A/N: Shout out to my anonymous reviewer! The mysterious person is coming in the next story. Thanks so much for reading.
Chapter 37
Glinda, who was finally making small trips to her office, was thrilled to meet the King of the Animals. She offered him a room for the night and the promise of a meeting in the morning. Brrr gratefully accepted and he was given a meal before he turned in for the evening. Elphaba wanted to check on the Farhidi children, but the blonde told her it wasn't possible.
Doctor Talib had sedated them and sent word to a friend of his regarding the treatment of their mental issues. Lieutenant Zetti had taken their father into custody and told him that the children were at the Palace, but that his wife was dead. The Lieutenant was surprised that the mill owner broke down into tears. Farhidi had been cheating on his wife for years and hadn't actually seen her in person in quite some time.
"Good work Zetti. In the morning, let Farhidi see his children," Fiyero told him after the Lieutenant had brought him up to speed. They had met in Fiyero's office after the Captain had had dinner.
"What are we going to do with him? He helped us but he also…" Zetti trailed off.
"I know. Legally, I could charge him with treason, but I am loathe to permanently take away the only parent that those poor children have left. Their father was blackmailed and would not have even thought of attempting this kind of crime without that threat," Fiyero heaved a sigh.
"A question for the prosecutor then. Let them figure it out," the Lieutenant suggested. The Captain nodded.
"Is there anything else?" Zetti asked.
"Yes, get a good night's sleep and we'll worry about the rest in the morning," Fiyero gave him a smile.
"Don't have to tell me twice. Goodnight, sir," the Lieutenant chuckled.
"Goodnight," the Captain told him. A few minutes later, Fiyero left his office, in search of his future wife. He was unsurprised to find her in the infirmary checking on Candy and Damla. He suspected that Sergeant Schultz was down there too.
"How are you, Candy?" Elphaba asked.
"I am told you saved me," the brothel worker said.
"I helped. Doctor Talib did the rest," the green woman was being modest.
"Why?" Candy asked.
"What do you mean?" Elphaba was confused by the question.
"I work in a brothel. I was the other woman. My boyfriend tried to kill Lady Glinda…" the words indicated the guilt was overriding the will to live.
"You're done working in that brothel. You didn't know what your boyfriend was up to. None of what has happened is your fault," Elphaba said to her.
"I need to work," Candy was confused.
"And you will. Worry about getting your strength up first. When you're ready, the Royal Tailor, Master Ali, has been looking for an apprentice. He is looking forward to working with you," the green woman let her know.
"I can't sew," Candy told her.
"Good thing that Master Ali is willing to teach you," Elphaba winked.
"Why?" The former brothel worker still could not figure it out. What made her so special?
"Because you deserve a fresh start. Now get some rest," the green woman gave her smile and stood from her seat next to the hospital bed. She saw Fiyero standing near the doorway and went to him.
"All good?" He asked.
"Candy will need help. She has a lot of guilt, but I think we can get her past it," Elphaba smiled.
"Excellent. How is Damla?" Fiyero wanted to know.
"Sergeant Schultz is taking care of asking her. I just gave her a smile and wave," the green woman explained with a smirk.
"I bet. Ok, so how about I take care of you?" Fiyero asked.
"I could use a hot bath. I'm exhausted," she admitted. Her fiancé waggled his eyebrows.
"You're incorrigible, you know that?" She couldn't help but laugh.
"That I am," he chuckled, putting his arm around her waist. The two left the infirmary and headed for their room. There was still a mystery magic person to chase down, but it could wait until tomorrow. Progress had been made and tomorrow had the promise of more.
The End
