Mary-Cade Mandus - Skin Deep

They had passed over the top of the hill and were out of sight of the cottage. The exercise felt good but his leg was feeling the strain of the climb. Spotting a jumble of creeper-covered masonry Crispin led his captive off the trail. He eased down onto the stone taking the weight off his leg. Massaging the muscles he kept Filch pinned with an unyielding stare. The little man squirmed, eyes darting everywhere but at Crispin's jacket.

Crispin dug idly at the thick grass with the crutch, taking his time, knowing that silence could unnerve and serve as a useful persuader. However, Filch was easily distracted and when the crutch’s prodding uncovered an earthworm he stopped fidgeting, cocked his head and eyeballed the moist body wiggling in the rich black earth. The crutch rapped sharply upon his toe bringing him back to attention. Filch emitted a squawk, shuddering from crown to toes, his white hair puffing out like dandelion fluff.

Keeping his features and voice stern Crispin said he'd not report Filch's thievery to Elena - if he returned the missing buttons, every last one. The little man had perked up with Crispin's first words but now the bright ebony eyes blurred behind rising tears, the thin shoulders sagged and the long fingers twitched uncontrollably.

Inwardly, Crispin smiled; outwardly, he heaved a sigh. Filch froze at the sound, pathetic hope filling his pointed face. Crispin let him fret while he pretended to be deep in thought. Finally he spoke - he might be willing to allow Filch to keep a few of the buttons for something in return. Twittering jubilantly Filch hopped around exclaiming that he’d do anything that Crispin asked. Crispin smiled and made his request - he wanted the truth.

Filch stopped his capering and stared at Crispin uncomprehendingly. Crispin elaborated - he wanted the undistorted truth about Elena's reason for fleeing to the Wilderness. Blanching, Filch fell to his knees and between sobs begged Crispin to ask for anything else, but Crispin was unbendable – either Filch told him the truth - the entire truth - or - he returned the buttons. Greed and fidelity warred within Filch, but in the end his nature betrayed him and he crumpled in a wretched heap at Crispin's feet.