Chapter 8: A Horrifying Truth

The lady director let both Oxana and Boris into her office and sighed sadly. "I know why you're here," she said. "They came here too, looking for Emily."

"Are they really the ones who returned Emily to the orphanage after adopting her only two weeks prior?" Boris asked.

"That was mostly a cover story," the lady director said. "But they did adopt Emily long ago. However, the real story is…something that I still have trouble coping with."

"What really happened?" Oxana asked gently.

The lady director took a deep breath. "The couple you saw lost custody of Emily only a week after they adopted her because a police officer, who was patrolling the neighborhood, witnessed the Stemwrithes abusing Emily. They were slapping her and punching her for no reason. The police officer intervened and saved Emily, bringing her back here," she said and then paused, tears in her eyes. "She was so bruised that I was afraid she had some broken bones, but thankfully, all she suffered were some bruises."

She then turned to them. "But the story of Emily's parents dying in a fire is true," she continued, her voice wavering a little now. "We later found out that the Stemwrithes had set the fire and made Emily watch as it killed her parents."

Boris stood up. "Why weren't these people convicted of murder?" He asked.

"Because they have a lot of power in this town," the lady director said. "They own one of the largest banks in Pennsylvania and claimed they were innocent and the policeman's testimony was tossed away, and there was no proof to convict them, but we fought for Emily to not be sent back to them, and it worked, mostly because we moved her to this orphanage for her safety."

Oxana stood up. "You took it upon yourself to keep Emily safe?" She asked.

"Yes," the other woman replied. "I was horrified to learn a child as young as her had been abused and I was determined to make sure that any other couples who showed interest in her were of a good family and would treat her well, but Emily was always scared that those two would come and would hide in my office when parents looking to adopt came."

"Why didn't she run and hide when we arrived?" Boris asked.

"Before I let you go see the children, I went to Emily and told her you were looking to adopt and that you were very nice people," the lady director explained. "She saw you through the window and grew curious, though she wasn't sure of you, but it was enough for her to stay with the others when you came in to see the children. And then when you showed interest in her, she just lit up."

Tears were slowly falling down the woman's face. "She had never been so happy to see any prospective parents until she met you and she would ask me when you were returning. I think if she could have, she would have shouted for joy when I told her you were coming that day to possibly take her home."

She turned to them. "How has she been doing? Aside from the scare of those two?"

"She's doing well," Oxana said. "Mr. Gore has been patient with her, providing tools for her to participate in class without forcing her to speak until she's ready and Vampirina is enjoying being a big sister. Although, Emily was scared at one point that we'd send her back, but we reassured her that we wouldn't and that she was there to stay."

"Oh, good," the lady director said with a smile. "And how is she doing with talking?"

"Well, she's still working on it, but we came up with a way to help her strengthen her vocal cords," Boris said with a smile. "She hums favorite songs that she hears on the internet."

A smile crossed the other woman's face. "That's a great idea," she said, truly glad the little girl was doing so well before she looked saddened. "But…I must caution you to be careful. If the Stemwrithes are looking to kidnap Emily, then she's in grave danger."

"Why are they so desperate to get her back?" Oxana asked, trying to keep down her growing horror that her youngest daughter was in danger.

"Until we find out, it might be best to keep Emily at home for her own safety," Boris said. "And possibly little Vee too. That couple has seen us and they might spot Vampirina and follow her too."

"But what about school?" Oxana asked. "They'll fall behind."

"What if you asked the teacher for the girls' schoolwork and they could do it at home and perhaps a friend can bring their completed work to the school?" The lady director suggested.

Boris nodded. "We could ask Poppy," he said. "She lives next door and could easily come to the backyard and take the girls' schoolwork with her."

His wife was concerned. "I'd hate to possibly put Poppy in danger, but let's see if she's up to it," she said. "Maybe we can ask Bridget to help too so that she and Poppy can take turns."

"That way, the Stemwrithes won't have a chance to try and abduct Emily or attempt to do so again," Boris said and the lady director nodded.

"Best talk with the principal and the police sergeant," she suggested.

Agreeing, Oxana and Boris immediately headed for the school and spoke with the principal, who instantly agreed that their idea was best for the girls' safety and Mr. Gore also agreed, suggesting that Poppy and Bridget bring Vampirina's and Emily's schoolwork at the end of the week for their safety too. The police sergeant was called in and he also agreed readily, promising the Hauntleys that he and his men would be on the lookout for the Stemwrithes and catch them before they could try to get to Emily. Thanking him, the Hauntleys headed home with Vee beside them.

After being told everything, Demi and Gregoria promised to also be on the lookout, as did Remy, declaring that the Stemwrithes would have to face a very angry skeleton if they dared come to the B&B.

Oxana let out a sad sigh, afraid for her children.

Especially for Emily.

Why do the Stemwrithes want Emily so badly? That will be revealed soon. Next up: the family comforts Emily.

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