Out From the Shadows

Part 24

It barely takes six hours for the carriage to pull up to the front. Gold embroiders the trim of the edges and the cream of the carriage sticks out in the darkening sky.

I watch from the office window as Camille is helped from the carriage by Joseph. His back is caped in muscle and his physique reminds me of someone, a certain stranger. I wrack my brain for where I have seen him before, but the strain starts to give me a headache so I stop.

Downstairs, voices echo from the marble and I know that it's time to make my entrance. Stepping it of the office, something finally clicks. I know where I have seen Joseph before. My previous plan flies out the window and a new one snaps in place.

"Hello again Camille. And Joseph, looking as grumpy as ever," I coo as I descend the grand staircase where Mr.Lakers was greeting the two. Five guards stand behind Camille in a formal line. Both guests seem delighted to see me, but not with good intentions in mind.

"It seems you have caught our convict Mr. Lakers. Your letter is very much appreciated," Camille says with a sickening smile.

"Actually, it was my letter Camille. I thought we could make a deal, though I have learned startling information that might bond us with a common goal," I begin to test the waters. Camille looks patient, Mr. Lakers looks a little worried here since I'm going off script, and Joseph looks anything but happy to hear what I have to say. He would probably rather see my head rolling off the chopping block.

"Did you know Caroline Lakers?"

Camille's usually calm nature crumbles. I take this as a sign to continue.

"Did Joseph have a grudge against her? Or were you the one who didn't like her?"

She starts to tremble in rage. I'm a bit confused as to what set her off since I haven't quite said anything condemning. I continued.

"So why did you hate her? Did she not like your advances as did I?" She glowered at me.

"You don't know anything you stupid-" she begins to yell at me, but I cut her off bravely.

"You had her killed-"

"I loved her!"

Everyone whirled towards her with shocked expressions. Her shaking stopped and agony filled her eyes. Everyone could tell that she genuinely loved Caroline. I should have felt guilty, but she has condemned me to death and that still hasn't been waved away.

Camille takes a step back to have more room the breathe and calm down. More pieces click and I finally finish the puzzle.

"Joseph, would you like to explain or should I?" He glares at me, a hand on the hilt of his sword. I don't break my facade because I know he can't hurt me, not with his queen standing a couple steps away. Not to mention the hidden dagger up my sleeve, thanks to Mr. Lakers.

As he makes no move to speak, I do it for him.

"Caroline was kidnapped by Joseph and brought to a cell in the sewers. I had witnessed this act and was taken along too. Josephine always had her eyes set on Mr. Lakers and since Camille here claimed Caroline's heart, what better way to protect her highness than to kill her lover and let another woman fill her place. Joseph and Josephine planned it together, though the final deed was done by Josephine herself. Everyone wins except Caroline."

Immediately, Camille growls and sends a deathly glare at Joseph, probably condemning him to death along with me.

"I see..." Camille starts a little stunned still. " Ashton will be released upon my return and Almarie, you are free to live." She nods a thankful head my way and picks up her dress to exit in silence. The guards, even without her command, know to grab Joseph tightly and lead him out to the carriage, not as an official guard but a prisoner.

The house is once again dipped in silence with only Mr. Lakers and I in the hall.

"Thank you for the help," I say to him while really meaning it. He looks at me with calm eyes.

"Your welcome. I would still be pleased if you would join this family, though I will start to act more... pleasant." He gives me his first warm smile that I can't help but return it.

"It would be a pleasure."