Uncharted Paths (Sequel to Downfall)

Uncharted Paths

Robert looked at his little daughter asleep in his arms, Ed on his mother’s, as the train made his way back to their hometown. Their home.

Belle leaned against Robert “I did not have the courage to ask…”

Robert kissed her forehead, he knew what she was talking about “Honey, you will find out sooner or later…”

“I have thought about the big possibility my mother is dead, but have to face it now, even after ten years… is not easy” She looked down

“I know, honey. And I am here for you, no matter what. I will always support you, always be by your side”

“I know, I love you” She kissed his hand

“I love you too, Belle”

Clementine suddenly knocked and entered our division “The plain will arrive in about an hour” she smiled

“Sit for a bit, honey” Robert whispered

“Is everything ok?”

Robert half smiled and looked at Belle “Just… nervous”

She smiled comprehensively “Everything will be fine”

“You haven’t told me how is the city, yet… how are things?”

“Did I told you Zander got married?” She smiled widely

Robert’s eyes bulged “W-What?”

“Yes, a pretty lady called Julia”

Robert smiled “Julia, friend of Catherine?”

Clementine nodded. Robert smiled, proud “That kid…”

She took a deep breath, before continuing “There are also other news like…Bickerton was killed about two years after you were gone”

Robert’s eyes widened “Bickerton? He is dead?”

“Yes” Clementine calmly said “No one knows what happened… it is just… weird. A big proof you were innocent. The town went completely mad about it”

“How?”

“Well, everyone loved you Robert. Everyone looked up to you. They stood up for you, even during your last sentence, there were so many clashes and violence. Bickerton got a great spanking on that” She chuckled “But then, even with you gone, they still talked a lot about you, everyone believed you, Robbie”

Robert looked down, that feeling was overwhelming

“Then, when Bickerton was killed… as mysteriously as all the other deaths, it was enough proof that you were not the one to blame” She took a deep breath

“Yes… was the killer discovered?” Robert asked, before saying anything. Obviously, William, his older brother, was the one to blame, ever for Bickerton’s death. He was sure.

“No… no one until today”

Robert looked down, Belle kissed his hand

“Do you know who it was Robert? What happened on that night, on the convent, you were there”

Robert glanced at her “Maybe I should answer that to everyone? Later? I’m sure that will be the question everyone will ask me”

“Of course, Robbie” She smiled

“But… so… who is the mayor?”

“Oh, I was almost forgetting to tell… William. Our brother” She said, blankly “He barely talks to us now…”