Chapter 6 - The enemy within

“Why don’t you have chefs in the house.” Kate asked as she leaned against the doorway of Avan’s study.

He didn’t bother responding but maintained his focus on the documents spread across his desk.

“It’s always a struggle finding something to eat around here you know, your refrigerator is practically empty and there is no reasonable food stuff in store. Do you enjoy living like this?” She continued folding her arms across her chest.

“I eat out,” he responded with a flat tone. “Or I place an order.” He continued, arranging the folders on his work desk.

“Well, how am I supposed to survive? Also, you don’t have in-house staffs, the housekeepers come and go. I’ve gotten tired of talking to the walls all day?” She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Or is Mr. Avan hiding something.”

He looked up and met the mischievous grin on her face which made him roll his eyes.

“I’ll have Von stock the kitchen.” He said before gathering his files to leave.

“I’ll have Von stock the kitchen.” She mimicked him. 

He halted in his steps. “What was that?”

Kate instantly clasped her hand behind her back like a child that was caught stealing cookies.

“Nothing.” She responded high-pitched.

“It had better be.”

The second the door closed, Kate stuck out her tongue. 

“Mr. Iceberg.”

***

“It’s been five days,” Mrs. West said. “And still no sign of her?”

“We’ve been searching everywhere and it hasn’t really been easy for me as a mother, I believe you can understand.” Mrs. Delaney said clutching to the glass of exotic wine in her hand.

“I understand, but the press are waiting and my son, you can’t expect him to put his life on hold when there are plenty of young women, even better ones from respectable families who would gladly take Kate’s place.” She said adjusting her blouse. 

Mrs. Delaney heaved deeply.

“Are you saying the kidnappers didn’t call for a ransom yet?” Mrs. West asked trying to feign sympathy.

“Yes.” She responded as she sat up. “They haven’t contacted me and the police haven’t found any leads as well.”

“Then perhaps you’re searching in the wrong places.”

“I don’t understand what you mean?” She asked seeming somewhat confused.

Mrs. West took a slow sip of her drink.

“Perhaps the police should change their approach,” she leaned forward. “They should stop looking for a living woman and start looking for a body, you know in the sewers, bushes...”

“Excuse me! She interjected. 

“I’m being realistic.” she said lifting her hands in the air.

“My daughter is alive.” Mrs. Delaney affirmed.

“Is she?”

“What! How can you even say such?.”

“Watch your tone, if not that I allowed Bryan to play the role of a savior in your family, do you think someone of dwindling class can step foot in this mansion, talk more of speak to me.” She hissed.

Mrs. Delaney rose to her feet, and eyed her before storming out. 

Just as she reached the door, Mrs. West voice followed before her.

“If she isn’t found within three days, Bryan would marry someone else.”

Mrs. Delaney froze before continuing out.

The moment the door closed, Mrs. West pleasant expression vanished. She picked up her phone and dialed a number. It was answered on the first ring.

“Good evening, ma’am.”

“There has been a change of plans,” she paused. “Finish her.”

Silence echoed at the other end of the line.

“What? Are you sure of this?” the man finally managed to say.

Mrs. West voice hardened. “Are you questioning me?”

“N-No, ma’am.”

“You still have her, don’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Eliminate her and send me proof within twenty four hours.” She said as she hung up.

Mrs. West leaned back against the sofa as a satisfactory smile spread across her face.

Inside an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Lavoire, panic spread across the miscreants.

“The witch wants the girl gone.” The leader said as the call ended.

“What are we going to do now?” One of the men asked.

“Hmm, and we don’t still have her.” Another man added.

The leader rubbed his jaw thoughtfully, a slow grin spread across his face. “We find another woman with similar looks.”

Understanding dawned upon the others.

“Right, that could work.” The other guy chipped in.

“Exactly”, the leader said as he let out a sinister chuckle.