Nanè.

Who was that? Johann and I headed behind the bush afterward. I saw not a sign of her, or the person beside her. There was not a sign of anyone around the path. I have decided to ask around, but nobody, unfortunately, is up around this time to answer my endless questions.

I will find them again. They know something I do not.

“Scarlett.”

Scarlett jerked upright. Their racing heart calmed when their gaze settled on Eleanore. She had her hands on her hips. One of her eyebrows was raised. “Did you talk to Johann?” She asked, stinging disappointment was in her voice. “You didn’t tell me yesterday.”

“--Yesterday??!” Scarlett exclaimed, glancing around again.

It was indeed morning. The sun was hidden away by clouds this time. Not much light broke through to fight to darkness. “Don’t you recall? You went upstairs and began to write.” She reprimanded. Scarlett couldn’t help but to lower their head a bit. They yanked themself upright and straightening their gloves. Little chills not only nipped at their skin but also dried their throat.

It seemed almost as if more bags of bricks than they could count sat on top of their shoulders. “I do apologize.” They stated calmly. “I just came across a new.. what would you call that?”

“A.. hmm.. Maybe a clue?”

“Yes, I believe I have found a clue.”

Scarlett stood up and slid the paper off the table. They squinted their eyes in intent. Eleanore watched, her expression softened a bit. Scarlett turned it onto the other side before handing it over. “You can flip it when you are finished.”

“Oh.. okay. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Eleanore scanned the paper faster than the speed of light. She flipped it. Scarlett watched, hoping Eleanore would have some perspective they hadn’t had before. She slid the paper back onto the desk. “So.. you heard a couple talking about him?”

“Indeed.”

“.. And they just… disappeared?”

“Yes.”

“I trust your word.. but maybe they walked off and you didn’t notice?” Eleanore did a bad job at hiding the worry in her still reprimanding voice. “You should get some rest.”

“I think I finally got it.”

“What? Sleep?”

It clicked. Scarlett looked back out the window. Rolling hills dotted by green trees met their gaze. “What to do about this Nanè.”

“I can help you out a little bit.”

Scarlett looked over. They perked up immediately. “Of course, Eleanore. That would be much appreciated.” Eleanore pulled her lips into a tight grin.

“.. Of course.”

Later.

“I appreciate the letter, Scarlett, but there is no need for formalities.”

Rowan’s groggy voice interrupted the crackling fireplace. The little bit of heat coming from the raging fire did barely a thing to conquer the cold. The scent of candle wax and dust was almost suffocating. Rowan’s eyes were barely cracked. They lolled back in their armchair, holding a glass of tea loosely in their hand. It seemed almost as if they’d lose all effort and drop it at any second.

Its not like the armchair wasn’t already falling apart anyway.

“It is still proper.” Scarlett sprinkled a bit of lightheartedness onto their voice. “But let us get straight to the subject.”

“Of course.”

“Look.. Behind... some, er, bushes—you wouldn’t exactly see them.” Scarlett pressed their fingers against their chin and furrowed their brows. Their gaze rolled onto the floor.

“See.. what? That didn’t make a lot of sense.” Rowan groggily replied. “Eleanore was right—you do need to sleep more.”

Scarlett furrowed their eyebrows a little harder. “--There were two people chatting behind a bush. Is that odd, yes. Someone—or both of their shadows should have been seen. Behind the bushes.. couldn’t exactly be seen. You get it now?”

“Heh-heh.. I.. uh, I think you’re rambling. Could you put it into simpler terms?”

“There were two people chattering behind a bush. I was sitting on the bench.” Scarlett let out a sigh and rested their palm against their forehead. “They were talking about Jack and then they vanished.”

“Ohh, okay.”

“Do you understand?”

“Yea, yea.. I think so. How did they vanish?”

“There was not a trace of them when realistically, they should have been walking away.”

“I see. Do you recall any names?”

“Nanè. I haven’t heard such a name, but I believe they’re.. important.”

Rowan sat up. “I’ve never heard of a Nanè.” They groaned. “I think you should just ask some of the people who were actually attending.”

“Do you know where Alexander is?” Scarlett snapped their fingers.

“Oh yeah—he just came by for tea.”

“I apologize for cutting this business-I mean meeting short, but I must get going before he goes.”

“Good luck.”

Scarlett flashed them a smile. Rowan barely returned it.

Subsequently

“So.. uh… what?”

Scarlett cleared their throat. “Was I not clear enough?” They asked, still as calm as a sea at night. Alex blinked twice. He bit his lip and just looked down at Scarlett, who sat on the chair in front of him. He put the letter down on the coffee table. Scarlett gazed down at it. Although it was barren, the scent of coffee still lingered strong. Black coffee, in particular.

“I think I get it.” He said in a sigh. “You’re asking about a Nanè?”

“Yes.”

“And you think she had something to do with moving bushes..?”

“Not exactly.”

“I think you should ask Johann-”

“Oh, hello.” Johann said rather gloomily. “How are you both?”

“Why don’t you tell him, Scarlett?” Alex playfully insisted.

“Well, you do remember what happened yesterday, right?”

“I do-”

“In that case, do you remember a Nanè?”

“Did you see her? I don’t remember the name.” Johann froze for a split second. “Oh.. You must be talking about.. the lady, the one on the trail.” He looked at the ceiling. “The one I had a chat with.”

“I..-”

“She had to be the only other person besides me there.”

“She mentioned Jack Bell.”

Alex stopped shuffling through letters. Johann’s eyes shot wide. “She mentioned Jack??!” He spluttered with excitement. Even the sun couldn’t combat the radiant grin on his face. “Did you talk to her??”

“No, she was talking with a man.” Replied Scarlett.

“Why didn’t you say anything to them??”

“I.. don’t know.”

“Well then, before it’s too late—She mentioned something about living with Jack’s mother.”