The Way Back Home's

Back Side

Farrell and Christo leave the police station together. They had just intended to return to the Bliss and Tea Room when Gizmo flew short towards them. Christo saw the message tied to his feet. They turned briefly into a small, deserted alley to check the message.

“Where is he?” farrell asked as the owl landed in Christo's hands.

“I sent it to William to help us this morning. But William did not show up. So, I sent it to Remy to observe Denise.”'s progress Christo took the message paper, opened it, and in a flash the water changed his face. “I think we underestimated Albert Eden too much. Now aunt Melanie and William are on their way to take your mother to Eden’s Lodge.”

“My book? That's just not possible. I was at uncle and aunt's house. He's guarded by guards and servants. There's Carla who's been with him since she got sick. There's no way she can be that easy to take mom away from there.”

Ever since I disappeared, my mom has been sick. His physique began to weaken but not to the point of making him lie down every day. The mental state of the mother is even more worrying. Mom is like a depressed person. He did not answer when asked and remained silent all day. He finally did not respond. He did not recognize anyone, not his own brother, nor his three children. Dazed, numb, trapped in his own world. Eventually Albert's uncle took over and took care of him in their home. Uncle and aunt also took care of them all in exchange for mother. Both are so warm. This still makes it hard for Farrell to believe that his uncle has a hidden agenda behind all his kindness. Turns out it was just uncle's trick to have a guarantee as well as a hostage.

“If your mother was in Albert Eden's house, why couldn't it be? Everyone is his servant.”

“Ya.. But— But, Carla is different. He cares about mom. He knows what can and cannot. He didn't let his mother out of the house. It would be weird if Melanie's ignorant aunt came to see her alone and even took her out. Except..” Farrell paused for a moment when his brain started guessing what was happening. “He is not alone..” Farrell feels a chill crawling his back and running his face. “He's not alone, he's with Farrell,”. “William!”

Christo frowning.

“This morning you sent William a letter and there was no reply. It's because William went with aunt Melanie to mom's place. William must have turned into me. Carla let mom out because I took her away.” Farrell scolded.

“That makes sense.”

“I guess William is on our side.”

“It should be. Is it possible that he was threatened? But William is not a coward like Remy. He would only do something if he wanted to. What is he thinking?”

What did uncle think? Uncle Albert probably wouldn't have used his mother to threaten them, but there was Denise there. If Denise could succeed in making the uncle willingly poison his nephew, she would also be able to make the uncle willingly pull her mother into this matter. “I won't let Denise touch mom. I have to get back there now.”

“Now? That stupid. Milo and Libby are with us. If you go there and get caught, it's all for nothing. We can ask for help Ruberu—”

“No, I don't trust him. He's hiding something from us. He's from the central police department, not the city's police station. He has his own agenda.”

“That doesn't change the fact that he's a cop, Farrell.”

“Instead it. The police cannot move without evidence and investigation. I had to stop Mom before she met Denise. This is my only chance to stop it. Again we are one step faster.”

“So, what's your plan? If we go there, Jim and Joe will catch us.”

Farrell shook his head. “I don't know, but I'll find a way. Importantly, we have to get there.”

　

　

Christo sends Gizmo back to Remy to inform their arrival and distract the people from the end of the magic portal at Eden’s Lodge. Compared to some other portals that Farrell tried later, owned Eden’s Lodge more comfortable to use. He barely felt himself moving. The air pressure is not as strong as the others. Christo did say that the portal Eden’s Lodge was made neatly. One more plus for Eden’s Lodge in the eyes of the witches.

Christo certainly did not invite them in from the front door. Christo took Farrell around to the back. There's another entrance there, an entrance for employees. This door led them to a row of warehouse doors. After passing through the hallway, they turned and found the kitchen. Farrell heard a voice he recognized. The sound came from the painting. He passed by here while running away with Christo. So, near his current position there must be a trapdoor to the outside.

“Sst!” Remy came out from behind the kitchen door.

Christo and Farrell rushed to get there.

“Ka— Ka— You guys me— scare me. Ka— You guys are not— should not be here,” whispered Remy again while glancing outside through the round glass on the door.

“Where are Denise and uncle?” ask Farrell.

“Di— In front. Ka— You must run, Farrell. De— Denise... Di— Dia— wants to kill you.”

“Denise won't kill him. At least not now. He still needed Farrell to find the lodging certificate. I never thought that Mr. Alan hid it with a spell,” Christo said. He's heard Farrell's certificate story.

“I'm curious. Does the spell still apply even if I'm not really a father's son?” Farrell was a little awkward as he put out that sentence. “I never once imagined where the certificate is hidden.”

“Such magic spells are tied to people's personals. No matter what it has to do with the spellcaster. As long as the spell is not broken, the three of you remain bound. So, the location of the certificate depends on you yourself.”

“How to break the spell?”

“Don't ask me. I'm magic blind, remember?”

“What does it mean to father a witch?”

“Many wizards offer services for this it. Everyone can use magic here as long as they want to learn. Talent or not, that's another matter. You can also learn if you want. But, it will obviously take time.”

“A— I'm serious!” say Remy again. He swallowed and continued. “De— Denise ba— even wanted to kill your uncle.”

“What?” Farrell.

“A— I heard it myself. Di— Di— Dia— Dia— Dia—” Remy stop.

“Remy, relax!” christo Pinta. “Stop sagging and tell me what you heard. Only you can explain the situation there to us.”

Remy gulped again and took a deep breath. “I'm afraid.”

“Quiet! You said yourself that they were in front. You mean, they're in a normal world inn, right? That means we're safe here. This kitchen is your territory. All the furniture here is at your command. So, calm yourself down and start saying what you know.”

“You're right.” Remy sighed and nodded. He's no longer as excited as he was before. “I heard after delivering tea to Denise's room last night. The door wasn't closed at the time, so I heard everything. He tells Jim and Joe that he intends to kill all the Eden family so he can master the inn alone. Everything, without exception.”

Farrell. “So, that's why they brought mom here. Not only to threaten me but also to get rid of all my family.”