The Hunt for Jack the Ripper (The Phantomhive Diaries #1)

35. Baldroy Gibbons

As Baldroy returned to the parlour to check on the guest, his senses tingled with an unsettling anticipation. Amidst the grandeur, a disquieting revelation gripped his heart. Mr. Chlaus Albiker, Lau, and Ran-Mao, their voices mingling in animated conversation, sat around the tea table. However, an inexplicable unease settled upon Baldroy's shoulders, for he sensed that something was gravely amiss.

Where was Madam Red? Where did she go?

Chlaus's gaze swiftly shifted towards the cook and flashed him a smile. "Ah, hello, Mr. Gibbons. Is there something you need?"

Baldroy's laughter almost couldn't hide the nervous tremor of his unease. His hand instinctively reached up to scratch the back of his head, a telltale sign of his anxiety. "Jus' makin' sure everythin's all right."

"Ah, everything is splendid," Lau said. "Madam Red just went to use the water closet."

Baldroy gulped. Oh fuck. "Well then, I shouldn't worry none then. I'll leave ya'll to chat." He bowed his head, giving them a grin to hide his anxious behavior. "Gentlemen. Lady."

With the door firmly closed behind him, Baldroy ascended the grand staircase, his footsteps echoing through the halls. Specifically, to the young master's chambers, nestled on the second floor. Madam red used the "water closet" excuse to sneak out of the parlour in order to check on Lord Phantomhive. Oh no, no, no. Sebastian is going to fucking kill me.

Baldroy ascended the stairs with haste, his heart pounding in his chest. Every step he took brought him closer to the impending danger that awaited him. If his suspicions were correct, Sebastian would mercilessly unleash his wrath upon Baldroy for his carelessness. As it was his solemn duty to safeguard the sanctity of the young master's chamber from unwanted visitors.

When he at last arrived at the young master's chambers, he noticed with a start that the door stood ajar. Oh fuck. Now what do I do? Calm yourself, Bard, it's not the end of the - Actually, no, it is. Sebastian is going to fire me.

Baldroy cautiously stepped into the chamber, his eyes widening as he beheld Madam Red's ominous figure. She stood motionless, her back turned to him, a foreboding silence filling the room. The air was thick with tension, as if a storm was brewing within her very being. Baldroy's heart raced, knowing that the calm before the storm was the most dangerous moment of all.

What should I do?

"Um, ma'am," he tried to speak to her calmly. "You really shouldn't be up here. Those are the young master's orders -."

"And where is your master now?" In a calm yet hostile manner, Madam Red asked before turning to confront him. "Because I don't see him anywhere."

Baldroy gulped.

"Where's Ciel, Mr. Gibbons? Hmmm?" she asked as she took a step towards him. "Where's my nephew?"

Baldroy parted his lips, ready to utter a response, yet no words came out. The weight of deceit pressed heavily upon his conscience, for he pondered on what falsehoods he could conjure this time. Sebastian, the ever-vigilant butler, demanded utmost discretion. No one should learn about the young master's abduction. Baldroy's trepidation grew, for he questioned his ability to deceive the astute madam any further. The air thickened with uncertainty as the web of deception threatened to unravel, exposing the truth within its intricate threads.

"Mr. Gibbons," Madam Red spoke more harshly, almost in a hiss. "I'm asking you for the last time. Where is my nephew?"

"I...he..." Baldroy stuttered. "H-he went for a walk..."

Madam Red raised one of her eyebrows. "A what?"

"Y-yes, he went for a stroll," he said. "With Sebastian. That's why neither of them are here."

"A stroll? Didn't he have a headache?"

"Yes, well, he said he was feeling better, so he went out for a stroll."

Madam Red folded her arms over her chest. "And why wasn't I informed of this?"

"Because...the young master knew you were going to stop him for a check-up, so he sneaked out through the kitchen so you wouldn't catch him."

She huffed through her nose. "A stroll, eh? A likely story. Let's pray that what you say is true, Mr. Gibbons." With an icy glare, Madam Red fixed her gaze upon him, piercing his very soul, before striding past him with an air of disdain as she departed the confines of the bedroom. "If I don't see Ciel by dinner, I will call Scotland Yard about his disappearance. Are we clear?"

Baldroy gulped once more. "Y-yes, my lady. I reckon the young master gonna be back before long."

"Good. It would be a pity if you or Sebastian allowed something bad to happen to him. Otherwise, Scotland Yard will blame the servants. They always do."

With that, she left.

Baldroy released a long, weary sigh that was trapped within him for what seemed like an eternity. Oh shite, he thought as he raked his fingers through his hair. She doesn't believe me. I'm in so much trouble. Come on, Sebastian, where the fuck are ya?