A Hero Named Oliver Fitzroy (a Miss Scarlet and the Duke fanfic)

2 - Wellington

Detective Fitzroy seemed the most patient man on earth.
He had offered her his handkerchief to clean her face, when she could have found plenty in her own house.
Then he accompanied her out of the building, where she saw with relief other policemen.
Fitzroy jumped on a carriage after her, telling her that they were going to Scotland Yard.
The sound of the horses soothed her agitated mind. She was still a trembling mess, but she stopped crying and silently wondered what was her destiny now.

In the infirmary at the headquarters, a doctor visited her. Although she got only some bruises, the trauma was something she struggled to deal with.
Fitzroy was around most of the time and soon was joined by other man Clara had already seen at her house.

"Miss Gibson" he said bowing his head at her "I'm Inspector Wellington. In these recent weeks I've been spying the movements of those people who tried to kidnap you last night. I'm sorry we didn't intervene in time and put you at risk".

"How's Edgar?" she asked nervously.
She noticed how he stiffened.

"Edgar Thompson?" he inquired and when she confirmed he answered "Sadly he didn't make it. I'm so sorry".

She held her breath, swallowing the tears and sobs that rose to her throat and eyes.

"And Margaret?".

He looked confused "The maid? She'll be okay. She's at the hospital".

Clara breathed. Of the many servants she used to have in her house, only few remained. And now one of her most loyal ones was gone. Dead because of her.

"Mr Thompson had warned us of the people that menaced you" Wellington said carefully "The same gang I'm after because of other crimes. Lee Fletcher is their leader. Did you know that?".

She just nodded.

"Unfortunately he escaped last night. I'm confident that we will catch him soon, but until that time, it's safer for you to stay here, Miss".

"We'll take care of you. And protect you, Miss" Fitzroy added more gently.

Clara repeated those words in her mind, trying to digest them, but she feared that there was no safe place.
The predators wouldn't stop hunting her so easily.

"Is there someone you want us to warn?" Wellington asked, waking her from her brooding.
She had thought he had left, instead he stood by the door watching her.
She shook her head.

"My late condolences for the loss of your father. I learned he passed few months ago" he paused and when she didn't react, he asked "What of your mother? She used to live with you, right?".

"She travelled to the States to visit our relatives" she answered weakly.

"Any idea of when she comes back?".

She shook her head, expecting more questions, but Wellington just dismissed himself.

"If you need anything, I can send someone to fetch things from your house" Fitzroy offered "There are some of our men guarding the building so you don't have to worry about burglars".

Clara swallowed hard, trying to shove her torments away for a moment and think of what she had to do.
"I'd like to do something for Edgar Thompson's family. I owe him so much. He was the most loyal butler" her voice trailed off as sobs shook her.

"I'm so sorry for your loss" he offered her a clean handkerchief "We will get those criminals and they will pay for it".

Justice was something she craved to believe in, but the recent events made her feel just hopeless.
But as long as the young detective, that she saw as a personification of hope and justice, was around watching over her, she felt less lonely.

A/N

First chapters are quite short and slow, but are meant to let the characters interact and learn more about Clara's story.

Anyway, all that matters is HIM 😍💕