FAMILY TIES

BY:  ROSE CARR

CHAPTER FIVE

Safe inside behind the secured gate, Javert dismissed Bouchet to his duties, and then turned to Montreal. “Most interesting,” he said.

The young officer cocked his head inquiringly. “Indeed, sir, and what is it about this conflict that you find so interesting?”

“The conflict, as you call it, has occupied my thoughts for more than a year now,” Javert said. “There are many things that I would like to make you aware of, Montreal. The weather has improved and grown more pleasant. Would you walk with me so that we may speak about it?”

The young officer seemed surprised. “You do not wish to go back into your office Chief Inspector?”

Javert shook his head. “I think we will be more at ease out here, no ears close by, if you know what I mean.”

Montreal stared at him for a second; then it dawned on him. His eyes narrowed. “You think someone on the inside might be spying on us?”

Javert’s eyes revealed nothing as he spoke. “I didn’t say that, I just think it’s prudent to be careful. Come, walk with me.”

Together, they walked along the path that wound around the building, and soon they came to a small garden that was attended to by the staff and used as a place to think and meditate. Javert was reminded vividly of Richelleen’s garden, and wondered what she was doing. He missed her, and Nicholas too…

The young detective cleared his throat. “FREECOMS… or Free-commoners as some call them, is an organization that originally was made up of honest working people who wanted to better their living conditions. Then a religious faction entered the group and it’s agenda changed…becoming darker, more secretive. They took almost half of what their members made as an ‘offering of faith’ and required their members to dress in cloaks and hoods that shrouded their faces. They could have no contact with anyone not of their group unless it was approved of by “The Others”. After a time, the members grew disenchanted and restless and demanded changes. So they brought in people to help them, hired hands if you will. They did bring about changes but the people they brought in were ruffians and ne'er-do-wells who did not leave when they were asked to. Then the group fell into disarray and well…as far as we can tell, no one has been identified as the leader. One thing they have never been, sir, is violent, at least not until today.

“Correct,” Javert said. “For someone who has only been in your position for a few months, you are well informed.”

“You have been ….an inspiration to me sir and well, I consider it my responsibility to be familiar with all things that might affect you or my duties,” Montreal responded quietly.

Javert smiled and nodded appreciatively. “Sevie…what I have to tell you now must remain a secret between us, at least for now.”

“I understand,” said the young man, surprised and pleased by Javert’s use of his more familiar name.

“For some time,” he continued, “I have become suspicious of this group. I think they are not what they appear to be. During the last few months of studying them I have come to believe that the Free-Commoners present a serious threat to not only the peace of the community but to the country as well.”

“But sir, they are just a small group, rabble really. Do you truly think they are organized enough to disrupt the whole country?”

Javert hesitated. “I don’t propose to have all the answers now. Suffice it to say that I have a ‘gut’ feeling, if you will, about their true intentions. Today, out there in yard, I felt that Fontenot was suffering some kind of anxiety, and not acting of his own accord. Therefore, there has to be some one or some others controlling things and he or they are who we need to get to.

“But sir, if this threat is as great as you believe could you not speak to the governing body?”

Javert nodded at the young man. “I could but, unfortunately, my suspicions are not proof, besides most of the council are out of town on holiday. I hope to use this time to gather the proof I need to make my case against them and I may need your help to do that.”

The young man’s eyes never left the Inspector’s. “I have your back sir, in anything you do.”

Javert smiled, touched by his young aides youthful passion. “Thank you, Sevie. I will need you to gather all the reports and information available to us and we’ll start tomorrow morning.”

“I will make the arrangements, Inspector.”

 

to be continued....

© 2005 Rose Carr

Contact the author:  Rosematuse@aol.com

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