Hannah called a taxi and returned to the Wells family villa. After the shocking incident that morning, the house was empty; everyone had gone to the hospital with Karen. The maids were gathered in the hall. Hannah entered to hear hushed whispers.
“Mr. and Mrs. Wells were distraught when Karen had her attack, as were the young gentlemen. I don’t understand Miss Hannah’s ruthlessness. Pamela was so well-behaved. Even though she was close only to Miss Karen, I could never have killed her!”
“Miss Hannah is so pretty and polite. I can’t believe she’s cruel. I was shocked by Miss Karen’s distress this morning, not to mention Mr. and Mrs. Wells and the young gentlemen who adore her.”
“When we pulled Pamela from the pool, the kitten’s wide eyes stared at us. It broke my heart. Even a small animal deserves life! I don’t understand how Miss Hannah could do that.”
“They say high society is more refined, but their morals are worse. If I could, I’d expose Miss Hannah’s crime, let everyone know what she did…”
“Stop it,” a maid hissed, pulling another back.
“Why? I wasn’t finished…”
The next second, her face paled. “Miss Hannah!” she whispered, head bowed.
Several maids stood motionless, silent. They’d said such terrible things… They couldn’t imagine the consequences.
Hannah merely glanced at them, then walked past. A brief shock was enough; she wasn't obligated to lecture them. Furthermore, she couldn't risk being accused of bullying the maids in the Wells family's absence. Hannah wasn't controlling or paranoid, but she sensed Karen was capable of anything.
As she passed, she said to one maid, “Come to my room and help me pack.”
“Yes, Miss Hannah.” The maid, close to tears, was the one who'd spoken most harshly.
Back in her room, the maid trembled. “How can I help you, Miss Hannah?”
“Answer a few questions truthfully.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Your name?”
“Lilah Adams, Lily.”
“Your age?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“How long have you worked for the Wells family?”
“Since I was eighteen, ten years,” Lily’s eyes welled. “Miss Hannah, please don’t fire me.”
“Calm down. I haven’t said that.”
Lily sniffled and nodded.
“Who is closest to Karen?” Hannah asked pointedly.
Lily, a long-time employee, knew the family well.
“Miss Karen and Mrs. Wells are very close. Miss Karen relies heavily on her, and Mrs. Wells dotes on her.”
“Besides Mrs. Wells?”
Lily pondered. “They’re all fairly close, I think.”
“Is Karen close to Oscar?”
Lily hesitated.
“Truthfully.” Hannah’s gaze was serious.
“Master Oscar rarely visits. They don’t see much of each other. However, Karen’s personal maid told me Karen is overjoyed when he’s coming and dresses up.”
Hannah continued, “Is Karen close to Pamela?”
“Yes!” Lily nodded vigorously. “Miss Karen’s always with Pamela. That’s why I was so outspoken; Miss Karen loves Pamela dearly.”
“You said Pamela doesn’t get close to others?”
“No. She runs from everyone but Miss Karen.”
“So Karen personally cares for Pamela?”
“No. Miss Karen is too delicate. Pamela’s cared for by Karen’s maid, Destiny. Pamela obeys Destiny. When not with Miss Karen, Destiny handles her.”
“Where’s Destiny?”
Hannah had her target.
“After Pamela’s accident, she’s been locked in her room, blaming herself. She’s close to Pamela and feels terrible.”
“Hmm.” Hannah nodded casually. “Are there security cameras?”
“Yes. Everywhere except the bedrooms.”
“Where’s the security room?”
“In the guard’s room at the main entrance.”
“Thank you,” Hannah said, “That’s all.”
“Yes, Miss Hannah.” Lily paused at the door.
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear your earlier comments if you don’t repeat my questions.”
“Don’t worry, Miss Hannah. I won’t say a word.” Lily didn’t understand Hannah’s concern; the questions seemed innocuous.
Lily left. Hannah followed, heading to the security room. She instructed the guard to retrieve footage from yesterday afternoon until this morning and played it at high speed.
“Alright,” Hannah said abruptly.
The guard squinted at the flickering images.
Hannah thanked him and left. No evidence. Karen was far more cunning than she'd initially thought.