The figure turned and slipped away into the retreating fog.
Chapter 6
Ramaro’s sharp voice broke the still silence around us. “What in all the seas was that?”
Marc pursed his lips as he surveyed the empty street. The fog moved back, revealing the rows of quiet houses. “I’m not sure.”
A few lights flicked on inside those dark houses, and the murmur of voices drifted over to us.
“I am sure that was a scream, Harold!”
“I know, Maude! That is why I am having Charles search the street!”
A shaky male voice answered his. “Are you sure about that, sir? I have bad eyesight at night.”
The front door of a house on our left was flung open, and light spilled down the walk. A man of about seventy in a crisp black suit was shoved out, his wrinkled brow pushed back by his bulging eyes. He grasped a lantern in one hand that shook so badly the shadows performed a tap dance around him.
Marc tightened his grip on my hand and dragged me to a tree on the opposite side of the street. We slipped behind the thick trunk and watched the scene unfold.
A portly man stuck his head out the doorway. “I am sure there is nothing to worry about, Charles, but have a look about, just to be sure.”
The man with the lantern whimpered. “B-but sir, I have no weapon.”
An older woman popped out and offered him a cane. “Use this, Charles, and bash any intruders you find.”
Their butler accepted the cane with all the enthusiasm of a man about to go on a doomed cruise liner. “As you wish, madam.”
The pudgy man smiled and bobbed his head. “Good fortune to you, Charles, and we will see you in a few minutes!”
The pair ducked back inside, and the woman’s up. “I told you we should have renewed MysticGuard! Now see what has happened!”
“Not now, Maude,” the man snapped before the door was slammed shut.
Charles sighed and turned his attention to the street. He hunched over and crept down the walk, his wide eyes scanning the area for signs of murderers and rapists. The shivering man reached the edge of the walk and raised his lantern.
“H-hello?” he stuttered as he swallowed hard. “Is anyone out there?”
I heard a faint chuckle from Marc before he slipped past me and stepped out into the light. He put his fisted hands on his hips and grinned at the trembling fellow. “Just us troublemakers.”
Charles yelped, and the cane clattered to the ground. He juggled the lamp for a few moments before hugging it against his chest. “W-who’s there?”
Marc strolled toward him. “Have you forgotten your old friends, Charlie?”
Charlie leaned forward and squinted. “Captain? Is that you?”
“Who else, you old dog?”
Charlie’s face lit up, and he hurried forward. The men met in the middle of the street and shook hands heartily.
“It’s good to see you, Captain!” Charlie spoke up as he looked him over. “You look as spry as ever!”
“And you look ridiculous,” Marc commented as he tapped a finger against his lips. “And mind your voice, sailor, or we’ll have more company than we want.”
Charlie bobbed his head. “Aye, aye, sir. You’ll have to excuse my surprise. I didn’t think you’d be back in the capital so soon.”
Marc tapped his eye patch. “Some trouble with the old magic, but what are you doing here?” He nodded at the home behind Charlie. “Is this your new hit?”
Charlie puffed out his chest a little. “No, Captain. I’ve gone straight.”
