Ken and Richard made it to the ballroom, where the major attractions took place. The entire room was vast, the ceiling covered with paintings were too high to reach, even when stacking people on each other’s back and extending toes. A giant chandelier hung and shone in the center of the ceiling, luminescing the room with its radiance and beauty. The walls were filled to the brim with porcelain windows and sleek black wallpaper that complemented the marble flooring.

Also in the room stood white tables with many varieties of food, with golden chairs resting beside them. Near the back, there rested a podium. It had a stand-in microphone with a white piano and chair next to it. Many dressed people for the fantastic occasion ate, drank, and chatted the night away

He looked around and noticed the sights; Richard couldn’t believe he was in a place like this again, considering how crowded it was. He didn’t know if anybody who attended this was rich, but they sure looked the part. The place had an enriching atmosphere; he felt like a kid again, what with those gatherings his dad held. What stood out the most for him was the grand piano, which his brother used to play before

Wait. Now that Richard thought about it, why did he resent his brother again, for all those years? It didn’t matter, his old family wasn’t a part of his life anymore. Might as well have disappeared from the face of the Earth. Then again, would that soon apply to his relationship with Emily

A deep pit resonated in his stomach. Richard didn’t want to be thinking about it any longer than he should. There had to be something to take his mind off things. His eyes glanced through the crowd and spotted the food trays displayed out on a long table. He rushed over to pick up a plate and choose which treats to snack on. Ken looked over, bewildered that he’s enjoying himself at a time like this.

“Richard, you didn’t forget why we came here, did you?” Ken inquired.

Richard paused and turned back to him. “Yeah, now I do.” He chuckled and scratched the back of his head. “Can’t I at least enjoy myself for a bit?”

“Can’t argue with that.” Ken looked around. “We don’t know where Lily is, anyway.” He muttered under his breath.

.-.-.-.

From across the building, the hooded figure watched through the windows with binoculars. Richard walked near a window with a food tray and a glass of water in his hand.

“Looks like I found you in my sights, Richard.” The figure smiled and put his binoculars away. They took out a sniper and lied down on the concrete. Aiming their sights, the target rested on the head. “Now, it’s time to end this once and for all.”

Richard put his tray and drink down and looked at the floor. He bent down just as the figure shot a bullet out. Instead of hitting his head, the shell hit the glass of water, shattering it into pieces.

“Huh? How did I miss him?” The person raised an eyebrow. They shook their head. “No, I still have another shot at this. And this time, it won’t happen again.” Squinting their eyes, they reloaded and fixed their aim once Richard got back into view. “Now, you’re all mine.”

They pulled the trigger, and the bullet zoomed out. The shell headed towards the window, when it stopped in midair. The person in the hood gasped at the sight.

“That was a close call.” Fawn sighed as she twirled the shell around. “I thought I’d be too late.”

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing? And how are you flying like that? Are you even human?”

Fawn turned around. Her eyes widened as the unknown person stared at her. “You can see me? I’m a ghost, and normally—”

“Yes, and you should stay out of my way.”

“Not a chance, stranger. Why would you choose to do such a thing as murder?”

“Oh yeah? Why are you following that man? To protect him? You shouldn’t even be here, you’re dead!”

“We made a pact and have business to take care of, and we won’t rest until it’s accomplished.”

“Is that so? Do you believe that monster is a saint? Richard’s not as innocent as you think.”

“How so? You’re lying, trying to get to my head, aren’t you?”

“Funny you should mention that, I don’t think I need to tell you. But, I will say this: Tell him I’ll return, and finish what I started.”

The figure ran to the edge of the building to jump off. Fawn attempted to stop them, but could only grab the hoodie as they leaped down to escape. She looked over the horizon. Who was that mysterious figure? Where’d they run off to? How do they know Richard? What was their beef with him, anyway?