“So, any update on Preston’s case?” Severo asked, either missing his expression or ignoring it.
Cyrus grunted. “He is fighting every move made against him. It’s delaying things. But one of his trials is set to begin next month. Shockingly fast, I know. It’s one of his smaller offenses, so they are just sort of trying to get it out of the way. We don’t want all the cases to run into each other timewise.
“As the CEB is charging him, the US government is charging him, and some other countries as well—it’s a mess. We've already had to jail a few judges. So, of course, Preston is crying that we are corrupt.
“I will say this…reporters may suck most of the time, but they spread the news far and wide. With them exposing the money trails, people are ignoring all the nonsense his PR team put out.
“Speaking of money, he is using his to keep himself well protected in prison. Not to mention, well provided for.” He grimaced. “I’m thinking of arresting the warden at his prison, simply for pissing me off one too many times.”
Severo scoffed. “It’s temporary. He will be going to a CEB prison when all is said and done. And your relatives aren’t impressed with money.
“I can’t say I’m not slightly happy that Seri hasn’t further improved that compound of his. Not that it would go into use quickly. But just think, if the man hadn’t taken him, there likely would have been a medicine by now that would have made his stay more pleasant.
“There's just something so sweet about knowing that the Dweller is stuck in cuffs, that are likely causing his skin to bleed at this point, and it’s his own fault, as he was the one who took Seri away from his research.”
Some irony there.
“Oh, yeah, that is something he complains about constantly. The idiotic human warden argued with me about removing them the other day. Let’s just say, if Preston escapes, I’ll be looking at that guy.”
His friend just shook his head. “Some people… What case is starting up?”
“The joint one involving that corrupt police officer who framed Seri for murder…and the actual murder. I don’t know if we can prove without a doubt that Preston murdered Leal…but we’ll at least get him on the other charges, which all come with jail time for everyone involved.”
“Ah. So…” Severo cleared his throat, gaze flicking towards the house and back. “Has Killian found anything yet on Seri’s past?”
“Ah…well?—”
Seri pushedinto the house and eyed the wooden walls, the marble floors, and the golden glowing lines on one wall. There was a set of golden stairs nearby…and a hallway. He wasn’t sure which way the kitchen was…but he could only assume it wasn’t upstairs, so he took the hallway.
Walking further, he paused and listened, smiling when he heard people talking in the distance. Following the voices, Seri eventually came upon the kitchen, right where he wanted to be.
Pushing in, he eyed the room. The kitchen had dark wood cabinetry, and chrome everything else. It also was about the size of their living room and their kitchen in Alaska combined.
The three people inside stopped talking and turned to stare at him entering. Two men and one woman, all wearing chef’s jackets. Though each of them had brightly colored pants on.
“Uhh…Hi… Umm…I’m Seri… I…uhh.”
“Ah!” the woman said. “Welcome, Seri. We knew you were coming, but not that you would come in here.”
“Severo and I made some desserts. They need to be refrigerated though…so I…” Seri got flustered again and trailed off. Did the two men have to keep staring so blankly at him?
“So, you brought them here to give to us, of course!” She beamed. “We’ll take those from you and get them stored away. And then when it’s time, serve them up after you finish the lovely dinner we helped Madam Voli prepare for you all.”
One of the men in the room came over and took the pies from his hands.
Seri’s eyes widened. “Severo’s mother made dinner?!”
“Of course! She is a wonderful cook.”
“Ah, of course,” he said awkwardly, not sure what else to say. “Well…they aren’t here, are they?”
Seri wasn’t sure why he asked. Severo had already told him that his parents had run out to grab something at the last minute, but that they shouldn’t be late.
“No, but they will be back soon,” the woman said. The men remained ever quiet and staring...
“Ah, okay, thank you.” He quickly backed out, and followed the path he took to get there.
There was no Cyrus or Severo to be seen when he reached the entrance again, so he figured they must still be outside. Maybe he should join them? They were probably waiting for Severo’s parents to arrive. Maybe Killian as well, since the man had replied to him in text saying he’d be there.
