The Guardian

Chapter Thirteen

"Did you know that Bridgette Kolshan recently had a huge inheritance stored in the bank?" Sophia raise an eyebrow and smiles at me from the couch, where she's eating some breakfast. She'd turned up 15 minutes ago in a short silk robe and an even shorter nightgown, with a breakfast trolley being pushed behind her.

She had walked in before I could stop her and so we both sat on the couch, the trolley in front of us. We were both in silk robes and our hair was messy.

"No, I didn't," I pop a grape in my mouth after I speak and shake my head.

"Well, everyone's talking about it and wondering where the money came from," Sophia shrugs and take a bite of an apple slice.

"Actually, I would like to know where it came from," I nod suddenly and eat another grape. "I think we should visit the bank and steal her file."

"Are you kidding Adelaide?" Sophia raises her eyebrows in shock and leans forward a little. 

"No, and I know exactly how to do it," I shrug and smile.

We finish eating a moment later and Sophia disappears to get ready. Phillips arrives once she's gone and helps me into an incredibly low-cut, sapphire gown with silver trims around the edges. the sleeves were tight to my elbows, then loose for a little longer. The skirt was huge and billowing and I wore heeled boots underneath, with daggers strapped inside each. My hair was quickly and loosely pinned up at the back of my head. I tied on my own pearls and met Sophia in the entrance hall a moment later.

She was wearing an outfit similar to mine, except her dress was pale pink. We both stepped out into the sunlight and walked to the carriage that had been arranged for us. The driver helped us in and then shut the door behind us. 

We didn't speak as we drove over the cobbled road. It took only a few minutes to reach the bank and we were helped out once we stopped moving. I stared up at the huge sand-coloured brick building and walked up to the door with Sophia. 

Once inside, we approached the nearest clerk and his eyes widened at our low necklines and we both beamed brightly at him. His voice was chipper when he spoke, once we stopped in front of his desk. "What can I do for you lovely ladies?"

Sophia lets out a little giggle and I do the same, then she smiles widely at him. "Well, my name is Sophia Hamlin and I would like to review my bank statement if that's alright?"

"Of course, of course," the man stands up and gestures for us to follow him down a small corridor and into a small office, where he holds the door and we walk inside. He quickly follows behind and walks over to a filing cabinet. "Lady Sophia Hamlin?"

"Yes, that was it," she smiles as we both take a seat, side by side in front of a desk. He pulls a file out of the filing cabinet and places it on the table in front of us.

"There you are, my dear," he smiles widely at her and then at me.

"Would I be able to have some privacy to examine the document, Sir?" Sophia raises an eyebrow and I give him a sweet smile.

"Oh, of course, I'll return in a few minutes," he smiles widely and walks out of the room, closing the door behind him.

As soon as I hear it click, I walk over to the filing cabinet, bending down to the bottom shelf, with a small K scribed in the corner. I pull it open and quickly find the folder marked Bridgette Kolshan. I take the file and walk it back open to the table, placing it on the surface.

The most recent document is sitting on top and its a transfer into her account. I find the total number stated down the bottom.

$12,000.

And the account it was transferred from makes Sophia and I both gasp as my finger rests by it.

Isodore Hamlin.

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Sitting back in the comfort of my room, Sophia lounges on the couch while I pull off my dress in the wardrobe. 

"Is he whoring her and paying her off to keep quiet? What on earth is he paying her for?" Sophia's voice is raised and I shrug. "She's not even pretty."

I give a small laugh. "I don't think he would be, I know he's horrid, but she is only 15."

I undo my corset a little, but leave it on under my embroidered, leaf green tunic. It comes in at the waist and the wrists, but is loose everywhere else, as are my black pants. I pull on short brown boots and pull the pins out of my hair, then braid it before walking out. I find Sophia frowning at the ground.

"I suppose, but I can't imagine why, maybe I'll ask him," Sophia speaks and turns to face me, and I freeze.

"No, no, no, Sophia promise me that you will not say anything to Isodore about this, promise me," my voice is urgent as I speak, sitting down on the couch next to her.

"Alright, I'm not going to ask why," she nods slowly and I smile.

"That would be best," I purse my lips and lean my back against the arm of the couch, pulling my feet up in front of me.

"Okay, I have to go now anyway," she gives me a small smile and stands walking for the door without another word. 

"Alright," I nod and look at my empty fireplace before getting up and walking out of my door, finding my way from memory.

I raise my hand and knock lightly, then stepping back and waiting. A moment later he opens the door, no armor or shoes on, just black pants and a loose white tunic. His hair is half-dry and scruffy. I smile up at him a little shyly.

"Adelaide," he smiles at me.

"Damian, sorry to randomly appear," I nod a little and smile.

"No, no, it's fine, come in," he steps aside and holds the door for me as I step past into the room beyond.

"Thanks," I smile and look around his room.

It's lain out like mine, just a colour scheme of dark brown and mossy green, with armor and weapons around the room. I turn to face him.

"So, what can I do for you?" He smiles a little and shuts the door.

"I was bored, and Sophia and I found a paper trail that Isodore payed Bridgette Koshlan a lot of money recently," I nod a little and cross my arms.

"Oh, fair enough, why?" He crosses his arms, mimicking my pose and I shrug.

"Work it out," I give a small laugh and raise an eyebrow.

"He's probably sponsoring her so he can have her all rich and dolled-up later," Damian shakes his head in disgust and I shrug.

"Probably," I nod and lean on the back of his couch, and then he comes and leans next to me.

"Should we say something to him?" He turns to look at me, running a hand through his already-messy hair.

"Definitely not, promise me that you won't," I shake my head, my eyes widening.

"Alright, alright, I promise," he gives a small laugh and shakes his head slightly.

I just smile in response.