Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 515

ER. The emergency room.

When Reese was finally brought back, the darkest part of the night had already faded.

Rupert stood by the window, rolling a limp cigarette between his fingers, lost in thought.

Chris watched him, worry etched across his face. “He’s stable now. But you need to be more careful.”

“Yeah,” Rupert replied, his voice flat. He kept his gaze low, thick lashes casting a shadow over his eyes.

A few moments later, Lester pushed open the door.

He checked on Reese first, then walked over to Rupert.

“Thanks,” Lester said quietly.

Rupert didn’t answer. He just stared at the floor.

Lester drew the curtains around Reese’s bed, then cracked open the window to let in some chilly fresh air. He offered cigarettes to Rupert and Chris.

Rupert shook his head.

Chris picked up on the tension and excused himself. “I’ve got to get back to work. You guys talk.”

Once Chris left, Lester stood by the window, lighting up. The cold air mixed with the smoke curling around him.

He looked at Rupert, voice icy. “Mr. Rupert, for Reese’s sake, I hope you won’t see Sylvia again.”

Rupert’s cigarette snapped in his hand, tobacco scattering onto the floor.

For a while, the only sound was the soft beeping of the monitors. Then Rupert spoke, his voice low and controlled.

“Okay.”

When Rupert finally left the hospital room, dawn had broken.

He walked downstairs, just as Orson appeared carrying a bright bouquet of sunflowers.

“Mr. Rupert, freshest flowers from the shop.”

Rupert took the bouquet, glanced at it, and then tossed it beside a trash can. He flicked his lighter, lighting a new cigarette.

As he smoked, he dropped the lighter onto the bouquet. The pretty wrapping paper caught fire instantly.

The flames flickered, making his face look even colder.

“Wouldn’t it have been better if I’d just died in that accident?” he muttered.

“Mr. Rupert…” Orson’s voice was full of concern.

Rupert exhaled a long plume of smoke and then, his face blank, said, “Go get some more flowers.”

“For who?”

“For Reese. She’ll be happy to see them when she wakes up. That’s all that matters.”

Sylvia opened her mouth to explain, but just then her phone buzzed.

The caption read: “Some couples are just meant to be. Too sweet!”

The internet was having a field day, with endless comments and well wishes.

Sylvia turned off her phone screen, her voice calm. “No, I’m not expecting anyone. Two cups just look nicer.”

Ms. Ward nodded and poured herself some tea.

Sylvia arranged the flowers in a vase, when her phone rang again.

It was Naomi.

“Sylvia, do you have any money left?” her mom asked.

“I…I…” Naomi’s voice was shaky, barely holding it together.

Sylvia instantly felt something was wrong. “Mom, what’s going on?”

Naomi’s voice broke. “Sylvia, please…help me.”