Family Secrets
An Hope Holmes Adventure Chapter XX
Faith Robin
I soon reached my club and knocked on the door. The door opened and I was quickly ushered in. The porter nearly didn't let Dawson in.
"He's with me," I said and the porter moved aside. Dawson stepped inside. "John can you let me into my quarters? I seem to have misplaced my key." I asked waiting for him to hand me a spare.
"Of course Miss Russell," he said handing over the key.
"Thank you," I said taking the key and walked toward the staircase. Dawson quietly followed behind me. I stopped at the top of the stairs in front of my flat door. I un locked the door and flipped on the light. I went over to the fireplace and lit a match. I held it under the wood until it was burning. Dawson sat down in a chair and huddled close to the fire. The fog had nearly frozen him. I placed my coat and hat on the coat rack and sat in a chair in front of him.
"As you can see, I have taken you into my complete confidence, Dawson and I want no word of this place breathed to breathing human," I said studying him from my perch.
"Not a word from my mouth miss," Dawson said giving his word.
"Good, now you are being paid fifteen pounds for your services?" I asked him directly.
"Yes Miss," he responded respectfully.
"I am willing to make an offer of twenty pounds, if you keep your end of the bargain," I said opening a drawer, I pulled out a receipt book a pen and stationary. He sat there blank faced, staring into the flames. He turned looked at me.
"How do I know that this isn't some kind of trick?" He asked me suspiciously. He narrowed his eyes. 'He doesn't trust me,' I thought to myself.
"This is no prank Mr. Dawson, I am going to write down our terms and I will give you a copy of it if you wish," I said, staring him down. He stared at me incredulously.
"Yes I would like a copy of this contract," he said with some surprise.
"First we have to discuss the terms," I said uncapping my pen.
"What terms do you expect from me?" Dawson asked slowly.
"Well for one you help me get my father back," I said writing it down. He stared at me again, with that same look as before. "Yes I do mean it" I said staring back at him with my somewhat arrogant, obstinate look of mine. "Also I expect no treachery from your end. As soon as may father is safe and I have paid you may go back, and do what ever thing that pleases you," I said coldly, my gaze almost daring him to try something with a very angry Hope Holmes. He laughed.
"Just like your father," he said aloud chuckling to himself. I froze, 'what in the name of Davy Jones???!!!!' I thought turning pale. I knew that voice from somewhere, but I couldn't quite place it. He busted out laughing seeing the reaction on my face. I sat there absolutely dumbfounded.
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