Ministry Protocol: Thrilling Tales of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
Page 63
*****
Despite the pirate attack, Lady White had insisted that the conference continue. The ladies were energised from driving off the attack. Doctor Blackwell, however, had remained silent for the remainder of the voyage. A trait Wellington knew was not normal.
In their final day, Wellington served Josepha tea, poured another setting, took a seat opposite of her, and made his confession. “I’m going to have to include this in my report to Doctor Sound. It not like we can keep an attack by pirates a secret. Especially since so many others serve as witnesses.”
“But Agent Books! If it’s known that my brother—”
“Now then,” Wellington interrupted, enjoying his tea, something he desperately needed after this experience. “I don’t think it necessary that your relationship with the Baron be mentioned.”
Josepha’s pallid complexion appeared to regain colour. “Truly, Agent Books?”
“Indeed. And this time, we saw him die.”
“But Agent Books, that is hardly an assurance, he has faked his death many times and—”
Wellington knew taking her hands in his was not only most forward but hazardous in the case of Josepha. He did so anyway, assuring her softly, “Agent Blackwell, someday, you may have to face him. But that is not something the Ministry can make you do. It is something you must seek out on your own.”
She looked out the window “You’re right, of course.”
“Yes, well, of course I am,” he said with a shrug. “It’s only proper.”
“We wouldn’t want to be improper, would we?” she quipped.
“Indeed,” he stated, finishing his cup, dabbing his mouth with his napkin, then straightening his cuff. “Now, Baroness, you are due for a seminar. Ready?”
With a nod from her, they walked together to the dining room as the airship glided above the deep waters of the Atlantic.