Annie felt a slight chill on her back at his words. His eyes seemed to see through her. She hadn't met someone she couldn't handle like this. This someone, who questioned what she said. Most adults would say she was only a child. The children she played with didn't have the attention to care about her words. Most would just judge her being odd.
Aster started laughing nervously. Watching them glare daggers at each other was uncomfortable. He put his arms around Annie but she turned away. Awkward, he stood there with his arms in mid air. "Annie, you shouldn't follow someone. Especially a strange man."
Annie lifted her chin up. "Don't tell me what to do."
Aster wanted to cry. "I'm only looking out for you," he protested feebly.
"Don't look out for me either!" she replied haughtily. She turned to go but a hand gripped her arm.
"Did you think we would let you go that easily?" Annie turned to see the stranger had grabbed her. She pointed at his hand and glared at him, indignant.
"Do you touch every women this way, sir?"
"Only suspicious liars who fail at explaining properly. Speak or I'll tie you up."
Again, Aster watched them glare at each other. He closed his eyes for a few seconds. "Annie, if you don't explain properly, I will have to end our business deal."
Annie brushed her short bangs back with her free hand. "I was curious who this stranger was."
"Annie, please... Wait, you are telling the truth?" Aster was shocked. He didn't think she would admit so easily. When she didn't answer, he sighed. "Maybe we should tell her."
The stranger looked at Aster sharply. "Why? Are you saying we should trust her?"
"She may be more of a good use to us. If we don't, she'll continue to follow us," Aster explained.
The stranger snorted. "Just get rid of her then."
Aster pulled him away from Annie and whispered. "We need that shop to cover us. I'll take responsibility for her." The stranger crossed his arms and was silent. Aster waited to hear something from him but he didn't disagree. Sighing with relief, Aster turned to Annie.
"Okay, Annie. This will have to be between us." Aster gestured to the chair nearby. She sat down slowly. "Yes, you're right. We did check to see if you were someone to be trusted before investing in you."
Aster stared at her to see if she would show any expressions. Her face was blank. Her eyes seemed focused on the door leading out to the streets. He continued his explanation. "Your place is far from the town. It's a good spot for us to use. You see... We're on a case looking into this town."
Annie's interest was piqued. "Case?"
"Yes," Aster continued. "My partner and I are looking for lost and kidnapped nobles. We've received word this place may be where some would be. As you are a native, you would be able to assist us greatly."
Annie could feel her heart thumping loudly. Was it excitement or nervousness? The answers she was looking for seemed to be here. "Are..." she choked. Clearing her throat, she tries again. "Are you nobles?"
"Unfortunately, I'm only a merchant. My partner here is a noble," Aster gestured. "Introduce yourself."
The stranger had leaned back on a wall far from her, with his arms crossed. When gestured, he straightened. His right hand pulled his mask off his face. "My name is Kieran."