????ABIGAIL
INOCENCIO????
(The Murderer….)
By, Precious Pinky
Copyright ©️(Don’t copy this story if you don’t want to see madness!)
CHAPTER 79&80
••••
{ THE VIDEO }
“Oh, God. How could she be missing? For how long?”
“Since the moment she left this house. If she isn’t found, you will be the prime suspect in the kidnap, Abby.”
______
“I will be the prime suspect of Thelma’s kidnap? What?” Abby was lost in words to say.
“But don’t worry, I will do everything within my power to find Thelma or the kidnapper.”
“This is getting more serious than imagined, Emma. I am beginning to get scared. I don’t want to get dragged into all of these things.”
“You won’t. I promise you that.” Emma wrapped her arms around her friend and pulled her into her arms. “You trust me, right?”
Abby quickly nodded her head as a yes.
“Then be rest assured because I won’t let you pay for a crime you didn’t commit. Okay?”
“Okay. But I’m worried,” She said, pulling out of the warm embrace.
“Worried?”
“Yes. Do you think the murderer from the hospital is Thelma’s kidnapper?”
“Maybe. Nothing is impossible anymore.” Emma replied, using Robert’s exact words.
Abby began to panic. “What if Thelma is dead?”
“Hey, stop being negative. Thelma is fine wherever she is. Besides, if she is really dead, then her dead body would have been dumped and found somewhere.” Emma said.
“What if I become the killer’s next target?” She panicked even more, looking around as if someone was watching them from the dark. “That monster…”
Emma pinched her brows together, watching Abby closely.
“What monster?”
“The monster from my past, Emma. I told you about him, remember?”
“Yeah. What about him? Wait, don’t tell me you think he is the one doing all this.”
“What if it is him? Don’t forget he is only missing and not dead. What if he is trying to teach me a lesson by killing my patients.”
Emma thought over this, biting her lower lip.
‘She could be right. Abby’s patients were the victims, could it really be that monster?’ She thought to herself.
“You know what, let’s go to bed and have this conversation tomorrow morning.” Emma suggested.
“Hmm. Are you not going to have dinner first?”
“Nah… I’m not hungry.”
“Can I sleep in your room?” Abigail asked. “I don’t think I can sleep alone.”
“Sure. I even want to cuddle. Do you mind being a huge teddy bear for the night?”
“Of course, I don’t. Besides, I will also benefit from the cuddle.”
They chuckled.
“Let’s go to bed.”
They linked their arm together and went to Emma’s bedroom, retiring for the long night.
••••
“I heard you didn’t go to the hospital today.” Mr. Hart stated, leaning back to the doorframe.
“That’s right. And I didn’t know you had people who monitor my movement in the hospital.”
“What can I say? They will always be loyal to their ex-boss.” The man said. “Anyway, did you hear what Marshall did?”
Jersey nodded his head, taking off the black shirt he was wearing.
“Why didn’t you tell me anything?”
“It is not my story to tell, Father. Besides, I am not even surprised by what he did. He has always been a dog but nobody noticed it.”
“Were you aware of his affair before your sister found out?”
Jersey hesitated before nodding his head. “I was aware but I didn’t tell her. I couldn’t.”
“What? Why would you keep such a secret from everyone?”
“Because none of you would have believed me if I had told you all that Marshall was cheating, especially Felicia. We all know how much she loves her husband. She even fought me because of him. I didn’t want to get involved in her trouble so I kept quiet. I’m so glad that she has finally found out the truth about her cheating husband.”
“I am glad too.” Mr. Hart mumbled. “I am thinking of different ways to deal with him for cheating on my daughter and breaking her heart like it was a piece of worthless glass.”
“I could help you with the list.” They laughed. “So what is Felicia’s decision?”
“She wants to divorce him.”
Jersey’s eyes widened.
“You are kidding,”
His father chuckled, stuffing his hands inside his pants pocket.
“Your mother and I were likewise surprised when she told us what her plan was. Who would believe it that Felicia would choose to end her marriage with Marshall.”
“I still can’t believe it.”
“That reminds me, do you know who the other woman is?”
“She works in the hospital. Her name is Sandra Wendy.” He answered.
Mr. Hart furrowed his brows as he ransacked through his head, searching for the memory of any woman bearing that name.
“Oh, I remember her.” He said after a few moments of silence. “Fire her.”
“I will but not now.” Jersey said.
“Why not?”
“Dad, have you forgotten? There is a murderer among the doctors/nurses. I can’t fire anyone until the killer is found.”
“Yeah, that’s true. As soon as the killer is found… fire her.”
“I will.”
“Jersey,” Mr. Hart called in a calm tone and Jersey knows where this current conversation is heading to. “Your mother is worried about you.”
“No, please. I don’t want to have this conversation right now.” He said.
“So when do you want to have the conversation, hmm? You are making us worried, Jersey.”
“I’m sorry if that’s what I’m doing. But I need privacy in my life, Father. It’s not everything I tell you or Mother.”
“Alright then. Can you at least answer this question?”
“What is it?”
“Are you okay?”
Jersey snickered. “Of course, I am.”
Mr. Hart shrugged his shoulders, pushing himself from the doorframe.
“Well, if you say so.” He opened the door. “Goodnight, son.”
“Goodnight, Father.”
Jersey watched his father walk out of his bedroom and as soon as he was finally alone in his room. He let out a deep breath and collapsed on the bed.
••••
“What are you doing here, Robert?”
“As I’ve said before, I am here for business.” He drew out Minty’s phone from his pocket and handed it over to Richard. “Can you help me hack into this phone?”
Richard collected the phone and examined it.
“I can hack into anything, man. Have you forgotten who I am when it comes to technology?”
“Of course, I haven’t. That’s why I’m here.” Robert responded.
“Why aren’t you asking?” Richard asked as he dropped the phone on the table and took off the sweatshirt he was wearing.
“No reason.”
“We need to talk, Robert.”
“No, we don’t. We have absolutely nothing to talk about.” He said.
“Oh, really? Do I need to remind you that you ended our friendship when I introduced my fiancee to you?”
“Do I also need to remind you that you betrayed me?”
“I didn’t.”
“What do you call a guy who is in a relationship with his best buddy enemy for three or more years? Huh?”
Richard pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling deeply. “I love your sister, Robert. I know I did wrong in not telling you about our relationship beforehand but believe me, I didn’t say anything about us because I didn’t want to lose you.”
“You could have fallen in love with anybody, Richard. And trust me, I would have supported you with my full chest. But Her?” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
“You are never going to forgive her?”
“Never.”
“Didn’t Emma say anything to you?”
Robert glared at his ex-best friend. “Why would you take your fiancee to her house? What were you even thinking?”
“We were desperate, Robert. Tessa is like a shadow of herself because of your hate for her. She is consistently blaming herself. Can’t you let bygones be bygones?”
“Richard, are you going to help me hack into the phone or not?” Robert asked, ignoring Richard’s words.
“No.” Richard shook his head, handing back the phone to Robert. “If you can’t forgive your sister, my wife-to-be, then I don’t think I can help you.” He stated.
“Are you for real right now?”
“I am, Robert. You didn’t come here because you wanted t see whether I am still alive or dead. You came because you need my help. I can’t help you, man. I’m not sorry.”
Robert snatched the phone from his grasp and dashed out of the room, heading downstairs with a hard expression on his face.
“Robert,” Tessa called out but he ignored her.
Just as he was about to get to the front door, his phone chimed, signifying a new text message.
He groaned, pulling his phone out of his pocket to read the text.
EMMA: I WILL BE EXPECTING GOOD NEWS TOMORROW. DON’T DISAPPOINT ME. DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET YOUR FRIEND TO HACK INTO THAT PHONE. OKAY?
Another message came in from her again.
EMMA: YOU CAN USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO IRON THINGS OUT WITH THEM. IF GOD CAN FORGIVE US OUR SINS, WHY CAN’T WE FORGIVE THOSE THAT OFFEND US? I’M SURE YOUR PARENTS WOULDN’T WANT THIS FOR THEIR CHILDREN WHEREVER THEY ARE.
Another message popped in again.
EMMA: DO YOU LOVE YOUR SISTER? IF YES, WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK THEN? DON’T FORGET, ANGER COMES FIRST BEFORE REGRET. YOU WEREN’T ABLE TO SEE YOUR PARENTS BEFORE THEY DIED. DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE WITH YOUR SISTER. YOU AND YOUR SISTER DESERVE HAPPINESS AND YOU CAN ONLY BE HAPPY WHEN YOU ARE WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE????
Robert bites his lower lip, holding back the tears by the time he finished reading Emma’s text.
He was still lost in his emotions when he received another text from her.
EMMA: MAKE SURE RICHARD OPENS THAT PHONE OR ELSE, DON’T THINK ABOUT COMING TO WORK????. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY TONIGHT. GOODNIGHT, ROBBY????
Tears rolled down his face as he let out a light chuckle, sniffling.
He heard a quiet footstep from behind but didn’t turn around because he knows who it was.
“Robert…are you okay?” She asked in a soft voice.
“Why did you hurt me, Tessa?” He asked, hanging his head low.
He just called her name but not in anger like he usually does. Was this a sign of good news?
“I’m sorry,” She begged, crying. “I’m sorry for the pain I caused you. I’m sorry for failing as a sister to you. I’m sorry for everything, Robert. Please forgive me. I beg of you.” She pleaded, going to her knees.
“It’s been years, hasn’t it?”
She frantically nodded her head. “Ye…yes.”
He heaved out a deep breath and turned around to face her.
“It’s time I let go of the past and free myself of the pain. You are my sister, after all.” He approached her and knelt in front of her. “Tessa,” He reached out to hold her hand. “A wise girl asked me, If God can forgive my sins, who am I not to forgive you?”
“Robby…” She cried harder. “I’m sorry…”
He wrapped his arms around her and embraced her, stroking her back as she cried.
“I forgive you, my dear sister.” He mumbled, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
“You forgive me?”
He nodded. “Yes, I do.”
“Thank you so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I promise to make it up to you for the rest of my life, Robby. You won’t regret this decision you’ve made. I’m so sorry.” She sobbed, hugging him tight.
They stayed in each other’s arms for a few minutes before Robert pulled away and stared down at her hand that got burnt earlier ago.
“Does it hurt?” He asked, examining it closely.
She smiled, fresh tears streaming down her face, and shook her head.
“It doesn’t really hurt. I’m fine.”
“Always be careful, okay?” He said.
“Hey, I am your elder sister. I should be the one getting worried about you.” She sniffled.
“Come here,” He embraced her once again.
Richard arrived to see the scene of brother and sister, rekindling their love, bond, and affection for each other.
“This is amazing to watch.” He let out, grabbing the siblings’ attention.
“Join us,” Tessa said.
“Can I?” Richard asked Robert who threw a glare at him.
“No. I am still mad at you. How dare you date my sister without my permission?”
“I am in love, man.”
“F**k that love.”
They all laughed as Robert and Tessa stood up to their feet.
“I made dinner,” She said. “Who’s hungry?”
“I am.” The boys answered and she hurriedly left for the kitchen.
“What made you change your mind?” Richard asked in a whisper by the time they were left alone.
“Let’s say, I listened to the advice of a wise girl in my life.” He replied with a small smile on his face.
“Emma, right?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“When we finish having dinner, I’m going to hack into the phone. It will be my little appreciation to Emma for talking sense into you. I knew I could count on her.” Richard said.
••••
“Mummy, why are you still home by this time?” David asked.
“I took a day off from work. Why, you don’t want me to stay at home with you?” She responded, buttoning his school uniform for him.
“Really?” He grinned. “I can’t remember the last time you took a day off to stay with me.”
“Are you kidding me? I always stay at home every Saturday and Sunday.” She reminded him.
“No, you don’t. You spend most of your time with Marshall.” He said.
Sandra pressed her lips in a straight flat line, mentally scolding herself for choosing that pr*ck over her own son.
“I’m sorry. I will make it up to you, alright?”
“How will you make it up to me?” He asked.
“Well…” She helped him wear his white socks and black shoes before taking a step back while holding his schoolbag. “You will know my plans when you get back from school.”
“I’m super excited, Mummy!” He squealed.
“Yes, you are. Come on, let’s go and have breakfast so that I can drop you off at school.”
“Okay!”
Just as they were about to open the door, Margaret beat them to it.
“Good morning, Nanny Margaret.” David greeted.
“Good morning, my love.” Margaret placed a kiss on top of David’s head. “How was your night?”
“Super good. Mummy will be staying at home today to spend time with me. Can you imagine!?”
Margaret and Sandra chuckled.
“You must be excited.”
“I am. Mummy rarely stays at home with me. She is always working in the hospital or she is on a date with Marshall. Speaking of him,” He turned to face his mother. “Will he be joining us today?”
“No, baby. It is only you, me, and Margaret.” Sandra answered.
“Yes!” David fist-bumped the air and ran out of the room, descending the stairs.
“Be careful, David!” Sandra and Margaret said at the same time.
“Good morning, Margaret.” Sandra greeted, stepping out of her son’s room and shutting the door closed behind her.
“Good morning, dear. How do you feel this morning?”
“Light. In a good way.” She said. “I will be dropping my son off to school this morning and I will stop by the mall to get some groceries. Do you want anything?”
“No, thank you.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay then. Let’s go and have breakfast. I don’t want David to be late for school.”
“Wait,” Margaret stopped Sandra from going. “I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“Uhm…he dropped by yesterday.”
Sandra frowned. “Who? Marshall?”
“What? No. That bastard will never cross this house unless he wants to die.”
“Okay? So who are you talking about?”
“Him.”
Realization hit Sandra immediately.
“Did he see David?” She asked.
“Yes. And I think he is going to come by again today. Are you ready to see him?”
Sandra hesitated. “I don’t think I should keep running away from my fears. Life is too short. And besides, it’s high time David knows his father.”
••••
“Here,” Abby dropped a plate of pancakes with syrup in front of Emma and took another plate for herself.
“Thank you, baby!” Emma winked.
“Stupid. You are welcome.”
They ate silently until Abby asked,
“So, how is the investigation going? I’m sorry I’m not much of a help to you.”
“No, it’s okay. Being a detective is not an easy task, babe.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Anyway, we are getting closer to the truth.”
“How so?”
“We have Minty’s phone. Although we weren’t able to get access to her phone because of the passcode. However, there is someone that will help us hack into the phone. And I think there is something useful in Minty’s phone.”
“God, I hope there is. It’s time we catch this f**king murderer and put him/her behind bars.” Abby stated.
“I know, right?” Emma finished eating her food and was about to do the dishes when Abby stopped her.
“I will take care of the dishes.” She offered.
“No. You made the pancakes. I should at least do the dishes.”
“Emma, you need to go to work, right? Don’t worry I will do the dishes.”
“You are such a darling!” Emma pecked Abby on her cheek and rushed out of the house.
••••
Robert yawned loudly, peeling his eyes open.
Richard was still on his laptop, working on it, while Minty’s phone is plugged into his laptop.
“Good morning, man.” Robert greeted, sitting upright on the bed.
“Yeah…” Richard responded.
“Any news?”
“Not yet.”
“Did you sleep at all?”
“I couldn’t. Go and have something to eat. Tessa is already making breakfast. I will soon get this over with.”
“Okay. I will bring your breakfast to you.”
“Thanks, buddy.”
Robert left the room.
••••
“Good morning, Tess.” Robert yawned as he entered the kitchen and went straight to the fridge.
“Good morning, Roberto. How was your night?” She asked, cheerfully.
“Good. Yours?”
“For the first time in so many years, I had the best night ever.”
“Because of me?”
“Because of you.”
Robert smiled. “What are you making for breakfast?”
“Toast and bacon. Please tell me it is still your favorite.” She pouted.
“It still is.” He answered.
“Thank God.”
“I will eat the food upstairs with Richard. We are working on something.”
“Yeah, I know.”
Richard dashed into the kitchen, breathing heavily.
“Robert, you need to check this out.”
“What?” Robert and Tessa asked in sync.
“I finally hacked into the phone. And there is a video you need to watch. Come on!”
The three of them ran upstairs to Richard’s room to see what he was talking about.
Richard played the video he found on Minty’s phone.
In the video, Minty seems to be hiding in a corner while recording the video. On the closed door was the number 302. Tara’s ward.
There was nobody on the scene. But a few minutes later, a figure stepped out of the ward, dressed in all-black attire but there was something weird about the person’s dress.
The person turned towards the CCTV camera and then looked away and started walking down the hallway, heading towards the flight of stairs. Instead of the elevator.
Just as the person opened the door, the hoodie covering the head of the person fell off but that was where the video ended.
Robert ruffled his hair, balling his fist.
“We’ve found the killer.”
TBC.