The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 174

Tandy was the very definition of cautious. In his story, it was sheer serendipity that brought Elara to the Schnabel household. With so many children in the orphanage, why her?

He clenched his Jaw. “Pure coincidence.”

I’ve checked ail the kids that came out of Heartfelt Orphanage that year, and you just happened to pick the brightest and the smartest. Lucky, huh?”

Tandy’s gaze drifted. “Alright, that child was indeed handpicked. Someone said she was exceptional, and that she wouldn’t raise any suspicions at the Schnabels.”

Noella nodded, seemingly agreeing with the statement.

Elara and the Schnabel boys were alike–intelligent, attractive, and cultured. It was as if she was one of their own. Standing with them, no one questioned Elara’s place in the family.

“Whose child is she?”

Tandy hesitated, silent for a long moment. “She’s doing so well with the Schnabels, so why dig into her past?”

Elara indeed lived well in the Schnabel family, but she deserved to know her origins, to choose her own family!

Noella understood this dilemma all too well. Embracing a new family was tough, but the truth was Elara’s right.

“Just tell me whose child she is, that’s enough.”

Tandy sighed, a wry smile crossing his face. “If memory serves, she’s a Pollack.”

Noella and Palmer were stunned.

Elara, a Pollack?

Xavier frowned at Palmer. “Your cousins are way older than you, your uncle is single, so your dad had an affair?”

Palmer was quick to deny. “My parents were devoted to each other.”

“Really? You’re not with your dad all the time. He could have secrets, right?”

Facing Xavier’s skepticism, Palmer added, “Even if there was a possibility of an affair, there’s no way he’d have a child Elara’s age.”

During the time of Elara’s birth, Palmer’s mother had her own troubles. It was unlikely his father would betray her then.

spoke up faintly. “It’s Jacob Pollack, the second son.

uncle Jacob?” Palmer was shocked.

towards Elara was

what really happened with

I can only tell you

searching his face

1/2

11-44

slowly and deliberately, she asked, “What did you do when my grandmother

and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right

the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give me

grabbed a finely crafted flask from his

strong liquor went down Tandy’s throat, he coughed violently. After a moment,

composure.

wasn’t directly involved in that matter, but I can tell you, the former director of Tandy Hospital was the one who issued orders to me. I know Jittle about it; Harriet didn’t die, she

they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither the Schnabels nor the Pollacks would spare me!

his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to

heavens!”

sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and

Is he losing it? I can’t make heads

up a bottle from the

strong enough to muddle the senses

up. When he does, give him

opened the pendant, and handed it to

Are you really going to save him?”

Xavier with a hint of resignation. “He must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask? Can you find the former head of Tandy Hospital? At least

Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes it.”

got a bunch of knuckleheads outside

so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement was palpable, and Magee was all

time you get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m getting on in years; the joint’s

her gaze light as a feather. “I

face quickly morphed into an ingratiating grin. “Right, right! You’re spot on. I’ll just let you handle things for now. This place may not be pretty, but it’s got its uses! What do you reckon we should do with those jailbirds out there? Chum for sharks or feet in concrete?”

will clam

“I better go check