Chapter 23

Marguerite said nothing more, allowing Goddard time and space to dwell on the matter. She remained there to offer him her quiet support. Time crawled in silence, that seemed to grow oppressive with every passing minute. The wait appeared to be an unbearable torture for Goddard, who glanced impatiently at the door every few minutes and never stopped flicking his fingers on his clad thigh.

After what seemed like ages, the door opened and the doctor stepped out of the room. Goddard leapt to his feet, and practically pounced on the older man, not even giving him a second to draw breath.

"How is he?"

"He will be fine. He lost a lot of blood but thankfully the stab didn't get into his vital organ."

Goddard's face instantly cleared at the news. He continued to ask the doctor several other questions, while Marguerite slipped into the room. The nurse, who had just finished tidying up after the doctor, informed her a moment before leaving.

"We've had him cleaned up for now, make sure to keep