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.

into the driver's seat. Fay followed nervously, her steps

was about to ask why when Orson, Rupert's

a respectful nod. "Sir, the staff

expression didn't change. "Someone who didn't understand their

was shaking beside her, barely holding it

the car stopped, Fay

jabbed at her phone and called someone in

would see Sylvia's true

proves how cunning Sylvia is. Can

***

had happened. Fay had insisted on pushing her and Rupert together,

at Lester beside her,

eyebrow. "You want to know about

nodded, a

along with Reese

I was really interested, I wouldn't

blind date, Lester said with a lopsided

belongs to s

hard to imagine a guy like you needing to

girl didn't even

smirked. "You really want to

secret?" Sylvia propped her chin on her hand, eyes full

thumb toward Zion. "Ask