My eyes fluttered open. Light was just starting to stream in through the window on the opposite side of the room. I grabbed my watch on my bedside table. It was six o'clock in the morning, thirty minutes before my alarm would go off. I actually woke up naturally this morning. This was a stunning feat, considering that I had gone to bed past eleven p.m. last night. Waking up early felt like something Xara would do. I'm adjusting, I'm becoming more like her!

Except Xara wouldn't have gotten so excited. She would be placid, unmoved. Oh, I woke up naturally without an alarm? No big deal. That's the way it should be. Time to start the day with some vegetables, meat, and a workout.

I sighed and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My eyes fell on Dari. Her chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm, as if she were fast asleep. I figured I would let her sleep until her alarm went off. Ten minutes was still valuable, especially to secret agents.

I crossed the room to my suitcase. A patch of red from Xara's favorite coat was peeking out from the top of it. I suddenly realized that I had forgotten to zip it shut last night. What a rookie mistake! That's what they teach kindergarten spies: "always zip and lock your bags." You never know who might break into your room and try to go through your stuff. I lifted a few garments inside to make sure nothing had been removed. Everything seemed to be in order, so I pulled out today's outfit—a black shirt and pair of pants—and locked my bag.

I glanced down at my watch. For some reason, thinking about how the time was ticking down, waiting to start beeping, gave me anxiety. I made a calculated decision to turn the alarm off. I'll just wake Dari up when I'm getting ready for the day. I put my shirt on, then did my make-up, and finished my changing into the dark jeans. I liked to stay in my comfy pajama pants for as long as possible, and this routine worked well most mornings.

I had just finished tucking my shirt into my pants when the sound of the hotel phone pierced the air. Dari yelped from the other room. I dashed out of the bathroom to find Dari upright in bed, eyes wide and her breathing heavily.

"It's just a phone," I said calmly. As much as I wanted to chuckle, I forced myself not to. I had been too lenient with my Xara personna. I only acted like her when I was with the ambassadors. But my friends...well, I suppose I had thought that it was okay to be myself with them.

Even though my 'self' was supposed to be Xara.

Why was this so unbelievably complicated? I felt guilty when I wasn't acting like Xara and like a traitor when I was forcing myself to be Xara. Deep down inside, I knew that I wasn't Agent X. I never would be. I wasn't Xara.

Nevertheless, I was created for one purpose and one purpose only—to be Agent X. So, if that's what I was supposed then that's what I would have to be, at least for the duration of the mission.

"Aren't you going to laugh?" Dari asked as her breathing slowed.

Oh dear. I've developed a reputation for not being like Xara. Director Rokmond will not be pleased.

"No," I declared firmly. I need to change my ways. Is there a Xara reform school?

Dari thought for a moment. "Yeah, I guess it's not really a thing Xara would do. I'm just so used to hearing your laugh." She paused, as if to carefully choose what she told me next. "Do...do you like being Xara?"

"Yeah," I replied as I scanned the room for my boots. No, I corrected silently.

"Really? Well that's good, all things being considered. I mean, I think it's ridiculous to have two of the same person. But then again, who cares what I think?"

I shrugged. "I'm sure someone does."

Dari laughed. "Maybe Finn. That's about it."

"I care what you think." But my opinions probably matter less than your do? Afterall, I'm a clone. Am I even human?

"Okay, you, Finn, and maybe Jax. Ty...I'm not so sure about him." She laughed again.

"I'm glad you're not crushed by the realization," I stated.

"Me too." Dari grinned.

We stared at each other for a moment. I felt like I had just learned more about Dari in this conversation than all of Xara's memories combined. She felt misunderstood. She felt out of place. She felt unheard. She...likes my brother?

Is he even my brother?

The phone rang again. I had completely forgotten about it due to my consuming thoughts. I snatched the phone off the hook before I forgot again.

"Hello?" I said.

"Hello, is this Miss Oclen?" The voice didn't need to introduce himself. I knew that it was the representative of Belgium: Mr. La Foie.

"Yes."

"Ah, perfect! This is Jacques Le Foie. I hope I didn't wake you."

"Oh, no. You didn't," I replied, sheepishly looking at Dari.

"Good. I was just calling to tell you about another outing that I have organized for the delegates at the convention. We plan to visit the town square in Brussels. You and your crew are invited to join us."

"We would love to come," I said. "What time?"

"At nine o'clock sharp. We will meet in the foyer. I have hired a tour bus to drive us there."

"It sounds splendid. We will be sure to come. Thank you for the invitation."

"Anything for an old friend. Au revoir for now!"

"Au revoir."

I placed the phone back on the hook. I turned around to see Dari exiting the bathroom, completely dressed for the day. She must have slipped inside and changed while I was answering the phone.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"That was Mr. La Foie. He was wondering if we could join him and several other representatives on a sightseeing trip to the town square in Brussels."

"Oh, nice."

"But, of course, you won't be attending," I said.

"Oh...why?"

"You're going to watch Madame Roselle for us."

"Ooh, right. I forgot."

"It's all good."

"Unless, of course, she just so happened to have decided to join us," I said.

"I guess we'll find out. Shall I pull up the surveillance video?"

"Yes, do that. Once we see someone of interest, we'll go downstairs."

I ate a snack of nuts and spinach while we waited to go downstairs and messaged the guys about the tour at nine a.m. Then, I pulled out my computer and began reading the files on the delegates at the conference. I had gotten in the habit of doing this during every spare moment I got so that I wasn't wasting time. So much had happened that I was often in need of a refresher on what "normal" was supposed to look like.

"Oh my gosh!" Dari exclaimed. I jumped in my seat.

"Ugh, don't startle me like that," I said.

"Now you know what it's like to wake up the ringing of a phone," Dari snickered.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. What's going on?"

Dari spun her laptop around. The tiny image of a woman in a vibrant red suit and a matching hat stood at the check-in counter. As she turned around and started towards the dining hall, I caught a glimpse of her face. It was none other than Sofia Lopez, the Mexican representative at the conference.

"She's here?" I said.

Dari nodded. "And look at the time."

It was seven-thirty in the morning. That was certainly a new development. Mrs. Lopez wasn't normally one to travel so early in the morning.

"We'd better head down there and talk to her before going on our tour," I said.

"Sure. What about Ty, Finn, and Jax?"

"I'll send them a message notifying them that we went downstairs. They already know about the tour at nine."

Dari and I pulled on our combat boots and headed downstairs for breakfast. I spotted where she was sitting the moment we entered the dining hall. She and her husband were sitting together in the center of the room. She had removed her hat to show her shiny, black hair neatly tied in a bun. Her red suit matched her rosy cheeks and lipstick, making her look at least ten years younger than she actually was.

Her eyes fell on us, and she broke into a smile, revealing her straight, pure-white teeth. I headed towards her table, Dari at my heels.

"What a wonderful surprise!" she exclaimed, leaping to her feet. "Hello my dear!"

She threw her arms around me like she always did, like we were old friends. I recalled that Xara would slightly return the hug, though not to a full extent, so I did the same.

"Are you here to be my bodyguard? Or are you finally on vacation?" She gave a sort of high-pitched giggle after her last statement.

"No vacation," I said. "Just monitoring the conference to make sure everyone is safe."

"Oh, Xara! You're always working! Why don't you ever take a break?"

In typical Xara fashion, I shrugged.

"Oh, you and your shrugs! Sit, sit! I may not always have the power to force you to relax, but right now I do. Order a nice, hearty breakfast and dine with us."

I took the seat across from Mrs. Lopez. However, the moment I sat down, I realized that I was staring directly into the rising sun. I almost slid into the seat next to Miss Lopez, but Dari beat me to it. Well, if I go blind, so be it.

Miss Lopez asked a waiter to bring two more menus to the table.

"Order as much as you can possibly eat without bursting. The check's on me," she told us with a wink.

I held the breakfast menu up to cover most of my face. I peered at Mrs. Lopez's husband. He wore a dark suit and glasses. He should be sitting where I'm sitting. Or at least let me borrow his glasses. He was completely somber as he stared at his menu. Nothing about him seemed odd.

The waiter soon swept by our table. Mr. and Mrs. Lopez ordered a full breakfast with Belgian waffles, eggs, and sausage. Dari ordered an eggs benedict. She shot me an apologetic look, but to be honest, I didn't care that much. Sure, it was on the pricier side, but it was a dish she genuinely enjoyed, and Director Rokmond had forbidden her to order it as long as he was paying for our travel expenses. This was likely one of the only chances she'd get.

The waiter turned to me last, after the others had ordered.

"And what would you like?"

"A vegetable and cheese omelet, please."

"Is that all?" Mrs. Lopez's bottom lip popped out in an exaggerated pout.

"Yes," I stated.

"Well, I can't force you to eat more than you are hungry for," she conceded. "But please, don't under order on my account."

"Don't worry, their omelets are pretty big," I said.

"Alright. That will be all," she told the waiter.

"D'accord." The waiter disappeared into the kitchen.

"So, Xara, how have you been?" she questioned eagerly. "You must tell me all of the latest gossip. Any beaus? Crushes? Heartbreaks?" A sly smile crossed her lips. "Or have you been the heartbreaker?"

"No gossip or news," I replied quickly. For me, this was most mostly true. I had been cooped up in my house, how could I have broken any hearts? Then again, the biggest news would be that the real Xara was kidnapped and I am not Xara.

But such information was not to be divulged under any circumstances.

"Oh come on!" Sofia cried. "There had to have been something!"

Slowly, I shook my head. Please, don't ask me any more questions!

She suddenly leaned in, a little too close. Her volume dropped to a whisper. "What about that spy you work with? Ty, right? What about him?"

My mind went to the elevator conversation. Once again, I could not divulge such information. Explaining the confession would make her believe that Ty liked me and I had rejected him, while in reality Ty was in love with the other Xara. Such complex things should be left unsaid. I shook my head again, but with more fervor this time.

"Seriously? You've been working with him for years!" Her grin widened, and she nudged me with her elbow. "And he's been eyeing you for years!"

I knew. But I realized that Xara might not have known. Mrs. Lopez had always brought up Xara's love life, or shall I say "lack of" a love life, but she had never been so direct about Ty. I wondered why now of all times she had finally decided to bring it up.

Regardless, Xara never blushed when the subject was brought up. So, I didn't blush either.

Sofia sighed in exasperation. "Fine. If you aren't going to tell me all about your Romance life, I will tell you about mine."

She went into a long spiel about how she and Rodrigo had shared the most romantic anniversary ever in Costa Rica for the past month. I recalled past conversations Xara had had with her for comparison. They seemed very similar, in content and in style. Any facts that she mentioned were true, no contradictions.

As grateful as I was to her chatter, since it meant I didn't have to talk, I did wish that I could slip in a few questions about her flight's delay. I didn't get the chance until the server arrived with our food. She paused her speech just long enough to cut into her waffles. I jumped at the opportunity to start the questioning.

"How was your flight?" I asked.

"Oh, it was wonderful," Mrs. Lopez said after swallowing her food. "All of the flight attendants were very friendly. We made it through security without a hitch."

I considered my next question in detail, before finally deciding to ask it. I didn't want her to know the extent of the information that we knew about her, especially if she was with WAOIC, but there was a vital bit of information that I needed to know. I needed to see her reaction.

"Were there any delays in arriving?" I asked.

Mrs. Lopez giggled. "Oh, well, I did decide to stay a few extra days in Mexico."

"You purposefully missed your flight?" Dari asked.

"Yeah, some girlfriends were throwing a party, and I just couldn't miss it for the world."

Well, if she was a spy, I have to give WAOIC credit. That is exactly something that the real Mrs. Lopez would do. Right now, she was failing the 'imposter' test.

But I refused to eliminate her as a suspect altogether. The Agents of WAOIC were crafty. They certainly could have been familiar with her habits and written the perfect excuse for her tardiness.

"So, Mrs. Lopez," Dari began. "We are going on a sightseeing tour to see the townsquare of Brussels. Would you come and join us?"

"When is it?" She asked.

"This morning, at nine o'clock."

"Thank you for the invite, but no. I must catch up on my sleep that I lost during the flight, though you can be sure that I will be bright and chipper this evening."

That was also something Mrs. Lopez would have said. But for some reason, the more normal she seemed, the more I wanted to suspect her. Agent X did rely upon her intuition a lot. Perhaps I should do the same. I would have to watch her very, very closely.

The rest of our breakfast was more of the same. I got Mrs. Lopez to talk the whole time, weighing everything she said on the scales of my memories. She insisted on paying the check at the end. Xara had learned not to argue with Mrs. Lopez when it came to those sorts of things. The diplomat always won.

"Well, I hope we can catch up more tonight," Mrs. Lopez said as we strolled to the foyer. "But now, I must proceed to my hotel room to sleep."

"Yes, I hope to talk with you more too," I said.

"Farewell for now," she said. She gave my hand a squeeze before pointing to the stairwell. "Onward!"

Her husband followed her up the stairs, carrying her bags.

"Why Xara! It's nice to see you again!" I turned around to see Mr. La Foie.

"Ah, Mr. La Foie! It's nice to see you as well," I said.

"It's so nice that you will be joining us on our tour of the town square. That will make ten of us, which is quite a nice group."

"Ten?" Dari repeated.

"Yes, John Wincliff, Nadya Checklokvia and her escort, Roselle Monpelie, Chausiku Jebet, Peter Kohler, Mahlee Omni, Xara, you, and of course myself. Is anyone else coming?"

"Oh, um, Ty and Finn may come too," Dari added quickly. Her gaze shifted to me, and I nodded in agreement.

Might as well bring the whole crew along if so many plan to come. But of course, we needed Jax to stay and hold down the fort.

"That will be fine, there's room for plenty," Mr. La Foie declared. "I rented an entire tour bus for the day, so we aren't paying per person. Though it wouldn't matter even if we were paying per person." He winked.

These people really live by a "money is no object" policy. Then again, they aren't the ones paying. That's the job of the government.

The other diplomats began to arrive in the lobby. I was starting to get a little bit nervous. Where is Ty and Finn? They should've been down an hour ago. I texted them to get down as soon as possible.

I knew the instant they had arrived. Their boots clacked loudly on the marble steps as they jogged towards us. Oh brother. How embarrassing! They came to stand beside us, panting.

"Good morning!" Mr. La Foie greeted them.

"Oh, good morning," they chorused.

A smile spread across the diplomat's face. "Did you wake up on the later side?"

"I'm afraid so," Ty grinned. "I still haven't eaten breakfast yet."

"Don't worry, there will be vendors selling food in the town square."

"Town square?" Ty repeated. His eyes turned to me, and I gave a nod of approval to Mr. La Foie's previous statement. Didn't you read the texts I've been sending you? Finn rolled his eyes at Ty. He probably had been smart enough to read the instructions I had sent.

Mr. La Foie turned to greet Chausiku Jebet as she descended the steps, elegant as ever in a mauve suit.

"What's going on?" Ty whispered.

"We're going on a tour bus to the town square of Brussels. Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious," I murmured. There wasn't time to chide him for not checking his inbox.

Ty and Finn nodded and we broke from our huddle. The other seven guests were now present, and it was now time to go.

A giant, red bus pulled up to the front entrance of the hotel. Written in gold, cursive letters on the side of the bus was "Le Tourisme de Brussels." Mr. La Foie craned his neck to peer outside the transparent hotel doors. His eyes widened as they fell on our transportation vehicle.

"Alright, attention ladies and gentlemen! Our bus has arrived!" Mr. La Foie announced. "Please proceed to the front entrance."

I headed with the others out the glass double doors. Red steps sprawled before us leading to the crowded sidewalk. It's almost like I'm a movie star. I had never had any interest in that sort of career, but it's always nice to be treated in a special way. And right now, it was like I was walking on a red carpet, on my way to...

I wasn't looking where I was going. My foot stretched out, missing the next step. I fell forward. My wrists shot out, slamming on the stone steps. Pain reverberated through the bones in my hands. Ow!

"Woah, you okay there X?" Dari asked.

"I'm good." I forced myself to not blush. I wasn't sure what hurt more, my wrists or my dignity. Miss Checklovia, who was walking in front of us, turned around.

"Are you alright?" she asked. She reached down and offered me a hand. My eyes fell on a beautiful, gold bracelet studded with diamonds that hung on her wrist. It was positively radiant with the rose-gold sundress she was wearing. Wow, that looks expensive.

"I'm okay," I said. "I'm not hurt too badly." I let her help me up anyways so that I didn't seem rude.

"You weren't even in heels," Ty teased as he jogged down the steps. I ran after him, determined to not let him show me up. I was beginning to hate steps.

I reached the sidewalk without any more mishaps. All sorts of pedestrians—from professionals in suits to tourists in tacky hawaiin shirts—hurried past us.

"Form a line," Mr. La Foie declared, and the rest of us formed a single file line outside the bus. From movie star to kid on a field trip. Why did I feel like such an idiot? Probably because you're not thinking like the real Xara, a voice critiqued. She never embarrassed herself. At least, not that I knew of. Xara probably blocked off any feelings of embarrassment she may have felt, just like she blocked out happiness, sadness, and anger. And love, I added as I stared at the back of Ty's head, standing in front of me.

The doors opened, and one by one, the group flooded the interior. Excitement welled up in my chest as I patiently waited my turn to enter the bus. I had never ridden in such a vehicle before. My turn came soon, and I ascended the steps, making sure that I didn't trip. I saw Ty's head disappear in a row of seats in the middle of the bus. I marched up to him only to find that he had selected the window seat.

"Get up so I can get in," I said.

Ty's brow furrowed. "What? Why? There's two empty seats right there." He motioned to the seats next to him. I crossed my arms. I wasn't going to give up the window seat without a fight, but I refused to tell him why I wanted him to move.

I didn't need to tell him my reasons. A knowing smile crossed his lips. Darn it, Ty! Why do you have to be so intuitive?

"Ooh, I know why," he gloated. "You want to look out the window."

"As a safety precaution," I snapped. "I need to be able to watch the street for any suspicious activity."

Ty rolled his eyes. "Sure." He dragged this word out sarcastically. But he did move into the aisle so I could take the window seat. Dari appeared at that moment, and scooted into the middle seat. Ty was stuck on the end.

"Thank you," I said curtly.

"I hope I don't fall off my seat in a sharp turn," he muttered. Finn's head popped up from the row of seats in front of us.

"Um, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Oh nothing," Ty said. "Xara just wanted to relax and do some sightseeing." I elbowed him hard in the ribs. "Ow! Hey!"

I glared at him, but turned my attention back to the window. Enough of this. You'll make people suspicious.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats," the voice of the driver announced over the intercom. Finn's head disappeared as he sat down.

The bus jolted forward at a crawl. I stared out the window, my face so close that my breath created a small circle of fog. I could understand why people loved to tour places from buses. The view of the street was so much better from above. The bus sat so high above the ground that when I looked outside, I only saw the tops of people's heads. But of course, I turned my gaze to the architecture we passed. I wasn't a weirdo who enjoyed looking at people's hair.

I couldn't forget my mission, my sole purpose in going to Belgium, but during the bus ride, I resolved to soak in as many sites as possible. It might be the only chance I would get. Ty, Finn, and Dari could watch for anything of concern. They had no reason to be intrigued by the city. They'd been here a million and one times.

And this was my one in a million chance to see everything.

The driver's voice came over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for choosing Brussel's Tour Guides for your transportation today. Although your main destination is the town square, I will point out any major landmarks that we pass along the way. Just as a reminder, please remain seated for the duration of the tour at all times. So now, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride."

My eyes stayed glued to the window as we passed all sorts of ancient buildings. The driver pointed them out as we went along, giving historical background or stating their significance, followed by choruses of oohs and aahs.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dari looking at me, annoyed.

"Um, X, stay focused," Dari chided.

I remained completely calm, so calm that I didn't even bother to respond or heed her admonishing.

Dari rolled her eyes. "X, we're on a mission. We can sightsee some other..."

She stopped mid sentence. She bit her lip. She must have realized that there probably wouldn't be a next for me.

"I'll cover for you," she whispered.

My crew didn't say another word to me until we had arrived in the town square. By then I had had my fill of the sights. I was ready to go into full Xara-mode.

No more emotion. You need to be calm, cool, and collected.

"Okay, we need to try to stick with the diplomats," I told Dari and Ty. "If you see anyone breaking away from the group, follow them."

"Sure thing," Ty said.

"We have now arrived at the town square," the bus driver announced. "Please exit the bus safely and enjoy your time in the town square of Brussels."

I couldn't help but feel like his statement about "safely" exiting the vehicle was a subtle jab at me. But of course, he hadn't seen me fall. It probably was just my conscious. I still paid close attention to every step I took until I had safely stepped into the town square.

"Oh my! This is quite lovely," Miss Omni commented. She stared with awe at the buildings. She was probably like me—in awe of all that she had never seen before.

"Still charming as ever," Miss Checklokvia remarked. She smiled as she stared up at the building, holding her chaperone's hand.

The town square was bustling with activity from vendors and tourists. Some official-looking people were marking out spaces with tape and bringing in props. I suddenly realized that they were preparing for the Ommegang of Brussels, a cultural festival that takes place every two years in June. If I remembered correctly, the event was set for tomorrow.

"Do you think that we will attend the festival?" Dari whispered.

"Probably La Foie will set up something along those lines," I replied.

Dari nodded. "That's what I think too. The diplomats will probably want to attend."

I do too, I silently added.

I peered up at the towering, gothic buildings. Based on the descriptions that I had memorized, I knew that I was standing in front of the Grand Palace. It was truly magnificent in its design. It was like a wise, steady grandpa overlooking the tourists. The other diplomats stood in front of the building with us, murmuring about how incredible it was.

In the corner of my eye, I glimpsed Miss Omni straying from the group. Her wide-eyes sparkled with wonder as she migrated further away, caught up in the carvings and masonry. I decided to follow her. I didn't want her to get lost.

"Oh, aren't these flowers lovely?" I heard Miss Checklovia gush behind me.

"Would you like a bouquet, my dear?" Her escort asked.

"Oh, thank you!"

I leaned over to Dari. "Watch the others. I'll stay with Miss Omni."

"Don't get lost," Dari told me jokingly.

A crowd had gathered right where Miss Omni had been. I stood on my tip-toes, trying to see over them. My eyes caught on the floral, orange gown of Miss Omni as she ventured deeper into the marketplace. I pushed my way past the noisy tourists. Where is she going? Could she be a WAOIC agent trying to check in with headquarters?

My quick pace soon caught up to the meandering stroll of Miss Omni. I found her staring up at a carved, stone pediment on an old church. I crept up behind her and waited as she continued to gawk at it. I began to inspect the figures myself. It was true art, architecture in the finest.

Five minutes later, Miss Omni was still staring at the same church. I had lost interest in it long before. My fingers started to twitch with nervous energy. As much as I appreciated art, I didn't understand how a single person could stare at the same artwork for much longer. It just wasn't my forte.

So, for the sake of my time and sanity, I stepped forward, clearing my throat.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I commented.

Miss Omni jumped, a quiet cry escaping her lips. "Oh, Miss Oclen! I apologize. I didn't see you there."

"It's fine." I smiled politely.

"I was just admiring this devine pediment. I've always longed to see art like this for myself."

"Have you been to Europe before?" I asked.

A rosy pink color tinted her cheeks. "Yes," she admitted, her gaze on the cobblestone pavement. "But I have always been so busy, and my trips so short, that I haven't had much time for tourism. I only got this job a few months ago."

"Ah, I see." I found it fascinating that a diplomat of such little experience was chosen for the position of representing Thailand in the World Leader's Convention. This was the first year that the country was attending it. I would have betted that they would have chosen someone who was more comfortable with their position.

Could WAOIC have had a hand in that decision? The weaker ones are the easier ones to target, kidnap, and replace. Besides, there was the added advantage that Agent X had never met Miss Omni in person.

But then again, that advantage was rather pointless as their entire plan appeared to rest on the fact that the real Agent X was captured. But that plan might have been established after they had determined who to replace, which would once again make Miss Omni a suspect.

My head was spinning in circles. At this point, the name of the game was psychology.

As I contemplated these things, Miss Omni returned her attention to the pediment, soaking in every last detail. My train of thought was suddenly broken by the vibration of my watch on my wrist. I glanced down at the message from Dari.

Is everything okay?

I typed 'yes' and sent it. Miss Omni was safe for the time being. She was just so captivated by the architecture that she couldn't stick with the tour group. I backed away slightly. I imagined that a person with such high appreciation for the arts would prefer to enjoy it in silence.

Miss Omni turned around to face me. "I'm sorry, you're security, aren't you."

I froze. Ahhh, I wasn't trying to disturb you!

"Um, yes," I stammered. "But don't worry, you can keep on observing the architecture, that's perfectly fine."

"I probably shouldn't have wandered off, I'm sorry," Miss Omni continued with particular urgency, as if she hadn't heard me. "I can return to the group now."

"Oh, no! Take your time," I told her.

"I don't want to be a bother. I've had my time of enjoying the art, I can return to the group now."

Before I could insist that she stay, she pushed her way through the crowd towards the heart of the market square. Our tour group had gathered there, and Mr. La Foie was presenting a brief history lesson on the town square.

"Oh my! It's a good thing we are returning! I wouldn't want to miss this," Miss Omni whispered to me. She stood at the edge of the group, craning her ear to the words of Mr. La Foie.

I spotted Ty, Dari, and Finn on the other side of the group. I made my way around the perimeter of the gathering in order to join them.

"How is everything going?" I murmured.

"Good so far. Check out Miss Checklokvia's bouquet." Finn nodded to the exquisite arrangement in her hand. It was a mixture of white, pink, and red roses, tied together with a satin ribbon.

"Why?" I asked.

Finn shrugged. "Nothing too important. It's just that her escort asked for the most expensive bouquet the vendor had."

I rolled my eyes. Typical male behavior. Always trying to show off.

"Anything more?" I asked.

"La Foie is very entertaining," Ty said.

I glanced at the Belgian representative, reenacting the coronation of some ruler. He was a rather charismatic speaker. He had a way of captivating his audiences, which also helped him in influencing the general consensus. If he really wanted to, he could probably convince us all that the Belgians were the chief proponent in the moon landings.

La Foie finished his spiel, and everyone clapped. The group began to disperse in the town square.

"Split up," I whispered. The others nodded.

I started in the direction of Miss Monpelie and Mrs. Jebet, who were walking and chatting up a storm. Behind me, a scream pierced the air.

My head whipped around. The sea of people parted so that my sight fell on Miss Czechlokvia. Her face was deathly pale, and her roses lay bruised and scattered on the ground.

I rushed over. "What is it?" I asked.

She pointed a single, accusatory finger towards the street. "Stop that thief!" she cried. "He stole my bracelet."