Chapter 512: Conspiracy (5) Assassination
Theodore agreed with Hannah. They immediately set off for River Town, leaving Josh in Kensbury to find a way to see Oscar, who Hannah believed held crucial clues. Hannah, Theodore, and Jimmy traveled together, but Manuel's offer to join them was refused. The operation was likely under City Hall's surveillance; fewer people meant less risk. Hannah prioritized minimizing danger, a decision Manuel readily accepted.
They arrived in River Town at night and went directly to Oscar's apartment, only to find it sealed. Theodore's anger flared, and he reached for the seal, but a man shouted, "What are you doing?" Two policemen intervened, ordering Theodore to stop. He clenched his fists, his anger evident, but Hannah pulled him back. Confronting the authorities would jeopardize their efforts to help Oscar—precisely what their enemy wanted. Theodore regained his composure.
"Let's go," Hannah said. Theodore, though angry, followed Hannah and Jimmy to a nearby hotel, where they shared a room. The memory of their last visit to see Oscar weighed heavily on Hannah, recalling the precious few peaceful moments they shared.
"We're under surveillance here," Theodore said. "It's safer if we stay together."
"I agree," Hannah replied. "But we need to eliminate the surveillance. Otherwise, we can't do anything."
"True," Theodore nodded. "I've arranged for a support team. Tomorrow, we'll determine the extent of the surveillance before proceeding with our plan."
"When will Oscar's case go to court?" Hannah asked.
"Josh said three months is typical," Theodore replied. "But cases like Oscar's, with sufficient evidence, are often expedited. However, this involves officials and complex relationships, potentially delaying the process."
"Let's aim for one month," Hannah declared decisively.
Theodore admired her calm demeanor and insightful approach, a stark contrast to his own agitation. "Let's rest now," he suggested. "We'll discuss details and assign tasks tomorrow, after dealing with the surveillance."
They settled down, Hannah on one bed, Theodore and Jimmy sharing another. The light remained on, but silence filled the room. However, Hannah couldn't sleep, worrying about Oscar and her ability to rescue him. She felt the pressure of the situation, a pretense of calm masking her anxiety and fear.
Her past experiences assisting Charles with the Collins family involved only suggestions, not direct engagement, so she hadn’t fully grasped their power. The few times she’d encountered Sarah Collins were after her detention by Charles. The unknown unnerved her.
Hannah had never anticipated facing powerful aristocratic families. Her initial goal was simple revenge: making those who wronged her in her previous life pay. She now understood that her growing influence made her a more vulnerable target. Expanding her business wasn't just about revenge; it was about survival. Interacting with the aristocracy was never part of her plan.
She'd initially intended to help Oscar with advice, then withdraw. But she’d become a key player. The thought struck her: their target might be much larger—Oscar was merely the first. Could she and the four powerful Kensbury families be next? What were their motives? How far would they go? Charles’s attempts to curry favor with the Collins using Cooper family wealth suggested that someone coveted the wealth of the four major families. Saving Oscar meant saving herself. Their alliance, regardless of romantic feelings, was unbreakable. And she had no regrets. Oscar was her most precious asset.
Hannah tossed and turned, her mind racing. She analyzed the situation, strategized evidence collection, and planned her investigations. The room was eerily silent.
Suddenly, Theodore shouted, "Hannah! Get under the bed!"
Hannah reacted instantly, diving under the bed with Theodore and Jimmy. The door burst open, the lights switched off. Intruders entered the darkened room. Terror gripped Hannah. She couldn't see Theodore or Jimmy. She saw four men in boots silhouetted in the corridor light. Assassination? Were they about to leave nothing behind?