rs, his greatest desire remained to sleep off the strange night and tomorrow make sense of it all. He saw a light a-glow in his residence, more confused and frustrated, he did his best to scramble up the stairs. Falling several times, the blood from his nose began to flow again. Wildly flinging the door open, he stood, momentarily waiting for his eyes to adjust to the bright, new light. He paused with eyes squinted, holding to the doorframe for balance, and blood dripping from his nose. As the world began to start to settle around him and his vision focused, he was appalled to find the three men waiting for him. The men sat in chairs surrounding the fire, which Grewgious had taken the liberty of kindling. A single vacant chair remained, apparently awaiting Jasper’s arrival. The three men turned to the anticipated new comer, Mr. Grewgious spoke in a slow deliberate voice, “Mr. Jasper, we have been expecting for you. Please, have a seat.”Afraid that his face would express his guilt, he shuffled over to the empty chair with his head down. Gently easing himself into the chair, he leaned forward and began to warm his hands against the fire. Touching his nose, he became aware of his injuries. Removing his handkerchief, he began patting the wound; all the while trying to sneak glances at his visitors.All six eyes remained fixed on the flustered Jasper. Each eye searched him from head to toe and read every expression that may have flashed upon his visage. Soon, Grewgious spoke, “Quite candidly, I know of no other way to begin this except by getting directly to the point. It has been nearly two years since young Drood’s disappearance. Over these years, many of us have been searching for clues and answers. At this point we all have come to the same conclusion.” Jasper paused his wound tending and sat stiff, still the handkerchief remained clenched in his blanched white fist. Without any change in expression or...
