Barry Franklin loved his job. He was now the manager of a very popular hotel after a series of odd jobs. John Maxwell himself approached Barry and offered him a job at his hotel so when he was asked to do something, no matter how odd, he would do it without hesitation.

This was a simple task that came from one of John's trusted men. Keep the family out of Dana's room for about at least half an hour. So when Dana came running out, the clock started.

When she fainted, Barry convinced the family to take her to the sofa in the lobby because it was closest. When Danny came with him to check Dana's room, Barry needed to buy some more time. Using the bloody mystery as an excuse he said.

"Mr. Moore, I insist we wait for the authorities before we proceed into her room. It's standard procedure for us to have the place inspected in an event of a crime." Barry said.

Danny stopped. His hand was hovering on the doorknob.
He sighed before saying. "My daughter's cat was murdered and left in her room. I need to do something."

"This is doing something." Barry said. "We are following protocol."

"This is aimed at my daughter. This was meant to taunt her, scare her to her breaking point." Danny said, mostly to himself. He wanted to find out who would do something like this.

Barry was getting a little uneasy. It had been only 20min since Dana left her room, he needed more time. He pretended call security to buy some time before entering the room but Danny was too impatient. Who wouldn't be, when they find their daughter terrified?

"I think you should wait with your daughter, sir. We will search the room for the cat and report back." Barry said, slowly placing himself between Danny and the door.

"Where are your people? Does it take them so long to get here? It's an emergency!" Danny said, banging his hand on the wall in frustration.

"I'm sure it's nothing. Children tend to imagine things." Barry said nervously.

"She is not a child, Mr. Franklin." Danny said.

Finally Barry sent the text to get security to Dana's room. There were there in minutes. Swiping the card to open the door, they cautiously went in. Danny was held back by Barry.

Barry sighed mentally in relief when the team cleared the room.

"There is nothing unusual in this room sir." said one of the men. "Everything seems to be in order. No cat, no blood."

Danny dint say anything. He just stood there confused. This is not what Dana described.

"Sir, I'm afraid I have to tell you this. But yesterday I spotted your daughter outside the town pub. I did not want to judge to any conclusions but it seems she may have gone in." Barry said, this lie was also part of the plan by John's trusted man.

Danny stared at Barry in outrage. He was about to retort angrily but was cut off.

"I only say this because she woke up with the smelling salts. It only works for people who are drunk." Barry said, lowering his voice to show Danny , he did not want anyone else to know about this.

Danny's face fell blank. He remembered his strange behavior after having one drink at the hotel bar. This would explain Dana too.

But why would she do that? He wondered as he walked into her room. It was as he remembered when he first saw it. Nothing was out of the ordinary.

"We'll leave you to it then." Barry said, gesturing the other to leave too. Danny was alone now, worried about Dana.

Perhaps Alice could talk to Dana and find out what's wrong. He thought, Turing to leave when something caught his eye.

An envelope was lying in Dana's bed.

Danny picked it up, wondering if he should pry. But maybe this would help Dana, so he opened it and something slid out of the envelope along with a piece of paper.

It was a pregnancy test. It was positive.

Danny felt his heart drop. But he did not hesitate when he opened the letter.

Dear Aaron,

You are probably wondering what I am doing here in Lanchester. I am pregnant! And I brought the test to prove it.

This is not a trick to get you back. I know this job means a lot to you. But I thought you would want to know that you are going to become a father.

I don't know what I am going to do. I haven't even told my parents yet. I don't plan on telling them either. I would go to college and have the baby and then give it up for adoption because I know I can't do this alone.

If you want to be a part of this, nothing would make me happier. Just call me when you decide. You still have 8 months.

Love,
Dana

Danny re-read the letter twice. His daughter was going through so much and he was busy wallowing in self-pity. No wonder she went to a bar to drink. Did she even realize how dangerous it was for the baby?

Danny sank onto the bed and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

Outside the door Barry Franklin stood, watching. Everything went according to plan. The door next to Dana's room opened and the housekeeping staff left. Barry gave them a small nod and left in the opposite direction.

******

John was having a bad day. He spent all morning covering up his latest murder, which would have gone smoother if his wife hadn't interfered. His protégé was supposed to help him but he did not turn up all day.

He just sat down for dinner when the doorbell rang. It was his protégé, the man with the motorcycle. He walked in, helmet under his arm. He dint seem to realize that John was angry because he just sat at the table casually and began to help himself with dinner.

"Where have you been sweetie?" Johns wife asked.

"Out, been dealing with some stuff." He said evasively, taking big bites of chicken.

"Next time when I text you with an urgent request. I expect you to be here or call back." John said his voice low and angry.

"I'm sorry."

"Well it's too late now. I handled it." John said going back to his meal ignoring the enquiring look on the man's face.

"John-" his wife began but John cut her off.

"No Helen. I'm done talking about this." John said firmly.

******

Hello guy!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Secrets are coming out now. But there are so many more to go!

Vote. Comment. Follow.
<3<3