Saphire didn’t feel comfortable leaving Rashelle and Ryacell in the hands of lying officers. He entered into the tailor shop, still hooded, and asked the owner, “The man with the eyepatch...do you know what he ordered the suit for?”

The owner answered, “Sorry young miss, that’s a str…”

Saphire took his hood off.

“Miss Creliz!”

“Care to tell me now?” Saphire asked, giving strong eye contact.

“Well,” the owner perspired, “he picked it up for a night at the Cerise Nouée.”

“Of course,” Saphire scoffed. He put his hood back on and left the store. “Thank you, sir.”

As Saphire left the store, the man threw up into the nearest trash can.

When Saphire arrived back at the mansion, the servants flocked over and were all glad to see that he wasn’t injured.

One of the maids commented, “Also, Miss, there was —”

“Were the guests checked up?” Saphire turned to the staircase.

“Yes, they’re both upstairs. But, Miss —”

“You all may take your breaks now. I’ll handle things from here,” Saphire dismissed them as he checked the guest room where Ryacell was resting. Rashelle was sitting at his bedside, watching over him like a mother.

“How is he?” Saphire asked the doctor.

“He has a few scrapes, but the boy should be fine with rest,” the doctor explained.

“Thank you,” Saphire paid the doctor. “You are free to leave.” And so the doctor left.

When the door closed, Rashelle held back her tears. “Saphire, I’m sorry... I...I cou—,” she whimpered, “c-couldn’t p-pro...protect him...”

“Ah, would you stop whining please,” Saphire hid his face. “It’s not your fault.”

“I don’t know,” Rashelle sniffled, “what to do anymore.”

“Go wash up,” Saphire led her to the bathroom, “your cuts...they’re bleeding through. Plus, you’re snotting everywhere.”

“Oh,” Rashelle wiped her face, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to me,” Saphire shook his head.

Rashelle kept her head down as she closed the door.

Saphire entered his room and checked his drawers. Panic settled into him as he rummaged through everything in the bedroom. A storm was set off. His heart dropped. The clock ticked. It was the calm before the storm. Where is it?!