“You know the reason why I keep him around.”

Kaiser watched the man’s broad shoulders, contract, as he shrugs to his white long sleeves, pulling it up.

He couldn’t say anything; he knows their deal. Mr. Hunt finally turned to face him who’s standing near the entrance, both hands fixed behind his back, showing respect to his master—hiding the burns.

Mr. Hunt hauled himself up out of the bottom of his antique Morris chair, which seemed to be hauling back as well.

“Everyone I talked to today mentioned the scandal my son did and I’ve seen it on TV. Did you actually think I won’t find out about it?” Mr. Hunt’s tonality sounded calm. Truly, it’s utterly normal—looks normal; however, it’s the exact contrary. He’s inarticulately incensed.

“My apologies, master,” Kaiser held his eyes down. “Don’t worry, I’ll fix this from here. Please just let Scott take his time to heal.”

“Hmm,” Mr. Hunt scoffed. As he clads, he made himself comfortable in his chair, considering Kaiser’s posture to make himself less audacious.

Despite him displaying an iniquitous image, he sure furnishes mildly supercilious effigy. Vizard, plausibly, wore a pompous twinkle at being so misconstrue and did not consent a response.

“I’ve given him plenty of time. I’ve been very patient and I believed your judgements, but look what happened.”

“Please reconsider, master. After all, we need him. He’s one of Samantha’s greatest possessions. Kathleen alone might not be able to open a door and as what things are appearing, the cursed are trying to stop her as what Diego did.”

Mr. Hunt stared, brows drawing down. “You are implying we should protect the woman until she opens a door… yes?”

Kaiser blinked. He had to swallow before he could answer. “Yes.”

Mr. Hunt chuckled, nodding his head. “I expected an adequate bargain from you and you served well as always,” he looked at Kaiser one more time.

“You might be really fond of my son for you to try and change my mind,” his legs crossed and swayed. “Tell me, Kaiser. Has your loyalty been faltered?”

Kaiser saw the question coming and his answer still remains a no… at least that’s what he’s thinking as he’s just assuredly trying to save his friend.

“No, master. How could I waver over such fondness? ‘Twas only a presentation worth declining,” his wordings became compelling; Mr. Hunt beamed. “Acceptable. One week then. Make sure to make that woman open a door within the allotted time and I’ll let Scott be.”

“And her?”

“She’ll have her protection within the week.”

Kaiser wrung his hands behind his back and slightly winced. He had completely forgotten he’s been injured. In a moment, he nodded.

“Understood,” Kaiser pursed his lips. “I’ll make things right, master. You have my word,” he sounded exceedingly desperate, and Mr. Hunt could clearly see it on his face; it amuses him.

“Very well. You may leave.”

Kaiser nodded again and left. Somehow, he strongly told himself that he could do it this time… without hesitation. As soon as the door closed, Mr. Hunt cleared his throat.

“Eh? That’s it?”

At length, Kim stepped out from the long, maroon curtain, leading to a doorless room where the church artefacts are stored. “Did I hear everything right, master? Have you really gone lenient towards your sons?” She laughed in a warbling crescendo, obviously teasing.

“Hmm,” he snorted, intertwining his fingers above his lap. “Sons.”

Kim sprinted beside him, holding a bottle of wine. “Would you like some, master?”

Mr. Hunt raised a hand. “I’d like to hear some report.”

Kim’s lips pooched and carefully placed the wine on the round table beside Mr. Hunt’s chair. She fixed her white cloak, placing its hood down to reveal her face in the light.

“Well, since Scott’s dying, I gave Jess a little more time to think about the plan, but I kinda heard a deadline earlier. We only have a week? So, I’d probably push her when I get back there.”

“Forget it. I’ll take care of her and the grimoire-holder.”

“So, what am I supposed to do?”

“One week,” his eyes drew down. “If Kaiser couldn’t fulfill his duty by then, you must put an end to Scott’s suffering.”

“You’ll kill him?” Kim halted when Mr. Hunt looked at her; she pursed her lips. “Of course. We don’t have rooms for failure.”

Kim giggled. “You seem to be doubting him now, ah?”

“Perhaps,” Mr. Scott scooted to his right. “The boy has not seen much yet. This is the perfect opportunity for him to be shaken up to his reality.”

“Hmm,” Kim smiled. “If there’s anything you need me to do, I’ll be just outside,” she bowed and went to her way out. As she pranced, she couldn’t help but plaster a sinister smile on her lips. She knew and saw exactly what her master is saying. “This is getting even more exciting.”

The air outside the window of the hospital room is getting warm and unstirring as the sun slowly crept up the darkened heights, making Kathleen feel a little bit uneasy.

The air conditioner is clearly working; however, she could feel sweat misting her forehead. She turned to look at Theresa, still sleeping on the couch. Nothing’s happening, she thought.

               Now her eyes flew back to Christian. Her heart is beating so fast; the tips of her fingers are tingling—she doesn’t have any idea why; nonetheless, she feels as though something bad is going to happen again. Whatever it is, she had already packed herself a couple of punches.

“It’s too early for you to be looking like that.”

Kathleen had to look back at Theresa who pushed herself up with one hand. “Looking like what?”

“Looking so helpless.”

“We wouldn’t be so helpless if you could start helping us with the visions,” Kathleen had to say it and swiftly took a note of Theresa’s sudden change of expressions. “Hmm…” her eyes squinted. “I guess none? Still? Again?”

“A-Ah, I told you…” Theresa sat down properly and by the way it looks, she’s stiffed. “Visions… we don’t get it just because we want to.”

Kathleen took a deep breath before completely getting off the couch. Slowly, she folded the blanket she used and faced Theresa. “I hope we get something today. We need to have a lead at least. I can’t risk any lives again.”

“I-I’ll do my best,” Theresa cleared her throat. “D-Do you have any plans for today?”

“Nothing in particular, but if Takumi comes, I might think of something.”

“What about Scott?”

“What about him?”

Theresa sat straight. “What if he dies? Can we still summon your friend back?

“I should be the one asking you that, but I guess you can’t give any answer either. Without your vision, I think it would be best for you to stay away from this or…” Kathleen crossed her arms. “Or are you doing this on purpose?”

“D-Doing what?” Theresa could feel her blood leaving her face.

“You know… pretending like you don’t see anything, so we’d let you go.”

“OF COURSE NOT!”

Kathleen froze when Theresa suddenly stood up in an aggressive manner—as a matter of fact, she froze too.

“Geez! C-Calm down. I was just kidding,” Kathleen placed a hand in front of her, signaling Theresa to chill which took her seconds to react and sat back.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered.

“It’s fine. Give yourself a break if you want. Just let us know when you have something.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll be with you, guys,” Theresa’s tone sounded unusual to Kathleen as though she’s already had her nose stuck in finding a way to bring Samantha back.

“Suit yourself. What do you want for breakfast? The food here sucks,” Kathleen leaned to get her purse on the side table. “You bought a lot yesterday, so today’s my treat.”

“Uhm… just the two of us?”