Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Away from Neverland	By : Rosamund Category: M through R > Peter Pan > Crossovers Views: 11903 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the book(s) that this fanfiction is written for, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Chapter 10: New and Strange

A/N Dedicated to FairlightMuse and NeverlandPrincess. Their previews and other discussions helped this story along. FairlightMuse reviewed the last chapter and gave me thumbs up to post, but I became so frustrated with a glitch and my ffnet account that I forgot to thank her. Her story I Promise was one of my original inspirations. And NeverlandPrincess is just an awesome young lady. Check out her story A Dream of a Memory.

Also, I can’t believe how……I am! I actually typed Jolly Rancher consistently instead of Jolly Roger? A reviewer on AFF took note of it. I’m so embarrassed!

On the ship

“Get out.”

The Captains words seemed to endlessly repeat in Wendy’s mind as she fled the bridge of the Jolly Roger. But it was more than the words that hurt her. It was the way her body had reacted to the Captain, how his obviously reacted to hers, and then how his disposition had changed so quickly upon answering her question.

His brother. His brother’s name was Peter. Could…no, it must be a coincidence, she thought as she found her favorite place to sit and read on the deck. Her own little corner, a place where she was not disturbed by the crew, and where she did not disrupt their duties aboard the ship. She cried until she fell asleep.

London

John Darling was both anxious and nervous to return home. First and foremost he was worried about his sister. The vague telegrams he’d received from both his parents and his brothers were alarming without saying much. Second, he was bringing a young lady he was courting with him. And her chaperone, of course.

John smiled as he held the hand of Lady Elizabeth as she exited the taxied carriage. He watched as her eyes carefully scrutinized his family home. He knew she must be a bit disappointed, but couldn’t wait for her to see the elegance of inside the Darling Estate, and then he would show her the property they held behind the main house. Not to mention the grand area in between the two houses. How many could boast they held two properties in such grandness near London? True, it was no mansion, but impressive none the less.

Elizabeth came from a wealthy family which held two expansive properties in the English Countryside, not to mention their summer home near the shores of Wilkshire. The Darlings had refrained from purchasing such elaborate homes, but everyone knew of their wealth and that it was only a matter of times before John and Michael began establishing their own estates. Realty managers had already begun pestering the boys when John was only fourteen.

After making sure Elizabeth was settled and the taxi driver was handling their luggage appropriately, he turned to their chaperone, Elizabeth’s sister Madeleine and held his hand out for her to exit the carriage. She declined and exited on her own.

The two sisters were as opposite as night and day. Elizabeth was petite and curvy with dark brown shiny hair and had eyes as blue as the sky. Madeleine was tall, with honey colored hair that had a life of its own, even tied up in a bun. She was very slender with chocolate colored eyes.

While sixteen-year-old Elizabeth was poised, flirty and preferred the sound of her proper name, Madeleine was quiet, observant, and easy going – and preferred to be called her nickname of Maddy.

While Elizabeth was courted by many, Maddy was sometimes called an “old maid” behind her back. No one courted her. Although many did not know the reason for this. Maddy had once been engaged, to a captain’s officer aboard the Royal Fleet. His ship was lost at sea several years ago, and Maddy, now twenty-five, still mourned her loss.

Some rumors even mentioned the two, Maddy and her fiancé Richard, had done the unthinkable – slept together before marriage. No one knew the truth, for Madeleine responded to such inquiries with “that is certainly none of your business.”

John helped the driver up to the front of his family home, where Trish, the maid, opened the doors to greet them. She took the bags from John and helped the carriage driver in with the rest.

John watched with satisfaction as Elizabeth’s eyes widened. Yes, his mother had done an excellent job re-doing the foyer and the rest of the house. He glanced over to Maddy and noticed her expression remained the same, doleful look as usual.

It wasn’t long before greetings and introductions were made with the Darling family, minus the Cravens who had gone out for the day. Michael joined his brother in giving the two women a tour of the house.

“And this is our library…” John stated as they entered a good sized room that was filled from the floor to the ceilings with books. While Elizabeth feigned interest, Maddy’s eyes widened and, for the first time since he met the woman, John thought she looked excited.

Michael, however, broke out in a smile. “Do you enjoy reading?” He asked.

Maddy smiled back, but her eyes still glazed over the number of books. “Oh, yes! I do indeed. Have you, by chance, any Arthur Conan Doyle…or any Jules Verne? I enjoy contemporary fiction, but clearly have preference for mysteries and medical texts. But not Freud, he seems entirely too speculative for my taste.”

John’s jaw dropped, having forgotten his manners. Never had he heard so many words come from the woman’s mouth at one time. Elizabeth seemed un-amused by her sister’s enthusiasm

Michael was quick to answer. He liked this woman, she seemed much more easy-going than the fair Lady Elizabeth. Maybe entertaining the two guests wouldn’t be so tiresome after all.

“Yes, I believe we do have a good collection of detective stories, including all of Mr. Doyle’s current works.”

“Oh, John,” Elizabeth exclaimed, “Please tell me you have something else to show me while Maddy indulges in her only pastime of book affairs.”

Elizabeth giggled as she said this, while Michael noticed a look cross Maddy’s eyes. He made a vow right then to make sure Maddy had a wonderful time during her stay, and he would let John take care of the nightmare calling herself Elizabeth.

John held his arm out for the younger sister, “Let me take you to the gardens. I am sure Trish will have some tea prepared by now.”

Elizabeth took his arm and giggled…again…as they left the library.

Michael smiled apologetically at Maddy.

“No need. I am used to it.” Maddy assured him, as if reading his thoughts. “It is her lifestyle, not mine.”

Michael’s smile grew genuine. He, too, was an avid reader and new his family library by heart. “Here, let me snow you what we have.”

The next half hour Michael helped Maddy bring out a collection of books to take to her rooms. She and Elizabeth were given their own suite, which was larger and in the nicer wing of the guest home in the back.

“Here, let me take these for you,” Michael offered as Maddy attempted to lift the entire stack off the desk.”

“No worries, I can manage…” A couple of books dropped as she attempted to lift the stack. “Well, perhaps if we made two piles.”

Michael laughed. “You know, I could not help but notice you selected the monographs on the Jack the Ripper case.”

Maddy blushed. “Yes, the case intrigues me.” She said pulling an errant curl that had escaped her bun.

“Have you any thoughts on the Ripper’s identity?”

Maddy shook her head. “No, but I do believe the case notes are missing something entirely…or leaving them out. I honestly doubt they will solve the case in our lifetime.”

Suddenly a thought struck Michael. He put down his collected set of books and motioned for Maddy to do the same.

“Lady Madeleine…”

“Maddy. Please, just call me Maddy.”

“Maddy…I could not help but realize that your interests fall into an area that may help our situation at hand.”

With this, Maddy raised a brow in curiosity.

“My sister is missing, but there is more information at hand that others know…including John. I…I cannot help but think your thoughts and ideas might be of benefit. I mean, you’re a woman, and so is Wendy. And you clearly seem to enjoy detective work.”

Maddy plopped down in a chair that just happened to be behind her. “Me? A woman…you’re asking for my help as a woman?”

Michael nodded, not realizing the consequences the two faced if found out. “Yes. Yes I am.”

On the Jolly Roger

Hours later Wendy woke up. She had no idea how long she’d been asleep, nor any idea that the Captain hadn’t even checked on her.

In fact, said Captain was still at the bridge. After being angry with himself and keeping his temper in control of going out and killing members of his crew at random, he’d finally thrown himself into his work. He’d even ignored those who tried to call on him, specifically Smee who had tried several times to warn the Captain of an upcoming storm.

But the Captain was in his own rage, and Smee knew well enough to take matters into his own hands in such situations. He’d also seen Wendy, and knew something had gone terribly wrong between the two. As first mate he could embark orders on others without worrying about consequences. And a storm was nothing others could complain about. They had to prepare. Everyone did his work, except for Wendy. It was obvious she was in a state, and no one bothered demanding her share in the work.

London

It was later that evening that Michael finally got John alone while Elizabeth and Madeline prepared for dinner. The Cravens had finally returned from shopping, and were doing the same.

Michael had found the time in their shared rooms to finally approach the matter.

“John, as you may or may not have guessed, there is indeed more to Wendy’s disappearance.”

John, without any distractions (Elizabeth), looked at his brother with interest. “The letter from mother and father told me a bit, that she was separated the Cravens and company during their stay in Wayside. Your letter was more just a dramatic plea to return home, yet it made me curious to know what other details there are.”

Michael nodded. He wasn’t quite ready to tell his brother everything, such as the brief conversation he’d had with detective Regan, and gulped before continuing. “She was taken. By Captain Hook.”

John’s face quickly turned red with rage. “What! How come nobody told me of this before! How can this be?”

Michael took hold of his brother, who had been standing, and sat him down on their lounge.

“Steven Craven reported that the two of them were attacked by the docks. Their attacker identified himself as Hook, and stated that he was taking Wendy. There was some questioning at their hotel with the local authorities, who seemed to disregard the mention of Captain Hook as a myth. This led Mr. Craven and his aunt to leave their party, from where they traveled here to deliver the information first hand to our parents. The London authorities are now involved, but I am a bit unconvinced as to the Craven’s well intentions.”

John took a moment to digest the information. It was unbelievable, really, to think of Hook outside of Neverland. Then again, how else would the Cravens know that particular name of a culprit? He then asked Michael this very question.

Michael frowned. “I am unsure as to an answer, but there has been speculation that Wendy simply ran away.”

“Ran away?” John said furiously. “Why on earth would our sister run away?”

Michael shrugged. He felt uneasy saying much more, but did so. “There may be evidence that Wendy went willingly, but the authorities are still questioning it. One thing is for sure…there was an arrest made of a former member of Captain Hook’s crew. He has verified Wendy’s presence. And…”

“And what?” John demanded.

“And he seemed to know information about the Cravens. That…that Captain Hook was actually rescuing Wendy from their pursuit of her wealth. Our families wealth, more specifically.”

John digested the information with composure. But his anger was evident. “How dare they!”

“Who?” Michael asked, wanting to make sure of his brother’s perspective.

“The Cravens! If the reports are true, then they shall not get away with this!”

Michael smiled. “I agree. And I think mother and father are weary of the two, as well. We just need to wait for them to make a mistake. In the meantime, perhaps…”

“We shall find out for ourselves! This is our sister, for the Gods sake! We must find her!”

John’s next question surprised Michael. “What about contacting Peter? Surely he must know how to find Captain Hook?”

Michael smiled. Perhaps there was still a boy left in John after all.

It was late that night, after dinner, that Michael and John made their way to their rooms. At dinner, John had remained his collected composure, making idle yet meaningful conversation with their company. Elizabeth had giggled too many times in Michael’s opinion, and Maddy had remained her aloofness to anything. As they bid goodnight, Maddy had winked to Michael as she mentioned catching up on some late night reading before retiring. Elizabeth flirted with every male in attendance before bidding her goodnights.

Up in their rooms, Michael and John discussed their plans.

“I still have some fairy dust,” John announced. “Perhaps if we just took a bit Tinkerbell or Peter will answer.”

Michael nodded. What else could they do? Of course, John did not know of Michael’s plans to visit Detective Regan. Nor did he know that Michael had arranged for Madeleine to accompany him.

On the ship…

Wendy awoke to find the crew manning what appeared to be a storm. Still in a state of sorrow, she went to her favorite rail to watch the waves crashing below. Before she knew it, the boat rocked with such tremendous force that she fell overboard.

Little did Wendy know, but the Captain had been watching her. He had gone out on the deck, trying desperately to stay awake. I can’t let Neverland pull me in…not now, he thought.

Without thinking, the Captain raced down to the deck, grabbed a rope, and dove overboard…

Her Majesty’s Police Headquarters, London, England

Detective Regan, or Regan, as he preferred to be called, sighed as he left his office after a long and tiring day. His position called for him to make an appearance by eight in the morning, and not long after he’d been called to check on a homicide in one of the slum areas. The scene had been horrific. A woman, tired of being beaten by her husband everyday, had gotten him drunk throughout the night before and then beat him to death with a club. The man’s brain had been bashed him, and blood had been splattered everywhere.

After examining the scene and going back to write his report, the prisoner from Wilkshire had arrived. While questioning would have to wait until the next day, there were other preparations to make.

Then, a member of the queen’s private court had paid a visit. His superior officer had asked that he and another detective sit in on the conversation regarding budgetary details. Afterwards, he was still required to write up some more daily reports and review the reports of officer below his rank.

It was late when he finally left, and he chose to have dinner at a local pub near the Queen’s Tower. The food was good and plentiful, the ale even better. He even got in a card game or two, as well as a chess match. He sighed as he made his way home in the wee hours. Life was…

Lonely

TBC
- 9
- 10
- 11
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Away from Neverland