IV. The Impact of Her

~ Twelve ~

I immediately looked at my page and said, "Let her in."

I folded the scroll as my page left my room. I fixed myself as I walked away from my chair. As soon as Nana entered the room, I smiled as I greeted, "Hello, Nana."

"My dear boy," Nana walked up to me with open arms. We shared a quick embrace as the door closed behind her.

"I hope I didn't disturb anything, Nana," I said as we pulled away.

"Of course not, dear one. I will always have time for you," Nana smiled as she caressed my face. "Now, what is it that you need?" she asked.

"I need to speak to Mallory. Do you know where she is?" I asked. I explained, "Most of the maids said they haven't seen her today."

Nana took a moment to think before she replied, "Perhaps, she was sent to the town market to buy some ingredients."

"What time will she return?" I asked another.

"That is something that I am not sure of. Is there something that you need from her?" Nana asked.

With a sigh, I carefully led her to the chair by my desk. The last thing that I would want to happen was for Nana to faint out of shock. I was well-aware that Nana wasn't absolutely fragile with matters such as this. But, I would like to avoid what could be avoided.

"I have something important to tell you," I said as I sat across from her, "And I hope you will be able to understand where I'm coming from."

Nana's brows furrowed. "You are acting strange, dear one. What is this all about? Has Mallory done something?"

"Yes," I sighed. My eyes didn't leave my intertwined fingers. With a heavy heart, I continued, "I believe that Mallory may be one of the people responsible... for an abduction." Slowly, I lifted my face to see Nana's reaction.

With a horrified expression on her face, Nana replied, "How can you think of her in such a way?? I understand that her recent actions were disturbing at times. But I don't believe that she will be able to commit a crime."

My heart broke as Nana Olsa defended Mallory with all of her being. She loved Mallory too much, she willingly blinded herself from any possible schemes that Mallory could do.

I gently held onto Nana's arms and said, "Nana, not once in my life did I wish to see Mallory in such a horrible light. I never wanted to accuse her of doing something horrendous. However, she is a possible suspect because of her strained relationship with Laura and I."

"Robert, Mallory grew up with you!" Nana screamed as she stood from her chair. "You two grew up like siblings! And all because of a woman that you just met, you are willing to accuse her of something unthinkable?!" Nana threw her hands up in the air, not out of anger but desperation.

After a deep breath, I answered, "Laura is not just someone that I met. She is the woman that I love."

"But you barely know her!" Nana protested even more. "You are willing to ignore and sacrifice Mallory just to rescue your woman?!"

"Just because I grew up with Mallory, that doesn't mean that I know everything about her, Nana. Do you think that just because you raised her, you know how she thinks?" I replied as I stood from my seat. I continued, "Not everything stays the same as they grow old, Nana. And Mallory is no exception to that."

Nana turned her head to avoid my stare. Her eyes were kept closed, the same way she remained silent.

I let out a sigh and added, "I don't expect for you to believe me, Nana. But if you really want what is best for her, help me find her so I can speak to her. If she is truly innocent then she shouldn't be afraid of anything, especially me."