CHAPTER 8

The footsteps got closer with every second that passed by so I turned away. I covered my nose and mouth to stifle my loud breathing. The person was near the door now. I could practically feel his presence behind me.

"Leave it. No one's there. Dispose of the body efficiently and clean up this mess."

Just as I was about to lose my mind the footsteps retreated. I let out the breath I held in and stood up to leave before George would really discover I was here.

I snuck out of the tunnels back the way I came and went back to my makeshift room.

When I got in, I immediately laid on my bed and curled up under the covers. What I had just witnessed was like a scene from a nightmare. I closed my eyes and the image of the woman screaming popped into my head. A shiver ran down my spine and my eyes flew open.

Thoughts clouded my mind. Was this how my mother disappeared? Alone in a stone room. No one to comfort her. I wiped away my tears.

I knew that George was up to no good based on his last conversion but this was beyond evil. I reluctantly turned over and got my evidence book. I scribbled what new proof I had and tried to go to sleep.

That night sleep evaded me as my dreams were no longer plagued by my dead mothers face but by Rose, the wailing woman.

•••••

I opened my eyes once I heard the birds singing, thankful that the terrible night was finally over.

During the time I didn't sleep, I devised a plan to help me get more concrete evidence about what George was really doing. I couldn't do much since I always snuck around the house, so having access to some places would be much better.

I got up from bed and went to have a shower before anyone else. I put on the maid uniform, wrapped my long hair in a tight bun and waited until the house came alive.

Soon after, I heard the clatter of pots and I headed down to the kitchen. The staff were like bees rushing to get things in order to make honey.

I spotted the head chef and went over to greet him.

"Good morning, Chef."

A bald man with a short ginger beard turned and looked at me.

"Who might you be?"

I squirmed under his scrutinizing gaze but I comported myself.

"I'm Mariam. The new staff hire. I got sent in today."

He stared at me for a minute more before he grunted and turned back to the pot on the cooker. He already seemed like he didn't like me.

"You don't look like much so don't mess anything up. I'll watch you for today then assign you to a department by the end of the day. For now, help Astrid set the table."

I nodded but still stood in place waiting for him to realize that I didn't know who Astrid was. Feeling my presence, he turned back.

"Are you deaf girl?"

I was right. He didn't like me. I tried my best not to glare at him because of the way he spoke to me.

"I don't know who that is sir."

He scratched his head and looked around. His eyes settled on a dark-skinned girl with a low hair-cut. I followed his gaze.

"Astrid!"

The girl's head whipped back so fast I thought she would break her neck. She confidently walked over to us and I gave her my best smile. She didn't even waste a look on me as she focused on the man before us.

"Astrid this is uh.. um"

I cut in and reminded him. It hurt a little that he forgot my name so quickly.

"Mariam sir."

He resumed.

"Yes Mariam. You are to teach and watch her for the day. Report back how well she fares by the end of the day."

Astrid bobbed her head and walked away. The chef faced me,

"Well go on then."

I nodded and spun around as I tried to find my interim teacher for the day. I saw her polishing the cutleries and I swiftly walked over to her. As I reached her, I heard her mumbling.

"Chef sticks the fucking newbie with me. What am I supposed to do with her? Ugh"

I faked a cough to get her attention. She turned around and faced me with a nonchalant look. I opened my mouth to speak but she beat me to it.

"Look I hope you are a fast learner because I will not slow down for you. I will not tolerate laziness and tardiness of any kind. Do you understand?"

Okay, so she was a tyrant. Since I wasn't even a maid yet, I swallowed my pride.

"Yes ma'am."

It took her an hour plus to explain everything I needed to do as a maid. It was a lot of information and I was only able to understand a few things but I made it work.

At the end of the day, I was hired as a night maid. I would serve the family dinner and also serve at any special event they held.

I was done for the day but as I started to leave the kitchen, a screech reached my ears.

"And where do you think you're going?"

It was Astrid. I gave her a slight scowl. She ran me ragged during the day just because I was new and now had the audacity to stop me from going to bed. She was definitely going to get a piece of my mind.

"Where do you think? I'm going to bed."

I turned to leave but she inserted herself in my path.

"No way. We're serving tonight remember. This is what you signed up for. Now go carry a tray of food. Dinner started."

I remembered why I was even here in the first place. I needed to get close to the family, George at least. I inwardly groaned and did as I was told.

I took a tray of food with instructions and went out to the dining table.

Some of the Carriers, George, Ernestine and Robert were seated down already. Genevieve was nowhere to be found. They spoke in hushed tones. As soon as I approached the table they stopped talking and looked in my direction with curious gazes.

I dropped the food on the table and started to walk away when Ernestine called me back.

"You. What's your name?"

I spun around and squared my shoulders. My voice didn't tremble as I replied.

"Mariam ma'am. Is anything the issue."

One of Ernestine's eyes twitched. She looked at George for a second and frowned . They shared a serious look before they focused on me again.

"No, not at all. You just reminded me of someone. Go on."

I turned and took my leave but not before I heard her speak to her husband.

"George, you're sleeping in the guest bedroom tonight."

I thought I heard George grunt in acceptance as I left the dining room.

I made more trips to the table carrying food and pouring drinks while the family stared at me as I worked. I knew I wanted to get into their good graces but now I reconsidered it.

As I was about to walk away once again, Ernestine called my fake name.

"Do you have any family? A mother perhaps."

I stilled. Why would she ask me of my mother. I didn't mention it or slip up so why. Then it hit me. Mariam was my mothers name.

I thought fast on my feet and gave her an explanation.

"No ma'am I don't. She died 10 years after I was born so only my dad took care of me now."

She nodded and waved me off.

"I hope to see more of you Mariam."

I bowed and left. Something about the way she spoke irked me. Something was wrong. I could feel it.