Disclaimer: Candy Candy and all characters belong to Kyoko Mizuki, images to Yumiko Igarashi and anime to Toei Animation.

Note: I can hardly believe this is my 38th chapter already! Thank you all for your constant support, and your positive feedback and comments are very encouraging. Please keep them coming. I appreciate it!

I hope you will like my update, a little longer than usual this time, so it's likely I have made mistakes here and there. If you find any, please let me know. Thank you!

-Ms Puddle

Chapter 38: Destiny

The old man thought to himself, it can't be Paul… no it's impossible! Didn't he happily accept my bribe that night?

Just then, a loud knock on the door to Miss McGee's bedroom brought Mr. McGee back to present. "Master William!" said an excited voice coming from behind that door. "The master key is found!"

Albert's head jerked up. He cast a surprised glance at his granduncle before he strode through the room to open the door. He was even more astonished when he saw his aunt's personal maid standing next to the butler, so Albert was inwardly glad that he had got his shirt buttoned up already.

When the maid made a bow to her master, the butler explained, "Master William, Madam Elroy has something important to discuss. She's waiting for you in her study, and Amy found the master key on her way to this floor."

His statement startled both the young master and the old guest. First, it was past midnight, and what was so urgent that Madam Elroy had to talk to her nephew at this hour? Yet, this was not the only thing that puzzled Albert, so he raised a valid question, "Does it mean you have probably dropped the key by accident, Mitchell?"

The butler grasped what his master had alluded to. There was a hidden shortcut that connected Madam Elroy's study to this part of the mansion, so the young master was essentially asking whether the key had not been stolen after all. Yet, the poor butler hung his head low in shame, saying, "I'm not entirely sure about that, Master William, and yes I did take the shortcut just now."

The master breathed out a sigh and replied, "Let's not dwell into that then."

In fact, Albert began to wonder if the kidnapper had any accomplice or not. Regardless, Albert figured that they wouldn't know the truth until three days later anyway. It was the time when he was supposed to meet with the kidnapper. Hence, Albert turned toward the maid and asked her, "Amy, did you see any stranger or Miss McGee on your way here?"

She swiftly shook her head and replied, "Master William, the whole mansion is as quiet as usual for the time being."

The frown on his young face deepened as he uttered, "That's very strange indeed."

Then he commanded, "Mitchell, lock all the gates immediately and find several trustworthy men to check all the empty rooms in the mansion."

"Yes, sir!" the butler uttered aloud, making a deep bow of reverence. "I'll do it right away!"

So the butler turned on his heels. Then the master said to the maid, "You couldn't have possibly come at a better time. Both Granduncle Duncan and I want to see my aunt now, right?"

Then the young man took a glimpse of the guest, who responded by nodding his white head. At the same time, his grey eyes seemingly urged his grandnephew to keep his promise of not telling about Beatrice. The young man got his hint and merely nodded at him without a word.

=o=o=o=

(Less than an hour ago...)

After leaving William's room, Madam Elroy and her maid had been heading towards her luxurious bedroom, only to be interrupted by Mr. and Mrs. Leagan about something grave. They normally didn't show up at this time, and their anxious countenance had further alarmed the old matriarch. Therefore, Madam Elroy had decided to talk with them in her study. Her maid had been ordered to wait outside in the corridor.

"Neil? He can't be serious!" Great Aunt Elroy uttered loudly with a serious scowl, her voice nearly cracked.

But neither Mr. and Mrs. Leagan answered Madam Elroy's question. Instead, the couple exchanged a dismal glance with each other before Sarah opened her mouth, "Yes, it's true. He's currently staying at our villa in the suburb, waiting for your approval."

Madam Elroy then rebuked with a look of outraged disbelief, "There's no way I'll let him volunteer! Look at Stear! We almost lost him, doesn't Neil see the perils of the war?"

With tears brimming her eyes, Sarah explained with quivering lips, "We both spent a long time... trying to talk sense into him... over the course of dinner this evening at our villa, but Neil insisted in enlisting..."

Feeling a lump rise in her throat, Sarah had a hard time continuing, and she began to cry on her husband's shoulder. Mr. Leagan was visibly shaken too, and he muttered, "He's our only son... I said I could give him anything he wanted if only he would change his mind, so he said..."

Yet he hesitated, and his wife stopped crying and hastily straightened up herself, as if she was getting ready for something. The family matriarch waited a while before she impatiently responded, "Raymond, Sarah, just say it. I'll see what I can do."

Sarah released a long sigh and replied without looking directly at the most powerful woman in the clan, "Neil wants Candy... as soon as possible. If not..."

Madam Elroy couldn't believe her ears. She drew in a sharp breath and echoed with strong doubt, her eyes wide with shock, "Candy? You mean Candice White? That orphan girl?"

Sarah suddenly buried her face in her hands, nodding and sobbing simultaneously. Her husband put his arm around her and continued for her, "Yes, Neil clearly indicated he wanted the girl who used to work for us as a servant... who later got adopted into-"

The old lady's shock gave way to agitation as she glared at him, interrupting, "Enough! l know whom you're referring to!"

The shrewd businessman shut up immediately and lowered his head. The last thing he wanted was to offend the matriarch, who was his hope for the time being. She was the only one who could talk to the family head on their behalf. While waiting for her response with increasing consternation, out of the corner of his eye, he noted that Madam Elroy had got up from her leather chair to scan some of the family portraits on the wall, murmuring to herself, "Of all the eligible young ladies available out there... why that unrefined girl..."

What a shame... especially she has lived with a man for who knows how long! I can't even bring this up to William... What's Neil thinking?

Then an idea got through her head. Neil had wanted Candy for himself, so that was why he had been so keen to get rid of that boyfriend of hers, but as far as Madam Elroy knew, Neil's mission had failed. That man had refused to accept any money from the Ardlays. At this moment, Madam Elroy shifted her focus back to the couple and asked in an authoritative tone, "Sarah, what exactly does Neil want? Be specific and don't waste my time."

Her peremptory tone was hard to miss, so Sarah made herself meet her stern eyes and answered, "Neil desires to marry Candy."

She was stunned to say the least. In other words, Neil doesn't mind she's not pure!

Aloud the powerful lady remarked, "So he's serious!"

Mrs. Leagan nodded once. "We found it unbelievable ourselves, but he said he'd only wait until tomorrow. If he couldn't have that girl, he planned to leave... the country... the day after..."

Her voice began to shake, but Madam Elroy retorted angrily, "But Neil told me himself that Candice is currently missing!"

Although Madam Elroy thought Neil should have considered a fine lady instead, just the thought of another family member risking his life made her stomach churn. Not only she was reminded of the heartbreaking moment when she had learned of Anthony's fatal accident, but she also shuddered remembering how she had barely able to endure the suffocating apprehension in the last few months, worrying sick about William and Stear.

Therefore, when Mr. Leagan relayed to the matriarch that Neil had tracked her down and that she worked in a hospital near the orphanage where she had grown up, Madam Elroy made up her mind to grant Neil his wish no matter what.

At this point, Mr. Leagan implored, his brows tightly knitting together, "That's why we come this late at night so-"

The old lady raised her hand high to signify that she understood his intention. "I'll personally approach the family head myself; just tell Neil to get ready for an engagement luncheon this Saturday, which is three days later," the powerful matriarch asserted. The close friends and relatives had been invited to come for a party already, although Madam Elroy had originally planned it for William and Beatrice. The matriarch thought she might as well kill two birds with one stone. All she required was to convince William that his adoptive daughter with questionable background and tarnished reputation was more than blessed to have Neil as her suitor.

Despite not knowing what kind of a person Sir William Ardlay really was, the Leagans were more than relieved to hear this promise from Madam Elroy's mouth. After expressing their deepest gratitude, they got dismissed by the matriarch, "Go now. I'll summon Candice to meet her future in-laws as soon as I can get her to come back to Chicago."

It took them a couple of seconds to register what the matriarch meant, but once they realized they would be Candy's in-laws one day, they couldn't be more glad that the matriarch had essentially guaranteed that the wedding would take place. In spite of the fact that they weren't particularly pleased with Neil's choice, as long as their son was willing to give up volunteering his parents dared not complain.

Yet, before they could respond in words, Madam Elroy added, "Keep this a secret until you see Candice later. Also, on your way out, ask Amy to come."

Hence, her personal maid Amy came in the room next. Madam Elroy waited several seconds before she ordered, "Go to William's room for me. He's likely still up. Even if not, inform him that I want to see him right now about something critically important."

"Yes, Madam Elroy! With your permission."

The maid bowed and left the spacious study, leaving the matriarch all by herself. Madam Elroy gathered that she would test the waters with William first about marrying off his adoptive daughter, whose misconduct had brought disgrace to the family. He would definitely be astonished about the news, and she would then follow up by informing him of Neil's wish to take Candice as his bride. Hopefully William would grasp the opportunity and concur. However, if it happened that William was against the idea, Madam Elroy would resort to carry out her plan behind his back.

Some long moments later, someone rapped on the heavy door to her study, and she responded, "Do come in, William!"

Feeling somewhat guilty of assuring the Leagans of giving Candice to Neil without consulting her nephew first, Madam Elroy wanted to appease him now. She left her seat and made her way to the door to welcome her nephew, but she was taken aback when Uncle Duncan and William entered the room one after another, closing the door behind them.

Noting that her countenance had transformed from a pleasant demeanor to the appearance of being astounded, the old man explained without any delay, "Elroy, someone broke in the mansion and abducted my precious granddaughter."

Madam Elroy gasped with her jaw dropped, forgetting her manner, which was a rare occurrence. "What?"

With different reasons, she didn't want to report the crime to the police either. It was a well known fact that the police was under force and some officers had been either arrested or investigated due to their suspicious connections with the Chicago underworld. Once the news was leaked, she couldn't imagine what the newspapers or magazines would say about her family and household. Moreover, this might plausibly attract other criminals to target them as well.

While his aunt apparently struggled to gather herself, Albert supported her elbow and wrapped his arm around her, leading her to the closest sofa in the study. She raised her eyes and stared at his blue ones with an incredulous look as if she wanted him to affirm what her ears had heard. Hence, with a somber countenance, he acknowledged with a mere nod. As per his previous agreement with his granduncle, Albert would let the old man do most of the talking unless his aunt asked him questions that he had to address himself.

Once the old man found himself an elegant armchair near the sofa, he lowered himself down and started his account of the story, "It's very late, so I'll keep it brief. Elroy, not long after you left William's room, we both heard loud noises in the hallway, and a woman's shriek followed right after that. We panicked, so William and I rushed out to check. All we found was the butler unconscious and blindfolded, lying on the floor. I quickly went into Beatrice's room; she and all her belongings had vanished. Did I miss anything, William?"

The young man shook his head without adding any other comment except passing the only evidence they had received from the kidnapper to his aunt, so Mr. McGee added, "That's right, Elroy, these are the only clues we've got."

With shaking hands, she skimmed through the brief messages and exclaimed with intensity, "Why did he want William? That's insane and I won't-"

Her eyes were enraged while she was still talking, but the other two responded nearly simultaneously. William said, "Aunt Elroy-" and the old man retorted with an angry snarl, "What do you-"

Since these two men spoke up at the same time, William gestured his granduncle to go first for courtesy's sake. Oblivious to the young man and his aunt, Mr. McGee was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Just imagining what the stranger was doing to his granddaughter, despite his assurance that she would be safe, and how she was coping for the time being was too much for the old man to bear. Yet he shut his eyes momentarily as he exerted all his effort to keep his temper in check. He should respect Elroy after all even though she was his niece.

So when he opened his mouth again, his voice was much subdued, "Elroy, aren't you worried about Beatrice too? She's my only family now, and I must do something to rescue her."

"Of course I'm worried about her, Uncle Duncan!" Madam Elroy couldn't have been faster with a counterargument. "But William is too important to risk his life! I won't let the only heir get involved with anyone from Chicago Little Italy!"

Here the young heir spoke up in a level tone, "But Aunt Elroy, my gut feeling tells me that he is not one of those people. He sounded like he was alone in this because in all his notes he had used 'I' and 'me', not 'we' and 'us'."

When she stared at him, unable to find anything else to refute his claim, he remarked with a placid countenance, "Besides, it's crystal clear that the kidnapper has specifically demanded my cooperation in order to save Miss Beatrice. As her cousin, I shouldn't act so selfish or like a coward, or I won't forgive myself if misfortune will befall her. Therefore, I've already promised Granduncle Duncan that I will go."

The emphasis of his last three words, together with her astonishment and her conscience, rendered her speechless. Once again, both her eyes and her mouth were wide opened for at least a minute before the young heir added, "Aunt Elroy, ever since I was young, you have educated me to be a man with courage, right?"

The young man then ceased talking, letting his words sink in. The old man was genuinely touched, especially because he had wronged William earlier by setting him up, and Madam Elroy's grim expression softened a bit as well. She understood that if she insisted to keep William home, she essentially gave up Beatrice for good. Moreover, she couldn't predict for sure what the kidnapper would do if his request was ignored. What if he spread rumors to the media that the young heir of the wealthy Ardlay clan had rather abandoned his cousin than risking his own life?

The sounds of everyone's breathing seemed to amplify in the midst of their silence until the matriarch's voice penetrated the still air, "But William, I still won't let you go by yourself. How about I find an old man to pretend to be you? You are known to the public as one, and not many people know what you look like after all."

Her suggestion was totally valid, but neither William nor Mr. McGee could tell her that Beatrice had seen him. In addition, Mr. McGee was worried if the kidnapper had somehow found out that the guy was a substitute, he might be provoked to injure or even execute his hostage. Didn't he say that they must follow his instructions?

While the old man was nonplussed, William came up with a convincing reason, "But Aunt Elroy, Miss Beatrice knows that I'm a young man, and the kidnapper is probably aware of that by now."

"Good point," she answered thoughtfully after a moment. "But she doesn't know what you look like, so I'll find a man of similar age instead."

"No we can't do that," Mr. McGee disagreed at once. "She has a vague idea of what he looks like because she has a portrait of a younger William."

Now Madam Elroy was at her wits' ends. While she continued to search her mind for any possible way to get her nephew out of this mess, he spoke to her, his eyes unwavering, "Aunt Elroy, I know why you're concerned, and I'm not so naive that I don't perceive the danger of undertaking such an endeavor, but we shouldn't let our relatives down when they are in desperate need of our assistance. To give you peace of mind, I can bring George or one bodyguard with me if you like, but I'll be meeting the kidnapper alone in three days at the appointed time and location."

Her face instantly contorted into a grimacing frown, obviously far from thrilled about his decision, but there seemed nothing she could say or do to dissuade him. While she was floundering for words, he suddenly remembered something, so he queried, "By the way, Aunt Elroy, what was so compelling that you had to see me at this time?"

Only then she realized that she had completely forgotten about the Leagans, and she pondered how she should proceed. For one thing, her original goal of the party for William and Beatrice might as well be changed into one for Neil and Candice. However, she figured William was not in the right mood to talk about the prospect of marrying off his adoptive daughter tonight. In addition, compared to Beatrice, Candice was not that important, so Madam Elroy determined to conceal her plan. She would see to it that by the time William returned, Neil and Candice should have been engaged.

Therefore, she answered in an evasive manner, chuckling a bit nervously, "When I was in your room earlier, I forgot to mention that I wanted to borrow George from you. Only he can carry out the pressing task for me near Lakewood."

The young man didn't look convinced unfortunately. His brows furrowed even more as he asked, "Is that it?"

But she promptly distracted him by saying, "Hence, I will arrange three of our most capable bodyguards to guard you, William, and promise me to bring your pistol gun with you. It's a must that you'll freshen up the skills of using it. Also, when it's time to meet that criminal, make a conscious effort to always maintain a good distance from him."

As the young man gave her a nod of acknowledgement, Mr. McGee thanked her with gratitude. "Elroy, rest assured that I will also go with William. If possible, I'll deal with that brute myself."

"Are you sure, Uncle Duncan?" she asked with doubts. Then a question hit her. "And how much did he want?"

She hadn't read the notes in details earlier because she had been blinded by fury that the criminal had required only William to meet him in order to get back Beatrice.

"It's very odd that no ransom has been specified," answered William, passing the evidence back to her. "It's almost like the man actually wants to see me for a reason."

With her brows tightly creased together, she read the notes again, and soon she uttered, "Why three days? Frankfort is not that far away at all." [1]

Albert thus inquired, "So you've heard of that place, Aunt Elroy?"

She nodded with confidence. "Yes, one of the prominent families there are my friends, and though they are not our relatives, they're Scottish. They prefer to settle in a small, friendly town where everyone knows one another, so-"

Mr. McGee then continued for her, "So that means if any stranger arrives, they will recognize him or her right away as a visitor."

"Right on, Uncle Duncan," she affirmed. "The residents might know whether the kidnapper and Beatrice have arrived or not. The town is about an hour away from Chicago by driving, and there is but one tiny inn for travelers."

"In that case, are you saying that we should go there before the specified date and time?" asked the young man, his brow raised skeptically.

Before she could answer his question, the old man remarked, "Or at least I can go down there first."

"No, Uncle Duncan," she countered, shaking her head disapprovingly. "I'm afraid this may complicate things further."

"You got a point, Elroy," the old man agreed with a sigh of exhaustion. "But it sounds like you have something else in mind."

She considered it a moment before answering, "I'll attempt to contact my friends tomorrow morning, and then we will decide from there."

So it seemed to them that the matter had been settled. Just then, there was a loud knock on the door. The young man raised his voice, "Is that Mitchell?"

"Yes, Master William!"

"Come in then!"

Mitchell came in with a defeated look on his face. After making a bow to all people in the study, he unfolded a note in his hand and said, "Master William, we found this attached to the main gate."

The young master swiftly grabbed it and read to everyone present,

'Don't bother checking the house. Why would I stay? See you soon, William Ardlay!'

Albert couldn't stop wondering if this man was playing some sort of a game with them. To prove his intelligence or what?

Yet Albert expressed his doubt, "Did the man actually overhear us or was it just his random guessing?"

None could think of a reasonable explanation, but at least the butler's men were nearly done examining all the unoccupied rooms in the mansion. According to their reports, there was no visible sign that any of the rooms had been tampered with. At this instant, Madam Elroy made a call, "Let's retreat to our bedrooms for rest then. It's not a good time to continue significant discussion."

Later, finally alone in his bedroom, Albert couldn't fall asleep even though he felt total lack of energy. It had been an extraordinarily eventful day for him, meeting with Terry and Candy at the nursing school, winning Candy back and leaving her soon afterwards. Then he had returned home but almost got framed by his own relatives. After he had been barely able to escape his granduncle's wicked scheme, Miss Beatrice had been abducted.

And who is this kidnapper? Is he an enemy of the McGees or Ardlays? Is it a revenge to Mr. McGee or to us? Does he know about the relationship between Miss Beatrice and me? Or am I right that he's not a member of the mafia? How could he have left with a hostage within such a short time?

While reflecting over all these, there were so many unresolved questions in his head. However, he didn't regret his decision to attend the meeting with that stranger in three days. Not only he felt obligated to go, but his nature wouldn't allow him to keep a blind eye and deaf ear to such things, so what he had told his aunt earlier had been true. Nevertheless, he couldn't neglect the angst he was experiencing for the time being. That guy had threatened to shoot Mitchell earlier, so it was highly likely that he had a gun with him or possibly other weapons. Why does he want to see me alone? To make me his victim or what? What if I get injured before seeing Miss Beatrice?

Even though Albert had been skillful with his gun for self-defense purpose, it had been a long while since he had last practiced with it. He hadn't even brought it to Africa. Thus, he ought to heed his aunt's advise that he should re-train himself tomorrow, and yet he wasn't foolish to exclude the possibility of himself being killed in Frankfort, which meant that he would never see Candy again. This bleak thought caused him to grumble and groan, burying his head under his pillow. He wished he could turn back the clock somehow such that he could have prevented Miss Beatrice being snatched by that guy.

Candy… I really miss you… what else can I do now?

Weighing his options, he surmised he wouldn't have a chance to see her in the meantime. Even if he could, he wondered if he had the heart to apprise her of his rescue mission, which would definitely distress her. However, she might be even more saddened if she found out later that he had kept this whole thing from her. While being plagued by his dilemma, his drowsiness soon got the better of him. It wasn't long before he succumbed to his slumber. He dozed on and off throughout the night unfortunately due to various nightmares.

Early next morning, when the sun's first rays broke through the grey clouds, there came a loud rap on the door to his bedroom. It took Albert a while before he was aware that someone was knocking on his door. Feeling alarmed, he scampered off his bed and headed straight for the door, only to find a weary old man in the hallway with disheveled white hair and dark circles under his eyes. Albert guessed that the old man hadn't slept at all, but he greeted him anyway, "Good morning, Granduncle Duncan."

"Good morning," he muttered in response, his wrinkled face showing nothing but grief. "Can we talk?"

So Albert beckoned him in, and once they both sat down on the sofa in the anteroom, the old man started by grabbing his hands, "William, first I must say that you're an honorable man indeed. Please, I beg you not to blame Beatrice for what she did. It was all my fault."

His contrite tone was unmistakable, and the young man merely nodded his head. Then his granduncle implored, "I'm so worried about her that I want to go to that small town as soon as possible. William, can you arrange that?"

The young man then countered mildly, "But what if they are not there yet? Your arrival may make things worse as my aunt said last night-"

Before Albert could finish his argument, the old man cut in with his red swollen eyes widened, "I can't trust that guy! What if he molests or abuses her?"

Remembering that Miss Beatrice had dressed in a sheer nightgown before her disappearance, Albert was utterly stunned for at least a minute before he could respond, "Calm down, Granduncle. We shouldn't make any impetuous decision. Let's begin our day with breakfast, and then we can discuss with my aunt after that."

Albert needed to buy some time to think it through. Therefore, they had their breakfast in a small dining room in this detached side of the mansion. Neither men could really taste the food however, each lost in his own thoughts. When they were almost done with the eating, Madam Elroy's personal maid, Amy, appeared and bowed to both men, saying, "Good morning, Master William and Mr. McGee, Madam Elroy is waiting for you in her study."

Madam Elroy had been more efficient than expected. Her tight-lipped assistant, Mr. Burke, had already contacted her friends in Frankfort, and they had promised to send some men to do some investigation in the town. As soon as they got any news, they would inform Mr. Burke. Old Mr. McGee thanked her for doing all that, and for the rest of the day, he locked himself up in his own room, not willing to see anyone else unless there was news about his granddaughter. For Albert, his aunt had introduced him to three bodyguards even taller than him, and they would teach him some basic self-defense moves and also help him practice using his gun.

Soon after dinner in the evening, and having survived the arduous training, Albert could have some time to himself at long last. Since the moment he had stepped into his aunt's study in the morning, he hadn't had a break from those expressionless bodyguards, let alone any time for serious contemplation. His aunt was paranoid after what had happened the night before, but Albert managed to convince those men that he needed some privacy. Regrettably, it was too late for him to get hold of Candy.

Madam Elroy's friends had reported that there had been an influx of visitors to the town possibly due to the upcoming annual event, so they couldn't pinpoint any particular visitor. Yet Granduncle Duncan had insisted to go there earlier. Unbeknownst to Madam Elroy, the thought of his beautiful granddaughter being insulted or tortured by a stranger had driven him crazy. He had looked back with tremendous remorse and guilt on his stubborn decision of forcing her to come to a city notorious of its crime rate, and he had secretly wished that kidnapper was Paul. At least that young fellow wouldn't hurt his granddaughter, but if it was really him, Mr. McGee had not been able to comprehend his motive.

Albert had seen through his granduncle's fear and pain, so he had acquiesced to his plea, which had alleviated the old man's anxiety by a huge measure. His plan was to head down to Frankfort in disguise together with the bodyguards the next day. Albert had reckoned that it was to their benefit to familiarize themselves with the meeting place so that they could all discuss strategies in advance on how to protect him in secret. Mr. McGee had been impressed by his discernment and wisdom, and the matriarch had been immensely pleased that the only son of her deceased brother had proven his leadership and decision-making abilities.

Meanwhile, the old man hid himself in his bedroom as before, so Albert sneaked out the mansion. It wasn't his first time, and he knew just the right path how to avoid attention from any household members. He wanted to bring everything related to Candy back to the tiny apartment in case he would not survive the expedition, and he planned to spend a night there, reliving the moments he had missed so much.

He took the first carriage that came into view. Once he unlocked the door to her apartment, he was struck by nostalgia. His days with Candy here had been the happiest time in his life. This place had been their little haven, where their friendship for each other had transformed into a romance. While sauntering around the place wistfully reminiscing the good old days, he was glad that the apartment was well maintained. Even Candy knew that George had arranged a cleaning lady to come once a week.

Then he put down his knapsack and got two picture frames out to hang them on the wall. They were drawings of their artist friend, Anna. One was a portrait of Candy and the other was the moment of their kiss. With a heavy heart, he had troubles trying to get them spaced evenly and hung at the same height. A long while later, when he was satisfied with the result, he stared at the pictures with mixed feelings, fingering the emerald ring hanging around his neck. Moments later, he forced himself to sit down by the dining table and started writing a letter to Candy, explaining briefly why he had to go to Frankfort tomorrow while toning down the associated risks. Therefore, he didn't tell her that he was the only one meeting the kidnapper, and he wrote that he would bring more than enough bodyguards with him. In that case, when she read this later, she wouldn't be too worried.

Also, he had kept his promise to his granduncle not to tell anyone about the incident in his bedroom, which was something he'd rather forget. When he finished writing, he folded his letter and left it on the dining table, putting the emerald ring on top of it.

After that, he changed into the pajamas Candy had bought him long time ago and went into the bedroom. He plopped down onto the lower bunk and recalled the many peaceful nights sharing this bunk bed with Candy; she had often liked talking to him a bit before falling asleep. At this moment, he missed her so badly that he wished he could go to Mary Jane Nursing School right away, but it was impossible. Plus, he reminded himself that he was supposed to head down to that small town early tomorrow morning. In short, he wouldn't be able to see Candy until after he came back.

Hence, he took measured breaths to compose himself and shut his eyes tight attempting to blot out all thoughts, but a small voice kept nagging at him. After some tossing and turning, he scrambled off the bed and returned to the dining table. Then he made himself write another letter.

'Dearest Candy,

I meant to speak to you in person about this, but I think I'm probably better at writing than talking, so I'm going to give you an account of my inner turmoil when I first regained my memory in the restaurant staff room.'

He stopped here to gather his thoughts into words. Ever since his recovery, he had avoided dwelling deep into his heart and soul again, and lest Candy would misunderstand him, he had deliberately chosen not to disclose details of his experience either. Yet, he wasn't sure if he would have another opportunity again, and he might regret later if he had not opened up to her now. She was his confidante after all, and he decided to entrust his sentiments to her.

'At first, I was awfully disoriented, but as soon as the confusion was sorted out, my mind was bombarded by waves of memories of my past and all the feelings invoked by them, including our brief encounters over the years.

I was struck paralyzed by the reality. For a long moment, I was in total denial.

To my great astonishment, I was the opposite of being penniless, and I was not just an ordinary rich man. I could scarcely acknowledge that although I had more money than I could ever want, I had been one of the loneliest men in the world (as I explained in my other letters to you). The simple world I'd been so used to had been like a mirage. It had fallen apart the moment I had woken up as a man called William Albert Ardlay. Sarcastically, this name sounded so distant to me… if not foreign.

I felt so overwhelmed, even despondent, as though I had just stepped on quicksand. No matter how frantically I struggled, I was sinking fast, being sucked into the bottomless pit of enormous responsibilities and crushing burdens. I was drowning, and I couldn't breathe, and yet no one was there to give me a hand.

Because there was no way I could escape my destiny. While moving through various stages of my distorted life, as much as I had wrestled with my own identity, I had been told countless times that my sole existence served as a pillar in the clan. Being the only male descendant in a prestigious family, I was required to live up to some acceptable standard, and I had a certain role to fulfill. That explains why I had had no freedom to pursue my own path, and even my future spouse had been selected behind my back.

Therefore, no words could describe how much I wished I had never recovered. When I had been amnesiac, even though I had known nothing about my former self and many people had looked down upon my status, I had had a very contented life with you, Candy. You had offered your unfailing support and friendship in my darkest hours, and gradually I had begun to enjoy my 'new' life. I had a satisfying job, and most of all, I had been so looking forward to a heartwarming life with you as your husband.

But who could have thought that I, still a young bachelor, was actually the 'old' enigmatic man who had adopted you years ago? It was such a mean joke to me. Then, all of a sudden, a disheartening thought slithered into my head like a viper. While I might be able to resolve the adoption issue, what if you didn't want the real me?

I panicked, and I found out later what I dreaded most had happened. I felt like a part of me had been ripped out and torn to pieces, and my whole being was filled with a mixture of anguish, disappointment and disbelief. The poor chef whom you loved no longer existed, but how could you have left without a goodbye? Did you find the original me that repulsive?

Then something dawned on me. I had a feeling that you must have been afflicted by the truth as well. While I had no choice but to return to my former life as a wealthy heir, I would not give you up so readily as if our love had been insignificant. Even when a ghastly idea flashed across my musing, that getting my memory back implied that I had to lose you, I refused to relinquish. As a matter of fact, you still meant the world to me. I cared about you more than anyone else. Hence, in spite of the rainstorm, I left the restaurant in an attempt to chase after you.

Candy, I've already told you the rest of the story, so I won't repeat myself here. Please don't get me wrong. I am not writing all these to make you feel bad, but I do want you to understand what I have gone through. Once again, I can't be grateful enough to have you back in my life.

Love you lots, always,

Albert'

He also wanted to relay to her something about his nephew Anthony and the fact that he had been her so-called Prince on the Hill, but in the end he opted to tell her face to face instead. After writing such a letter, which had been considerably gruelling, he finally gave in to his exhaustion and scurried back to the bedroom. Before he knew it, he drifted off into a deep sleep.

However, some time before dawn, he dreamed of Rosemary, the same one he had had while being unconscious in the restaurant staff room few weeks ago. He cried again reliving the moment she was lying lifelessly in her bed, but this time it was different because he got to hold her in his arms before she breathed her last. Then, right before his eyes, his dying sister suddenly morphed into Candy.

He shot up in bed next. He was panting hard, his face wet, his body covered in cold sweat and his heart pounding furiously. However, what shocked him even more was that a lady was kneeling by the bedside, apparently sleeping with her arms under her cheek, and her curly blond hair was spread out on the bed.

Candy?

This was too good to be true, so he rubbed his face roughly with both hands, attempting to clear his head, but the lady hadn't vanished as he had expected. Thus, he leaned down and looked closer. In the faint predawn light, he finally recognized her and spotted the emerald ring on one of her fingers. She was dressed in her street clothes, sleeping soundly with her legs bent on the floor.

So I guess Candy came back some time after I had dozed off, but how come?

The fact that she had put the ring back on meant that she had probably read his letters too. Still reeling from the gruesome dream, Albert thanked God for letting him see her being safe at her own place now. Not to mention that it was a bonus! He had not anticipated this reunion at all. Right then, he felt an instant longing to kiss her, but he reprimanded himself at this thought. If she could fall asleep in such an uncomfortable position, her fatigue must have caught up with her. Thus, he should not disturb her slumber, but his hand, on its own volition, reached out to tenderly brush her strayed hair off her face, which was surprisingly moist. Inevitably, his heart sank to the bottom of his stomach. Did she cry during her sleep last night? Why? Because of my letters?

Believing he could stay until the break of dawn, he lay down again, watching her sleep and listening to her deep, regular breathing. She had always been a sleepyhead, and right now she looked like an angel to him more than ever, her luscious curls untamed and her face flushed with sleep. Before long, as the first sunlight seeped in through the blinds, he knew his time was up. Fully aware that he had to leave before anyone in his household discovered that he had sneaked out last night, he quietly slid off the bed. Then he placed his arm over her shoulder and slipped his other arm under her legs to lay her onto the lower bunk.

Then he headed towards the bathroom to get dressed. When he was ready to go, he returned to the bedside and took one more glance at the sleeping beauty. Unexpectedly, her eyes fluttered open, and a frown spread across her face. With her hand clasping his wrist, she asked, "Are you leaving now, Albert?"

Though her voice was raw still, she sounded downcast. As he nodded without a word after a sigh of resignation, she pulled herself up into a sitting position, her arms stretching out toward him as though she wanted a goodbye hug from him. He couldn't rein himself in any longer. He sat down by the edge of the narrow bed and drew her to him. In a split second her body was trapped possessively in his strong arms and her lips were held captive in his. His kiss was the most demanding yet, like he could never get enough of her, but he broke off abruptly not long after that. Cradling her head in his hands, he lovingly kissed the fresh tears off her cheeks.

After that, he straightened up and gazed at her. He was mesmerized by the shimmering sparkles in her emerald pools as they reflected the sunlight. With conflicting emotions roaring inside him, the desire to stay with her was so strong that he wished he could postpone the travel. On the other hand, she had missed everything about the charming man before her, especially the days when he had been way more carefree, unlike nowadays when he was always in a rush for some important matters in his tight schedule. Nonetheless, his casual outfit today, the same jacket, pants and long boots, and his soft wavy hair tousled from the sleep brought back fond memories of their happy days living together, and he looked particularly endearing to her right now. Hence, she dotingly caressed his stubbled jaw and remarked, "I read all your letters, including the new ones. I feel that you have become much closer to me... and I love you too, Albert!"

A beaming smile crossed his face as his striking blue eyes bored into hers, and she flung herself to him, pressing her soft lips to his. Yet, after minutes had ticked by, their fervent kiss had to end, though they remained huddled together for a few more seconds. As a matter of fact, she had been so worried about him that she had decided to return to Chicago without any more delay. Needless to say, she had been more than astonished but elated to see him sleeping in her bedroom, dressed in the pajamas she had bought. Yet she had not missed his letters and her ring on the table, and she couldn't resist reading them despite being extremely tired. While reading his heartfelt letter, her tears had been out of control, and she had dashed back into the room right afterwards. Tender feelings had suffused her, and she had felt content just to hear him breathe rhythmically. Before sleep had claimed her, she had thought of climbing into bed to lie next to him to feel his body warmth. After all, they had practically slept together before, once on the grass in the middle of nowhere and once in his tiny bachelor suite. However, her religious upbringing had made her hesitate.

Then Albert's comforting voice pulled her back to the present. He asked as he withdrew himself slightly from her, an amused smile gracing his handsome features, "Candy, you don't know how happy I am to see you, but what made you come back to Chicago last night?"

Her face broke into a shy smile as she explained, glancing away, "I couldn't wait to see you again, but I wanted to give you a pleasant surprise. Jack Frost has informed George only but told him to pretend not to know."

Relief washed over him. His nightmare earlier had been terribly disturbing. "So Jack Frost returned with you?"

"Yes, he made sure I was safe before he left this apartment building. I didn't know Chicago was his hometown."

"What about your job?" he asked, chuckling.

"I was fired," she lied, meaning to tease him, but he cut her off. "What?"

He was aghast, and she bantered, "I was just joking."

As he burst out laughing, she continued seriously, "Actually, I quit, but for a good reason. I'll fill you in when you return."

So he cupped her face, saying, "Listen, I'm running late-"

Yet before he finished, she snuggled up to him and beseeched, her arms wrapping around his neck, "Can you not go to Frankfort?"

He planted a peck on her forehead and patiently reasoned, "I must go. As I said in the letter, when Miss Beatrice is safely back to her grandfather, my engagement to her will be canceled. Her grandfather has assured me of that. Then, I will definitely bring you to see my aunt, Candy."

He strived his best to sound casual about the rescue so as not to worry her, and she nodded understandingly, biting her bottom lip. She wished she could go with him, but she was afraid she would be a burden to him. "I'll wait for you then, Albert! Be safe, my love!"

"I will!" he answered with a certainty that he was far from feeling at the moment. Then he unwillingly removed himself from her grasp and uttered, "Candy, I'll leave my knapsack here with you if you don't mind."

She shook her head and followed him all the way to the door. With his hand on the knob of the door, he said to her, "Take good care of yourself, my sweet Candy. Don't open the door to any stranger, ok?"

As she gave him a firm nod, he leaned forward and grazed her lips one more time. Right after that, he left as soon as he could drag himself out of the door. He had no intention of letting her know the sudden apprehension that gripped his heart, partly because of the unknown outcome of the trip to Frankfort, and partly because he couldn't seem to shake off the hunch that something worse was about to happen.

=o=o=o=

Author's note:

Thank you for reading! Please drop me a few words. I'd like to hear from you!

I'd like to thank a reader for her interest to know about Albert's inner conflicts the moment he remembered who he really was. It was such a big contrast after all. Her suggestion was to let him talk to Candy. Originally, I have planned to put this in the later part of the story, but I changed my mind. Please note that what Albert described in his letter to Candy was completely my imagination based on Mizuki's works. As far as I know Mizuki has not written anything along this line. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, I personally think that Albert preferred writing about his feelings than talking, as shown in both the old Candy Candy novel and Candy Candy Final Story, in which he opened up himself in every single letter to Candy (which was really a big deal to a man like him - another sign that he was in love with her, which I will talk more in my blog soon).

For those who are interested to know more about the crime history of Chicago, you can read "Organized crime in Chicago" on Wikipedia. Below shows some facts related to this chapter:

In late 1850s, because Chicago was built over a swamp, it was decided the whole city would be raised 10 feet (3 metres). That is, the city would rest on stilts, with stones at the base. After that, the criminals in the area began practicing their trades in rooms and tunnels beneath the city, which was known as the criminal underworld.

In 1890s, for a 2.1 million population, the under-manned city police department totalled 1,100 officers. Since then, some mayors or Chicago Police Chiefs had connections with the underworld figures. For example, in 1915, the elected mayor brought brazen corruption to the city. He promised the underworld powers that Chicago was a "wide-open city", meaning any vice, any corruption - any time.

In 1900, more than two million unchecked/illegal immigrants had moved in the city, and many of them were criminals from other states or even other countries such as Italy. For instance, in 1910, Chicago police arrested over 200 known Italian gangsters and known Black Hand members in a raid in Little Italy.

Last but not the least, how many Americans owned guns around 1910?

According to Extrano's Alley, a gun blog, the "educated guess" was more than fifty million guns had been sold, distributed among 21 million households. Approximately, for every head of each household, there were more than two guns.

Footnote:

[1] Frankfort, a small town south of Chicago, was founded in 1855 and incorporated in 1879. Nowadays, ranked 36th in the nation's fastest growing suburbs by Forbes Magazine, Frankfort is known as the "Jewel of the South Suburbs." While the first pioneers were mostly of English and Scottish descent, German settlers from Pennsylvania made the Village of Frankfort a reality. In the 1840's Frankfort Township was named by Frederick Cappel after his native city, Frankfurt-Am-Main, Germany. The distance between Chicago and Frankfort is about 36 miles (58 km). Back then, I assume the cars' top speed was around 30 mph on average, so it took slightly more than an hour to drive down there.