THE DRΔW - Bastille Dan Fanfic (Sequel)

Chapter 33 - Zachary!

Mara took a deep breath before entering the infirmary.

Since Dan had gone out Florence had managed to clean herself up and crawl back into bed. She was still sobbing and needed a hug from Dan but she had pushed him away.

Mara appeared and Florence shook her head. "No you're not alive; this is just some cruel trick someone's playing on me."

"I am Mara Heathcliff, I am your mother and I am sorry." Mara wanted to comfort her but Florence pushed her away.

"You left me. I hate you." Florence hissed.

"I had good reason to; if I didn't leave he'd kill you!" Mara insisted.

"He?" Florence asked through gritted teeth.

"Zach Erickson, he was an old colleague." Mara hesitated.

"A friend?"

Mara glanced at Florence and nodded. Florence realized her mother was getting nervous.

"You were three at the time; I was working in an office in a police station where Zach was a supervising officer. He heard about the agency and mentioned that they were recruiting. I wanted to get out of my office and the agency seemed like a good idea, so I trained for two years and I realized Zachary wasn't all that he seemed. Turns out he murdered one of the bosses and he found out that I knew. He tried to convince me to stick with him but I refused and threatened to tell if he didn't resign. You had turned six and one day when I came home from work, I expected to see your nanny because Peter was out but instead I see Zachary holding a gun to your head. I... I shot him and we cried together. I had to die in order to protect you. Heathcliff isn't a popular name with the Operative. Mr McFadden had joined the Operative and when he learnt your name was Heathcliff he decided to ruin your life. The fool deserved to die." Mara felt disgust at saying his name.

Tears flooded Florence’s eyes. Mara wanted to comfort her daughter.

"I'm sorry." Florence cried. Mara wrapped her arms around Florence.

"You shouldn't be, I got us into this mess."

Florence held her mother close. "It's been seventeen years." She pointed out.

Mara nodded. "I know, and I've watched you grow over the years, the wedding was great, and you looked amazing."

"I always imagined what you'd be like. I ... I'm speechless it is so surreal. Nick’s alive and so are you. Dad would..." Florence paused, "I'm sorry, I won't tell him."