Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

He pressed a hand to his chest, grimacing. "I get the feeling Ms. Winslet's got it

out for Sylvia and her mom. You should probably keep your guard up."

It was the kind of comment that sounded like it said a lot, but actually said nothing.

This, at least, wasn't breaking his promise to Sylvia.

"Yeah."

Rupert lowered his gaze, staring at his cigarette with something left unsaid.

Chris caught on immediately, grinning as he stepped closer. "You sure you don't wanna get checked out at the ER?"

"Nope."

Chris snorted. "Serves you right, honestly."

He slung his med kit over his shoulder and strode out.

As the last ember of his cigarette dimmed, the room slipped into silence, and Rupert was left alone with his thoughts.

A few minutes later, Reese knocked gently and entered, carrying a fresh mug of tea.

"Dr. Chris already left?"

Rupert stubbed out his smoke and took the tea from her. "Yeah."

Reese's eyes flicked over his back, and her heart squeezed. She fidgeted with her fingers, trying to steady herself.

"Mr. Rupert, why'd you take those nine lashes for Sylvia?"

"She's Edwin's stepdaughter." Rupert's face was blank, as if taking a beating was just another Tuesday.

"Oh, I see."

Reese smiled, letting out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

She glanced at the clock. "Since we missed dinner at the Bluebird Bistro, I had

something simple. Come eat with

"Sure."

reached out, ready

on his jacket, dodging

bit her lip, but still

staff brought out

curiosity. "Is that...chicken pot

kitchen said Mr. Rupert stocked up on them and never touched them, so they figured tonight was

it, thanks. You all can take

nodded and

stared at the chicken pot pie in front of him and didn't make

actually really good," Reese said, after

suddenly looking across the table as if he'd seen

remembered someone

two helpings

pot pie

the dish

sometimes

Sometimes even guarding with

a dog with a

s

Reese and let out

man could smile and look this good doing

But...what was so funny?

wiped her mouth. "Am I eating like

vanished

features

He glanced

then stood. "I've

Make sure you take your meds and get

SWI

you really have to go out now?"

"I'll be back."

was distant,

go, her

...