Discovering the Secrets of a Murderer

Chapter 9

Amelia did not linger far from her father's sight. She is expected to be where he could watch her even when he, himself, is occupied with socializing. She stayed with Gerjen's group and as time passes, more ladies and gentlemen join them. Maybe it's the pull of the Salvatore's charm and their talents in not making the conversations turn dull.

"We were surprised to hear that you left so suddenly, Sir Lance. We have no clue that the Varseilles will take interest in you," one lady said.

Lance smiled. "It's not me they are interested with. It's the family business," he corrected.

"But why did they chose you instead of Stephen? Stephen is older than you which makes him the heir, isn't it?" a gentleman asked.

"I have no idea as well," Lance answered with a shrug.

Amelia finished her drink and when Theodore noticed it, he immediately took it.

"I'll get you another one," he said then walked away.

The empty space was taken by Lance before anyone else could. He gave her a small smile which in return, she gave a nod as a formality.

"I assume that our conversation hasn't ended yet," he whispered.

"It will never be over if you continue acting in such a way."

"If you say it that way, Miss, I will think that you will watch my every action." 

Amelia glanced at him. "No one could turn a blind eye to you, Sir, for you are very bold." She remembered the scene a while ago. "And you actually had the guts to use one of our rooms for your s****l conquests."

"My, my. You should know, Miss, a bed is the most comfortable place for those acts. Comfort and pleasure are always regarded by me but of course, if my partner wants it rough then who am I to deprive her of that?"

Amelia breathed deep. "You speak so freely, Sir."

"I am just being true to myself and to you." He moved closer to her. "See that woman."

She looked at him and followed where his gaze is. It was directed to a woman across them. She looks pale and sickly. Oftentimes, the woman cough and her heavy breathing is noticeable even from far away.

"What about her?" she asked, blandly.

"Didn't your father introduced her to you?" Tonight has been an endless of introduction that she has forgotten some already at this point. "I'll assume, he hasn't. That is Helena Umerez. You should get to know her."

She merely nodded, not entirely knowing what Lance intends to point out.

"Let's play a game," Amanda suddenly said, sipping from her wine. "I promise it'll be fun."

Gerjen looked at the woman condescendingly. "I don't know if your context of fun meets our standards, Miss Amanda."

"If it's a game of cards, not all can join," Alice stated.

"It's not a game of cards," Amanda said as if what Alice said was a foolish statement. "Vallen Estate has a magnificent maze. It's best for a game of—"

"Hide and seek," Amelia finished.

Amanda looked at her with a brow raised as if the woman did not like her interrupting. "Indeed, Miss Amelia, hide and seek."

"That would be very fun," one gentleman commented.

"Men will search for the women since we are greater in amount," Amanda continued. "Do we all agree?" the woman said, roaming her eyes around the group.

All nodded with their eyes twinkling with excitement and fear. The Vallen Estate has the most spectacular labyrinth in town, its hedges very tall not letting anyone see even when they jump. It's a place where one could surely go missing but also a place for secret trysts to happen. It's darkened and certain to hide indecent advancements.

"Won't it be too dark?" Pamela asked.

"The lanterns shall be lit up, of course," she said to assure them. "It would be enough to guide one's path but not to instantly see other people from far away."

They all nodded. The women started to fix their hair and skirts as they stood up while men had their grins on their faces. Who would not like the game? It's a great opportunity for pairs to be left alone (unless they are caught) and for things to escalate between them.

Her eyes drifted back to her father who merely nodded in her direction. She then looked at Helena Umerez coughing excessively.

"I'm afraid I cannot join. My throat is getting worst nowadays," the woman said.

"But you must, Miss Helena," Amelia spoke.

Helena, shocked that Amelia talked to her, did not get to answer immediately. "I would be caught easily. I don't want to spoil anyone's fun." She forced to smile.

"It won't be that long. The night won't affect your health badly," she pressed.

Helena, not wanting to offend her, just nodded to her request.

They were by the vestibule as they watch the lanterns being lit up by the servants. On their spot, they could clearly see the maze's intricate patterns which stretch far before the first line of trees of the woods.

"I'm certain you know where to go, Miss Amelia," Lance whispered from beside her. "Considering about what happened a while ago on the room. You know whatever way leads to."

She did not look at him but she knows he is wearing a smug smile from the way he talks. "Indeed, Sir, I am an advantage."

"Wouldn't that be boring on your part? You can walk out of the maze if you want to while the others cannot find which path to the exit."

"I shall participate longer and not immediately get out if that is what you want, Sir Lance."

"Very well said. I only want for you to have fun."

Then he left. She felt the vacancy from on her side but she did not dare look. The vacancy was immediately filled by Theodore who took so much time on getting her another glass of wine to drink.

"Pardon me, Miss. Your father wished to talk to me and I could not simply reject him."

She took the glass and sipped. "I understand."

Haymich, their butler, stood by the fountain as he enumerates every mechanic, not wanting for everything to be amiss and for assurance of those participating. The elders were by the balcony, merely watching their young ones.

Some may disagree with the game but they do not dare speak it out. It is the first time the Vernice opened their home for a ball, no one would dare to be the cause of Sir Barkis' anger.

"My ladies," Haymich said. "Prepare in entering the maze."

Amelia stood with the other females. Some were giggling, others were talking about their plans once they got inside. She looked at Helena still coughing on one corner. But her attention was caught by Haymich's loud yell of 'NOW' and the ladies went dashing to get inside, eaten by the darkness and leaving their proprieties behind.

She was the last one in the group. She stood by the entrance, passing her eyes at the tall hedges. The cobblestone she is stepping on makes such a noise that one could immediately know someone is around.

"Is there a problem, Miss?" Haymich asked.

She turned and saw the men were actually watching her, their face shows the satisfaction of her not running that they think they could immediately catch her inside.

"You only have five seconds left, Miss Amelia," Haymich said, a frown forming in his forehead. "You should go."

Nodding, she took a step. For every second, she takes one. And when her time had ended and Haymich announced for the men to enter, they run like wild animals, determined to catch her, determined to have her alone.

But it was just in time for her to move into the dark.

They did not catch her. No one did.

~~~~~~~

Helena is all alone and her cough is not helping her in her current state. Even if she wishes to stay close with the other ladies, they are most eager to be alone and have their time in the darkness with the gentlemen who will catch them.

She does not want that. She has more pressing matters to attend to and that is her health. If it weren’t for Miss Amelia’s encouragement, she will not participate in this silly game. She has nothing to gain and besides, she already has someone she cares for. Entertaining other men is not her best talent.

Rubbing her hand on her arm is not enough to keep her warm. It was a very cold night and it only worsens her cough. She was just grateful no man had caught her yet. She is not strong enough to stop them if they ever attempt on advancing on her.

It feels like a forever walk. She turns on countless pathways already but she still cannot find the exit. She eventually stopped and sat down on the ground, uncaring of the dirt and just enduring the ache on her feet. Her frosty breath and teeth chattering are some of the proof of her struggle.

She covered her cough tight with her sleeve. It took three forceful ones before it finally subsided. It has been days since she had this cough and it’s taking a toll on her. She’s beginning to weaken and if it is not really necessary to go, she will stay in her house and rest. However, this is a special night. A long-awaited ball for the daughter of Sir Barkis Vernice.

She rested her head on the bush and looked up at the dark sky. There are no stars at all and the moon is nowhere in sight. She wonders if it’ll rain. And she thought how unlucky she is if ever that happened.

She hugged herself tighter and looked around. There is light from the torches so she knows where to step but that is all. Far ahead is a mystery to her: it may be a dead-end or another turn.

Standing and determined to find the exit, she started to walk but stopped when she heard a noise near her.

“I cannot find her,” a man said.

“Me either.”

“Well one of us should or this night is a waste of time. We have to get well-acquainted with the Miss. This is a rare opportunity and we should take it.”

“You’re so eager.”

“Well, I am.”

They burst into laughter and not long, she heard them walk away. It does not need a lot of thinking to identify who they are pertaining to. She wishes Miss Amelia safety from those malicious men.

Certain that it is safe to move, she started her walk slowly. She constantly turns her head around, alert on dark spots. She passes pairs hidden in the darkness, too busy to care with their surroundings, too engrossed with fondling and kissing.

Then she saw light not too far. It has torches surrounding what looks like a passageway to somewhere.

It’s the exit!

She is sure of it and she never felt so overwhelmed upon realizing she is close to getting out of this place.

She froze when she felt a noise on her back. Of all times that she has to act on possible harm, that’s when her body failed to move. She willed her feet to move, staring at the exit hopelessly.

“I am afraid you are lost, Miss," the person said, menacingly. "Let me accompany you.”

Before she could scream, she was pulled effortlessly into the darkness.

#DTSOAM