He opened the door, and his hopes were immediately crushed.

It was him.

A man stood in the hallway. His suit was as black as ash, and his tie reflected the palest red of a dying rose. A streak of grey snaked its way into his straightened back hair. His face was pristine, with sharp features. He held a small briefcase.

Hunter’s heart sank at the sight of it.

“Why, if it isn’t our pal, Avis.” He grinned, leaning against the doorframe. “You don’t look a day over 100!”

“Good evening to you, too, Hunter.” His voice was smooth as silk, “I hope my early arrival has not perturbed anything of… vital importance?”

What’s in that briefcase?

Why is he early? What is this guy’s deal?

Just leave us alone, man.

Normally, with psychic abilities screaming and a cryptic middle-aged man walking into one’s apartment, the smartest option would sprint for the nearest exit… or a window. (Bonus points if you scream something even subtitles can’t translate.)

But smart ideas were Natt’s department.

Bad decisions and bitter coffee? Ahh, yes. That was Hunter’s field of expertise.

He stepped aside– and precisely three seconds later, regretted it.

Avis strode in – his presence felt heavy as gravity. His sharp eyes scanned the living room. From the TV to Natt and Liam at the other end of the hall.

His lips curved into a thin smile.

“I see that your accommodation is… subtly charming.”

“Subtly.” Liam scoffed.

“Mr. Roselton.” Natt gritted her teeth.

He’s dead tonight.

“Miss Vaughn.” He nodded. ”Fancy meeting you here.”

Is he a vampire? Liam’s thoughts pondered.

Hunter shook his head, walking into the kitchen.

“I hope Mr. Delacroix is doing all right?” Avis turned his attention to Liam.

“I’ll send him your regards.” Liam muttered.

Hunter opened the cabinets for his mug. He could feel Natt’s hot glare burning at the back of his neck.

He imagined himself on a plate, burnt and crisp, next to Liam’s toasts.

Yum.

“Alright, guys, cut the tension. It’s so thick I can practically cut it with a knife.” He forced a grin, pulling out his mug which read:

World’s Okayest Mind Reader

Where did Liam even get that from?

He’s putting on that facade. He’s doing it again.

Natt’s thoughts sliced through him.

Hunter developed an eye twitch.

He imagined himself as a Disney princess.

Except– with the ability to read minds instead of talking to animals and an angry roommate for a prince.

The last thing he wanted her to say was that she’d give them a minute.

“We’ll give you two a minute.” Natt got up.

Darn it.

“You really don’t have to–”

“Yes, we do, Hunter.” Natt scowled.

Oh, how he wished his fairy godmother to magically pop in and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo! him into Liam’s Toaste de Burnt.

“Try anything funny and you’ll regret it.” Liam gave Avis a menacing look before following Natt behind.

Hunter poured his coffee spiritlessly as he watched his prince and knight walk away.

The door shut.

His smile vanished.

“Speak.” Hunter said, setting his carafe onto the counter.

“Your performance was admirable.” Avis eased back onto the couch. “Quite a show you’d put on.”

“Irrelevant.” He walked towards the Sofa-chair in front of him. ”What’s with the suitcase this time? Wanna bribe me out of it?”

“Straight to the point, aren’t we?”

Avis placed the briefcase on the table.

The latches clicked.

The briefcase opened.

Of course, it was a bribe.

Hundred-dollar bills. Lots of them. More than he could count. Stacked in a pile. Waiting to be spent.

Secret schemes. Treachery. Fame. Formal halls. Bright chandeliers and fiery white camera flashes. Everything hit him at once.

The walls pressed in on him. His chest tightened.

Suddenly, his legs turned jelly. He sank heavily into the chair.

Accepting it would mean returning to everything he’d been running from.

“Stop running, Hunter,” Avis’ voice echoed as if he saw right through him. “This is who you are. Son of Arthur Maverick. Heir to the multi-million dollar company.”

Hunter didn’t speak.

He took a sip from his mug… and burnt his tongue.

Too hot.

Too bitter.

His eyes stung.

“Everyone misses you,” Avis spoke, his voice dropping low.

Nobody misses me. He thought.

Did I leave the stove on? Liam’s voice thought.

Really? Was this guy planning on burning the whole apartment? Just like his toasts?

“Vanessa’s stopped playing the piano after you left.”He fixed his eyes on Hunter, “She’s kept your room the same, hoping you’d come back.”

The last one punched him right in his gut. If painful memory were a person, it would be his sister.

“Lies.” He spat.

The word hung in the air. Sharp. Bitter.

Avis didn’t flinch.

“Just give up, Avis. I’m not coming back!” He sat cross-legged over the Sofa-chair.

”All those piano duets? They’re over. I’ve left it for good.”

He inched back into his chair. Natt always said it was the most uncomfortable way she’s seen someone sit on a Sofa-chair. But to him, that’s how sofa-chairs worked.

Avis slid the suitcase towards him.

“Come back home. For your uncle–”

“You’re not my uncle.” Hunter struck the mug against the table, “Just my father’s associate enjoying the same vile schemes.”

Hunter took another sip of his coffee. Larger this time. The bitterness scraped away at his tongue. Where did Liam keep the sugar again?

Natt and Liam’s frantic thoughts hit him like a wave

A sharp pain sliced through his temples.

He’s taking too long.

Why are they so quiet?

What is that guy up to this time?

He pressed his throbbing temples, inhaling sharply.

Man, their thinking speed was faster than their WiFi service.

“If this doesn’t persuade you, perhaps this may.” Avis produced a small photograph from his coat pocket.

In the photograph were two people.

One was Hunter’s sister.

Black messy bun. Deep dimples. Long silver dress.

Her arms were linked with another man, wearing a suit and tie. She pressed the side of her head against his shoulder.

The two had raised their champagne glasses. The bubbly drink sparkled under the warm golden light.

Behind them was a crowd. All glittering golds and fancy furs. Some mid laugh. Others with their backs turned. The crystal chandelier hung from the top, glinting with magnificent light.

“Who’s the guy?”

Two things happened as soon as he asked it.