From Frying Pan to Strange Fire

“It was right here. Williams Xander dropped him right here. The man was all bloody and he wasn’t moving. I don’t know what they did to him because I…” Joan trailed off, narrowing her eyes as something occurred to her.

The sun had gone down and Grace was ready to leave the house. They came down the stairs together and when they arrived at the door of the staircase, she pointed to the spot where the unconscious man was dropped last night, telling Grace in a whisper exactly how it happened.

“What is it?” Grace asked, noticing how Joan stopped speaking without completing what she was saying initially.

“Something has been happening to me. It has happened twice since we left the house last night. I initially didn’t take it as something serious but now that I think of it, it’s quite strange.” Joan revealed, only now realizing that it didn’t feel normal.

“What is it?” Grace asked with a concern-laden tone.

“I’m not sure how best to explain it. I kind of suddenly ran out of breath and found it difficult to breathe even though I wasn’t doing anything strenuous. It felt like I was going to faint the next second, but all of a sudden, everything became normal and I could breathe again.”

Grace frowned, unsure if she understood what Joan just explained. However, before Joan could explain further, the door opened and Trevor walked into the house.

Grace had called him earlier when she was ready to leave. Since she came in his car on his insistence, he had to come pick her up from the house, a task he found no problem with.

“Ladies, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long.” He uttered, coming to stand before them.

“Not too long. You arrived earlier than I expected.” Grace responded.

“Where is your boss? I’ve not seen him since this morning.” Joan asked, knitting her brows.

“He embarked on an urgent trip and would be back tomorrow or next. Are you missing him already? Trevor asked, mischief dancing in his eyes despite the serious front he put on.

“You can dream all you like. I only miss people who are nice to me, but your boss has been nothing but selfish.” Joan confessed, then told herself mentally to stop talking to avoid saying what she didn’t want to.

“Pardon me if I misunderstood you, Madam.” Trevor lowered his head slightly, missing the rapid blinking of Grace’s eyes due to the way he addressed Joan. “If you aren’t missing him, why then did you ask his whereabouts?” Trevor asked, looking confused.

“He wanted the details of the person I’ll be traveling with. How do I give it to him if he’s not in town?”

“You could call him…” Trevor gave a suggestion and when he saw her face already rejecting the offer even before her lips could say anything, he added, “Or you could drop the details with me and I’ll get the ticket ready. Is it Miss Everton? Will she be accompanying you?”

“Should I call that a lucky guess?” Grace probed, surprise evident on her features.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“Considering how close you two are, it’s not that hard to predict,” Trevor answered, then shifted his attention to Joan. “I’ll get the details from her and the ticket will be ready by tomorrow.” He assured her.

“Thanks,” Joan uttered, turning to Grace. Goodnight. I’ll see you in two days.” She hugged her friend, who whispered “be careful” to her ears.

The clank of heels against the marble floor had them knitting their brows as they pulled away from the hug. Turning to the door, they saw a woman approaching them from the door.

Dressed in a long, tight-fitted, orange-colored dress, her every step exuded confidence and determination. Brunette with sharp, brown, cat eyes, her face matched the energy her aura was giving off – beautiful and confident.

“Irene,” Trevor called her name as she paused right before him.

“Hello, Trevor. Where’s Roman?” Irene probed, straight to the point.

“You didn’t say you were coming.” Trevor reminded her, and she let out a light scoff.

“When have I ever required your permission or informed you before coming here?” Irene fired back.

“Roman hates unexpected and uninvited visitors and you know that. Moreso, it’s not yet time for you to show up.”

“Stop lecturing me and just tell me where he is. This is important.” Irene spoke in an annoyed tone.

“He’s not in town,” Trevor responded and she narrowed her eyes.

“Are you lying to me?”

“Listen, Irene, I have better things to do with my time. You think I’m lying? Go and check. I’ll be waiting right here.” Trevor answered, wearing an irritated frown.

At his response, Irene looked away from him, shifting her attention to Joan and Grace, who made no attempt to interfere in the discussion. She slowly shifted her gaze from one to the other, eyeing them in a condescending manner.

“Who are these and what are they doing here?” She asked without looking away from the duo.

“When did you receive the right to ask such questions? Roman is not home. You should leave.” Trevor voiced, but the one he was talking to didn’t seem like she was paying him any attention as she continued to scrutinize Joan and Grace.

Without warning, she moved from where she stood toward the duo, but Trevor moved as well, coming to stand between her and Joan, adequately blocking the latter from Irene’s view.

“Leave, Irene.” Trevor insisted, and Irene narrowed her eyes.

“You’re acting suspicious. Why are you covering her? I only wanted to take a closer look.” She uttered, and when Trevor refused to move or show any sign of relenting, she eyed Grace for a few seconds before she stepped back. “Tell Roman that I’ll be back. And I don’t care if he decides to f**k creatures worse than humans, but he owes me and it’s time to pay up.” She stated before turning around and walking out of the house.