The Masked Robber Series - The Masked Robber #1

CHAPTER 9

1. THE MASKED ROBBER

On the grassy bench on the other side of the strip of sand where the Masked Robber's gang is sitting in groups, Elmien and Jacques stare into the moonlit pool in front of them.

They say nothing because both are lost in their own thoughts. Jacques in the wonder of what is here next to him and how he has met her in such a remarkable way, Elmien in the realization that she is here in the company of murderers, although her heart still refuses to acknowledge it.

Tonight in her room she wrote a note to Willa because she knew her sister would be restless if she came to sleep before she returned and did not find her there. She climbed out the window and found Jacques waiting for her in the peach orchard next to the road.

"You made me wait, Elmien," he said, and before she could answer, he bent down low, lifted her off her feet, and placed her on the horse in front of him. "Jean and I came early to look around a bit. But he is back already."

"Do you not trust me?" she asked.

"Of course, of course. It is just in case we need the knowledge later."

And while his arms were still around her, he suddenly drew her closer and kissed her on the lips.

She did not mind. She just gently pushed him away and whispered.

"No, Jacques. Let us ride."

He said nothing. In silence, they rode to the camp. And in her mind, everything was confused. It was pleasant that he kissed her. Even with the terrible doubt about their crime, it was pleasant for her. Again she convinced herself that it must all be lies because he acted with the assurance and tenderness of a lover with a clean and honest background.

She can feel that her action stems from the self-confidence of years of experience and is not the reckless act of a scoundrel. It was so sudden as if it were unprepared, half-fearful, and questioning.

At the camp, Jean met them. He lifted her off the horse and kissed her hand as if she were a princess. The rest of the gang was arranged around the crackling campfire, and they made light bows of respect.

"I thought you were not coming," Jean said, and Jacques pretend to reprimand him.

"Any allusion that I had to wait for her will give you a sour taste."

Everyone laughed together, but Elmien could see that Jean was quieter and more withdrawn than during the afternoon. They ate barbecue meat and warm scones with butter. Andre poured coffee. Elmien felt embarrassed for the thoughts that had come to her because they were all so friendly and polite.

And then they lay down here on the grass bench, she and Jacques. They talked little because she did not want to disturb the beauty and tranquility of the scene with the unpleasant topic that took up her thoughts. Initially, he asked her more than once why she was so quiet, but later he fell silent. And even in silence, they were content lying next to each other.

Suddenly, she decides to end her doubts.

"It is lovely here, Jacques," she says. "So calm and peaceful. And look at Jean, how lazily he stares into the coals, as if the rest of the surroundings have also taken hold in his heart. Is it then possible for a murderer to also find rest?"

She remains silent. Eventually, she said what she considered the necessary removal of the wall between them. But Jacques does not answer. He turns his head towards her, and she is aware of it. She looks away from him, to the small wrinkles of the stream that reflects the moonlight. A few frogs on the opposite bank have continued their chorus in ignorance. She listens to it and waits for Jacques to speak. She now feels relieved, as if everything is over, even before he answers her. His silence does not create tension in her.