Chapter 99

Samuel waited until Shelmaine's and Julien's voices had faded into the distance before coming out of the shadowy corner. He looked vicious and grim, his usually impassive expression replaced by one of cold fury. Upon returning to the hall, he did not see Shelmaine or Julien anywhere. Natasha came up to him with concern in her eyes and said, "You're finally back, Sammy." Samuel nodded and said nothing as he returned to his seat. Alan and his wife carried on making small talk with him, but he kept his responses brief. Natasha observed his demeanor from time to time, and she did not miss the spot of color that tinged the corner of his lips. She leaned forward to take a closer look at the smudge as sirens went off in her head. She knew right away what the smudge of color was. It was a lipstick stain. While Samuel was gone, she noticed that Shelmaine had left her seat as well. She searched the hall and the vicinity but found no trace of them. If the lipstick smudge was any indication