"You're back quickly—did they finish the investigation already? And Raymond hasn't fetched you yet, has he?" I deflected his question with one of my own.

"McKenzie gave me a lift. He's waiting in the parlour," Rafayel replied, crossing his arms. "More importantly—what were you doing just now?"

"Hmm... Mum called," I shrugged, scooping up Raymond's phone from the sofa. "Mum?"

"Why did you go quiet, love? Are you alright?" Her voice tightened with concern.

"I'm fine, Mum. Raf just startled me, that's all."

"Honestly, you're impossible! Don't be so careless—and keep your phone on!" Mum fussed down the line.

I sighed, resigned to the familiar lecture as Rafayel stood frozen,...