It had been about a week since the events in Monte d'Or. It must have been quite an emotional rollercoaster, especially for the Professor. I noticed he had been a bit dazed recently.
"Professor?"
"Hmm? Oh, Emmy." He smiled at my appearance. "Are you quite alright?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
I entered the room and took a seat in front of him.
"I just wanted to make sure you were alright, I mean since what happened, you seem a bit... out of it."
"Oh, my apologies, I suppose I have been slightly distracted."
"No need to apologise, it must've been quite hard for you, finding out it was Randall."
"Oh, well, um, that's not what's been on my mind."
"Oh?"
"Actually, Emmy, I'm glad you came to see me I needed to talk to you."
My heart sank as I felt a stabbing pain of guilt and regret. That's right, in Monte d'Or, he knew Randall was The Masked Gentleman, he knows everything. He knows.
He knows I'm working for Targent, doesn't he?
I hated doing this. I hated lying. I didn't want to work for Targent any more but I couldn't just quit my mission.
Although then again, I suppose I'd rather stay with the Professor and Luke...
I tried putting on my best casual smile and said; "okay."
"Listen, Emmy... how long do you think you're going to be with us?"
"I- I..."
I tried not to crack under pressure. There's no way I was going to show any signs of weakness, especially not in front of him.
But I cracked.
"I don't want to do it anymore."
"Emmy?"
"I've been lying to you! I've been working for Targent this whole time but I don't want to!"
He looked at me in shock.
"I hate it all. I hate the spying, I hate the sneaking around and I hate the fact that either way, no matter what I decide to do, I'm still a traitor!"
Much to my surprise, he hugged me.
"Emmy, no one can make you do anything. You're your own person. Do which ever you think is right. If you decide to stay here with us, I'd be happy about it, but if you choose not to, I'd respect that. I'm not going to hold anything against you, you know that, don't you?"
"I want to stay with you but... I don't deserve to..."
"Nonsense. What would I do without my number one assistant?" He smiled.
That warm smile I loved. On those lips that I just wanted to- no, I shouldn't be thinking like that. He'd never think of me in... that way.
His smile turned into a smirk that showed he had an idea.
"I may know how I can convince you to stay."
I smiled and decided to play along.
"Alright, I promise I will stay if you can convince me."
One of his hands was softly caressing my cheek, the other in my hair. He leaned in and he kissed me.
I must admit, it surprised me but I liked it.
"Well? Have I convinced you?"
"Hmm, nearly, you may have to do it once more just to be sure."
He laughed. "Oh really? Well, a gentleman would never refuse the request of a beautiful lady."
"Beautiful?"
"Come now, Emmy, you're not really surprised are you? Of course you're beautiful."
Then he kissed me again, this time it was for longer and it more passionate, soft.
"How about now?"
"Yes. I will stay." I smiled