“I thought the Leafensteins protected their second–in–line enough that no one would have the gall to impersonate him, so I thought you were telling the truth! You should’ve said something sooner! Do you have any idea how much I’ve fucked up thanks to you?”
I looked at the captain intently. “Hey, I told you I’m the second–in–line, too. Why didn’t you believe me?”
In a hurry, the bodyguard clarified, “I mean, the secretary told me you were on the fifth floor, and I ran into this guy when I got there. He was injured, but he adamantly told me he was second–in–line, so I bought his story.”
He then lowered his voice, “And he wore brand–name goods. He was obviously rich, so I didn’t suspect anything, but I didn’t even notice any brand name on your clothes. I thought you got them from a thrift store, so I thought you were lying to me.”
I laughed mirthlessly. Yes, I had to play the act of a pauper to hide who I really was from Annabelle, but my clothes were not cheap. The best clothes were always custom–made, and they always had no logos on them. The bodyguard was just an ignorant soul.
Gregory sighed. “We’ve been too careful when it comes to you. The bodyguards have no idea what you even look like.”
He then turned his attention to the captives, the look on his face fierce. “I will make these bastards pay!”
Annabelle quickly grabbed my hand through the bars. “Horatio, tell your brother to spare us. I’m your girlfriend! You dated me for three years. I know you love me. We’re getting married. Tell him it’s a misunderstanding!‘
A sneer escaped my lips as I swung her arm away. “Oh no, we’re not getting married. The bride is different now. I’m marrying Wendy. I will teach your family a lesson, but I won’t hurt Wendy. Whether your family survives or perishes is up to her. You’re on your own now.”
Annabelle’s eyes were wide as saucepans. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Then, Gregory’s men came in and dragged them out. I had no interest in the ensuing gore, so I went down for tea. When I was done, the captives were nearly tortured out of their minds.
