Hannah left the security room and returned to the hall. The maids, engrossed in their chores, avoided eye contact.
"Which room is Destiny in?" Hannah asked a maid.
"The third room in the row of houses where the maids live," the servant replied hastily, her tone placating.
Hannah nodded slightly and knocked on Destiny's door.
A frightened voice called out, "Who is it?"
"It's Hannah. I want to talk to you," she replied.
After a pause, Destiny said, "Okay, right away."
Destiny's face was tear-streaked. "Can I come in?" Hannah asked.
"Sure," Destiny replied, flustered.
The room was filled with cat hair. Noticing Hannah's gaze, Destiny quickly explained, "Pamela often came to play. I never expected..."
"Pamela was fond of you, wasn't she?" Hannah asked.
"Apart from Miss Karen, I spent the most time with Pamela."
"You must be sad about her death."
Destiny nodded. "Yes."
"How long have you been caring for Miss Karen?"
"Eight years."
"So you know what she cares about most?"
"Of course."
"Since you knew Pamela was important to Karen, why wasn't she cared for properly?"
Destiny was stunned.
"Or did you neglect Pamela on purpose?"
"No! How could I? I know Miss Karen loves Pamela. I cared for her more than my own siblings," Destiny insisted.
"You have younger siblings?" Hannah asked.
"Yes. My family is poor. I started working when I was young. I'm grateful to the Wells family for their kindness."
"Does your work here support your family?"
"My family's expenses are low. My salary covers their needs and my siblings' schooling."
"So you're afraid of losing your job."
"I'll always do my best," Destiny assured her.
"Okay, I understand. I was just curious," Hannah said, changing the subject. "Who do you think is responsible for Pamela's death?"
Destiny panicked. "I... I don't know."
"It's just a thought," Hannah continued. "Cats have nine lives. How could she drown?"
Destiny's gaze flickered. She remained silent.
"They say cats are spiritual," Hannah mused. "If Pamela's soul returned to Karen, you should ask her how she died. If it was an accident, it was bad luck. Otherwise, you and Karen, as her closest companions, must find out the truth so she can rest in peace."
Destiny was visibly nervous. "There's no such thing as a soul..." she stammered.
"I was just speculating," Hannah said indifferently. "I'm only interested in Pamela's relationship with Miss Karen."
"I'll walk you out."
"No, thank you."
Hannah left with a chilling smile. Back in the hall, she summoned Lily.
Lily trembled. "Miss Hannah?"
"Is your phone here?" Hannah asked.
Lily produced her phone.
"Turn it on," Hannah instructed.
Hannah played several audio clips. "Does this sound like Pamela?" she asked after each clip. Lily compared the sounds to her memories, finally identifying a close match.
Hannah downloaded the audio. "I have a task for you. Don't tell anyone," she instructed, explaining the assignment.
Lily hesitated.
"Just do as I say," Hannah said firmly.
"But is it fair to Destiny...?" Lily questioned.
"You'll see," Hannah replied.
Mid-afternoon arrived, with no sign of the Wells family. Everyone seemed focused on Karen, the family's "treasure." Hannah knew her mercy would end. She had learned that compassion for others could be cruel to oneself.
Hannah checked the time and returned to Destiny's room. Lily emerged shortly afterward, handing Hannah her phone, which played the cat's audio.
Hannah entered, finding Destiny pale. Destiny forced a smile. "Are you looking for me?"
"I'm leaving, but I have a message for Karen. Since she's upset, please pass it on."
"Of course."
Hannah continued, "Tell Karen that Pamela's death has nothing to do with me. I hope she gets better soon." She discreetly activated the audio recording.
Destiny looked bewildered.
Hannah continued calmly, "When she's better, we'll get her another cat...Destiny?"
Destiny snapped to attention.
"Are you listening?"
"Yes," Destiny replied, panicked. "Do you hear a sound?"
"What sound?" Hannah asked, feigning surprise.
"No, nothing," Destiny stammered.
Hannah observed her carefully.