Memory of the Heart

Chapter 23: The Culprit

Truthfully, Hamish actually wanted to believe Dalena.

He knew that the woman was pure-hearted and didn't seem to have any malicious intentions within her.

However, as much as he wanted to, the evidence is too strong. Hamish remembered Dalena's reactions earlier and couldn't help but feel a sense of pity. It seems like she really had nothing to do with it but he had no choice but to be firm.

But just to take consideration of what she has told them, Hamish and the guards reviewed the CCTV's and found that like what Dalena has said, during the time where the 'stealing' happened, Dalena was out in the gardens with the Young Master George.

How could there be two Dalena's at once? It was suspicious, no matter how you look at the situation.

"Sir, we have looked around every corner of the estate and have found this in the maids' room..." one of the guards said.

Hamish turned around and found that that the guard was holding a nanny's uniform, exactly the one that Dalena wears.

Confirming the suspicions he had in his heart, Hamish only raised his eyebrows and looked at the guards with a serious expression.

"Do a DNA test quickly with the stains on that and all the other staff in the estate. Also contact more people as we will review where each maid has gone during that time."

While the matter was still being investigated, Hamish had no power to keep Dalena free. He had to keep her in the dark for formality's sake and to not make the process he was doing to be suspicious to the other staff.

Hamish also did not want to report to the Duke because he believes that this is a trivial matter compared to the other things the Duke is arranging. He could sense that the Duke does treat Dalena a little differently, but to what extent?

Most importantly, right now, the Duke was in a business trip so informing him was really useless.

The Duke was one thing, and the other thing is with the Young Master George. The little boy couldn't see his nanny so he was worried.

Hamish poured up all his efforts to make a meticulous lie so the little boy would believe him.

"She's doing treatments so after that, Miss Angeles will be well and accompany you again." Hamish tried to say in a natural voice.

"Really, Hamish!? Dalena's going to be really okay soon?" Little George asked in joyful tone.

Hamish swallowed his saliva and nodded at the little boy, feeling guilty for the lie he just told. For him, it's better to tell the truth as telling lies requires a lot of effort. But for the Young Master, he was willing to do what he hated the most.

"Yeay! I'm so happy. I want to see Dalena soon!" Little George exclaimed, smiling widely and making Hamish feel even worse.

***

"Sir, the results are out... we have found the DNA matching with this person but she has an alibi, as the other maids said that she was cleaning the attic during that time." one of the guards informed Hamish.

"That's simple to verify. Re-check the CCTV's and we will have a clear answer without relying from what they've said." Hamish replied quickly.

"Understood, Sir."

For the next hours, the whole team worked together to do exactly just that. With Hamish's effective leading, they were able to piece all the evidences together.

Finally, the culprit was sent into the meeting room.

"Hi, Sir Hamish. Do you need more proof for that girl who stole the heritage? I am more than willing to provide more." the suspect said, unassuming.

Upon hearing her, Hamish couldn't help but feel irritated. As much as he disliked lying, he also disliked dishonest and venomous people the most. Although he had been working with the person in front of him for many years now, he only felt frustration for her.

"That's not what you're here for, Miss McLaren." Hamish said clearly.

However, Andrea only played it cool and smiled even more at Hamish.

"Then what for then?" she said in a cool tone.

Hamish's eyes set deeper on Andrea, as if he were intimidating her.

"You know why." he simply said.

Afterwards, Hamish ordered the guards to collect all the evidences including the CCTV videos and the DNA results from the nanny clothing.

There was a critical CCTV that Hamish and his team saw of Andrea walking towards the maids' room in the nanny uniform. She tried to hide the uniform but it was found by the guards by going through that area. Moreover, there was also a black wig found under her bed, closely resembling Dalena's hair.

'If she were creating a scheme to trap others, why couldn't she do it more intricately? Does she not know who I am after working with me for several years? I am meticulous and could find any little detail.' Hamish secretly thought as he observed Andrea's face while the evidences were laid in front of her.

"So what do you do now? Where is the heritage, Miss McLaren?" Hamish said in a mocking tone.

Instead of the jolly expression she had earlier, Andrea's face was sullen now. She even had the guts to glare at Hamish, probably hating on him for exposing her.

"Why did you have to go through all that? I already made a way so she can be fired from this estate because she's bringing so much trouble!" Andrea blurted out her true thoughts.

Although a bit surprised by the sudden change of her nature, Hamish still talked in a calm voice.

"What do you mean?"

Andrea rolled her eyes at Hamish.

"Can't you see? The Duke kind of likes her. He's being so nice to her and he's never been that way to other employees. Not even to you! Not even to me! It's only a matter of time before that gold-digging bitch manipulates the Duke. I am only protecting him and his reputation." Andrea scoffed.

Upon hearing that, Hamish  widened his eyes a little in amusement. Even he knows that it's him who is the close comrade of the Duke but he's never been that closely concerned with the Duke's personal affairs and reputation. How could a mere maid like her, with little interactions with the Duke be so affected?

'It seems like I need a deep investigation about this person.' Hamish thought.

Finally, Andrea just sat down and glared again at Hamish.

"Anyway, fine. But I'm not bringing the heritage back until I see the Duke. I believe that he will hear me out and understand my reasons. So bring the Duke back to see me and I'll talk." Andrea exclaimed in a haughty tone.