Page 29 of The House of Whispers

Chesmu’s sight softened. “And at times, I wish your madame had never brought me along to this new world.”

New world?

“But here we are.” He winked. “A secret for a secret.”

“Min, my love,” Nathair exclaimed as he bolted down the wooden stairs to the basement. “How are you today? How’s Casper?” He questioned, pulling me close as he wrapped his arms around my waist offering me delicate sweet kisses. He was dressed in his scratchy uniform, which clashed against his vibrant green scales.

“Nathair—” I whispered as he continued to kiss me. “Nathair, stop for a moment!” I snapped. He stopped, pulling back while still holding onto my waist as he looked at me with those beautiful jade eyes of his. He was so handsome.

“What’s happened? Is everything alright? Areyoualright?” The care in his voice made my heart leap.

I placed my hand atop his chest, fidgeting with the brass buttons of his uniform. “Everything is…well, I must speak with you. But not here.” I glanced around the empty basement room and pulled Nathair beneath the wooden stairs and into the shadows. “Remember how Casperhandleda customer some time back? Dr. Reynard?” Nathair nodded, fully understanding what I meant. “Well, she believes that somehow he survived.”

“Survived? How?” I attempted to quiet Nathair, though it was no use. “How could he have survived?!”

“We’re not sure!” I lowered my voice, trying to remain calm. “That night, after Casper did what she did, I saw him. His body was slumped against the wall of an abandoned building just a few blocks away. Nathair, hewasdead. But—”

“But what?” Nathair removed his hands from my waist, holding mine across his chest. His eyes sparkled with concern and worry as he studied me.

“Casper has seen him. Here, in the brothel. He even spoke with her a few days back, telling her that he would be returning.”

Nathair’s eyes widened as he pressed his lips together, releasing my hands. He was visibly upset, rubbing his forehead as his hand rested atop his hip. “See,thisis why I said to let me handle these things!” I tried to shush him again. “No, no, Min.” He held a finger up, stopping me. “Casper has got to realize that she can’t handle things alone. Fuck, she’s not alone! And if she goes down, weallgo down with her!” He continued to pace in circles, frustrated and stressed.

“I know, I know, my love.” I placed my hands across his dark face, forcing him to look at me. “Look, I promise, no more. From now on, I will always ask for your help. I trust you, but Casper… right now, she needs our help.” Nathair slowly calmed, sighing as he looked at me with such sweet tender love.

“What do we need to do?” he asked, placing his hand over mine,

I flashed him a sweet smile. “We need to find Dr. Reynard.”

“And by we, you mean me.” He raised an eyebrow at the statement.

“Yes, you. I can’t leave the brothel. Can you check to see if anyone’s reported him missing? Without alerting the police? You should also stop by the Bedeville Hospital on the other side of town and see what you can find out. Dr. Reynard worked there… or does? Regardless, try to find out what’s really going on.” Nathair sighed again. “Please, my love. Do this for me? You’re the only one who can.” He nodded knowing I was right.

Heavy footsteps above caused me to lean into his arms and against his chest as he held me. “I will do what I must. To protectyou.” He kissed my forehead. “How is Casper?”

My eyes remained locked on the ceiling as the footsteps continued. “She is alright. Last night was—” I trailed.

What exactly happened last night? Casper had been clean and stopped using drugs. Why did she relapse?Was it because of Dr. Reynard? It had to be…

My eyes met his as I sighed. “Last night was a mistake. It won’t happen again.”

“That’s what you said not too long ago when you found her locked away in her room.” I pulled from Nathair, realizing she had potentially relapsed not too long ago. “Forgive me, Min.” He reached for my hand. “She’s your sister. If you trust her, so do I.” Nathair held my hand close, kissing it.

“I trust Casper.” My gut swirled as the lie left my lips. “Now, hurry before Madame Chepi sees you.” I rushed Nathair toward the stairs as we exchanged a passionate kiss. “I’ll see you once my work is complete.”

“I shall see you later tonight, my love.” Nathair ran up the stairs and back into the house.

I stood frozen as my mind remained puzzled. Something was going on. Something was wrong with Casper, and I needed to know what.

As I walked back into the main parlor of the brothel, I caught sight of the dull blue of Nathair’s uniform in the corner of my eye. He was exiting the hallway that led to the basement. I shook my head, realizing he must’ve snuck in to see Min. The two lovers were inseparable at times. It was nice that she had a beau, but it was also reckless. They needed to be smarter.

I quickly followed as he headed toward the back door of the house. “Nathair,” I called him, surprising him with my presence.

“Casper?” He seemed oddly shocked to see me standing before him. “Shouldn’t you be resting?” His concern threw me, but the longer he stared, the more I realized that Min must’ve told him what happened. Lovely.

“I’m not sure what Min may have told you, but—”

“It’s not what she said, Casper. It’s what I saw.” I blinked in confusion as he stepped toward me. “It was Min and myself who found you late last night in the bathtub, strung out.” He inched closer, angry.

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