Page 23 of When You're Forgotten

Marianne placed a strip of bandage carefully over the cut, securing it.“I think so.At least until you can get it checked properly.There.”She gave the gauze a final pat, her cheeks flushing slightly.“Apologies if I was too rough, I’m a bit out of practice.”

He offered a mild grin.“You’re doing fine.And I’m a big boy—some bruises and head wounds come with the territory.”

Amelia cleared her throat, speaking up.“Marianne, any idea who might want to break into James’s study?Do you know of someone with a motive to dig around in his business affairs?”

Marianne’s eyes flashed, frustration threading her voice.“It could be anyone, honestly.James had so many business pursuits—some legitimate, some riskier.I never knew all the details.Maybe they came to find documents or blackmail material.Or the combination to a safe.Who knows?”

Amelia leaned in.“So do you suspect they’re unrelated to his death, or do you think his demise is part of the same mess?”

With a heavy sigh, Marianne shrugged.“I truly can’t say.The children are here, so this is terrifying.”Her gaze turned inward.“I might send them away after all, somewhere safer.Their grandmother is in Devon.Maybe they should go back to stay with her.”

Finn, pressing a hand lightly to his newly bandaged scalp, nodded.“Yes, that might be wise, if you suspect more trouble is on the horizon.”

Marianne looked relieved to have someone second the idea.“Thank you.I can’t… I can’t let anything happen to them.”

She glanced at the half-open kitchen door as though expecting the masked intruder to crash in again.Amelia set a hand on the widow's shoulder."We'll keep an eye on things here.The local law enforcement should also be notified.Inspector Lloyd will want to know about the break-in, I'm sure.Maybe he can spare some patrol cars to keep a watch on the entrance to the estate."

Marianne gave a swift nod.“Yes, do let him know.Thomas Lloyd, right?Please make sure he investigates swiftly.”

Finn rose from his chair, testing his balance.“Marianne, you make a great nurse.The bandage feels secure.”

A faint traced her lips, and she looked oddly bashful.“You’re just saying that.I bet you’re a charmer with the ladies.”

He smirked softly, winced at a jolt of pain, then pointed playfully at Amelia.“Especially this one.Though she’s used to patching me up after I do something reckless.”

Amelia rolled her eyes in mock exasperation.“Too many close calls, that’s for sure.”

Marianne mustered a small laugh."I'll leave you two be."She paused, drawing a breath as if gathering courage."Thank you, for everything.I hope you can keep us safe."

Finn offered a grave nod.“We’ll do our best.We’ll find out who is doing this.”

Marianne turned and left, her footsteps echoing in the corridor.A moment later, Mrs Hughes reappeared briefly to collect the leftover medical items, and then retreated again, leaving Finn and Amelia alone.The quiet buzz of the refrigerator under the counter and the soft hiss of the stovetop pilot flame were the only sounds.

Amelia settled across from Finn, arms folded.“That was quite a chase you had.And from the look of your head, you nearly had it worse.”

Finn rubbed the side of his temple.“Whoever it was, they were agile.The short fight in the corridor proved that.They outran me handily.”

She raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes.“Maybe you should hit the gym more often.”

He made a mock-offended face.“It’s not about me losing shape, all right?That intruder was just… well-trained or something.”

Both of them chuckled, tension easing momentarily.Then Finn grew more serious.“Before I left the house, Judd Aspen whispered he needs to talk to me about Marianne.He specifically asked for it to be away from her presence.”

“Think he’s got something big to spill?”Amelia asked.“He seemed a bit secretive.”

“Probably,” Finn answered.“He’s known James forever, so maybe he’s suspicious about how James died or about Marianne’s involvement in something.I’ll find out soon enough.”

Amelia patted his hand, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.“Go talk to him alone.If it’s personal, he might hold back if I’m around.Meanwhile, I’ll be in the sitting room, cross-referencing the staff lists and the timeline from last night’s incident.”

Finn gave her a grateful look.“Thanks.I won’t be long.”

They parted ways, Amelia collecting her notes off the nearby counter as she slipped out.Finn let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair.The day had barely reached midday, and he’d already been assaulted.Something about the entire situation screamed deeper conspiracy—and Judd might hold a crucial piece.

*

Leaving the kitchen behind, Finn ventured into the maze of hallways that composed Brynmor Hall’s interior.The house, built over centuries, had mismatched wings and corridors that twisted unpredictably.Some were lined with medieval suits of armor, others with portraits of stern ancestors.Ornate rugs covered the wooden floors, muting his footsteps.

He kept an eye out for any staff or wandering family members, but the house felt strangely empty at this hour.The faint hum of conversation from some distant part of the manor wafted through the thick walls, but each corridor he passed was deserted.Sunlight filtering through high windows created patches of brightness on the floor, leaving the corners in half-shadow.

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