The Wolf and the Rose

2. Henri's Choice

"You stole it," Storm Kerjean grumbled, looking over the money in his stained hands. "Or you found another lender."

"You don't believe in Providence?" Father said, trying to stifle the smile that threatened to overtake his face.

Storm scowled, counting the funds again as if he hoped to find a coin missing. Alis held a hand over her mouth to hide her grin. She was supposed to be cleaning the rooms upstairs, but she couldn't help but watch the exchange from the staircase. Henri was cleaning out the fireplace, trying hard not to laugh.

"Very well, Kerrozenn," Storm said, pocketing the money. "You've paid back your debt." He walked toward the door then turned suddenly to point a finger at M. Kerrozenn. "Beware Providence if you have tried to cheat me." Then he left.

Alis glowered. It was Storm himself who had done the cheating. As the door slammed shut, Henri laughed out loud, bringing the smile back to Alis' face. Father let himself smile and chuckle a little. Alis, caught up in the sudden merriment, let out a laugh. They were free. They were truly free.

Henri's lady friend had given them more than enough to cover their debts, so the Kerrozenns decided to celebrate their newfound freedom with a hearty dinner. Father bought a ham, and Alis made a very good meal with it. It felt like Christmas at the Kerrozenns' inn. Even Mother seemed more vigorous than she was before. Everyone in the inn was permitted to partake in the festivities, if they so chose, and the evening was wonderful.

As the meal came to a close, and the ground floor emptied itself of all but Henri, Alis, and a few night birds, there was a knock at the door. Alis had her hands full with dishes from the tables, so Henri answered it. He let out a cry as a rough hand seized him.

"Henri Kerrozenn," said a gruff, masculine voice.

A man stood in the doorway, gripping Henri's arm with one gloved hand. In the other was a coiled whip. He was a tall man in a heavy, loose-fitting black coat. The lower half of his face was half-hidden by a salt-and-pepper beard. Similarly speckled hair was tied back by a thin leather cord, although a few strands hung in front of his tawny face in wisps. Silver eyes held Henri's frightened gaze like steel.

Alarm and anger filled Alis' being, and she nearly dropped her dishes. Hurriedly emptying her hands onto the nearest surface, Alis rushed over to her brother's aid. "Monsieur—" she began hotly.

"Who are you?" Henri said at the same time. His voice betrayed his fear and confusion. "How do you know my name?"

Alis was about to add her own comments when a vicious look from the stranger shut her down.

"I am M. Jaouen, the steward of Captain Loup Neuville," the man said. "And I am here to collect the money you have stolen from the captain."

"What?" Henri cried, trying to pry himself from Jaouen's grasp. He winced as the man's hand tightened around his arm. "I haven't laid eyes on the man!"

"Surely this must be a misunderstanding," Alis said. "My brother would never steal. And I have never heard of Captain Neuville, except the one that died in Ghost House."

Jaouen's face hardened. "It would be best for you both, mademoiselle, if you would refrain from speaking."

Indignation sent heat to Alis' face. Her brother was no thief, and if this man thought he could mishandle Henri so, he would have to give a better reason for it.

"Monsieur, I don't know what I've done," Henri said shortly, but there was a slight quiver in his voice. "And I don't know the man who accuses me."

"Then let me explain it to you," said Jaouen dryly. "Last night, a scrawny boy turned in the body of one Fransez le Boudec. Last night, a tired steward searched for that same body and found it with the coroner. Funny thing was, poor le Boudec's pockets had holes in them."