Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

Chapter 14

In the wee hours, Seraphina was sitting in the dark in Leandro’s study, finishing up the last sip of her coffee.

Leandro’s study offered a perfect view of Balch’s house, an excellent spot for some observing. Seraphina reckoned the time was about ripe.

She yawned, ready to get up and leave, when a flicker of light caught her eye.

Surprised, she moved to the window and clearly saw a room in Balch’s house was lit.

She glanced at the clock, it was 3 a.in.

Word was, there were no live–in maids or hourly workers in the Balch’s residence.

So Balch might be the one turning on the light Seraphina stood quietly behind the window, watching the orange glow and the ticking clock.

Ten minutes passed, the light was still on.

Twenty minutes passed, the light didn’t go out.

Thirty minutes later, Seraphina looked down to check on the time, and when she looked up again, the light

went out.

At 3 a.m., when most people were tucked in bed, Balch was in a room with the light on for a solid thirty

minutes.

let out a

she didn’t tell Leandro

but to uncover the truth behind the murder of Balch’s

years ago, Balch’s wife Janetta Lawson was murdered at home in Sunburst City. The cops quickly nabbed the suspect, Wilbur. Despite his pleas of innocence, Wilbur was soon found guilty due to motive, physical evidence, and witnesses. A few months later, his health deteriorated

chose to return to Sunburst

to Balch, the closer

this 3 a.m. light was part of the truth?

in Leandro’s study till dawn, keeping her eyes on the house

she saw Balch’s driver arrive, and then

behind the window, watching the car leave. She remained still, pondering the

heard a slight noise behind her did she snap back to reality. Turning around, she saw Valerio standing neatly

Seraphina realized Leandro hadn’t come home all night.

to a street–side hot dog

packed. Seraphina bought two drinks and hot dogs. With no seats

holding it in his hand unsure of how

while munching on

silence, Valerio started eating, full mouthfuls. It was completely different

bustling crowd, savoring

face still radiated charm, occasionally looking at the delicate and pretty boy next to her. The pair, one big, one small,

street, Valerio’s

Valerio off at school, Seraphina returned to her little home, packed some toiletries and daily necessities, and quickly returned to Leandro’s

facing Balch’s house, so she could

She analyzed and recorded each one, and after a few hours, she was exhausted and fell