For this assignment, I had to pick my favorite character from the book  “Murder for Her Majesty” by Beth Hilgartner and write a sketch of him/her. The character I picked was Geoffrey.

Alice woke. For a second she forgot she was sleeping in a closet hidden away by a group of choirboys. But then the clatter of pans and a scolding from the Dame brought her back to reality. She heard Geoffrey’s voice, but she couldn’t make out any of the words. He was a nice boy, she decided. Not every boy in York would stop to help an eleven-year-old girl up after running into her. Much less give her some supper. Much less risk his neck giving her a place to sleep. Alice giggled remembering how he distracted the Dame while she hid in the closet. Only he could create that tale of the hungry pup. Yes, he was a very good friend. Good thing he ran into her instead of some mangy beggar of the street. Good thing indeed – to think by now she could have been a beggar on the street.

She heard someone coming up the stairs and wondered if that was Geoffrey right now telling her it was safe to get up. But, no, the steps were much too heavy. Hopefully, it wasn’t the Dame!

But no she wouldn’t be discovered. The boys would think of something. Geoffrey always seemed to think of something, and then the others would listen with intent ears and obey that tawny, wild haired boy. He was kind of the leader of the pack, so to speak. Of course, he wasn’t all serious. How could he be? Wasn’t he the one who gave her that silly nickname? Pup. That was it, just plain Pup. That was her. And now that she thought of it…if it wasn’t for his sense of humor she wouldn’t be here right now. There was danger in the whole plan to be sure. If Master Froth found out, they were all just as good as the cows in the butcher yard. But what – ! Another set of steps on the stairs. The door was opening. Quick strides across the room and the closet handle was turned up and there he was smiling. The light from the window in the room was bright.

“You all right, Pup?” Geoffrey said.

“Yes. Is the Dame gone?”

“Coast is clear.” He helped her up.

Well, here was another day. She couldn’t wait to find out what the twist in the plan was today.