Chapter 21: Sarkon Misses Maria

Karl nodded. "I'll continue to keep tabs on Claude." "I got your report on his activities. Nothing we can use, so far. Keep updating." "Sure," Karl replied gruffly and took his leave as well. Alone again, Sarkon strode into his villa, past the staff, one after another, and finally retreated to his room. In the dark, the giant peeled off his jacket and threw it on his bed. He went to the window and stared out at the sea, an enormous mirror shimmering in the soft glow of the pale moon. It appeared to merge with the sky into one huge black canvas that someone had spilled a bottle of glitter on it. Suddenly, an image of Maria, face smudged with paint and glitter, grinning widely up at him. It was the first time she made a card for him. A giant card for her giant protector, she had said. He turned from the scenery. Perhaps thinking about Betty might shove Maria out of his mind. He sat on the edge of his bed. It sank under his weight l