Cqofegypt does not own anything in reference to Father Brown...
Review Response
Rat Fink- Lol glad you enjoyed that one so much. I dedicate this chapter to you, for your inspiration, and encouragement. This was the one that not only started it all, :3 but it was also one of the chapters that I had pre-drafted. You encouraged me to finish it :D BTW you're going to LOVE the ending ;) Enjoy!
In the Face of Death be Life
Following the reception of the morning's mail, Father Nathan Alexander Brown stepped out of the presbytery with the expectation of starting the day with a positive note.
He opened and closed the gate, starting on his way, only to be stalled by a familiar whiskey bottle.
Frowning harshly as he picked it up, Nathan knew Daniel Walsh was nearby, somewhere, most likely knackered.
The question was- why?
Nathan found the former sacristan lying on the grass, asleep.
The priest did his best not to wrinkle his nose at the smell of whisk reeking from Daniel's clothing, and upon his breath.
What had brought Daniel to this state?
"Hm?"
"Daniel? What's happened?"
" I can't afford the rent... Not without Dad."
"Let's have a brew instead, shall we?" FB-FB-FB-FB-FB-FB
A car sped into the driveway of Galloway Manor and honked,
A young lady, Lucia Galloway by name, ignored the driver, his lascivious glances, and kept walking.
If only Mummy didn't encourage Clarence to come- he gave her the creeps.
Turning back to the house, she heard a click.
A camera? Really?
"Clarence!"
"Patrick. I got your message, what's the problem?"
"It's this Daniel Walsh business. Margaret just won't see sense."
"Well, you're the man of the house. You need to take charge."
"I know, but, you know, I think she might listen if it came from someone else."
"Bit of back-up, eh? Lead the way."
"Thanks, Clarence."
"Margaret? I hear this Walsh chap's been making threats."
"It's nothing. He's just upset."
"I still think we should call the police."
"Absolutely not. I have no intention of raking up the past and I refuse to be intimidated by someone like him."
"But he's dangerous - we need to do something."
"Don't be such a coward, Patrick. He's a pathetic drunk! Now go and tell Thomas to take the car out."
That Daniel Walsh did have her spooked. He could take care of that...
"I agree with Patrick."
"You're putting yourself at risk . playing with fire."
"Sorry it's been a while. You've obviously been busy. I'll make it up to you."
"Perhaps you could come for another photo session? Something a little different this time. Some French lingerie shots, perhaps?"
"With all those models, I don't know why you bother with someone like me. Well, you've got a lot to offer."
"Not here. I have to organize the charity hunt."
"Well, if I can't change your mind."
Oh well-there were more fish in the sea, including this fishbowl...
"Well I might call in later...I have to take your measurements ...for your costume."
Hmm Clarence thought, that's more like it...
"You were the best sacristan we ever had. Even when I drank all the wine?"
"Yeah, well, we all have our weakness." Myself included Nathan thought shamelessly.
"Daniel, promise me you will not go and see them. If you make a scene, they will have you arrested."
"I need to know why she did it, Father. I owe Dad that much."
"You still think it wasn't an accident? Her husband said your father stepped into the road."
"Spineless runt lied - he's as bad as her!"
"Why would she want to kill him?"
"I don't know. But Dad was adamant - she saw him, and accelerated!"
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Nathan watched with concerned alarm, raising an eyebrow when Daniel bumped into Lady Felicia.
OW! she thought, hoping the pries didn't catch her wince of pain.
She turned quickly and glared after that awful man.
"Well, really..." she huffed.
She turned again, noticing Nathan was still looking after Daniel, only this time, out of aggravation.
He turned to Felicia, having noticed her wince of pain.
"Are you alright?" he asked, concerned.
Felicia smiled, trying to laugh it off, but it hurt like hell!
"I'm fine, Father" she shook her head, as Nathan raised an eyebrow... it was too late; Felicia had already changed the subject.
"Did you get your tickets for tomorrow's hunt?"
"I did, but the Bishop's enrolled me on a course - The Directa Decretal."
At Felicia's confused glance, Nathan explained, wanting to groan...with annoyance.
"The relevance of clerical celibacy - riveting stuff."
Felicia frowned. (what's the English word for bummer?)
"Never mind. It's just a pity Inspector Valentine won't have any real competition." part of her hoped he could be persuaded...
"The Inspector's going?" Nathan asked, his competitive nature shining through- which she hadn't seen in some time...
"No-one else will stand a chance. If that doesn't get him, nothing will she thought.
"Oh, well. Must dash." she turned as if to leave, when he called her back.
"On second thoughts I could give celibacy a miss."
Felicity gave him a look...
He looked at her, suddenly painfully aware of what she was thinking-him forgoing celibacy altogether...
Curse Violet's profanity! he thought, as the images he'd thought of at the Quinton's home, entered his head yet again.
Given the correct, blessed union with present company included, the thought was rather pleasing...
Oh dear Lord...
"The course" he amended, too little, too late, as she raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Naturally" she purred as she deliberately sashayed out of his line of sight. "See you tomorrow!"
Nathan purred to himself as he watched her walk off, before turning his attention to his ticket.
Was that a 9 or a P?
Felicia might know. His skin warmed again as that scene with her a moment ago flashed in his mind.
It's no wonder women deem us as dirty minded priests, he thought with a flush. Felicity had indeed grown...
So much for self control...
Crossing himself, the priest rushed inside the parish again, his body crying out for cold water...
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The next day, when they arrived at the manor, Felicia found the gathering somewhat dull, and grew bored standing around.
There wasn't really anyone she knew, aside from her own party.
Which would have been fine, had the 'wicked witch of Kembleford' not decided to tag along...
Ah well- the event was for everyone- and he wine was superb... not to mention free...
Speaking of which...
"Sorry Sid, not while you're driving"
The driver scowled at her as Nathan glanced curiously at her two glasses.
Was she planning to drink both?
He caught her eye, and she shifted Sid's glass in his direction, offering it to him.
Nathan, despite the temptation to partake and drink, politely declined- then immediately regretted that decision for three, okay perhaps four reasons.
One- he left Felicia in an awkward, slightly embarrassing position of holding two glasses of wine. As a lady, and a woman of God, that was an unfortunate mark against her.
Two- Nathan wasn't sure of her alcohol intake. How much wine could she have before getting tipsy, or worse?
Three- if either of them were to up the wine back, flute full, it would be an embarrassment and insult to Lady Margaret, as if her wine wasn't good enough to be consumed by her guests...
Four- with Felicia drinking, and Nathan sober minded, he wouldn't be able to show affection should they have a private moment alone together. The idea of taking advantage of her was appalling.
Nathan was snapped out of his thoughts by a man 'cat calling' someone. The three of them noticed Lucia … Lady Margaret's daughter walk by, look at the men, smile, and sashay away.
Just when Nathan thought about reaching for the second glass from Felicia's still outstretched hand, Mrs. McCarthy did them both a favor and snatched Sid's goblet from Felicia's hand.
Nathan and Felicia looked at each other, and then looked at Mrs. McCarthy. Maybe having her around did have its benefits, however few and far between...(1)
Father Brown smiled, as Lady Felicia took a sip of wine, to cover the volume of her giggles.
As Father Brown drifted away from the ladies, one of the waiters walked by with some red wine.
Ah, that's more like it. Nathan thought as he grabbed a glass.
"Thank you my son" he murmured as he took a sip. Finally, he and Felicia were even...
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He liked to see ladies smile, especially Felicia.
Hopefully giving Lucia Galloway some company, however improper it may seem, helped her to feel better.
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Hearing the little tidbit of information, Lady Felicia decided to store it away for later.
Thomas had stormed off, leaving behind a broken collection of glass and a very vital clue...
Nathan chuckled as he scooped up the clue, hid it in his cassok, and called on Mr. Gillespie- clever name for a dog...
"C'mon boy! That's it! Come on!"
He waited for Felicia by the fountain with the dog.
Looks like you've found a friend. Felicia smiled with delight. She'd always adored dogs, but Mother had always been allergic... or so she claimed...
"His name is Mr Gillespie - he's a jazz fan." Nathan grinned, happy to see the smile on Felicia's face.
"That's a silly name for a dog." Mrs. McCarthy sneered. Both Nathan and Felicity rolled their eyes at her.
Just then, the Inspector walked by.
"Inspector, come to join the winning team?" Felicia asked casually.
"As a respected member of the community, it's important to show support for charitable events. The hunt is secondary." he said, puffing his chest with pride.
"I agree, it's the fundraising that counts." Nathan said evenly. "Absolutely." the Inspector said.
"I probably won't even enter." Nathan said. To which Felicia looked at him.
"Me neither." the Inspector said. "Give someone else a chance."
"It's the Christian thing to do." Nathan smirked.
"Well anyway" The inspector walked off. Felicia and Bridget looked at Nathan dubiously.
"What?" he asked, innocently.
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Felicia frowned as the Inspector smirked.
"Child's play."
"Not another one! Father, I know you said this was about fundraising, but I didn't think you actually meant it."
He smiled lovingly at her. She was so endearing, especially when she was excited or impatient.
"Just giving the other teams a sporting chance."
She wasn't looking at him, didn't know the trick he had up his sleeve... or in Nathan's case, his pocket...
Perhaps he couldn't kiss her until they were alone, but he could do thee next best thing, and win the competition for her...
"But we haven't got any feathers yet..."
"Well, maybe if you put down your wine glass for a minute!"
Bother Mrs. McCarthy and her niche for ruining possible blossoming moments! Nathan thought as his Lady stalked off in irritation.
"Hmm! Who's a clever boy, then?"
Nathan heard Felicia's shriek- something was wrong...
"Oh! Oh, sorry."
Daniel? She thought.
"Father Brown, you are up to something."
"Come on, then, here we go!" "And where have you been?" Mind your own business! Both of them thought.
"What are you doing, Father?" Felicia asked, knowing she would have said his name if Mrs. McCarthy weren't around.
Winning your nest hunt, my love Nathan thought, getting excited as Mr. Gillespie caught the scent and rushed off.
Here we go! Ooh! And off we go!
Felicia and Bridget glanced at each other, and then rushed off after the dog, in the opposite direction of the Hunt!
Gillespie stopped, Nathan let go of the leash catching his breath, then making way for the other two.
How on earth? Lady Margaret though.
Congratulations! I was starting to think no-one would ever find me.
Enjoy! Oh, Father, you're a genius.
Nathan hadn't expected that kiss; it warmed him, despite the desire for a lip kiss instead, but he'd take what he could get.
He found himself flushing that she'd kissed him at all- her earlier consumption of alcohol assisted her bravery, despite the disapproving glare Mrs. McCarthy was giving her.
Mind your own business Nathan scowled at Mrs. McCarthy as she rolled her eyes in disgust. He thanked the Lord yet again she was his mother's age... he'd never marry her...
"Oh, ye of little faith." he said, longing to kiss Felicia back.
"Oh, I never doubted you for one moment, Father." Mrs. McCarthy huffed.
"Kiss arse" he muttered under his breath.
To cover up her laughter at what she'd just heard Nathan say, Felicia directed their attention to the sweets. "Of course, we will share the prize with the other team."
Fat chance! All three thought as they grabbed as much candy as they could.
Just then, Lady Margaret screamed.
Sid could be on to something.
Nathan turned to the others, noticing Felicity looked white as a sheet. "Lady Felicia?"
The look on her face said she wanted to say something, but perhaps she was unsettled...?
I think I saw the murderer. He was wearing a horrid raven mask - like death.
That sounds more like one of the helpers to me.
No, no, he had an old black overcoat on and a hat.
Daniel. That godless drunkard - I knew it.
What do you think, Mr Gillespie?
No! No, not on the Antirrhinums!
If Danny was going to kill anybody it would have been Lady Margaret, he was most angry with her.
Well, I hope he's got a good alibi.
Inspector about Daniel. I've known him for years, he wouldn't hurt a fly.
Look, you may have found a few sweeties in the treasure hunt, but this is real detective work. Sergeant, notify all units that Daniel Walsh is to be arrested on suspicion of murder.
I thought I heard jazz.
Shh, I'm hiding.
Hiding? I told you, I don't like crowds.
Ah. So, how are you feeling? Well, I'm not upset, if that's what you mean.
I thought the Captain was a relative?
We were the only family he had. Daddy's cousin, or something.
Not your favorite person, then, I take it?
I couldn't stand the man.
Father? The Inspector would like the guests to congregate in the drawing room.
I'm sorry, I got a little bit lost.
Down the corridor, turn right. I mean left.
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Sid dropped Father Brown and Mrs. McCarthy off at the church.
"Are you sure you'll be all right?" Felicia nodded tiredly.
"Yes. After a stiff Martini or two."
Earlier, Lady Felicia felt a bit ill. Supported by Sid, she was able to get in the car.
A combination of wine, seeing the Captain dead, her pained shoulder and a headache from Mrs. McCarthy's gibbering, Felicia hesitantly lay her head against Nathan's broad shoulder.
Leaning against her dear friend was much more comfortable than dead Xander, or a cold metal car...
Nathan's heart sped up as Lady Felicia leaned against him. He was concerned for her, especially considering her arm had only been released from its sling just yesterday...
Both the priest and the Countess were brought out of their thoughts by Mrs. McCarthy huffing and puffing to get out of the car.
"I, on the other hand, will go and light a candle for the Captain." Mrs. McCarthy huffed.
"I'll see you at Mass in the morning, Father." she briskly walked away.
There were times when Mrs. McCarthy acted just like Rachel's sister, Leah... It takes one to know one he thought with a shiver.
He begrudged getting out of the car with Bridget McCarthy. He'd much rather return to the mansion and care for Lady Felicia...
He flushed as he remembered what happened the day of their last case...
Nathan squeezed her left hand.
She smiled and squeezed back.
"I still can't believe I came face to face with the killer. I mean, it could have been me."
"I doubt it. The killer seemed to want to bag himself a magpie."
"But which one, I'm not sure. Identical masks - very odd."
Felicia frowned after Nathan got out of the car.
She was slightly offended he seemed to be more concerned about the outcome of the case than with her welfare.
But if that were so, would he have remained in the car with her to see that she was alright? She wasn't sure. She was tired, and sighed.
"Let's go home, Sid."
Conversing with Sid the next day, Nathan learned Felicia was alright; she had just woken up with a hell of a hangover. He smirked.
1 Peter my love he thought.
Nevertheless, he and Sid tried to think.
Daniel was the chief suspect in Captain Trevell's murder.
Father Brown was sure he couldn't kill anyone. The question was, how could they prove it?
The two who were most suspicious and claimed to be stalked by Daniel were the Professor and Lady Margaret.
Could either of them have motive for killing the Captain?
When Nathan arrived with Sid, apparently Daniel was stalking the couple at that very moment...
It was decided that the Professor would go for the police, Father Brown would search for Daniel in the garden, and Sid would guard the door.
When he returned, Father Brown found Sid outside.
"I was beginning to get worried." Sid said. "Find anything?"
Nathan shook his head and showed Sid the bottle he'd found. "Just a whiskey bottle. Daniel's brand." Sid shook his head as he took the bottle.
"Coming in?" Nathan asked. Sid shook his head. "Nah, she thinks I'll nick the silver."
Frowning, Nathan went upstairs to check on Lady Margaret.
Something was wrong... "Lady Margaret? Lady Margaret?!"
Going into the bedroom, Father Brown found the woman lying on her bed, her throat slashed- she was dead.
Upon Lady Margaret's death, Nathan found it odd that a number 9 was scrawled on the pillow in blood.
How was it that she was right handed, and yet her finger wasn't bloody? (2)
What did 9 mean?
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"Father, are you there? I've just heard! Poor Lady Margaret! Have you any idea who did it?"
"Afraid not."
Felicia placed her hands on his shoulders. He shivered in delight, but then Mrs. McCarthy had to cut in.
"Everyone knows it was that Daniel Walsh.
"Well, if it is, I can't help feeling partly responsible.
"You?!" Felicia cried, not believing her ears.
"I knew he was going to visit the Galloway's and I did little to stop him.
"Oh, you mustn't blame yourself!" Felicia shook her head adamantly.
"If I could only work out what the number nine means.
"Father, I'm sure if we put our heads together..." Mrs. McCarthy started
Felicia, excited that she and Mrs. McCarthy were of the same mind, accidentally cut the woman off.
"Right! Let's see what we can come up with."
Thinking of things that started or had 9 in it, the two women started out fine, until Mrs. McCarthy kept trying to outdo Lady Felicia, while Felicity herself was trying to genuinely remember her nine phrases.
Nathan glanced at Felicia, letting her know it was okay.
To lose concentration was one thing. To get sucked into competition by Mrs. McCarthy due to pride, was another.
He scribbled a note for her to read privately.
If matters change, think, WWJD as m's w
Nathan soon asked the ladies to stop, because they were starting to argue.
He found it particularly annoying, when Mrs. McCarthy played innocent as if she hadn't done anything wrong.
Felicia blushed as she realized she'd lost her head.
"Sorry, Father." she grinned sheepishly as she put the pen and paper down. In doing so, she lightly grazed his hand.
He smirked, especially after realizing that Mrs. McCarthy had stepped outside.
With Mrs. McCarthy gone, Nathan gave Felicity a look, pointing to the paper.
"Think what would Jesus do as... huh?" She looked again.
"If matters change...m's w..."
"M's w...wife..."
Nathan was a priest, p... m's wife...
priests couldn't marry, but...
Felicity gasped aloud. Nathan, watching her the whole time, laughed at her astonished expression.
"Is that a yes?" he murmured.
"Hypothetically... what do you think?" she smirked.
He took her hand and kissed it.
"Thank you... for the help" he winked.
"You're welcome" she smiled, grabbing his pencil and scribbling something.
"Anon" she smiled.
"A Biento, ma cherie" he laughed.
She rolled her eyes as she closed the door. Nathan could hear the two ladies arguing again, and sighed.
"Disturbing the Father like that!" Mrs. McCarthy howled.
"I was giving him moral support!" Felicity retorted. "Unlike some!"
Nathan laughed again, looking down at the note he'd written.
Underneath were written two words in Felicia's fancy script.
I do
Cheering mentally of her positive response, even if things remained as they were for years to come, he was still ecstatic she would agree...
His mind wandered back to her first 'undercover' case.
She had looked so beautiful as a nun, even at forty. His mind had played tricks on him for a moment, perhaps longing to know and envision her in a white lace wedding dress.
Even still, as he'd placed that band upon her third ring finger, he felt the nostalgia as if he had done it for real.
If matters changed in the future, perhaps he would someday...
Nathan sighed happily, contentedly, thankful the love of his life had been returned to him, however grim their circumstances seemed presently.
He assumed that there were things that had occurred in her past that she didn't want to talk about.
Not every marriage was a fairy-tale; even theirs would be tested at times.
No man or woman was perfect, even marriages like the union of Lady Margaret and her husband Patrick was bound to have its minefield of troubles...
9 or P...
He looked at his ticket again, which held a letter P.
Lady Margaret had been trying to write the number 9.
Straight down the hall then take your left... no right...
9 on her pillow didn't make any sense. But what if she'd been trying to point to her killer? Nathan changed the 9 to a P...
P stood for the name of Lady Margaret's killer.
"Oh, no..."
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"Father!
"Professor.
"Is it Walsh? What happened? Did you see anyone?
"He's been dead for days."
"But this doesn't make any sense. I was sure that he- Have you contacted the police?"
"No."
"I really thought that he was the killer"
"That's what everybody was supposed to think. He was framed."
Why?!
He came here looking for answers and met his death.
Ahh!
"With him dead and hidden, he had no alibi. - Poor soul."
"His soul will be saved. As for the murderer's..." Nathan glanced at him knowingly.
"You don't think...? Have you taken leave of your senses?!"
"I came here to bring you to yours."
"Father, you're not thinking straight."
"Professor, please."
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Felicia felt fully rested and well enough the next day to try riding again.
She smiled. She hadn't been riding in two months, since Douglas passed away, leaving young Ruth heartbroken.
Later Felicia found Ruth in the stables petting Xerxes, and crying.
Xerxes was the last horse her father had ever ridden.
Felicia had held the girl as she cried, crying with her, and letting Ruth know she knew how she felt; Felicity had lost her father too, and she missed him very much...
Felicia had invited the girl to ride Xerxes anytime she wished. So far, Ruth hadn't taken her up on the offer.
Felicia sighed as she brushed Xerxes. "It's not your fault, dear... she just needs some time to grieve... as I did"
Xerxes brayed softly. Felicia smiled. "Enough with the soiree of self pity... how about a good old fashioned ride?"
Xerxes and Hadassah nickered louder. Felicia laughed.
"Don't worry, Hadassah, I'll find Father Brown so he can ride you, too. Just be gentle with him, alright dear? He's very precious to me."
Hadassah neighed, and Felicia kissed her nose. Felicia patted the mare, glancing at her pregnant stomach.
They'd have a foal come harvest time... "Alright, dear... on we go..." Felicia mounted, riding Xerxes out of the stable.
"YAH!" Xerxes reared and bolted, galloping toward, then leaping over the four poster fence.
"HUZZAH!" Alan called from the stable. "GOOD SHOW, M'LADY!"
Felicia turned back and grinned. "THANK YOU, HORNSBY! CHEERIO!"
"Tsk tsk tsk... C'mon, boy! YAH!" This time, Felicia rode from Montague Mansion to her childhood home in the neighboring town of Kent.
All through the ride, Felicia thought about Nathan and the case.
From what Nathan told her so far, Daniel was angry that Lady Margaret had killed his father.
His father owned a sword...
If that were the case, then why kill the Captain? Daniel had no motive to kill a man he didn't know...
Daniel was out on that evidence alone.
Whom did it leave? Thomas, who had an alibi, Patrick...
Wait. Patrick. He was her husband. He was devoted to her.
Rumor had it that the Captain and Lady Margaret had had a long lasting affair.
If that were so... Patrick had been denied, his wife's affections.
By rights he had every means to be jealous...
After all, he had claim to her, legally as his wife, why shouldn't he be?
Suddenly an image of Xander entered her ind. She shook him away.
Now wasn't the time to think of her treacherous brute of a husband, who did more than lay claim to her... She shivered, as previous memories entered her mind.
Patrick was jealous... Again, Xander entered her mind.
Xander, that night, with a sword...
Nathan, ready to defend her at the cost of his life...
Nathan, injured.
She herself afraid he might die...
Today, Nathan was...
Oh, no!
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I was on my way to the police station when my wife was killed. You know that!
You had time to pull up, double back through the woods. You knew that I was searching the gardens, that Sid was watching the front gate.
This is absurd!
And you knew your wife was sleeping in her bedroom.
Yeah, and then I just let myself in and murdered her?! Do you think I'm actually capable of such a thing?
Professor you don't need to pretend any more.
-Oh, Patrick! It's Walsh!
'I should've seen it before.
-Lock yourself in your room - quickly!
And while Lady Margaret locked herself in her room, you disposed of Lucia's mannequin in the back of your car.
"So is this all merely intuition? Guesswork?"
"The number on my ticket, the wrong way round. Like the "P" written in blood on her pillow. "P" Patrick."
Patrick's face turned to one of disgust.
"She never could tell her left from her right"
"Like Lucia.
"Yes. She inherited it from her. She deserved everything she got. Her and the Captain!
"In the name of God, have you no remorse? Father Brown asked incredulously.
"They humiliated me! Hotels...weekends away. Even in our own bed.
"Daniel - what was his crime?
Patrick shrugged. "He was a scapegoat.
Nathan was incredulous. "Is life worth so little? Look at him. Look at him! You can't undo what you've done, but you could still save yourself. Are you ready to repent?"
Patrick knelt, hands folded in front of him. I'm waiting, Father.
Nathan sighed. "I can't just absolve you of all your sins. He knelt beside Patrick anyway. You need truly be sorry for what you've done."
Nathan didn't hear the sword being taken from the pit, until it was too late. He gulped.
"No. What I need is for you to remain kneeling. Patrick sneered.
"Do you really think you have the right to take a life? Nathan asked.
"People are divided into the primitive and the superhuman" the professor scoffed.
"Now, my intellect clearly puts me in the latter category."
"No, you've been misguided. It's compassion for humanity that sets us apart. Now, please let me help you."
"You're a clever fellow, Father, but you seriously underestimated me. " Patrick stood behind Nathan, sword at the priest's throat.
"And for that flaw, you will have to pay the price."
"What price you will pay when you kneel before God?"
Patrick scoffed again. "In the words of Nietzsche - "God is dead"."
Nathan gulped. Was this how he was to meet his Maker?
He that lives by the sword shall die by the sword... he thought sadly. (3)
He shut his eyes, thinking of the night before; Felicia's smiling face, her gasp when she found out the answer to his riddle...
Now, it seemed they would never find happiness...
"If you don't want to meet your Maker quite personally in the highest court of Heaven in the next two seconds, you'll remove that saber at once!" (4)
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Flying off of the horse, Felicia stormed into the house, much to Mrs. Crenshaw's confusion.
"Where is it?!" Felicia called.
"Where is what, madam?" Mrs. Crenshaw asked, kindly.
"Father's spare saber... the one used long ago, where is it?" Felicia asked in a rush.
"Over the hearth ma'am" said Mrs. Crenshaw still confused.
"I need it"Felicia said, rushing into house from the parlor.
"But..."
"Please, Mrs. Crenshaw, my guardian's life is in danger. Where is Father's sword!"
Silently the housekeeper led her young lady to the hearth.
Felicia took down the sword, moved away from the furniture, and tested the blade."Augh!"
"Madam! You've cut your hand!" the housekeeper fretted. "Lucy, get the medicine chest!"
"No time!" Felicia sheathed the blade, kissed the housekeeper on the cheek, and rushed out the door.
"What on earth was that about?" the maid asked.
"I don't know" said Mrs. Crenshaw softly, touching her cheek.
"But keep in prayer and get back to work" the housekeeper tutted. "We have lots of work to do!"
Felicia ran and hopped onto her horse's saddle, praying as she kicked his sides.
"Lord Jesus give Xerxes feet of thunder! May he ride hard!" Xerxes reared and bolted.
"May I fight as Deborah of old! My feet be quick and bones rival steel"
They rode hard back to the Goodwins' estate, where Felicia knew Nathan would have confronted Patrick.
Cornered, Patrick would do anything to shut Nathan up, including slit his throat...
"May I be wise as Solomon, and mighty as Gideon! May the ground shake and the mountains crumble!"
Little did she know, someone else had found out everything as well...
Xerxes whinnied, panting for breath as they reached the estate.
Felicia handed the stallion over to the stablemen, who looked oddly at the little woman carrying a sword.
"Where is your master?" she asked. The two looked at each other, then looked at Felicia, pointing pointing East towards gardens...
Mr. Gillespie was barking as Felicia rushed in the direction of the garden.
"What price you will pay when you kneel before God?"
"In the words of Nietzsche - "God is dead"."
"If you don't want to meet your Maker quite personally in the highest court of Heaven in the next two seconds, you'll remove that saber at once!"
"Ah" Patrick smirked. "Lady Felicia"
Both men turned, noticing the lady was glaring venomously at Patrick.
"One can only assume" Patrick started. "That you are here to save the life, of your precious priest!"
Nathan gasped. Felicia was unphased.
"Release him" she hissed.
"Oh, I plan to... after I'm done with you... En garde!" Felicia parried. They were matched, blade for blade...
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Nathan closed his eyes in prayer of thanksgiving.
He felt the sword being moved from his neck, and turned.
Be still he heard. And know that I am God
Lord? He thought nervously. Be still he heard again.
Very well, he would be still... but he could still pray...
Our Father, who art in Heaven
Patrick smirked. This would be an easy win. Or so he thought...
Hallowed be Thy Name
En garde! Patrick parried 1...2..3...
Felicia met his every strike, sweeping away each blow.
She crossed Patrick's third swing, pushing down...
Thy Kingdom come
Patrick tried to fell Felicia- she stood tall, proud, strong.
Thy will be done
"You really think you can beat me, my dear?" Patrick taunted.
"You- a woman- fell me?" he tsked her as he would his own daughter, slicing the blade against her left arm.
Felicia didn't give him the satisfaction of a scream. The professor sneered.
On Earth as it is in Heaven
"I think not" he hissed, swinging the blade again.
"Give us this day Our daily bread" Nathan whispered.
Patrick turned to the priest, who was still on his knees, but in prayer.
"I think instead death, torture is in order for you , my dear you being the weaker sex and all...
It's a shame I'll have to kill you after I've had my fill... eh, Father Brown?"
Nathan closed his eyes as Felicia let out a roar, swinging for Patrick's head, when he parried, punching her in the stomach- effectively ending the duel.
Nathan growled, but still could not get up.
Tears fell from his eyes as he was forced to be still, and watch his love as she gasped for breath in agony.
Patrick held her head back roughly by her hair meeting her glowing brown gaze.
"Any last words, my dear?" he snickered. Nathan wanted to grab Felicia's saber and run him through.
He couldn't move, however.
"God is ALIVE" Felicia hissed. "Jesus my Savior lives forevermore! Long live my KING!"
Patrick smacked her with the hilt. "Shut up, you fool! OOF!"
And forgive us our trespasses
Nathan looked around in surprise and found Patrick's daughter Lucia standing behind him with a boulder in her hands.
Felicia, catching Lucia's gaze, had a queer smile on her face.
What Nathan didn't know, was that her prayers, all of them, had been answered.
As we forgive those who have trespassed against us
Lucia, staring wide eyed at her father, stared a the rock and dropped it.
And lead us not into temptation
Nathan, finally able to gt up, scrambled over to help Felicia, who was panting hard, and in pain.
"Are you alright?" he asked, worried.
She glared at him. "One more word out of you, Father, and you're next! YELCH!"
Ohh... gross! He thought as Lucia tried not to laugh.
Greater love has no more than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
Nathan nodded. Consider me rebuked, Lord
But deliver us from evil
"Do you think Mummy was a murderer too?" Lucia asked him later, after he'd seen that Felicia was taken to the hospital.
"You mean Daniel's father?" Nathan asked.
"It's what people think - that she drove straight at him." Lucia trailed off, uncertain.
Nathan shook his head. The poor girl...
"Like you, your mother didn't just have problems with her reading and writing - she couldn't tell her left from her right." Nathan said, hoping to give the girl some comfort.
"You think she hit the accelerator instead of the brake." Lucia wondered, hope in her eyes.
"Well, she certainly didn't have any reason to murder him." Nathan said, glaring at Patrick.
"She wasn't like your father."
Patrick had been listening in the police car. After all his intelligence, he would be hanged, thanks to a priest and the twentieth century Joan of Arc!
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Two weeks later...
"For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory Forever and ever" Nathan smiled, as he kissed his dearest friend, lover, and rescuer on the lips.
"Amen" she grinned.
"I have a surprise for you" she giggled impishly.
"What is that, my dear?" he asked with a smile, giving her a playful scowl over his glasses.
"What have you gone and done this time?" he asked, as he wrapped his arms around her, bringing her close to him.
After she'd healed better, he'd called on her to check on her, and she invited him for lunch, claiming she had a surprise for him.
He'd wondered what that surprise could be... Her arm was still healing. Nathan joked she'd soon have a battle scar on her arm for defending him.
She'd playfully punched him, then lay her head on his shoulder, a hand on his chest.
"Well... a friend of mine asked if I could take in her pet for a while. She's moving out of country, and try as she might, she couldn't take the poor dear to Russia with her. So, I offered to take him in"
Nathan was curious, especially with the mischievous grin Felicia had on her face.
"Who is it?" he asked. "What's his name?"
He saw Felicia nod, and soon heard a familiar bark.
"Mr. Gillespie!"
Haha! That's all for this chapter! I hope you like! Please tell me what you think! More coming soon!
Just to note
1 I'm trying to give Mrs. McCarthy love... there's none there yet. :p it's coming...
2 I watch too much Investigation Discovery... smh
3 Matthew 26:52
4 If you like this one, you may also like my story To Be Loved and Be Loved By Me: Sam's Story I advise the whole thing, but really focus on ch 10. :D