Freeing Ebony

Chapter 12 - Photo of Celeste

Chapter Twelve

Henry held Celeste tightly, not allowing an inch of space between them, as he carried her back through the corridor where a hyperventilating Mrs Young resided. The women who worked in the establishment were nowhere to be seen, and Henry was glad they had all fled when they had the chance.

Both William and Connor still stood beside the unconscious thugs and they looked happy when they saw the tiny girl in Henry’s arms.

“Let’s go,” William announced.

“You won’t get away with this,” Mrs Young hissed at them as Henry walked past her, followed by his brother and brothers in law. “He will not rest once he learns that you have stolen his property.” Celeste’s little head turned timidly to look at Mrs Young, before she quickly hid in the collar of Henry’s shirt. “He’ll kill you, he won’t hesitate,” she continued. “He’s killed men like you before. He will do it again. He will come for you.”

“Let him come,” Henry sneered. Mrs Young could tell Vernon that Celeste was gone, though he would never know who took her, or where she was. He would not know before Ebony was safe and Henry could look him in the eye and tell him it was over and he had lost.

The six men and their new companion all made their way out of the brothel with extreme haste. Henry climbed in the first carriage, followed by his brother and Harrison. Joseph climbed atop to drive and William and Connor took the second carriage.

“When did you develop such gumption, Henry?” James asked, seeming very proud.

“I suppose I’ve found something worth fighting for,” Henry replied. Henry wanted Harrison to begin treating Celeste. Her weak breathing and terrible cough told him that she was one sick, little girl.

“Celeste,” Harrison said carefully. “My name is Doctor Gray, is it alright if I take a look at you?”

Celeste didn’t retract her arms from around Henry’s neck. She merely looked up at him with her wide, frightened blue eyes, as if she was asking him if it was safe. He nodded reassuringly. Celeste, in turn, nodded at Harrison. Harrison changed his seat, switching from sitting opposite Henry to sitting next to him. Celeste released Henry and simply sat on his lap, allowing Harrison to treat her. He produced his stethoscope once more, as he hadn’t listened to her heart properly before. Harrison reached over to unbutton her dress in the front but Celeste flinched – she didn’t want to.

“Do you know what my daughters like doing?” Harrison asked. Celeste shook her head. “They like playing with my instruments. Here, listen.” He positioned the stethoscope on his chest, over his heart. “Place your ear here,” he instructed, motioning to the earpiece.

Celeste leaned forward and positioned her ear at the stethoscope. Her eyes widened with wonder as she heard Harrison’s heartbeat. “That’s my heart,” he explained. “Do you mind if I can listen to yours now?”

Celeste nodded quickly, causing a violent cough to shake her body. She helped Harrison by unbuttoning the front of her dress and exposing her chest for Harrison. Henry resisted gasping. The poor child was skeletal. When was she last fed? Harrison listened for a few moments before smiling. It was fake though, as not to alarm Celeste. “She has a serrated pulse,” he said to Henry. That was not good. He pressed his fingers to her forehead and then simply said “Fever.” He then placed a hand in front of her mouth. “Breathe for me, darling.” Harrison could feel Celeste’s short, raspy breaths. He then began feeling down her sides, specifically around her ribcage. “Does that hurt?” he asked.

Celeste nodded. Henry could see the pain her eyes.

“It’s pneumonia,” Harrison concluded.