Jack was taken aback as he tried to process what had just happened. After a minute of shock, Jack awakens in reality and rushes inside.
When he arrived, he noticed his father seated in the living room, removing his coat. His mother was in the kitchen making dinner for his father.
"Where were you a while ago, Mother? I didn't see you here."
"Hmm? I didn't leave the kitchen, why do you ask?"
"Ah, no, nothing. I'll go into my room then."
'What's going on?'
There's just one explanation for this: it's a Beyonder.
'Knave, do you sense something unusual inside the apartment?'
'I don't detect anything unusual, My Lord.'
'So, what could it be? I thought mother was in her room, but she stated she didn't leave the kitchen.'
'Knave, we have an uninvited guest.' I inform knave.
'I agree, My Lord'
This isn't good. I'm still working on regaining my energy. And, besides, I can't fight here since it would endanger my family? I'm concerned, who is the unwelcome guest? Is it Desmond?
I can't think of anyone who would want to bother me.
That's great. now I can't even sleep because of it. I strewn the cards over the room, one by one. To be safe, it's never a bad idea to plan ahead of time. It has already saved my life once, so I am confident in applying this method.
For the time being, I'll just sleep. I'm just hoping nothing bad happens tonight.
'Knave, if you sense something in the apartment, wake me up.'
'Yes, My Lord.'
I release a sigh. Knave isn't going to stop addressing me in this manner. Every time I hear it, I feel embarrassed.
A night goes by without any incidents. All the doubts I had last night were washed away when I met my folks in the dining area.
'I truly hope it's just my mind messing with me.' I told myself.
It's all because Desmond is toying with my head. As a result, I have hallucinations.
After having a cup of coffee and a piece of bread. I hurriedly exited the building and went to the pub. Mr. Moligans was inside the tavern, as usual, wiping the wooden beer mug. I greeted him and went to the butchery kitchen.
"Good morning, Mr. Arlo." I greeted as I proceeded to take up the cleaver to sharpen it for later use.
"Good morning, lad, did you get enough sleep last night? Why did you look as if you hadn't had any sleep?" he said, smiling at me. His booming voice echoed around the room.
"Well, sort of."
After cleaning the weaver, I went over to the meat and started butchering it.
"You're getting better at it, Jack."
"I got better because I'm observing you doing it."
"Don't flatter me, hahahahahahahahahahaha. I'm sure you're good at it."
When I heard his response, I couldn't help but smile.
'It's because I suddenly acquired a skill that improves my dexterity as a result of playing a lot with the cards in my hands.'
"How about we go for a drink after this, let's take a break later, my treat?"
"Thank you, Sir," I said heartily, slightly raising my voice. I could hear him chuckle at my response.
We went to the pub to get some drinks after finishing the last batch to butcher.
"Hey, are you two here for a drink?" Mr. Moligans ask us.
"Uh-huh! So, two huge glasses of beer." Mr. Arlo said as we took our seats in front of the counter bar table.
"Here ya go mate." As he pours chilled beer into huge mugs.
"Hey, Jack, do you see that man over there?" Mr. Moligans pointed to the back of a man sitting alone in the bar.
It's odd that no one dares to approach him.
"Yeah? So, what about him? I'm sorry to inform you that I'm not interested in men." I explained.
"No way, jeez. That is not the case. Well, he was asking around about those missing people." he explained as he wiped the counter table.
"Really? Is he a member of the police force?"
I'm curious because if he's an officer, I need to avoid him.
"No, he stated that he is a detective."
'Huh? What's the difference, really?'
"Oh, Alright. So, remind me why you told me about him."
"Well, he asks whether there is anyone who could introduce him to someone who knows more about this city, especially in the area where there aren't many people."
"And?"
"I recommended you to him."
"What? Why would you do that?"
I stare blankly at Mr. Moligans, unable to believe he would do such a thing to me. Why would I want to be with someone who is potentially dangerous? Besides, I have no idea who he is. The last time I was with someone like him was Sir Desmond, and he turned out to be a scary person.
"He also said he'd pay 20 mora just to guide him."
"Oh, my goodness, why didn't you say so? We can't allow someone like that go about the city. it's unsafe. I guess I don't have much of a choice. I'll be his guide."
I give Mr. Moligans a friendly smile. I retract all I said about him. Not everyone who's in that line of work is dangerous. Let us not generalize trustworthiness and kindness. Alright?
It's now Mr. Moligan's turn to stare at me blankly.
"You have a quick change of heart."
He said this while shaking his head.
"Shouldn't you be introducing me to him?" I urged him to do so.
"Alright, fine."
He said as he comes towards the man's table.
"Are you sure you want to accept that, Jack? It might be risky because you'll be escorting him to every crime site." Mr. Arlo asks.
"I hope it's not too bad." I told him, but I didn't say I wouldn't do it.
"Hey, Jack. This is the man I'm talking about." I heard Mr. Moligans say from behind me.
When I turned around, I noticed the guy he was referring to. He is a middle-aged man dressed nicely in a suit and coat. He has a trimmed beard and a cane; just by looking at him, you can tell he is a respected member of middle-class society.
I smiled and looked at him.
"This is the person I'm referring to; He is Jack Morgan. He'll be a good guide." Mr. Moligans says as he introduces me to the man in front of me.
"Hello, Sir. My name is Jack Morgan." I said, bowing but keeping my hands to myself. I'm not going to shake hands with someone like him with my dirty hand.
"Hello, Jack. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Detective Favian Wynfir, but you can call me Detective Wynfir if you want. I'm conducting a private investigation into this missing person case. I'm hoping you can assist me."
"Of course, of course. I'm delighted I could help."
I'm guessing this person is normal because Knave didn't warn me to be cautious of him.
"That's fantastic; you can find me in this location. Meet me at four o'clock in the afternoon."
He said this while handing me a card with his name and address on it.
"Alright, I'll be there."
When I saw him leave, I let out a sigh.
"He didn't say how much he'll pay me. I should have asked if he was serious about paying 20 mora."
When Mr. Arlo and Mr. Moligans heard me say it, they laughed.
I went straight home after finishing my cup of beer.
"Here's some meat, Mother."
"Oh, Jack, thank you."
I hurriedly went to my room to change my clothes. When I walked in, I noticed my brother resting in bed.
"Are you all right there?"
"Yes, Jack, I'm Alright. How is your day going?"
I take a look at my brother. I looked at him for a moment before giving him a nice grin.
"Oh, my day is great. I've found a new job."
I'm going to take a bath first.
I guess Father hasn't yet arrived while mother was in the kitchen, as she usually was.
I think I'll take a short break in the living room.
I leave the room after taking a bath, leaving my brother inside while I make my way to the living room. I sat down and picked up the newspaper that was on the table.
'Priest, mysteriously died inside the confessional.'
Inside the church, a priest died. That's totally new case. Though I'm no longer as surprised as I once was because I've seen stranger things with my own eyes.
"Here, Jack, drink some coffee."
"Thank you, Mother."
We then heard a knock on the door.
"That's your father."
She walked by and opened the door for him.
"Hansel, did you have another overtime? Are you alright?"
"It's true, but I'm alright, honey. Don't be concerned."
"Alright, you clean yourself while I make you a hot cup of coffee."
I was sitting there minding my own business when we heard another knock on the door. When the door opened, I saw Max walk in.
"Max, what took you so long to get home?"
"Oh no, I'm sorry mother, I'm just working on a project at school, which is why I'm late."
My mother simply sighs and dismisses my brother. My mother returned to the kitchen, while my brother walked to our room and removed his coat.
I keep a close eye on my brother's back. As I scratch my chin, I can't help but smile.
'Now then, how should I deal with you?'