Mrs Pearson and her faithful ward Robert had returned to their own home, waiting for Roger Lindsay to drop by. Instead of him however Fabrizio showed up at her doorstep. Peering out of the window she could see him coming closer.

"What does he want here?" she spoke up not really wanting to hear an answer.

"I've no idea. Isn't he a friend of Mr Dawson?"

"I guess we will find out soon enough."

Mrs Pearson rolled her eyes like he had voiced either something embarrassing or totally stupid. She cursed her lips as she began to walk down the stairs.

"Wait! You want to let him in."

"But of course I do. I'll treat him as my guest," she said in a tone that Robert knew meant that there was trouble ahead for the person coming. Neither one of them had heard any news of Jack since returning from Mr Lindsay a day ago.

Maybe he had died and Fabrizio wanted to take revenge?

Though he didn't look like someone who was being on the warpath.

"Hello, is anyone here?" Fabrizio's voice rang out looking around.

Roger Lindsay had told him that Mrs Pearson owned a brothel, didn't he? So where were all the girls?

"I'm here," a creature ascending down the stairs spoke up.

Fabrizio instantly recognized her, but remembered that he wasn't supposed to know her.

"What can I do you, young man? Looking for some nice distraction, maybe?"

"No, actually…I'm searching for someone called Mrs Pearson."

Her hand on his shoulders didn't feel comfortable at all, quite the contrary. This woman had something dreadfully about her. No wonder that Rose had seemed so scared on the telephone. Whatever had they done to her and Jack?

"You're on the lucky side, young man. You've found her. She's standing right in front of you."

"You're…?" he tried his best to make is sound surprised.

"Yes, I'm. I hope you're not disappointed?" she looked at him in girlishness way almost.

"Of course not, madam, just surprised is all."

"Well than whatever you've got to tell me I'm sure it'll be more relaxed by sitting down. Don't you agree?"

Whether he did or not, there was no way out now. Hopefully at least his plan would work. Surely a woman like her wouldn't look kindly on traitors.

…

"He did what?" not that she was shocked to hear that, but she needed Fabrizio to believe she was.

"He sent me here to steal the diamond from you. He clearly doesn't trust you."

In slow motion she stirred her tea, although she hated that crap.

"Mr Lindsay is not a rightful gentleman then I presume. And you've come here all the way up to tell me?"

"Yes. Why wouldn't I?"

She smiled deceitfully, something that Fabrizio couldn't really place.

"I came here, because I don't like traitors," he added. "Don't you agree with me?"

So Roger Lindsay had dragged this boy here to steal for him. Fabrizio still clearly believed that he could outsmart her.

Let's see about that.

"Don't you want some tea as well? It's good."

"No, thank you. I'm not thirsty."

"Ah, but of course you're not."

She doesn't believe me. Dear god, what am I doing here? I should've been staying with Jack.

She came up with a topic unexpectedly the totally distracted Fabrizio although he tried his best to hide it.

"You were the one spying on us!?" it was statement not a question.

"No, I wasn't. I don't know what you're talking about. I would never do such a thing."

There it was again that laugh of hers.

"Now you come here with this silly story, because you think that you can play us off against each other. Isn't that right? You're excusing Mr Lindsay, a decent man, of the worst there ever is."

Fabrizio couldn't believe it.

They were both worthless creatures.

"Mrs Pearson I've come here to warn you. My only intention was to straighten things up, but if you don't want to believe me. It's your choice."

He stood up intending to leave. Clearly Jack and Rose now needed him more.

Now to put up a show, Mrs Pearson…

No man can withstand a crying woman.

"Oh, dear, I'm so sorry. I didn't know what he did. He did it. He poisoned your friend."

"Jack?"

"Yes, he made me believe that he did it for me. But he's after his wife. He's horrible, horrible man…"

Fabrizio actually didn't know what to think. Seeing this woman here in a load of tears…were they truthful?

"And the diamond?"

"I don't have it anymore. There's the…little snake, Robert. He knew where I kept it and…," she hid her head in her arms to add to poor woman effect.

"Everyone's thinking I'm Satan itself, but I'm not. No one has ever loved me. Just everybody kept on deceiving me…"

Fabrizio mind was weary and unclear.

"No, please don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you. I apologize, if I should've said something to hurt you."

"Really? Of course I forgive you. Will you give me a hug? I've never been given one, I mean a true one," she told him her mouth curving into a smile.

"Sure," Fabrizio said smiling back.

"I knew you're good man."

Just as he was drawing her closer he felt something cold against his jest and before he could draw back the steel had found its way through his clothing.

"What the…," he didn't get any further falling to the ground.

Mrs Pearson laughed.

Robert appeared shortly after having heard Fabrizio's scream.

"My god, did you…?"

"Of course not, I'm not the monster you all think I'm. No he just received a warning. Help me to tie him up," she commended and turning to Fabrizio she added: "Oh you were right, young boy. I can't stand traitors either."

Now up for Mr Lindsay.