The devil's Nanny

Today was, without a doubt, the worst day of my life. I sat there, watching James praise Chloey while I felt invisible—like I was nothing. “This is one of our best staff,” James announced, his voice dripping with pride. Chloey had only joined us a month ago, and already she was being promoted from probation. Meanwhile, I was still stuck on probation after six long months. I knew why. It was because of him—James, my team leader. He never let me join his team. I wasn’t good enough in his eyes. I was sure he was punishing me for turning him down weeks after I started. “We hope some other staff here can emulate Chloey Anderson,” James added, his eyes flicking briefly toward me. I couldn’t even bring myself to meet his gaze. Applause erupted as the head of the department pinned Chloey’s badge on her. That badge was my dream, the symbol of everything I wanted. But now, it belonged to her. And I wasn't sure I would be getting mine anytime soon. Chloey smiled politely before looking away. I couldn't tell whether it was guilt, pity, or simple discomfort. Either way, I looked away first. Then James started handing out assignments. I waited patiently, hoping maybe I’d get my first real task. “And to Elena Harrison, you are to cover the birthday party of Sam Remasson,” he said. What? A birthday party for a six-year-old? While others got the better assignments? “I’m not interested in covering children’s birthday parties,” I snapped. “These aren’t children,” James replied sharply. “They’re celebrities. Many would be interested.” “I’m an investigative journalist, James,” I said, my voice trembling but firm. “I know you don’t want me on your team, and that’s fine. But I went through years of school to write about real stories—not balloons and birthday cakes. I want real journalism.” “Then you’re free to resign, Miss Harrison, if you want real journalism,” he said coldly. I stood up and left the meeting without looking back. --- To my surprise, my head of department didn’t call me back. Maybe I was about to be questioned. Maybe everyone thought I was the villain. I had barely sat down in the cafeteria when Chloey ordered me out of my seat. She claimed it was a “staff only” area, and apparently, I wasn’t staff. I found another table at the far end of the cafeteria. A few moments later, Ella walked over with her tray "Elena... you're stress-eating again.” I almost choked. “I’m not,” I said, looking up. It was Ella—the only person I could call a friend. We have been friends since the first day we met She was the reason I was still here “You’re a heavy eater. Look how much weight you’ve gained,” she said gently. Maybe she was right. Marcus had said the same. But I couldn’t let this food go untouched. It was the only thing I could control. Maybe the only thing I was good at. “I’m not,” I repeated. Ella sighed. “I’m sorry for how James spoke to you earlier. Maybe I could talk to him?” “No, it’s fine. We’re cool,” I said, forcing a smile. We ate together for a while. Then the announcement came: “Ella, you are needed at the Head of Department’s office.” “I’ll be back,” I told her. --- I followed Ella to the office. “Next time, knock before coming in,” James snapped as I entered. I froze. What was he doing in Maria Keith’s office? I couldn’t help but wonder if it was what I feared. Maybe he had come to report me or something. Without saying another word, he left. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” I muttered, my eyes finally leaving the door. Maria didn't speak immediately. She simply studied me, her fingers resting on a thick file. "Close the door, Elena." Something in her voice made my pulse quicken. I obeyed. She waited until I sat down before sliding the file across the desk. "Open it.” I obeyed. Seven photographs spilled into view. Some scattered on the floor as I tried to grab them. Seven young women. Smiling. Different faces. Different lives. Was this our new employees? I glanced at her. "They all vanished within the last three months." "The police have nothing?" She said shaking her head. "Only one name keeps appearing." She paused. "Andre Moretti.” “What?” My breath caught. Andre Moretti. Even saying his name felt dangerous. Every newspaper in Kerb Town had written about him. Every rumor ended the same way—people disappeared. Everyone knew Andre Moretti, the ruthless mafia boss even the authorities feared. “Yes,” Maria said. "We've tried getting close to him before." "Every attempt has failed." "Some journalists backed out." "Others disappeared.” “ so what do we do?” I muttered. Adjusting her seat, Maria said, "He's hiring tomorrow." "I want you to apply.” “Why? It's risky,” I said. “This is the only way we can get closer to discovering the truth.” I glanced at the documents. “I think Chloey and James should do it. They’re the best staff,” I muttered. Not my words. But James kept praising himself. I guess this was the perfect time to show his expertise. I was comfortable in the background. Maria studied me for a long moment before folding her hands on the desk. "This assignment isn't for James," she said. My stomach tightened. "It's for you.” “What? No, I’m not doing it. I’m not ready to get myself killed.” I snapped. “Earlier today, you said you wanted real journalism,” Maria said softly. “This is it. Your chance to prove yourself, Elena.” “I’m fine. I don’t have anything to prove,” I said, but her words lingered. “What if Andre Moretti is responsible? What if more women disappear because no one stopped him? Could you live with that?” Her words hit me hard, reminding me of how my parents died. I had promised to avenge them—but not like this. What if I didn’t survive? “If you’re interested, the price is two million dollars,” she said. Two million dollars. That was huge. With that money, I could finally move on with my life and take care of my siblings.and maybe gain my batch.I just hoped I wasn’t making the wrong decision. “What about my safety? Is it guaranteed?” “I’m afraid not,” Maria said. “Andre Moretti’s estate is heavily secured. If you walk through his gates, you may never walk out.” I sat there, heart pounding, the weight of the decision crushing me. This was the moment that could change everything... or end it all.