THE HIDDEN'S ORDER MYSTERY

CHAPTER SEVEN

Arabella walked into Alex's apartment. The walls were decorated with colourful artwork, and the shelves were filled with well-loved books. After having lunch with him and explaining her situation, Alex gladly agreed to help her, but not before advising her to speak with Theolinda, who was undoubtedly concerned about her.

Arabella put in a closet a few articles of clothing, including a couple of t-shirts and some essential hygiene items like toothpaste and soap, that she had purchased hastily after her belongings had been left at her home. After storing her items, Arabella contacted Theolinda.

When Theolinda, who was at Brady Investigations, saw who she was contacting, she immediately picked up the phone and exclaimed:

"Arabella! What happened? How did you escape the Order's cell? I was so worried!"

Feeling guilty for not calling sooner, Arabella answered:

"Matt's girlfriend assisted me. I am at Alex's house. Come here, and I will explain everything to you."

Later, Arabella informed Theolinda of everything, and Theolinda said:

"I need to talk to Andromeda. She may have been with Matt that day. There was a hair on Matt's shirt that could have been hers."

"I have her phone number..."

Uncertain about what to do, Arabella debated whether giving Theolinda her phone number might betray Andromeda, with whom she felt comfortable. Arabella never had a friend, but she believed Andromeda could be one. Noticing Arabella's hesitation, Theolinda quietly said:

"Arabella, please give me her number. Andromeda is crucial to our investigation into Matt's murder."

"Okay."

Theolinda called Andromeda's number and waited. As it seemed Andromeda might not answer, a voice finally responded to Theolinda:

"Who are you?"

"This is Theolinda Brady, Arabella's boss. I'd like to chat with you regarding the murder of Matthew Hawthorne. No one knows he was murdered since everything was presented as an accident. If you know it was murder, you were probably with him at the time the crime occurred. I'd like to chat with you in person."

Andromeda answered:

"Okay... Tonight, I'm going to the Symphony of Shadows concert. We'll talk at a bar across the street before I enter the stadium, okay?"

"Okay, Andromeda."

Theolinda didn't know why, but Andromeda made her nervous. There was something about her that she disliked.