Page 78 of Night Falls on Predicament Avenue
Today, the plan was to question the Oppermans and try to getone of them—either Floyd or Mabel—to fess up to the murder or, at a minimum, Effie’s attack. Yet Effie couldn’t get Anderson’s story from her mind. She knew he was doing his own investigating alone, without consulting anyone and keeping to himself. He had given her strict instructions to stay at the James manor and not venture out without him or a male chaperone like her father. This time it had nothing to do with etiquette but rather safety. And no, Anderson had added, her younger brothers were not considered proper escorts.
Effie worried over the fact that Floyd Opperman was being assertively confronted. He had told her to run, and they had interpreted it as a threat. But what if he’d meant it to warn her? What if he was warning her away from Predicament Avenue and away from the woman who had attacked her?
Her mind spun for most of the morning. Now she was glad for the diversion of Bethany Todd and, to her surprise, Patrick Charlemagne’s visit. Effie sat across from them in the parlor, struggling to maintain a calm, polite exterior while her insides churned.
“We’re so thankful you’re all right.” Bethany smiled with her eyes.
“Thank you.”
“We’ve brought you a gift,” Bethany said, extending a pretty box tied with ribbon. “To help bring you healing and happiness.”
“A small token,” Patrick added with a nod.
Effie took the box, untying the ribbon. She lifted the lid and let out a small gasp. “Oh my!” She reached inside and lifted a gold-plated box. Effie appreciated the beautiful scrollwork that embellished its edges.
“Flick the lever, if you will.” Patrick pointed to a small latch, and Effie pushed it. The lid popped open, and she jumped. She couldn’t help the grin that stretched across her face at the sight of a small bird that began to move, its chirps filling the room with cheery notes.
“It’s beautiful!” Effie lifted questioning eyes to Bethany and then to Patrick. “But it’s too much. I can’t accept.”
“Oh, please do accept it, Effie!” Bethany insisted.“You deserve to be comforted.”
“It gives us pleasure to bring encouragement where it’s needed.” Patrick’s mustache emphasized his smile.
Effie blushed as she looked down at the bird. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she struggled to find her voice. “I-I ... thank you.” She nodded. “Such an act of friendship is ... unexpected and a blessing.” Her eyes met Bethany’s, and her friend’s bright smile flooded Effie’s soul with sunlight. She needed it. The pall that had hung over her these last couple of weeks had been enough to make her feel as if every day were an impending thunderstorm.
“I hope you will continue to get well,” Patrick said.
Bethany and Patrick rose to take their leave. Effie left the music box on a table in the parlor and followed them to the front entrance.
Effie opened the door for them, and as she moved to bid them goodbye, she glanced at the cobblestone street at the end of the walk. A man shuffled along the bushes, almost as if he believed he were hidden from view when in reality it was quite obvious who it was. Floyd Opperman.
She heard Bethany and Patrick speaking to her, but their voices faded as she concentrated on Floyd. He was here again—at the manor. Only he wasn’t in their yard; he was simply passing by. In the daylight again. But why would—?
A child’s whimper cut through the air.
Effie pushed between Bethany and Patrick and rushed onto the veranda to try to keep sight of Floyd. Did he have a child with him? Hidden in the folds of his coat? It was impossible to tell. It was probably her misplaced hope that somehow it was Anderson’s child.
“Effie, are you all right?” Bethany’s concern snagged Effie’s attention.
She spun. “That’s Floyd Opperman.”
Patrick stiffened. His chin went up as he, too, strained to identify the retreating back of the brawny man. “Why would he be in this part of town?”
“I need to go.” Without thinking, Effie cast them both an apologetic look. If he had a child with him, a baby, and if it was Cora... She hurried down the steps.
“Effie, wait!” Bethany cried.
Effie turned, unwilling to waste a moment. “Stay with Polly, please!” she called to Bethany over her shoulder.
Patrick bounded down the steps behind her. “Let me come with you. So you will be safe.”
Effie didn’t argue but only nodded. If Patrick wanted to help her, she would welcome his assistance. Without another word, Effie hitched up her skirts and rushed for the street. Toward Floyd. Toward the hope, however misplaced, that the child she’d heard was Cora.
“That way,” Patrick stated.
“Did you see him turn there?” Effie half jogged beside Patrick, annoyed that she was wearing shoes with heels and that her skirts inhibited her. No wonder Polly always wore their brother’s trousers when going on an adventure.
Patrick nodded. “Yes, and it’s in the direction of Predicament Avenue.”
