His Conquest. His Enemy. His Addiction.

An Investigation

Chapter 9

An Investigation.

Tori Nathan.

A week had passed after I discovered the two flash drives in my purse. One contained the personal details of the Ravensworth corporation staff, starting from the highest-ranking person down to the janitors of the company. I shuddered at the thought of my personal life being known in full by a company I work for. While the other flash drive contained a plot to erase Kaius from the face of the earth.

Why would they keep track of their workers' life? I was still contemplating returning the two USB flash drives, but after I found out that Mrs. Eleanor was somehow involved, I knew it would be risky to give her the flash drive.

“Tori, you can come in now.” The nurse called me and I smiled at her, sitting on the chair provided.

“What do I have to do?” I asked her, a little nervous. My nose wrinkled slightly at the familiar antiseptic smell that came with hospitals.

Lily had been admitted to the hospital and was being closely monitored by the doctors. The surgery was set for today. Mrs. Eleanor was keeping her own part of the bargain, and I knew I had to also keep mine if I wanted Lily to live. It shouldn't matter to me that Kaius' life was in danger, right? My sister came first.

“You just have to sit tight,” The nurse responded warmly. “We have to draw your blood and run some tests on you before we go ahead to get some pints of your blood for the surgery.”

“Okay.” I gave her my hand and looked away from whatever she was doing with my hand. I hated the sight of needles!

*

“You also have a job here?” Lily's eyes widened as she listened to me. “That's really cool.” She was even more lively, and I couldn't help but be happy.

Her smile and energy strengthened my resolve on keeping my part of the deal. The door to the ICU was pushed open, and the fair nurse who had taken my blood earlier walked into the room.

“Lily.” Her eyes first landed on my sister, giving her a playful smile. “I thought you said you were feeling sleepy some minutes ago? Your eyes are shining brightly.”

Lily blushed and hid herself under the covers. “I'm sleeping now!”

The nurse and I chuckled at her cute attitude. She turned to me.

“I'm sorry, I just realized I haven't introduced myself to you. I'm Tiffany, your sister's personal nurse.” Her voice was warm. “Your blood work results just came in.”

“Okay.” I stood up from the bed and walked towards her. “Let me get ready to give…”

“There would be no need for that.” She cut me off softly as she came to hold me by my waist, her skin soft against mine, as she led me out of the room. “You see, it won't be beneficial for your health.”

My eyebrows furrowed together into a frown, my heart racing. “Why?”

Was I sick too? She could see the fear in my eyes as she shook her head repeatedly.

“I'm sorry for scaring you. I mean, you're pregnant so you can't donate blood right now. You need it more.”

“Pregnant?” My jaw dropped in shock. I was dumbfounded.

I thought I had taken the morning after pill. Did I take the wrong pill? I almost smacked myself in the head. No. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening. I couldn't be pregnant at this crucial time. If Mrs. Eleanor knew…

My eyes snapped to her face. “Who else knows about this?” I lowered my voice to ask her.

She raised a brow in confusion before answering. “Um… Just me?”

“Are you sure?” I asked for the second time to be certain.

If this got out and Mrs. Eleanor found out, then Lily…

“I'm certain, Tori.” She held my arm and asked in a worried tone. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, yeah… Everything is alright.” I nodded, keeping my gaze steady on her. “But, please can this be between both of us? No other nurse should find out or anything. I…" I was at a loss for words as I looked at her pleadingly.

“No problem, Tori.” She assured me, patting me on my shoulder. “I understand. I know it came as a shock. You have to take your time.” She said calmly.

“What about the surgery?” I asked again, concerned about the pints of blood that was still going to be needed for the surgery.

“It will be arranged, Tori. The payment was more than enough to source for extra pints of blood. We will just get them from the lab and give them an excuse as to why we can't take yours. She will be wheeled into surgery in an hour.”

*

“Miss Victoria Nathan?” I heard a deep male voice from my hazy thoughts, and I struggled to sit up and stay alert.

I looked towards the theater and the light was still on, meaning that the surgery was still ongoing. It was almost midnight, but the hallway leading to the theater was brightly illuminated with warm yellow lights which reflected off the cold tiles.

I rubbed my eyes with my hand as I raised my head to locate the source of the voice.

“Miss Victoria Nathan?” He called again, and I could see him clearly this time.

He was a man in his mid-forties with a stern expression on his face. Behind him were two men in uniform— police uniforms, I noted.

“Yes, I'm Tori,” I answered cautiously, stretching my stiff body across the metal chair. “Is there any problem?”

I sat up and gave him full attention. His face remained passive as he gestured to the policemen who came forward, and I couldn't help the frown that formed on my face. What was going on? I just got here. Why did it seem like I had an issue with the authorities? Was this Mrs. Eleanor's doing?

“Um… Is there any issue? What's going on?” I stood up, eyeing them warily.

“We're here concerning the murder of Emily Williams.” The man with the stern face said. “My name is George Barrett. I'm investigating her murder.”

“Uh…" I paused. “What does that have to do with me? I don't know who she is or anything.”

George Barrett raised a brow and scoffed. “You don't know the original owner of the heart your sister is currently getting?”