Page 40 of The House of Whispers

I growled in frustration into my hands as Nathair approached me. “Is everything alright?” He examined me for injuries. “What’s happened?”

“Reynard! He was just here!” I waved my arms around, furious with myself for freezing. What was wrong with me? I wanted to stop Jakkal, Reynard, both of them—him. But every time I had the opportunity, I acted as though I was helpless. Shell shocked.

“Reynard was here?” Nathair looked troubled. Did he not see him?

“Yes,” I sighed, crossing my arms, “he was right here. He spoke to me.” We exchanged a worrisome look as we both glanced around the street hoping to spot a glimpse of his copper hair.

“Reynard may be a bigger problem than we anticipated.” Nathair spoke, his eyes still focused on the many faces as they passed by.

“How so?”

Nathair glanced at me. He nodded for me to follow as he walked into the shadows along the wall of the shop. Away from prying eyes and curious ears. I followed closely, observant of my surroundings as my hand traced the hilt of my knife sheathed along my thigh.

“I went to the hospital Dr. Reynard works at. I spoke with the hospital chairman, and he informed me that Dr. Reynard hasn’t returned to work since that night.” A pair of children screamed, giggling as they ran by. The abrupt sound had caused me to grip the handle of my knife. Nathair noticed, lightly placing a hand on my arm.

I nodded that I was okay.

“That’s not all.” Nathair leaned in closer. “He also informed me that Dr. Reynard had a history of disappearing for extended periods of time. Apparently, he was running these unapproved, inhumane experiments?”

“Experiments?”

“Yes. The hospital only discovered this after his recent disappearance. When they went to locate him, they broke into his office and found mutated drugs. Things similar to Fairy Dust. He was creating something new. Something dangerous.” My heart sank as Nathair’s voice faded in my ears. I struggled to control my expression as I pretended to listen.

Could the powder Jakkal had been using on me be one of Reynard's experiments? His experiments?

“Casper?” The sound of my name snapped me back to Nathair.

“Yes, I’m listening.” I forced an obviously fake smile.

“The hospital said that whenever he returned, he would be terminated. But they weren’t sure if he’d ever come back. Apparently, he stole a surplus of medical supplies, medication, and other things. They think he’s most likely been creating these new drugs and distributing them around town, pocketing the money.” Sounded just like Reynard. “Casper,” Nathair’s tone shifted, “was Dr. Reynard dealing to the Whisps as well?” My lips pressed tightly together. “Casper, did he deal to youandthe Whisps?” I knew my silence had given me away. Nathair groaned. “Why didn’t you just tell me? Does Min know?”

“Yes!” I tried to quiet him down. “Look, about a year or so ago, Reynard came in as a John. Not long after, I caught him passing White Rabbit around to the Whisps. I tried to stop it, but,” my voice struggled to form the truth, “I was weak. I ended up taking the drug myself.”

Nathair became agitated. “You mean he’s been dealing in the house for at least a year? Do you realize what will happen if Madame Chepi finds out? You’ve put not just yourself, but Min in danger!” His face darkened as his veins bulged. He was struggling to control himself.

“I know Nathair!” I growled back. “Once Min found me strung out, she helped me detox. I was clean. Reynard had disappeared for sometime and I thought everything was back to normal but…” I looked down, guilty.

“But what?” Nathair crossed his arms, furious.

“He returned. Should’ve known he wouldn’t just abandon the house. The night I sliced his throat, he—” The memory of that night ignited the anger inside me. “He threatened to tell Madame Chepi what I had allowed to transpire for so long.”

“We could’ve handled this, Casper. Together.” I couldn’t face him.

“No, we couldn’t.” I closed my eyes, sickened by what I was about to say.

“Why not? Why didn’t you let me or Min help you that night?”

Just tell him.

I Inhaled deeply. “Because he didn’t just threaten to tell Madame Chepi.”

I forced myself to look into Nathair’s eyes.

“Reynard said that once Madame Chepi was done with me, he’d buy Min and force her to do whatever he wanted, no matter how much she cried and screamed for him to release her. He said he’d make her pay for my sins.”

Nathair’s face contorted in a way I had never seen before. My stomach grew sick and my heart ached as I watched the anger in the face of my sister’s lover grow. His hands had curled into fists as he vibrated, trembling with immense rage, forcing it back as he stared deep into my soul.

“I will only say this once, Casper.” He stepped close, breathing hard. “If anything happens to Min because of you,” he paused holding back, “I will kill you myself.”

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