Whispers of Bedlam Asylum (Sigmund Shaw Book 2) (28 page)

44.

A constable let Charlotte know that Mr. Godwit, her editor, had been notified that she was ready to leave the asylum. Knowing that he would hurry to get her, she decided that she needed to make her goodbyes soon. After getting the attention of Mrs. Rathbone, she asked for permission to enter the second floor women’s wing.

Rathbone nodded and led her up the stairs. Just before they reached the second floor landing, Mrs. Rathbone stopped, looked at Charlotte, and said in a monotone voice, “I do not appreciate being lied to Miss Merrihail. However, please make it count with your article.”

Charlotte paused and looked at the head orderly. The austere face showed no emotion until she gave Charlotte a wink. Without another word, Mrs. Rathbone continued on towards the women’s wing. A new and deeper swelling of gratitude for this woman grew inside of Charlotte. This previously humorless lady had just revealed a new layer of her personality. When the shock of the moment passed, Charlotte caught up with Mrs. Rathbone, smiled knowingly, and entered the women’s hallway.

As she passed the doorway, two women stood up instantly – Jena and Anne. They rushed over and asked, “Are you okay? What happened last night? We were so worried when we couldn’t find you this morning!”

“I am alright. It was frightening, but it is all over.” She proceeded to tell them the whole account of the previous night. When completed, she looked at her friend’s astonished faces and waited for their reply.

It took a few seconds and Anne started to laugh. “I’m sorry,” she said through her humor, “but I’m happy, scared, and confused all at the same time. It is either laugh or cry, and well…”

Jena started to laugh as well and Charlotte joined in too. The release of laughing did much to combat the stress of the night.

When they were able to catch their breath, Jena asked, “So, are you leaving now?”

Charlotte nodded but was becoming too emotional to answer. She knew that she would see these new friends soon. She also knew that she would find a way to get them released. But it hurt to think that they will be left here, even if only for a short period of time.

“I am very happy to have met you,” said Anne. “We will miss you.”

Charlotte nodded again in agreement and then threw her arms around the two of them. She managed to not cry, but a few tears leaked out. There is something about a shared experience, especially a difficult one, that creates special friendships.

Before departing, Charlotte took a deep breath and then said, “I will visit soon and I will get you both released at the very earliest possibility.”

The two dear women smiled at Charlotte and Jena mouthed the words, ‘thank you.’

When Charlotte descended the stairs back to the lobby, she found Mr. Godwit waiting. At catching site of her he rushed over and said, “Oh, my dear! Are you alright.”

“I am, Mr. Godwit. Thank you for coming to get me.”

He stared at her for a few moments, almost examining her for anything out of place, and finally asked, “Was it worth it?”

It took only an instant for her to conclude, “It will be.”

*   *   *

Sigmund had his own goodbye to say as well as a regretful duty. He found Basil sitting at their chess table in the men’s wing. “Care for a game?” Sigmund said as he approached.

Basil looked up and when he saw who it was quickly stood and grasped Sigmund’s hand. He exclaimed, “Good Lord! What happened last night? I have seen police officers coming and going all morning.”

Before telling the account, Sigmund needed to tell his friend about Xavier. “Basil, I am very sorry to tell you that Xavier died last night.”

Basil looked at Sigmund questioningly, as if it could not be true. Finally, after the news sank in, he asked, “What happened to him?”

“He was murdered by Mr. Thursby.”

“Thursby? That makes no sense.”

Sigmund proceeded to tell him all that happened that night as well as the understood motives of Mr. Thursby. It felt inadequate of an account to justify the death of their quiet friend.

“You know,” said Basil, “I think Xavier let me win on occasion.”

“You think so?”

“I do. We played many games and I certainly improved over time, but he was on another level. I think he let me win. I do not know what went on in his mind, but I am convinced that he was more than a mindless creature. I believe that he gave me an occasional game as a thank you. I consider him, and always will, as a friend.”

Sigmund nodded and realized that he did too.

45.

When Sigmund awoke the next morning, something felt wrong. Wrong, but very good. He soon realized that what he was feeling was simply his own bed. The mattress was soft, the blankets were warm, and the silence was serene. He hoped to never take such things for granted again. Thoughts of Basil soured the moment as that poor man was still in Bedlam and dealing with harsh conditions. Sigmund would be visiting him soon and would be bearing gifts.

Anticipation of seeing his family spurred Sigmund out of bed. He rarely went very long without seeing them and after the experience he had been through, he needed their company and love as much as ever.

Stepping out of his flat, he found the morning was clear, but cold. The storm had finally tired itself out or moved on. Putting his hands deep in his pockets, he made his way to Harry’s stables. Besides wanting to use his carriage, he wanted to see Harry, the first friendly face outside of the asylum.

Harry was working in the stables, as usual, and when he caught sight of Sigmund he came up and said, “Where have you been, my lad?” then added, “You look rather awful. What’s happened to you?”

Rubbing his hands together, Sigmund said, “The explanation will take a few minutes. How about we step inside where it is warm?”

“Of course.”

In the warmth of Harry’s home, and with tea served, Sigmund told the whole account, leaving out no details. When finished, Harry cocked his head and said, “You know, Sig, I’m not sure that I wasn’t better off when you kept things hidden from me.”

Sigmund smiled at the jest, “I think we would all be better off if I just didn’t have such accounts to tell you. Can’t a man have a normal life?”

Harry laughed, “Not you, my lad. Not you.”

Pulling onto the road in his carriage, Sigmund had a sense of happiness that he had missed dearly. Seeing Harry was the first step towards feeling normal again. Now, driving through the busy streets of London, he felt even more satisfied. Even the chugging, smoke belching steam carriages could not remove the smile from his face.

The only thing that blackened the otherwise bright morning was his next stop. It was time to put an end to his favor and his association with Doctor Ferriss.

When he reached the four-story brownstone building that housed the ghoul, Sigmund tied up Ham and walked determinedly up the front steps. He had no desire to delay this meeting an instant more than necessary. Continuing right through the building’s front entrance, he knocked loudly on Ferriss’s first floor interior door. Only a short time passed before he knocked loudly once again. His feelings were less than patient.

When the door opened, Ferriss showed a little surprise at who was standing there, but quickly composed himself and said, “Mr. Shaw! What a pleasant surprise. Please, come inside.”

Sigmund walked in without a word and sat in the same chair that he had taken the night of the favor. The room seemed even more welcoming in the daylight, or would have if Sigmund didn’t know the actions of the owner.

Ferriss didn’t react to the rudeness of Sigmund’s entrance and simply took the opposite chair. “So, Mr. Shaw, what can I do for you?”

“You can leave me and my family alone. Forever.”

“Well, that depends on you. Can I assume that you have completed the favor? Tell me, what is the cause of the brain ailments?”

Sigmund nodded and said, “Yes, I have completed the favor. It was not a disease, as you feared, nor a hereditary trait, but was the result of immoral experimentation.”

Ferriss eyes grew wide with interest. “Really? Was it Doctor Madfyre?”

Sigmund wondered if Ferriss knew more than he let on about the ailment, and answered, “No. One of the orderlies was using a serum on the patients that Madfyre had created some years ago. It was a misguided effort at a cure for insanity. The poor man had a fiancé that took ill and was admitted to the asylum and that was this orderly’s motivation to find a solution. Unfortunately, his methods were murderous and he has been taken in by Scotland Yard.”

“Fascinating,” Ferriss whispered. “Do you think you could procure some of this serum? I would pay you?”

The thought of doing anything for this man ever again was repulsive. The thought that this man wanted the serum was repulsive and frightening. “No. We are done. We are never to speak again, much less work for each other.”

“Hmm, disappointing.”

“Doctor Ferriss, let me be clear on one thing. I am not a violent man, however, if I even sense that you or one of your associates are approaching my family ever again, there will be repercussions. Am I clear on where we stand?”

“Your threats are unnecessary, Mr. Shaw. You have nothing to fear from me.”

Sigmund stood and started walking to the door. He opened it himself and looked over his shoulder, “Unless there is anything I’m forgetting, goodbye, Doctor Ferriss.”

Sigmund waited for a second to see if there was a response. Ferriss seemed lost in thought and did not answer so Sigmund left. Walking outside of the building, it felt as if a weight was lifted. The favor was done and his family was safe. There was almost a sense of giddiness and he couldn’t help but smile.
Did the air always taste this good?
he wondered and then,
Finally,
I can go back to being a normal carriage driver.
Normal is so underrated.

Outside of his sister’s building, he looked at his watch – a few minutes before noon. When Alexis opened the door her face erupted in a huge smile and she hugged him. “Where were you this weekend? We were all so worried when you did not show up! Have you been sick, you look so thin?”

“I am sorry about that. I have quite an explanation.”

She narrowed her eyes playfully, as if she suspected that he was up to something, and then invited him in. “Jamison is at work and Sarah is still at school.”

“Well,” commented Sigmund, “I guess I’ll have to tell the story a few times today.”

“What story? What are you talking about? Is it something to do with the favor from that awful man? Can we help?”

Sigmund shook his head at the last question and took one of the chairs near the warm fire. Alexis pulled another chair for herself and he proceeded to tell her everything that had transpired over the last many days. When he finished, he could tell that she was surprised, scared, and hurt.

“Oh, Sigmund, why didn’t you tell us? Couldn’t we have found another way?”

“Believe me, I tried to think of alternatives, but in the end I could not think of any other way that would guarantee your safety. Doctor Ferriss is now behind me, behind us, once and for all.”

“That poor orderly,” Alexis said softly. “To lose his fiancé like that. I do not condone his methods, but I cannot entirely blame him, either. After all, have we not done some questionable things to help Sarah?”

It was true. The same thoughts had been pestering Sigmund. If he was in Silvester Thursby’s situation, would he have done anything different? He certainly would like to think so, but until you are there, one never knows for certain. Sigmund had broken the law to help his family, but had never gone near as far as murder.

Alexis and Sigmund talked through the afternoon, enjoying a hearty stew for lunch along the way. A sound of heavy footsteps in the buildings foyer announced Sarah’s arrival. She was wearing the mechanical legs that Richard Sutton had created for her. They were not graceful, but allowed her far more freedom than her wheeled-chair ever could.

Alexis opened the door for her and when Sarah walked in, she caught sight of Sigmund. “Uncle!” she said excitedly. “Where were you? And, well, you look terrible.”

“Good to see you too, Sarah.” Sigmund smiled.

“I’m sorry, uncle. It is always good to see you, but, it’s just…you don’t look too good. Have you been sick?”

“Actually, I’ve been insane.”

Sarah giggled and said, “Right. But have you been ill?”

Alexis laughed and Sigmund did too. It was wonderful to be here again.

Alexis helped Sarah out of her mechanical legs and Sarah settled on a blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace, her usual winter spot. When all were ready, Sigmund told the account again. Of all that he talked about, Sarah was most excited about Charlotte Merrihail.

“You actually met her?” she asked excitedly.

“I did. She is quite remarkable. Very smart and very brave.”

“So, if her husband died, she is a single woman…”

“Sarah!” Alexis said sternly.

“What? It is a fair question.”

“It is a bit cheeky, don’t you think?”

“Yes, mother.”

When Jamison came home from work, the story was repeated one last time. Jamison’s first comment was, “And I thought I had a tough week.”

They all chuckled, and Jamison continued, “You are quite a remarkable man, Sigmund. We are very fortunate to have you. Thank you.”

Sigmund felt a sense of pride but also a debt, “Thank you Jamison, but I feel as if I am the fortunate one to have all of you. All the more so as there are no more hidden favors over my head.”

Alexis said, “I think we can all be thankful for that. What do you all think about going out to dinner tonight, a celebration?”

“I think that is a fine idea,” replied Jamison.

“Oh, yes!” Sarah chimed in. “I get to sit next to Uncle Sigmund.”

“Oh?” Sigmund said. “I am worthy of sitting next to you?

“Not exactly. I don’t want to eat too much and your aroma will help with that.”

“Sarah!” Alexis said and then starting laughing with the rest of them.

It was good to be home.