Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Yeah." Rupert replied in a low, even tone.

After that, everyone except Sylvia exchanged greetings.

Finally, Naomi nudged Sylvia with her elbow and whispered, "Come on, at least say hi."

Sylvia shifted awkwardly. "But I don't even know him. How am I supposed to say hi?"

She'd kept her voice down, but the group wasn't standing far apart-everyone heard her loud and clear.

Across from her, Rupert's expression darkened.

Sylvia wished she could melt into the floor.

Lester leaned down and murmured quietly, "Just go by family titles."

"Okay.” Sylvia gave a look that said, 'Fine, you're the boss,' then turned to Rupert. "Uncle Rupert."

Her eyes were clear, cool-neither friendly nor hostile.

Her tone was polite, a little distant, with the kind of respect you'd give an elder at

a Thanksgiving dinner you barely knew.

Rupert's jaw tightened. "You just do whatever people tell you?"

Sylvia blinked, confused, and pointed at Lester. "He's not just people."

Rupert's eyes narrowed, cold as a Chicago winter.

Sylvia felt a chill crawl down her back and instinctively stepped a little closer to Lester.

She could have sworn she glimpsed a flash of self-mockery in Rupert's eyes, but maybe she'd imagined it.

Lester lifted his hand, shielding Sylvia almost protectively, and said with a calm firmness, "Mr. Rupert, Sylvia and I have some things to take care of. We'll be heading out."

Sylvia followed Lester as they left.

she felt something ghost over

twice about it, but

tossed her

corner, Sylvia glanced

and Rupert walking away in the opposite

glinted, the metal catching the light where their

called from inside the

replied, hurrying to join

the elevator doors closed, Rupert

Sylvia didn't see

is something wrong?" Reese asked, looking up at

"It's nothing. Let's go."

let go of her hand, his face unreadable

the first time how lonely his

reassure her. "He's just getting

Probably still a bit out

u know?" Content bithet

it,

silla

sense, then said her

the Garcia

of the car, but noticed Rupert wasn't

aren't

ton of

wedding. I'll

office. Don't wait up

verket

to

and get some rest."

up from his

Reese froze.

sounded caring, but there was no real