Chapter-23
Hannah
One month has passed, my engagement postponed for a week. I am sad, depressed and terrified the feeling I cannot specify. Victor is there to console me but I act like numb, my four friends have left the world forever. Grace’s mother grief-stricken left New York city and now lives with her husband in his farms. She is in trauma and I know even time has failed to heal this pain. Why is Byron doing all this? Just because we offended him and he killed my friends. I don’t understand. I really want Mr. Collins to arrest him soon. Because I don’t want to die, my coming life, my dreams, my business. I cannot lose Victor too. Dad tightens the security. Camera placed all around my mansion. Each guest is being checked by guards. No stranger is allowed to come inside. In fact, in bakery two security guards keep monitoring the situation. I locked my all-social profile and feel as I have put myself in the cage. But for how long I have to do this. I don’t know. Ma’am, Mr. Collins is coming, security informed me. I hope he comes up with some good news.
Hello! Mr. Collins, I am expecting some good news this time. And I have good news for you. I smile and he his expression changes and in serious tone he says one bad news too. Which one you want to hear first? You decide he tells looking around my room. Good one! I need it. As you wish, Byron is arrested. Thank God! Let me complete first. Although he is in custody but we have to release him soon. Why? He is not innocent; he killed my friends and that asshole even raped Grace. I shout in tears. I completely understand what you are feeling right now. There are rules which we need to follow. What kind of rules are you talking about? My tone still high. There are points which his lawyer has raised and we don’t have any other option except to release him.
Listen carefully, he went to theatre because he got a message from Nora and when he found no one there, he straight away came out and was not even aware that Aaron was lying dead inside.
And during Marlin’s death again, he received a message from Nora saying that’s why he had gone to the bridge but when he saw his body, he ran away due to fear.
What about Joey’s murder?
He answered that night when he was leaving after meeting his girlfriend, Elena. He saw Joey in the basement of the building and he cannot even imagine that the very next moment Joey would be killed by someone.
Do you believe that fucking bastard? Hannah asked angerly.
I confirmed with his girlfriend Elena about that night she lives there.
He is telling lies, Mr. Collins again makes his point. We didn’t find any murder weapon with which they four were murdered. It must be a knife and importantly, there is difference in the time of death and arrival. Their death time is different. What about Grace’s death? I am coming to that point also. I don’t think so that Nora asked him to come. Have you talked to her? Hannah again questions suspiciously. No, she is not in Texas and after her aunt’s death where she has gone nobody knows. This is not a good news Mr. Collins. I say with disappointment in my voice. Well! Byron didn’t rape or killed Grace. And even samples didn’t match with that of Byron. Now at least we know that Byron is not involved so we can focus on real culprit. Mr. Collins now what you call as bad news. I wonder. One who is involved knew her home. Now, we are looking for two killers and this is bad miss Hannah. I hold my head. Oh my God! I am next and I am next. I shouts and weep. If we have reached here then definitely, we will reach to him also but you just be careful.
Mr. Collins leaves and I tell everything to my parents and Victor. Suddenly, Victor receives a call and he moves to other room. After few minutes he comes back and says, ‘I need to go because of an urgent meeting with client’. No issues, you go. He kissed me and leaves. Mom, I am noticing from so many days that Victor is not showing any concern in my matters. He is busy in his own affairs whenever I postponed the engagement date, he never objected. It feels like it is good for him. I am confused. Honey, he is a mature person and he understands the situation that’s it. Don’t overthink about it. Maybe you are right mom.
After fifteen days, at night when I was seeing the photos of my friends, tears roll down my cheeks. So, I woke up and decided to walk on terrace. I was watching moonlight and gazing stars constantly and my cell phone rings.
Hello! yes, Mr. Collins
We arrested Oscar Ford in Grace case.
Really! Oscar!
Have you heard his name before?
Yes, may be from Grace only.
Yes, you are right Hannah, she was having an affair with him and later she dumped him so he decided to harm and sexually harassed her and left. He is not involved in her murder. Siemens match with him but he doesn’t confess about the murder. He told us when Grace fainted, he untied her hands and left from the window.
Oh! Mr. Collins this means that some other person came and killed her like he killed my three friends. So, there is one killer only, it feels like curiosity killed the cat.
Yes, you judge the situation right. In investigation it shows like two people were present on the crime scene. Another person used the knife to kill Grace. Be patient! we are trying our best, the moment we reach Nora most of the case will be solved. Mr. Collins gave me assurance.
Hope, Nora is safe and alive. I murmur in my mouth and take a deep breath and come downstairs to sleep. I again horrified. While entering my room, I heard some voices coming from Victor’s room. Firstly, I ignore. But when I heard him saying ‘don’t worry Hannah will also gone soon like her friends’. My ears turn red and my eyes forget to blink. My legs begin to shake. Has Victor killed my friends? This thought makes me worse and miserable. How dare he touched them? They were so good to him and this bastard my mouth twitch.
