Page 49 of The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady
Kenneth took up the small carrying case that he had brought with him and marched proudly into Cornelius' door. His uncle looked up with a slight start at Kenneth's dramatic entrance.
“Kenneth.” Cornelius blinked, hunched over some papers on his desk.
“Good morning, Uncle.” Kenneth propped the case down on an empty corner of the desk. “Stunning day, isn't it?”
“Stunning indeed.” Cornelius sat back, shuffling a few things aside tactfully. “I am glad to see you, today as you know is the deadline for our decision.”
“That is why I am here, is it not?”
“Well, let's have it then.” Cornelius gestured towards the carrying case.
“Of course.” Kenneth clicked open the latches and produced the testimony papers, as well as his written decision. He handed them to Cornelius, who quickly glanced through them.
“An accident, then.” Cornelius put the papers down.
“To all of my knowledge.”
“Good, this is good. Straightforward and simple.” Cornelius sat back up, propping his hands on the desk. “How did you come to your decision?”
“You think me wrong?” Kenneth assumed a defensive tone.
“No, no, nothing of the sort. I wish to understand your thought process.”
“Yes, well, right then.” Kenneth sorted himself out. So quickly his temperament changed on a dime, but he could readjust it after a moment of mumbling. “I was reviewing the testimonies, and I found myself discussing the case with my guest, the young Miss Benson,” Kenneth knew how it sounded as it came out of his mouth. He should not have done what he had, for the sake of the company, and yet he could not fabricate a story about a thought process that he did not alone possess.
“Miss Benson?” Cornelius rubbed his temples, contemplatively. “Kenneth, you know that these documents are under our confidentiality.”
“Yes, I know, but hear me out–”
“We cannot discuss them with anyone outside of this company. That is our entire reputation. We cannot squander it for attention.”
“It was not for attention, Uncle, listen to me.” Kenneth protested.
“Go on.” Cornelius sighed. “I must hear it regardless.”
“It just sort of came up, in conversation, what I was doing in London and all.” Kenneth stammered. “So, she asked if she could help, she's dying of boredom in the guest room. She lays there day after day, slowly healing. I could not refuse her. And for that, I am at fault.” Kenneth took a deep breath, having finally found his firm argument.
“Is there more?” Cornelius asked.
“Yes. We went through them together, you understand, and I discovered that she has the most amazing mind for this work.”
“For this work?”
“Analytical detection, yes.” Kenneth moved to sit across from his uncle.
“Analytical detection.” Cornelius repeated, drawing out the syllabus.
“You mock me.” Kenneth pouted, sitting back and crossing his arms.
“Come now.” Cornelius held his hands up again. “So, what is it that you want?”
“I wish to hire her as a consultant, to go over testimony whenever needed.”
“So, you may speak with her about any case which you desire?”
“Well, yes.” Kenneth admitted, puzzling over how small a thing it really boiled down to.I want to see her again and again. “But truly, she has a good mind for it.”
“I have no doubt.” Cornelius said.
