Objects of Virtue

Chapter 08

Excusing himself from a very boring conversation about the price of gold or something or the other, Louis made a beeline for the door, only to notice something very strange. Hidden in a corner, out of sight, stood Simon, Charlotte and one of the many faceless men that Simon had introduced to him earlier on. What on earth could they possibly be discussing? With Charlotte? This was all becoming a little too much for Louis as he abandoned his quest for a moment's peace and a cigarette and stealthily made his way over to where the little group was standing. It was Charlotte who first noticed him approaching him and a sudden look of terror washed over her face as she quickly whispered something to Simon, who in turn ushered the man, Jeffery, Louis wasn't too sure of his name, aside and into the crowded room.

"What's up Lots?" Louis asked his sister.

"Nothing much Lou, Uncle Simon was just introducing me to his lawyer, some business stuff you know?" she replied without hesitation. Strangely, she wasn't able to look him the eye, instead resigned her to fidgeting nervously with the fringe on her black purse.

"Really? Could've told me sis, I'd have set you up with father's old lawyer Mr. Aiyoki." Louis replied, curious to see her reaction.

"It's alright Lu, don't want to bother you. I know you've got a lot on your plate." She said smiling back at Louis as she turned and headed towards Lewis who stood in a corner lost in conversation will another one of the many black suited gentlemen.

There was a very uneasy feeling settling in the pit of Louis stomach. What Liam had told him that morning was ringing in his ears and the conversation he just saw before him was just adding to his suspicions. He hated this feeling of doubt that was forming in his mind, especially because the target of it was his own flesh and blood – his own sister.

With these thoughts running havoc in his mind, Louis finally made his way out into the afternoon heat. The sky was dull and cloudy, a nasty shade of grey. He knew it was about to rain, he could smell it in the air. Louis loved the rain. He loved the feeling of the large drops of water falling down on him in cascades. The feeling was euphoric because it was always forbidden. There was nothing quite like the sensation of running around, frolicking in the showers of water from the heavy clouds above. Breathing in deeply, the dull, earthy smell of the eminent rains, Louis pulled out his phone. There was a single call from Harry. He wondered if he had caught on as well by now. He wondered what he was to do with the whole situation. He loved Lottie more than he could put into words. He didn't understand how she was involved in this and he most certainly had no idea as to the why of the matter. He just knew that his heart was breaking in ways that he never knew were possible.

Louis got through the rest of the day in a daze. Liam was by his side; he knew and he didn't worry too much. He had begun to heavily rely on Liam of late, he had become his strong hold in life. The single missed call from Harry was nagging at the back of his mind as he waited to return home. He hadn't told Liam about the moment in Harry's car, he wasn't sure what to make of it to be honest. There was just too many entanglements he had to loosen before he could even begin to think of pursuing the curly headed lad – Harry Styles. God his name sent shivers down his spine. So pretentious a name for a man so sincere as he.

It was well into the night when Louis was finally able to returned Harry's call. He fidgeted nervously with the thick blanket that lay across his bed as he waited for him to pick up. It took a couple of rings before his voice came on the line, a tentative, "Hi Louis."

"Hi Harry, sorry I missed your call, been quite the day," Louis replied sighing inwardly.

"I'm sure it was. Listen – I just wanted to let you know that what happened in the morning – well, it's not going to cloud my judgement. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow for the funeral, Louis. Get some rest."

"Goodnight Harry."

"'Night, Louis."

Louis couldn't help but chuckle as he fell back into the soft mattress of his bed, enveloping himself in a warm sea of blankets. He was physically exhausted and mentally drained. The events of the day were unfolding in his mind like a low budget movie that he most certainly was not enjoying. He was failing to see the connection between what was happening and the plot. Not that one could blame him, things were pretty complicated right now. It was definitely not look good for Lottie but he couldn't make the pieces fit. Why had Lottie gone into his room that day and how had she left? Had she gone through the windows? They were large enough for her to fit through. But why? Why not use the door? Unless she was trying to hide something? Could she have- no. Could she have been the one to steal his gun? Is that why she went out through the window? Because right outside Louis' window was the one blind spot? Louis sat back up, his hands clenched in frustration. Why was she speaking so intimately with Simon and what were they discussing? He began pacing up and down his room, his padded, quick feet making muffled steps, the only sound breaking the silence. He was so close to tearing his hair out by now because he hated it. Absolutely hated seeing Lottie involved in this. Why? How? What purpose did it all serve? Unable to bare it any longer, Louis reached for his phone and dialed Liam.

"What's up Lou, everything alright?"

"Yea, Liam – listen – I was thinking about what you said in the morning – and well – I hate this but, what if it was Lottie, Li? What if it was her? I just don't know why she would? I mean how does she even know the boy in the first place? Not like she went around the gallery much either did she?" Louis replied his jaws locked tight. "And to top it off, Li, today I noticed the weirdest thing – have you ever known her to be close to Simon Li? But there she was, hidden away, it looked like they were having a very serious discussion about something or another with Simon's lawyer, Jeffery I think his name was. And when she saw me mate, she absolutely panicked. Like she had seen a ghost. It's just not adding up Liam."

Louis finally collapsed into a chair in the darkness, having finally unloaded all his baggage on a very understanding Liam. It was a few seconds before Liam answered Louis, calmly "It's not looking good Lou, best we handle it before the police get involved."

"But what can we do, Li? She's my sister. How does she even know this guy, Zayn and what happened that she felt that she needed to murder him? I'm just so confused! I mean she could have come to me Li, I'm her brother for Christ's sake! I've looked after her, her whole life. I would have taken care of it for, what ever it was. I don't know how to deal with this all mate."

"I know Lou, I know. Let's not rush into anything, yea? Let me see what I can find out. Get some rest Louie. You'll need your strength tomorrow, if not for yourself, for the twins at least." Liam replied.

"Ok, alright, yes. They need me. Poor things were barely holding on yesterday. I hated seeing them like that," Lou said pausing momentarily. "Thank you, Liam. I don't know how I'd survive without you to be honest."

"I've got you mate, always. Now get to bed," chuckled Liam

"Night Li."

Louis rose and walked towards his bed in the dark, sinking into the soft bedding. It wasn't long before sleep took over and he was lost in dreams. It had been a hectic day to say the least and it was taking it toll on him. Tomorrow was bound to be even more stressful and Louis wasn't particularly looking forward to it. For the millionth time that day, Louis thanked his lucky stars he had Liam to look after everything. He would see Harry tomorrow too. He was still unsure how he felt about that. Their one kiss still played out clearly in his mind every time he thought of the detective. He didn't know how he felt about seeing him tomorrow when emotions were bound to run high. With that thought, Louis floated off into oblivion.