Liliane darted across the courtyard, slipping behind pillar and hedge, taking care to avoid being caught by the few guards that were on duty. She approached the edge of the building and skirted around its perimeter, looking for a low window. Eventually, she found one. Based on her intel, the ground floor study belonging to Lady Harpress.
She jostled the pane, checking whether it was locked. It was. Pulling a half-size crowbar from her hip, she pried it open, splitting the wood from the frame. Liliane climbed into the study and collected herself. Empty, and no sign of recent activity.
She needed to make her way to the first floor and enter Lord Harpress’ private lounge. There, she was to drop the vial of concentrated hemlock into the Lord’s tea, which would be being served right about now.
The door handle rattled. Liliane leapt behind the Lady’s desk and waited, her breath slowed and silent.
“Oh hubby, do relax, the Hemlock Society are a myth, a spectre created to scare the political class and keep us from doing what’s right.” Lady Harpress pushed open the door, entering closely followed by Lord Harpress.
“They said it would be tonight, Stephanie. I could drop dead at a moments notice. You heard what happened to Lord and Lady Fearn. They simply ceased breathing during their evening tea.” Lord Harpress was rubbing his chin raw, his eyes laden with heavy bags.
“The coroner said it was bad seafood from their dinner.” Lady Harpress stepped toward the desk, collecting a set of papers before returning to the door. “We had a hearty serving of British steak for dinner, no need to worry yourself. Come now, let’s attend your lounge.”
Liliane cursed under her breath. The timings given were all wrong, or they were skittish and not adhering to their normal routine. This time, she’d have to go off book, as she found herself having to do more and more recently.
Today's prompt: the hemlock society
If you'd like to participate too, the contest can be found here: @mariannewest/day-1550-5-minute-freewrite-tuesday-prompt-the-hemlock-society