Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

She noticed one of his eyes was all red and immediately started rummaging

through her bag. "Let me put some drops in for you."

"You'll help me?" Lester asked, his voice light.

"Of course."

Sylvia nodded without a second thought, not catching the little smile that flickered across Lester's face.

He sat right down next to her, waiting expectantly.

Sylvia popped open the spray bottle, and a sharp medicinal smell blasted out, making both of them cough. The stench just wouldn't quit.

Sylvia covered her nose and mouth. "Let me open a window before we both pass out."

She hurried across the room, cranked open the window, and breathed in some much-needed fresh air. Only then did the smell start to fade.

She glanced at the bottle-some herbal extract for redness and swelling. The scent was... complicated.

Sylvia quickly screwed the cap back on, took a deep breath by the open window, and turned to find Lester standing right beside her.

They shared a quick, knowing smile.

"Sorry, I didn't even read the warning label," she said, a little sheepishly.

"Do you always have to be so polite with me?" Lester teased.

Sylvia suddenly realized just how close they were standing. She fumbled for words, not sure what to do with her hands.

Before she could come up with something, Lester said, "I'm staying here tonight."

Sylvia stared

she said is true, she's already been targeted. If someone really means harm, how are you

point, but she

Lester stepped even closer,

I just can't leave

reached up, fingers

froze, her hands

She didn't dislike Lester.

him felt easy,

Maybe...

At the very last second, she started to raise her hand-to stop him, maybe-but before she could, the overhead

Lester instinctively

"Don't worry," he whispered.

trip?" Sylvia

"Where's the main breaker?"

know where it

for the door, but Lester caught

his voice. "Wait. Call Ms. Ward. Tell her not to open her

immediately understood what

shut off the power from

hurried to call Ms. Ward, who

step out

please don't open

Ward caught on fast. "Okay, okay.

"Thanks."

hung up, Sylvia heard the faint sound of someone

couldn't be Ms. Ward-she'd just finished talking to

in the dark, mixed with the

rattling at the