IX

At the end of the week, Rennold rode into the city to pick up his sister, who was going to stay with their father since he had fallen ill. It had only been a few days, and he was appearing to improve gradually, but Kianna insisted on visiting. Their stepmother had been married to their father for 11 years and Kianna still despised her and did not believe she would be able to ensure their father fully regained his health. 

Rennold picked up Kianna at the train station and she came rushing to him with a wide smile on her small lips. Her brown hair was tied atop her head and her dark silk dress flowed with her thin features.

She stretched her arms around Rennold. "So lovely to see you again big brother!"

"You're still a ball of energy, little sister."

"Always will be. How is Father?" Kianna asked as she took her brother's arm and he took her bag as they walked towards his carriage on the street.

"As I said in my letter, he is already showing improvement. You did not need to travel all this way."

"Nonsense! It has been too long since I visited Father anyway. Besides, that woman barely knows how to take care of herself, you think father would really recover in her hands?" She turned to the front of the carriage and shouted: "Driver! Bring us to the market first!"

"What for?" asked Rennold as the carriage began to move.

"I want to get flowers. The market in Birmingham always has such a beautiful selection."

As they got out of the carriage Kianna pulled her brother to the market square where they were exposed to the cacophony of voices and the buzz of activity. The square was lined with rows of wooden stalls and cars, each adorned with colorful awnings and signs displaying the goods being sold. The air was filled with the mingling scents of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and the earthy aroma of fruits and vegetables. People bustled about, engaging in lively conversations, and haggling with vendors. The market was a meeting place for locals and visitors, the crowd a mix of well-dressed gentlemen, elegantly attired ladies, laborers in their work clothes, and children darting in and out of the throng. At the center of the market square, a fountain gushed with water, providing a refreshing spot for shoppers to rest. Nearby, street performers and musicians entertained the crowd with lively tunes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Hooves clattered and carts rumbled passed by, delivering goods and transporting people to and from the market. Butchers proudly displayed their cuts of meat, arranging them meticulously on wooden boards or hanging from hooks. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the baker's stall, loaves of various shapes and sizes stacked in neat piles. Fruits and vegetables were arranged in colorful pyramids, showcasing the bounty of the season. The vibrant colors caught Rennold's eye as they grazed over the deep greens of leafy vegetables to the vibrant reds of ripe tomatoes. The aroma of spices and herbs tickled his nose as he passed. Amidst the food stalls, vendors were selling a variety of other items. Clothiers displayed bolts of fabric, offering the latest patterns and materials. Pottery and ceramic merchants showcase their wares, displaying delicate teacups, sturdy plates, and decorative vases. Trinket sellers enticed passersby with shiny baubles and small curiosities.

Rennold had rarely visited the market and was almost overwhelmed by the energy. So many sounds and movements made him notice the details of his surroundings. He was waiting for Kianna to pick out the perfect bouquet when he crossed paths with Leyton Bristow: a man in his 40s with thin hair and a sharp jawline who had worked with Rennold for almost a decade.

"Leyton Bristow!" Rennold exclaimed as he embraced his friend. "So good to see you! It has certainly been much too long. What are you doing in Birmingham?"

"Just here for a few days, my friend. I apologize for not coming to visit."

"Worry not about visiting. Catherine and I moved out of the city. We have an estate in the countryside."

"That sounds wonderful! I always preferred the quiet of the countryside. The noise gets more annoying as you grow in age, as I'm sure you can understand."

"I certainly can. One of the best decisions I made."

"It's wonderful to see you in such high spirits. I was worried you would be feeling down due to the circumstances with Norman Kimberley. I know you are close with the young man."

"But what do you mean? What circumstances?"

Bristow frowned. "You haven't heard? He's missing."

"Missing? Since when?"

"Almost a week. He was expected at a party 3 days ago and never showed up. When people went asking, his aunt claimed she had not seen him in days. People thought he left the city early until they checked his room and saw all his belongings still left behind."

"A week ago," Rennold muttered.

Bristow frowned. "I'm sorry to deliver such desperate news to you. I know you cared greatly for the boy. But I think the answers will reveal themselves. I know he is a clever man, probably just off somewhere that no one thought to look yet.

"Well, I must be off. Good luck to you, my friend, and I hope we cross paths again."

Leyton Bristow left Rennold standing in the street, his mind stretching to the past, a stone growing in his gut.

When Kianna approached him with a purchased set of flowers Rennold took her by the hand, shoving money into her palm and apologizing that he could not escort her the rest of the way.

"What's wrong, brother? You're sweating profusely."

"I just remembered something I need to take care of. Use the money for a cab and I will be in contact with you later." He kissed his sister on the cheek and rushed to his carriage.

When he made it home Rennold rushed into the house and went to his study. He grabbed the telescope and placed it in front of the window, pointing at Alysia Field's house. The curtains were drawn, and all looked quiet over the hill.

There was a tap on the glass and Rennold jumped in fright. He looked down and saw Catherine in the frame. She wore a large sunhat and a dark dress. Her arms and face were smeared with dirt. Her happy smile disappeared when she saw the look on her husband's face, and quickly came inside.

"Roger, are you okay?"

He tried to take a deep breath. "I'm fine."

"What is it?"

"Norman Kimberley is missing."

"That's horrible! How long has he been gone?"

"About a week, and I fear I know where he is."

"Why do you fear it? What is the matter? What do you know?"

"I have no facts or evidence, only a gut feeling that I have trusted all my life and has never failed me."

Catherine looked at the desperation and fear on her husband's face and felt like cold water had run down her spine. She looked at him with large open eyes. "Rennold, what is going on?" she asked with an honest attempt to understand.

Rennold could not stop himself from spilling his thoughts, explaining everything he had seen and suspected. After he finished, Rennold watched his wife's expression to give away any of the thoughts running through her head. When she raised her eyes to his he could see her pleading with him to tell her it was all untrue. A joke that turned out not to be funny. 

"I'm going over there," Rennold said.

Catherine took him by the arm. "I don't think that's a good idea. I'm still trying to piece the objective together. What would Alysia Field want with Norman Kimberley?"

"I've tried many times to understand…but my gut tells me he is alive and I have to try my best to find him."

"And if he's not?"

"Then I will make sure I find justice for him."

Catherine looked at Rennold with pleading eyes, but she could not change his mind.

"I'll go with you then," she said and Rennold grasped her hand.

"I'm sorry, darling, but I can't risk any harm falling upon you. And I need you to do something instead. I need you to ride into the city and find Walter Attwood. He's staying in the city—do you remember the location? You must insist that he receive you and tell him to get here as soon as possible. Tell him only what he needs to hear to get him to come with you."

Catherine tried to fight the tears welling in her eyes and nodded in understanding. Rennold gave her a small kiss on the cheek and she rushed out the door. She jumped on her horse and rode away with the sunlight. Rennold pulled on his jacket and grabbed a knife from the kitchen.