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<“Who is this?”> said the King.

“Ah--” Gina fumbled a moment, eyes shifting between the family of three. And she laughed nervously as she said, “I’m Gina. But, aha, you wouldn’t actually know who I am, would you? I helped Hector and Lynnette rescue you, but um, I really need to talk to Lynnette right now. I’ve got her family here, and, um. She is there, isn’t she?”

There came a long pause. <“Yes, she is here, but she is currently quite unconscious. She was very tired.”>

Gina’s expression shriveled up. “Mm. Ah. Okay. Not the greatest timing on that. You’re the King, though, so--” She put him on speaker for everyone to hear. “Could you please help me convince these nice people that I really am Lynnette’s friend?”

Another long pause. <“...She may have mentioned your name, yes. Gina, was it?”>

The family was not looking especially convinced. Even the father seemed rather doubtful now.

Gina tried a smile anyway. “There you see? It’s the word of the King. Trustworthy, yeah?”

“That voice could belong to anyone,” said Mrs. Edith.

Her smile spoiled.

“You will take me to her,” said Mrs. Edith.

“Of course,” said Gina. “Let’s all hurry, then.”

“No, I alone will accompany you. My husband and daughter will wait here for the time being.”

“Ah--no, please, you all have to come. You’re all in danger.”

“Not until I confirm your words with my own eyes,” said Mrs. Edith in a voice that brook no argument.

And Gina grimaced. The mother was clearly not going to budge. Time was limited. Options were dwindling. She knew it was a bad idea, but Gina’s eyes turned down to her purse, and she went for her pistol. She looked up at the family again, gun in hand, and was about to apologize when she realized that she no longer saw three people before her. There were only two. The mother was missing. And before Gina could even turn, the woman reappeared from around the corner to her left.

With one hand, Mrs. Edith grabbed Gina’s gun arm, forcing it up and away, and with the other hand, she held a sword to Gina’s neck.

Gina’s eyes widened and a squeaking whimper escaped her lips. “Okay,” she said quietly, heart in her throat. “I give up. You win.”