OOM: Headlines
In Milliways, Bella is seldom seen without the latest edition of the London Times, which the Bar obligingly provides, along with a drink and something to eat whilst she is separated from her usual place and time. At Heidelberg, however, news from London comes slightly more slowly. A letter from her father, newspaper clippings from Continental journals, rumors from some of the other British students on campus. There are some things. therefore, that remain rather hidden. Things that are only hinted at in the papers, that the average person glances at and then proceeds to ignore. Things that are actually part of something much larger.
Such as the death of Charles Augustus Milverton in his Hampstead home. He was reported murdered last week by his neighbors, who heard a gunshot and reported seeing two intruders scramble over the back garden gate. Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard reports that he anticipates an arrest any day now.
The papers did not say that Mr. Milverton was a noted blackmailer. They did not mention his recent attempts to secure money from a well-to-do lady engaged to marry a respected member of Parliament. They most certainly did not mention his long-ago friendship with a Col. Sebastian Moran. Things like that are often not even known to the reporters, not even whispered about unless there is no chance of a libel lawsuit.
Nonetheless. Bella is worried. The last letter from London had told of some "problems." Could this be it? Or is there something more?
She stuffs the newspaper into her bag, taking out her notebook for today's lectures. She is all too happy when, before dinner, Milliways decides to make a surprise appearance.