The Scotsman has published the third chapter of its new serial, Edward Kane and the Supernal Sisters, a historical mystery with a paranormal twist. The serial, written by Ross Macfarlane QC, follows the adventures of a 19th century advocate who is hired to defend three sisters accused of fraud and witchcraft.
The Sisters’ Secret
In the previous chapters, we learned that Edward Kane, a young and ambitious advocate, was approached by a mysterious woman named Mrs. Sinclair, who offered him a lucrative case. She claimed that her three daughters, known as the Supernal Sisters, were gifted mediums who could communicate with the spirits of the dead. However, they were arrested by the police after a séance went wrong and a wealthy client died of a heart attack. Mrs. Sinclair asked Kane to prove their innocence and expose the real culprit behind the client’s death.
Kane agreed to take the case, but soon discovered that it was more complicated than he expected. He visited the sisters in jail and found out that they had a secret: they were not really sisters, but orphans who were adopted by Mrs. Sinclair. They also confessed that they were not genuine mediums, but skilled performers who used tricks and illusions to create the appearance of supernatural phenomena. They insisted, however, that they did not kill their client, and that someone else must have tampered with their equipment.
A Distasteful Joke
In the third chapter, Kane decides to investigate the scene of the crime: the mansion of Lord Dalrymple, the deceased client. He hopes to find some clues that could shed some light on the mystery. He is accompanied by his friend and colleague, James Campbell, who is skeptical of the sisters’ story and warns Kane of the risks of defending them.
At the mansion, Kane and Campbell are greeted by Lord Dalrymple’s son, Sir Robert, who is hostile and arrogant. He tells them that he believes the sisters are guilty and that he will do everything in his power to make sure they are punished. He also reveals that he has a personal grudge against them, as he blames them for ruining his marriage. He says that his wife, Lady Dalrymple, became obsessed with the sisters and their séances, and spent a fortune on their services. He accuses them of manipulating her and filling her head with lies.
Kane and Campbell are then shown to the drawing room, where the séance took place. They examine the room and the equipment that the sisters used, such as a table, a bell, a trumpet, and a cabinet. They notice that some of the items are damaged or broken, and wonder if they were sabotaged. They also find a note that was left by the sisters, which reads:
We are the Supernal Sisters, and we can bring you messages from beyond the grave. Do you dare to hear what the spirits have to say?
Kane is puzzled by the note, as it seems to contradict the sisters’ claim that they were not trying to deceive anyone. He asks Campbell what he thinks of it, and Campbell replies that it is a distasteful joke. He says that the sisters were mocking their clients and their beliefs, and that they deserved to be exposed and punished. He also says that Kane is wasting his time and reputation by defending them, and that he should drop the case.
Kane, however, is not convinced. He thinks that there is more to the note than meets the eye, and that it could be a clue to the truth. He decides to keep the note and continue his investigation. He tells Campbell that he is not afraid of the challenge, and that he will prove the sisters’ innocence and find the real killer.
What Will Happen Next?
The third chapter of Edward Kane and the Supernal Sisters ends with a cliffhanger, as Kane and Campbell are about to leave the mansion. They are stopped by Sir Robert, who has a surprise for them. He says that he has something to show them, something that will change their minds about the sisters. He leads them to another room, where he says they will see the proof of their guilt.
What will Sir Robert show them? What is the secret behind the sisters’ note? Who killed Lord Dalrymple, and why? These are some of the questions that will be answered in the next chapters of the serial, which will be published in The Scotsman every weekday until December 24. Don’t miss this thrilling and intriguing story, which combines historical fiction, mystery, and paranormal elements.
