"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is growing up."
-James A. Baldwin
Raphael's House, Belle City, 9:12a.m
"He's innocent." Raphael said as he slammed the door behind him.
"What do you mean 'he's innocent?' " Denella questioned in curiosity.
"He knows nothing about whatever Celcus is plotting to do."
"He's been talking to Celcus recently."
"He said that Celcus keeps calling him and won't stop. He even tried changing his numb-er, but Celcus keeps getting a hold of him."
"Then, how do you explain the long hours he's been spending talking to Celcus?"
"I don't know, but for now, let's focus on what we really have to do."
"What is that? Trying to find Judy?"
Raphael took a deep breath. "I don't usually tell this to anyone, but the reason I want to save Judy so much is because she doesn't deserve to die like my mom did."
Her voice softened."I'm so sorry about your mom, I never knew."
"Well, I don't like to talk about it. Six years ago, she was kidnapped. They found her two years after buried in my dad's backyard. My parents were divorced, so they didn't live together. He was arrested for her murder. They arrested the wrong guy. I know my dad didn't kill her. He was with me the night she disappeared. I don't want another woman to be found dead after she was missing."
"Hey, we're going to find her, okay? Even if it takes all night."
"Actually . . . I was thinking we should take a break from this. My boss and your boss are doing the best they can right now. You know how you were supposed to go on that date with Henry. Maybe you could go on it with me?"
"Are you asking me to go on a date with you tonight?" Denella blushed.
"Is that supposed to be a yes?"
La Belle Nuit, Belle City, 8:03p.m
The lights made Denella's long, floor-length, silver dress sparkle like how the sun makes water glisten in the distance. The music was calm and soothing. The waitress led Denella to the table where Raphael was sitting.
Raphael stood up in awe. He was speechless. "You look . . . beautiful."
"Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself." Denella responded.
The waitress came to their table and handed them the menu. "Here are your menus. I'll be back to take your orders."
Denella smiled at the waitress as she left.
T.E.R.S.E. Headquarters, Belle City, 8:09p.m
"Henry, where's Heath?" Terrance asked.