Kai covered my eyes. It was no use though. I already saw the naked bodies sleeping on the bed of that small room. He gave me a nudge and was about to turn the knob when we heard voices right outside the door. In the blink of an eye, we were hidden inside the huge cabinet in a corner of the room. I went rigid. My heart was beating so fast. I could feel his breath fanning the crown of my head. He opened the cabinet door a little, just enough for us to peek through. Three men came in and approached the bed.
"Professor, it's almost midnight. Your wife might be worrying about you right now." Said a big man in boots. It was too dark to see their faces, but the dim light from the hallway illuminated part of the face of the man in the bed. I recognized him. He was a professor at the Church's funded school. The professor did not respond, so the man in boots gave him a nudge. Finally, he opened his eyes and sat on the bed.
"Ugh. My head hurts." He said lazily.
"How about it? Did you have fun?" The man in boots asked again.
"Yes. If Father Donnie didn't tell me about this place, my life would still be boring." Then he smiled sheepishly.
"My men will escort you home. Just come back anytime." After saying so, his two lackeys helped the professor up. One of them grabbed the professor's clothes from the nearby stool while one picked up his shoes. Then, they all left while talking loudly. We stayed quiet until we couldn't hear them anymore.
I turned to look at Kai. Wrong move. I turned to see him staring at me. I looked down instantly. "Let's get out of here." He said while pushing the cabinet open. We got out of the building the same way we came in.
We walked to where his car was parked and got out of the area immediately. The ride home was pretty quiet. No one dared talk. I felt the tension; it was suffocating. He reached my house in no time. He parked across the street, probably so I won't get caught sneaking out again. When the car stopped, I couldn't move. The night's events were puzzling and very shocking.
"So, Father Sinclair goes to a brothel. No big deal. It absolutely isn't a big deal at all." I said sarcastically. I only noticed then that my hands were shaking. He didn't say anything. He was probably waiting for me to calm down. When I calmed down a little, his questions came out.
"Why exactly are you so invested on finding something about Father Sinclair?" He started asking.
"I told you, it's for a friend."
"A friend? Why would your friend ask you to find fault on him?"
"You misunderstand. It's not that I'm trying to find dirt on him. Well, I am, but I don't really care about his personal pleasures. Okay?"
"Then, what is it? What exactly are you looking for?" He asked, more seriously than ever.
I stared at him, contemplating whether to tell him or not. I decided not to lie anymore. "I think there's something weird going on at the orphanage and Father Sinclair is the one in charge of the orphanage."
"Something weird? What kind of weird exactly?" Curiosity was evident in his tone.
"I don't know yet. That's exactly why I'm investigating."
"Then, what gave you the idea that something is going on in the orphanage?"
I sighed. I didn't want to get him involved but I totally hated lying to him. "This weekend, go on a trip with me. There's someone I want you to meet."
"Are you trying to change the subject?"
"No. This person is the reason why I think there's something shady going on."
He looked at me. His eyes were penetrating; I felt like fainting. "Okay. But no more lies, alright? Promise me."
I couldn't remember how many times I've made the promised and how many times I broke them. "I promise. This time I mean it. No more lies."
"Okay. Get inside. We still have school tomorrow. Don't think too much about tonight, okay?" He said so gently it warmed my heart.
"Okay." I started walking then halted. I remembered something. "I have a favor to ask you though."
"Sure. Tell me." He said calmly.
"Since you seem to be better at reconnaissance than me with your strength and agility, I need you to investigate on someone."
"Let me guess. Father Donnie?"
"Yes. Based on what that professor said, it was Father Donnie who told them about that brothel. Father Donnie is the one in charge of the school. So something must be going on in there too. It's just my suspicion, but something feels wrong. That professor teaches at the same school. Plus, Father Donnie and Father Sinclair meet almost every afternoon so there's some kind of connection. Will you do it for me? Please."
He looked at me. I thought his eyes seemed lonely and sad. "Okay. As long as this means you won't be sneaking out at night again."
"Of course, I won't. But, will you be okay?" I was suddenly worried.
"Are you underestimating me now?" Then he flashed his beautiful smile that I love so much.
"Tch. Alright, alright. You're the best, your highness." I teased. "Goodnight." I said then headed to the house. I glanced back for the last time and he was still standing there, watching me. I felt blood rushing to my cheeks; I almost ran to the door.
Two days later, he already found something on Father Donnie. We met at the library early in the morning and sat on the floor at my favorite spot. I knew he'd be able to do it but I was still amazed at him. Surprisingly enough, he looked more dashing to me. I really must've gone crazy.
"I went to investigate at the school and looked through his files and records. You're right, something is going on at the school, but it's not connected to the orphanage."
"What is it?"
"The school receives numerous donations and sponsorships, right? I read the account books and most of the calculations were wrong. Since you're a little stupid, I'll make it easier for you to understand." He laughed a little then became serious again. "Father Donnie has been pocketing some of the school funds. What's worse is he goes to a gambling house every day, so we know where some of the money goes. And he lives a life of luxury. His house is full of antiques which were probably bought from auctions and underground deals."
"What? But, that money, it's for the children. How can he do that?" It was outrageous. I felt so furious that I wanted to cry. "Unbelievable." I was flabbergasted. Then a deeper sense of fear crept in. "My father, do you think he knows? Do you think the Church knows?"
Tears were falling without me realizing. I was getting drowned in different emotions. I was about to lose my mind. Then, I was suddenly in his arms. I was wrapped in the warmth of his cold body. It felt weird, but it felt right. He kept repeating "It's going to be alright" in my ear. It gave me butterflies.
I felt his arms loosen around me. Then he cupped my face with both of his hands. "Don't worry. I'll help you find out what's going on in the orphanage. I won't let you do this alone." Then, his face slowly came closer and his lips touched mine.