My Bratty Wife
Chapter 88 - Eighty Eight

Chapter 88: Chapter Eighty Eight

Three days had passed since the tragic death of Viscountess Dinah. Ryan sat in his study, the weight of the world seemingly resting on his shoulders. The events of the past few days had taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally.

Thorne sat across from him, his face etched with concern. They had been poring over the details of the case, trying to piece together the puzzle.

"We need to look into the past," Ryan said, his voice filled with determination. "Specifically, twenty years ago."

Thorne nodded, his eyes focused. "Why that time frame?" he asked.

Ryan explained his theory. "If the Viscountess had been living in fear for so long, it’s possible that the events leading up to her death started twenty years ago, and that note said something about killing people involved in an incident Twenty years ago," he said. "We need to check any records, any incidents that might be related."

Thorne nodded in agreement. "I’ll start with the archives," he said, his voice filled with determination. "We need to find any information that could be relevant."

Ryan leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. He had a feeling that they were getting closer to the truth, but the path ahead was fraught with danger.

"I’ll leave for Count Edmund’s residence tomorrow," he said, his voice firm. "I need to bring the duchess back here. It’s time she comes home."

Thorne nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I’ll tell Davis to make the necessary arrangements," he said.

Ryan hoped that Thorne would find something, anything that could lead them to the killer. He knew that time was of the essence, and they had to move quickly.

As Thorne left the room to begin his investigation, Ryan was left alone with his thoughts. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a connection between the Viscountess’s death and every other death to the events of twenty years ago. It was a long shot, but it was the only lead they had.

He stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the scenery. The sun was about to set, the only sound the chirping of birds finding shelter for the night ahead. He felt a sense of isolation, a feeling that he was alone in his fight against evil.

But then he remembered Suzy, her courage and resilience in the face of adversity. She was a fighter, and she wouldn’t give up without a fight. And as long as she was by his side, he knew that he could face anything.

Just as Ryan was lost in thought, Davis entered the room, his presence breaking the silence. "The carriage is ready, Your Grace," he announced, his voice low.

Ryan nodded, his mind still on the task at hand. He needed to find out what had happened twenty years ago, to uncover the secrets that had led to the tragic deaths of all those innocent people.

"I’ll be down in a minute," he replied, his voice filled with determination.

His mind still racing. He had a lot to think about, but for now, he needed to focus on the task at hand. He pulled on his coat, his movements slow and deliberate. He took a moment to adjust his appearance, trying to look as composed as possible.

With a deep breath, he stepped out of the study and downstairs into the carriage. Davis took his seat across from him, the silence between them heavy with anticipation.

As the carriage began to move, Ryan leaned back against the cushions, closing his eyes. He tried to clear his mind, to focus on the task ahead. But his thoughts kept returning to Suzy.

He remembered the way she smiled, the dimples that appeared on her cheeks. It was a simple gesture, but it had a profound effect on him. She had a way of lighting up a room, of making everyone around her feel happy.

He missed her already, the emptiness in his heart a constant reminder of her absence. But another thought crossed his mind. He wondered how she was doing, if she was safe. He wanted to be there to protect her, to shield her from the darkness that surrounded them.

He opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the window. The landscape was awaking, the first signs of dusk beginning to appear on the horizon. It was the end of a new day, a night filled with hope and uncertainty.

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Knock, knock, knock.

Suzy replied to the knock with a simple "Enter." The door creaked open, revealing Noah standing in the doorway. His expression was serious, and Suzy knew immediately that he had something important to tell her.

"I found someone who knows the gardener," Noah began, his voice low. "His name is Mr. Hugh, but the place where he’s currently staying isn’t exactly suitable for a Duchess."

Suzy’s eyebrows raised in curiosity. "Where is he?" she asked, her voice firm.

Noah hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the answer. "It’s a... pleasure house," he finally admitted. " he owns and runs a pleasure house called ’ The Red Door. ’

Suzy’s eyes widened in surprise. A pleasure house was the last place she would expect to find someone connected to Cassandra’s past. "Prepare the carriage," she instructed, her voice steady.

Noah looked startled. "Your Grace, perhaps it would be wiser to send someone else-" he began.

Suzy cut him off, her voice resolute. "I’m going with you," she stated. "I’m not going alone,"

Noah looked surprised. "But, Your Grace..." he began, clearly hesitant.

Suzy cut him off. "I said I’m not going alone," she said, her voice firm. "You’re coming with me to protect me."

Noah opened his mouth to protest, but Suzy held up her hand. "It’s an order, Noah," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Understanding the determination in her eyes, he dropped to one knee. "I apologize for doubting your decision, I’ll do as you wish, Your Grace," he said, his voice filled with respect and concern.

Suzy dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Prepare the carriage," she instructed.

As soon as Noah left, Suzy called for Doris.

She turned to Doris, her eyes filled with determination. "I need you to dress me as a pleasure worker," she said, her voice low. " i need to look like one of them."

Doris’s eyes widened in shock. "Milady, what are you saying?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.

Suzy shushed her, placing a finger on her lips. "I need to blend in," she explained. "If I want to find out the truth, I need to look the part."

Doris hesitated, her mind racing. She knew that Suzy was capable of anything, but this was beyond anything she had ever imagined.

"But His Grace will kill me if he finds out. I don’t..." she said, her voice filled with concern.

Suzy interrupted her. "Forget about him for now," she said, her voice firm. "He’s not coming to pick us up anytime soon. He’s probably enjoying some peace and quiet without me around so there’s nothing to be worried about besides that Noah is coming with me."

Doris opened her mouth to protest but Suzy silenced her with a look. "Focus on the task at hand, Doris," she said, her voice firm.

Doris nodded, her face pale. She knew that Suzy was taking a huge risk, but she also knew that her determination was unwavering.

With trembling hands, Doris began to dress Suzy. She chose a revealing outfit, one that would help her blend in with the crowd at the pleasure house. It hugged her curves in ways she doesn’t approve off, showing little skin on her waist and back. Her Auburn hair was left loose, cascading down her back, and a veil was tied over her nose and mouth, concealing her identity.

As Doris finished her task, Suzy looked at herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her was a stranger, a persona she had created to delve deeper into the truth. She felt a pang of sadness, but she also felt a surge of adrenaline.

"I’m ready," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Doris nodded, her eyes filled with concern. "Be careful, Milady," she said, her voice trembling slightly. " I’m afraid those disgusting men will want to do all sort of things to you."

Suzy smiled, trying to reassure her. "I will be fine," she promised. "And I’ll be back as soon as I can."

With that, she turned and walked out of the room, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear as she joined Noah who was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in her appearance. He quickly averted his gaze, his face turning a shade of pink.

"Let’s go," Suzy said, her voice firm.

Noah nodded, his mind racing. He knew that this was a dangerous mission. If the duke finds out about this, his head is off but he was determined to protect the duchess at all costs.

They stepped outside, the cool night air hitting their faces. The carriage was waiting, the driver ready to take them to their destination.

As they climbed into the carriage, Suzy leaned back against the cushions, her mind focused on the task ahead. She knew that they were walking into a dangerous situation, but she was determined to find out the truth about Cassandra’s mother.