Developments in the Ruins
Charlie had gathered his forces in the grass since Jezebel was working on the ruins. Bethany hadn't wanted to come so it was just the normals. They were lounging, standing and doing whatever was comfy. Charlie started his speech rather quickly.
"So there's this piano," he began, "I heard it in the middle of the night and went searching. But whoever it was wasn't there. I looked in all the rooms in the Music Department, but no one was there. In fact, the music was louder in the hallway than near the pianos."
"So the music was still playing when you were looking right?" Asa asked. His arm was slung over Olivia's shoulders.
"What the heck! Yes it was playing!" Now usually Charlie wouldn't be so emotional with Asa, but this was the second time someone asked him that same question. Did they think he was crazy?
"Just asking Charlie, sorry."
"So, I wanted to ask you guys if you would meet me in the hall at like midnight. You don't have to come, but I could use some more minds."
In the corner of his eye Charlie saw Milly sauntering across the field.
"So just come if you can," Charlie said, never taking his eyes off Milly. He shuffled through his friends and ran toward her.
Milly didn't try to escape. She stopped walking when she saw Charlie coming after her and she stared right through his heart. Charlie wasn't sure if the sweat beading on his forehead was from the heat or Milly. He also noticed, once again, Milly's long sleeve shirt.
"Milly," he said when he was near enough. Milly said nothing. "Milly, I just wanted to apologize. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Yeah, I'm sorry too."
"Well do you want to help us find the pianist or do you like your sleep?"
"I don't think I should."
"Why not?" Charlie asked but the bell rang and that's when Milly walked away from him.
That night, on the way to dinner, Emma decided to eat with the Bone's. Charlie and Billy walked with her.
"Emma, has anything happened at your place. With you know who?" Charlie asked. Emma was smug but nodded.
"She came down the stairs in a towel and asked Uncle Paton where the soap was."
"I take it Julia wasn't there." Billy said. Emma nodded again.
"But I was. Charlie I hate to say it but I think maybe you're right. Jezebel may have something for Uncle P."
"That's slightly disheartening. What did my uncle do?"
"He asked me to get it for her."
"That's better. But still. What is that chick's problem?"
"I have no idea, but Paton's keeping his distance."
"Does Julia know?" Billy asked.
"Oh, yeah."
Charlie opened the door that led to the stairs. This is crazy, he thought as he walked up the steps. First this random woman comes to Bone's and demands that she be allowed in the ruins to excavate it. Then she starts getting flirty with his uncle. There's a person playing a mysterious piano and a girl that looks exactly like Matilda who refuses human interaction. It was a lot to wrap your mind around, but Charlie was used to it. It had been a few years, so he was rusty, but he coped nonetheless.
When the three walked into the dining room, they saw Paton and Jezebel covered in dust, and laughing. Emma gave Charlie and Billy a look and went to her seat.
"Uncle P, are you okay."
"Of course Charlie. But…guess what we found in the ruins."
"I have no idea."
"There was an arch with script above it. Jezebel translated it and it says: Most men use currency to show wealth, but this man uses it to show kindness."
"And Mr. Yewbeam said that he read somewhere that a room of great wealth lays in the red castle with that exact script above the door."
"That's good news right?" Billy questioned.
"But of course! By this time tomorrow we should have at least half of the room excavated. You could bring your friends if you like."
"Does that mean you'll be leaving us Jezebel?" Julia had just walked in and must have heard most of the conversation.
"I'm afraid yes. I suppose next Friday would be appropriate." Julia took her seat on the other side of Paton. In a few minutes, Lyell arrived and reported that Amy was staying at the house with Vivienne.