RED ANEMONES

[MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: LIFT ME UP~ RIHANNA]

Raven, after ending the girl's call from his end, brought out the substance he took from the retrieved drugs in police custody. He added cold water into a glass cup and poured in the substance. It made a sizzling sound, but the foaming did not last long.

He threw everything inside the trash can that was beside his work table and made his way outside his house. In the darkest hour of the night, without his car, Raven passed through the quiet city. Once he got to where he was heading, he opened the door and entered.

"Raven, it seems like you had a long day," the elderly woman who was smoking a pipe asked, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she smiled.

Raven threw the white substance, and the woman caught it quickly, her reflexes like a cat's.

"What did Raven bring for dinner?" The woman scanned the content, and slowly, the smile on her face faded.

"Someone is making a fake and pushing it into the market. I got this from Shera of the night, and it's has your label on it. Seems like you have rats in your kitchen; clear them before they eat your goods," Raven remarked, hands dipped inside his trouser pocket, and his eyes looking calm yet sharp.

The woman gave a lighthearted laugh, "Anywhere rats exist, the Cat would always drag them out. It's what keeps the world balanced. Thank you for the heads up, Raven. I'll get you the tools you asked for tomorrow."

The woman pressed her lips, then she continued. "You know, I think you should give up with what you're searching for. Someone with skills like you would rule this part of the world unopposed, you're the most feared agent...."

Raven turned and walked to the door without replying. Before he turned the doorknob, he said, "Enjoy your night, old bat, and watch your health." Saying this, he walked out of the room.

The woman rubbed her cat's fur, looking at the door Raven walked out from, "You said he scared a girl today?" She asked someone who stood in the dark corner.

"Yes, he did."

The woman laughed slightly, "I wonder what made him do that. Raven is not just any person, he does everything for a reason. Get me everything about the girl and keep an eye on her." She ordered the person who bowed and walked away.

_ _ _

Lily turned herself on the bed when she heard the loud alarm, pushing herself up she let out a small yawn. She had thought she wouldn't sleep because of her brother's predicament, but she had the best sleep of her life, and she felt guilty about it.

Stepping down from the bed, she went to wash her face and get ready to visit her brother. Lily couldn't allow him to spend an extra night sleeping on the cold, hard floor without proper food, and she needed to talk to him so he would tell her who employed him to do such work. That way, the police would narrow down their search and finally release her brother. Filled with newfound hope, Lily hummed as she got herself ready for the day.

"I should go to Tori's and get my glasses," she nodded to herself. She had almost finished eating her morning cereal when the doorbell rang.

"Who?" Lily ran to the door, pushing it open she saw her landlady standing right in front of her with a grim look on her face. Lily had never liked the woman; she always treated them with contempt. But regardless, she still owned the house, so Lily put on a sweet smile on her face, the smile she would always give her customers.

"Good morning Mrs. Jane."

The landlady huffed, "What is good about this morning? One of the neighbors brought news to me that your brother is in the police station, and it's related to illicit drugs!" The woman's voice was loud enough, waking up other neighbors who opened their doors to watch what was going on.

Lily smiled nervously, praying the woman would at least bring down her voice. "Please, it's all a misunderstanding; it will be resolved today." She said, trying to explain not just to the woman but also to the neighbors as she waved at them.

"As if! I had always known that your brother was up to no good. If his innocence is not proven by today, get ready to leave this house. I need to protect other occupants." The landlady scowled, her words loud enough for everyone to hear. Without waiting for Lily to reply, the woman walked away.

Lily entered back inside her house; she knew very well that the neighbors were now judging her and her family. She couldn't step out immediately, or else she might meet someone who would ask her unnecessary questions about her brother, and she didn't want that. After waiting for some minutes, she finally left her house and flagged down a cab, which dropped her in front of the station.

"Tori?" As Lily got down from the cab, she was surprised to see her best friend waiting just outside the police station.

Victoria ran to pull her in a hug, "Lil baby."

Lily smiled, Victoria might come off as someone wild and carefree, but she always had a way of making up for the part she lacks.

"You're early; let's go inside." Lily said to her after they pulled out from the hug.

Victoria nodded; before they stepped inside, she asked, "Do you now like the contact lens? I thought you would never let go of your glasses." The girl teased.

Lily stopped in her tracks with confusion marred on her face, "Yes, I had to use this because you are still with my glasses. Did you bring them?"

Victoria cocked her head, staring at Lily with the same confused look on her face, "I'm not with it; I slipped it inside your bag last night when we were inside the car."

"Maybe it fell off; I'll go request for another one, don't worry. Let's go inside." Saying this Lily and her best friend walked inside.

Lily was finally allowed to see her brother; her heart shattered into pieces when she saw the young hands of her brother cuffed like he was a criminal. But she swallowed back her tears; she didn't want to make him scared.

"Fred!" She called out his name as soon as he was uncuffed; she pulled him into a hug.

"Lily, please get me out of here," the young boy sobbed, holding his sister tightly.

Lily nodded, rubbing her brother's hair, "I will," she said, "I will do everything in my power to get you out of here even if it means going to sign a deal with the devil or angel, anyone. I will."