Chapter 23. They Will Pay

DOVE

Clarisa was in her nightgown when I opened the door, and I collapsed on the floor, using the last of my strength. I forced my eyes open to stay awake, as I had suffered from a strange attack. Clarisa screamed in terror upon seeing me standing and bleeding, believing it to be a nightmare. She rushed outside and called out to others nearby for help.

The young woman quickly bandaged and tightened the wound to stop the bleeding, praying that it would no longer expel more blood. I was running out of strength; the stabbing had been clean and accurate—that man was skilled.

“What happened? Oh my God…” Clarisa was in shock, unable to comprehend the situation and why I had been attacked again.

“The cook…” I replied, trying to remain calm. “It was the cook.”

She was speechless; of course, I perfectly remembered his face, and I still had the letter in my hand. I handed it to Clarisa to read while we awaited help. Jacob arrived with a doctor in less time than I