The Criminology Chronicles

By J.L. Dumire

Following the events of the fateful murder party at the Jilde Estate, the Criminology Society has continued on with their lives as usual. Since then, the remaining members have gained a new perspective of the world. Now, with their new vision, they will face challenges unlike any other as the veil of crime,

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.L. Dumire
• Release date: May 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218021979

J.L. Dumire

J.L. Dumire is a fairly new author on the scene, building a career in the one thing they love most - entertaining fiction! Born in West Virginia and currently a New Jersey inhabitant, they hope to develop this dream to be able to devote more time to their loved ones while creating suspenseful enjoyment for others. This author has two primary interests in their genres: Urban Fantasy, depicting magic and mythology in a modern setting; and Mysteries, such as his Criminology Society series with twists and turns to keep you guessing who done it until the very end! J.L. Dumire can also be found on Wattpad creating hobby works such as subjectIVe: A Project 863 Story with more to come!

Book preview

Prologue

 Dear Mrs Amelia Cole,

It is my deepest regret that I will be away from Oxford on the eve of your opening of the Greco-Roman Art and Architecture exhibit. I truly wish I could attend but some business has called for my attention in France. I look forward to reading about the opening and hearing about it from you at the next meeting of the Criminology Society. I also cannot thank you enough for inviting my associates at Everjust, Mr Blackbird, Cook, and Miss Cyrus. They are exceptionally eager to join in with you and the other members. On that note, I understand that James has joined Susan and Andrea on holiday to help the former's recovery after the events of the previous month. It will be nice for everyone to be together at your opening, but once again, I look forward to joining you all myself at Everjust. I wish you all well.

       Sincerely, your friend,

       Mr Roland Wood

1

The Mistress, The Maid and the Bacchanalian -Chapter 1-

James Mondey, the disreputable yet charming face of the Criminology Society, waited on the deck of a ferry boat heading for the Isle of Wight. James was offering his services to his two friends, Andrea Karras and Susan Jordain. Only a short time ago, these three friends were embroiled in a foreboding experience that claimed the lives of five people! Worse still, James's best friend in the world was the orchestrator of it all. James had worked long and hard to forget the events of that night. With that being said, whatever problems he was left with, he knew Susan Jordaine was feeling them tenfold. Susan has always been emotionally fragile, therefore, her well-being was assuredly worrisome. James had spoken to Susan's maid and secret lover, Andrea recently and found that she had been ill shortly after the deadly party. Andrea managed to nurse Susan well enough that she could go out again, but she still felt little gumption to go anywhere. Luckily, James is a very good friend and had the perfect idea to aid the ladies. He offered to take them to a vacation home he visits from time to time on the Isle of Wight.

Hello, Jimmy. Andrea Karras leaned against the railing next to her upper-class American friend. She was dressed a bit less jaunty than she would normally be, in a simple coat and a sun dress beneath. Her wide hat and sun shades on her eyes lent her the image of someone ready to enjoy the beach. James was dressed less high-class himself, with a linen coat, an open collar shirt, vest and matching trousers, and tall boots that came just under his knees. James looked more like he was joining Professor Cole on an excursion than on a vacation with friends.

Andrea. James smiled. How's Suzie?

"She'll be alright. Although I doubt we'll ever go on any long cruises over the water if you catch my drift. She replied. James laughed his boisterous laugh, knowing that the ferry ride must have made Susan seasick. I left her on the bench around the corner. It may help her to not actually look at the water."

She'd still feel the rocking of the boat, wouldn't she? James raised a brow with an amused grin.

Uh... Oh. Andrea slumped a bit and glared at James once he started sniggering. Oh, button it, you! She reached up and mussed James's perfectly slicked black hair.

Come, now! James laughed. Do you know how difficult it is to keep this picturesque in this wind?

Suffer about it. Andrea waved him off as she rounded the corner to see Susan, laid out across the bench she was left on. Alright, Miss?

Ugh... A plaintiff moan was all Susan could offer, at first. ... I started feeling better once I laid down. The slight rocking feels much more soporific lying down than sitting up.

Well, we'll be docking soon. Andrea rubbed Susan's arm. Once we're on dry land you should feel better.

"I certainly hope so... And is James sure this vacation home we're on our way to is... private enough?" Susan's relationship with Andrea was an exciting one, but also a stressful one when having to keep such a massive secret.

There's only one neighbouring house on the other side of a treeline across from a stretch of the land, James interjected. "Add to it that it's the off-season, which means neither the neighbours nor my friend that owns the house that we're using, will be in the area. We have an entire corner of the Isle to ourselves!"

See? Andrea patted Susan's hand. Nothing to worry about. You'll have plenty of time and space to breathe.

Susan was much more at ease knowing this. She sat back up but felt an immediate moment of queasiness as the ferry came to a halt at the docks of Cowes. Andrea and James aided her as she stood up and James left the ladies to go and retrieve the luggage. Once crossing the gangplank, Susan felt much more level but dreaded the prospect of taking a motorcar to the house. Either James or Andrea were hectic drivers on any ordinary day, but on a day like today, Susan might cause a touch of damage to the upholstery. Andrea stopped along the way to where the car awaited them and bought a small pouch of blueberries for Susan to have on the ride. She trotted over and placed the pouch in Susan's hands.

What's this? She asked.

Pop them as necessary on the drive, Andrea said. They'll help you with motion sickness.

Really? Susan peered into the paper pouch. Depending on which one of you is driving, it may not be enough. She and Andrea shared a giggle.

Right, can we get a move on? James panted. "I'm carrying mine and Suzie's things!"

"Sorry, am I the one who packed my own bar? I don't believe so. Susan quipped. You actually have more luggage than myself!" She added a cheeky giggle.

Well, can I help it if my friend, Max, is a teetotaler!? James was struggling to stay upright as he tried to juggle two wheeled trunks and a large suitcase. For the ladies, it was a leisurely stroll to the car, but to James, it was an eternity. The car was waiting on the corner from the dock's street entrance. A man stepped out of the car as he saw the three approaching.

James! The man was in his mid-thirties with wavy reddish hair and a thin moustache. He looked almost as charming as James on his best day, wearing a leisure suit. How are you, old boy!? James put down the suitcase and outstretched his hand.

Max! I didn't expect to see you here! James and his friend Max shook hands and hugged one another with a pat on the back.

"I was hardly going to let anyone besides you or me drive my touring car, was I?" Max laughed.

So you travelled all the way to the Isle of Wight to drive a car? Andrea raised a brow behind her sunshades.

"Well, and to hand over the keys, Max stated. I don't trust the post to mail anything as precious as the key to my second home." He handed James the keys to the vacation home.

Yes, ladies, this is my friend Aaron Maxamillion. James made introductions.

Simply call me 'Max' and we'll be the best of friends. He chuckled. Even my underlings call me 'Mr Max'.

These are my even closer friends, Susan Jordain and her personal maid, Andrea Karras. James finished the pleasantries. Max gave a gracious bow to the ladies.

And to answer you further, Miss Karras, was it? Andrea nodded to him. I didn't make a special trip out here for nothing, I already had some business in the town.

Max here makes most of his money as a small business investor, James explained. If I had to guess, he probably has his fingers in half of the shops on the Isle!

Oh, please, James. One-third at most. Max laughed. Most of my primary investments are local near my main home in Durham. It's amazing how so many small investments pay off in great quantities later!

True wisdom, I'm sure. Susan mused. Miss Jordain had also invested money in many ventures, but mostly Mr Wood's property projects.

I also wanted to lay down a single ground rule. None of your questionable gatherings in the house, James. Max waved his finger at James in a mock-scolding manner.

"Not to worry, Max. This trip is solely for Miss Jordaine's health and recuperation, so while I do love a good party, I love being a good friend even more." James explained. Max seemed surprised.

"My God, James. Is it possible that you've matured so much?" Max laughed.

Not near as much as you, and with luck, hopefully, that'll never happen. James and Max shook hands and the latter gave the ladies a slight bow as he made his farewells.

James aided Andrea in loading the luggage into the touring car and with that, they were away. Andrea took the wheel since Susan doesn't drive and James was exhausted from lugging the luggage around. Once they were out of town, Andrea really let loose and began charging the engine. Susan was practically feeding directly out of the pouch of blueberries and clutching at the seats.

By the by, Jimmy! Andrea called over the wind. What'd you mean back there when you said to Max that you hope never to be as mature as him? 

Well, Max and I used to run in the same group, you see. James rested back in his seat, enjoying the ride. One day he met a lovely girl, one thing led to another, and now he's married. Simple as that, not really much to tell.

S-so... Susan tried to compose herself in the front passenger seat. You've kept in touch, then?

Oh, yes! He leaned forward between the ladies. I keep correspondence with many of the people I've grown up with. One of my schoolmates from the States has children who call me 'Uncle James'.

Poor kids. Andrea laughed, Susan joining.

Teasing James may have gone all the further except that the vacation home came into view over the hill. The vacation home was a gorgeous large house situated somewhere on the southwest end of the Thorness area, meaning that it was just a stroll away from the beach. Susan looked more relaxed already, fawning over the beautiful home as the afternoon sun highlighted the modern architecture of the two-story house. The car came to a stop in the drive and James hopped out of the back to begin unloading the luggage. Susan breathed heavily until Andrea came to her side of the car and helped her out. Susan was a trifle wobbly-legged at first but gained her composure before they walked towards the front door. The masonry work in the front was gorgeous and some coloured brick was used to make the shape of a seashell on the ground just before the door. The girls looked back at James, sharing a laugh as he let out an exasperated yell trying to yank out one of the trunks.

Careful of your back, James! Susan giggled.

Oh, what a wonderful idea! He hollered back in a sarcastic tone, nearly losing his footing and falling onto the pavement. Ah!

Andy, maybe go and help him before he hurts himself. Susan smiled again. Andrea nodded and trotted over to give James a hand.

Together, the two gathered the trunks and James took his newfound key to open the front. The door opened to a lovely foyer where the afternoon sun shone through an open skylight. A winding staircase went up to the second floor which arched over the walkway into the living area and all the way into a gorgeous sun room out back.

"Oh, gracious! This place really is incredible!" Susan exclaimed.

Yes, indeed. James moved the trunks inward to the base of the stairs. "Many fond memories here. Granted, not as fond as they could be, but enjoyable enough. He gestured. As for you two, I recommend heading upstairs to unwind until I get dinner underway." The ladies came to a sudden stop at the mention of James offering to cook.

You cook, James? Andrea blurted out.

Mostly breakfast meals, but aside from that, I can also make a decent pasta dish. Funny story, that, I was with a lovely woman from Sicily-

"Thank you, James, whatever you make will be fine." Andrea interrupted his, assuredly crude, story. Andrea grabbed Susan's trunk and began rolling it up the stairs.

What about your things? Susan asked.

We'll worry about it later. Besides, Andrea leaned over to Susan's ear. "I hid a few of my favourite items in your trunk. Susan shuddered in anticipation, biting her lip to keep from making any noise. Remember, darling, it's just us and James. We don't need to hide."

I can't thank you both enough for this. Susan glided her hand against Andrea's cheek. They finished ascending the stairs and took a glance at the living area from above. The second floor was like a bridge across the entryway. The walkway reached around into a hall of bedroom doors and the ladies picked one, immediately.

-Chapter 2-

James re-entered the kitchen the following day wearing nought but a silk robe and trousers. After an extended yawn, he prepared to fix some breakfast. To his surprise, Andrea was already at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee. James combed his hands through his shiny black hair and closed his robe with another yawn.

Morning. He managed to say through his gaping mouth.

Morning. Cuppa? Andrea offered, lifting her own cup from the table.

Yes, please. James accepted. I'm not accustomed to being seen like this by someone who I haven't wooed the previous night.

"Well, I did some wooing last night. Does that count?" Andrea took a sip of her coffee and began pouring another cup for James. 

Fair enough. Breakfast? James pointed at the stove.

I didn't start preparing yet. I thought you might like some help after you prepared dinner on your own last night. Andrea laughed lightly.

Right. Sorry about the under-done pasta by the way. James pulled a few items from the ice box and set them on the counter. I assure you, my breakfasts are much more satisfactory. Some assistance in preparations would be appreciated, though.

Gladly. Andrea