Jewel

Chapter 4: A Ruined Woman

Linus easily determined that Clement was in no hurry to leave the diner. Although they had both finished their meals, he made no move to go.

"You wanted to discuss something?" Linus ventured, watching as Clement's eyes followed Eileen from a table nearby to the kitchen once again.

"Hmm? Oh, yes," Clement answered distractedly.

"If you aren't ready to go, perhaps we could talk about it now," Linus suggested.

"Do you think it's appropriate for a woman to work in a restaurant like this?" Clement asked abruptly.

"I— well... is... is that what you were wanting to speak about?" Linus stammered.

"No, no. It's a matter of corporate law," Clement clarified.

"Let's discuss that then," Linus dodged Clement's question.

"No. I can't think here," Clement sighed and sat back in his chair.

"Then let's go back to Elmsdale."

Clement's eyes glanced at the kitchen door, staring at it as if he could will Eileen to come out.

"Clement," Linus leaned forward, keeping his voice low, "you can't watch her every hour of every day."

Clement dragged a hand down his face. "I know," he groaned. "I just- I keep thinking— what if..."

Clement didn't finish his sentence and Linus didn't press him. He was fairly certain he knew exactly what Clement worried about anyway.

"It's getting late, and your new bride is back at Elmsdale waiting for you. Go. I'll stay and walk Miss Jones home this evening, and we can discuss business after that."

Clement hesitated. He glanced back and forth from Linus to the kitchen door and back again.

"I promise: I'll return her safely," Linus nodded in reassurance.

Clement blew out a deep breath. "Alright," he conceded.

Linus ordered a cup of coffee and stayed until Eileen's shift ended. Outside, it was dark. Eileen eyed him suspiciously when she realized he had yet to leave.

"Miss Jones, I— I promised Clement that I would see you home safely this evening," Linus explained nervously.

He somewhat expected Eileen to be angry, but she only shrugged and said, "Alright."

Together, they set out for Elmsdale, Eileen taking the arm that Linus offered her. Just from the simple contact, Linus's heart beat faster in his chest. He cleared his throat, attempting to think of a topic of conversation.

"You must be gla-"

"Jewel?" Linus's sentence was interrupted by a voice behind them.

Eileen froze, and Linus stopped with her. Slowly, they each turned towards the voice.

"Ah, I knew it was you!" the young man said triumphantly as he approached them.

Linus's eyes shifted to Eileen. It was clear from her expression that she was trying to place the man.

"Hello," she said quietly.

"Aww, Jewel, you don't remember me?" the man clutched his chest as if hurt.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I do not," Eileen answered.

"What a shame. But I remember you. No one could forget a girl like Jewel. Isn't that right, good sir?" the stranger addressed the last question to Linus.

"I do not know what you mean," Linus feigned ignorance. "I do not know a 'Jewel'. This young woman certainly does not go by that name."

"Oh, but she does," the man sneered, clearly enjoying the opportunity to expose whatever he could. "But if you are unaware of her identity, perhaps Miss Jewel here is playing new tricks," he grinned at the double entendre.