Alexander, though equally concerned, knew he was powerless. "I think they still need Lily for the experiment," he said. "Even if Rhea wants to harm her, they won't let her."
Austin nodded. "I know, but..." He hesitated, then refrained from voicing his anxieties. Alexander understood. "We must hold on for two more days," he added thoughtfully. "Things might improve then."
"Two days?" Austin questioned Alexander's certainty. Noticing Alexander's firm gaze, he dropped the subject. "So, should we talk to him about the incident?"
They glanced toward the back room. Alexander nodded. "Let's put that aside for now. We shouldn't assume it was him without concrete proof. It could hurt his feelings."
"You're right," Austin sighed, stretching. Then, curiously, he looked at Alexander. "Seriously, have you not suspected me before?"
Alexander nodded. "To be honest, yes."
Austin was speechless.
"However," Alexander continued, "it couldn't be you because you lacked the opportunity." He'd only spoken to Austin after careful consideration.
Austin burst into laughter. "Well, thanks for believing in me then." He hadn't expected to be a suspect.
"Well, anyone could be a suspect, including me," Alexander said. "Who knows, I might even work with Rhea for Lily's sake."
"You?" Austin raised an eyebrow incredulously. "That's impossible!"
"I'm not saying you couldn't do it," Austin countered seriously, "but Rhea would never help you save Lily. Despite her claims, we know her true intentions. You're not dumb; you'd never believe her."
Alexander looked at him deeply, nodding in surprise at Austin's perceptiveness.
"Well, I need a damn nap. I'm overwhelmed by all this craziness," Austin declared. "Oh, I talked to my granduncle on the phone about Rhea's invisibility." He paused for effect. "Guess what he said?"
"What?" Alexander was curious about Dominic's reaction.
"He says it's horseshit!" Austin laughed, leaving.
Alexander, after a moment's thought, chuckled and shook his head. 'Horseshit, huh? That does sound like Dominic,' he mused.