Hey guys! I hope all is well. Here's another chapter. Thanks for reading. - Sevy14
I pouted, not caring that it made me seem like a small child. I was perfectly fine of taking care of myself and I certainly did not need a babysitter. The movers had come shortly after Shine left, I listened while Arthur and Jude directed the movers about. I stole out of the front door when both the movers, Jude and Arthur were upstairs I made my way down the front of the walk and turned, quickly making my way down the street. I continually looked back to see if I was being followed, I did not catch a glimpse of Jude or Arthur. Eventually I calm slightly and enjoy my jaunt of freedom, not sure how long it would last. I walk through the crowd of people and look about. Reaching the market, I wander from shop to shop and looking at each stall, taking in the wares of market dealers. So rarely was I allowed to leave the whorehouse and explore my surroundings that this was a treat. The smell of hot food drew my gaze and I watched as bakers were busy taking bread out of the oven and placing them on the counter. I smiled as I walked, watching them. I was distracted and not paying attention, so much so that I bumped into someone and stumbled backwards.
"Oh! I am so sorry." I say, not looking up right away.
"Mrs. Shine." Detective Inspector Shine's voice washes over me and I look up, my eyes wide.
"H-Hello!" I say, my voice stuttering. He gives me a look, undecipherable, yet it was a cool one. "Fancy seeing you here." I say, offering a small smile. Shine only arches an eyebrow at me.
"Is there a reason you are here?" He asks.
"Um..." I start but I do not really have a solid answer. Shrugging, "I um... I wanted to go to the market." I say. Again, he arches an eyebrow and his mouth twitches slightly, nose flaring.
"And where exactly are Jude and Arthur?" He asks. "They must here as well." He turns his head, scanning the crowd, "Because I am certain you would not have left without them, as I was sure you were left with specific instructions." His voice remains level and I look at him, blankly. Not bothering to respond. I was caught. He knew it and I knew it. Just then a carriage came around the corner and stopped near us, Jude and Arthur hopped out.
"Yes, they are right here." I say, gesturing towards them with my head.
Shine gives me a look, exasperated, surely. "Jude. Arthur." He says. They greet him and glare at me. "My wife, quite literally, bumped into me... Without you." He says. I look at them, and offer them a small smile.
Giving me a look, Jude responds. "You left and she was sitting before the fire in the drawing room. Once the movers came we were directing the movers, Sir." A pause and he looks at Arthur and then continues speaking. "When we came back downstairs, she was gone. Arthur and I searched both ends of the block, but she was gone by then, Sir." He says, leveling me with a look.
Detective Shine turns to look at me, eyebrow raise. I shrug but do not offer an explanation. He speaks, "Well that is interesting." Shine says, looking at me. I smile. "I am working." He says, looking at me.
Shrugging, "I do not need an escort, you can continue with your work." I respond.
He offers me a look. "Jude, Arthur, are the movers gone, finished?" He asks.
Each nodding, "Yes." "Yeah" They respond.
He nods in return. "Jude, why don't you and Mrs. Shine." He emphasizes my new name, much to my annoyance. Continuing, "...Continue to explore the market." I look over at Jude and watch him respond with a curt nod. "Mrs. Shine?" The Detective speaks.
I give him a look. "I have a name, you know?" I retort. I had a big mouth, knew it and probably should take caution with it, especially in public where I am sure the Detective Inspector must save face. He gives me a look and I back down slightly, physically. "I would like to get some supplies though." I state.
He nods. "You require funds, then?" He asks. I nod at him. Watching as he pulls out his wallet and hands me some money.
I look at him, watching closely as he does this. I wasn't sure what I had expected or if he would have even given me any money I offer him a courteous smile. "Thank you, Detective Inspector."
Curtly, he nods his head to me and looks at Jude. "Bring her straight home once her shopping is complete.
"Yes, Sir." Jude responds, giving me a sharp look. I look back, blankly.
Detective Inspector turns to go, "Um-" I start and pauses, turning to look at me. "Could you bring a few of those-those things we talked about tonight?"
He raises an eyebrow. "Could I?" He questions. I offer him a sharp look, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at his pettiness.
"Yes, please." I say softening my directed look at him. "We do have an agreement, after all." He offers me a curt nod and then turns and goes on his way, Arthur following behind him, and without offering me an answer. I glared back at him, annoyed with him. A throat clears and I look over at Jude. "Right... I say." Looking at him and then back down the street. "I am going to go in there." I say, pointing at the knitting and sewing shop. He nods, but does not say anything. I turn around and head back towards the shop. As we neared the entrance I stopped and looked at the man escorting me. "I apologize for running out on you and Arthur." He does not respond. I continued on as we reached the front of the shop and I said, "I hope that Detective Inspector is fair with you both. I will, be sure to make comment on that when I see him this evening."
From behind me the only response I received from Jude. "Thank you, Miss."
I shopped and paid for my knitting and sewing supplies. Jude was gracious enough to not appear to hold a grudge on me for sneaking away earlier. I returned home after shopping at some other shops. Upon returning home I made some chicken soup and munched on the bread I bought at the bakery earlier today. The fire was lit in the drawing room and after eating I sat before it, knitting a scarf, waiting to see if Detective Shine would bring one of those cold case files home with him.
Thank you readers! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Have a good night! -Sevy14
