Redeemed From the Ashes—Chapter 24—Ultimatum of the Night

When the sun sets, shadows, that showed at noon 

But small, appear most long and terrible.

Nathaniel Lee

Oedipus (1679), IV.i

Chapter 24

What had Evelyn done to deserve such a man who cared for his loved ones so much that he would lay his own dignity on the line? What had she done by telling him she would marry him! She had entangled herself in a real web of danger that she wasn’t sure how she had fallen into.

She knew she shouldn’t continue to walk in the deathly quiescent streets at this time of night, but she needed to walk off the thoughts of her perturbed mind. So she crossed the street and started to walk in the direction of the Commons. When she at last arrived, instead of sitting on the uncomfortable seating of the benches, she lowered herself onto the luscious grass. She fingered each strand and ripped some out to smell its earthy scent. She listened, listened to the thundering of her own heart and the clashing in her mind. 

Amidst all the internal cacophony, she did not hear the soft footfalls padding upon the grass behind her. A clammy wrinkled hand suddenly clamped down upon her mouth and partly upon her nose. Someone drew her up to a standing position and dragged her to a nearby tree in which the stranger pressed her against it, searing the uncomfortable landscape of the bark into her back. She tried to let out a scream, to bring to someone’s attention of her assailant’s attack. After one useless attempt, she knew it would be pointless to continue; for no soul was out roaming nearby. A breath reeking of alcohol wafted to one of her uncovered nostrils.

“Hello, my dear mistress. So sorry to terrify you at this time. I’ve been following you ever since you discovered my hideaway.” He let go of his hold on her because she had stopped stirring.

“I am not surprised in the least, you cur.”

“Good, I saw you slip into your new lover’s apartment. Jumping into another man’s arms after your husband’s death—that was...quick. Perhaps you’ll jump from him to me. I could do with a young pretty woman like you.” His fingers started to slither down her blouse.

She stomped on his feet several times; he immediately stopped his untoward advances while grasping his foot in pain. “On the other hand, you are...a bit too feisty for me. I like a woman who just falls into my lap.”

“You mean one who falls into a trap.”

“Tush, tush, harsh words are those.”

“How did you ever conceal your ruse for two or more years? We thoughtof you as a faithful servant. What did we ever do to you?

“Oh, it has nothing to do with what you did. See, it’s more about money, power, ambition. You and your husband were accidentally thrown into the mixture.”

“Those can fade away just as quickly as you can gain them.”

“I don’t think so. Not the way I’m going about it anyway.” He did a little hop. “I’m guessing your love told you his dark secret.”

“What of it?”

“Well, I cannot have you running around with information that can ruin me, now can I?”

“I promise not to tell another living soul.”

“What makes you think I should trust you?”

“Do you really think I would risk turning in the man I have come to love and have promised to marry?”

“Now that is a sad turn of events. In any case, that’s good. Because if you do, I will come for you, and you’ll be dead.” 

“I understand your terms.”

“I know you’ll keep them. Having lived with you and your husband for two years accounts for something; and if I kill you now, there will be a higher possibility that they’ll link the murder to my hands. If I do come after you at a later date, it’ll be planned. I will never be suspected. I will run away free. I have men watching you. See that you do not dishonour your word.” He chuckled uncannily.

“May I go now?”

“Yes,” He released her from his steely grasp. He walked away, and she watched him the whole time as his body slithered away into an alley.

Her body shook slightly as she digested the whole conversation with the slick Casby. Now she had no choice but to keep quiet or else her life would be in danger of ending. She could only hope that someone else would learn the truth and put a stop to this madness.

She entered...home. All the lights were out. She surmised Betsie had already returned from her date and gone to sleep. Just to make sure, she opened her friend’s door a peak to see the bed occupied appropriately. She then lumbered to her own bed to surrender to a goodnight’s rest.

***

The next morning she walked to the hospital with Gerald and Betsie. Once they arrived, Gerald and Evelyn left Betsie’s side, sneaked in through a side door and stole a few kisses from each other. It was difficult to not share this good news with the whole world. The ring he had given her was being kept safe in its box in her dresser drawer. Her mind was filled with giddiness, but her conscience questioned her. What was she doing marrying a spy? Every time she asked, she kept that doubt at peace by saying he only had one more package to deliver, and then he would be free. He was doing this for his family’s well being. 

Both worked long and hard. Whenever they had a few minutes to themselves, they met in his office and stole some more kisses from each other. All day she was sailing in the clouds despite the horrific evening yesterday.

That evening she went down to the docks to tell John what good news she did have. She knew he would not judge a dear friend such as she. “John!”

“Hello. Come on over. My brother is around here somewhere. I asked him to go to the small grocery store at the corner to buy me a beer. I am so thirsty.” 

No sooner had he said so that Mr. Cox came around the bend and returned with a beer in his hand for his brother.“Here you go, John. Now do not go drinking too much of it.”

“It’s just a bottle.”

The elder brother turned his attention to Evelyn. “Hello, Evelyn. It is so good to see you. What brings you to the shore?”

“Do I really need a reason to see my favourite set of brothers?”

“No, you don’t. We are the reason ourselves,” John said.

“That is true. But I do have something to tell the both of you.”

“Oh, please do,” said Mr. Cox.

“Well, gentlemen, I am going to be married.”

Both men stopped smiling and became very serious.

“Really? But custom...oh, hogwash!” exclaimed John.

“How is this possible?” Mr. Cox asked.

“I have been courted by a local doctor for some months now. And he has asked me to marry him.”

“How wonderful!” said John.

“Are you making this news public? Many will not appreciate the fact that a widow has accepted an offer as soon as this. We, however, are happy for you.” Mr. Cox voiced with concern.

“Thank you. I appreciate the fact you are happy for me and you do not judge me according to...social custom. Please do not tell anyone else of this news. This is to be a secret between the three of us.”

“We swear not to tell another soul,” said John, putting his hand over his heart. “I know this is a sensitive topic, Evelyn, but how went your meeting with your mother?”

“I am glad to say that all misconceptions between us have been addressed and that...we are on good terms with one another. Even more than good terms. I feel as if I have a true mother, one to which I can turn when I have need of advice and companionship.”

“God has blessed you greatly to have restored to you a broken relationship you thought you would never have the privilege of enjoying.” Mr. Cox said.

“Yes...he has. John, how is your protege doing?”

“He is...better, if you can call it that. He has started to eat again and gone back to what he used to do.”

“Good, I am very happy to hear he is mending.” She uncovered a basket she had brought with her. “I baked some cookies for him. My fiance thinks they are divine. I thought your guest would like them, as well.”

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to give these to him.”

“I was wondering if maybe sometime I could visit him. My husband, God rest his soul—when he returned from the war, he talked of the horrors he had seen. Perhaps what this man needs is someone to listen to him. I would be willing to come and do that.”

“I think it an excellent idea. Perhaps a woman’s touch is needed.”

“May I come by this Sunday afternoon?”

“Of course, I’ll be ready to take you to him.”

After conversing a few minutes more, Evelyn hurried home, not wanting to be out after dark again. When she arrived, Betsie had already prepared supper. Evelyn helped her set the table for the two of them. Each woman took turns cooking supper each night. Tonight was cheese spinach souffle with some breaded chicken. Just as both women were picking up their food to eat, Evelyn asked, “May we say a quick prayer?”

Surprise registered on Betsie’s face. “Of course.”

“Umm...Thank you, Lord, for this food and for the glad tidings you bring our way. Amen.”

“Amen.” Betsie carefully picked up her chicken and eyed Evelyn with new interest.

“Betsie, I must tell you something.”

“Yes?”

“Gerald has asked me to marry him.”

“Well, well, I wondered when the time would finally arrive.” Although she half-heartedly bantered, her eyes drooped, betraying a silent sadness.

“Are you not happy for me?”

“I am. Please forgive me if I am not my usual self. I’m quite tired today of all days.”

“That’s all right. I was thinking...I would be honoured if you would be my maid of honour.”

“Oh, don’t ask me. I am too old for such things.”

“Nonsense, you are perfect for the position. You are one of my dearest friends. You and I have been through so much together, please.”

“Then I will.”

“Thank you.”

The rest of the meal was eaten in plentiful silence.

When Evelyn retired to her bedchamber, she was a little concerned for Betsie. Something was not quite right. She was almost certain that Betsie would eventually tell her what was on her mind.