The Darkest Secret
An Hope Holmes Adventure Book III Chapter XXXVI
Faith Robin
Back at the Holmes Residence…
I sat on edge. The footsteps had finally reached the parlor door. I had decided to play everything by ear. I wanted to see what his first move would be, before I even made my move. I continued to crochet and then the door opened quietly. I looked up and it was the Professor.
"Good Evening Miss Holmes," he greeted me, removing his hat.
"And good evening to you Professor, please have a seat," I said quietly, lying my crocheting aside.
"Thank you but I think I will stand," he said with a look of suspicion on his face. He crossed the room and pulled back the curtains. He peered down at the street.
"Were you expecting someone else to join us?" I asked innocently, my voice was growing quieter and quieter.
"Yes I was my dear, considering how fast your landlady was trying to catch a cab," he said off handedly, his cold lifeless eyes staring down at the street.
"She was going to fetch Dr. Watson, she believed that I had nearly killed myself," I said trying to get his attention off of the street and onto me.
"That must have been some dramatics on your part my dear," he said taking his eyes off of the street. He crossed the room and locked the parlor door and the door leading to my father's study.
"Yes it was, one of my… best dramatics," I said slowly my voice was becoming harder to be heard. Soon I would be drowned out by the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall. Keeping my eyes peeled for his intentions and for a weapon. My trained eyes found it nearly a minute later.
"So do you have an answer for me my dear?" he asked shortly sitting in my father's chair. I kept my face emotionless and my eyes calm.
"What do think my answer would be?" I asked with my voice growing softer and determinations began rearing its head in my eyes.
"I think you would stand fast, as your father did once." He said observing me.
"You thought correctly but I have one question," I said folding my hands in my lap.
"You have my attention," The professor, "You have but to ask."
"What can I do to convince you to direct your ire and frustration at me in place of my father?" I asked carefully, while I studied his reaction.
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