FIRE AND FOG by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub

I left my doors open in case I had to move quickly during the night. I would keep my trusty weapon on the bed next to me as I slept; with luck I would not need it. I reached around the side of the bureau, where I kept the walking stick, but it was not there. What? My heart skipped a beat; then I recalled that I had left it in the study when I ran out to get the police.

The walking stick was not in the study, either. I searched for it frantically but did not find it anywhere. The conclusion was unavoidable: the murderers must have recognized my walking stick for what it was, a weapon, and had taken it with them, just as they took Alice.

So I was left without means to defend myself.

10.

Time and Tide Wait for No Man-or Woman

Necessity being the mother of invention, I slept with the largest of the kitchen knives; and I was so tired that I slept rather well. The next morning, as I was finishing breakfast, the doorbell rang and startled me out of my wits. I had never heard it before and had presumed it broken, but apparently it worked on a now restored electrical connection.

None of my customers would arrive so early. I was tempted not to answer it, even though I had already unblocked both the doors, but curiosity overcame me. I opened the front door and there stood Meiling.

"Meiling, what a delightful surprise!"

She bowed her dark, silken head. "Fremont. I am sorry to intrude upon you at this hour, but once again I seek your help."

"Don't be silly, you are never an intrusion. Do come in." I took her hand and drew her inside. "Will you join me in the kitchen? I have coffee made, or if you like I can put on hot water for tea. The fire inspector was here yesterday, so we can cook again, and we also have electricity. It's quite wonderful." Too late I realized there was no more "we."

"I would like to try your coffee," Meiling said with a small smile. "I am most interested to adopt all American customs. In a way, that is why I'm here."

"Coffee it shall be then." I filled my mug and got a cup for Meiling, and we sat sipping companionably at the kitchen table.

Meiling made a face. "This coffee is an acquired taste."

I laughed. "If you would prefer to acquire it another day, I really don't mind making you a cup of tea."

"No, thank you." She glanced out into the hallway. "The person with whom you share this house, perhaps she will think I intrude?"

I laughed again, though this time it was forced. "No, she will not think that. Nor will she interrupt us, you may rely on it, Meiling. Pray tell me whatever is on your mind."

"My honorable grandmother went to be with the ancestors last night."

I placed my hand over hers. "I hope she died peacefully." Unlike Alice.

Meiling smiled with a tear shimmering in the corner of each eye.

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