Probing Visions 2

Chapter 4 (Part 3)

"We should head downstairs. I must present you two right away before my family so they can be well aware of your presence in the mansion," Jean suggested, his voice serious.

"Alright. Let's go, then. Shall we?" Kevin concurred, rising from the floor and crossing his arms.

     In the meantime, within the lounge of the grand estate, where the dim lights flicker, Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory converse while the rest of the family stay in the corner, engaging in murmurs. As Bertie, George, Victoria, Elizabeth, and the two ladies' husbands whisper, Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory sit on a long couch near the window and construct a plan. Though faint, their voices intertwine, mixing seamlessly as they resonate inside the room.

"We need to warn the authorities regarding the situation immediately. Letting this issue aside is purely detrimental to our sake," Gregory stated.

"Indeed, I have to agree that it is destructive against us. We have no clue what kind of intention the witch has to offer for our family. Informing the officials about this case is a good first step, I suppose," Oliver nodded, taking in Gregory's words.

"However, we possess not a single, not even the tiniest, notion about the location of the witch's lair. We have to undergo a profound investigation to track her down before she finds out her black magic has been terminated," Josephine interjected.

"True. Otherwise, she'll inflict yet another curse upon this family," said Gregory.

"Hence, I believe we should tell this to the authorities and investigate as soon as possible so we can track the witch. And apprehend her," Oliver asserted.

     Unexpectedly, the door of the grand lounge swings open, its hinges commanding attention. All eyes turn towards the doorway. And there, Jean, Kevin, and Gabriel cross the threshold, entering the room and filling the space with more presence.

"Hello, Dad," Jean greeted Oliver with a composed face, his brows as straight as a stick.

"Oh, Jean," Oliver acknowledged him with a nod. He then gazed at Kevin and Gabriel. "Kevin? Gabriel?"

"Oh, good evening, Mr Oliver," Kevin smiled.

"It's good to see you again, sir," Gabriel added, grinning from ear to ear.

Oliver's eyes roved towards Jean, silently seeking an explanation regarding the presence of his friends.

"My friends requested a temporary absence from the university and wanted to spend time with me in the mansion for the night," Jean said, concocting a lie. "They also asked how you're doing, as they've heard you were ill," he said.

"Oh," Oliver nodded, taking in the information.

"Yes, I've read from a newspaper that our great Defender has been unwell. So, tell us, Mr Oliver. How're you doing?" Kevin stepped forward, addressing Oliver politely.

"Well, I shall thank you for your genuine concern, gentlemen. I truly appreciate it. But, worry not, as I am now all well," Oliver replied with a grateful smile.

"Hm," Kevin and Gabriel nodded.

     Immediately, Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory focus on their topic, darting their attention solely to each other. Their eyes meet and lock, and their voices weave into an abstract tapestry. Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory lean closer to each other, inclining their lips to their ears.

"In any case, how do we commence our plan?" Oliver inquired, glancing at Gregory.

"I suggest we better get ready now and head to the nearest police station," Gregory advised.

"I think that's a good idea," Josephine thought. "I shall accompany you two, gentlemen," she said.

"We truthfully appreciate your concern, Josephine," Oliver replied.

     Meanwhile, Jean stands between his friends, awaiting the moment to speak. However, he finds his mouth unable to utter a sound as he struggles to lift his tongue. The tension in the air crackles as he feels suffocated by the thick ambience. Behind his closed lips, his teeth gnash and grind against each other.

     Taking a deep breath, Jean braces himself and pushes his words out of his mouth, urging himself to speak. However, just as he is about to utter a word, Oliver, Josephine, and Gregory raise their voices, drowning out Jean's will to speak. Jean freezes, his eyes flitting towards his friends flanking him, seeking support from them.

     Kevin and Gabriel look at Jean in the eyes, their gazes converging upon him. With a slow and steady nod, they silently convey their encouragement. Meanwhile, Jean gathers his confidence, inhaling deeply through his nose as his brows furrow.