The family was enwrapped in mental haze. They each described their day and what had happened to them left one another in a state of utter confusion somehow deeper than prior. It was therapeutic to tell one another what had happened though they didn't listen. Joey, not having a story, fell into a deep sleep after eating eight entire bowls of ramen. His appetite could never be beat following or previous to that moment.
"We should head back tomorrow and learn what we can about that weirdo and all that stuff he talked about."
"What's a weirdo? Can I have one?"
Alexandria and Mistress were talking about as the princess had sat with her thin, almost sickly legs hanging off the couch that was pulled out to make a bed. Her frame was like paper, and she traded in the clothing she wore for the entirety of their journey for some pajamas and average clothing. In the following days, she had been able to put on some weight and would put on some more.
"What is there to learn about him? He's just strange. But I know that I saw him somewhere before. He looks so... familiar. Maybe he's from my old days in the old country."
Some time passed before they went back to talking. The world felt stale as a week-old pot roast. As if they had some part of life for adventure that passed long ago. Half the time, they felt like they were doing filler in the world and the other half they felt like they were doing nothing at all. A thought went into Alexandria's mind, it was her brother's coronation. Perhaps someone was in the crowd, an ancestor maybe?
"I don't know, what could we do about this? It's just so strange. Sears probably knows something about this. Him and Scott lived near this time, didn't they? Joey won't talk to us; he barely leaves the television."
"Well, we could just tell them but there's also the chance that we're not going to be taken in by anyone from this city or time. Scott's hiding something. I don't think we can trust him. For the first time in a while, I think we can relax."
Sears opened the door from the living room to their room thus allowing the light from the hallway behind him to enter. His shadowy silhouette came into the room and almost instantly covered up Alexandria.
"We have thin walls here. Also, you got to help me with some work in the morning."
"Wait, you've found work?"
Alexandria sat up in a hurry to face Sears. His empty eyes were meeting hers and she knew there was no escaping the grasp of her new father's labor. He would have her tied up for the weekend no matter what she said or did. Though, it did beat endless boredom.
"You're going to be following this man on the way to work, at work, and afterwards. Just know you'd probably have to ask the landlord about where he lives. Also, I'm going to be on a date so don't bother me for the next two days."
He turned and left the room whilst also allowing the door to stay open and not explaining any further. A silent flame lit in Mistress's heart as she saw that Sears left the light on. She wasn't prone to anger but the fact that someone as thorough as him making basic mistakes was mildly infuriating. Using her mind, she turned the light off.
"There's something off about him. We probably can't trust him as well."
Alexandria turned from the doorway to her sibling. Using her mind, Mistress closed the door.
"Did you read his mind? Also, he's probably anxious."
"No, he's just weird. He probably knows something we don't."
Following then sudden and strange experience, Alexandria found sleep to be next to impossible. On the other hand, Mistress found the experience of sleep easier than breathing.
"Up and at it, soldier!"
The next morning, she was awoken to the sight of Sears, back in his regular attire, his military uniform, playing some old military song. Like any normal night owl that would react, she snatched the trumpet out of his hand and proceeded to stomp it until the instrument was unsalvageable.
"Good morning and for the love of Saint Cecilia, never play that again."
A small smirk crossed his face as a silent chuckle was released. She was out the door to the landlord's home with nothing stopping her, even the most important meal of the day.
"Hello there, small child. Would you like to pay the rest of the year's rent?"
"Not yet, but you can tell me where he lives."
"I thought that job was for the two guys. Do I need the whole litter of you to move in if I want this job done? Must be a dime a dozen situation."
"Hopefully not, now tell me where he lives so I can get on with my life."
"His name is Harley; everyone knows he lives here. Also, he likes to recruit children so if you're in the mood of his many... services, that's a good way of infiltrating his organization."
The doctor pointed down at the table in his office. When Alexandria looked down at the wooden table, she found it to hold a letter on top that read out the address and had several photos with the house.