Family Secrets
A Hope Holmes Adventure Chapter V
Hope Robin
I knocked on the roof.
"Stop here," I said to the cabbie.
"Yes Miss," he said moving to the sidewalk. I was at the corner of Cambridge Rd and Sloan Sq. I got out.
"How much?" I asked the cabbie.
"Half a sovereign Miss," He said. I dug around for my coin purse. I found it and took out a sovereign.
"Here's a sovereign," I said handing the coin to him "I would appreciate if you kept this quiet."
"Yes Miss, Mum's the word," the cabbie said taking the coin, "Shall I wait for you?"
"No, I'll just walk," I said turning from him, crossing the street to the other side. Heading towards Sloan Sq., I hurried on towards my destination. I arrived at 207A and I stepped over to the door, and rang the bell. While I waited I dug out my calling card. The Maid came to the door.
"May I help you?" She Asked.
"Yes is Miss Granger Home?" I asked holding my breath, hoping that she was.
"Yes she is, please come in," the maid said kindly, "You may wait for her in the parlor, your card please." I handed her the card.
"Thank you," I said sitting on the sofa. The maid hurried upstairs.
'Charming,' I thought. I took off my coat and laid it aside: I kept my purse in my lap. The wallpaper was wildflowers. There was a piano in the corner. Flowers were sitting on the coffee table. Soon I heard two people coming down the stairs. A young blonde stepped into the parlor.
"Russell, Darling, How are you?" Granger asked coming forward. I stood forcing a smile. The Maid followed her into the parlor and stopped at the doorway.
"Good to see you Granger," I said hugging and greeting her in our traditional way. "I'm doing fine," I said answering her question.
"May I take your coat and purse?" the maid asked.
"Oh yes, but I'll keep my purse, if it's just the same." I said handing her my coat.
"Yes Miss," she responded taking my coat and whisked away. I turned my attention to the street below.
"Russell I do say old girl, this is an unexpected visit," Granger said arranging her onto the sofa next to the piano.
"Granger, do forgive me was I interrupting something?" I asked moving towards the window.
"No, not at all Russell, you know that I'm always happy to see you." She said looking surprised at my question. "Russell, I say are you alright? You look as if you've seen a ghost," She asked her face changing from the look of surprise to concern. I peered out into the street. There was no one that I could see.
"I'm fine, but I must ask a favor of you," I said turning my attention back onto her. I sat back down on the sofa.
"Anything," Granger said looking interested in what was going on.
"But first is there somewhere where we might be a bit more discreet?" I asked her picking up my purse from between us.
"How about my room?" She asked after giving it some thought.
"Yes that will be perfect," I said standing up. "Lead the way Granger."
"Miss Smith," Granger called.
"You called miss?" The maid (Miss Smith, I presumed) said returning to the parlor.