The captain stiffened. “Your words ruined my life, professionally and personally.”
“I’m aware of that,” Mother said in a low tone. “I regret what I did.”
Vivienne was sure what she would do in the captain’s place. He’d lost his reputation because of Mother’s hatred towards him.
“I hope you’ll forgive me one day.” Mother hunched her shoulders, defeated and frail.
A complete range of emotions crossed Captain Jackson’s face. His facial muscles contracted and relaxed before he gave Mother a shallow bow. “I’m for putting the past behind and start over,” he said. “That’s what every single person in this house has done. Me included. I don’t see why you shouldn’t have the sameopportunity. But I will tell you it’ll take me some time before I forgive and forget.”
“Fair’s fair,” Mother said. “I’ll need time to learn to forgive myself, too.”
Father held her hand without saying anything.
Vivienne thought the captain was generous and honest. Her mother had a lot for them to forgive. He’d expressed everyone’s sentiment.
She put the silver box in a special place on the mantel. Not only was Mother finally free from her cage, but so was Adele.
After lunch,Samuel headed to the police station with Vivienne and Captain Jackson, and none of them talked much, each of them lost in their own thoughts. But it was a sweet silence, filled with happiness and hope, as the captain would say.
After a few more silent minutes, the captain said, “You know…the night we risked our lives has made me think.”
“About what?” Samuel asked.
“Life, death, friendship, love.” Captain Jackson scratched his chin. “I want to court Alice.”
Vivienne laughed and patted his hand. “Finally. It won’t be easy, but I think she cares about you.”
“She is so fierce and brave,” Captain Jackson said. “I like that about her, and I’m prepared to woo her.”
When the carriage stopped at the police station, William opened the door and pulled down the steps.
“Sir, I have something to tell you,” William said before Samuel could enter the station.
“Yes?”
William cleared his throat. “I thank you for your generosity and for having given me the opportunity to work for you. But I want to be a policeman. I won’t steal anymore, I promise. But I talked with a few officers, and they told me I could join a special investigative unit where my skills would be useful.”
Samuel squeezed his shoulder. “It’s your life and your path. I’m sure you’ll be a great officer.”
William beamed. “You’ll be proud of me.”
“We already are.” Vivienne patted the footman’s shoulder.
They entered the station together, and a little shot of tension rushed down his neck as an officer led them to the cells.
“Thank you for coming,” the officer said, going down the stairs. “Dr. Tucker was quite insistent.”
He could imagine.
Holding Vivienne’s hand, Samuel walked over to Murdock, who was locked up behind the bars in a damp grey cell.
Murdock straightened and put down the book he was reading. “You came. I didn’t expect that.”
Samuel signed, and Vivienne spoke for him. “What do you want?”
“Have you thought about my proposal?”
“We don’t want anything from you. I used to be afraid of you, but you’re only a pathetic, little man.” Vivienne’s voice quivered when she said that, translating from Samuel’s sign language.
“I’ll tell you everything if you help me get out of here,” Murdock said. “This is your last chance to know everything. I’m the only one who knows where to find your parents.”
“Is this why you dragged us here?” Vivienne asked.
Murdock smirked. “What’s more important than family?”
“Goodbye, Murdock.” Samuel turned his back to the man who had abused him. Although he also felt he’d turned his back on his family.
They walked back upstairs, ignoring Murdock’s shouted pleas.
Vivienne rested her head on Samuel’s shoulder. “I’m so proud of you, husband of mine.”
