Chapter 321: Bad news [2]
Iris walked with Reece to meet the men from the court.
"You could go back and sit with Eloise while I-"
"No," Iris cut in, stopping Reece in his tracks. "They are my parents too, and I want to hear what’s happened. I’m already anxious enough, since Damien came back without a single answer, so just let me stand beside you and listen."
"Very well," Reece agreed, and secretly, some small part of him was glad for her company. "I’m certain it’s nothing serious."
"Our father was arrested for stealing from his own niece. I doubt very much they’ve come to speak of an early release. He may not be well, wherever he’s being kept, and as for our mother, she set our childhood home on fire. There isn’t much good news left to hope for," Iris said, forcing herself to stay realistic.
"I already spoke with our mother. She reached out to me, and I went to see her. I was going to tell you," Reece said, and Iris turned to him.
"I don’t believe you would have if the court hadn’t shown up here today. Why did it take you so long to mention it? I might not have wished to speak with her myself, but I wanted to know she was well. You owed me that much," said Iris, hurt by the secrecy.
"I truly was going to tell you. I didn’t want to spoil the day by bringing it up now, of all times. I would have gained nothing from keeping the fact that she’s well from you. But we can’t discuss this now," Reece said, spotting the men from the court approaching. "I’ll tell you everything that was said afterwards."
Iris forced herself to stay calm for the moment since there were more pressing matters ahead.
Errol’s gaze landed first on Iris, surprised at finding her present on the estate grounds. "Miss Iris. The town guards were searching for you after your mother reported you missing, and yet here you stand."
"I haven’t always been here, but I do apologise for not making it known that I was safe and well. I didn’t want my mother learning of my whereabouts at the time," Iris explained.
"Had you informed the court or the guards, we would have understood your position and kept your location private. I would have known exactly where to direct any news concerning your father," Errol said, still relieved that he’d finally located both children.
"It falls to me, unfortunately, to share that your father was wounded while in custody. He was seen by the prison doctors, but despite their best efforts, he hasn’t been improving. The court has granted the two of you the chance to see him since it may well be your last," Errol shared, trying to be gentle in his approach.
Iris could only stare at him while Reece stepped forward to press for answers.
"How was he wounded? Why is this the very first we’re hearing of it?" Reece demanded, frustrated.
"We sent notice to your family home, and I understand someone informed your mother of it, though she chose not to visit. It hasn’t been easy locating either of you, given how rarely anyone’s found at the house these days. Now, at least, I know to come here instead," said Errol.
Reece planted his hands on his hips. "You still haven’t answered how he was wounded."
"He was attacked while in custody, for reasons that remain unclear at present. Whoever’s responsible shall be dealt with once they’re found-"
"Found?" Reece’s voice cracked.
"Reece," Iris said, her voice surprisingly calm. "You must stop this. They’re being gracious enough to allow us to see him at all. My brother and I would very much like to see our father. When might that be arranged?"
"Tomorrow, at noon. I would take you sooner, but there are proper arrangements that must be seen to first-"
"And what if he dies before then?" Reece asked, his gaze sweeping over the three men before him.
"I don’t mean to be unkind, but you seem to forget your father remains a criminal in the eyes of the court. His offence may be minor compared to others held alongside him, but he is a criminal nonetheless. The court is extending you a privilege in allowing this visit. Do not give us cause to withdraw it," Errol warned.
"I apologise on my brother’s behalf. Some of this falls on us for not sharing our whereabouts. My brother will be leaving town shortly, but I shall remain here for the time being, so please, send any further notices to this address," Iris said, her composure starting to crack.
An ache had settled deep in her chest. She’d known that news like this was coming, but she hadn’t expected to hear it so soon, or for it to hurt quite this much.
"I’ll note that down. There is one more matter. I received word recently that a few men your father owed money to have chosen to forgive the debts. Your family will not have to repay any of it," Errol shared.
Iris and Reece exchanged a glance.
"I don’t understand. Only recently I was arranging with our mother to settle it, since she’d been hiding from several of them. And now they’ve simply decided to let it go?" Reece asked, confused.
"I intend to look further into why, so they can’t come after you again down the line, but that is what was communicated to the court. Since they’ve formally notified us, they cannot go back on their word now. Should anyone attempt to harass either of you regardless, please inform me directly," Errol instructed.
"Do forgive my manners," Errol added, realising he had not properly introduced himself. "I am Errol Knight. I was the one who oversaw the reading of the will."
Reece’s brow furrowed. "Then you were present when our father was arrested. Did he say anything like apologise for what he’d done? I need to know."
"He seemed apologetic enough, though I suspect only because he was caught. In my experience, men such as your father tend to do it all again if given the chance. If there’s more you require of me, I’d suggest visiting the court," said Errol.
"I have further questions about who exactly stabbed my father," Reece said, stepping forward again.
Iris caught his arm and held him back. "That will be all, for now. Thank you for sharing this with us, and for granting us the chance to see our father. Shall I see you to the door?"
"No need," Errol replied. He could tell, even at a glance, that Iris was barely holding herself together, and yet there she stood, holding her brother back. "Do have a good day," he said before leaving the pair.