Post by J.Hollick on Jun 17, 2014 2:38:52 GMT -9
Chapter 8: The End
Morning came too early but they were all surprised with a delicious breakfast in bed. Benjamin didn’t have many gowns to offer Theresa and Jasmine but Jasmine still had Mrs. Hill’s dresses after all and Theresa managed to fit into one of the gowns left behind by a guest after a party, though it was far too short and showed her ankles in a revealing way.
The morning sun rising over the forest brought the brothers from their troubled slumber. Wincing they slowly got to their feet and began shuffling on, their rage giving way to weariness. Behind them they heard the clopping again of horses hooves and instinctually ducked to the side off the road but there was nowhere to hide.
In the distance they could see a round man riding his horse, as he got closer and came into the focus they recognized the blue uniform of a London officer and their hearts lifted at the prospect of a saviour. Bernard began waving his hands but Baldric stopped him,
“He has to pass right by us, idiot.” He growled. Bernard was too happy to argue with his brother.
Inspector Wallace Wingham, his chubby rear already numb from the saddle, came to a stop in front of the disheveled looking men but didn’t dare get off his horse for fear of not being able to get himself back up.
“Good morrow.” He called to them, pulling on the reins to stop his horse.
“Officer, thank god. We’re victims of highway robbery.” Baldric said, indicating to his disordered appearance.
Inspector Wallace Wingham recognized the brothers from the financial section of the newspapers.
“Mr. Balstons, it is of no surprise to me. You see I have been tracking a group of thieves and murderers from London across the countryside. If you’ll allow me I will gladly escort you to the next town.”
“That would be most appreciated Inspector. I’m afraid they have taken everything we own and are completely broke until such a time as we can send word to our lawyer in London.” The trio started walking again, Wingham remaining atop his horse.
“Of course. Though I must admit your misfortune may be the break in this case that I have needed. You see up until now I have been one step behind these vagabonds with no one able to give a proper description.”
“Well I’m afraid it was quite dark when we encountered them but we can tell you that there were five of them, on horseback. They knocked our driver off his carriage and stole our luggage, which included £200 and another small fortune in suits, brandy and cigars, among other things. The leader was a thin, small man, French accent with an oily voice. The other four were big, mean, uncivilized brutes.”
The unlikely group talked all the way to the village, kindly informing each other of the comings and goings in London that they all agreed they missed most assuredly. It was midday and Inspector Wallace Wingham, out of the kindness of his heart but also with the secret thoughts of being paid back with interest, bought the brothers a warm meal and some pints of cold ale. After they telegraphed their lawyer they were ready to set off for their country villa and their bizarre brother Benjamin Balston.
Inspector Wallace Wingham watched the brothers walk out but stayed himself to interview the owner of the pub. Sure enough she had plenty to say about events that had unfolded the prior night.
Charbonne awoke and collected his debt collectors. Together they headed for the sibling’s cottage, his anger had dissipated from the night before, the siblings were close now and they had nowhere left to run. But when they arrived at the cottage they found it empty except for the cook and the gardener, his anger returned as they headed back to the pub. It was there that he spied the Balston brothers, the ones he had so kindly let off easy, heading from the pub and off down the road in the same direction the siblings had fled the night prior.
That in itself wasn’t suspicious and Charbonne could have ignored it and headed in for a warm meal and to begin his search but the face of the man who had helped them flee was stuck in his head. That long straight nose, thick black hair and steel blue eyes. It was the same face as the two men he saw leaving the pub, there was no doubt about that. The strong jaw line and square shoulders, the expensive black tux.
“Come.” He said to his debt collectors and they began to follow at a safe distance.
Inspector Wallace Wingham found himself greatly intrigued by the series of events that had befallen the pub the night before. And the description of the Frenchman with his goonies fit in exactly with what the Balston brothers had told him, even better they had spent the night at the pub and were, as far as the owner knew, still in the village somewhere. It was then that he happened to look up and see through the windows the very men he was searching for heading out of town. He waddled quickly out of the pub to the stable out back and with quite some effort he managed to saddle his horse and climb up onto it’s back, using the poor stable boy to help give him a leg up. The poor creatures, both horse and boy, whimpered in protest but Wingham ignored them both and kicked the horse into motion.
Charbonne followed the brothers down the road and across the country lanes to a large, rustic manor set against rolling lawns and expansive forests. White pillars lined the front porch and floor to ceiling windows lined the left and right wings. It stood three stories tall with a grand courtyard located in the middle. The graveled drive leading up to it split and made it’s way up either side of a large rectangular pond with white swans swimming gently and a large fountain, a group of men too numerous to count, sat in the centre. The water running along their backs, legs and arms as they stood or lay about in risqué positions, performing unspeakable acts upon each other. Lilly pads floated along the edges and moved with the subtle waves produced by the fountain. Charbonne hung back near the trees along the road and watched the brothers walk up the drive to the manor, rubbing his hands together at the prospect of all the wealth hidden away in that mansion.
With breakfast done and a sufficient amount of socializing and thanking Benjamin Balston for his help in escaping and his hospitality afterwards it was finally time to get to their cottage to assess their situation.
“Please, allow me to take you.” Benjamin offered but Theresa refused so Benjamin had one of his men ready the carriage. It was just pulling up out front when Benjamin spotted the distinct form of his older brothers coming up the walk.
The Godhold siblings all blanched simultaneously but Benjamin put his hand reassuringly on Charles arm.
“Let me handle this.”
The brothers were in earshot and Benjamin called out to them, “Brothers! You’re late but I hear you ran into trouble on the road. I was just about to send Mr. Albert out looking for you. Please, let’s get you inside and washed up.”
But Baldric and Bernard both appeared to not be listening. Instead they were staring at the Godhold siblings with suspicion and anger clouding their faces.
“What are they doing here?”
“They’re my guests and will be treated accordingly. Come, we have much to talk about.”
But before Benjamin could get them into the mansion Charbonne and his thugs emerged from the trees having snuck through the forest the drive.
“Mon dieu! How Lady Luck az smiled on me today,” The thugs all surrounded the group, grinning viciously, “And now my dear Godholds you will provide me with ze funds your fazer borrowed or I will take you back to London where I can provide you with some extremely unzavoury employment until such a time az you are able to pay me back,” He turned on the Balston brothers, “Az for you, I will deal wiz you next. If I recall you owe me zome money from ze night before zat I was far too buzy to bozer collecting at ze time.”
“Excuse me sir but I would kindly appreciate it if you and your men would escort yourselves off my property before I send for the police.” Benjamin had stepped between the Godholds and Charbonne but they were outnumbered and the thugs were carrying makeshift clubs, slamming one end into their fist in anticipation of a possible beating.
“Zis doez not concern you. Now kindly step azide.”
“Do as he says Benjamin. A Godhold is not worth the air they breathe.”
At this Jasmine’s eyes began to water as she looked longingly at Bernard and Theresa stepped forward, lifting up her sleeves as if she was about to enter a boxing ring but Benjamin lifted his arms in peace.
“Enough. I do not tolerate violent behaviour on my property.”
“On our property you mean dear brother. We have much to discuss and I have been beaten enough for one lifetime so I suggest we let these gentlemen do their dealings with the Godhold siblings while we do our own dealings inside. The sooner I am away from the god forsaken countryside the better.”
Charbonne let the brothers think they could get away by hiding inside. He was far more interested in the Godholds right now besides.
However; before either party could make a move the sound of a horn blew through the forest followed by the pounding of horses. Around the corner leading the assault came Inspector Wallace Wingham followed by four of the town’s police and a small army of enraged villagers. They galloped up the drive and came to a halt surrounding the group.
“What iz ze meaning of zis!?” Charbonne demanded, hands on his narrow hips.
“You, sir, are under arrest for the robbing of Mr. Hill’s manor, the plundering of the Hughes cottage, the highway robbery of some poor milk men, the murder of the widow Mrs. Ratchett and the assault of these fine gentlemen standing here before me.”
“I zink zere haz been a grave mizunderstanding Inzpectair.” Charbonne responded stepping forward.
“There is no mistake. I promise you. These are the men that robbed my brothers on the road. And they have come to my home and threatened to steal not only from myself but from my guests, the Godholds, as well.”
Inspector Wallace Wingham looked to Baldric and Bernard.
“These are indeed the men who assaulted us on the road and have threatened to rob us just now before you came, sir. And if required I would gladly state so before a court of law.” Baldric said it angrily as he stared at Charbonne. Baldric couldn’t help but shift his glare in the direction of the Godholds as he tried to figure out what they were doing here but Benjamin was staring at him with those icy blue eyes, a mirror of his own, and he knew he dared not defy him if he had any hope of sweet talking him into selling his shares once this nonsense was dealt with.
The village police did not wait a moment longer before apprehending Charbonne and his men while the Godhold siblings and Benjamin looked on in delight. Charbonne protested loudly, waving the deed to Godhold Place and the summer cottage. His bullies fought back but in the end the crowd overwhelmed them.
“Zis iz not right! I am Eenocent until proven guiltee! I came only to collect what waz owed me! I am zee Charbonne! I will not tolerate zis kind of treatment!”
But it was too late. They were already stuffed into the carriage that Benjamin was quick to offer up with shackles on their wrists.
Before the carriage could take off Charles poked his head through the door, snatched the deeds from Charbonne’s cold, clammy fingers and hopped back down in triumph.
No one, and by no one I mean Inspector Wallace Wingham, noticed the coat of arms carved into the carriage door that matched the coat of arms hanging above the fireplace at the Ratchett manor.
The carriage disappeared down the drive with only the shouts of the Frenchman Charbonne sounding through the trees, “I am eennocent! Eenocent I tell you!”
Of the angry crowd only Inspector Wallace Wingham remained behind.
“I thank you for your help Mr. Balston and Mr. Balston. Without your descriptions and help I likely never would have found those murderous scoundrels.” He tipped his hat in salute from the top of his horse for throughout the entire encounter he had not dared get down. There had been far too much excitement for one day and he found himself quite taxed for energy.
“It was nothing at all. Glad to have helped. I hate to be rude but I have urgent business to attend to with my brother here and I would also gladly wash and change as well, the sooner to put this ordeal behind me.”
“Of course.” Wingham’s heart sank slightly, the thoughts of fame and glory at saving the famous Balston brothers disappearing in a puff of smoke, but he was also eager to be on his way back to London and the thought cheered him right back up.
Benjamin, the careful observer that he was, noted the way that Theresa had been gazing at Inspector Wingham throughout the entire encounter, “Excuse me sir but these young ladies and kind gentleman need to find their way to their summer cottage and after all these dreadful events I’m sure they would be quite happy for an escort, especially an officer of such renown as yourself.”
If it was possible Wingham’s face turned even redder than it already naturally was, “Why of course, it would be my honour.”
Benjamin had his own carriage brought forth and Wingham followed them down the road while the brothers headed into the villa to get down to business.
At the doors Bernard paused to watch Charles hopping into the carriage behind his sister, “Is that my suit?”
The cottage was in quite good condition, the gardener and the cook having taken care of it all these years. Inspector Wallace Wingham dared to lower his blubbery frame down off the horse to help carry their suitcases inside. It was then, as he was dropping off her suitcase in her room that he, for the first time, noticed Theresa. Her pale, milk skin covered in freckles, her wide hips perfect for birthing children and her long legs and arms as she towered over him.
As she began to unpack she noticed him watching and blushed, he smiled to see the colour rush to her cheeks and the small smile that spread across her face.
“Forgive me, madam, but you are ravishing.” He said, taking his hat off in awe of her as she moved around the room, her long legs taking only three strides to cross from one side to the other. She blushed redder and turned her head away.
“You make me wish I did not have to return to London. Have you ever been to London milady? I think you would like it.”
“I grew up there. It was only recent circumstances that have forced me to come live at the country cottage owned by my father.”
“Well I assure you milady, whatever dreadful circumstances have forced you out to the city you would be safe returning with me.”
“Oh, I’m afraid I could not do that to my siblings. And besides, what would people think, a maiden travelling alone with another man.” There was more than a hint hidden in that last sentence as she boldly made eye contact with Inspector Wallace Wingham.
“They would think nothing of it if we were married.” He did not know if he said it as a simple truth or if it was an unconscious slip of his true feelings but he looked up at her and he could see a world of hope in her eyes and just a glimmer of something else. The hint of it was enough to drop him to his knees, “Would you?”
Downstairs Charles was unpacking his own suitcase of brand new suits when, unannounced, Benjamin Balston entered the room. “You look so cute when you concentrate.” He said, startling Charles.
“That was fast. Told your brothers to piss off already?” Charles said, his yellow smile lighting up his face.
“Sort of. But I don’t want to talk about that. I came here to ask you not to unpack.”
Charles looked at him, puzzled.
“I want you to return with me. Stay with me,” Charles smiled again, “Well?” He pressed, his voice filled with hope but also a hint of fear.
“It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of since we were boys together.”
Morning came too early but they were all surprised with a delicious breakfast in bed. Benjamin didn’t have many gowns to offer Theresa and Jasmine but Jasmine still had Mrs. Hill’s dresses after all and Theresa managed to fit into one of the gowns left behind by a guest after a party, though it was far too short and showed her ankles in a revealing way.
The morning sun rising over the forest brought the brothers from their troubled slumber. Wincing they slowly got to their feet and began shuffling on, their rage giving way to weariness. Behind them they heard the clopping again of horses hooves and instinctually ducked to the side off the road but there was nowhere to hide.
In the distance they could see a round man riding his horse, as he got closer and came into the focus they recognized the blue uniform of a London officer and their hearts lifted at the prospect of a saviour. Bernard began waving his hands but Baldric stopped him,
“He has to pass right by us, idiot.” He growled. Bernard was too happy to argue with his brother.
Inspector Wallace Wingham, his chubby rear already numb from the saddle, came to a stop in front of the disheveled looking men but didn’t dare get off his horse for fear of not being able to get himself back up.
“Good morrow.” He called to them, pulling on the reins to stop his horse.
“Officer, thank god. We’re victims of highway robbery.” Baldric said, indicating to his disordered appearance.
Inspector Wallace Wingham recognized the brothers from the financial section of the newspapers.
“Mr. Balstons, it is of no surprise to me. You see I have been tracking a group of thieves and murderers from London across the countryside. If you’ll allow me I will gladly escort you to the next town.”
“That would be most appreciated Inspector. I’m afraid they have taken everything we own and are completely broke until such a time as we can send word to our lawyer in London.” The trio started walking again, Wingham remaining atop his horse.
“Of course. Though I must admit your misfortune may be the break in this case that I have needed. You see up until now I have been one step behind these vagabonds with no one able to give a proper description.”
“Well I’m afraid it was quite dark when we encountered them but we can tell you that there were five of them, on horseback. They knocked our driver off his carriage and stole our luggage, which included £200 and another small fortune in suits, brandy and cigars, among other things. The leader was a thin, small man, French accent with an oily voice. The other four were big, mean, uncivilized brutes.”
The unlikely group talked all the way to the village, kindly informing each other of the comings and goings in London that they all agreed they missed most assuredly. It was midday and Inspector Wallace Wingham, out of the kindness of his heart but also with the secret thoughts of being paid back with interest, bought the brothers a warm meal and some pints of cold ale. After they telegraphed their lawyer they were ready to set off for their country villa and their bizarre brother Benjamin Balston.
Inspector Wallace Wingham watched the brothers walk out but stayed himself to interview the owner of the pub. Sure enough she had plenty to say about events that had unfolded the prior night.
Charbonne awoke and collected his debt collectors. Together they headed for the sibling’s cottage, his anger had dissipated from the night before, the siblings were close now and they had nowhere left to run. But when they arrived at the cottage they found it empty except for the cook and the gardener, his anger returned as they headed back to the pub. It was there that he spied the Balston brothers, the ones he had so kindly let off easy, heading from the pub and off down the road in the same direction the siblings had fled the night prior.
That in itself wasn’t suspicious and Charbonne could have ignored it and headed in for a warm meal and to begin his search but the face of the man who had helped them flee was stuck in his head. That long straight nose, thick black hair and steel blue eyes. It was the same face as the two men he saw leaving the pub, there was no doubt about that. The strong jaw line and square shoulders, the expensive black tux.
“Come.” He said to his debt collectors and they began to follow at a safe distance.
Inspector Wallace Wingham found himself greatly intrigued by the series of events that had befallen the pub the night before. And the description of the Frenchman with his goonies fit in exactly with what the Balston brothers had told him, even better they had spent the night at the pub and were, as far as the owner knew, still in the village somewhere. It was then that he happened to look up and see through the windows the very men he was searching for heading out of town. He waddled quickly out of the pub to the stable out back and with quite some effort he managed to saddle his horse and climb up onto it’s back, using the poor stable boy to help give him a leg up. The poor creatures, both horse and boy, whimpered in protest but Wingham ignored them both and kicked the horse into motion.
Charbonne followed the brothers down the road and across the country lanes to a large, rustic manor set against rolling lawns and expansive forests. White pillars lined the front porch and floor to ceiling windows lined the left and right wings. It stood three stories tall with a grand courtyard located in the middle. The graveled drive leading up to it split and made it’s way up either side of a large rectangular pond with white swans swimming gently and a large fountain, a group of men too numerous to count, sat in the centre. The water running along their backs, legs and arms as they stood or lay about in risqué positions, performing unspeakable acts upon each other. Lilly pads floated along the edges and moved with the subtle waves produced by the fountain. Charbonne hung back near the trees along the road and watched the brothers walk up the drive to the manor, rubbing his hands together at the prospect of all the wealth hidden away in that mansion.
With breakfast done and a sufficient amount of socializing and thanking Benjamin Balston for his help in escaping and his hospitality afterwards it was finally time to get to their cottage to assess their situation.
“Please, allow me to take you.” Benjamin offered but Theresa refused so Benjamin had one of his men ready the carriage. It was just pulling up out front when Benjamin spotted the distinct form of his older brothers coming up the walk.
The Godhold siblings all blanched simultaneously but Benjamin put his hand reassuringly on Charles arm.
“Let me handle this.”
The brothers were in earshot and Benjamin called out to them, “Brothers! You’re late but I hear you ran into trouble on the road. I was just about to send Mr. Albert out looking for you. Please, let’s get you inside and washed up.”
But Baldric and Bernard both appeared to not be listening. Instead they were staring at the Godhold siblings with suspicion and anger clouding their faces.
“What are they doing here?”
“They’re my guests and will be treated accordingly. Come, we have much to talk about.”
But before Benjamin could get them into the mansion Charbonne and his thugs emerged from the trees having snuck through the forest the drive.
“Mon dieu! How Lady Luck az smiled on me today,” The thugs all surrounded the group, grinning viciously, “And now my dear Godholds you will provide me with ze funds your fazer borrowed or I will take you back to London where I can provide you with some extremely unzavoury employment until such a time az you are able to pay me back,” He turned on the Balston brothers, “Az for you, I will deal wiz you next. If I recall you owe me zome money from ze night before zat I was far too buzy to bozer collecting at ze time.”
“Excuse me sir but I would kindly appreciate it if you and your men would escort yourselves off my property before I send for the police.” Benjamin had stepped between the Godholds and Charbonne but they were outnumbered and the thugs were carrying makeshift clubs, slamming one end into their fist in anticipation of a possible beating.
“Zis doez not concern you. Now kindly step azide.”
“Do as he says Benjamin. A Godhold is not worth the air they breathe.”
At this Jasmine’s eyes began to water as she looked longingly at Bernard and Theresa stepped forward, lifting up her sleeves as if she was about to enter a boxing ring but Benjamin lifted his arms in peace.
“Enough. I do not tolerate violent behaviour on my property.”
“On our property you mean dear brother. We have much to discuss and I have been beaten enough for one lifetime so I suggest we let these gentlemen do their dealings with the Godhold siblings while we do our own dealings inside. The sooner I am away from the god forsaken countryside the better.”
Charbonne let the brothers think they could get away by hiding inside. He was far more interested in the Godholds right now besides.
However; before either party could make a move the sound of a horn blew through the forest followed by the pounding of horses. Around the corner leading the assault came Inspector Wallace Wingham followed by four of the town’s police and a small army of enraged villagers. They galloped up the drive and came to a halt surrounding the group.
“What iz ze meaning of zis!?” Charbonne demanded, hands on his narrow hips.
“You, sir, are under arrest for the robbing of Mr. Hill’s manor, the plundering of the Hughes cottage, the highway robbery of some poor milk men, the murder of the widow Mrs. Ratchett and the assault of these fine gentlemen standing here before me.”
“I zink zere haz been a grave mizunderstanding Inzpectair.” Charbonne responded stepping forward.
“There is no mistake. I promise you. These are the men that robbed my brothers on the road. And they have come to my home and threatened to steal not only from myself but from my guests, the Godholds, as well.”
Inspector Wallace Wingham looked to Baldric and Bernard.
“These are indeed the men who assaulted us on the road and have threatened to rob us just now before you came, sir. And if required I would gladly state so before a court of law.” Baldric said it angrily as he stared at Charbonne. Baldric couldn’t help but shift his glare in the direction of the Godholds as he tried to figure out what they were doing here but Benjamin was staring at him with those icy blue eyes, a mirror of his own, and he knew he dared not defy him if he had any hope of sweet talking him into selling his shares once this nonsense was dealt with.
The village police did not wait a moment longer before apprehending Charbonne and his men while the Godhold siblings and Benjamin looked on in delight. Charbonne protested loudly, waving the deed to Godhold Place and the summer cottage. His bullies fought back but in the end the crowd overwhelmed them.
“Zis iz not right! I am Eenocent until proven guiltee! I came only to collect what waz owed me! I am zee Charbonne! I will not tolerate zis kind of treatment!”
But it was too late. They were already stuffed into the carriage that Benjamin was quick to offer up with shackles on their wrists.
Before the carriage could take off Charles poked his head through the door, snatched the deeds from Charbonne’s cold, clammy fingers and hopped back down in triumph.
No one, and by no one I mean Inspector Wallace Wingham, noticed the coat of arms carved into the carriage door that matched the coat of arms hanging above the fireplace at the Ratchett manor.
The carriage disappeared down the drive with only the shouts of the Frenchman Charbonne sounding through the trees, “I am eennocent! Eenocent I tell you!”
Of the angry crowd only Inspector Wallace Wingham remained behind.
“I thank you for your help Mr. Balston and Mr. Balston. Without your descriptions and help I likely never would have found those murderous scoundrels.” He tipped his hat in salute from the top of his horse for throughout the entire encounter he had not dared get down. There had been far too much excitement for one day and he found himself quite taxed for energy.
“It was nothing at all. Glad to have helped. I hate to be rude but I have urgent business to attend to with my brother here and I would also gladly wash and change as well, the sooner to put this ordeal behind me.”
“Of course.” Wingham’s heart sank slightly, the thoughts of fame and glory at saving the famous Balston brothers disappearing in a puff of smoke, but he was also eager to be on his way back to London and the thought cheered him right back up.
Benjamin, the careful observer that he was, noted the way that Theresa had been gazing at Inspector Wingham throughout the entire encounter, “Excuse me sir but these young ladies and kind gentleman need to find their way to their summer cottage and after all these dreadful events I’m sure they would be quite happy for an escort, especially an officer of such renown as yourself.”
If it was possible Wingham’s face turned even redder than it already naturally was, “Why of course, it would be my honour.”
Benjamin had his own carriage brought forth and Wingham followed them down the road while the brothers headed into the villa to get down to business.
At the doors Bernard paused to watch Charles hopping into the carriage behind his sister, “Is that my suit?”
The cottage was in quite good condition, the gardener and the cook having taken care of it all these years. Inspector Wallace Wingham dared to lower his blubbery frame down off the horse to help carry their suitcases inside. It was then, as he was dropping off her suitcase in her room that he, for the first time, noticed Theresa. Her pale, milk skin covered in freckles, her wide hips perfect for birthing children and her long legs and arms as she towered over him.
As she began to unpack she noticed him watching and blushed, he smiled to see the colour rush to her cheeks and the small smile that spread across her face.
“Forgive me, madam, but you are ravishing.” He said, taking his hat off in awe of her as she moved around the room, her long legs taking only three strides to cross from one side to the other. She blushed redder and turned her head away.
“You make me wish I did not have to return to London. Have you ever been to London milady? I think you would like it.”
“I grew up there. It was only recent circumstances that have forced me to come live at the country cottage owned by my father.”
“Well I assure you milady, whatever dreadful circumstances have forced you out to the city you would be safe returning with me.”
“Oh, I’m afraid I could not do that to my siblings. And besides, what would people think, a maiden travelling alone with another man.” There was more than a hint hidden in that last sentence as she boldly made eye contact with Inspector Wallace Wingham.
“They would think nothing of it if we were married.” He did not know if he said it as a simple truth or if it was an unconscious slip of his true feelings but he looked up at her and he could see a world of hope in her eyes and just a glimmer of something else. The hint of it was enough to drop him to his knees, “Would you?”
Downstairs Charles was unpacking his own suitcase of brand new suits when, unannounced, Benjamin Balston entered the room. “You look so cute when you concentrate.” He said, startling Charles.
“That was fast. Told your brothers to piss off already?” Charles said, his yellow smile lighting up his face.
“Sort of. But I don’t want to talk about that. I came here to ask you not to unpack.”
Charles looked at him, puzzled.
“I want you to return with me. Stay with me,” Charles smiled again, “Well?” He pressed, his voice filled with hope but also a hint of fear.
“It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of since we were boys together.”
