First, I sat carefully at the edge of the bed and began to remove my perfusion with a sharp motion, then I stood up slowly, for fear of seeing the room spinning around me, but... no. I was even pretty steady and fit for someone who had just spent two full days lying in a bed. I looked at the room.

- 'Are there any clothes that would fit me, by any chance?'

- 'Here you go! That should do the trick,' Jude told me as he threw a small pile of clothes on the bed.

I grabbed it and went to dress in the small bathroom. I quickly put on the jeans and the plum V-neck sweater and thanked inwardly and fervently the decorator who had forgotten to put a mirror over the sink. Considering the look I must have, not facing my reflection was a blessing. I got my shoes back, which, although quite scratched, had nonetheless survived the disaster and went to join Jude outside. It was dusk and I enjoyed the last glow of the sun as we headed for the main house. As I approached the centre of the hamlet, I realized that something unusual was happening. A small crowd of about thirty people gathered in the square and it seemed to me that I saw a kind of bonfire standing in its centre as we approached.

- 'It's Martha's funeral,' Jude whispered gently in my ear while putting an arm around my waist.

I stiffened imperceptibly to his touch, more accustomed to his sharp remarks than to any signs of affection. However, as this gesture seems to be insignificant to him, I did not say anything. Especially since deep down in my heart, I had to admit it, I needed the comfort it gave me. We attended the simple ceremony in silence. I even allow myself to shed a few tears. For Martha, even if I hadn't known her, but especially for my growing concern for Cassie and for what had become of my life. When it was over, I was surprised to see some people approaching me to thank me. I nodded back, not knowing how to take these testimonies of gratitude, which surprisingly did not include Jude. The latter had moved away from them as they approached. When it was apparent that no one would come to see me anymore, Jude slowly came back to me.

- 'Come. We need to talk to Charles about your friend's disappearance.'

Unsurprisingly, he led me to the building where I had met the famous council three days before. There was only Charles and his wife. The infamous Daphnee had apparently not bothered to join us. What a surprise! It was Carla who got up at our entrance and walked towards me, holding out her hands.

- 'Thank you very much for what you have done. We're really sorry that you were hurt. How do you feel now?' she asked nicely.

She seemed sincere, but I don't know why, I couldn't relax. I did not take her outstretched hands and answered her in the most neutral way possible:

- 'I would have preferred to bring you better news. I'm sorry as well.'

She seemed disconcerted for a moment by my attitude and not knowing what to do with her hands, let them fall back down along her body. Her upset and lost expression guilt-tripped me for a few seconds, but not enough to apologize.

- 'At least we know,' she answered with a sad smile. 'Martha was the first to disappear, so that gives us a little hope for the others.'

Her voice weakened over the last words and she took a deep breath to repress her tears.

- 'Christina fears that our problem might have affected her,' Jude intervened in a monotonous but powerful voice that surprised everyone. 'Her roommate disappeared the day Hannah contacted her.'

Even if his posture and attitude suggested that he was not addressing anyone in particular, Charles stared at him, seeming to take it as a personal offense that he had dared to speak out without being invited to. I didn't realize it when I came in, but now that I was paying attention, I noticed that Jude had not followed me and had stopped at the bottom of the stage where we were standing. He stood up straight, legs a little spread and hands behind his back, like a soldier. This led me to wonder about his exact role in this community. What was his status exactly? Some kind of cop or bodyguard? Whatever his position, he was obviously an underling in Charles' eyes, which would explain his bitter look. Being forced to obey orders from someone you don't like is never very rewarding, and I knew what I was talking about! Realizing that my mind was wandering, I focused on the current situation. The most urgent thing was to find the missing people, including, and I was certain now, Cassie.

- 'What caused these kidnappings?' I asked, taking over, as I walked towards Charles, my eyes riveted to his. 'Now that my friend has probably become collateral damage in your affair, you may finally be honest with me and really tell me what it's all about? What does that have to do with Cassie?'

- 'I will be honest with you, Miss Jones,' Charles said in an unpleasant voice by pressing my name. 'I am completely indifferent to your "friend"'s fate and I am under no obligation to answer your questions,' he said harshly, as his fists clenched along his thighs.

His icy stare stuck me there and removed any desire to reply, despite the deep indignation that these harsh and uncompassionate words had caused in me. I stood there staring at him, shocked that he dared to say it out loud. My reaction seemed to amuse him.

- 'Nevertheless, you are right about one thing,' he continued with a cold smile, 'we need your help. But the real problem is that we have no clue why these kidnappings are happening,' he concluded moodily as he began to pace.

His helpless angry attitude was perfect, but I didn't believe it for a second. He must have realized this from my sceptical look, since he suddenly stopped a few steps from me and stared at me.

- 'If we had the slightest hint of a lead or even an explanation,' he shouted meanly, 'do you really think we would have called on you?'

- 'Charles...' Carla intervened, who was interrupted most effectively by a murderous glance from her husband.