My sincere apologies for the oh so long wait. (School happened)

Chapter 15: Final Betrayal, Part 1

Nathaniel had been trying to see if he could find any more information on Oliver. He had the money to get even the filthiest of secrets from high-class people, so it wasn't as hard for him as some might imagine. However, it was still difficult. "How come his face hasn't turned up in the list of lost children? My daughter was on it…perhaps his parents abandoned him?" Nathaniel scratched his head. Why am I acting like he's one of my own? It won't benefit me in any material way, so why do I care? Once he realized this, Nathaniel laid back in his chair. He rang the bell for Aaron to serve him tea; he continued to think. I should be thinking more about Ainsley…She's the one that's actually my kin, even though she looks at me as if I were a stranger… What would she like to do today? When she was little, she loved parks. Oh wait, she is little. It has become more than difficult to make her smile though. What should I do? Perhaps—

"Master, here's your tea." Aaron placed down the cup and saucer, and then backed away respectfully. "Thanks" Nathaniel said. "You know…how about you go and take the rest of the day off? You've been loyal to me for a while haven't you?"

"Master, what is with this unexpected kindness? I do not intend to sound discourteous, but you never let me take sudden vacations." Aaron tried to keep his face very straight, hoping that would add to his honest tone. "Well son, I've been thinking about a lot of things: The type of man I've been for years, my profits and losses from that behavior, and how I can fix it all from now until later."

"That sounds like something a man of high standards should be like" Aaron said. "I sincerely thank you…Father. Have a nice day" Aaron left the room without another word.

For the next hour, Nathaniel continued going through papers. He kept true to his plans for retirement. He was already planning each employee's final paycheck. He didn't have the money to make them all millionaires, but he could make them live comfortably for a long time; at the very least, he could pay off their debts, which were the main reason many worked here. The moment he finished Nurse Hannah's, he decided to go visit her, for he remembered that Ainsley visited her regularly. By the time he reached the hallway, Nurse Hannah had stepped out of the room to hold the door for him. "I heard your footsteps" The woman said. "Why thank you" Nathaniel tipped his hat and entered the room. Ainsley sat there quietly, not heeding her father's presence. The 'counseling' that Hannah tried to provide did not appear to have any effect on the young girl quite yet. "So how is my little girl?" Nathaniel let out a benign expression as he faced his daughter. "Her health has been improving since the day of her arrival, yet she still has the same behavioral problems" Nurse Hannah replied, in the blank little girl's stead.

"I was hoping for Ainsley to say that" Her father's statement caused Ainsley to look up at him. "I'm sorry Father, I'm a little bit tired." Ainsley rubbed her eyes to make her statement more convincing. "Well, maybe this will help you with that" Nathaniel placed an apple onto his daughter's hand. "…Pink Lady" Ainsley said quietly, letting out a smile. "It amazes me how you able to name each one I give you, without fail! Even more proof that my adorable daughter is brilliant."

"Nathaniel, I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but I have to continue this session with Ainsley."

"Or you could give yourself a small break, Hannah." Nathaniel never took his gaze away from Ainsley. "I'm sorry, please don't be too angry—"Hannah began to bow, but Nathaniel quickly added:

"I'm not angry in the slightest. I just want to give my workers a break. I've already let Aaron have the rest of the day off." Nathaniel stood up. "I believe that many have worked hard under my care. You are free to take the rest of the day off. So please let me talk to my daughter" Hannah stood there silently; she was clearly hesitating, but then let out a smile. "Okay, I truly appreciate this Master, have a good day"

"You too" said Nathaniel, as Hannah walked out the door.

Hannah closed the door very softly; she stayed outside the room for a few moments. She stared into space as she began to twist part of her nurse attire, her intensity getting harder by the minute. She could hear Nathaniel's voice, trying to sound comforting, as she exhibited this fairly odd behavior, but she did not heed a single syllable. I better get going… She released the now crinkled portion of her uniform and walked down the stairway. She had never taken the time to admire the beautiful architect known as 'Harris Manor'; she continued ignoring it, for it served her no purpose. No form of beauty could compensate for her pain, which she had kept hidden for years. The pain made her take on the job of nursing, nearly a decade ago.

Her family was barely middle class; to them, simply having food everyday was like a wonderful blessing. Her father's new job made them able to move up higher in class. They even had a decent house, with usable light sources! When they first entered their new home, Hannah's mother had prayed, thanking God for rewarding their hardship. "Wow, there are so many rooms! There are even multiple sleeping quarters!" A younger, much more joyous Hannah had exclaimed. "Calm down, we still have to share a room anyway sis!" Hannah's older brother had said to calm his petite younger sibling. "There are only two rooms meant for sleeping. Mum naturally will share a room with Father." He explained very tersely. "That's okay!" She chimed. "Even one of the two rooms is bigger than the one we all had to share at the old house!"

"That's right! I'm just thankful that the prosperous Harris family actually considered hiring me!" Her father let out a joyous laugh before telling everyone to unpack their things.

As months passed by, new things were bought for the house to make it look more comely, but there was a price. Hannah's father had rapidly lost a significant amount of his youth, and he complained about his pain while trying to stand up straight. The family's concern was noticeable, yet no one could project it. Not even his wife could make him quit his factory job, for it would end their days at this amazing house. Instead, Hannah would just try her best to wish her father well.

On the way to the factory, which was about a half-mile away, there were multiple crossroads. This would be difficult to navigate for most people, since there are many turns. Each turn Hannah's father tried to ignore his back pain and continued walking, but that became harder to do as he got closer. Once he reached the final turn, a wagon rushed by. Because he was in a bad condition, he was unable to react fast enough, and thus was hit by it.

The accident was very traumatizing to the family. It was amazing that Hannah's father even managed to survive for as long as he did. Hannah stood over her father's deathbed as her mother tried to negotiate with the man at the front door. "Please, give us some time!" Hannah heard her mother said. She was more than likely talking about their house payments, for they were coming up very soon. What Hannah could not understand was why they weren't being given extra time, considering their situation. Her brother had even offered to work in her father's place, but that was rejected as well, because there was no way he could handle heavy lifting. "Why can't you just let the damn payment slide?! Our father just died! Can't you just think about the hardship people have to go through instead of your own money-grubbing hands?!" Her brother had clearly lost it at that point; he had to be sent to his room, but he continued mutter curses behind hysterical tears. What stung more than anything was when that man said: "This home is reserved for our workers, and none of you are under that category, so we have to find replacements. If you need assistance in packing your things, then here's my card. I'm only doing my job; I can't help you with anything else. If there's nothing else for you to say, then goodbye. Have a nice day."

Have a nice day? How could that possibly happen? Hannah thought as the endless tears finally managed to surface on her face.

The days that passed felt like a blur at that point. Hannah, who was once so cheerful, acted dead both inside and out. She couldn't even remember how her mother disappeared afterwards, or why she was separated from her brother. One thing that stuck in her memory, making her mind feel like it was rotting, was the name of the man that ruined her life, because she saw the card he gave to her mother, crumpled on the ground.

"Nathaniel…I wonder if he ever truly noticed me" The nurse said as she walked to her home. "Being nice to me now, so many years too late" She muttered to herself. She changed out of her uniform, and then looked through her wardrobe. She pulled out a dark grey dress and gloves of similar design to the one she wore at her father's funeral. She also looked through a chess nearby her desk. Inside were sharp daggers, a pistol, and a container full of bullets. Why am I suddenly acting like this? Hannah questioned herself as she lightly stroked the sharp blade. She then remembered the conversation Nathaniel had with Aaron, along with the one he had with her. Her blood began to boil, but then she calmed down, slightly. I shouldn't be acting on impulse…it would be better if I waited for an advantage. Hannah continued to think about her plan while she equipped any necessary tools for her…'task' .She tried her best to recall what Nathaniel's daily routine was, besides pestering his daughter to 'get closer' to her. She suddenly realized his schedule was very inconsistent. Now what do I do? After a few more minutes of thought, she decided that visiting Aaron would be her best bet. He lived close by, for employees were placed near their work area for convenience.

Before she headed to his home, she put on an overcoat to conceal her weapons. She could see through the window that he was leaning against a chair, presumably sleeping. He'll ruin his back that way! Hannah pounded on the door, enjoying the fact that she was causing a ruckus. Aaron paid no heed to Hannah's mischief and simply opened the door. "What is it Miss Hannah? Were you granted the day off as well?" Aaron asked.

"Well…"

"And why are you dressed that way? Don't you feel hot under that, or are you heading off to mourn for someone?"

"Let's not focus on that topic." Hannah said, dominating the rest of the talk. "Do you know what Nathaniel's schedule is for today? What times is his schedule 'blank', or what times would he be heading near the marketplace area?" She looked right into his eyes; he wanted to question why she needed this information. Nevertheless, he decided to tell her. "He plans on spending the bulk of the day with his family. In the afternoon, he deals with business affairs…"

"At the marketplace?" Hannah asked.

"Yes, that's why I brought it up…" Aaron stated stolidly. "The rest of the day is his free time. Is that all you need to know?"

"Yes~! You were very helpful." Hannah nodded, provoking Aaron to ask: "Why do you need to know—"

"Goodbye, I'll see you later!" Hannah smiled and waved, right before disappearing from his sight.

The joyful expression she used to speak with Aaron was nonexistent. She blankly stared at the path she was taking. It will be a long wait before afternoon, perhaps I should rest. Yes, I could clear my head and be that much more efficient when the time comes. And so she waited until afternoon. The marketplace has moderate traffic around these times, so it was wise to watch your step. Hannah eyed through the crowd, looking for the man she despised so badly. "Hmmm" She grew impatient; she also would have to think of a way to lure him away. Using my body to do so, like on those bums, wouldn't work. I would probably have to work on some other method, after he's done working. Before I even do that, I have to find him. As she thought out her plan, she saw a familiar white suit, sitting in a chair, separated from most of the crowd. This looks like some stupid interview setup. I really am going to have to wait. Hannah groaned in her head and headed towards a nearby tree to lean against. That way she could still be somewhat comfortable and still have a good view of Nathaniel. The wait seemed to be endless, and the sky grew noticeably darker in shade as people began to leave. At least Nathaniel had the privilege of taking breaks from his job. Hannah's task did not grant her such freedom. When the sun had completely set, the men that Nathaniel was sitting with stood; they all began stacking up their papers and saying their goodbyes, based on Hannah's assumption at least. Some someone took his sweet time…now I need some sort of alibi. Hannah looked around through the marketplace, trying to find some task that would make her seem casual. She then remembered that old woman who always needed help with something now and then. Hannah went over to find Mrs. Catherine, but still kept close eye on Nathaniel's position.

Mrs. Catherine should have retired years ago, but if she did, then no one in the area would be selling dairy. Around this time of dusk, she began packing to leave. "Mrs. Catherine, do you need any help with that?" Hannah asked, trying her best to sound genuine. The old woman turned around. "Why of course, you can help me anytime! Please start with those boxes I've already packed. You remember where my house is right?"

"Yes I do." Hannah smiled and pretended that she was going to actually put away the boxes, but Mrs. Catherine would not see them again.

Wow that took forever. Nathaniel thought, looking at his watch. This was more than likely my most time consuming day! Now what better way to reward myself than with a trip home and—

"Sir Nathaniel!"

"What?" The man in white looked around for the voice's source, but it was somewhat hard to see people in the moderate darkness. Nathaniel's eyesight was not necessarily perfect.

"Over here!" The voice called again; this time, Nathaniel was able to see a figure waving at him. Nurse Hannah? He thought to himself, wondering why she was here. Hannah shuffled over to where Nathaniel was and said "What a coincidence! I was helping around in the market and I just happened to see you!"

"What a coincidence indeed…" The man let out a small smile. "I was just handling business, the usual."

"I was wondering, would you be willing to help me?" Hannah asked. "With what?" Nathaniel questioned why an overall independent woman like Hannah would ask for help. "I'm simply carrying boxes over to an elderly woman's house. I was testing your consideration when I asked you this favor."

"I see, well, I guess I could help you if it doesn't take you too long! Do you want me to carry the one you are holding?"

"Thank you so much sir!" He's definitely fallen for my act. Hannah grinned as she handed the box to Nathaniel. To make the walk over to the woods seem more casual, she continued talking to him, asking about how his day was. Nathaniel would continue talking about his daughter and wife, occasionally mentioning business as a way for transition. How funny, I'm having a conversation with the man who ruined my life. Then again, I've been working under him for years. She warily held her hand over the dagger that she had, making sure that she would not raise Nathaniel's suspicion. It was a fairly easy task, but she did not want to risk anything. As they walked, she shifted slightly over to the right, guiding them away from the direction of the house that they were supposedly going to deliver the boxes to. Only then did Nathaniel obliviously ask what she was doing.

"This is a shortcut I like to take, no worries!" Hannah said without looking at him. "But we've been walking for a while—"

"It's only been nine minutes. Perhaps you're not that used to walking." Hannah convincingly lied. "Don't worry, you only have to make one trip. Most of the work was already done."

"Okay then" Nathaniel awkwardly looked down, feeling really out of shape. Only nine minutes? It certainly feels longer than that! Nathanial felt for his watch so that he could get a glimpse of it. He looked at it and confirmed that they have been walking for at least fifteen minutes. What? Hannah was really off with telling the time—

!

It took milliseconds to process the pain that Nathaniel was feeling; and it took three seconds for him to react to being stabbed. Nathaniel fell back into a fetal position as he held the knife in a way to hopefully lessen the agonizing feeling; He looked up and saw Hannah looking own at him mercilessly, her eyes seemed to be red with angry tears. There was no need for questions, only the need for escape. Nathaniel tried to get up, but felt an 'aftershock' of pain as he did so. His shirt now had a deep red trail from the waist down. In a matter of seconds he was being violently kicked so that he would be lying on his back. He coughed up blood and tried so hard to breathe. Hannah removed the knife from Nathaniel's gut, causing the blood to come out faster. During his last moment, Nathaniel managed to mutter out "Why?", then the dagger was plunged into his chest, making him let out a wet gasp. Hannah twisted the knife and did not stop until Nathanial's body was dormant. Hannah took multiple deep breaths once her task was completed, as if she had forgotten to do so during the process of Nathaniel's murder.

Hannah let out a sneer after wiping away her sweat. She spent no extra time admiring the gruesome efforts of her work; she began to pick up the man's dead body. Now where do I put the body? Hannah thought of one of the streams, or maybe she could find some way to bury the body.

Chirp.

Wha? Hannah looked around for whatever the sound was. She then saw shadows, shadows that belonged to three young people, all of them had horrified faces. The only face she could recognize was the blonde boy in the dark jacket. Her eyes widened with shock, but she did her best to remain somewhat collected.

How? She thought to herself, but stopped caring.

"How sad…and I even hoped you would be happy boy Ollie…" Hannah whispered so melancholically, yet evilly.

...I apologize if this sounds rude, but could you guys please review (or at least comment) on this story? I'm going out of my way, despite how busy I am to write these chapters. ;_;