Two men, one broad shouldered with an intelligent light burning in his blue eyes and another, tall, thin wearing wire spectacles, preceded Gustav into the room. I liked tall men and gave each an appraising look. Both of them wore quality overcoats, albeit, well worn. Both of them were well groomed and their fingernails lacked the tell tale grime stains of the working class.<br/><br/>"Mother Annalise, may I present Francis Novella and his associate, Doctor Wells. Gentlemen, Madame Annalise Rochester." Gustav stepped away to stand in a far corner, unobstrusive but vigilant.<br/><br/>Crossing the floor with an outstretched arm, I stood close enough to smell the scent of the London streets, good whiskey, tobacco and mouth watering maleness. Both men slightly bowed but Dr. Wells, took my hand in a suprising deft strong grip and left a lingering kiss on my knuckles.<br/><br/>I murmured,<br/>"Gentlemen, won't you be seated. A small repast is being laid.How may I serve you?"<br/><br/>Mr. Novella commandeered the large wing back while Dr. Wells and I occupied the settee. He crossed his leg at the ankle, holding it with a big blunt fingered hand. I couldn't quite help myself from fantasizing about those fingers but I lifted my chin.<br/><br/>"We have come at your request, Madame," Mr. Novella remarked. "Of what service may we be to you?"<br/>He smiled thinly, but fire burned low in his eyes and his tone.<br/><br/>I drew a deep breath, as deep as my stays would allow and said,<br/>"Someone is killing my girls and I want it stopped."