Chapter 21: Raised a Monster

Ben and Ruby recovered from their injuries, but Ben had lost full mobility in one of his arms and could no longer act as a Lee family guard. He was transferred to a new position that was safer, and although the Lee family did not specifically say it, he knew it was an attempt at compensation.

The men who opened fire at the park were all killed, no one knew who sent them and they had no clues as to who would be so bold. Ben thought about nearly losing his family and decided he would work hard in his new position overseeing the training of new guards. He knew where he had faltered, and because of this his requirements were strict. Very soon the Lee family had a small army of well-trained young men and women.

While all this was going on, people started to notice that Ian's attitude had significantly changed. He no longer behaved like a child and he no longer fussed about wanting to return to school. When he felt he was ready to learn how to use a gun, he insisted on being trained by Ellie's father. Ian was only eight years old when he made this decision, but his parents did not disagree. The boy needed to know how to defend himself in the future.

Ian worked hard at balancing schoolwork and his military training. He improved quickly and he gave his all into becoming a capable protector. Deep down in his heart, Ian had resolved to become a man as quickly as possible so he could protect his family. He made good on his promise.

It can be said that Ben Rowe played an important role in the status of the Lee Family. He and his wife were rewarded well and although they were both extremely busy, somehow, they always had time for one another.

----

As he stood facing the old women, Ian thought about his Nan's question regarding his 'guest' for a few seconds before answering.

"Actually, I haven't figured it out yet." Ruby understood. Ian looked at the warm woman's face and faked being upset.

"Nan, why are you still working? Shouldn't you be in bed?" Ruby smiled at Ian.

"Such a good boy, remembering his nanny. If I don't follow behind you and your sisters, what else is there for me to do? Leave this old woman alone and let her work in peace." Ian smiled. Twenty years later and he still enjoyed hearing Ruby refer to him as her child. Ian thought for a while, and his expression changed.

"Nan, I am sending you to Luna's house for a bit," he said. "I don't want you involved in this matter just yet. I need you to stay objective." Ruby nodded. She knew it must be serious if he were sending her away but, Ian just did not want his nan to think that she had raised a monster.

Ruby's position in the Lee family was a bit of a mystery. She was not considered help, but she controlled everything in and around Ian's home, and before that she controlled everything in the Lee family's main estate. The other staff knew that Ruby's husband oversaw the training of the Lee family guards. They also knew that she personally vetted any new helper coming into the home before allowing them to be a part of any Lee family branch. She was highly respected by all the Lee family members and it was clear she was no ordinary nanny. Ruby's standards were high and offending her was akin to offending the Lee family itself.

Ruby stopped being a nanny years ago and took on the position of the residence manager. When Ian moved into his own place, she followed behind him and took up the same role in his new home. Luna still lived with her parents, but Ruby visited the main estate often, mostly to ensure that Luna was being well taken care of. Everyone knew that Luna was a little jealous that her Nan had chosen to follow Ian, but that is the way their society worked. The first-born male child inherited everything.

Ruby knew both her girls felt that she favored Ian, but the girls were just more efficient and did not need her help. They did not know that Ruby was patiently waiting for Ellie to finish her studies and for Ben to officially hand his position over to someone younger. She knew it would take a few more years, but after, the two of them would leave the children behind and travel the world together.

----

It was late, but someone had come to the Lee family's main estate. Luna looked at her watch. Her parents were away on business and they were not scheduled to return for another few days. She heard the house keepers politely greet the person and her face lit up.

"Nan? Why are you here?" Ruby placed her hand over her chest and dejectedly said.

"I'll be going then." Luna dashed down the stairs and embraced the old woman.

"Nan don't be this way. I'm just surprised to see you." Ruby hugged Luna back.

"That brother of yours is up to something. He sent me to keep you company while he works."

Luna did not need Nan to explain her visit. She already knew. She feared for Mina, but she could not protect her. The girl had been in the wrong, and while she may have been kept in the dark about a lot of things, neither Luna nor Ian could take any chances. Luna cupped Nan's shoulders and smiled.

"Don't worry about brother. Come, come, come. Let me tell you about the project I am working on." Ruby followed Luna up the stairs with a smile.

----

Back at the mansion, Ian sat in his study and was staring at his laptop. There were cameras installed in Mina's room, so he could keep an eye on all her actions. The room that Mina was in, was located on the second floor at the very end of the hall. It could be hidden by a bookshelf, and it was completely soundproof. If anyone showed up looking for Mina unexpectedly, they would never find her.