Chapter 40: A Mysterious Message
“That business from four years ago is still under investigation. I’m sorry, Mr. Arthur Hawthorne. I apologize for not getting it done,” Shawn said. Shawn had just picked up his phone when Arthur asked about the matter from four years prior, making his hands shake so badly he nearly dropped it.
“Don’t sweat it. It’s no small task digging up dirt my own brother couldn’t find. Besides, we gotta be smart about our next move. No need to rush.” Arthur was cool as ice, not stressed or angry at all. For real, Frederick’s gotta watch his step; one screw-up in a hurry could blow the whole thing. Being born on the wrong side of the blanket, Frederick had clawed his way to the top. Arthur knew they needed to play it cool with Frederick.
For the next two days, Claire found herself cocooned in a tranquil haven within the hospital walls. In the wake of last night’s events, the manager of Eclipse Nightclub called Claire to extend an apology, assuring her that regardless of the hour, a cleaner’s position would always be open for her.
Claire was taken aback when the manager actually apologized. Yet, she acknowledged her own part in the events at Eclipse Nightclub, making the apology seem justified. At least, she no longer had to fret over work. Here, in the hospital, she was well-nourished and cared for, living in comfort that far surpassed the confines of the Halfmoon Manor basement.
In truth, Claire’s desires were simple. She yearned to be an ordinary girl, living a life devoid of the tumult that had marked her existence. After enduring so much in the past four years, she sought nothing more than peace, as long as she was spared from starvation and the cold. All else was inconsequential. Upon her release from prison, she had repeatedly warned herself against harboring any further fantasies about Frederick. Yet, the moment she laid eyes on him again, her heart betrayed her, stirred by the depth of her years-long affection for him. Last night, witnessing Frederick’s anguished expression, she had almost succumbed to her feelings once more.
A wry laugh escaped Claire as she grasped the notion that loving too deeply was a curse. At that moment, she had even forgotten the presence of Anna between her and Frederick. She pondered the uncertainty of the future, wondering if another moment as despairing as this awaited her. Yet, with all her heart, she hoped it would not come to pass.
Thus, a week of serenity elapsed. Claire allowed herself to fully unwind. This period was undoubtedly the most peaceful she had known since her release from prison, free from any worries. Even when she was well-fed and finely dressed in Frederick’s villa, the specter of her job loomed over her. Now, liberated from the concern of work, she felt a comfort she had never known before.
Several times, she called Elizabeth, ensuring Elizabeth that she was safe. Claire could feel the depth of Elizabeth’s yearning when she spoke of Christmas Eve, now only two months distant. Elizabeth expressed the hope that Claire might return to celebrate Christmas Eve with them.
“Claire, it has been four years since I last spent Christmas Eve with you.” The tear-streaked face of Elizabeth in the video call tugged at Claire’s heartstrings.
“Alright. If I can, I will definitely come back.” Claire nodded and offered a vague response, not daring to make a promise too firm to Elizabeth. Claire was uncertain if Frederick would permit her return or what Harrison’s next move might be. After she ended the call, her thoughts spiraled into disquiet.
How different would her life be if the events of four years ago had never occurred, if she remained the cherished daughter of the Prescott family? Alas, in this vibrant world, there were no “ifs,” only the weight of consequences and outcomes.
When Claire was lost in contemplation, her phone buzzed with a mysterious message:
[Do you wish to know the true cause of Anna’s death four years ago? If so, come to Kingstown Hospital, Ward 309.]