Of Night and Dark Obscurity

“Try and recall which way it went and stay on its trail. Don’t lose it.”

His head was spinning. It couldn’t be. It couldn’t be. It couldn’t be.

???

Caroline sat across from the man as the carriage swayed in the storm.

“Where are you taking me?” She asked.

“Somewhere we can finish this.”

“Finish this? It’s over. You’ve been caught.”

“I’m in no one’s snare.” He said arrogantly.

“Your cronies are.”

“But I remain free. And with the jewel of the crown I might add.” He said, his eyes taking in her form.

Caroline stared. “You must hate him this much.”

The man said nothing.

When the carriage slowed, she saw they were outside the Crystal Palace Park. He forced her out into the wet dark night and followed beside her.

“Why here?”

He didn’t answer. “Walk.” He instructed her.

The rain was coming down hard now and she shivered inside her coat. She did as she was told and saw in the darkness they were coming upon the maze.

“The maze.” She recognized it.

“How about we play a little game?”

“No thank you.”

“Let me rephrase. You will go into the maze. If I catch you before you exit, then your life is mine. If not, you’re free to go.”

“I decline.” She said, the drops of rainwater falling on her face and mouth.

“Start walking Caroline.”

“This is pointless. Charles knows it’s you. It’s only a matter of time before he tells him. Killing me won’t change that.”

“Oh, I know. But that’s not why I’m doing this. So, walk.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“You’re so smart. You tell me.”

Caroline shivered and licked her lips. “Did you kill Irene?”

“I already told you. Yes.”

Caroline felt the tears start but she held them back. “Just for sport?”

“That and a sense of superiority.”