Misinformed: Chapter Three

“Good morning,” Sophie’s voice broke the silence of the rather cold morning like a crack of thunder. 

Silas glanced up, seeing Sophie standing before her door, Persephone beside her on a leash. Sophie waved at him, giving him a big smile.

“Mnh,” Silas grumbled, pulling his hood up.

Sophie pressed her lips together in a firm line. “Maybe he’s still upset,” she thought to herself.

Persephone yanked and pulled on the leash, trying to get closer to Silas as he came up the hill to the sidewalk.

“Going for a morning run?” Sophie tried again, trying to sound chipper despite the horrible night of sleep she got. She wasn’t used to sleeping alone. She wasn’t used to a house so quiet she could hear every creak and groan of the house.

“I was,” Silas knelt and greeted Persephone, rubbing the top of her head and behind her ears. Persephone jumped up, chasing after more affection. She planted her big paws on his chest and wagged her tail like mad

“So were we,” Sophie replied. “I like to take Persephone for a run in the morning. I don’t have much time to do elsewhere in the day. I also need a few groceries.”

Silas nodded, letting Persephone lick him one last time before he eased her back down onto the ground.

“You’re probably heading to the gym,” Sophie tugged on Persephone’s leash as she tried to follow after him. She then giggled nervously. “Big guy like you. You look like you live at the gym.” Her eyes linger on his arms.

“He looks big enough to rip up tree trunks with his bare hands,” she thinks to herself. She wasn’t used to Orcs at all. She had heard so many conflicting stories from her parents. Her dad didn’t mind them, but her mom had nothing but vitriol for them.

If anything, Sophie was curious. She wanted to know more about Silas. She was so used to hanging around with men like her brothers. Men who were lovely, lithe, and strong in a different sense. Silas was so different to her and the world she grew up in. She couldn’t help be drawn to it.

“I go during the mornings,” Sulas says after the awkward silence became too much for him. He wasn’t used to Sophie and her eyes yet.

“Oh,” Sophie gasped, realizing she was staring. “I’ll let you be now.” She turned to walk in the opposite direction, except Persephone whined.

Sophie hesitated, watching as Persephone desperately wanted to walk beside Silas. “If you’re hungry when you get back, I’ll be making breakfast.” Sophie felt Persephone slack on the leash after she said it.

Silas looked back over his shoulder at her. “You don’t need to keep trying to be nice, girl. We’re just neighbors, and you don’t know me from Adam.”

“I’m not-” Sophie frowned. “It was an invitation!” She snapped back, keeping her resolve steel tough. “You don’t need to add your cranky two cents to it every damn time.” She tugged on Persephone’s leash. “Let’s go now, girl. He obviously doesn’t want to see how cute you are when you eat waffles.”

Silas saw the small can clutched hard in her fist as she and Persephone walked away. He had seen such a thing many times. Many women had clutched it close when men like him walked by. He scoffed and turned away, heading towards his usual morning routine.

Sophie went along the trail in the park, knowing it led out to the market downtown. It was a new morning routine for her and Persephone. Their usual route took them from her family home and down along the riverwalk. Sophie couldn't wait for the change of scenery, the riverwalk was often stark and bleak, never changing. The park though was a welcome exchange.

She used to take Persephone on walks whenever the atmosphere in her home became too much and she needed an excuse to get out. Mornings were the best time for Persephone's walks back at the house. She would miss the rush hour, the hectic rush as her siblings got ready and ran about like chickens with their heads cut off. Sophie had learned to perfectly time it so she saw her younger siblings rushing for the bus stop. There may not have been any hot water left, at least she was left unbothered.

Arriving back at the cottage, the quiet greeted her. The place still and untouched since she left. It was strange, considering the chaos always going on at home. Her mother shouting over the phone to her partners. Her father having guests over and trying to negotiate deals. Her brothers arguing or playing. Her sister banging away on drums or practicing one of her damned sports in the house.

Sophie laid down the groceries she bought and letting out a deep sigh of relief. She would make herself breakfast and along the way try to scramble something together for lunch. She had classes first thing, then once they were over with she had to rush back to work. Afterward, she could walk home.

“I’ll see if I can borrow a sound machine from Margaret,” she muttered as she placed food into the fridge, leaving out what she needed for cooking.

Silas tried to linger at the gym for as long as he could but it became too crowded for his taste and he left. He didn’t want to run into the master again, even though he got the feeling it would be a regular thing in the mornings now.

Maybe I could get up earlier, he thought. Or at least wait until she’s out of sight. Then again, why does it fucking matter?

He came jogging up the path, seeing her fumbling at the door. She was dressed to the hilt, makeup and hair all done, her clothes all seemed to be made for her, her shoes matching even the backpack she wore. She hiked the backpack over her shoulder and huffed, turning away from the door and glancing at her phone as she stepped out towards the curb. 

“Maybe she won’t look up from her phone and I can slip by,” Silas thought to himself.

Sophie glanced up as soon as he thought this. She smiled awkwardly, waved, and her eyes returned to her phone.

“I thought you were making me breakfast,” he retorted as he walked down the hill.

“Persephone ate it, I didn’t think you’d care.” Sophie huffed, placing the phone to her ear. “You told me I shouldn’t be nice.”

Silas smirked, wiping his face with the hem of his hoodie. “Don’t start then.” He turned then stopped and looked back to her. “Ay, girl.”

Sophie held up a sharp finger at him, listening to her phone.

He frowned. It was those sorts of things that ticked him off.

“I’m ready yeah...well hurry! You’re going to make me late!” Sophie snapped into the phone then spun around to look at him. Her hair whipping about like a ginger cyclone. “What?”

Silas scoffed. “Really taking that advice to heart,” he pointed to the shed. “That over there is the washer and dryer. Gotta share so I don’t want to hear you complain about it.”

Sophie’s eyes widened and cheeks flushed. “Oh...oh yeah. Thank you.” She fumbled with her phone in her hands. “I was wondering about that.”

“Save you precious mental capacity then,” Silas smirked as he walked away.

She balked and huffed. “Save yours!” Sophie shook her head after him, frowning as she looked back to her phone screen.

Mornings like this came to pass. Became a part of both their routines. They’d see each other, sometimes she would speak, sometimes they would go along their separate ways. He always saw her when she was leaving. Either waiting on the curb or hopping into a car. Silas had no idea where she went or what she did. She often came back late, so Silas took to stealing Persephone while she was away and returning her before the master got home.

It wasn’t right to keep a dog like her cooped up all day, only to go out in the morning. It didn’t settle right. The master could spoil the dog all she wanted, didn’t mean the creature was getting what it needed.

During the days he couldn’t sleep Persephone was a blessing. She was something he could spend the day with, keep himself entertained. He started keeping treats around, buying them at the store on the way home from the gym. Once she came down the stairs, he would toss her a treat and when he set her back in the master’s apartment he would give her another.

One morning as he was pulling up his hoodie, getting ready for his run to the gym he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around her stared down at the master. She looked as if someone told her a rather distasteful joke which was also not the least bit funny. Her brow pinch, lip a little pursed, nostrils flared.

“What?” He rasped at her.

The master took a firm stance, crossing her arms across her chest. She gave him a harsh, steely glare. “Have you been giving Persephone dog treats?”

He felt strange, like a little boy caught smoking a cigarette. What a strange way to feel, even with her. “Why?” Silas huffed out.

“I found her stash,” Sophie held up a baggie of dog treats in his face. She was also trying to suppress the smile which was fit to bust. “She’s got at least ten treats hidden under her bed.”

“Oh-” Silas hesitated, unsure still what she was getting at.

“Listen,” Sophie tucked her hair behind her ear, giving Silas a rare peak at her exceptionally pointed ears. “If you like her so much, I’ll take the gate down.” She said. “But-”

“Oh fuck, a but,” Silas thought to himself, rolling his eyes.

“I need to hear you need to say you like her.” Sophie giggled and then stiffened, trying to appear tough still.

Silas furrowed his brow at her, scowling down his nose at her.

Sophie inched a little closer, she knew men like Silas. She knew how they hated admitting how much they loved something.

“I don’t have to say-” Persephone nudged at his leg, pawing at his stomach. Silas scoffed and reached down, petting her. “She’s an...all right of a dog.”

Sophie let her smile blossom into a grin. “I’ve had an inkling of an idea,” she started. “That you were playing with her when I wasn’t around.” She gazed up at him, her eyes bright and adoring. “She’s been a lot less fidgety.”

“You keep her cooped up all day,” Silas scoffed. 

“I know,” Sophie huffed. “I have school and work all day. Back home there was a lot for her to play in all day. I wouldn’t even know how to set that up here.” She looked up at Silas. “So thanks,” she said with a gentle voice. “For playing with her.”

Silas’ lip curled and he turned his head away.

“I’ll take the gate down lafter out walk,” Sophie pulled Persephone along with her. “I’m sure she knows her way around after that.” She waved, taking Persephone along their regular path through the park.

Silas huffed, feeling aggravated and embarrassed. He felt overheated and uncomfortable, not sure how to handle this all. He was like the kid with his hand in the cookie jar and also his pants were down.

He ran, trying to push the whole scene from his mind.

Sophie went along her normal route,like always. Today she lingered, taking her time and letting Persephone lead her down new paths. Sunday was the only day which allowed Sophie to relax and enjoy her time. 

The pair went through the market downtown and she was excited to see there was a wider selection. She was able to pick up things she was craving all week; peppers, fresh lemons, a homemade specialty coffee she knew she was paying too much for. She finished her trip by buying eggs and was adjusting the strap on her bag when she spotted something that made her stomach drop out and her breath seize.

There was a car parked at the edge of the market, blood red, the windows blacked out. The golden stag ornament glimmering on the hood. She gripped hard on Persephone’s collar and the canister she attached to it. 

“Let’s go home, girl.” Sophie whispered urgently. She walked down the crowded street rather than her usual path home through the park.

She stayed close to the buildings, ready to push herself inside a door if need be. Her heart hammered in her throat, her palms cold and damp. She wanted to get home, she wanted to believe what she saw was a coincidence.

“It’s not possible,” she whispered to herself. “He knows the rules. He knows.”

“He’s arrogant and selfish and it makes him cocky,” a dark thought crept up. “Even if he doesn’t have his daddy or grandfather to protect his ass anymore.”

Sophie felt like crying as she hustled along the main street. She found herself standing in front of her work, and with a shaky hand she was able to unlock the door and walk inside. She set her things down and sat at her desk, taking several deep breaths. She wiped her cheeks and pulled Persephone in close, hugging her tight.

“Ms. Starling?”

Sophie about jumped out of her seat, squeezing hard on the pepper spray canister in her hand. She looked up, seeing her boss standing in the doorway of his office.

She sniffled and wiped her face. “I’m sorry, Mr. Beauchamp,” she stood up, clutching Persephone’s leash still. 

Beauchamp stepped out of his office, his attire was casual, he wore a long tunic that was belted at his waist and his legs were bare. Sophie could see the dark fur there and how polished his hooves were. He was always dressed perfect and polished. 

She fidgeted, expecting to get reprimanded for coming in her off hours with a dog and a load of groceries. She was sure she looked insane.

“What’s the matter?” Beauchamp voice and expression were sympathetic.

Sophie took a shuddering breath. “Oh, well,” she tried to laugh it off. “I’m afraid I’m just being horribly, stupidly silly-” she choked off and she looked away as she felt burning tears rise to her eyes.

Beauchamp rushed towards her ,putting a hand to her back. “Sophie,” he coaxed.

“I saw his car,” she muttered. She took a tissue from her desk and wiped her face. “Or at least I think I saw it,” she sniffled and blew her nose.

Beauchamp pulled out a chair and offered it for Sophie sit. 

“Tell me,” Beauchamp insisted, his voice calm and gentle.

Sophie’s shoulders shuddered. “I was certain I saw the stag hood ornament,” she spoke with her voice low, as if someone was listening to them. “That big...ostentatious car…” she spit.

Beauchamp pet her hand. “Now, now, I made sure you’d stay safe.”

“Well he seems to think he could push you over like everyone one else!” Sophie snarled then she gasped, covering her mouth. “Oh,” she then gasped as she came to her senses. “Oh I’m sorry, Mr. Beauchamp I didn’t mean.”

Beauchamp smiled. “You’re free to be angry, Sophie.” He walked to the water cooler and poured her a cup. “Drink,” he said as she took the paper cup. “I was surprised when you wanted to move out on your own again.”

Sophie swallowed hard as she drank, she felt has if a stone lodged itself there. “I thought I would be all right. I thought-” she waved her hand around her head. “I thought I could handle it all.”

“It has been quiet,” Beauchamp then shook his head. “I only allowed you to move into that little cottage of mine because I figured it would be safe there.”

Sophie thought of Silas. Perhaps Beauchamp hired him to kill on sight. A big Orc like him could scare off a whining whelp of a frat boy like...him.

Beauchamp sat down in front of her, grasping her hands and giving them a tight squeeze. “If anything happens while you’re there I’ll feel responsible, Sophie.”

“It is because of you I am able to feel safe,” she insisted. “If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t even be here. I have this job. I have my life back.” She sniffled and forced a smile. “If anything else were to happen then it’s because-” she hesitated. “It’s because it’s just him.”

Beauchamp sighed, “do you want me to take you home?” He asked.

Sophie shook her head and put on a smile. “I should be fine,” she murmured as she stood up. Her and Persephone walking to the door with Beauchamp. “I stayed on the crowded path to get here. And if it was him then he should’ve seen me come in here.”

Beauchamp opened the door and scanned the area, looking around for any signs.

“Thank you, Mr. Beauchamp,” Sophie said as he held the door for her. She stepped outside and took a deep breath. “I’ll let you know when I get home.”

“I would appreciate it,” Beauchamp smiled at her and pet her head, cupping her cheek. “Have a good Sunday.”

Sophie nodded and pulled away. “You should go home. Stop worrying about work.” She smiled down at Persephone and they walked back down the street. She took a deep breath and exhaled. She felt a little better talking to Beauchamp. Even better as she began heading home and seeing a few runners and walkers along the way.

Persephone stopped in the middle of the route and wrapped her leash around Sophie, trying to walk behind her.

“Persephone, you trying to trip me or-” she stopped, seeing Silas come jogging up the path. “Oh, it’s your boyfriend.” She giggled.

Silas frowned, slowing his jog walking up to meet them. Persephone and her leash a bridge joining them. He pet her as she stood beside him, pawing at the bag in his hand.

“I was just on my way home,” Sophie replied, but felt stupid after saying her. She then extended Persephone’s leash to him. “Want the reigns?”

Silas instead reached for the heavy bag in her arms. “You never walk this way.”

“Oh it’s Sunday,” she chuckled. “So I decided to walk all the way around,” she lied.

Silas frowned, having spotted her leaving Beauchamp’s office when he left the pet store. He kept his mouth shut, she was free to live her life however she chose. Beauchamp wasn’t the worst candidate she could choose. A girl like her could do better, though.

“I was going to make a big breakfast,” Sophie replied. “Or well, I guess it’d be brunch at this point,” she rambled on, nervous. “I feel like I at least owe you something for being so good to Persephone.” 

Sophie told the truth, but behind it, she didn’t want to be alone. She wanted someone to see this big man through her window, see she wasn’t alone and she had someone fearsome in her home. She felt bad wanting to use Silas this way. She was sure he’d understand if she ever laid out her circumstances to him.

“You sure use food a lot,” he growled.

Sophie blushed, wondering if he was going to make another dirty joke at her expense. “There’s also coffee,” she sniffed, turning her nose up. “Besides, my mother always said that food was a great equalizer.”

That was a new way to put it, Silas thought. “Equalizer?”

“Everyone needs it, everyone loves it,” Sophie smiled. “And all the greats always solved their problems over a big feast.”

Silas smirked. “The greats solved their problems over a bloody battlefield.”

“That’s because they didn’t have a good cook,” she blushed and tittered out a nervous laugh.

Silas sniffed, yet smiled. He couldn’t admit she made a decent joke.

They walked in silence for a moment, Sophie breaking it when she grew fed up with it. “So are you joining me or not?”

Silas scoffed. “Fine.”

“Fine,” Sophie chuckled. She took her grocery bags from him as they came to the cottage. “I’ll send Persephone after you when it’s all ready.”

“Just have the coffee ready,” he growled at her.

“Coffee, right,” she nodded, hiking the bag up. “How do you take it?” She asked.

Silas furrowed his brow. “Take what?”

Sophie tilted her head. “The coffee,” she said and Silas huffed. “I’ll have the cup ready for you. How do you take it?”

Silas grimaced and shook his head. “Nah, nah,” he scoffed. “Just have the pot ready. I’ll fucking make it myself. I don’t need you to go fixing my cup for me.”

Sophie sighed. “Fine. The coffee will be ready in five,” she replied to him as she pulled her keys out at the door. “You can come up whenever you damn well please.” She teased.

Silas left her then, stalking down the hill to his apartment. Something seemed strange about her invitation as if she was asking him for some other reason than being hospitable. She smelled different as well. Usually, after her walks with Persephone, she had the faint scent of sweat and deodorant. But today, her scent was a bit more pitched, as if she had been scared or anxious. 

“If she wanted a man around why didn’t she go and ask her Mr. Beauchamp?” Silas sneered to himself as he thought this.

As soon as he stepped into his house, Silas stripped down, tossing his nasty gym clothes aside. A girl as pretty as the master could have any man she wanted. Yet she was surrounding herself with old men who had no business sniffing around her. If it weren’t for the dog he’d try to have nothing to do with Sophie.

After his shower, he changed and went upstairs. The smell of the coffee made him feel a tiny bit less grumpy. The following scent of pepper and onion was just as welcomed. The sizzling of the bacon made him a touch nervous.

“That was quick,” Sophie turned around and pointed to a stool before the counter. She had more furniture now. A big overstuffed sofa and matching ottoman, both heather gray. There was an old wicker rocking chair painted yellow. A coffee table in the center like looked like an old trunk.

In the kitchen, there were stools around the counter, and in the corner was a booth like from a restaurant. The table covered with a cloth with painted lemons all over it.

Sophie pushed a tray before him that had sugar and cream on it as well as the pitcher of coffee and a thick mug. “Make yourself at home.” She had her hair tied up, showing off her neck and pointed ears.

Silas rolled his eyes. He would rather have her be churlish with him than this. He poured his coffee and adding a dash of cream.

Sophie turned back to the stove before he noticed her spying on him.

“Aside from equalizing me,” Silas started with a cough. “Why do you insist on feeding me all the time?”

Sophie turned and looked at him. “Well, the first time you fixed my bed.” She blushed, “and you’ve been helping me with Persephone, so I feel like that warrants some reward. I don’t actually know much about you. So, I guess feeding you is the best I can do.”

Silas tilted his head. “What makes you think that?”

Sophie shrugged. “I don’t know I just...you don’t seem like you’d take money. I think you’d laugh in my face if I attempted to flirt-”

Silas sputtered on his coffee and Sophie’s smile spread across her face, beaming as she handed him a towel.

“You act tough.” She then shrugged. “Sure, you look scary. Or you try to make yourself seem scary.” She mopped up the counter then touched the towel to his face. “But-”

He flinched when she touched him, taking the towel away to clean himself up. “But?” He scoffed at her.

“Persephone is the best judge of character,” Sophie went to the oven, flipping the bacon. “It took me a while to realize that. Before I thought she was just crazy.” She covered the pan. “I learned to watch her around people. Who she liked and especially around people she didn’t. She doesn’t just go to anyone, even people she likes.” She looked back over Silas. “When she first met you, it was like love at first sight with me. I’ve never seen her like that.”

“Your point?” He huffed.

Sophie had more to say, but was unsure about vocalizing it. No one took a neighbor's dog into their home and fed them enough treats they stockpiled them. Someone who did those things must be lonesome and must need someone, even a dog, around to make them feel less alone.

Sophie gave him a gentle smile. “Just saying if you’re Persephone’s friend, then you’re mine too. Or well, I would really like you to be.”

Silas sighed, shoulders slouching. “You can think that all you want. Bur Orcs and Elves don’t make good company,” he growls at her.  

“I’m half elf,” she told him and cupp her hand over her ear. Sophie rolled her eyes and began plating food, cheesy omelet smothered with green bell pepper, onion, and mushroom, bacon, and a piece of toast. “I hope you like it.” She said as she set the plate before him. “I also have some fruit if you want a little.”

Silas stabbed into the omelet. “This is fine.”

“Fine,” Sophie took the seat beside him. As she ate, she noticed his scent. He smelled nice and clean, better yet warm. She reached for her coffee and took a deep gulp.

Sophie glanced up at her, her eyes trailing along the burns on his face and to his tusk. The first time she saw him they were shocking. But now, she was growing used to him. He was becoming less and less shocking. In fact, she barely noticed the scars anymore. Mostly, she saw something else when she looked at Silas. She had to admit to herself there were things about him she found attractive.

“Everything all right?” She asked, standing up to refill her cup.

Silas pushed his mug out to her. “I’ll take a top up.”

She smiled, able to jump into action and fix his coffee. She topped him off, a dash of cream with it. “Here you go.”

He shook his head at her, taking the mug as he finished off his plate.

Sophie leaned across the counter, her chin in her hands. “So, tell me about yourself.”

“I don’t have to tell you shit,” he grumbled into his coffee.

Sophie frowned at him, every time she tried to talk to him it was like he was smacking her knuckles with a butterknife.

“You apparently can’t be civil either.” She took his empty plate away even though he was trying to stab at a small speck of food remaining.

Silas snarled at her and wagged the fork towards her like he was tossing a dart at the wall. “No one’s been civil to me, least of all elves. I just pay back in kind.”

Sophie whipped around to give him the stink eye. “Oh, and I suppose I’ve just been throwing rotten fruit at you this whole time. My mistake!” She snatched his fork away and shoved it into the sink.

Silas grimaced and stood up, laying his big hands on the counter top. “I told you before you didn’t need to play nice with me.”

Sophie balled up her little fists. “I’m not playing!” She snapped. She tried to cool herself, she was better than his obvious attempts to rile her up. She had been through enough this morning, she wanted to stay calm and be relaxed. She didn’t want to argue with Silas.

Sophie sighed and started again. “Well, you like dogs that’s obvious. Why don’t you have one of your own?”

“Never found one that liked me,” he lied.

It was small, but it was something. “Well Persephone-” a knock at the door cut her off. “Excuse me,” she murmured as she went. She answered, a man handing her a bouquet of flowers. She seemed pleased at first, as soon as she read the card her face went grim. She looked sick and terrified. She took the flowers and tossed them into the garbage, shoving them down and tying the bag shut. 

She looked up at Silas as he stood over her, she had forgotten he was there.

“Sorry about that,” she smoothed a lock of hair away from her face.

“Not your favorite blossom?” Silas asked, his tone apologetic.

Sophie fumbled with her hands for a moment. Silas could see her shuddering, her struggle to keep herself composed and to keep from crying.

“Girl,” he growled at her.

Sophie shook her head, turning around and pretending to wash dishes. “Oh, it’s nothing really!” She laughed, yet he could hear the tears all the same.

How could flowers have her so scared? While she wasn’t paying attention, he grabbed up the card that fell out of the waste basket when she shoved the flowers down.

“Congrats on the move. Thank goodness Beauchamp was there to help you again.”

He frowned, placing the card in his pocket.

When Sophie turned around, her cheeks were ruddy and lashes damp and mascara smudged. Her eyes were in the beginning stages of turning red. 

“Got soap in my eye!” She feigned laughter again. “Uhm...I’ll be a moment but...make yourself at home. You can watch TV if you like.” She pointed to the living room as she made a beeline for the bathroom.

Persephone followed her, whimpering at the closed bathroom door.

Silas looked over the card again. There was no signature, it didn’t need one, she seemed to know right away who sent it to her. 

“Beauchamp again,” he whispered to himself. “Who the fuck is her to here?”

At first glance, it seemed harmless, but for the master is was an obvious and harmful threat. She was scared, and it was now obvious to Silas why she was insistent on being nice to him.