Page 53 of The Wonder of You
Their presence here has been noted.
Henry is surprised by how cool and casual Phoenix looks. Why is he not afraid? He guesses that Phoenix still believes there is a chance Renée is not coming home. If that is true, then he has nothing to lose. He doesn’t need to fear death.
Instead, he might welcome it.
Henry can’t think of that and luckily, he doesn’t have to. His breathing hitches as the tall, pale man in the black suit walks out of the big brown door and towards them. He raises his head as he stands in front of them with a hauntingly blank expression, his hands behind his back.
Henry’s instincts tell him they need to run from the man with the hollow eyes. It’s like they’ve just broken into a zoo, opened up the enclosure for the lion, and arehoping it won’t attack them. But then the man smiles, slowly, almost cruelly.
“Long time, no see, cousin.”
Phoenix nods in acknowledgment.
“Lucifer. I apologise for turning up uninvited, but I was hoping to speak to you. I’m not asking for anything, well… not really. Just a conversation really.”
The man looks intrigued as he tilts his head and continues to observe them. Amusement takes over his face and Henry prepares for the worst. But then he simply shrugs.
“Fine. I suppose you’d better come in.”
He waves his hand in the air, removing what Henry only assumes is the protective barrier around his estate. The thunder stops and Henry feels some of the tension slip away.
Phoenix finally looks at Henry.
“You can wait here if you wish.”
“Don’t fuck about, Phoenix. You better know what you’re doing.”
“I just want to ask questions. Ineedto know more about what is going on.”
“I understand, but one thing… why did he call youcousin?”
Phoenix doesn’t respond.
“Fucking hell, Phoenix. Is that why you’re risking coming here? You’re cousins?”
“I thought everyone knew that,” Phoenix says, raising the smallest of smiles.
“I don’t think anyone knows that!”
“We have the same last name.” Phoenix says simply.
“Well, you got me there.” Henry shakes his head in almost a laugh.
Phoenix quickly walks ahead, following Lucifer up the steps towards the daunting looking building. The mansion has what looks like a million windows staring down at him. Judging him with their watchful eyes.
To Phoenix’s surprise, the place is covered in flowers. His heart skips a beat when he notices how many pink ones there are. Renée would love it. The thought only reminds him that he is making the right decision by trying to get some answers. His posture straightens. He must be strong for her.
Phoenix and Henry follow Lucifer through the large brown door and into a fairly large room, which, Henry thinks, would be perfect for theCircus of Nightmaresact they sometimes put on. He glances outside before Lucifer shuts the door, as if saying goodbye to the light and fresh air. He feels somewhat more confident being here now he’s learned of the family connection Phoenix has. At least he thinks it will grant them safety.
“Take a seat. May I get you a coffee?” Lucifer asks.
“Sure, black coffee would be nice, thank you,” Phoenix says and Henry nods in agreement.
“Oh, and ignore him,” Lucifer says casually as he starts making a coffee for them all, gesturing to a sleeping man nearby. Henry struggles to ignore the man sitting opposite them. His head rests on the table as he sleeps. It looks rather uncomfortable. There is a piece of paper stuck to his face.
“That’s his brother, don’t worry,” Phoenix whispers.
Lucifer comes back to the table with three coffees. There’s an inquisitive look on his face.
