Miss "Robin Hood"

8

Zander POV

"Is that all, Inspector Jarold?" I asked, my mind absent. I managed to get through this task and I couldn't wait to see him out. I sent him to his car and after an exchange of courtesies, he drove out.

I saw James coming and sighed inwardly. I wasn't in the mood for a small talk. But James was always welcomed. I greeted him and we decided to go to the study, as James said he had something important to discuss with me.

"Well, what is it?" My mind was absent again, I hoped that won't be a business related conversation. I could concentrate only when It was about the Owens's matters.

"Remember I told you I plan to put one of my trustworthy men in Barrywood manor? I sent Charles and he was a candidate for Amelia's personal guard." I raised my brows.

"Don't tell me that stupid b***h had caught on the hook."

"He didn't get the position, but he managed to collect some important information." I had to admit I was all ears.

"Apparently Richard was there and according to Charles, he and Amelia got in an argument. Charles think that they are more like enemies, instead of friends. He told me he had accused her of sabotaging his last job. We're not sure If he was talking about the baby Ashton or something else."

He paused for a few seconds, I guess to give me some time to process this.

"But..." He eyed me carefully. "The more interesting thing is that later on Anderson, Claire and Jackson had arrived. Charles said that Jackson was pretty hostile towards Amelia. And Anderson took his daughters for a private conversation, which Charles was also able to hear. It seems that Anderson wants Jackson to have a share of his company, Amelia was against it, while Claire had a tantrum, wanting Jackson in, to work with him there." I stared at him incredulously and then laughed soundly.

"I don't believe even one word. First, you can have arguments with someone and that doesn't mean you're enemies, second, Claire never wanted to work in the company, she doesn't know anything about the business. It's like you're telling me a tale, or better yet, a joke." When I finished with my assault, he was already scowling. I knew I was harsh, but sometimes I had the feeling they put Claire on the spot, just because she was Anderson's daughter. But I managed to make my best revelation about Owens, because of her. She actually helped me to discover that Owens were behind these affairs for real. It wasn't a proof, that we could use in the court, but It was enough for me to be sure.

"Look, Zander, I don't know why you're so fixated on Claire's innocence, maybe you have a reason, you can't share with us. But you must be on guard, you owe this to all the people that live and work in your manor. I'm sorry to tell you this, but sometimes I have the feeling that you think only you have reasons to hate Owens. To work against them. Remember one thing, we all have families. Your friends, your subordinates, everyone. I'm not saying that you're wrong about Amelia, I couldn't care less about her. I'm asking you to be careful with Claire, just for the sake of your people." He then stood up and left.

I went to the window and stared outside. It's not like I haven't had my own doubts about her. Not that she ever gave me the reason, but...she is constantly in that house, with these people. They're almost like a family with the Owens, everyone knows the latter are always their guests. So I knew I had to be cautios, but I still felt guilty.

I went outside and saw Ann, the new girlfriend of John, who was also Amelia's best friend. I knew John liked her very much, but I couldn't make myself warm up to her.You know, friends of my enemies are also my enemies. I just had to behave for John's sake. I nodded when I neared her and I was sure she knew how I felt about her. Or the scowl on her face was because of the engagement? Oh, well, I didn't give a f**k.

I saw John ahead of me.

"Is there a problem with the work or with your love life again?" I mocked him instead of a greeting. He looked at me frowning.

"She's just too stubborn, I told her once again what I think about her friendship with Amelia and that I would feel more at ease, If she stop seeing her, but she wouldn't listen."

"She is her best friend, what do you expect?"

He sighed.

"I know, but...I just want her to know how people feel about Amelia and as her friend, how they look at Ann herself, when she's coming to me. I feel obligated to point in front of everyone I talk to, that she's not like them and they shouldn't feel uneasy around her."

"Well, you can't do anything, except leaving her. She won't spurn her best friend, just because you want it."

"I like her. A lot. We are together for two months already and when we don't talk about Amelia, everything's fine. Not fine, perfect. But I can't close my eyes. I'm afraid for her as well. She may think Amelia's her friend, but that kind of people can't make real friends. She just can't understand it."

"Don't get offended, but I feel uneasy when I see your girlfriend too. You know I don't interfere in other people's businesses, but If you want my advise, I would tell you to dumb her, till isn't late. There are plenty of women around here." I was a d**k, I know. But that relationship was a problem.

He raised one brow.

"As I said I like her. And not just in the sack. Do you really think I would make efforts, given the situation, If I don't liked her genuinely? You're starting to get on my nerves, Zander. Since the accident you think you have the excuse to behave like a d**k even with your friends. But there is always a limit of people's patience, don't forget that." With his last words, he left me standing there by myself.