A New Beginning

Chapter 47: Concealed in Smoke

Chapter 47: Concealed in Smoke

Caledon stands at the train station, waiting for the latest engine to pull in and let out its white thick steam. He checks his pocket watch before the distinct warning whistle and the screeching of breaks against polished rails as the first train from Philadelphia stops in front of him.

The white steam arises from the engine and covers Mr. Hockley from head to toe, masking his own contempt and stressed face. Only his silhouette is visible, giving him an almost sinister appearance. He steps back as many patrons begin to exit the passenger cars, on their way to who knows where, but Caledon does not move for them any further. As the steam evaporates, he waits to find two figures whom he must greet and most likely comfort.

A woman with fiery red hair pulled back into a tight bun and done up with a very fancy hat steps down, followed by her maid, who carries several small carry-on bags. The woman in the hat holds a white handkerchief wadded up in her hands, contrasting her rather dark outfit and gloves. She looks around frantically until she spots Mr. Hockley.

She hurries frantically towards him.

"Mr. Hockley," Ruth says. "Thank you for the tickets, with all the wedding planning and the uh...disappearance as well as having to hire a new maid, we couldn't afford them."

"Not at all Mrs. DeWitt Bukater," Cal says, he politely takes her hand and kisses it.

"Please, call me Ruth," the mother says. She turns to the maid. "Sally, make sure you get all of the bags."

The maid nods. "Yes ma' me, Of course," she says obediently

Cal offers his arm out to a very frail Ruth Bukater. The red eyes indicate how much Ruth has been crying and the dark circles under her eyes show the lack of sleep. Unsurprising for sure as her daughter is missing, right before both he and her daughter are to be married. Caledon had already informed the authorities, but since Rose was only 17, her mother had to initiate the search.

The two of them walk together through the busy platform, followed by the maid, struggling with the bags.

"I wasn't sure how long we would be staying so I made sure to pack as much as possible," Ruth explains. "Of course, the weather in New York can always be unpredictable so I was sure to pack some sweaters and..."

Cal is only half listening to what Ruth is saying. He is lost in his own thoughts. They are mostly of anger, but some of the concern. Rose has vanished completely and in such a big city, it's not hard to do. He knew that his father would soon find out about the disappearance and interrogate him about why the wedding has been postponed once again. Cal knew that in order to one day inherit his father's company, he must be married and provide an heir.

His mind continues to wander as he escorts Ruth and the maid to his awaiting car. His new manservant, William Riptide waits at the trunk to assist the maid with the bags. Cal opens the car door for Ruth and then climbs into the front seat.

As Riptide pulls off into the street, heading towards the police station, Cal's mind wanders again. He goes back to where Rose might be at this moment. Was she a prostitute in the streets? Was she living under a bridge? Had she found some way to support herself?

He suddenly wonders.

Could he have survived?! It seemed impossible, only Rose was brought aboard the lifeboat, at least... as far as he knew. He thought the man had been buried at sea or had frozen solid and gone down with the ship. Still...there was a slim possibility that he could've lived. Or what about the two brats that he put bullets in. The infant most likely survived, but both the boy and the girl were likely long dead. The one he shot on the stern would've bled out before the ship even hit the bottom and the other one went over the side into the water, he saw it himself. He still couldn't shake the feeling that one of them could've made it, after all, only the girl had met up with Rose and the gutter rat.