Summarised like that, it sounded absurd. And it was. But I had no answers.
“Detective,” I said, on the verge of a hysterical breakdown. “Believe me. I did not hurt Mr Morrison. I don’t know what’s happening on this ship, but I am not a criminal. Or a seductress.” My eyes burned with tears, and I hoped Norton didn’t think I was faking them.
He sagged on the chair. “I’ll interrogate Mr Morrison again when he feels better. You can go for now, Miss Fitzwilliam.”
I didn’t like the ‘for now,’ but I bowed my head and stood up.
“This is preposterous,” I said when we were in the corridor, heading to my cabin. “You don’t believe I attacked Morrison, do you?”
“Of course not.” He put a hand on the small of my back. “Don’t worry. No one is going to arrest you.”
I snuggled closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder before straightening back up. Oliver was leaning against the wall next to my door.
“Did you speak with Morrison?” I asked.
He shook his head. “He was asleep. He’s very weak.” He glanced at Rennie. “As if he hadn’t slept or eaten for days. His energy drained.”
“What did the attacker do to him? Why is he so weak?” I opened the door of my cabin with a shaky hand.
“It’s complicated.” Oliver slid inside the cabin while Rennie remained in the corridor.
“What’s happening?” An anxious knot tightened in my belly.
“Oliver will keep an eye on you tonight.” Rennie’s voice sounded all wrong, as if he were angry.
“Rennie needs to sleep too,” Oliver said, starting to shut the door.
“I...” I fiddled with my hands.
“Good night, Rennie.” Oliver waved.
“Be a gentleman, Oliver,” Rennie hissed.
Oliver smirked. “You have my word.”
Rennie held up a hand. “Good night, Monia.”
“But I’d like you to stay here,” I said.
Oliver stepped in front of me. “Rennie is exhausted. He didn’t sleep to keep guard. He’ll be with you tomorrow.”
Indeed, dark shadows circled Rennie’s eyes. “I’ll stay with you tomorrow,” he said.
“Good night.” I wanted to say something else, but Oliver locked the door.
“Now.” He removed his jacket and tossed it over a chair. “Don’t worry, Miss Fitzwilliam. I’ll be the perfect gentleman, even though I’m not good company.”
“Perhaps Rennie could sleep here too.” I balled my fists at my hips.
He waited a few moments, then peeked outside. “Good. He’s gone. We need to have a chat.”
“About what?” I stepped away from him.
“Rennie and I disagree. See, I believe sacrifices must be made for a good cause.” He flexed his fingers.
“I don’t understand.” I inched closer to the vase on the dresser. It was heavy enough to cause some damage in case he attacked me.
“Do you want to know why your parents sent you away with Rennie? Why didn’t they like your prince? Why did a man try to attack you? Who really is Edward? And why does Morrison claim you attacked him?” He had my attention now.
“I do,” I said, still touching the vase.
“I can help you with that.” He put his hand on my forehead, and I jolted. “Relax, Monia. This is going to sting a little.”
Pain burst inside me. White flashes filled my vision. Fire seemed to flow through my lungs. It was as if a red-hot blade were cutting my head in two. I screamed, my throat hurting. Then darkness enveloped me.
