The Devil's Daughter by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 19

The early twenties saw the end of World War One and the finishing touches on the creation of the industrial revolution. The development of America's infrastructure was well underway, paid for by the country's financial giants. Not only did they lead the way into what would later become the technological capital of the world, but eventually, they would come to own half the nations' economic resources and hold the government in the palm of their hand. The Carnegies, the Rothschilds, the Rockefellers, and others who fell into the supremely wealthy, would always have a stranglehold on the common man, one way or another. But they did not keep their wealth strictly to themselves. Each produced large families, shielded from the reality of poverty, spoiled by riches, their souls soiled by arrogance and entitlement.

In 1920, Bradley, an heir to the Rockefeller empire, married his childhood sweetheart, Janet. A year later, Janet became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy daughter. Keeping with tradition, the baby was named after her grandmother, Emily and was destined for a life of leisure and wealth. She would have the best of everything and would want for nothing. From the moment of her birth, the girl's future was carved in stone and would someday be a god -- another industrial giant, molding the world with nothing more than the stroke of a pen. At least, that was the plan.

Up until her conception, her parents traveled the world, seeing wonders many would never witness. But like their wealthy counterparts, they wanted more, and money was no object. One day, while in Paris, Janet considering more rustic places to visit, suggested they visit eastern Europe. By this time, their daughter was eight months old and babbling non-stop. But, having a new child did not stop them, and they considered their travels to be part of their child's education. Someday, she might remember or her parents might reflect back, telling her of the places she had been while on their trek around the world.

Janet, being quite the romantic, decided that their first stop would be Romania. She had read works of fiction, highlighting such dark things as vampires, werewolves and haunted castles. Studying its history, she became infatuated with Romania's courageous men at arms, charging into glorious battles, leaving their wives behind, pining for their safe return. Wealth had left her sheltered from the world and with no need nor desire to see it for the cold, unforgiving place it truly is, Janet had become immersed in the illusion of a romantic life. But as anyone knows, the world can often be devoid of such notions and treats the individual with little, if any, regard.