32. Clem September 15, 1888
Dearest Mother,
Thank you for the armor. I have made our defender, just as you advised.
I didn’t feel any terrible sensations as a result of using bone; I felt perfectly myself, and I am not afraid.
He is very fine, I must say. And not a moment too soon, for the streets are no longer safe.
We can’t afford to wait any longer. Rosetta will be well protected, and I am perfectly ready to confront the dangers that will come.
I believe there’s no other choice, for—as you know—Vera has still not found the case. We are out of time.
However much I may trust in my own abilities, I’m not a fool. I know when I can no longer succeed alone, and I know the wisdom of trusting an ally. It will be better to have aid.
It will be worth it, Mother. You’ll see.
Today we must visit the Trenches. This is our last hurdle. If we can get through the visit with Simeon and Uncle Norbert, I hope everything else will fall into place.
Your loving,
Clem