ts walls for so long, exactly ten days, without going past the gates. He needed to see something of the little bustling town outside. In Nico

the crew. From what he had experienced so far, Nico seemed to be an explosive ready to go off at the

called as he sighted Nico running

" Nico replied witho

a stranger that he was the master of the villa, but the appearance of Nico on the scene would quickly set things in the right order. The man had a presence that

talk about?", Nico ask

d as he took a se

t with a kind of curious expression like t

you?", he si

o be courteous enough to ask what you t

here, but... that's about it. Our control ends where the tow

erst

not yet, but when that time would come, he would surely be prepared for any eventualities. As he exited the parlour,

o meant by being careful with his identity, but he believed it was nothing to

in particular, but he knew from experience that it would be very helpful to be minutely familiar with the town. He had an elastic memory, so storing locations and routes would be quite easy. On

axis whose drivers seemed idle since they were gathered, chatting loudly.

ed after stealing several glances

to be in the conversation.

shrugged. "Just watch

hings should I

cular, but... whe

s the road from some high-walled

rated on the road ahead. John was quite uncomfortabl

tell me about some of these

at big old building we just seen is

was about to restart the conversa

from where you live,

hy

ust curious

re high, the gate blue and a lot of

tell you anything

didn't.

from it. It's not a very nice place. Now, I only t

Why don't you p

fore stepping out. He waited till he had driven off before turning back. Whil

large and ancient-looking building. Though a lot of effort had been made to make it look very modern

t was the statue of a young chubby child whose arms were folded behind him and his eyes staring down at the busy traffic below. John knew he had seen this statue before, but where e

, right?",

's beautiful, v

rist, yes? Or

low chuckle. "Just an admirer. It

on your first vi

ve been in this town and the first

ying a trick with you. Come,

. John was naturally wary around young women, but this one seemed harmless enough and her smile was too inviting to be ignored. He took the

the building, I mean?",

hat's

library, a museum and other things.

had a healthy, jovial face that seemed to radiate joy and frankness. From her intonation, he knew she was not a native of Quarker

ace. A lot of history and art. Very interest

ive with a friend across the road from a fa

demanded, her face contorted

John said in fei

es?", she asked wit

over a

ive in Nic

ere Nico's place is, but

rom Nico'

ding with the blue gate is the place,

ack to the statue. John watched her keenly and noti

girl said suddenly, not tak

ful?

bad place. Nico... is a bad man. Nico and hi

know. I'll keep

nodded and

in mind seemed to make her a lot more comfortab

d at him. "I take you to the library and t

ously taken unawares, "I..

me. I will close the shop in... two hours. Can

waiting. Nothing mu

apping her hands excitedly. "Sit

d smiled back, glad t

ed on her way o

n answered

call you...

ohn. John

man. But everyon

rma

," she simply said