Prologue: Ladyhistory turned at the sound of the knock at the door, purse in hand and reaching for her coat. She opened it without thinking and almost dropped what she was holding when she saw who came to call. Two men stood on her doorstep. The first walked briskly through her doorway without stopping for an invitation, and quickly yanked his scarf off before taking a seat in the plush armchair near the window.

“I realize you think you’re going to meet a man,” he said, glancing at her evening  clutch,”but you are wrong.” He had not removed his coat, and his stiff collar made him appear pretentious and brusque.“I suggest you sit.”

His colleague reprimanded him with tired eyes and said, “I apologize, Ladyhistory, I hope we aren’t intruding. It’s just… well, we have a rather odd case and it seems we need your help. Would you be up for it?” he sat on the couch opposite his partner, leaving Ladyhistory her least favorite chair.

As Ladyhistory attempted to comprehend just who was sitting in her living room, the first man shot the framed photograph on her side table a haughty look.

“It seems,” he said, “we have need for your expert opinion. Time is of the essence, Ms. History, I’d rather you not waste it trying to catch up. We are here and we need your input.”

His voice seemed to catch on the word, “need.” Finally, Ladyhistory set her purse down next to his scarf. She would not be meeting her date. She sat down on the couch next to his companion.

“What,” she asked, finding her voice, “-what can I help you with?”She glanced between the two of them, trying to get her bearings. “I’m not sure if I’m and expert on anything-“

“Why of course you are.” He cut her off, his curly mop of brunette hair perfectly in place, “otherwise we wouldn’t be here. It should be obvious. We are need your help with a question of utmost importance. It concerns Teddy. Teddy Roosevelt. And I certainly hope you can help us.”

Ladyhistory took a breath, and said, “Yes. Sherlock, Watson, how can I help?”