Chapter 7
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine.
The Diaries
There are more revelations, as Challenger and Finn find the deceased Ian Royce's diaries.
The next morning, a weary Roxton sat out on the balcony, staring out into the jungle. He hadn't been up long.
He sipped a cup of coffee, blinking slowly. He wondered what the day would bring.
Yesterday, after he had left Marguerite, Roxton had went out into the jungle to shoot something, anything! Challenger had found him out in the jungle, sitting on a boulder.
Roxton had told Challenger everything. How his family and Emma's went way back, how the marriage had been arranged when they were both in diapers, and how Emma's father might not have insisted his daughter marry a Roxton, if she had brought home someone of equal or higher rank. Instead, she fell in love with a pauper. A man who came from a family that had lost all of their money due to bad investments. Emma's father feared that his daughter would not be supported in the manner that she had grown accustomed to.
Roxton had not been completely against the marriage, just indifferent to it and his new bride. Emma could've cared less. There had been no wedding night because she spent most of it crying in a locked bedroom, too heartbroken over her lost pauper, to even entertain fulfilling her marital duties to someone she barely knew, much less did not love.
Then, Challenger's expedition came up. Roxton had told his new wife he was going, not caring whether she liked it or not. To be honest, he knew Emma hadn't cared enough to approve or disapprove.
Roxton took another sip of coffee. Yesterday had also been hard on Challenger, something everyone seemed to take for granted. After Roxton got his story out, Challenger had confided his disappointment at finding out the Countess's true character. Roxton felt for him. For what Challenger had not put into words, was written clearly on his face. He wanted to see his dear Jessie again. He had been devastated that the Countess had had no intention of restoring him to her.
Roxton heard a slight movement. He looked behind him, half hoping to see Marguerite. But it was Malone. Roxton turned back out towards the jungle and sipped more coffee.
'Still mad at me?' Roxton asked.
Malone sat down next to him. He stared out into the jungle for what seemed like a long while, before answering.
'I was never mad. Just disappointed as hell.'
Roxton gave him a brief smile. 'That makes two of us.'
Malone said no more. After a good night's rest, he had realized it was not his place to lecture Roxton on his ungentlemanly behavior. And no matter what his past squabbles had been with Marguerite, in the last three years, she had become like an older sister to him. An annoying one, but someone he cared about none the less. Malone couldn't help but think how betrayed Veronica would've felt if he had secretly been married to Gladys and never told her. Malone peered over at Roxton.
'What are you going to do now?'
Roxton stood up and went back inside. Malone got up and followed. Roxton set down his cup and turned back towards Malone.
'I don't know. Challenger and I stayed out pretty late. He brought me up to speed about what you found out from the departed Mr. Royce. I don't know what Marguerite and I are going to do.'
Malone looked down. 'Well there's one part that I didn't tell Challenger. Finn and I made a pact not to.'
Roxton gave him a curious look. 'What? What is it?'
Malone looked around, then lowered his voice.
'Royce said that the Count had a special fondness for Challenger's wife. That it was his jealousy that caused him to stop funding Challenger's expeditions, not any failings on Challenger's part. I don't think Challenger has a clue.'
'And it's best to keep it that way. The man is already tearing himself apart over the Countess's betrayal. Best to just let him heal.'
Malone nodded again. 'What are you going to do about Marguerite? Have you spoken to her since yesterday?'
Roxton cast a glance up the stairs. 'Challenger and I got in late. I looked in on her. She was fast asleep...or pretending to be. I'm going to give her some space.'
'I'm sorry, John.'
Roxton shrugged. 'There's nothing for you to be sorry about. I know I've hurt Marguerite deeply, and for that I'm sorry. Sorrier than anyone can ever know. But we have to live in the here and now. She is going to have to find a way to live with what she has learned. There's a child's life at stake. And once our son or daughter is born, I don't want them thinking that their parents hate one another.'
Malone blew out a breath. 'I don't know, John. It's been my experience that Marguerite does what she damned well pleases.'
'Meaning?'
Malone gave him a knowing look. 'Meaning if she doesn't want to live with your betrayal, she won't, a child be damned.'
Roxton shook his head. 'I won't let it come to that.'
Before Malone could respond, a sleepy looking Finn and Challenger came out of his lab. Malone and Roxton looked at one another with surprise.
'Finn?' Malone asked, watching her yawn. She collapsed into a chair at the kitchen table. Challenger gave them all a weak smile. Both Finn and Challenger had books in their hands.
Roxton walked over to Finn and picked up the book she dropped on the counter.
'What's this?' he asked.
Finn yawned again, before finally answering. 'Neither Challenger and I could sleep last night, so he helped me with my reading.'
Malone gave Finn a curious look. 'You can't read?'
Finn suddenly felt very prickly and defensive.
'Where I'm from, reading isn't something you worry about.'
'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply anything. If you'd like another tutor, let me know. I'd be happy to help.'
Finn gave him an unsure smile. Roxton raised a brow. Finn had almost looked shy when she looked at Malone just now. He shook it off. He had other concerns. He looked at Challenger.
'These look like journals.' he noted.
Challenger nodded, suddenly looking very wide awake.
'Finn decided to clean out the 'guest bedrooms'. These journals belong to Ian Royce. Roxton, there's something in here I think you should read!'
Finn suddenly looked wide awake!
'Yeah! Oh my God we should've woke you the minute we...I mean the minute Challenger read that part!'
Roxton and Malone looked at one another. Malone tilted his head.
'What part?'
Challenger walked up to Roxton and put a hand on his shoulder.
'Roxton, I don't know how to say this, but your wife died.'
Roxton's eyes widened. He then looked at Malone and Finn. Finn nodded.
'Show him the part, Challenger! Your wife died in some fire!'
Malone looked from Roxton to Challenger. Finn kept talking.
'Challenger said that Royce wrote that it was quite a big scandal! I guess she died with some guy that she was seeing. So you see Roxton, you're not married anymore!'
Roxton stared at Finn, unseeing. The way the young girl had stated that fact, seemed so simple and straight forward. But the reality was his bride, Lady Emma Roxton, had perished in a seemingly horrible way. He couldn't just jump for joy.
Malone seemed to sense his feelings. 'Why don't you read the diaries yourself, Roxton? Find out what happened.'
Roxton just nodded. He picked up the diary and walked on to the balcony. Finn looked at Challenger, who cleared his throat. He was holding another diary.
'What is that?' Malone asked, nodding towards the book.
'I just began this one shortly before coming up here. Mr. Royce speaks of my wife Jessie...and the Count and Countess. I'm hoping to learn of how life has been treating my wife since my absence. Now, if you will excuse me, I will be down in my lab.'
Malone and Finn just nodded. They watched Challenger leave the room. Finn jumped up and grabbed Malone's arm. Malone seemed startled by this abrupt action. Finn let go of his arm quickly.
'We can't let him read that!' Finn hissed.
Malone stared at the empty space in which Challenger had just stood.
'You think those diaries might say something about the Count and Challenger's wife, don't you?'
Finn yawned briefly, before speaking.
'They'd have to, Ned. And he seemed so down last night. He didn't say it, but I could feel it. This would just be another kick in the teeth if he read anything bad about his wife in those diaries.'
'What do you propose we do? We can't just snatch the thing out of his hand. And maybe a little truth would be good around here. Roxton's situation with Marguerite is an example of what happens when people are kept in the dark. Look, let's get some vegetables out of the garden. I'll make breakfast today.'
Finn felt herself smile. She did that so easily with Ned. She shook that thought away.
'Okay. But I still think we should keep Challenger from reading that trash.'
'If Royce was telling the truth, then all Challenger will learn is that the Count longed for Jessie, and that Jessie didn't return his feelings. Come on! Let's go! I want to have everything ready for when Veronica wakes up.'
Malone grabbed Finn's hand. She felt a warmth go through her at just his touch. She gave him a casual smile, then boarded the elevator with him.
****
Roxton sat down and opened up the diary. He began reading. A lot of it was Royce's seemingly inner turmoil at drawing up the document that would've had Marguerite renounce her birthright. Roxton paged through all of that, not really interested in the man's mental anguish. He had just skimmed past a part about Royce's apprehension over the balloon ride, when he found an entry from the previous day.
June 17th,
I had hoped that what I witnessed between Lord Roxton and Ms. Krux during dinner, was a figment of my imagination. But I do believe that there is some sort of relationship there. It is somewhat unfortunate that they could not have been more discreet, for now the Countess has the means to blackmail both of them. If the Countess had not told me that she had spoken to the late Lady Roxton herself, and that she had not heard with her own ears, that that marriage was a secret, before Roxton left on the expedition, I would've never believed it. I'm afraid I have to agree with the Countess. I doubt Ms. Krux knows of Lord Roxton's marital status.
Of course, if Lord Roxton knew that the wife he had left behind, has died 9 months ago, the Countess would have nothing to bargain with. That fire is still the talk among London society matrons. And why would it not? Lady Emma Roxton dies in a cabin in the woods, along with her lover, a man some say she never stopped carrying on with, even after her marriage to Lord Roxton. It is even whispered that she was with her lover when she found out that her husband was missing. Even curiouser, is that while Lady Roxton's remains were found, those of her lover were not. Some say that unknown man, started the fire and killed Lady Roxton, and escaped to parts unknown. Others say he was burned beyond recognition.
Whatever the case, the Countess's plans and my own are quite different. The Countess has made it clear that she has no intentions of returning with anyone from the Challenger Expedition. I plan to return without the Countess...and with Ms Krux or Ms. Von Bubrik. Once she learns of Roxton's betrayal, Ms. Krux will need a shoulder to cry on and a guide to help her with her massive fortune.
The Countess whispered that she suspected Ms. Krux was with child. I would be more than happy to raise the Von Bubrik child as my own. My only fear is that Ms. Krux's feelings for Roxton will override her common sense, and that she will forgive him for his betrayal.
There was more, but Roxton slammed the book shut and flung it aside! The thought of people scheming and plotting to come between himself and Marguerite just made him want to murder someone! But the people he specifically wanted to hurt were already dead.
Roxton stood up, his jaw set. People thought that someone murdered Emma? Roxton closed his eyes, trying to will himself to remember the name of the man she had said she was in love with. He opened his eyes again, guilt written all over his features. He hadn't been interested in her as a person. Roxton remembered her blubbering over someone, that pauper that she could not marry. But for the life of him, he could not remember his name.
'Roxton!'
Roxton turned around quickly and hurried in to the treehouse. Challenger came running out of his lab. Veronica was breathing heavily. Challenger put a hand on her shoulder.
'Easy,' he said, 'what is it? What's wrong?'
Veronica looked from Challenger to Roxton.
'Marguerite is gone.'
Roxton stared at her disbelieving for a moment. He then locked eyes with Challenger, before hurrying up to her room. He pushed aside the curtain and saw and empty room. There was a note on the pillow. It said 'to my housemates'.
Roxton unfolded it quickly. It just said that she needed to be by herself and she would see them in a few days. Roxton flung the letter down and swung back around to face Veronica and Challenger.
'Has her pregnancy affected her common sense?!' he practically seethed.
Challenger stepped forward. 'For God's sakes man, get ahold of yourself!'
Roxton looked from Challenger to Veronica.
'Get ahold of myself?! She knows good and well that the jungle is no place to be in alone...she 's pregnant and alone!'
Veronica stepped forward. 'Roxton, I tried to talk to her last night, but I might have made things worse. She'll be alright. She's handy with a gun. Marguerite can take care of herself.'
'And my child?!' Roxton almost hissed.
Veronica backed away. She didn't think she's ever seen him like this. She glanced out of the corner of her eye at Challenger.
'Look, let's go and find her. She was here last night, right? She can't have that much of a head start.' Challenger suggested.
But Roxton had already brushed past them and into his own room. He grabbed his pack, gun and hat. Veronica and Challenger were on his heels.
'We'll come with you.' Challenger soothed him.
Roxton looked at him. 'Then you'd better come on. Because I'm not waiting for anybody.'
Veronica hurried to her room to get some supplies. She looked around suddenly, wondering where Ned and Finn were. Maybe she should get them, she thought.
But, if Marguerite made her way back here, then she should not be alone. No, better Ned and Finn stay here. Veronica hurried from her room and down the stairs. Challenger and Roxton were just getting on the elevator. She stepped on as well.
'We'll find her.' she said.
Roxton looked her in the eye. 'She's doing this to punish me. Instead of staying here and talking to me, she has run off and put herself in peril. If...when we find her...'
Veronica touched his shoulder. 'You two will talk things out, right?'
Roxton took a deep breath, closed his eyes and nodded. He gave her and Challenger a brief smile, before sighing heavily.
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine.
The Diaries
There are more revelations, as Challenger and Finn find the deceased Ian Royce's diaries.
The next morning, a weary Roxton sat out on the balcony, staring out into the jungle. He hadn't been up long.
He sipped a cup of coffee, blinking slowly. He wondered what the day would bring.
Yesterday, after he had left Marguerite, Roxton had went out into the jungle to shoot something, anything! Challenger had found him out in the jungle, sitting on a boulder.
Roxton had told Challenger everything. How his family and Emma's went way back, how the marriage had been arranged when they were both in diapers, and how Emma's father might not have insisted his daughter marry a Roxton, if she had brought home someone of equal or higher rank. Instead, she fell in love with a pauper. A man who came from a family that had lost all of their money due to bad investments. Emma's father feared that his daughter would not be supported in the manner that she had grown accustomed to.
Roxton had not been completely against the marriage, just indifferent to it and his new bride. Emma could've cared less. There had been no wedding night because she spent most of it crying in a locked bedroom, too heartbroken over her lost pauper, to even entertain fulfilling her marital duties to someone she barely knew, much less did not love.
Then, Challenger's expedition came up. Roxton had told his new wife he was going, not caring whether she liked it or not. To be honest, he knew Emma hadn't cared enough to approve or disapprove.
Roxton took another sip of coffee. Yesterday had also been hard on Challenger, something everyone seemed to take for granted. After Roxton got his story out, Challenger had confided his disappointment at finding out the Countess's true character. Roxton felt for him. For what Challenger had not put into words, was written clearly on his face. He wanted to see his dear Jessie again. He had been devastated that the Countess had had no intention of restoring him to her.
Roxton heard a slight movement. He looked behind him, half hoping to see Marguerite. But it was Malone. Roxton turned back out towards the jungle and sipped more coffee.
'Still mad at me?' Roxton asked.
Malone sat down next to him. He stared out into the jungle for what seemed like a long while, before answering.
'I was never mad. Just disappointed as hell.'
Roxton gave him a brief smile. 'That makes two of us.'
Malone said no more. After a good night's rest, he had realized it was not his place to lecture Roxton on his ungentlemanly behavior. And no matter what his past squabbles had been with Marguerite, in the last three years, she had become like an older sister to him. An annoying one, but someone he cared about none the less. Malone couldn't help but think how betrayed Veronica would've felt if he had secretly been married to Gladys and never told her. Malone peered over at Roxton.
'What are you going to do now?'
Roxton stood up and went back inside. Malone got up and followed. Roxton set down his cup and turned back towards Malone.
'I don't know. Challenger and I stayed out pretty late. He brought me up to speed about what you found out from the departed Mr. Royce. I don't know what Marguerite and I are going to do.'
Malone looked down. 'Well there's one part that I didn't tell Challenger. Finn and I made a pact not to.'
Roxton gave him a curious look. 'What? What is it?'
Malone looked around, then lowered his voice.
'Royce said that the Count had a special fondness for Challenger's wife. That it was his jealousy that caused him to stop funding Challenger's expeditions, not any failings on Challenger's part. I don't think Challenger has a clue.'
'And it's best to keep it that way. The man is already tearing himself apart over the Countess's betrayal. Best to just let him heal.'
Malone nodded again. 'What are you going to do about Marguerite? Have you spoken to her since yesterday?'
Roxton cast a glance up the stairs. 'Challenger and I got in late. I looked in on her. She was fast asleep...or pretending to be. I'm going to give her some space.'
'I'm sorry, John.'
Roxton shrugged. 'There's nothing for you to be sorry about. I know I've hurt Marguerite deeply, and for that I'm sorry. Sorrier than anyone can ever know. But we have to live in the here and now. She is going to have to find a way to live with what she has learned. There's a child's life at stake. And once our son or daughter is born, I don't want them thinking that their parents hate one another.'
Malone blew out a breath. 'I don't know, John. It's been my experience that Marguerite does what she damned well pleases.'
'Meaning?'
Malone gave him a knowing look. 'Meaning if she doesn't want to live with your betrayal, she won't, a child be damned.'
Roxton shook his head. 'I won't let it come to that.'
Before Malone could respond, a sleepy looking Finn and Challenger came out of his lab. Malone and Roxton looked at one another with surprise.
'Finn?' Malone asked, watching her yawn. She collapsed into a chair at the kitchen table. Challenger gave them all a weak smile. Both Finn and Challenger had books in their hands.
Roxton walked over to Finn and picked up the book she dropped on the counter.
'What's this?' he asked.
Finn yawned again, before finally answering. 'Neither Challenger and I could sleep last night, so he helped me with my reading.'
Malone gave Finn a curious look. 'You can't read?'
Finn suddenly felt very prickly and defensive.
'Where I'm from, reading isn't something you worry about.'
'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply anything. If you'd like another tutor, let me know. I'd be happy to help.'
Finn gave him an unsure smile. Roxton raised a brow. Finn had almost looked shy when she looked at Malone just now. He shook it off. He had other concerns. He looked at Challenger.
'These look like journals.' he noted.
Challenger nodded, suddenly looking very wide awake.
'Finn decided to clean out the 'guest bedrooms'. These journals belong to Ian Royce. Roxton, there's something in here I think you should read!'
Finn suddenly looked wide awake!
'Yeah! Oh my God we should've woke you the minute we...I mean the minute Challenger read that part!'
Roxton and Malone looked at one another. Malone tilted his head.
'What part?'
Challenger walked up to Roxton and put a hand on his shoulder.
'Roxton, I don't know how to say this, but your wife died.'
Roxton's eyes widened. He then looked at Malone and Finn. Finn nodded.
'Show him the part, Challenger! Your wife died in some fire!'
Malone looked from Roxton to Challenger. Finn kept talking.
'Challenger said that Royce wrote that it was quite a big scandal! I guess she died with some guy that she was seeing. So you see Roxton, you're not married anymore!'
Roxton stared at Finn, unseeing. The way the young girl had stated that fact, seemed so simple and straight forward. But the reality was his bride, Lady Emma Roxton, had perished in a seemingly horrible way. He couldn't just jump for joy.
Malone seemed to sense his feelings. 'Why don't you read the diaries yourself, Roxton? Find out what happened.'
Roxton just nodded. He picked up the diary and walked on to the balcony. Finn looked at Challenger, who cleared his throat. He was holding another diary.
'What is that?' Malone asked, nodding towards the book.
'I just began this one shortly before coming up here. Mr. Royce speaks of my wife Jessie...and the Count and Countess. I'm hoping to learn of how life has been treating my wife since my absence. Now, if you will excuse me, I will be down in my lab.'
Malone and Finn just nodded. They watched Challenger leave the room. Finn jumped up and grabbed Malone's arm. Malone seemed startled by this abrupt action. Finn let go of his arm quickly.
'We can't let him read that!' Finn hissed.
Malone stared at the empty space in which Challenger had just stood.
'You think those diaries might say something about the Count and Challenger's wife, don't you?'
Finn yawned briefly, before speaking.
'They'd have to, Ned. And he seemed so down last night. He didn't say it, but I could feel it. This would just be another kick in the teeth if he read anything bad about his wife in those diaries.'
'What do you propose we do? We can't just snatch the thing out of his hand. And maybe a little truth would be good around here. Roxton's situation with Marguerite is an example of what happens when people are kept in the dark. Look, let's get some vegetables out of the garden. I'll make breakfast today.'
Finn felt herself smile. She did that so easily with Ned. She shook that thought away.
'Okay. But I still think we should keep Challenger from reading that trash.'
'If Royce was telling the truth, then all Challenger will learn is that the Count longed for Jessie, and that Jessie didn't return his feelings. Come on! Let's go! I want to have everything ready for when Veronica wakes up.'
Malone grabbed Finn's hand. She felt a warmth go through her at just his touch. She gave him a casual smile, then boarded the elevator with him.
****
Roxton sat down and opened up the diary. He began reading. A lot of it was Royce's seemingly inner turmoil at drawing up the document that would've had Marguerite renounce her birthright. Roxton paged through all of that, not really interested in the man's mental anguish. He had just skimmed past a part about Royce's apprehension over the balloon ride, when he found an entry from the previous day.
June 17th,
I had hoped that what I witnessed between Lord Roxton and Ms. Krux during dinner, was a figment of my imagination. But I do believe that there is some sort of relationship there. It is somewhat unfortunate that they could not have been more discreet, for now the Countess has the means to blackmail both of them. If the Countess had not told me that she had spoken to the late Lady Roxton herself, and that she had not heard with her own ears, that that marriage was a secret, before Roxton left on the expedition, I would've never believed it. I'm afraid I have to agree with the Countess. I doubt Ms. Krux knows of Lord Roxton's marital status.
Of course, if Lord Roxton knew that the wife he had left behind, has died 9 months ago, the Countess would have nothing to bargain with. That fire is still the talk among London society matrons. And why would it not? Lady Emma Roxton dies in a cabin in the woods, along with her lover, a man some say she never stopped carrying on with, even after her marriage to Lord Roxton. It is even whispered that she was with her lover when she found out that her husband was missing. Even curiouser, is that while Lady Roxton's remains were found, those of her lover were not. Some say that unknown man, started the fire and killed Lady Roxton, and escaped to parts unknown. Others say he was burned beyond recognition.
Whatever the case, the Countess's plans and my own are quite different. The Countess has made it clear that she has no intentions of returning with anyone from the Challenger Expedition. I plan to return without the Countess...and with Ms Krux or Ms. Von Bubrik. Once she learns of Roxton's betrayal, Ms. Krux will need a shoulder to cry on and a guide to help her with her massive fortune.
The Countess whispered that she suspected Ms. Krux was with child. I would be more than happy to raise the Von Bubrik child as my own. My only fear is that Ms. Krux's feelings for Roxton will override her common sense, and that she will forgive him for his betrayal.
There was more, but Roxton slammed the book shut and flung it aside! The thought of people scheming and plotting to come between himself and Marguerite just made him want to murder someone! But the people he specifically wanted to hurt were already dead.
Roxton stood up, his jaw set. People thought that someone murdered Emma? Roxton closed his eyes, trying to will himself to remember the name of the man she had said she was in love with. He opened his eyes again, guilt written all over his features. He hadn't been interested in her as a person. Roxton remembered her blubbering over someone, that pauper that she could not marry. But for the life of him, he could not remember his name.
'Roxton!'
Roxton turned around quickly and hurried in to the treehouse. Challenger came running out of his lab. Veronica was breathing heavily. Challenger put a hand on her shoulder.
'Easy,' he said, 'what is it? What's wrong?'
Veronica looked from Challenger to Roxton.
'Marguerite is gone.'
Roxton stared at her disbelieving for a moment. He then locked eyes with Challenger, before hurrying up to her room. He pushed aside the curtain and saw and empty room. There was a note on the pillow. It said 'to my housemates'.
Roxton unfolded it quickly. It just said that she needed to be by herself and she would see them in a few days. Roxton flung the letter down and swung back around to face Veronica and Challenger.
'Has her pregnancy affected her common sense?!' he practically seethed.
Challenger stepped forward. 'For God's sakes man, get ahold of yourself!'
Roxton looked from Challenger to Veronica.
'Get ahold of myself?! She knows good and well that the jungle is no place to be in alone...she 's pregnant and alone!'
Veronica stepped forward. 'Roxton, I tried to talk to her last night, but I might have made things worse. She'll be alright. She's handy with a gun. Marguerite can take care of herself.'
'And my child?!' Roxton almost hissed.
Veronica backed away. She didn't think she's ever seen him like this. She glanced out of the corner of her eye at Challenger.
'Look, let's go and find her. She was here last night, right? She can't have that much of a head start.' Challenger suggested.
But Roxton had already brushed past them and into his own room. He grabbed his pack, gun and hat. Veronica and Challenger were on his heels.
'We'll come with you.' Challenger soothed him.
Roxton looked at him. 'Then you'd better come on. Because I'm not waiting for anybody.'
Veronica hurried to her room to get some supplies. She looked around suddenly, wondering where Ned and Finn were. Maybe she should get them, she thought.
But, if Marguerite made her way back here, then she should not be alone. No, better Ned and Finn stay here. Veronica hurried from her room and down the stairs. Challenger and Roxton were just getting on the elevator. She stepped on as well.
'We'll find her.' she said.
Roxton looked her in the eye. 'She's doing this to punish me. Instead of staying here and talking to me, she has run off and put herself in peril. If...when we find her...'
Veronica touched his shoulder. 'You two will talk things out, right?'
Roxton took a deep breath, closed his eyes and nodded. He gave her and Challenger a brief smile, before sighing heavily.