Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 350

Hospital Room

When Sylvia woke up, Rupert was already gone. She took a moment to gather her strength, then got out of bed and poured herself a glass of water. Just as she took a sip, she noticed a shadow flickering outside the door.

"Who's there?" she called out.

The door creaked open a sliver, and Jayson's head peeked through.

"Quit messing around," his mom said, pulling Jayson out of the way as she

stepped into the room. "Miss, I really have to thank you for what you did. I brought

you something to eat-I hope you don't mind. It's nothing fancy."

"Are you kidding? Thank you so much! I'm starving," Sylvia replied, a little embarrassed but grateful.

Jayson's mom opened up a thermos and poured out a bowl of creamy oatmeal, then handed over a couple of homemade biscuits.

She carefully packed the rest of the food away, making sure not to waste a crumb.

Sylvia eyed the food, a little suspicious. "Mrs. Carter, did you...?"

"Jayson's dad is still in the ICU. We're just trying to make things stretch, you know?" Mrs. Carter's eyes turned red and watery.

Sylvia thought for a moment, then asked gently, "Jayson getting thrown in the river... it had something to do with his dad, didn't it?"

she'd been punched in the stomach. Tears welled up and spilled down

them! Messed everything up, and now they

Who are you

her lip. "It's just... never mind. Saying it won't change anything.

hand and started to leave. But just as they reached the door, Jayson turned and pressed his little

said solemnly. "To protect

looked at the tiny basket, barely bigger than her palm, and smiled. "Thank you,

they left, Sylvia couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that she

her eyes, the image of the two men tossing Jayson into the river flashed in her mind. She'd only caught

won?

familiar.

Sylvia sat bolt upright in

men who had followed her at

That morning, in the hotel restaurant, standing behind Rupert-one of

the mining business. Those two men... they must be

Sylvia threw on her jacket and left

a nurse for directions, she found the

voices echoing

suit was standing over Mrs.

hard way? Do you

sign the damn papers," the man

to help

want to give us five grand?