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

some vegetables for her in the spring, or

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

Chris gave Sylvia

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

finished them,” Sylvia

you feeling

alright,” she said, grabbing a paper towel to wipe

a mountain of paper towels,

to stop her. "Still at it?

I feel? As long as he's happy, that's my job,

don't talk like that. Just give him some time, he'll figure things

whispered,

but with everything going

his words and tri

Sylvia. This will all

a sad laugh. “I knew you'd say that. Chris,

ever get the chance, will

called him "Dr. Chris" made it impossible for him to ignore the pain

he promised

you," she managed, her smile tinged with

minutes later, Rupert came in, now dressed in clean