And If You Wrong Us

Part 7: Two Sides to Every Coin

"I know this. Do not tell me things I know, but rather something I do not."

Mr. Roberts pursed his lips. "I'm not sure I can this time." He pinched the top of his nose, as though relieving pressure. "I'm sorry, Cirius; I believe this is a battle you must fight alone."

Mr. Raven turned his head away, feeling the tension inside drop from his chest down to his stomach. "You've been like a father to me all these years. You were the one person I thought may be able to save me from myself." He lifted himself from the chair and slipped out of the room in silence, Mr. Roberts looking after him with hurt in his eyes.

Mr. Raven was walking down the hall past the maids' quarters in the early evening, on his way to his office to pack up for the day.

"— another murder —"

Mr. Raven stopped short before their door. He listened hard.

"It's always the same kind of victim; a wealthy man, middle aged."

"And in the same areas too! Always the slums. What're they doin' in that par' o' town, anyhow? Wealthy men don' need to go shoppin' in that district!"

"Don't be a fool! They ain't shopping. Damn, how naïve are you?"

"Fine. What're they doin' then?"

Mr. Raven had to strain to hear the whispered words.

"They're messing around...with harlots."

"Sleaze bags! Aren't mos' of them married?"

Mr. Raven heard a snort.

"You think that matters? Many men of wealth have mistresses. Why, I bet the men here do too."

"Really? Mr. Roberts?"

"And Mr. Raven — you see the way that Pemberly girl looks at him."

Mr. Raven stumbled away from the door. It grew quiet within the room. He hurried past it, heart thumping. When he reached his office, he slammed the door shut and pressed his back against it, breathing heavily.

"Mr. Raven!"

He jumped at his name.

"I was looking for you." Sarah stepped out of the shadows of the room.

He willed his breathing to slow. "Miss Pemberly, no one is allowed in my office when I am not in it."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Raven, but I couldn't find you, I —"

"What is it that you needed me for?" he interjected.

Sarah frowned. "Is something the matter, Mr. Raven?"

"We just — we can't be seen in here — together. Alone."

Sarah's face slid into a quirky smile. "Then keep the door closed."

Mr. Raven straightened to his full height and took a few bold steps towards her. "What is it that you need, Miss Pemberly?"

"I require an extra laundering allowance this week."

"Again?" Mr. Raven folded his arms. "Miss Pemberly, this makes three weeks in a row. I cannot ask the maids to continue doing extra labor. Are you in need of more clothing?"

"Oh, don't worry, Mr. Raven — they aren't doing extra labor. I do the extra laundering."

"What? Why?"