone before Marlene could ask more questions.

The tea was warm and delicious; she sat with the cup in her hands, thinking silently. She then noticed a back door, curiosity got the better of her and she found herself walking through that dark door and into an alleyway. She came across an old hospital. As she wandered around the halls, she felt the hospital was familiar to her. She came to a room full of beds, when she saw them she had a flashback of herself in the same bed by the window. Marlene came closer but stopped when she heard the crunching of glass under her shoes. She looked down and saw a frame, she pulled the picture out. It was her and she was next to a man with an arm wrapped around her waist. She turned it over and it read,

Marlene Ashmore, Andrew Ashmore 1845

“Didn’t I tell you it wasn’t safe..” a gravelly voice said. Marlene jerked her head up and saw her new friend again.

“You again!” she half shouted, “You’re the one that torments my brother!”

“It’s quite fun actually,” Ring Master laughed in return, still standing in the doorway of the hospital room.

“What do you want?” she asked, not taking her gaze off of him.

“Just making sure your wound is better.” He replied

“What do you really want?” Marlene spat, half angry.

“Because, Marlene Ashmore, you intrigue me” He hissed in a low voice, inches from her face.

“Marlene!” They both looked towards the end of the hall where they heard Marcus shout.

“Well shit...” he always seems to be around at the right time… Ring Master thought to himself. He swiftly disappeared through another doorway without even Marlene noticing.

“There you are! I told you it isn’t safe to wander off!” he said angrily. Marlene shrank back guiltily, “C’mon we only have an hour or so before you meet the governor.” Marcus grabbed her hand tightly as he led her out of the room.

Ring Master watched them leave from the shadows