A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Trudy slipped back into the house and threw
her coat in the cloakroom, with a glance behind her, just in case someone was
watching. No one was. She ran hurried up the stairs to Rose.
"Did you see him?" Rose called out,
anxiously, as Trudy rushed in.
"I did," Trudy replied.
"And what did he say?" Rose looked
pale and panicked.
"He said yes. Miss, he will help you. He
told me to tell you not to worry, and that he would look after you."
"Thank God," replied Rose, relaxing
a little. She then became tense again.
"No one saw you, did they?"
"No, Miss, no one asked where I was
going, and I told no one. I watched out whilst I was out, but Lovejoy and Mr.
Cal are gone for the day."
"Did you find out what is happening
tomorrow?"
"Lovejoy and Mr. Cal are expected to be
gone until dinner, according to cook. So they will go after breakfast, send the
car back, and then expect to be collected when the time is around six. That is
the normal routine, apparently. All the staff are in tomorrow."
"Very well. This is what I will do.
After Cal has left, you will come and let me know. I will go to the study and
empty the safe. You will take my bag to Jack. When Thomas returns, I will ask
him to take me to St. Agnes’. He will be surprised, but dare not refuse, I
think."
"Very well, Miss. Now, shall we decide
what you need in your bag?"
*****
Jack tried to concentrate on making a little
money, but his head was so full of Rose and other unanswered questions. If Rose
was really so afraid for her life, what on earth could have happened? Jack knew
first hand how evil Cal could be, and that he was capable of hurting Rose. What
if Cal was to find them? Not only would Rose be in mortal danger, he would be,
too. No, Cal would not find them in Philadelphia. He had not seen or spoken to
either his landlord or any neighbors, so they did not know where he was going.
Presuming that Cal knew the district he lived in, as he knew the tavern he
drank in. Indeed, Cal’s men would not have seen him for a while and would
presume that he had gone. It would be safe for Rose to stay that night, but no
longer. He also doubted that he would get any sleep that night, just in case.
He decided to call it a day. With his plans
to meet Rose tomorrow, he would not be able to work here again. He patted his
pockets. Not a bad day’s pay, but it could have been much better. He would need
some money now. Would Rose have any money with her? Jack didn’t know. How she
would manage without her fine things, he didn’t know either. Time would tell.
He packed his things away and set off for
home.