The Immigrant

Chapter 58| July 11- July 14 1804

The sound of footsteps downstairs jolted me from my sleep. My heart quickened as I remembered what today was. July 11 1804, Burr and Hamilton were going to meet face to face and settle a dispute of honor on the shoes of Weehawken, near the very same place where poor Philip was struck dead.
I silently got dressed and gazed out the window. It was still dark out as there was a faint glow on the horizon.
A feeling of dread ran through my veins as I waited ever so patiently for Burr to leave the house. I knew for Burr this was a day not only to settled political disputes, but to bring an end the cause of the public humiliation.
I thought sickly that shooting Hamilton would be a political suicide for Burr, but not even Burr could see past his greedy demands of his own selfishness.
I paced with a growing fear, not knowing what to do.
I heard the front door click as a rush of adrenaline coursed through me. Was I going to make the pitiful mistake again, letting Burr have his glory and strike another victim dead?
In a blind panic I stuffed Hamilton's letter into my pocket and it on my coat, running down the stairs and out the door into the streets. A heavy fog rolled into the bay as it casted an eerie atmosphere. My footsteps echoed off the sleeping houses as I made my way to the banks of the Hudson River.
I prayed that I wasn't too late and could persuade Burr to ignore his ill doings.
I arrived at the docks, but no one was there. I tried to calm myself as my heart pounded in my head. I bit my lip so hard it bled. Why was I so foolish! Why didn't I stop this mess before it even happened-I stopped as memories of Philip crowded my mind. I said the very same thing and with my carelessness Philip was shot and now laid dead.
I stared out onto the murky water as my mind as my mind flashed back to that dreadful day as we rode across the Hudson to meet Philip's terrible fate.
I was hopeless as now Alexander stood in the fate of Burr's pistol.
I closed my eyes as I turned around and walked back slowly. The fog soon lifted as more people filed into the streets going about their daily lives.
About two hours had past when I finally got back to the Burr's residence. Just before I walked up the stairs I heard urgent footsteps come up the street.
"Are you Ezio Auditore?" A man wearing a black coat and spectacles asked, his face flustered.
"Yes?" I said with a frown.
"Mr.Auditore, I've been asked by Gouverneur Morris to seek you immediately....Alexander Hamilton had been shot in a duel." The man rasped.

The last part didn't seem to register with me as my face grew pale and hands began to shake. All I could do was simply nod as I followed the man through the streets over to were Hamilton was brought after the duel.
As I entered the house I was greeted to sobs and soft murmuring from a separate room.
I staggered back as I saw the dismal sight in front of me. Eliza kneeled by Hamilton's side, murmuring prayers and comforting words to her pale husband next to her. Angelica stood besides her as tears fell freely as she had one hand place on her sisters shoulder.
Traumatic visions of Philip on his death bed flashed through my mind. My jaw clenched, I looked down at Hamilton's face. His face claimed a calm demeanor as he spoke quietly to his wife knelt besides him. A sense of tranquility and acceptance that he was struck by a fatal bullet. I tried to push away my tears as I looked hopelessly at the sign in front of me.
Hours passed as I paced the halls of Gouverneur Morris's household, a good friend of Hamilton. Stunned and shaken by the event I felt like a ghost trudging endlessly trying to escape from the chains that bind me to earth. Miraculously Hamilton kept breathing as the evening showed its face onto the City.
Dr.Hosack tended to Hamilton as Eliza and Angelica tried to cope with the tragic happening in the other room. I looked sadly at Eliza as she wept into his sisters arms, her heart shattering further as Hamilton was growing further from his life.
"What about my dear children...?" Eliza wept.
"How I would hate seeing them witness their father in such a poor state, then again it might be their last time seeing their loving father." Eliza said her voice faltering into a whisper.
I slowly approached the two distressed women.
"If you want Mrs.Hamilton to stay with your husband, I can retrieve the children and bring them over in the morning?" I offered softly.
Eliza looked up at me with teary eyes.
"Oh thank you Ezio...please do." Eliza said weekly.
I looked over at Angelica who gave me a teary smile.
"Please, stay strong, I'll be back in the morning." I whispered to Eliza taking her hands and giving them a gentle squeeze.
I peered into where Hamilton laid, giving him a quick prayer before heading out the door.
The sun was setting as the air felt humid and sticky. My hands still shook and thoughts numb as I made my way towards the Hamilton's estate.
I turned a corner as I bumped into someone. I looked up as my blood ran cold. Staring back at me was Aaron Burr, his jaw clenched and eyes red.
"Ezio I'm-" Burr shook but I cut him off.
" I am surprised, how could a man like you be so selfish to kill a man for your own personal needs." I said cooly.
Burr stepped back a bit staring at the ground.
"You better hide, every damn person in this city is looking for you." I hissed looking around.
I took a few steps past Burr as I turned around.
"If was a honor to be your apprentice sir." I said sadly before turning away for Burr, leaving him speechless.