This was not a response that I had anticipated, but all of a sudden I could see how my request must look from his perspective. He thought that Hyde was in some way blackmailing me. I had to fight not to smile at the idea. Instead, I merely shook my head. 'Do not worry yourself, my friend. Edward Hyde could no more harm me than I could harm myself. And likewise, I trust him as much as I trust myself. I realise that this is a strange request, but will you please help me draw up this will. It is important to me.'

'I'm sorry, Henry. There is no way that I can be party to the drafting of such a document. If you insist, as your lawyer, I will hold onto it once written. But I will have nothing to do with its creation and can only advise you against making such a potential mistake.'

We talked further, but he would not be shifted from his position, and as I left, I felt that something had been lost between us.

However, I did as he advised and drafted the will myself, based on Utterson's previous one. I gave it to Poole and asked him to deliver it to my lawyer.

Whatever might happen from then on, I knew I was protected in all ways.

It would be some months before I would see Utterson again, and I truly would not be myself when it happened.