Miss "Robin Hood"

5

Zander POV

Anger raged inside me, I couldn't believe they had taken a baby this time. Last night we walked around the area for hours, searching every lonely shack, but there was no sign of them. I was almost certain that we would not find them, so far we have not had success with any of the missing ones. But we had to try. They had taken Ashton, the baby of the Hagerty family, who were employees of my mansion. It was like yesterday when I went to talk with Joel about work and he showed me Ashton. He was only five days old then. He must be two months old now. I never thought they would harm children. So far, they've only taken adults, I expected them to have some limits, but ...I should have known better.

I had hardly slept and how could I.

I left my room and went outside the mansion. I couldn't find peace. Near the fence I saw James and Deborah. Apparently they had heard what had happened. Jessica, Dakota, Todd, Ann and Michael were there too. I walk towards them, even though I didn't feel like talking. There was no way I could ignore them though. "Hey." James patted me on the shoulder. Everyone knew how much I hated the two Owens and how special it was for me to expose their crimes. "Are there any news?" I glanced at Deborah and just said. "No."

"Maybe Claire would know something."

"I thought about that, but I think she would have come, If she knew."

I ran a hand over my face, the lack of sleep already affecting me.

"Maybe she knows, but she's protecting her sister." that was Dakota. We all knew she didn't like Claire.

"We talked about it. She never made us doubt her." I said annoyed.

"What will be our next move?" James asked.

"It's already been reported to the police, I'm afraid there's nothing more we could do at the moment. I was thinking about something though. I'll send one of my best men as a personal guard of Amelia. At Riddle Hall I had a woman, working as a maid. But so far she had not been able to learn anything. Maybe a personal guard will be able to gather the information. He will always be with her."

They were looking at me silently. "But how will you do this? Most of your people are well known. She won't take one of them for a guard." James was looking at me skeptically.

"You'll get angry with me again, but please, don't make Claire aware of this." That was Dakota again.

"I thought about it and I won't tell her. I don't want to make her accountable for this." Well, I had to admit that wasn't the only reason. I had the feeling that If I tell anyone about it, It was going to blow off somehow. I won't tell even them who will be the man and when the operation will started. And it had started actually.

"What is your problem with Claire? She is making all she could to help us. Why don't you like her?"

"Well, everyone had their own opinion, James. I just don't like her, ok? There is something about her that feels off. I'm sure she knows something about this baby. Make she's protecting her sister after all. I'm feeling uneasy. What If they layed their eyes on my tribe?"

Dakota was a native american. Her father was Onacona and he was the leader of their small tribe. They were Cherokees. Years ago our mansion was build in their lands. But now we were allies, friends. I know Onacona and I know how nervous they all must be. Life in their tribe was now developing as they always wanted. They lived in a peace, the expansion of the tribe was already felt. They gave birth to many children. We had an agreement for part of the land for which they received rent. So far, Owens had not attacked any of them. I could understand why they were nervous. They were scared that If something happen, they won't be able to do much. The prosperity and the good relationships they had with all the people of the region depended on their peaceful attitudes.

"I will go to speak with Onacona soon. Don't overthink it, just make some safety rules. Don't let them wander on their own. So far Owens have always taken only one at a time. They won't bother with groups. Speaking of it, did you came alone?" I furrowed my brows. I knew she thought she's tough, but I couldn,'t allow her to underestimate the danger anymore."I will send someone with you on your way back."

"Tell us what to do man, we could help." Michael insisted."We can't just sit and do nothing."

"I'm afraid there is not much we could do. Right know I just want you to be careful, don't made me worry about you." I was barely finished, when we heard horse approaching.

I saw it was Claire and turned my back to my friends to welcome her. I still hoped she had news, but I knew it was not quite possible. So far she wasn't able to help as, but I knew she was trying. How could I blame her, when I, myself, couldn't do anything.

"Hey, do you have something for me." I grabbed her for the waist and put her down. Then I grabbed the horse's briddles and took her hand to lead her to my friends.

"Hi, Claire."

"Hi, James and all of you. How were you? I haven't seen you in a while, we've been busy."

"Busy stealling children?" I looked angry at Dakota. She looked at me angrier and said."Whatever, I have to go." Then she strode to the stables and in a minute she was on her horse and was gone. I nod at one of my men to follow her and he ran for the stables too.

Everyone seemed very uncomfortable.

"Excuse her, we all know your efforts. She's just on edge." Jessica tried to reassure her.

"Well, I know she doesn't like me anyway. I'm just wondering what is her problem." The silence got awkward again.

"Claire, do you know something about what have happened." James asked and broke the silence.

"I don't. I know as much as you. In fact, I came to ask you, Zander, If you have news. I know that you have people everywhere."

I felt uncomfortable as always when she mentioned my information channels. I trusted her, but I couldn't share my information with no one. Not long ago I was telling her and my friends for every step I planned. But I never succeeded at any of it.

From the moment I stopped sharing, I felt a difference. Not all my plans had succeeded since then, but I had a progress. I don't know if it was just a coincidence, I knew that none of them would betray me, but I still decided to keep my plans to myself. After all, the walls had ears too.

"I don't, we're still hoping we would find something, before it's too late." She looked at me thoughtfully and I felt like she knows something. Maybe I wasn't the only one, who was afraid to speak. Or maybe it was just my imagination.

"I have to go. Please, If you find something, send me a note. Don't worry about my sister, she is at the company with our father. Ok?"

I nodded and send her off.

Arthur POV

I had been watching the house for 3 hours and there was still no sign of him. I knew he was probably wandering around, trying to find out about his son, but my time was running out. I was able to contact Amelia or do something according our plan only at a time when some of Owens's men were supposed to be in the brothel. It was good that most of the men lingered longer, and my absence did not seem doubtful.

For the last three years I haven't been able to see or speak directly to Amelia or even my family. I knew she was taking care of my wife and children, but still, It was very hard. I have to do it though. For the people, who had lost their loved ones. And for the safety of my family. Nobody was safe, as long as Owens were free to do their crimes.

I missed my normal life, but we had a progress and I hoped their days were counted. We've managed to safe the baby. I may not be able to explain Amelia what happened thoroughly, but we both knew that it could be dangerous. Mostly for my safety. Till now, I've been able to mislead them. But it was a dangerous game, which could finish with my death, If I wasn't careful and even Amelia won't be able to help me.

I was wearing a black cape with a hood in order to hide myself better in the dark. It had to be over 1 am.

I finally saw a figure coming towards the house. I had to be quick. I took the knife and when Joel came near me, I grabbed him, put the knife on his throat and quickly said.

"Don't move, nor make a noise. Your baby is safe. He is far away from Albertine. Owens are searching for him, so it's not safe to give him to you. After at least two or three months, someone will reach to you. You'll know then where your baby is and you'll be able to go to him. But, you must be very careful. Don't let anyone doubt If you know something or the safety of your baby will be compromised. As long as Owens don't think you know something, everything would be fine. One advice from me, don't share this information with anyone. You must avoid at all cost the information to reach Claire Robinson's ears." I then pushed him hard and dissapeared at the dark of the night.