The Darkest Secret

An Hope Holmes Adventure Chapter XXV

Faith Robin

'If I'm going to meet the professor I had better leave before my misanthrope uncle arrives,' I thought to myself, getting up from the sofa and hurrying into the hallway. I glanced at the grandfather clock in the hallway.

'I have half an hour that means I have five minutes to pack and twenty five to get as far away as I possibly can.' I thought to myself as I raced up the stairs. I pulled out a carpet bag from my closet and started to throw in four pairs of clothing. Two were women's outfits and the other two were men's outfits. Then I threw in four different wigs, and my makeup case. There was no time to waste by being neat; I had to get out of there. Then I ran down the stairs and glanced at the clock.

'I have two minutes to finish up,' I thought, as I went back into my father's study. I grabbed the letter and the envelope that I had left on the desk. Shoving them into my pocket I preceded to take some of my father's money from the safe. Then after making sure that everything was in order I went back out into the hallway. I pulled on my darkest coat and threw my hat on my head.

I picked up my now closed carpet bag and hurried down the first flight of stairs. After reaching the landing I opened up the front door. The cold air whipped at my face as I went out into the street. I locked and closed the door behind myself. Then I hurried down the street. The street lamps' lights were nearly engulfed by the fog. They seemed as if they were being eaten alive. I felt the moisture stick to my face and my clothing. I shivered from the cold as a hansom cab appeared suddenly out of the heavy fog. Then it passed me and it stopped somewhere behind me. I hurried onwards for I knew who it was and I also knew that they would not be able to find whom they were coming to look after.

'There's no point in waiting to see his reaction,' I thought as my heart fluttered hurtfully. 'I hate having to keep him out of this, but it's the only way that I can find my father.' I thought angrily and logically at the same time. I continued forward trying not to run into a constable. Then my eyes began stinging with tears.

'Get ahold of yourself, Hope, you twit. This is not the time to be crying.' I thought scolding myself. 'There is no time to waste on reminiscing.'

Earlier that evening…

I walked out into the dimly lit streets. The lampposts were just beginning to be lit. I pulled out my pocket watch to consult the time. Then there were rough hands on my personage, and I felt the barrel of a gun pressed into my backside.

"Come quietly Mr. Holmes or we shall be forced to have your daughter accompany us," I heard a voice hiss into my ear. I nodded and moved forward. The hand released my injured arm and jerked my watch from my hand. The chain held but the cloth that the chain was attached to tore. I heard the metal clash against the stone, and then I heard the crack of glass as my captor's foot made contact with my pocket watch.

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