Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Ms. Ward, he never touches the pickles. Hand them over."

But before she could reach for the plate, Rupert Garcia snagged it first.

"Who says I don't like pickles?"

"..."

Sylvia Lloyd stared at Rupert in surprise as he dipped his fork in the tangy brine.

He was acting a little strange today.

But she shrugged it off, poking at a couple of pierogis on her plate just to be polite.

As soon as Ms. Ward finished her meal, Sylvia got up to help clear the table, hoping to nudge her toward the door. But after a brief lull, Ms. Ward's favorite pastime kicked back in-gossip.

"So, it's really over?" she asked, wiping down the table with a paper towel. "Yeah." Sylvia glanced unconsciously at Rupert and nodded.

Not that there was ever really anything to end, anyway.

Ms. Ward's eyes lit up with excitement. "Well, I'll set you up with someone!"

"What?"

Sylvia almost dropped her mug.

reassured him, "Mr. Rupert, as your aunt, I promise I'll thoroughly vet anyone I introduce to your niece. No way I'd let her end up with a bad

eyes narrowed as he looked at Sylvia, his tone chilly, "What do you say,

ran down Sylvia's spine. She shook her head quickly,

was easy to handle—just a little small

nodded, "Fair enough, you're still young. But just don't go

a smile. "Not going back... Oh! I

box and

embarrassed, "Thank

the plates and headed toward

if

moon He wants to commission a special piece of jewelry for her, so I recommended

card from her pocket and handed it to

"Thanks."

Turned out, Ms. Ward had given her a slip of paper with a

weird feeling of déjà vu washed

she could figure it out, a sudden presence loomed

back, pinning her to the

of irritation, Rupert pushed her tighter against the wood, holding

you have dinner with Warren

I eat with is none of your business, Uncle Rupert!

the end, echoing