And If You Wrong Us

Part 5: Secrets

She dropped a small box into his hands. "Please — it would mean a lot to me if you would accept it."

Mr. Raven hesitated, but unwrapped and opened the box. Inside was a thick ring, made of white and yellow gold bands that were interwoven. It was plain and elegant simultaneously; the perfect piece of jewelry for a man in a position of power. "This is lovely," Mr. Raven whispered. "But, why would you give this to me?"

"It was a gift to my father, some years ago. I always tried to get him things he would like...but he didn't like any of my gifts." Sarah's shoulders slumped, just for a moment. "But you're different. Despite your wealth, you appreciate things. This ring was very lovingly crafted — it deserves to be on the finger of someone who will value it." She took the band from the box and slid it into his right ring finger. "Oh good! It fits."

Mr. Raven stared down at his hand, his fingers resting on Sarah's palm. He pulled away.

"Thank you, Miss Pemberly. This is a fine gift. But I'm afraid I didn't get one for you, as it is against the policies of the orphanage. I really shouldn't even accept this."

"But you will, won't you?" Sarah's large green eyes gazed up at him, hopeful.

His fingers flexed. "Yes."

Sarah's smile returned. "Good." She turned to leave.

"Sarah..." Mr. Raven's mouth twitched. "I mean, Miss Pemberly."

She pivoted on the spot, lips parted in pause. A long silence lingered.

"Happy Christmas."

Sarah's mouth relaxed into a smile. "Happy Christmas."

Mr. Raven found himself wandering the orphanage's halls late at night, having volunteered to cover the graveyard shift. He could not sleep in the makeshift bed provided in his office, and a winter chill was making the outdoors uninviting. As he drew closer to the parlor, he began to hear music, soft and low; the piano.

Who is up at this ungodly hour?

He quickened his pace, preparing a lengthy lecture. A voice made him stop short at the doorway. He waited, listening.

"They deserved it...they all deserved it."

It sounded familiar, like Sarah's voice, but deeper.

"This city...must be cleansed..."

Mr. Raven strained to hear more, putting his head against the wall.

"So many like him...so many terrible people..."

The playing stopped. Mr. Raven stiffened. Sarah peeked out into the hallway, startling him.

"How long have you been there?" she demanded.

Her tone shook him. "Only a few moments," he lied. "I heard the piano."

"It isn't nice to spy on people."

"I'm sorry, Miss Pemberly, I wasn't spying on you, I — wait, why am I apologizing? It is two o'clock in the morning and you are out of your room! This is a curfew violation. If it happens again, I will be forced to write you up."

"You're not happy if I go out, you're not happy if I play the piano! Do you plan on taking every escape from me, Mr. Raven?"

He stumbled away from her as she advanced, nostrils flaring like an angry bull.