Dazzling Dust

Rescue

-CONTINUATION OF FLASHBACK-

"Open the door!"

Lorenzo almost dropped the spoon at the loud authoritative voice of the visitor. And due to his occupied mind, he did not notice that Miguel is already beside him. "Brother?", Miguel said while mildly tugging the hem of his shirt. "Y-yes. The door", Lorenzo blurted out.

"Go to your bed. Stay there", he ordered Miguel. Actually, Lorenzo knew that his fear is hollow but because of his troubled mind and the situation at hand, he can't help thinking of the likelihood of being busted and eventually get caught.

"Open this door quick!", the visitor shouted again. "Coming!", Lorenzo responded. "Don't come out", he mumbled to Miguel. He watched Miguel entered the bedroom.

He opened the door and bowed down to the Ranky to pay respect. "What took you so long?!", the Ranky complained. The Ranky is on his mid-30s, with dark hair and a large nose. His side-whiskers are long, almost reaching his jawline. His forehead is more tanned compared to his cheeks, probably due to long exposure under the sun. "Apologies Sir", Lorenzo replied, head still down. "Are not you gonna invite me in?", the Ranky said. "C-come in, Sir", Lorenzo said politely.

"Please have a seat", Lorenzo said, welcoming the Ranky. The Ranky sat at the chair.

"Please. Stop the show. Don't pretend that you're glad I'm here!", the Ranky said angrily. Lorenzo stayed quiet. "Of all things, I hate the liars and hoaxers!", the Ranky said, stating each word with great emphasis.

"Why don't you take a seat? It's your house", the Ranky said. Lorenzo sat down on the chair across the Ranky.

"Name's Edward if you would ask", the Ranky said. "Lorenzo St. John, Sir", Lorenzo replied. Edward noticed the table with plates, he observed the things at the table for a while.

"Is it too early to have dinner?", Edward asked.

"Yes Sir. It's just my hab-", Lorenzo was stopped by Edward.

"The answer is either a yes or a no", he said, stopping Lorenzo from his explanation. "Sorry Sir", Lorenzo replied.

"There are two plates. Is there another person here?", Edward asked.

"My little brother, Miguel, Sir", he replied. "Oh, I totally forgot. The orphan brothers", Edward said, tone of the voice is like teasing.

"Yes Sir", Lorenzo answered. "Where is he?", Edward asked.

"In his room Sir", Lorenzo said.

"Call him. I want to meet him", Edward ordered.

"A second, Sir", Lorenzo excused himself.

"Why? Can't you just call him? Is he deaf? Disabled?", Edward said, challenging Lorenzo. 

"No Sir", Lorenzo answered. "So just call him", Edward said.

"Miguel! Come here, brother! Sir Edward wants to see you"

Miguel peeked from the wall which provides division for the living room and bedroom.

"Come. Sit here", Edward said, patting the chair beside him. Miguel sat down which causes Lorenzo to start feeling uptight.

"Where were you last Thursday night?", Edward asked. "Here Sir. After the work in the Greens, I head home", he answered, glad that he managed not to stammer.

"What time have you arrived here?", he further asked. "I think it's around six?", he answered, trying to stay and show that he's cool with the conversation.

Lorenzo looked at Miguel, eyes are trying to convey a message. Miguel arches his brow and is about to say something but Lorenzo stopped him by shaking his head. Bright Miguel immediately grasped the meaning of the action of Lorenzo.