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."

stared at

chuckled softly. "It's just you and Ms. Ward living on this floor, right? If what she said is true, she's already been

knew he had a point, but she hated to

was about to politely decline when Lester stepped even closer, lowering his head so he was almost

leave you alone," he said

his hand reached up, fingers brushing through her hair, pausing at

her hands tightening

She didn't dislike Lester.

with him

Maybe...

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

startled, and Lester instinctively pulled her

"Don't worry," he whispered.

the power trip?" Sylvia

"Where's the main breaker?"

I know where it is. I'll

door, but Lester caught

Ms. Ward. Tell her

understood what he

shut off the power

Ms. Ward, who sounded absolutely terrified and was

out

open your door. Lock it

caught on fast. "Okay, okay. You be careful. I'll

"Thanks."

hung up, Sylvia heard the faint sound

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

fear in the dark, mixed with the

rattling at