Don't Look Back

Chapter 71

Lady Susan can't believe the angle of investigator Mr. Obretic. She was glad to have accompanied Mr. Parker into the parlor. He would have been utterly demolished if it had not been for her.

"So you believe a man rendered blind has killed his wife?" She countered his informal inquisition.

He shrugged. "He could have hired it."

"From his bedside, where the good Lord Babington has cared for him most diligently?" She added. "I would think you imply some level of culpability if you imply Mr. Parkers hand in his wife's untimely death." She let that settled only a half a breath. Right before the man was about to answer she interrupted. "And further, where she was found brings into question her character, not his."

Mr. Obretic's mouth opened and closed then opened again to gain the platform to speak.

"Really Mr. Obretic, you accuse many here. I do know you are in the employ of a certain morning news paper and supplement your rather paltry income with whatever you can gain from intelligence but don't you think a murderess wife who arranged for her husbands poisoning, and is perhaps killed by her lover is a far more..." she bit her lip and looked up as if searching for the word. "Stimulating of a story?"

He scrunched his nose as if the thought never crossed his mind.

"He was bringing a case against her."

Lady Susan shrugged. "She had an awful reputation. As I am certain even you know. Have you looked into how her first husband died?"

The man looked at her with shock.

"Yes. I would think you should look into that very well. I bet you could sell ever so many papers. I can see the headline now."

Mr. Parker finally spoke. "Please no headlines. Flora doesn't deserve it."

Lady Susan shook her head. "She doesn't deserve her father to hang, or to be burdened with suspicion for the rest of her life. Better she allow the truth to be let out."

The poor man shook his head. "No. I don't want my child hurt by this."

"I am afraid that cannot be prevented." She wanted to remind him that everything would affect Charlotte as well.

If he wasn't willing to trash the dead woman, then he would need to go down instead. Why didn't he see that?"

She realized she was going to need to stay with the fool lest he ruin his life further from poor choices. The prime one being his morals. They were far too pure. Some sacrafices had to be made for the betterment of all. Those being Flora, Charlotte and himself.

"This has been enough for your visit, Mr. Obretic. I am certain a date for the hearing has been set." She tried to fish. They heard no such thing.

"I heard they were pushing it up. Noble woman found dead at the wrong end of town. Pity. But you are right. There must be no stone left unturned." He took his hat and cane. But before he left he went to wave his hand in front of Sidney.

"I can see a shadow moving. I can only assume that is you, Mr. Obretic." He stated dryly.

"So you can see?" The investigator scoffed.

Sidney nodded. "Not exactly, but I begin to see some things. The physicians give me hope."

"Allow me to see you out." Lady Susan gestured to the foyer and looked behind her. The man looked lost and was hardly an assistant in the questioning. It was as if he had been dealt a blow.

After hurrying the man out, Lady Susan returned and sighed. "What is it Mr. Parker?"

He had his head in his hands. "She is leaving."

"Charlotte?" She asked.

He started to sob. I don't want to lose her again."

Going to his side she sat down with composure. "Then I say this delicately. You must fight for your future."

He shook his head. "I can't do it without hurting Flora."

"You hurt her more if you leave her behind, or if she believes for an instant that you killed her mother." She patted his back. "People talk, and unless you prove to all, and create a narrative that exposes her mother then she could grow up to fear or doubt you. And as to Charlotte, she may not be able to marry a supposed murderer. I don't believe either one of you wish to flee to a place you are not known."

He looked to think things over.

"She spoke of returning to Willingden." He whispered.

Lady Susan nodded. "I will send her where-ever she has a wish to go, but home may be the best place for her."

He looked away.

"But you have concerns." She quieted. "That there could be an indiscretion discovered." Lady Susan could feel it.

"She should be spared of all inconveniences." He interrupted.

Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes. "Then you have all the more reason to fight better than you are for the future."

He looked up at the window ahead of him. Only light could be seen. But the shadows of his past were standing in front of him.