So she did not let Stelly penetrate her network but decided to approach him face to face and ask.

William Black held the coffee in one hand, and his thumb ran slowly over the cup's handle. With his inky pupils, he looked at her like a bottomless pit, full of unknown fear.

Mary Kinson did not even look him in the eye. She felt invisible oppression threatening to suffocate her.

She licked her lower lip and, trying to lighten the atmosphere, said. "I asked Meny where he lived for my reasons, and it will not affect the course of the music night. You can rest assured."

The words fell, and...