Emerald (The Protector) - undergoing editing

Chapter 24

Earlier in the day

As Emerald made her way to the Inn to meet up with Geoffrey and Hank, she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled she turned to find Jason smiling down at her.

"Penny for your thoughts?" he asked "You were miles away."

"Yeah well I have a lot on my mind."

"How's Sarah?"

Emerald shook her head "I keep thinking she's getting better but she had a relapse last night."

"Oh, anything I can do to help?"

"No, not really, not unless you can tell me what poison is making her so sick."

"Well" he rubbed his chin "I can't, but my father might be able to." He noticed her look of astonishment "What? He does own a bookstore and I'm sure if he doesn't know, there is probably a book that might have some sort of information."

"Jason that's brilliant – why didn't I think of it?"

"Cause you're not as intelligent as me" he smirked at her.

She hit his arm "Is your father in the bookstore at the moment?"

He nodded.

"Well what are we waiting for," and she dragged him by his arm to the shop.

"Hello Mr Turner" she greeted Jason's father.

"Good morning Emerald, how nice to see you."

"It's nice to see you again Sir too."

"Jason's been keeping me up to date about that friend of yours. How is she by the way?"

"Slowly recovering, but that's why I'm here, Jason thought you might be able to tell me what sort of poison was on the arrowhead that struck Sarah."

"Can you tell me the symptoms?"

"Basically we can't move her. When we do she cries out in pain; she tells me she feels like her whole body is on fire."

"Oh dear, that sounds most unpleasant. I don't think I've heard of a poison that inflicts that sort of pain; I will have to check some of the books that I have in the store, see if they can tell me anything."

"Oh, that would be wonderful Mr Turner, I really appreciate your help."

"Nonsense Emerald, I am only too happy to help. Jason can assist me and hopefully I will be able to tell you something later today."

Emerald smiled gratefully at him "I'll call past when I return. I must be off now otherwise Geoffrey will be wondering where I am. Thank you again," she said as she waved goodbye and headed off to the Inn.

Upon arriving at the Inn she noticed quite a fancy looking curricle parked outside. Hank and Geoffrey were standing beside it.

Geoffrey smiled at her puzzled look "We thought this might be more comfortable, especially since you are dressed like that. You look very beautiful by the way."

Emerald blushed at the compliment and did a mock curtsey "Why thank you kind sir."

He and Hank grinned at her. "Well c'mon then, if you still want to go and visit the Mayor we should probably head off."

Geoffrey helped her into the carriage before entering himself and taking the reins.

"No Julian?" Emerald enquired

"No, I've got him doing something else for me."

"Oh, okay then" Emerald was puzzled but didn't ask further. They said goodbye to Hank and headed off.