Cold All the Way Through, But Warming

Lord Mersey

On the third day of the inquiry, Campbell actually showed up early enough that I had to eat breakfast with him. I did my best to keep my expression neutral as I ate my bacon and eggs, watching as he tore apart a plate of kippers. Rigel was absorbed in his own meal, a plate of eggs and a waffle that hadn't turned out right. The person who ordered it would have been upset, but Rigel was thrilled. I took a sip of my coffee, heavily diluted by what I suspected was powdered milk. Even the Ritz was facing some rationing, it seemed. Campbell didn't even look up as I spoke, "Is there a reason for your early arrival?"

He barely glanced at me, "You're to testify today."

"Ah," The coffee tasted even bitterer somehow. "I assume you have some direction for me?"

At that, he finally looked up. He took a moment to blot the grease of the kippers from his lips. "You make it sound as if you're some actress in the pantomime."

"I am, essentially."

"You're doing your duty to your husband." Campbell set his napkin down. "And to his country, you could take some pride in that you know." When I remained silent, he shrugged. "Very well then, onto business. Keep it truthful up until the sinking, and praise the ship as much as you can."

I nodded, "She was a wonderful ship, I can freely admit that."

"You're to avoid speaking of anything distressing, even if directly asked." He took a sip of his tea, "That includes anything during the evacuation that might reflect badly on Cunard, so edit yourself accordingly. Rescue came quickly and you received assistance from British citizens who were more than happy to help, am I clear?"

I nodded, that wouldn't be a lie. Although I had figured out that I had spent hours in the water, so much for a quick rescue. "Crystal clear." I hesitated for a moment. "Will they ask about Alfred?"

"I doubt it." Campbell shrugged, returning to his meal. "He hasn't been found, so the rags are having a field day speculating about what happened to him. Mersey doesn't want to give them more to run with."

"Ah," I folded my hands in my lap, watching as Rigel licked his plate clean. "Will you give me the cartoon after I testify?"

His brow furrowed, and he gave me a glare. "After the inquiry is complete."

"Lieutenant Campbell, I will do as you ask, only please give me the cartoon. I want to see it destroyed."

He leaned back, tossing his napkin down. "I will be watching the entire time."

"I understand, and I will do my utmost to ensure that your commanding officer has nothing but praise for you. Only give me the cartoon, I'll even write a letter commending your efforts here."

That seemed to appeal to him, a glint entering his eyes. "You'll write that letter tonight."

"So long as I have the cartoon."

"Very well." He reached down, pulling his leather case into his lap and giving it a pat. "Now, I believe it is time to head out." He offered me his arm, but I busied myself with collecting Rigel and he dropped it. I kept Rigel between us, my arm still had light bruises from where he had grabbed me the first day. Rigel kept close to me, and I gave him an extra pet when he reached the hall for his help.

Fortunately I was not the first witness called, and passed several hours listening as crew members were called up and questioned. Captain Turner was even recalled, although some of the questioned put to him made me squirm in my seat. One of the lawyers looked down to some notes, "Since the report on the Titanic disaster, was the number of boats on Lusitania greatly increased?"