Wooo I updated before anyone could review the last chapter! Not sure if that's good or not... If you have a moment, please review... :)
Emmy spent the night with Claire and Flora, unsure of what move they should make next, or if they should leave the situation in the two brothers' hands. The three of them slept restlessly that night. The next morning, Emmy and Claire discussed what they should do to help. Flora had already left for school.
"I don't think it's fair to let them face this alone. They're as frightened as we are, if not, more. They're the ones with the weight and responsibility of protecting us on their shoulders," Claire clarified.
"To be completely honest, I feel like I should be the one out there protecting them. I did do that as a career once, sort of... protect Hershel Layton, I mean."
Claire laughed. "That's amusing to think about. I'm sure your martial arts skills were very useful in that department."
"Yes... I did manage to save his life a few times, I suppose," Emmy chuckled a little. "I only hope I can do it once more."
As there was a moment of silence, something in Claire snapped. She stood up from the table, determination filling her eyes. "I've been selfish. When I married Hershel, I promised I would always be by his side, no matter what. I'm breaking that promise right now, and I need to make it right. I don't know how I can help him in this situation, but I must."
"I feel the same way. I feel like we should be there for them both. I know the professor has a plan, but something just doesn't feel right. Where would you even start to look for him?"
"Perhaps he left a clue for me. That would be like him... He knows I cannot stand leaving him to fend for himself. He knows I'd follow him to the ends of the earth no matter what. Let's check our room."
The two women went to investigate the room. Claire's assumption was shown to be correct when she opened the top drawer of Hershel's nightstand. A note lay there, which she quickly opened to read. As Claire's eyes quickly scanned the paper, Emmy became impatient.
"What does it say?" Emmy asked.
"He says he's figured out Swift's motive. He has a plan but he's not sure if it will work, seeing as there is many unseen possibilities that could happen. He wants us to intervene if he's not back by tomorrow."
"He wants us to wait until tomorrow? What if that's too late?"
Claire sighed. "That's what I thought. But Hershel knew I would think that. Listen to this," Claire lifted the paper and read.
My dearest Claire,
I knew you would want to get involved, and I won't try to stop you. You always find a way to get yourself into my own problems, and I'm afraid part of me is thankful for that. I will admit, this is something very difficult for me to face on my own. Although I never wanted to put you in harm's way, I see it is inevitable in this situation. So instead of letting you run blindly into this, I will tell you what I know already. The day I married you I promised you safety, but I'm afraid that is a promise I am finding myself hard to keep now. It pains me to not be able to promise you something that once seemed so simple. Although I cannot promise you your safety, I can promise you that you can trust me. This plan might seem ridiculous, but I have confidence it will be fruitful in one way or another..."
Claire trailed off as tears filled her eyes.
"What is it, Claire?"
She swallowed and read the next sentence. "'I also know I can trust you, and even if I don't ever get to tell you again, I want you to know... I love you so very, very much, my dear.'"
Holding the note open, Claire sat on the bed behind her, unable to continue on reading.
"Claire, you know him. He always gets himself in and out of these situations. He always figures out how to escape unscathed."
"But why would he leave a note like this? That's what worries me," Claire fretted. "The worst part is, I feel like I shouldn't go. I want to be by his side, but..."
"What is it, Claire?"
"I just have so much hesitation in going. I can't shake the feeling that something terrible will happen if I get involved. Let's wait until tomorrow, and then we will follow his direction in the rest of the note..."
A ringing phone sounded from the living room. Claire sighed. "I suppose that could be him..."
Both women went down to the living room, Claire answered the telephone. "Hello?"
"Claire... Professor Hershel Layton's beloved wife. I wonder if you love him as much as he says you do."
"Swift...?"