The Winter Clock

CHAPTER 12 – THE MAN

Reaching her old house, Reina released a deep sigh, still calming her heart. Until now, she can still feel the feeling of being watched. Ryther silently watches her every move.

“Something’s wrong with you today,” Ryther said, unable to bear Reina’s unusual gestures. “Even the way you breath is different. What’s wrong?”

“I think someone’s watching me the moment I came here.” She blurted out, making Ryther check their surroundings. Reina’s house was not small and not big as well. It was enough for a small family and probably, three guests and two maids. Though many years had passed, the house was still in good shape since Mrs. Everleigh maintained the house.

“What do you mean? I mean, who do you think is it?” Ryther asked curiously and peeked into the window. Reina shrugged her shoulders.

“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling, though.” Reina answered reluctantly. “Or maybe I just felt too nostalgic.” She took a deep breath and shook her head. “It’s getting late. Let’s help Mrs. Everleigh and Lily prepare our dinner.” She added and pulled Ryther out of the house.

Mrs. Everleigh’s house was only a few blocks away from Reina’s house, so they just walked, but Reina stopped and faced Ryther, who was taken aback by her sudden closeness.

“Honestly, why are you here?” She asked firmly, and Ryther scratched his nape.

“Mr. A said, okay?” He answered and frowned when Reina threw him a questionable look. “Go call him now and ask him yourself. You know how protective Mr. A is, Silver.” He added, but Reina only nodded her head and continued walking.

“Yeah, yeah, I believe you.” She chuckled and reached for the door but stopped when the door opened, and Ryther groaned when Lily jumped into him, hugging him tightly.

“L-Lily” Ryther managed to say, slowly losing his breath as Lily tightened her hug to Ryther. “I-I can’t… I can’t breath,” He said again. Reina only laughed, having no plan to help Ryther.

“I missed you, big brother!” Lily happily shouted and released from the hug. Only then did Ryther inhaled deeply.

“You’re so small, but how come you have such strength?” Ryther mumbled, still grasping some air as he patted Lily’s head. “I missed you too. You’ve grown.”

“Of course!” She said happily and took his hand. “Come now! Supper is ready.” She took Reina’s hand as well and ran inside, making the two bump with each other as they ran through the small hallway. “Aunt! They are here!” Lily announced happily as soon as they reached the dining room.

“Calm down, Lily - wait, did you say, ‘they’?” Mrs. Everleigh turned around and stopped upon seeing Ryther rubbing his head that bumped with Reina.

“Good evening, Mrs. Everleigh.” Ryther said and bowed a little, but he groaned again when Mrs. Everleigh hugged, no, squeezed him tightly. “Why is it that everyone is trying to kill me today?” He said, squirming.

“Sorry, I am just happy the two of you visited here.” Mrs. Everleigh chuckled and wiped her tears. “Shall we eat?”

“By the way, when will you go back to Sydney?” Lily asked.

“Tomorrow, Lily.” Reina said and chummed her meal. Hearing her answer, Lily pouted.

“Why so soon? You did not came here for two years, and you will leave again after only a day?” She retorted, sulking.

“I’m really sorry, Lily. But our work requires our presence. But I promise you, soon, we will take a break for a week and spend it here with you.” Reina said softly, trying to console her. Lily’s face brightened up as she nodded cheerfully.

“If you’re leaving tomorrow, then how about spending the night here?” Mrs. Everleigh offered with a genuine smile. Reina hesitated, but then she realized how Mrs. Everleigh missed Natalie, so she agreed.

***

After supper, Reina and Ryther volunteered to wash the dishes as Mrs. Everleigh and Lily prepared their room.

“I’ll take our things from the house, Thorn,” Reina said, drying her hands.

“Yeah, I’ll finish everything here.” He said, focusing his eye on the dishes. Reina nodded and walked out of the house, making her way to her home. But then she stopped. She felt it again. The feeling that someone was watching her every move. Goosebumps rose in a matter of seconds as the cold night wind blew over her, and the trees moved.

“Calm down, Reina.” She whispered to herself. She walked swiftly and heard footsteps, so she stopped. The footsteps were getting louder, so she ran as fast as possible since her gun was not with her. Reaching her front door, she quickly fished her house keys inside her pocket, but she jumped when a cold hand held her shoulder firmly.

“Shh. It’s me, go inside. Faster.”

Reina nodded and quickly inserted the key, unlocking the door, and the two dashed inside. As soon as they reached inside, Ryther shut the door and locked it.

“What-“

“Someone was following you” Ryther said firmly as his eyes darkened.

“How did you know? Did you see him?” Reina asked, calming her racing heart and stabilizing her breathing. Ryther shook his head.

“Not literally, but while drying the plates, images flashed in my mind. It was you, walking through your house, and a man whose face I could not see sauntered, following you. So, I quickly ran to your house and saw you panicking, trying to open the door.”

Reina’s eyes widened. “You’re not asleep?” She asked curiously, and Ryther shook his head again. “Since when can you see things even though you’re awake?”

“This is the first time.”

Reina nodded and took a few more deep breaths. “What a lovely ability.” She commented and ran her hand on her hair. “Do you think it’s Carter?”

Ryther’s eyes dimmed. “Probably. That bastard really is something else.” Ryther grinned his teeth and released a deep sigh. Reina’s eyes widened.

“If he followed me here, then it means Mrs. Everleigh and Lily are in danger?” She asked. “Must they come with us to Sydney?”

Ryther shook his head. “If he followed you here, then probably, his target was you. So bringing them with us will put them at risk, Silver.” He explained. Reina bit her thumb nail, trying to think of a better way. “Don’t worry. Let’s tell Mr. A everything and ask him to send secret guards for Mrs. Everleigh and Lily’s protection.” He said and started to carry their things.

“Yes. That’s a good idea.”

Ryther prepared his car as Reina prepared her gun. The two were alert as Ryther stepped on the gas, reaching Mrs. Everleigh’s house in just a minute.

“Where have you been?” Mrs. Everleigh asked worriedly. “I saw Ryther dashed out of the house, panicking. What happened?”

The two exchanged glances, and Ryther checked the surrounding before puling Reina and Mrs. Everleigh inside the house. “Let’s go inside first. We’ll explain it to you inside, Mrs. Everleigh.”

“What?!” Mrs. Everleigh exclaimed after Reina explained the situation. Of course, exempting Ryther and Reina’s abilities.

“You mean we are in danger?” Lily asked and shuddered. “I’m scared.” She added, and Reina held her hand.

“Don’t be. Just follow what I said and always take care of yourself. Carry this with you wherever you go. Even in the mall or what. That will not be detected, am I clear?” Reina consoled her, and Lily nodded reluctantly. She then checked what Reina gave, and her eyes widened.

“T-This is expensive!” She exclaimed. It was a pen with a knife and pepper spray inside. “Are you sure it’s okay to give this to me?”

“Yes,” Reina said, and Ryther gave the same to Mrs. Everleigh. “Your lives cannot be paid with any amount of money.” Reina added.

“Thank you so much, both of you.” Mrs. Everleigh said and rose from the sofa. “It’s getting late, and you’re early tomorrow, so take your rest now.” She said and hugged the three before turning the lights off. Little did they know that the man was outside the door.

~ Life is costly. No money is ever enough so that you should live on forever and not see death. ~