Gentleman Sinner

I swallow. She’s safe now.

After washing the cut on Penny’s brow bone, I close it with a few stitches and do my best to clean her up and get her comfortable. Her pulse is steady and her breathing even, and the dilation of her pupils now seems normal.

Releasing her wrist, I look over my shoulder when I hear a quiet sound. Theo is standing by the door, just watching me. How long has he been there? ‘I didn’t hear you return. Is there something you want?’

‘No.’

I wander around the side of Penny’s bed, if only for something to do. ‘Then why are you here?’

‘I like watching you work.’

I look at him, mystified. ‘Why?’

His big shoulders rise on a shrug, and something tells me that’s all the answer I’ll get. ‘I’ll leave you to it,’ he says, backing away, eyes on me, and reaching for the door handle. He slips out, and there’s a mild groan from Penny and a brief flick of her eyelids.

‘Hey,’ I say gently. ‘Can you hear me? Can you tell me your name?’ I ask, wanting to check for any signs of memory loss before I go.

‘Penelope,’ she mumbles, and I smile, tucking her in tightly. ‘But people call me Penny.’

‘I think you’re going to be just fine, Penny. Are you in pain?’

She shakes her head and rolls over a little, snuggling down. ‘No pain.’

‘That’s good.’ I look to the closed door where Theo just disappeared, contemplating my intention. I’ve experienced danger before. I know the signs, and while Theo displays many signs of being dangerous, I don’t sense he’s a danger to Penny. But I have to be sure. It’s what I’ve been trained to do, and I shouldn’t forget that, no matter how much Theo unbalances me. I rest my bum on the edge of the bed and take Penny’s hand. ‘Is there anything I can do to help you, Penny? Anyone I can call?’ Maybe her mother, or a friend.

‘Theo. Get Theo.’

I find myself looking at the door again, picturing his big back walking away. ‘You’re at Theo’s house.’

‘Then I’m safe,’ she mumbles sleepily. She’s dozed off again. Just like that. Her words warm me. She settled as soon as she knew where she was and who she was with. Theo eases her. His presence comforts her. Where was that kind of man when I needed him?

I can’t dwell on it too much. I’m here and I’m alive. And, miraculously, I’m mentally stable.

I get my bag and coat and leave Penny to rest, set on finding one of the big dudes who roam the mansion and telling him what to keep an eye out for, and, finally, asking if one of them can take me home. Opening the door quietly, I step out and shut it with equal care.

‘Miss?’

I turn to find the older man with round glasses and silver hair who greeted us when we arrived. ‘She’s fine.’

‘That’s a relief. Mr Kane will be pleased.’ He holds his hand out. ‘I’m Jefferson, the butler.’

He has a butler? I mentally roll my eyes and take his hand with a smile. ‘I’m Izzy, the nurse.’

He chuckles, his warm brown eyes glimmering with amusement behind his round spectacles. ‘Pleasure to meet you.’

‘And you, Jefferson. The wound on Penny’s eye needs to be cleaned twice a day. She’s responsive, but if she shows signs of any deterioration – dizziness, headaches, confusion, or memory loss – then you should get her to a hospital without delay.’ I pull my bag on to my shoulder as he nods his understanding. ‘Mr Kane said that there would be someone to take me home, if that’s still okay?’ I prompt politely.

‘Oh, yes,’ he chimes. ‘But first I believe Mr Kane would like to see you.’ He turns and wanders off down the corridor, leaving me in a sudden state of apprehension, unmoving and unwilling to. I don’t want or need to see Theo again.

‘If it’s all the same, I really must get home.’ I sound as desperate as I feel, not that it has much impact on the old man still walking away from me. I know he heard me. ‘Jefferson,’ I call, going after him, hitting the curved stairs with urgency and being sure to watch my feet on the stripy carpet.

‘I’m sure he won’t take up a great deal of your time, since you’ve donated so much already.’

I grit my teeth, following him down to the lobby, where we’re met by the lady who delivered Theo’s drink and took his jacket. She smiles. ‘Can I bring you a drink?’

‘No, thank you. I’ll be going shortly.’ I should have asked for some water because I’m suddenly parched by the prospect of seeing Theo again.

‘Very well.’ She goes on her way, leaving Jefferson gesturing towards a huge door to the right. ‘It’s just through here.’