"Mr. Bale, the prisoner is dead."
I was still staring at the phone. Hira had talked to me as if she had seen me just yesterday. She hadn't sound like she had missed me or anything. It makes me wonder why she even bothers to keep me by her side.
"Sir, Bale.." It was Tiber Wolfe.
"Right," I sighed looking up. I needed to get my shit together. A person had just died. Aside from the fact that the bad position that had put me in, as a fellow human I should be concerned. I should feel guilty. But I just couldn't my even a drop of empathy in me for someone who associated with FFFs in any way.
"Did I beat him too hard?" I asked. Was my question that unnerving? Wolfe blinked and stuttered.
"N-no Sir, he went in shock after seeing you lift the bed like that, maybe?" Now he sounded unsure, "He just dropped like a fly and died."
"But you didn't,'' I said. Since Hira's presence was gone I stopped feeling the urge to force myself to be nice to people around me. I fished out my handkerchief and started rubbing my fists with it.
"Perdon?" He uttered.
"Surely it wasn't so shocking, have a doctor examine his body," I added. And he ran away. Usually I'm not a smoker. But I figured I'd need one before I could go figure what just happened. Saddest thing was I didn't have a lighter on me. Or a pack of cigarettes for the matter. I thought about going to one of those men in black suits that kept watching me froma few yards away. Surely, people like Special Security Agents, who was on duty 24/7 had some nicotine in their pockets.
"Mr. Bale, funny seeing you here."
It was a woman's voice. Tanya Trevor stood before me wearing a spotless pure white blouse paired with a khaki brown gown. Her eyes were a little wide. But not from surprise.... it wasn't surprise.
"I thought civilians weren't allowed here."
The men in black suit started moving. One of them had a handcuff. They were probably planning to remove Ms. Trevor before I could bark the order to them.
"I'm not civillain. I'm Colonel Wolfe's fiance."
I laughed, "Everytime you open your mouth you say something funny." She only raised one of her eyebrows.
"He's atleast in his sixties," I said, "He said he worked with the First Emperor."
She looked away whispering so softly that I almost missed it, "Not all of us get to marry someone rich AND young, Mr. Bale."
I waved at the men in suit. They understood backing into shadow almost immediately. "What are you doing here?" I asked, "Being fiance of a high ranking officer doesn't necessarily give you the freedom to roam around prison premises like this."
"I was here to catch an exclusive interview with a serial killer who got caught last Saturday. It would be his last words to the world before he is sent to gallows," she sighed, "Seems like I found something more fancy than that," she was staring at my bloody shirt.
"You're not scared," I didn't ask it, I said it like it was a fact. Because it was a fact. "Should I be?" She sang, "The Lazars are our protectors. Whatever they do they're always right."
It was an innocent sentence. Kind of patriotic. But there was something bitter underlying her tone. Something that sounded almost like a mockery.
"But I am not a Lazar," I said, at this point I didn't know what I wanted her to answer. A small smile appeared on her face which only grew bigger and bigger. "You are very human Mr. Bale," said the woman which didn't make any sense, "I can't help but trust you."
It made me feel uncomfortable. Much more than when her fiance Mr. Wolfe has informed me about the prisoner, Cassio's death. I didn't want to be acquainted to any person who smiled like that seeing someone drenched in blood.
"Honey!"
We turned to see the former Colonel jogging towards us. Wolfe grabbed Trevor's wrist and growled, "I told you to not leave the quarter!" "But I was starting to miss you," purred Trevor. Wolfe looked baffled. It was so obvious she had him wrapped around her little finger.
"This is my fiancee, Tanya Trevor," Wolfe bowed to me. "I know," I prompted, "We've met before." Wolfe looked surprised.
"I interviewed him once," Trevor chidded.
"You interviewed THE Bale?" He raised an eyebrow, "Why haven't I read about it in your magazine?"
Odd. Tanya did my interview almost a month ago now. Usually most of the people who had interviewed me publishes my words within a week.
"The new Editor is a slowmo, I told you what a headache he has been to me," Even as Trevor grumbled and groaned she stole quick glances at me. All nervous.
"Huh, did you ?" Wolfe gapped like a goldfish. "My love, do me a favour, will you?" said Trevor giving him a tight smile, "Offer Mr. Bale a smoke and get on his good terms. Maybe you'll get another star on your uniform, am I right?" she winked at me.
I showed my palms, "All he'll get is trouble by sticking close to me. But I'm surprised you noticed I needed a smoke."
Tanya smiled. It was so clear she was relieved that I didn't press her about the interview. "Not only you have a keen sense, Mr. Bale," she said. "Isn't she charming?" said Wolfe, somewhat egar to intervene between the two of us, "Mr. Bale, may I be excused for few minutes to accompany this beauty back to our quarter?" I rolled my eyes, "Can I even say no!"
Wolfe looked pleased. "Also," he added, "Your butler only trusted Doctor Javis from the Lazar Castle to examine the deceased."
Smart guy. "I'll handle it , meanwhile you humour your financee," I said to Wolfe turning away. But as I was leaving something tugged at my sleeves. I turned back to see Tanya Trevor pinching a corner of my cloth.
"Miss Trevor?" I asked. Behind her I could see Wolfe's worried face.
She handed me a cigarette, "Please be gracious to my fiance," she begged.
"I don't have a li
ghter," I laughed dryly.
" You'll figure it out," with that she left.