The Heart System Chapter 543

I fished my phone from my pocket and saw the battery almost drained. With a soft sigh, I headed to the dining table and lifted the charger from the floor. The cord bore faint chew marks, not severe, yet it had no place there. Mik's fault, most likely. I inserted it into the wall socket and linked it to my phone. The display flickered dimly as charging kicked in. I sank into a chair, swiveling a touch to keep watching Minne as she busied herself.

"What’s the cucumber for?"

A faint smile crossed her face as she glanced back. "Breakfast for you, Master. It will be ready in a few minutes."

"Nice. I’ll take it."

She resumed slicing, the knife's steady thuds against the board echoing in the hush between us. For an instant, everything seemed... ordinary. Uncomplicated. No turmoil, no issues, merely a serene morning amid falling rain with a meal in preparation.

Minne paused briefly before asking again. "Um... are you okay, Master?"

I arched a brow faintly. "What do you mean?"

She turned her head just enough for another look, her face cautious. "No more... bad nightmares?"

A light chuckle escaped me as I reclined in the seat. "No, no. Nothing like that."

Not quite false, yet not wholly honest.

"I’m glad," she murmured gently, evident relief in her voice.

I nodded, observing her briefly before my eyes wandered back to the window. The downpour showed no signs of easing. If anything, it drummed harder now, battering the pane as if demanding attention.

I massaged the nape of my neck and breathed out softly.

"Yeah," I whispered to myself. "Let’s just hope it stays that way."

Minne worked with silent precision beyond the counter, adding the final flourishes to breakfast. She set a spotless plate on the table first, then laid out a tidy, basic array. Evenly sliced cucumbers bordered one edge, crisp and fresh. Beside them went a serving of chicken salad, subtly flavored, its aroma subtle yet appealing. Warm toasted bread slices came next, followed by a small juice glass she'd filled unseen.

She retreated a step, fingers laced before her. "It’s ready, Master."

"Thanks," I replied, drawing the plate nearer.

I snatched a cucumber slice first and crunched it down, the snap piercing the silence. Nothing elaborate, but satisfying. Fresh, straightforward, precisely right for the moment. Fork in hand, I sampled the chicken salad, munching deliberately while gazing vacantly at the table.

Stillness enveloped the scene once more.

Then my phone vibrated.

I peered over my shoulder. It lay on the floor by the outlet, charging in place. The screen illuminated, buzzing against the surface.

Carrie.

Minne spotted it as well. Her gaze flicked from me to the device, then returned, intrigued yet silent.

I exhaled softly, took another cucumber piece, and rose. Munching en route, I stooped to retrieve the phone from the floor. Her name pulsed on the display.

I picked up.

"Carrie," I grumbled.

"Morning," she answered. A brief hush followed. "Is it a bad time? You sound... off."

"Just eating," I said, gulping the last bit. "What’s up?"

"I wanted to ask what you’re planning to do about Jack," she said. "Do you have anything in mind?"

I stood. "I’ll handle him," I responded. "He’ll regret crossing paths with me. Just like you did, I guess."

"Hey," she said, voice easing. "I’m actually glad we crossed paths."

That threw me briefly. I ignored it, though. No desire to dissect it now, so I brushed it off as unheard.

"Anything else?" I inquired.

"N-no," she stammered fast. "I just wanted to check on you. That’s all."

"Alright," I said. "Thanks again for setting up the meeting. I’ll talk to you later."

"Yeah... later."

I hung up and eyed the screen momentarily before lowering my arm. Rubbing my face, I returned to the table.

Fork reclaimed, I ate on as if undisturbed.

Minne fidgeted in place, restraining herself before venturing, "Um... is everything okay, Master?"

"Yeah," I answered mid-chew. "Carrie called. She wanted to know if I had a plan for Jack."

Minne wavered. "Do you... have one?"

I halted briefly, fork suspended over the plate. Then a subtle nod, mostly for my own sake.

"Yeah," I murmured low. "We’ll see."

⟁ ⟁ ⟁

Jack Kuinn apparently owned plenty of ventures around Uptown, including this sex shop. Ironically, I had purchased a couple of items from it several months back. It seemed like just any other store at the time. These days, though, it struck me as a solid clue.

According to Carrie, he dropped in here frequently... extremely frequently, to grab... particular goods. That reason by itself made the spot worth investigating.

The pregnant employee stuck in my mind. Layla. She was the very girl who'd unintentionally caught Carrie and me inside that vehicle. Reflecting on it brought a slight wince. She'd witnessed far too much. Even so, she held her tongue, a favor I valued more than I'd likely admitted aloud. The situation might have spiraled out of control otherwise.

I swung the door wide, a gentle bell tinkling overhead while I walked in.

Soft lighting bathed the store, aiming for discretion but instead heightening the cozy vibe a touch too much. Shelves hugged the walls, stocked with tidy arrays of boxes, vials, and wrappers sporting provocative logos. A few products sat boldly in glass showcases, while others nestled more privately. Mannequins stood in the corner clad in lingerie, struck in poses that left no doubt of intent. A light, sugary fragrance drifted through the air, most likely from their candles or essences.

In the heart of the store, there she was, caught in my gaze.