8:40 PM, Cooper’s Book & Print, Chester England
Mr. Cooper was gently brushing the threadbare carpet running the length of the shop as the bell above the door announced Rose’s entrance. He looked up and his face showed surprise then consternation at her appearance.
“God preserve us, Sister. Are you alright? Have you fallen or been attacked?”
“What? No, — well yes.” She caught the alarm in his face. “No, no, I wasn’t attacked! I had a — fall, well tripped actually.” She brushed at her habit trying to remove some of the dirt and checked her wimple was still on her head. I was trying to find the reason for those poor children’s fever. You have heard about the fever? I was following clues that took me to the Temple of Minerva.”
“Aye, terrible thing, a sick child. The temple, you say?”
“
