I shook my head. “Where are the prisoners? I want to interrogate them myself.”
”
Gregory drove me to the place that held our captives. I saw Annabelle, Zacharias, and the bodyguards‘ captain inside. They were all harried and worried.
Through the bars, Annabelle asked, “What’s going on, Horatio? brother’s right here!”
you snitch on us? Mr. Leafenstein would never have locked us up! His
I snickered. This was ridiculous. “I never knew you were such an idiot, Annabelle. I told you, I’m the second–in–line of the Leafensteins. My brother is a very busy man. He wouldn’t have come to the hospital if I were just a nobody to him. The fact that you three are locked up here should prove that I was telling the truth.
“Oh, and given what you told me, I’m sure you know how… ruthless my family
can be to those who hurt me.”
All the color drained from Annabelle’s face. She was as white as paper. She looked at Zacharias, trying to say something, but Zacharias was faster.
He went down on his knees and, through a trembling voice, pleaded, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I had no idea Horatio’s the real deal. I was a little carried away from all the drinking and wanted to show off to the ladies, so I…
“I know he’s cross, but I wish to beg for mercy! I’m sorry! I can suffer the same thing he suffered, but please, just spare me! Please!”
The bodyguards‘ captain looked at him with wide–eyed disbelief. With a shaking finger, he pointed at Zacharias. “You’re not the Leafensteins‘ second–in–line? Why didn’t you say so?”
