The Loss of Some Detail by Mandi Martin

Author:Mandi Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Published: 2020-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Silas was still brooding when he heard soft footsteps that paused behind the door. He gave a sigh and turned to look over his shoulder, his glossy hair falling in a cascade down his back.

“I’m sufficiently calm that you’re not in danger of a chair launched at your head,” Silas said in a loud enough voice to carry, “so don’t dally if you wish to speak, even though the hour groweth late.”

The chair swivelled around as the door was gingerly eased open.

“Silas…”

“Ah! We are back on first name terms! How stupendous!” Silas pressed his hands together as if silently applauding.

James gave a blink of a smile.

“Well I cannot ever remember us being so but I shall take your word for it. All things considered it’s fair I suppose.”

“You do that, I know best,” his lazy eyes sparkled, resuming the knowing exuberance “from apothecary to zephyr. And considering you all seem oblivious to a comforting Earl Grey I suppose your company will suffice.”

“I’d give you my ration but…”

“Dishwater,” Silas finished with a knowing smirk “and of course who know what a person such as I would do with tepid water, hmm?”

James chuckled.

“Third degree burns no doubt, but you’d also have to see Morbridge or the nurse.”

Silas shuddered.

“I’d rather not see Old Morbid or the skinny creature that masquerades as a nurse.” He arched an indignant eyebrow at the badly suppressed snort which morphed into a cough in an attempt to cover it. “And that is amusing how?”

“My apologies, I just think it’s rather a fitting pet name,” James said as he composed himself, leaning back against the door in order to keep a sharp ear out for any approach.

“A satirical term of endearment would be my description but call it what you wish,” Silas flung his legs onto the desk and examined his nails, “but I don’t think you came simply for idle chitchat did you? I don’t mind but I sense more pressing issues.”

James muttered something under his breath.

Silas cocked his head and looked at him intently, rocking back and forth in his chair.

“Why is Marianne really here?” James asked breathily as if he was speaking and sighing in tandem. “For surely being mute is no reason to be confined? And I am certain she is no killer.”

“That isn’t your true question, I can tell,” Silas replied smoothly, lacing his fingers, “but I shall humour you, Marianne was brought after what was most likely a forced miscarriage. She was not born a mute but her voice was silenced at eleven. When she birthed her own brother.”

A sickening silence fell as James digested the foul words, the implication of which took a short moment to register.

Birthing her own brother.

The image of a classroom was suddenly envisioned. The scenery vague but the blurred visage of an unhappy girl, sat trying to hide away in the corner, was the focal point. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of it, he didn’t understand these visions and they perturbed him.

“Try not to dwell upon it,” Silas advised as he gazed at him.

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