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.

at the trowel in his hand, a rare, almost imperceptible smile tugging

vegetables for her in the spring, or she'll never let

do, boss," Orson replied, surprised to see Rupert so relaxed for

Chris gave Sylvia a quick

He glanced at the door to make sure they were alone, then lowered his

Sylvia

feeling now?" Chris

grabbing a

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

her. "Still at it?

a smile. "Does it really matter how I feel? As long as he's happy, that's my

back, trying to reassure her. "Sylvia, don't talk like that. Just give him some time, he'll figure

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

twisted, but with everything going on outside,

words and

"Hang in there, Sylvia. This will

laugh. “I knew you'd say that. Chris, I won't ask

Chris, as your patient-if you ever get the chance, will you

she called him "Dr. Chris" made it impossible

he

her smile tinged

few minutes later, Rupert came in, now dressed