The Plague Doctor [RATED R] ✓

(40) Waves

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THE FUNERAL WAS OVER, and the Ricci family invited the rest of the guests to head to their mansion for dinner. Teo asked me to come with him, but I made it clear that I came here as Claudio's butler, so it is important that I stay by his side, especially when he eats.

     "Then I'll see you there?" Teo says, and I nod my head in response.

     "Work hard, okay?" he adds, but before I can even respond to his words of encouragement, someone suddenly grabs me by the waist, startling me.

     "M-Master Claudio!" I shout in complete shock as Claudio pulls me even closer to him.

     Teo is surprised to see him as well, but then he smiles and greets his old friend. "Thank you for coming to my mother's funeral Claudio. And I haven't really thanked you properly yet, but thank you for taking good care of me at the hospital as well."

     "Don't even mention it," Claudio says, gripping my waist even tighter.

     Teo glances at Claudio's hand and looks back at him with a serious expression. I thought Teo was going to start something, so I tried to push Claudio's hand away from me, but his hold was just too strong.

     "By the way, dear friend..." Teo glances at me, but then he puts his hand on Claudio's shoulder and tells him, "If you still have the appetite, I would like you to join our family for dinner if it's alright with you. I believe my father would also like to speak with you."

     "Is that so?"

     Claudio and Teo were smiling at each other, but I could tell that they were saying unspeakable things that I wouldn't even dare try to understand.

    Why was Claudio even doing such a thing? Is he purposely trying to tip Mateo off?

     "My apologies, master Claudio, but I would gladly appreciate it if you let go of me," I finally say, but it only strengthens Claudio's grip on my waist.

     Teo looked like he was about to say something, but then Claudio leaned close to me to the point where I thought he was going to forcefully press his lips on me again. I got ready to throw a punch, but just when his lips were a few inches away from mine, Claudio suddenly paused and whispered, "Pacific escaped."

    As soon as I heard what Claudio had to say, my entire body stiffened, and my eyes widened in complete shock.

     Pacific escaped.

     A patient who has seen all the horrors that happen in the manor has escaped the hell house.

     The mere thought of it left my mind completely blank. I couldn't move, and I couldn't even say a thing. None of the patients have seen any of our faces yet since we wear masks around them--except for Wednesday, but what if he runs to town and tells everyone what has been going on in the manor? What then?

    "Bishop?" Teo calls out, reaching out to me, but Claudio pushes his hand away before finally letting go.

     "I am greatly sorry, Mateo. I appreciate the invitation, but my butler and I have to go because of urgent matters. Please send my condolences to your father," Claudio explains to him.

    Teo glances at me again and looks back at Claudio. "What urgent matters?"

    "I believe they are matters that...you shouldn't concern yourself with, officer Ricci," Claudio replies with a tone that hints that he shouldn't stick his nose too much.

     "Let's go." Claudio grabbed my hand and dragged me away from where we were standing. I turn my head and look back at Teo before giving him a fake smile and a quick wave. Teo didn't look okay, but he smiled too and nods his head, quietly watching over me until Claudio and I could no longer be seen.