Chapter 12 - Confessions in the Library
The next morning,
the sun finally broke through the heavy gray clouds,
casting bright beams through the high windows of Davis Manor.
Despite the clear sky,
a dark cloud hung over Sarah's spirit.
She moved around the grand living room mechanically,
holding a feather duster,
her eyes hollow from lack of sleep.
Her mind was miles away,
constantly worrying about her mother sitting alone in that vulnerable old apartment.
Richard walked into the grand room holding a cup of hot black coffee.
He stopped in his tracks,
observing Sarah's unusually pale face,
the dark circles under her eyes,
and a faint,
reddish bruise along her jawline.
His sharp eyes instantly caught the signs of deep distress.
Richard: Sarah,
is everything alright with you today?
Sarah jumped slightly,
nearly dropping her feather duster onto the polished wooden floor.
Sarah: Yes,
Mr. Davis,
I am fine,
just a little tired from yesterday.
Richard set his coffee cup down on a side table and stepped closer,
his voice turning gentle yet firm.
Richard: Do not try to deceive me,
Sarah.
You look utterly terrified,
and there is a dark bruise on your face.
Did something happen yesterday when you left the estate on your day off?
Sarah turned her back to him,
her heart pounding against her ribs like a sledgehammer.
Sarah: It is nothing,
sir,
I just stumbled in the alleyway and brushed against a wall.
Richard stepped around her,
looking directly into her frightened,
tear-filled eyes.
Richard: Sarah,
you saved my son's life,
and you are under my protection now.
If someone is threatening you,
or if Victoria's accomplices are coming after you,
you must tell me immediately.
I swear to you on my honor,
no harm will come to you in this home.
The kindness,
warmth,
and authority in Richard's voice broke Sarah's rigid defense completely.
A heavy sob escaped her throat,
and tears began streaming down her pale cheeks.
She sank into an armchair,
unable to carry the horrifying secret any longer.
Sarah: They came for me,
Mr. Davis...
two men in dark coats cornered me in the alley near my mother's apartment.
Richard's posture stiffened instantly,
his eyes flaring with dangerous anger.
Richard: Who were they?
What did they say to you?
Sarah: They warned me to stay silent during the trial...
they told me to lie to the judge and say I saw nothing on the staircase.
And if I testify against Victoria...
they promised to burn down my mother's apartment building while she sleeps inside!
She covered her face,
sobbing hysterically as the full terror came pouring out.
Sarah: I want to protect Leo,
Mr. Davis,
I really do!
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But I cannot let them murder my mother!
She is all I have in this world!
