“But I still feel something’s off,” Delh said with a furrowed brow. “In the past, no matter what, he would stay with us for a while when he came back. But did you see earlier? He seemed like he couldn’t wait to get out of this house,”
Mirabe had already returned to her room, which was why Delh continued, “If it weren’t for the fact that he didn’t seem to reject Mira, I would’ve thought he was avoiding staying here because of her.”
But clearly, that wasn’t the case.
Shawn pondered for a few seconds before suggesting. “How about we give his agent a call tomorrow<i>?</i><b><i>” </i></b>
Delh nodded in agreement. “That might be a good idea. Otherwise, I’ll just keep worrying,”
“Don’t overthink <b>it</b>.”
**
After Mirabe took a shower, she settled in front of herputer, opened a web browser, and typed in the name Leo. Pages of results popped up instantly, but none seemed to be linked to the Leo that was her brother.
Mirabe stroked her chin, puzzled. Could it be that this Leo had no real fame to speak of?
After a moment of thought, her fingers flew across the keyboard, entering a string of web addresses. Soon enough, the page redirected, and after a two–step verification, she sessfully logged onto The Mirror’s website. She opened her personal friends list and messaged someone with the nickname “Oracle.”
Bald Baby: [You there? Need you to look someone up for me.]
The Oracle’s status showed online, but there was no immediate reply, possibly busy with something else.
Mirabe wasn’t in a hurry. She leaned back in her chair, the flickering light from theputer screen reflecting on her face, giving her an air <b>of </b>nonchnce.
About five or six minutester, Oracle finally replied. Oracle: [Sorry about that, got held up. Who do you need info on? Please let me know.]
Mirabe’s eyes lowered as her fingertips rested <b>on the </b>keyboard<b>, </b>ready <b>to </b>type<b>, </b>when her phone suddenly rang.
James? Confusion crossed Mirabe’s face. What was he calling about at this hour?
After a brief hesitation, she picked up the phone and pressed the answer button.
A minuteter, “Got <b>it</b><b>. </b><b>I’ll </b>be right there<b>.</b>” She ended the call, her expression turning grave.
She stared at the chat box waiting for her reply on theputer <b>screen</b><b>, </b>her fingers moving swiftly as she typed: [Gotta go, emergency. Talkter.]
Without waiting for a response, she closed the webpage<b>, </b>stood <b>up</b><b>, </b>grabbed a jacket from the closet, and hurried out.
Downstairs, Shawn and Delh had already retired to their rooms. Without disturbing them<b>, </b>Mirabe grabbed her keys
and left the house.
Twenty minutester, at the hospital.
As soon as Mirabe stepped out of the cab, she saw James waiting <b>at </b>the entrance. She approached <b>him</b><b>, </b>her voice low with concern, “How’s my grandmother?<b>” </b>
James led her toward the ward as he <b>spoke</b>, “She’s just out of critical <b>condition</b><b>.</b><b>” </b>
Relief washed over Mirabe, her tense expression softened as she nced at him, “Thanks, I owe you one. Lucky <b>you </b>were there.”
The corners of James’s lips twitched into a faint smile, his chiseled features softly illuminated by the light, “<b>It’s </b>nothing.”
They <b>soon </b>arrived at the ward.
Catherine had been moved from the emergency room to a regr one, where a duty doctor was monitoring her vital signs. Mirabe stood outside, not immediately entering, but quietly watching through the ss window<b>, </b>her gaze intense and contemtive.