Antonia Alexander - The Fifth Victim--Mary Kelly was murdered by Jack the Ripper now her Great-Great-Grandaughter reveals the true story of what really happened

H eavy rain began to fall again; I looked out of my window at the relentless downpour pounding the pavements below. Id heard on the news that this was the worse June in history for rain, hey but look on the bright side, the hosepipe ban had been lifted, unlike my spirits.

I had had a phone call from Nan, she lived in La Cala and I hadnt visited for a while, but she wasnt her usual cheerful self; she might be 81 but her wicked sense of humour and her positive outlook on life made everyone around her feel good. I could feel something was worrying her so I offered to go over to see her; knowing I apportioned my time with university and my family she usually told me to wait until the holidays to visit, but this time she immediately said: Yes love that would be great.

I was instantly worried, although Id asked her a number of times she kept insisting everything was fine, but there was always a but, Id love to see you. I told her I would come over as soon as I could arrange a flight.

I needed to speak to Philip, my husband, I knew he was due some time off and I wanted him to take it to look after Lana and Maddie, our two daughters; I didnt want to take them on this trip, I sensed something was wrong and thought it would be better to see Nan by myself.

I had been married for five years now and although juggling family life with University was difficult at times I wouldnt change it. I loved being a wife and mother; I remember the night I had met Philip.

It was the hen night of one of my best friends, Jessica. I always took ages deciding what to wear on a night out and this night was no exception. I finally decided on a snug-fitting black halter neck dress which I felt very sexy in. I could hear a car horn beeping outside signalling the arrival of my taxi.

Stepping into the cab I was greeted by Emily, my oldest friend and confidant; we had gone to primary school together, then comprehensive, then college and now University. Emily had arranged the hen party and was her usual boisterous happy self as I took a seat in the cab.

Wow Tonia, you look great! she squealed, hugging me to her ample bosom; all my close friends and family called me Tonia, all except for my Dad who always called me Antonia.

I returned Emilys compliment, Thanks, so do you.

And she did with her blonde, not-a-strand-out- of-place hair, low-cut red top and black pencil skirt. She has the looks a lot of girls would be envious of.

We had arranged to meet the others at a club; Emily had been there on numerous occasions and had guaranteed us all a great night. We headed down the stairs of the club, receiving admiring looks from some of the male staff and customers; I hadnt been out socially for a long while, so I was unused to such attention and I could feel myself blush. The room was smaller than I imagined, but I liked it. There was a cosy feeling with candlelit tables around the dance floor, stools placed discreetly at each corner, and a friendly-sounding DJ churning out all the latest chart hits.

Over there, look, Emily shouted above the noise. The others.

Emily pulled me by the arm towards a table just ahead of us. I was looking forward to the evening, it was the first time in over a year that wed all got together, and we all got on really well despite being very different characters. There was Jessica, the bride to be, a petite blonde, who had been with her fiance since she was 18; she was always quiet and unassuming. Then there was Brooke a very giggly, happy-go-lucky girl, curvaceous with long, dark-brown hair. And then there was Ebony the serious one who went out even less than me. Tall and very elegant, she has strawberry-blonde hair and the most amazing green eyes.

Emily and I ordered some drinks; the others looked as if theyd had a few already. After a lot of talking and some more drinks we were all ready to take to the dance floor.

Come on, girls! shouted Emily. Lets go show em what were made of.

Although I rarely went to clubs, I loved to dance; I was convinced that dancing around the house to the radio or the music channel was what kept me in shape. We were all having a great time. Even Ebony had loosened up and was shaking herself around as much as the rest of us.

Wahoo! Jessica screamed above the noise of the music. Im having the best time.

We should do this more often! admitted Brooke.

Well, its not like I havent tried. Emilys I-told- you-so tone left us in no doubt.

After what seemed like an eternity on the dance floor, I went back and sat down at the table. Emily and Ebony kept dancing while Brooke took Jessica to the toilet. The hen was beginning to look a little the worse for drink and quite unsteady on her feet. I looked around at my fellow clubbers. Some obviously made this a weekly visit, while others looked a bit out of place.

I called out to a passing waitress. Excuse me; can I get some drinks, please? Two Bacardi and diet cokes, a vodka and lemonade, glass of white wine and a soda water with lime.

Soda and lime seemed a good option for Jessica. Shed need to sober up a bit if she was to enjoy the rest of her night. Still dancing, Emily edged closer to the table, then bent down to speak, as quietly as the clubs noise allowed, into my ear.

Dont look now, but youve got an admirer. Over by the bar.

Feeling a little self-conscious, I took a sneaky look anyway. Sure enough there was a guy looking at me. I turned away quickly, but knew he was still staring. I turned to look again.

Oh my God! I said, panicking. Hes coming over.

I couldnt help but look at the good-looking dark haired man approaching me. I gulped as he smiled it made him look even more gorgeous and I found myself grinning back.

Hi! I hope you dont mind me coming over. I knew youd seen me looking at you and, rather than just sit there staring and probably spooking you out, I thought Id just come and say hello!

No, I dont mind. And hello to you too.

He seemed relieved that I hadnt told him where to go; he sat himself on the seat next to me and held out his hand.

Im Philip.

Antonia. I replied returning the courtesy.

Ooooh!

We both turned to my friends grinning at us, and I waved them away like a pack of giggling schoolgirls.

Sorry, I dont want to interrupt your party, he said.

No no, youre not, I said reassuring him with a smile.

It was the usual small talk at first names, jobs, where we lived. But, before we knew it, we were talking about dreams and ambitions the conversation flowed so easily. I hadnt felt this good in a long while. He stood up to order us both another drink I didnt mind, anything to prolong our time together.

I discovered through our conversation that Philip was a chef at an expensive restaurant nearby; needless to say I hadnt been in there too often, just when it was a special occasion and my dad was paying. Being a student I couldnt yet enjoy the finer things in life; Mum would always tell meall your hard work will pay off in the end, but until that time arrived I could always depend on the bank of dad.

I was studying medicine and it would be a while yet before I would start to make any money; I loved what I was doing though, it was hard work, and you had to be committed. Half of my class had dropped out already, but I was going to see it through until the end. That was the main reason I hadnt been out socialising; my university work was time consuming. The last thing I was looking for was a relationship, but something told me that Philip was different and I felt an instant bond with him.