Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

As Herman raced from the precinct to the hospital, Seraphina was still unconscious.

Leandro sat solemnly by her bedside, his eyes dark and stormy beneath their calm surface.

Bursting into the hospital room, Herman glanced at Seraphina’s prone form and asked urgently, “What did the doctors say? Is she out of danger?”

Leandro simply nodded, then lifted his gaze to Herman. “What’s the situation on your end?”

“The ringleader’s clammed up, but the other two gave in,” Herman murmured. “They ratted out a thug we’re currently hunting down.”

Before Herman could continue, Keen burst through the door, looking rushed. “Mr. Reynolds, someone tried to set fire in the alley behind Carney Artful Reverie.”

Leandro’s focus sharpened immediately.

“Luckily, it was caught early. The fire didn’t spread, and it’s been extinguished,” Keen reported quietly. “No significant damage.”

“Did you catch the arsonist?” Herman interjected.

Keen nodded, “Got ’em—just a couple of punks.”

Herman, looking back at Seraphina, said slowly, “The timing of these incidents, both linked to street thugs, suggests they might have been orchestrated by the same person. Leandro, has Seraphina crossed anyone lately?”

Leandro’s gaze lingered on Seraphina’s pale, still face, and he spoke quietly, “You might not find who’s behind this. But I have my suspicions.”

Understanding the implication, Herman frowned. The real puppet masters were always shrouded in mystery, beyond the reach of the law, like a crime syndicate they had busted where the trail went cold at Naylor, the underboss.

thought struck Herman. “You don’t think this has anything to do with

could respond, Seraphina

instant, helping her sit up and gently patting

fluttered open after a few more coughs, and she looked around

close, whispering, “Don’t be scared.

words seemed to trigger her memory. She winced in pain, then frantically touched her

with tears. Then, abruptly, she reached out and clung to Leandro’s

wrapped his arms around her, continuing to comfort her. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I haven’t given you permission to die—no one’s taking you

a soft laugh, burying herself deeper into his embrace and

of the room, while Herman stood dumbfounded at the foot of

a while, Herman cleared his throat, “Are you coherent enough to

tensed slightly

Seraphina feigned

Herman replied, “Can you recognize

away slightly and looked towards Herman standing at the end

send him away?” Leandro asked

“Please do,” agreed Seraphina.

from Leandro, who

at hand. “Alright, who tried

street-level goons,” Herman admitted. “They took a million bucks to

is worth?” Seraphina scoffed. “They’re fools. I promised them a billion and