Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"A prescription over a thousand? No way!"

Chris and Bridget were hanging out, both sporting leather jackets emblazoned with logos of a professional racing team.

Bridget had done her homework. She'd gone online to dig up some info.noveldrama

Maybe she got the logo wrong, because she couldn't find any team tied to Chris.

What she did find, though, were loads of standards for professional racers.

Amateur bikers have fewer restrictions, but professional racers are held to some seriously strict standards, one of which is perfect vision.

Someone with a prescription that high couldn't possibly be a pro racer.

Sylvia was having a hard time figuring out what was real. Could Chris be pulling the wool over her eyes?

She pondered this for a few seconds, then looked up at Chris just as he was turning to look at some X-rays, giving her a clear view through his glasses.

Looking through those lenses made Sylvia's head spin.

Chris would have a tough time faking something like that.

Plus, Rupert didn't bat an eye at Chris wearing glasses, so it seemed legit that he was nearsighted.

Chris was focused on the images, pointing to a spot, "See here? No bone damage, so it's not a big deal. Just feeling a bit off walking for a couple of days."

Sylvia followed his gaze, catching sight of his wrist-clean, with no sign of a watch.

But Sylvia distinctly remembered Naomi mentioning that Fanny often custom- made watches for people she fancied.

If Chris really loved watches, he'd likely wear one all the time, leaving a mark on his wrist.

After mulling it over, Sylvia decided to test the waters. She wheeled closer to Chris.

Chris turned and nearly jumped out of his seat when he saw Sylvia so close. "Whoa, what's with the sudden close-up?"

"I just noticed, Dr. Lennon, you've got really nice wrists. They'd look great with a watch."

As she said this, Sylvia reached out to touch Chris's wrist, curious if he had rubbed something on it.

But before she could make contact, her wheelchair was pulled back.

She turned sharply to see Rupert, who had been quietly sipping his tea moments ago, now standing behind her, hand firmly on the wheelchair handle.

Sylvia tried to roll the chair forward but it wouldn't budge, so she gave up with a resigned sigh.

Rupert's eyes were serious, "He never wears a watch."

Chris nodded, rubbing his wrist, "Yeah, I don't like wearing them. I'm in surgery sometimes, and taking them on and off is a hassle. Plus,

good watches aren't cheap. If somet

patients saw one, they might get the wrong idea."

Sylvia stared at his unmarked wrist, utterly confused.

She couldn't have made a mistake!

Even if she had, the hospital staff couldn't have gotten it wrong.

She distinctly heard another doctor call out "Dr. Lennon."

Chris noticed her puzzlement and asked, "Why the sudden interest in my wrists?"

Sylvia's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly concocted an excuse.

"I just like watches, so when I see nice wrists, I can't help but comment."

Chris chuckled, raising his wrist, "Nice wrists, huh? Well, I guess I do have..."

But a sharp look cut his laughter short.

He straightened up, cleared his throat,

at, "Anyway, you're fine.

take it easy on your foot St

remember to change the

to change the dressing."

"Got it. Thanks, Dr. Lennon."

Sylvia decided not to push her luck and let the topic drop, maintaining a polite demeanor.

Chris, eager to escape the piercing gaze he was under, quickly stood up to show her out, "Take care. See you around."