"Especially if those police you attacked with your weapon happened to recognise you," murmured Roberta.
The professor ignored her and turned to me. "I know we have had our differences, my boy, but you acted bravely today and I thank you for saving Roberta's life."
"It was my pleasure to help, sir. I would do it again in an instant."
"Sadly, you will not have the chance," he said, a little stiffly. "I have not forgotten that it was your actions which brought this mess upon us in the first place."
The mood soured after this proclamation, and we walked the rest of the way in silence. There were people about now, with early-morning deliveries already under way, and I knew the streets would soon be bustling. For myself, I just wanted to curl up in bed.
We finally arrived home, where the professor let us in.
"Mrs Fairacre and the maid will be sleeping," whispered Roberta. "Do try not to disturb them."
The professor turned to me. "You may spend the night, but I want you to pack your things when you awaken. Tomorrow, you must leave."
I turned to Roberta for support, but she said nothing. So, I turned from the two of them and stumbled towards the staircase, feeling low and unwanted. I had hoped Roberta might put in a word for me as she had promised, but it seemed she was as determined to see the back of me as her father was. This was hardly surprising, for he had almost died as a result of my betrayal.
Slowly, I climbed the steps to my room, and on the way I wondered what the next day might bring. There was no guarantee the professor would pay me for my three or four days service, but if he did I resolved to take the first train home to my parents. Once there I would comply with their wishes, and take the first steps towards settling down with the wealthy merchant's rather dull daughter. It was not the life I wanted, but it seemed I no longer had a choice.
After readying myself for bed, I crossed to the window and gazed out upon the city. It looked peaceful in the the first grey light of dawn, and I wondered what the sleeping inhabitants would think if they knew of the horrors that had threatened to overwhelm them. The events of the past few days had been terrifying to me, but they had also opened my eyes to a new world of excitement and danger. And to think I once found maintaining accounting ledgers and summing dry columns of figures satisfying work!
No, I would welcome more of the same danger, especially if it involved working closely with Roberta.
Then I sighed, for Roberta was as lost to me as the professor and my short-lived employment.
Before retiring I took the pistol from my coat, ensured it was fully loaded, and tucked it under my pillow. The professor and Roberta did not seem to think Edgar would return, but I was not taking any chances. As for shooting Roberta by mistake, I was not the slightest bit concerned about that, for I knew she would not be visiting my room again.
– — Ω — –
I woke late the next day, refreshed and alert. I must have slept eight hours straight, and it was after midday by the time I stirred from my bed. Below, I could hear noises from the rest of the household, and I wondered whether the professor might soon hammer on my door to request my immediate departure.
The last vestiges of sleep fled, and I was up in an instant. My mood had been optimistic upon waking, but it soured quickly as I fetched my valise, laid it on the bed and began packing my things. After checking on top of the wardrobe and beneath the bed, I remembered the pistol under my pillow. I did not want to return it to the locked box, for Edgar knew the combination and might return to take the thing. Instead, I tucked it into my case with the leather pouch of cartridges.
I left my room the instant my packing was complete, for I saw no reason to delay my departure. Taking the stairs, I reached the ground floor and made for the dining room. I was hungry, and I hoped the professor might grant me a final breakfast before I departed. Also, I greatly desired to see Roberta one more time. I would not make a fool of myself by pleading my case, but I did want to say a final goodbye.
I passed the professor's study on my way to the dining room, and I glanced in to see him at his desk. He was reading a newspaper, and such was his concentration that I dared not disturb him. Instead, I continued to the dining room, where I was met by the mouth-watering smell of breakfast.
Roberta was at the table, a substantial plate of food before her, and she smiled warmly as I entered. "Mr Jones! I feared you'd slipped away from us in the night. Did you sleep well?"
I was saddened by the formal manner in which she addressed me, for until recently she had taken to using my given name. However, I did not let my expression betray my feelings. "Indeed I did, and thank you," I said brightly. "And yourself?"
"Like a babe in arms." She gestured at the sideboard. "Please help yourself. Father is deep in his works, and the food will probably go to waste."
I needed no second bidding, and I set my valise against the wall and took up a plate. Moments later I returned to sit at the table with a substantial breakfast before me.
"Goodness," said Roberta. "Is that to last you all week?"
I reddened. "If you wish me to put some back…"
