Chapter Nineteen
"What is it?" He asks crossing his arms with an impatient scowl as she furrows her eyebrows with a deep frown of her own. His mouth tightens as he notices her parting and closing her lips several times, clearly struggling with some great revelation.
"I'm going to try again," she informs him quietly. "In two days—during the send-off banquet." He turns away to take his leave prompting her to reach out to touch his chin. She gently turns his face back toward her, blue eyes warm as their eyes meet. "I still have time. You promised me—remember?"
"Two days." He notices the relieved sigh that slips through her lips as he jerks his head away. They freeze at the sound of approaching hooves.
"Captain!" Connie Springer calls from the back of his horse. Captain Levi arches an eyebrow as they turn to watch him slow to a halt. Keen eyes trail the light trickle of sweat sliding down his forehead before settling on the alarmed frown twisting his features. "Commander Ervin sent me to fetch you."
"What happened?" The Captain demands, turning his horse to follow the bald recruit, pausing briefly to cast the Queen a pointed look when he feels her following behind.
"An MP's body was found in the underground city. No suspects have been arrested yet but it looks like he was shot—by someone using the anti-personnel maneuvering gear." He notes the shocked intake of breath from the blonde as his mind works furiously to piece together the information.
"Could a member of Kenny's—?" Historia begins to ask.
"No!" The Captain insists forcefully narrowing his eyes. "I personally confirmed that they were all dead before the coronation."
"Perhaps it's a backup squad?" Jean offers arching an eyebrow as he emerges from the path Connie had taken to join them.
"'It's your turn. There's an order to these things. Perhaps it's the law of human nature. When one's time is over, another must take on the role that they used to play…and thus the world can never be cleansed of it.' What do you think it meant?" Section Commander Zoe had asked him the night after the Orvud Operation as she recalled Sannes' words to her from his cell.
Could it be? Was that what he was talking about? Captain Levi wonders as a half-forgotten childhood memory resurfaces.
The darkness fades away to reveal the grimy walls of his hideout. His tiny frame is crouched beneath a rickety stack of crates and discarded furniture haphazardly piled unto the balcony of an abandoned apartment building across the street from a tiny pub nestled between two similarly dilapidated apartment complexes. The pub doubles as a front for a ruthless drug dealer known simply as Two-Time Tony. He knew this because Kenny Ackermann knew this. He had told him as much when he had woken him up in the middle of the night and dragged him halfway across town before shoving a rifle in his hands and ordering him to take cover somewhere. He was nine and already as adept at firing a rifle as he was with a knife.
"Anyone come outta that pub I want you to blast 'em, right in the kneecap." He remembered nodding mutely in response as he lowered his attention to the rifle in his hands before taking off to find a suitable hiding spot.
He hadn't fully comprehended the weight of the sadist's request until the pub doors below finally flew open a half hour later. He had watched as a lanky figure hastily picked himself up, narrowly dodging a well-aimed dagger from within the pub as he sprinted for his dear life.
"Git 'em, boy!" At the sound of the Ripper's familiar drawl, he remembered banishing all doubts and hesitation from his mind, small hands cocking and aiming the rifle barrel at his fleeing quarry as his finger tightened around the trigger. The deafening boom of the shot preceded an earsplitting cry of agony as the fleeing crook collapsed to the floor, clutching his bleeding leg with a pained grimace.
When a second figure emerged from the pub mere moments later, he remembered shifting his attention to apprise the newcomer briefly as he blindly reloaded his weapon. Content that his new target was not one of Kenny's henchmen, Levi had squeezed the trigger, shattering the confused thug's knee with a single shot. The man had folded over, howling and rolling down the stairs as a third figure emerged from the pub, nearly tripping over his fallen comrade.
He remembered freezing when he took in the third figure's blood-soaked clothes and gaping wounds before remembering the punishment that awaited him should he defy the ruthless serial killer's orders. Although his third shot missed its mark, it was enough to graze the third man's flesh, causing him to falter. After reloading his weapon once more, Levi had sunk his fourth bullet into the running man's shin bringing him to his knees before planting a fifth shot in the back of his knee.
"Suwee! You are one nasty shot, you know that boy?!" Kenny Ackermann had congratulated him hours later in a rowdy pub parlor, slamming his now-empty glass of rum with a satisfied smack of his thin lips before tilting the bottle towards his waiting mouth. Gray eyes already red and watery as they watched him, his lithe frame propped groggily unto his forearm. "Damn nearly tore them legs off—had no choice but to…" he trails off dragging a thumb across his throat with a pleased sneer. Levi remembered feeling a twinge of anger as he noticed the blood-soaked sleeve of the older man's shirt from the corner of his eyes. He had lowered his cup not bothering to hide his annoyance and disgust.
"Why didn't you finish them off before they ran out?" He remembered asking, his young mind slightly dreading the answer.
"Tried to, but them fuckers are a slippery bunch." The serial killer had replied shaking his head with a toothy guffaw. "Good thing I had you waiting in the wings to clean up, huh?"
Kenny was extremely cautious in everything he did. He rarely slipped up and always planned things carefully. He wasn't the type of man to put all his eggs in one basket. Although he preferred to handle things personally, he liked having a failsafe for all his major operations. Back then in the underground city, it had been me, in the Reiss Cavern it had been his cronies and their booby traps. Something as big as this…he would have prepared a backup plan in case he and his team failed. It makes sense to have another squad but if that's true, then why would they kill an MP in the underground city?
He stiffens ever so slightly as he feels the blonde's gaze studying him closely. Resisting the urge to glace at her, he returns his attention to the road instead. When they reach the Survey Corps base, they quickly stow their horses before reporting to the Commander's office on the fifth floor.
Commander Ervin is huddled over a map with Section Commander Hange Zoe and the other Section Commanders gathered around him. From the corner of his eye, Levi notices Commander Dawk, flanked by several uneasy military police officers, glaring daggers at his former classmate. Once the stern-faced Commander notices the Captain watching him, he rises to his feet before abruptly lowering himself into a quick bow once he recognizes the Queen standing at his side.
"Commander Dawk was wondering if you and your squad would be willing to assist with the investigation into the underground city," Commander Ervin informs him calmly, pausing briefly to acknowledge him with a tired glance.
"That's not completely true," Nile Dawk sniffs haughtily as he straightens up. It is evident from the frown on his face that he is struggling to discern a reason for the Queen's presence at this meeting. "I only asked for his team's report on the anti-personnel maneuvering gear and its weaknesses."
"You must have shit for brains if you think you can use a report to prepare for a fight against a squad like that," Captain Levi offers bluntly, shifting his hand to his hip.
"And why not?" Commander Dawk challenges crossing his arms indignantly. "Lieutenant Berner and Section Commander Zoe relied on your report from the Trost skirmish during the Reiss Chapel Operation and made it out alive."
"They're scouts," Captain Levi states bluntly without missing a beat. Jean and Connie exchange identically amused glances behind him.
"Levi!" the blond Commander chides with a stern frown before shifting his attention to his peer. "Nile, you asked for my help. Captain Levi and his squad are the only people we know who have successfully defeated Kenny Ackermann and his team in battle. With his history and past connections to the underground city, Captain Levi is especially qualified to assist your investigation. I would strongly urge you to reconsider and accept his help with this operation."
Nile Dawk and his officers stiffen visibly at this. A few of the military policemen avert their gazes self-consciously, unable to articulate a reason for their reluctance.
"We all make mistakes." There is an audible gasp in the room at the petite queen's sudden proclamation. The Captain shifts ever so slightly to watch her as she steps forward with an understanding smile. "I myself have made quite a few. It's especially shameful because we all would like to believe that under those circumstances, we would be strong enough to resist the temptation. But it's not true. Human beings are weaker than we believe and we are often the worse judges of our own abilities. Which is why we are only stronger together."
"Your majesty, I…no we…the military police has lost the faith and favor of humanity—and with good reason," Commander Dawk states. "We have much to atone for and very little time to do it."
"So why go it alone?" Levi challenges arching an eyebrow. "The Survey Corps has never been above asking for help in its time of need. This coup was only successful because we relied on the strengths of both military police officers and the Garrison Regiment. Had it not been for the sacrifices of those brave soldiers we wouldn't be here today."
"That's right," Historia agrees. "The operation to recover Eren from Rein—I mean the Armored and Colossal titans included members from all three branches of the military. Had it not been for your help that day, I believe Eren would have been eaten by the enemy and humanity's chances of survival would have died along with him."
Several scattered murmurs of agreement fill the room as the military police officers' shoulders visibly lift at the Queen's words. Beside her, Levi feels Commander Ervin's gaze lingering on the petite Queen, a content smile evident on his features.
It is exactly like that time in the wagon. The Captain recalls the conversation about killing Eren on their way to the Orvud District. While he and Eren had been content with following the seemingly simpler solution, Historia and Armin had easily shut that down with well-reasoned arguments and analysis. He shuddered to think of what would have happened had reason not prevailed that evening.
She's changed so much. He muses, resisting the gentle tug of a small smile as his chest swells with pride.
"Very well," Commander Dawk assents with a humbled bow. "I'll assemble my men at the Military Police headquarters for briefing. Shall we meet up in two hours?" When the Captain nods, the Military Police Commander salutes briskly before taking his leave.
"Are you going to delegate the Queen Portia investigation to one of your men?" Section Commander Zoe wonders as Levi turns to address Jean and Connie.
"Already have." He feels the blonde straighten up slightly at this watching him with a bemused frown. "I've got my best man on it as we speak." The Queen casts him an intent sidelong glance as he rallies Connie and Jean. "You two are with me. We're going to help with the investigation."
"Shouldn't we get Eren and the others?" Connie wonders as they scramble to follow him.
"No, Eren needs to focus on his training and hardening experiments with Section Commander Hange," Jean responds with an astute frown. "Besides, he'd be useless underground—not like he isn't already but that's neither here nor there."
"But what about Armin and Mikasa?" The bald recruit presses.
"Mikasa's looks are too distinct," Jean reasons. "They would draw too much attention to us. And Armin looks too much like Histo—I mean the Queen to go unnoticed. Besides, if something goes wrong with Eren when he turns Titan, those two are better at talking sense into him than we are."
"But what about Sasha?"
"Fine, go get Potato Girl," Captain Levi orders before turning to address Jean. "Escort the Queen back to the palace."
"Yes, sir!"
"Captain, could I see you for a moment?" Historia asks stepping forward as they finally reach the stables. His scowl tightens as he notices her small hand reaching for the sleeve of his coat.
"What is it?" She notices the shift in his stance and immediately retracts her hand.
"Never mind." He walks away as soon as the words leave her mouth, doing his best to conceal a relieved sigh.
An hour and a half later the Captain sits in Commander Dawk's ornately-furnished office, eyelids drawn sleepily over his grayish blue eyes as they watch a string of yawning officers slowly trickle into the room. While several officers hastily walk past him, a couple cast nervous glances his way as a few brave souls point and mutter in his direction. Connie and Sasha enter the room and quickly move to join him once they locate him, backs pressed attentively against the wall behind them.
"Jean, over here!" Sasha calls out cheerily waving at her tall comrade as he enters a few moments later. "Heard you were escorting Queen Historia back home."
"Yeah," Jean nods as he reaches them. "She was dressed in her old uniform and even had omnidirectional gear equipped."
"Huh, that's right" Connie mutters scratching his bald head. "I did think that was odd."
"Not really." Sasha shakes her head. "We've been doing this so long it's almost second nature to us by now. Sometimes, I catch myself going for a jog early in the morning like we used to back when we were trainees. I guess it's the same for her even now that she's queen."
"That's right. After all, that's happened, it's hard not to miss those days." Silence falls over the room as the door clicks shut behind Commander Dawk.
"Thank you all for coming." He motions for a subordinate to hand out the manila folders sitting on his desk to those gathered in the room. "Before we begin, I'd like to announce that we will be forming a joint task force with the Survey Corps' Special Operations squad. Please introduce yourselves."
"Sasha Braus!" The ravenous scout offers, eager to distance herself from her trainee moniker.
"Connie Springer from Ragako village, pleased to meet you." Surprised gasps and murmurs follow this.
"I am Jean Kirchstein." The tall youth turns to his superior expectantly before adding, "and this is Captain Levi."
"What makes the coroner so sure the wounds were from an anti-personnel maneuvering gear barrel?" The Captain asks peering up from the folder on his lap, lips twisted in a contemplative frown as his keen eyes watch the Commander expectantly.
"Because he was the same one who performed autopsies on the three scouts who were killed in Trost during a skirmish with Kenny Ackermann's squad." Commander Dawk replies. "According to his report, the shrapnel from both incidents are almost identical."
"How long ago did this actually happen?" Captain Levi asks narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
"About seven weeks ago." The room falls extremely quiet at this. "At first we ruled it out as a gang-related homicide—there has been a spate of them in the underground city slums."
"I see, so it wasn't until after the Trost incident that you realized that the wounds were related."
"Correct." Commander Dawk nods.
"I assume the investigation was closed then. How many people know about us re-opening it now?" Captain Levi asks narrowing his eyes.
"Aside from Commander Ervin and the other scouts that were gathered in his office two hours ago, no one outside this room."
"This should probably go without saying but I'll say it anyway." The Captain turns to address the room at large. "From here on out everything stays between us. Take a good look around you. If you don't see anyone in this room, then they are not a part of this investigation and do not need to know any information until it's over."
"And I suppose the same goes for you scouts as well?" Lieutenant Bruce scoffs with a haughty sneer.
"Naturally." The Captain arches an eyebrow at this.
"Right, I'll let Lieutenant Dreyfus take it from here," Commander Dawk states as he steps aside.
"The victim is Private Audrey Lindberg-Lane. She was a military police officer assigned to the Underground City Patrol Brigade. In the weeks leading up to her death, she was investigating a kidnapping and it is believed that she was chasing down a likely witness when she was killed."
"Believed by whom?" The Captain asks leaning back in his chair, deceptively boyish features drawn in a bored frown. "Who was her commanding officer?"
"Captain Dennis Lindberg-Lane..." Lieutenant Dreyfus reads out from a sheet of paper.
"Any relation?" The Captain inquires in a tone suggesting that he already knows the answer. The Lieutenant nods with a disapproving frown.
"Her husband." There is an uncomfortable pause.
Fucking figures.
"Right. Any tips or suggestions, Captain?" Commander Dawk asks turning to face the petite Ackermann expectantly.
"Have you questioned the husband?" The Commander arches a skeptical eyebrow at this. "As her commanding officer, he would know the details of her investigation and possibly her next course of action. It's possible he might have tipped her attackers off about her whereabouts."
"You must think that we're all just rotten huh?!" Lieutenant Bruce barks from the Commander's side. "This couldn't have been a random act of violence, could it? One of us had to have betrayed our own huh?!"
"Kenny's actions might have been violent but they were rarely random," Levi assures him. "I'm not ruling anything out until we have definitive proof."
"What makes you so sure that Kenny Ackermann is behind all this?" Lieutenant Bruce challenges prompting scattered nods and sounds of resentment.
"Because I lived with him. I like to think that I have an idea about how his mind works, the sort of steps he takes to achieve his goals."
"What does your gut tell you?" Commander Dawk asks crossing his arms.
"That Kenny Ackermann is behind this somehow. He might not have caused her death directly but he's responsible for it somehow. I think the Private's murder was linked to her investigation. If we find the find the kidnappers she was hunting we'll find her murderer." Levi turns to address the room once more. "For those of you that don't know, I used to be a criminal in the underground long before joining the Scouts. Although it's been years, I like to think that I still remember how criminals think. I could be wrong but criminals aren't very complicated. In the underground city, most people see crime as a way to survive—a necessary evil. While there are some sick fucks who actually enjoy it, they hardly last very long before getting caught or killed by other criminals."
"Why would criminals kill one of their own?" A military police officer asks thoroughly taken aback.
"Think about it," Levi responds. "People who get a thrill out of being criminals are often bolder and more unpredictable than those who do it as a means to survive. They typically act on instinct—jumping into the fray or needlessly escalating a situation. This kind of behavior is very bad for business which is why the other criminals often turn them over or kill them off themselves in order to preserve the status quo. Naturally, corrupt MPs who are tolerant of a manageable measure of crime are often pleased to be rid of these kinds of criminals so they look the other way. A win-win situation for all parties involved."
"But then if that's true, then why do you think her death is linked to her investigation?" Lieutenant Dreyfus asks with a studious frown. "Everyone knows that killing MPs brings a lot of unwanted attention. That type of heat, according to you, makes criminals nervous."
"You asked me what my gut told me." The Captain shrugs as he turns to face the Commander.
"Right, we'll explore all possibilities," Commander Dawk declares after some thought. "The Captain and I will question the husband before heading down to inspect the scene of the crime."
"No. We'll head to the scene first," Captain Levi states bluntly. "If the husband is involved, he'll become nervous once he learns that we've reopened the investigation into his wife's murder. Besides, pulling the husband in first would only tip off his co-conspirators."
"Should we have him watched?" A female private asks earnestly. "You know, in case he tries to reach out to them?"
"If you can do so without being discovered." The Captain shrugs once more.
"Very well, Privates Dietrich and Schumacher, you'll be in charge of watching Captain Lindberg-Lane," Commander Dawk orders. "Lieutenant Dreyfus, I want you, Hoffmann, Hendricks, and Green working on the victim's prior investigations."
"Kirchstein, go with them," Levi barks catching the tall youth off guard. "I want to know whose kidnapping she was investigating when she got killed and any suspects she might have had."
"Sir, yes sir!"
"The rest of you are with Captain Levi and I. We leave for the underground city in thirty minutes."
The stale, fetid air wafting through the half-open wrought iron entrance to the underground city is all too familiar to Captain Levi Ackermann as he leads their convoy past a group of bemused military police officers. Commander Dawk and a few MPs stay behind to briefly chat with the guards allowing Levi and the others to proceed downward.
"You grew up here Captain?" Connie Springer asks reaching to pinch his nose shut as their footsteps echo loudly around them. He promptly receives an elbow to his side from a glowering Sasha and sways unsteadily on his feet before crashing gracelessly against the wall.
"Who goes there?!" A burly figure barks from the bottom of the stairs. The Captain immediately recognizes the familiar silhouette of a crossbow and holds up both hands in obvious surrender.
"Relax Gunner. It's me, Levi."
"Levi?" The burly hoodlum repeats with a disbelieving tilt of his head. "Come closer so I can see for myself. Just you. No funny business."
"Listen here—" Lieutenant Bruce barks as he begins to shove his way forward.
"Take cover!" Captain Levi roars to the group at large as he grabs the pompous Lieutenant's shirt and drags him to the floor, shielding him with his own body. The air around his right side shifts and he feels a shooting pain begin to spread through his arms and legs. "Shit."
"When I said no funny business I fucking meant it, punk!" Gunner the guard growls as he reaches to snatch the collar of the Captain's jacket.
"Touch him and you're dead," Sasha Braus hisses as she draws her bow and arrow.
"Stand down!" The pint-sized Ackermann barks weakly. "That was an order, Braus."
"B-but you're b-bleeding Captain."
"Fuck! The Captain's been hit!" Connie Springer announces as he and Sasha help him to his feet. "Oh good, looks like it barely grazed him."
"P-poisoned..." The bald cadet's eyes widen at the Captain's strained response.
"Holy fuck! Levi, it is you!" Gunner gasps as he appraises the Captain's hunched form. "You haven't aged a fucking day!"
"Humphrey…" Levi Ackermann mutters as the world begins to spin around him.
He feels a pair of powerful hands lift him off his feet as the spinning intensifies. There is a blinding flash of light followed by a dizzying jumble of faces and voices as the stabbing pain rips through his head. His arms do not respond when he tries to lift them to clutch the side of his head with a pained grimace. When he finally comes to, a feverish shiver racks through his lithe frame as he forces himself into a sitting position.
"You never were one to stay put for long." The grizzled healer growls from his post by the door.
"How long was I out?" He asks squinting at the healer's approaching figure.
"Oh, I'd say about eighteen hours," the medic replies with a shrug as he holds up the Captain's shirt. Captain Levi accepts it with a grateful nod, turning to slide his hands through each sleeve in turn. "Gunner wasn't kidding. You haven't aged a day!"
"What is this?" He asks as he notices the fresh bandages wrapped snugly around his torso.
"Patched you up a bit. You had a few bruised ribs and scrapes. Just what exactly were you doing to get that banged up?"
"Ran into Kenny." He adjusts the collar of his shirt as he rises to his feet.
"Oh? What's he up to these days?"
"Helping trees grow." The shock in the medic's wrinkled visage is impossible to miss as he turns to face him, slender fingers hastily digging his shirt into his waistband.
"Well, I'll be..." The Captain follows him as he leads him into a tiny living room. "Never thought I'd see the day Kenny croaked. He was always so strong and fearless, it was scary.
"Everybody dies eventually," Levi states matter-of-factly.
"True. But still, I'd take it easy if I were you. Just because you haven't aged doesn't mean you're as young as you used to be. A guy your size can't afford to keep taking licks like that. You're not nineteen anymore."
"I'll manage," the pint-sized Ackermann mutters dismissively.
"So I guess the rumors about you becoming a scout really were true after all," he chuckles as he watches the Captain finish getting dressed.
"They are." The doctor scoffs at this, turning away as he shakes his head.
"Farlan and Isabelle too?" The Captain stiffens at this but doesn't respond. "You three were almost inseparable. I'm surprised they weren't with you when Gunner brought you in."
"They're dead." A hushed silence falls over them briefly as the medic averts his gaze with a mournful sigh.
"I'm so sorry Levi. I didn't know." When the diminutive scout doesn't respond, the medic reaches back to scratch the back of his head with a sheepish sigh, grizzled features tight with pain and regret.
"Who do I see for information these days?" Levi asks, abruptly changing the subject.
"Depends on what kind you're looking for," the medic replies with a shrug. "Ever since Zimmermann bit it a few years back, the streets have been crawling with informants."
"Any of them good?" The older man considers his response briefly before offering an equivocal nod. "Who would have information about a murder in the Narrows?"
"The Narrows huh? That's a toughie," he mutters tapping his chin with a contemplative frown as Levi makes his way towards the doorway. When he reaches it, the Captain rests his hand on the doorknob before turning to watch the older man expectantly. After some time, there is a sudden flash of realization in the man's eyes as he snaps his fingers with an excited chuckle. "Pale, skinny kid goes by the name of Payne. Hangs around Madam Broussard's brothel. Just buy him a girl for the night and he'll tell you whatever you need to know. Take it easy kid, it was good seeing you again."
"Thanks, old man." The Captain makes his way to the door and opens it. He isn't surprised to find Sasha and Connie standing guard outside.
"Captain Levi!" He holds his hand up for silence as he closes the door shut behind him. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Levi mutters. "Anything happen while I was out?"
"That freak with the crossbow came by a few times to apologize for shooting you," Connie replies. "But that was pretty much it. "Commander Dawk and the Lieutenant headed out to the Narrows."
"Let's go."
"Um, sir?" When he turns to fix Sasha with an impatient glower, she hastily shakes her head. "N-nothing!"
They quickly make their way down the rickety steps and cross a dimly lit hallway before emerging in a garbage-strewn alley. The metallic clatter of tin cans and rustling trash bags fill the air around them as a group of children rummage through a nearby dumpster. Judging by the state of their clothes and malnourished frames they were orphans.
The orphans retreat behind the dumpster with frightened cries when they notice Sasha and Connie's weapons, peering warily at them. The Captain turns away, hastily throwing on his green traveling cloak as he leads the cadets toward the main street. As he picks a vaguely familiar route toward the infamous Narrows, he fills the others in on his conversation with Humphrey the medic. Although they feel several curious eyes following them as they walk past several rows of hovels, none of the onlookers dare approach or obstruct their path once they notice the wings of freedom emblazoned across their cloaks.
A pair of flushed patrons stagger through the swinging saloon doors of Madam Broussard's brothel, bumping into Sasha's shoulder as they enter. They turn to leer at her backside, whistling and catcalling obnoxiously in her direction as she walks past ignoring them. The Captain quickly scans the room for any sign of the informant Humphrey had described earlier. When he doesn't spot anyone matching his description, he turns to ask the pair of cadets flanking him.
As they shake their heads in response, he turns in time to catch the attention of a passing prostitute. When she notices his gaze on her, she sashays towards him watching him with a coy smile, claw-like fingers idly twisting her dark locks.
"See something you like, junior?"
"I'm looking for someone called Payne." Her expression falls noticeably at this as she hitches her skirt and turns away with an indignant huff. He grabs her arm firmly, holding her in place. Before she can protest or wriggle free he pulls out a pair of coins from his pocket. Her eyes trail his fingers as he waves the coins in front of her. He yanks his hand away at the last minute as she reaches to snatch the coins. "Take me to him. Or I'll find someone who will." A flirty smile twists her thick red lips as she moves to take his hand in hers, hips swaying as she leads him up a flight of stairs.
Author's Note: Sorry for not posting last week. My sister came to visit me and I couldn't get any writing done while she was here.