A TRAIL OF THE CULPRIT

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

SARAH'S POV

After we got home, I explained things to aunt Kathy who was shocked and scared by what had happened.

She reassured Max everything was alright and made him fall asleep before telling me the life history of his father to me.

I can't believe he had to take on his father's legacy as the powerful mafia don in the whole of New Orleans.

He must have had a very rough childhood having to watch his father kill people just to protect his family.

"You can't blame Jay for the way he is today. It's as a result of how the mafia world works." She uttered and handed a cup of coffee to me as she joined me at the dining table.

"I know, aunt. I thought he was just being cold to me because he hates my guts."

"No, child. He doesn't hate you at all. In fact, the way he sees you is different from what you are thinking."

"I don't understand. How does he see me?"

"That I don't know but I have this feeling he doesn't hate you in any way."

"Alright. Umm... There's something that I've been really curious to know."

"What is it, dear? Tell me, I promise I won't hide anything from you."

"The other day at the hospital, you mentioned a woman's name called Amanda. Who is she and what happened to her?"

"Hmmm... It's actually a long story indeed. Where should I start from?" She uttered with a long sigh which seems like she doesn't really want to talk about it.

I guess the story about the woman is a sad one or she might be feeling I'm not in the right position to know.

"It's fine if talking about her is hurtful. I was just curious to know about her, that's all. Moreover, I'm not in the right position to ask such a question."

"Come on dear. You don't have to say such words. Her story is actually a painful memory for all of us. When she was still alive this mansion was so lively and filled with lots of laughter and happiness."

"I'm sorry for the loss. But what really happened to her? Did she die while giving birth to Max or does it have to do with something else?"

"Max was just six months old when she got murdered in a car accident on her way back home."

"Did you just say murdered?" I gasped.

"Yes, dear. She was murdered and my poor Jayden lost his self and control and kept blaming himself for her death."

"But why? Who could have done such a thing?"

"According to Jay, the accident was actually meant for him but death took Amanda instead."

"It must have been a painful experience for him and his son, growing up without his mother next to him."

"It really was and it still is. He hasn't been able to move on. Now, you understand why Max calls you mommy?"

"I really feel sad for the little boy. I thought his mother left him due to some other reasons."

"That wasn't the case, my child. However, Jay and I tried our best to fill in the place of his son's mother's place but we couldn't see the sadness he felt without her. He wanted to call someone his mother and you're the first lady he called that."

It must have been really hard for Me Russell to endure the pain of losing that woman and having to raise his son all alone without her. That tells why he was angry when his son addressed me as his mother in his presence.

"How about the person who caused the accident? Was he able to find the murder who planned the accident?"

"No, dear. The murder is still out there. The person did a perfect job at leaving no trace behind that's why Jay hasn't been able to find him. However, he has been working every single day to find a clue on the murder."

"That's so sad to hear. I hope the culprit gets caught this time around for good. He won't get away with what he did for sure."

"My Jay went through hell at that time. He lost himself and till this moment he is still broken from the inside. Amanda made a great change in him when she came into his life but losing her brought his demons back and made him more ruthless and cold like his father when killing his enemies."

That explains why I always have the feeling he's a good man. I just pray he finds his wife's murder and gets justice for her.

JAYDEN'S POV

We arrived back at the mansion and found the family doctor, Doctor Fredrick standing at the entrance of the mansion.

Doctor Fredrick has been my family doctor since I was young which tells how worried he must have been when he heard the news I was shot.

"How bad is the injury, Jayden? Let me have a look at it?" He asked, rushing towards me as I got down from the car.

"It's nothing serious, uncle." I replied, removing the soaked handkerchief from the wound.

"Let's get you inside first before having a look at the wound."

We got inside and found Sarah in the living room pacing around but when she saw me covered in blood, she gasped.

"What happened to you, sir?" She asked, with empathy in her voice.

It's so surprising to see her acting this caring and loving at the same time after how I treat her.

"Where is my son and how's he doing?"

"He's already asleep and feeling much better."

"You're losing a lot of blood, Jay. Have a seat, let me address the wound and take out the bullet." Uncle Fred, spoke out helping me to the sofa.

"Get me clean water in a bowl and a towel, dear." He added, instructing Sarah who replied and rushed off to the kitchen.

"You can go, Henry. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure, boss."

"Yes Henry. Go get Max's present ready."

"Alright boss." He bowed and left.

"Why did you have to get yourself hurt, Jay?"

"It was unexpected, uncle but I won't spare the person behind the attack."

"You need to be more careful, okay."

"Yeah, sure." I replied as Sarah returned with the water and the towel.

"That's good, dear. Now, help me in holding his hand while I remove the bullet." He said to her which made me give her a deadly glare that got her stop on her track.

"Uhmm... I'm actually not allowed to make contact with him." She explained.

"Jay, I need you to give her your approval. You're losing a lot of blood." He uttered and told her to hold on to me.

I felt a fast spark when she held my hands which felt like I've been touched by those hands before but where?

I'm really desperate to know the connection I had with my son's nanny. Everything about her is just filled with mystery.