0122

That night Elizabeth called Sol to tell him that Sabastian could collect his belongings any time he wanted. She had everything she didn't want put onto the second floor.

"She sounded worried," Sol said after relaying the message to Sabastian.

"Did she?"

"As I said the night we saw her, her situation is more precarious than she let on. She embarrassed Thomas in public. He’s very proud."

"And yet he did not kill her when he had the chance."

"No, but he could be deciding her fate. He might try to use her to make an example to the rest of the city.”

Susan suddenly ran into the room, jumping up into Sabastian's arms, interrupting the conversation.

"Hello Susan," Sabastian said.

"Hi," she replied, pulling out her dolls.

"Are you going to play with your dolls?"

"I want to, but she's worried and doesn't wanna play," Susan answered, holding one doll out.

"That is Elizabeth, is it not?"

"Yeah, she's not in the mood to play."

"Perhaps you can play with your other dolls?"

"Yeah, but I feel bad for Elizabeth."

"What can we do to make her feel better?"

"I don't want you to go, but I think the only way to make her feel better is for you to help her."

"Is it?" Sabastian asked. Sol watched the exchange, uncertain what to make of it. Was this exchange a child's fancy or was it more. The connection between play and reality is often close, but Susan couldn't have known about Elizabeth's problems. Not to mention the fact that they had only met once, and then only in passing.

"Should I go help Elizabeth?" Sabastian asked.

"She would like that."

"Then I must leave you again."

"I know."

"It's O.K. Sabastian. We'll have plenty to do. I got impatient waiting for my new toys, so I contacted my man. He arranged for a truck and movers. He also canceled the delivery and changed it to pickup.

"As such, tonight is moving night. I expect our new furniture will arrive within the hour."

"Very well, then. Sol, will you accompany me?"

"Yes, but I won't join you with Elizabeth. I would like to find out more about the state of the city. I think it would behoove us all if I rekindled some old relationships."

"Very well," Sabastian said, putting Susan down. The two walked out to Sol’s car.

In the car, Sol asked, "How does Susan know so much?"

"About what?"

"Everything. Elizabeth. You."

"She probably overheard our conversation."

"I guess that makes sense, but why did you listen to her?"

Sabastian did not answer, leading Sol to believe that he was hiding something in an attempt to protect the girl. But from what?



[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005. All rights reserved.]
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