Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 492

Chris couldn't help but twitch at Orson's words, quickening his steps toward the voices coming from the backyard.

There, he saw Sylvia directing Rupert-who looked every bit the proper English gentleman in his crisp suit-while he dug holes and buried seeds in the garden. When Sylvia spotted Chris, she waved and grinned, "Dr. Chris, there you are!"

Rupert, still clutching a shovel, looked rather out of place with dirt smeared all over his dress pants, but it did nothing to diminish his usual air of authority.

His expression, however, was less than pleased. “Christine, put your phone away. If I catch you snapping a photo, you won't make it out of here alive."

Chris flashed a guilty smile and hurried to shove his phone back in his pocket.

Then he remembered Rupert's wound and piped up, "Hey, take it easy, alright? You know, your "

Rupert's glare was sharp enough to cut steel.

Chris quickly switched gears, "I mean, Ms. Lloyd only just got over that carbon monoxide poisoning yesterday. She shouldn't be overexerting herself."

Sylvia, oblivious to the tense exchange, brushed off her jeans. "I'm fine, really."

"Still, better safe than sorry. Why don't you both come inside and take a breather? I'll check you over, just in case."

He was mostly worried about Rupert-who was supposed to be recovering from a gunshot wound, not moonlighting as a gardener. Seriously, what next? Dying dramatically on a bed of roses?

"Alright, if you insist," Sylvia said, handing the gardening tools back to Rupert and following Chris toward the house.

hand, a rare, almost imperceptible smile tugging

spring, or she'll never let you hear the end of

Orson replied, surprised to see Rupert so

gave Sylvia a

at the door to make sure they were alone, then lowered his voice, "Are you still taking your

finished them,” Sylvia answered,

feeling now?"

grabbing a paper towel

relaxed a little-until he realized Sylvia had already gone through a mountain

at it? You seemed happy out there just

I feel? As long as

Chris shot back, trying to reassure her. "Sylvia, don't talk like that.

I feel like I'm dying," Sylvia whispered, her face

but with everything

his words and

in there, Sylvia. This will all be

you'd say

patient-if you ever

impossible for

he

she managed, her smile tinged

came in, now dressed