Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Lester shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "You've had a few drinks, so don't stand out here in the cold. Let me drive you home."

Sylvia smiled and shook her head. "That's sweet, but what about Reese?"

"She'll be fine—she's got Mr. Rupert with her," Lester said, nodding toward the parking lot.

Sylvia glanced over. Sure enough, Reese was waving goodbye, her arm hooked around Rupert's. Fay trailed along after them, looking a bit awkward.

Out of politeness, Sylvia lifted her hand in return. Just then, a chilly gust blew straight at her, making her sway on her feet.

Lester reached out and steadied her. "You alright?"

Sylvia shook her head with a little laugh. "I'm fine, really."

"Come on, don't play tough." Lester leaned in, his voice low and gentle. "My car's right over there."

She nodded, not arguing this time, letting him guide her away.

As they turned to leave, Sylvia could feel someone's eyes on her—a gaze sharp and unreadable, lingering like a shadow. She didn't look back. She just slipped into Lester's car and let the night close behind them.

***

On the other side of the lot, Reese tugged on Rupert's arm. "Mr. Rupert, it's freezing. Can we go?"

"Fay's car got towed, so she's catching a ride with us," Rupert said, his voice cool and distant.

Reese as he slid into the driver's seat. Fay followed nervously, her steps tentative, as if she were walking on thin

immediately. Reese was about to ask

turned to Rupert, giving a respectful nod. "Sir, the staff took care of it." Reese

who didn't understand their place.

get it, but Fay was shaking beside her, barely holding it

stopped, Fay muttered a hasty

home, she jabbed at her phone and called someone in a

would see Sylvia's true

cunning Sylvia is. Can you really stand to let

***

had insisted on pushing her

glanced at Lester

caught the look and raised an eyebrow.

nodded, a

to tag along with Reese to my family's house.

nothing more. Trust me, if I was really interested,

that awful blind date, Lester said

belongs to s

back. "It's hard to imagine a guy like you needing to

the girl didn't even

really want

chin on her hand, eyes full of

jerked his thumb toward Zion.