Chapter 285
Hannah Morse had just arrived at the train station. She was Oscar Morse’s one and only sister. Their family were farmers, and they didn’t come with her
this time
It took me a good half hour to get to the station from Barbara’s place. When I saw Hannah, I was taken aback. She was the spitting image of Oscar, only softer and more feminine
Hannah was a lot older than Oscar, she was even older than me. Her face was a portrait of sorrow, and her eyes seemed to be swollen from crying on
the trip.
“Hi, I’m Irene Finch. I’m a friend of Oscars. I had Barbara take Hannahs luggage and then I introduced myself to her.
“Ms. Finch, nice to meet you. This is my first time here. I don’t know anything about this place, so I’m hoping you can help me out.” Hannah said as she looked at me with sad eyes.
“No problem. If you’re Oscar’s sister, you’re my sister too I felt heavyhearted and a bit guilty because I felt that I was indirectly responsible for Oscar’s death.
Hannah nodded. Thank you. Oscar was lucky to have a friend like you.”
Hearing that made me feel worse, and the guilt grew stronger. But I couldn’t say anything. I just tried to put on a brave face. Let’s get going then. I’ll take you to my place first. You can crash at my place for a few days. Once you’re settled, we can go visit Oscar.”
Hannah’s eyes welled up again. She wiped at the corner of her eve. “Okay”
Barbara took me and Hannah back to Sterling Estates. I was originally thinking of having Hannah stay at my apartment, but I was worried that she might need me for something or might want to chat, so in the end, I decided to let her stay at Sterling Estates.
To my surprise, Neil was home. He was sitting by the window, sipping coffee, and flipping through a book. When he saw me come in with Hannah, he frowned, “Who’s she?”
“Oscar’s sister. She might be staying here for a few days. I gave Hannah a pair of slippers. She glanced at Neil, looking a bit uncomfortable.
I tried to reassure her, “Don’t mind him. He’s my ex-husband. Oscar knew him?
Hearing that, Hannah finally bent down to change her shoes.
I had the maid get the guest room ready, then asked Hannah, “Have you had lunch 7”
Tve eaten Hannah looked worried about being a bother, I came here to take care of Oscar’s affairs. My mom my mom got sick from grief, so my dad. had to take care of her, I was the only one who could come.”
“My condolences,” I said as my eyes stung, “Oscar was a good guy. No one saw this coming. If you or your family need anything, just say the word.” Thank you, Ms. Finch. I heard from Oscar that you were good to him and treated him like a little brother. If he were still here, maybe we could have met under happier circumstances, but… Hannah started crying again.
I patted her on the shoulder, trying to comfort her, but I didn’t tell her about the suspicious circumstances of Oscar’s death. I didn’t want to add any more stress to the Morse family because they couldn’t do anything about it.
I’d have to figure it out on my own and use Neil’s influence to find out the truth.
Neil watched us coldly, there was not a hint of sympathy in his eyes.
He never showed any mercy to people or things that had nothing to do with him.
Hannah spoke softly to Neil, “Sorry to interrupt.”
Hannah picked up on Neil’s coldness, and her awkwardness became more apparent.
“Hmm.” Neil responded simply, then continued drinking his coffee.
Seeing him like this, I regretted not having Hannah stay at my apartment,
It was already afternoon. I told Hannah to rest up first, and we could go to the funeral home tomorrow morning
But she wouldn’t have it. She wiped away her tears, “Ms. Finch, please take me there now. My dad told me not to let him lie alone in the funeral home.”
I choked up, not knowing what to say In the end, all I could do was nod, “Okay. Put your luggage away, and we’ll head over.”
Hannah put her luggage away with the help of the maid, then followed me out the door again,
Tll go with you” Suddenly, Neil followed, his voice low
What for was surprised
“To take a look” Neil answered calmly, then got into the passenger seat.
Bailey looked at him, confused
I didn’t know why Neil would do this, but if he wanted to go, I couldn’t stop hirm,
I sat in the back with Hannah, and the car headed towards a funeral home in Rosemant
“Ms. Finch, did my brother piss off anyone?” On the way, Hannah asked me quietly.
I don’t think so.” I answered hesitantly
Hannah covered her face in sorrow, “I just feel like his death was too sudden. He treasured life. How could something like this happen?
I didn’t know what to say, so I just watched her silently
Chapter 283
Neil was hstening to our conversation When I said Oscar didn’t piss off anyone, he glanced back at me; his eyes seemed to have a deeper meaning.
I just didn’t want Oscar’s family to get pulled into this mess.
When we got to the funeral home, Hannah saw Oscars body. She cried her heart out, almost unable to stand.
I couldn’t help but shed tears too.
Neil held me I buried my head in his chest and wiped my tears. At times like this, I wouldn’t normally reject him.
“He can’t come back. You need to control your sorrow” He held me as he spoke to Hannah.
“I know “Hannah sobbed
After she said her last goodbyes to her brother, the funeral home proceeded to cremate Oscar’s body, but we wouldn’t be able to collect his ashes until a couple of days later
On the way back, the atmosphere in the car was heavy. I barely said a word, and Hannah was the same.
When we got back to Sterling Estates, dinner was all set. I got Hannah to sit down and grab a bite, then told her to head upstairs for a bath and some
rest
Ms. Finch, thank you” Hannah mumbled while her head was down.
“No sweat, seriously I genuinely wanted to help her out, given that she was Oscar’s sister.
Hannah quietly went upstairs. I stayed put in the living room as the little dog padded over to my feet. I picked it up and cradled it, stroking it gently while 1 was lost in thought.
Neil plonked down next to me, “When’s she leaving?”
“Huh?” I snapped back to reality
I’m asking, when is Oscar’s sister leaving?” Neil repeated, looking a bit cranky
I replied a tad impatiently. “I dont know. She can stay as long as she wants. You’re not thinking of booting her out, are you?”
Neil shot back in an icy tone, “What else? If you’re at the office sometimes and I’m home, you’d really want me to be alone with her?”
I was taken aback by Neil’s sudden prudishness; even the thought of being alone with Hannah was a no-no. But when he went to see Kitty last night, where was this sense of propriety then?
