Chapter 75 Investigating the Truth (2)
Cecilia exited the security room, her mind still buzzing with unresolved questions, and made her way back to the hall. The atmosphere had shifted; the servants, who previously murmured amongst themselves, were now diligently focused on their tasks, their movements cautious under her observant gaze.
She approached a nearby maid and asked, "Which room is Anna in?"
The maid, eager to appease, pointed in the direction. "That way, through the door and along the row of servants’ quarters. Anna is in the third room."
Cecilia acknowledged the maid with a faint nod and headed toward Anna's room. She knocked firmly on the door.
A tremulous voice responded from within, "Who is it?"
"It's Cecilia. I need to talk to you," Cecilia announced.
After a brief, tense silence, the door creaked open, revealing a weary-looking Anna. Though she managed to maintain a semblance of composure, her reddened eyes and tear-streaked face betrayed her distress.
"Can I come in?" Cecilia asked.
"Yes, of course," Anna hurriedly agreed, stepping aside to let her enter.
Cecilia immediately noted the presence of cat hair scattered around the room. Anna’s gaze followed Cecilia’s, and she hurriedly offered an explanation. "Pamela often came here to play. I just didn’t expect..."
"You and Pamela must have been very close," Cecilia observed.
"Besides the young lady, I spent the most time with Pamela," Anna confirmed, her voice tinged with sadness.
"You must be very sad about its death," Cecilia continued.
Anna nodded. "Yes."
"By the way, how long have you been looking after Emily?" Cecilia pressed on.
"I've been taking care of her for 8 years," Anna replied.
"In eight years, you must know her better than anyone else. You must know what matters most to her," Cecilia suggested.
"Of course. I know everything about her," Anna agreed, a hint of pride mingling with her sadness.
"Then you understand how crucial Pamela was to Emily. Why didn't you watch over her more carefully?" Cecilia's tone sharpened, eyes piercing into Anna's.
Anna looked taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words. "I... I did everything I could to take care of her. I know how much she loved Pamela. I was as careful with her as I would be with my own siblings."
"Do you have siblings?" Cecilia asked.
"Yes, my family is poor. I had to start working when I was young. Getting a job with the Whitaker family was a blessing. They are so kind and generous to us servants. I’m really grateful to be here," Anna explained.
"And your salary helps support your family?" Cecilia probed further.
"In my hometown, expenses are low. My monthly pay here covers my family’s needs and my siblings’ tuition," Anna elaborated.
"So you’re afraid of losing this job," Cecilia stated, more than asked.
"I would never jeopardize it. I always do my job diligently and responsibly," Anna quickly promised.
"Understandable. I was just curious." Cecilia abruptly shifted the topic. "By the way, who do you think is responsible for Pamela's death?"
Anna's composure faltered. "I... I really don’t know."
Cecilia leaned closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. "I find it curious too. How could Pamela have drowned?"
Anna’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, and she refrained from speaking further, her panic evident.
"By the way," Cecilia started, "I’ve heard that cats are incredibly spiritual creatures. Even in death, their souls are said to return to their original owners. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? If that's true, maybe you should ask Pamela how she died. If it was an accident, then it’s just unfortunate. But if it was something else, you and Emily—being so close to Pamela—should uncover the truth and let her rest in peace."
Cecilia's casual remark sent a visible shiver through Anna, who stammered, "How could there be souls? That’s just... nonsense."
"Just a thought," Cecilia replied nonchalantly. "I was only curious about Pamela and Emily's bond. That’s all."
"I'll see you out," Anna offered hastily.
"No need," Cecilia dismissed with a wave, striding out of the room. As she walked away, a cold smile curled on her lips. She returned to the hall and immediately summoned Ruth over.
Ruth approached, still quaking with fear.
"Do you have your phone?" Cecilia inquired.
Ruth quickly produced the device.
"Unlock it for me."
"OK," Ruth complied, though her face was etched with confusion.
Cecilia operated on Ruth's phone while asking, "Does this sound like Pamela?"
Ruth listened carefully, then shook her head. "No, Pamela's meow was gentler."
"What about this one?"
"Still not quite right."
"This one?"
"A bit closer, but it could be gentler."
"Here, what about this one?"
Ruth's eyes lit up. "Yes, this one is very similar!" she exclaimed.
"Good." Cecilia downloaded the audio clip to the phone. Handing the device back to Ruth, she said, "I have a task for you. Speak of it to no one."
Cecilia detailed Ruth's assignment. Ruth's face clouded with worry. "But this will be hard on Anna..."
"Trust me," Cecilia said bluntly. "You'll soon see if this is for better or worse for her."
Ruth, unable to defy Cecilia’s decisive tone, reluctantly agreed.
Afternoon arrived, and Cecilia lingered, her calculations precise. The Whitaker family members were still absent, even Alaric. All attention seemed to pivot around Emily, the cherished gem of the family.
Cecilia pondered how devastating the fallout would be if Emily’s true nature were revealed. She mused silently, having been reborn, she acknowledged her kindness had dulled. She was acutely aware that excessive kindness often led to her own harm.
She timed her move and returned to Anna's quarters. After a few moments of waiting, Ruth emerged, her expression conflicted. Spotting Cecilia, Ruth handed over her phone.
Cecilia slipped the phone into her pocket and entered the room, noting Anna’s pallor.
Anna, upon seeing Cecilia, forced a smile and quickly straightened. "What can I do for you, Mrs. Cecilia Whitaker?"
"I'm about to leave," Cecilia said smoothly, "but I need you to convey a message to Emily. With her current state, she might not be receptive directly."
"Of course," Anna nodded eagerly.
"Tell Emily Pamela’s death wasn’t my doing. I am concerned about her wellbeing, and I hope she recovers from this tragedy soon." As Cecilia spoke, she activated the cat meowing audio hidden in her pocket.
Anna's face turned ashen.
Continuing with an air of indifference, Cecilia added, "Once she feels better, I’d love to join her in finding another cat as endearing as Pamela to keep her company... Anna?"
Anna’s eyes widened, and she shook her head frantically. "No, nothing."
Cecilia scrutinized Anna's reaction critically. The guilt was unmistakeable.
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