And If You Wrong Us

Part 5: Secrets

"It wasn't what it looked like."

"Then tell me, Miss Pemberly, why would a young woman, all on her own, be in a rundown alleyway with a man who is handing her money?" He waited.

"I... I have my reasons. I had to speak with him. How is it any of your business, anyways?" She marched past him towards the stairs.

Mr. Raven caught her by the arm and hauled her back.

"Ow!" She recoiled from him in shock.

"You are trying my patience, Miss Pemberly, and it is wearing thin."

"You hurt me!" she cried, rubbing her arm.

"I am quite certain that what I just did pales in comparison to what you are doing to yourself. Answer the question, Miss Pemberly! Why were you with that man?"

"I had business with him!"

"Why are you doing this? Is it the money? If you need money the orphanage will provide you an allowance!"

"I can't." Sarah turned away from Mr. Raven. "I can't tell you."

"Why are you doing this to yourself?" Mr. Raven grasped her shoulders and pulled her towards him. "How could you let them violate you!"

Sarah crumpled under his touch, sobbing. "I can't tell you..."

Mr. Raven loosened his grip on her, breathing heavily. He put his arms around her as she cried into his chest, dampening his shirt.

"I can't."

Mr. Raven leaned his face against the top of her head. "Please, whatever you're doing...stop. If not for you, then for me."

She quieted under his touch. Shaking, she looked up at him. "Why do you care so much?"

"I... I just want you to be safe. You are under my care. It is my responsibility to ensure your safety."

Sarah nodded, then pulled out of his embrace and retreated to the stairwell.

"Sarah."

She paused.

"Please; don't go there anymore."

Christmas had come to their typically quiet town, causing the calm streets to be filled with hustle and bustle as parents picked up packages from the local store or seamstress. This was the one holiday a year that the orphanage spared no expense, decorating the banisters with garlands, the doors with wreaths, and the dining hall with a grand tree. The dining hall tables were adorned with turkey, stuffing, and potatoes. Even pumpkin pie was provided on such a joyous occasion.

As evening approached, the carolers began to fill into the streets as parents and children hurried home, the nightly winter chill chasing most indoors. The orphanage's halls were filling with the scents of a full Christmas meal and the chattering of hungry children. Mr. Raven was packing up his briefcase and reaching for his coat when his office door creaked open.

Sarah's head poked inside. "I wasn't sure if you would still be here," she said, opening the door wider. "I wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas."

Mr. Raven pulled his coat on. "Thank you, Miss Pemberly. A Happy Christmas to you as well." He started for the door, but she blocked his path. "Was there something else, Miss Pemberly?"

"I...I have a gift for you." Her hands slipped out from behind her back.

"Miss Pemberly, it's hardly appropriate —"