Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 103) – Malcolm Marsh

Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 103 )

I was looking forward to Saturday nights dinner party with a little trepidation. I had stressed to the Mc Ginty’s that under no circumstances was any reference be made to my relationship with the late Mary Kelly, one slip of the tongue and I could be in trouble.

Fred Abberline was a valued friend, but he was also a Police Inspector which at times made our friendship difficult. I wouldn’t say he suspected me as such, but until the Ripper was caught, he viewed everyone with a certain amount of suspicion.

I was probably whittling over nothing it was to be a party, not a wake. And I know that if Lizzie had her way, we would enjoy it or she would want to know the reason why. I could not help but wonder what her niece would be like, after all she was a stranger to me.

The days came and went, and Saturday came around and I must admit that the thought of another night in cheerful company had its merits. I was bathed, shaved and ready a full half hour before they were due to arrive. The food was cooking and the presents were gift wrapped and waiting on the sideboard. And all was well with the world or so I hoped.

Then the moment arrived, there was a rapping on the door McGinty answered, relieved them of their coats and ushered them through to thee Dining Room. Fred came first followed by Lizzie, then their niece who was introduced to me as Irene. She was much as I had expected, young attractive and well bought up.

But there was something else about her, that caused me to shudder. She reminded me so much of Mary Kelly. It wasn’t her looks she was dark whereas Mary was fair. I was her mannerisms, the way she held herself, her warm smile and the way she spoke with her hands. She was beautiful, but for a moment or two I found her quite unnerving.