Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chris couldn't help but twitch at Orson's words, quickening his steps toward the voices coming from the backyard.

There, he saw Sylvia directing Rupert-who looked every bit the proper English gentleman in his crisp suit-while he dug holes and buried seeds in the garden. When Sylvia spotted Chris, she waved and grinned, "Dr. Chris, there you are!"

Rupert, still clutching a shovel, looked rather out of place with dirt smeared all over his dress pants, but it did nothing to diminish his usual air of authority.

His expression, however, was less than pleased. “Christine, put your phone away. If I catch you snapping a photo, you won't make it out of here alive."

Chris flashed a guilty smile and hurried to shove his phone back in his pocket.noveldrama

Then he remembered Rupert's wound and piped up, "Hey, take it easy, alright? You know, your "

Rupert's glare was sharp enough to cut steel.

Chris quickly switched gears, "I mean, Ms. Lloyd only just got over that carbon monoxide poisoning yesterday. She shouldn't be overexerting herself."

Sylvia, oblivious to the tense exchange, brushed off her jeans. "I'm fine, really."

"Still, better safe than sorry. Why don't you both come inside and take a breather? I'll check you over, just in case."

He was mostly worried about Rupert-who was supposed to be recovering from a gunshot wound, not moonlighting as a gardener. Seriously, what next? Dying dramatically on a bed of roses?

"Alright, if you insist," Sylvia said, handing the gardening tools back to Rupert and following Chris toward the house.

Rupert glanced down at the trowel in his hand, a rare, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.

"Orson, remember to plant some vegetables for her in the spring, or she'll never let you hear the end of it."

"Will do, boss," Orson replied, surprised to see Rupert so relaxed for once.

Inside, Chris gave Sylvia a quick once-over.

"You're all good. But..." He glanced at the door to make sure they were alone, then lowered his voice, "Are you still taking your meds?"

"I finished them,” Sylvia answered, almost carelessly.

"How are you feeling now?" Chris asked, concerned.

"I'm alright,” she said, grabbing a paper towel to wipe her wrists.

Chris finally relaxed a little-until he realized Sylvia had already gone through a mountain of paper towels, scrubbing her hands raw even though they were spotless.

He reached out to stop her. "Still at it? You seemed happy out there just now..."

Sylvia forced a smile. "Does it really matter how I feel? As long as he's happy, that's my job, right?"

"No!" Chris shot back, trying to reassure her. "Sylvia, don't talk like that. Just give him some time, he'll figure things out."

"Chris, I feel like I'm dying," Sylvia whispered, her face ghostly pale, eyes pleading with him.

Chris's heart twisted, but with everything going on outside, he

swallowed his words and tri net

comfort her. "Hang in there, Sylvia. This will all be over soon. I promise."

She gave a sad laugh. “I knew you'd say that. Chris, I won't ask you to save me.

But Dr. Chris, as your patient-if you ever get the chance, will you help me?"

The way she called him "Dr. Chris" made it impossible for him to ignore the pain in her eyes.

"I will," he promised softly.

"Thank you," she managed, her smile tinged with resignation.

A few minutes later, Rupert came in, now dressed in clean clothes.

"How is she?"

"She's fine," Chris replied, trying to sound casual. "Might still be a little nauseous, just needs rest."

Rupert moved to put an arm around

Sylvia, but she immediately stepped

away. "You just changed, and

haven't yet. Let me go freshen up.

Chris, you're staying for dinner, right? I'll cook."

Rupert's face darkened. "He can find his own food."

Chris snapped his medical kit shut. "Oh, come on! One meal's not going to

bankrupt you. I'm staying, like it or not."

Sylvia covered a laugh with her hand. "You two talk, I'll call you when it's ready."

Once she was gone, Rupert's face hardened.

"How is she really?" he demanded.

Chris sighed, knowing there was no use hiding it. "Physically, she's fine. But you're scaring her half to death, and that's not helping. Maybe give her a break, yeah?" fo