Speedwell Tea and Newsprint
I pay homage to the wonderful Kerry Greenwood for creating and inspiring all that is Phryne and friends.
The last chapter (34) has had a big rewrite since I first published it. You might want to go back and re-read it if you haven't already.
I know I've got you all used to seeing a chapter every day (for that matter, I am too), but I'm having a lot of trouble writing at the moment; busy as well as the fact that I'm feeling a bit disheartened. Anyway, this is a tiny chapter, just to give you a taste of what Rosie's up to. I'll add to it as soon as I can.
Cheers
xxxx
Rosie Sanderson watched as her ex-husband donned his leather gloves before carefully unfolding the letter and laying it out flat on his desk.
She could have told him that there was no chance of finding any fingerprints but hers. After all she had worn gloves when she'd cut out and pasted all the letters on the page.
"YOU PAY OR I TELL ABOUT BABY
£200 IN BROWN PAPER
RUBBISH BIN
MAIN ENTRANCE
FLINDERS ST STATION
4 OCLOCK TODAY"
She'd also been wearing gloves when she'd bought a plain writing set from Coles and again when she'd purchased The Argus from two different news stands. The first time she'd even touched what she'd created with bare hands was when she had found the letter in the mailbox that morning.
She watched Jack examine the envelope, which just had the name SANDERSON (also in news print) pasted on the front. You won't find anything there either. Rosie reflected that it was rather handy have a father in the police force (even a disgraced one), she certainly knew more than the average person about forensic science.
"Hmm, cheap notepaper and envelope, probably from Coles." Jack looked up at his ex-wife. "Has anyone handled this except you?"
"No, I haven't shown anyone Jack."
"And you didn't think to wear gloves?"
"Oh...oh I'm sorry, It didn't even occur to me." Rosie's voice was shaking and her heart was fluttering in her chest like a wild bird. She wondered if she'd drunk too much Speedwell tea. It was only supposed to make her perspire. She was starting to feel rather unwell.
"And it arrived this morning?" Nod
"With the post?"
"I don't know. It was in the box when I collected the mail." Rosie widened her eyes and shook her head. "Jack. I don't understand how anyone found out about me."
"You haven't told anyone?"
"No, not even Sylvie. The only people that know, are you and me."
"And Doctor Sullivan?"
"Well yes, of course, but..."
"His rooms were broken into on Saturday night. It looks as if someone had gone through his patient records."
"Oh God Jack!' Rosie blinked rapidly as she bit the inside of her cheek really hard, her eyes started to water. She took a deep breath and held it, not meeting Jack's eyes. She was the image of someone trying very hard to be brave and not cry. "What am I going to do?"
"Try not to worry Rosie. Just let me handle it."
"Do you need me to get the money? I can take it out of father's account."
"You can't give in to blackmail. Once you do, it never stops. They'll bleed you dry."
"But Jack, what choice do I have?" Rosie was amazed to find the tears flowing for real. The very idea of exposure terrified her. She had to find a way to keep Sidney's baby without risking everything. This had to work. She thought about Sidney, about their last kiss. She thought about him dying at the end of the hangman's rope. Then she thought about her shame and she started to shake. She felt so sick.
Though he hid it well, Jack's heart had always been susceptible to a woman's tears and this time was no exception. He was moving to comfort her when Rosie's complexion went green. Jack changed direction immediately to snatch up the fire bucket in corner of the room, he reached her only just in time. As she was being spectacularly sick, Rosie reflected that Speedwell tea might have its uses but she was never going to drink it again.
xxxx
Note:
Writing set – notepaper and envelopes
The Argus –Melbourne newspaper.
Speedwell tea – a herbal remedy used amongst many things to induce sweating.