ღ - You know I would ask this (go wild!)
(Send ღ for a first kiss between our muses.)
The first few times he had come, she had not received him. It wasn’t out of particular malice for Inspector Reid or the knowledge that perhaps Jackson had sent him, rather she preferred the heavy silence that had settled over Tenter Street once its premises had been vacated by Duggan’s men. So she’d send Charity in her stead, always instructing the girl to offer her mistress’ regards and anything else the inspector may want or need.
On the last day, however, having sent Charity ahead to her duties at Obsidian, Susan was caught entirely by surprise at Reid’s arrival.
“I had thought to send round a calling card once we settled in,” she said, not bothering to look at him as she surveyed the once-lush parlor she both loved and hated.
“Then I shall assume that you may be called upon elsewhere in Whitechapel?” he asked.
She gave a sad laugh, turning to face him, “I have every confidence in your ability to seek me out should you require it, Inspector.”
It wasn’t the look he gave her in return, not quiet a smile, but a small nod of comfort, an acknowledgement that though others had drifted..or been forced out...the two of them would endure in some strange orbit of each other, it was the way he stood in the doorway while she took her one final look that made her do it.
When at last she could stand the memories no longer, Susan turned and moved toward the door. Before Reid could move to let her pass however, she rose to her tiptoes, giving the appearance of kissing him on the cheek, but opting instead, for reasons even she couldn’t explain, for the whisper of a kiss on his lips. She glanced at him a moment, and then turned and left Tenter Street for good.















