Chapter 012

"Here is the information regarding Stephen Rosier boss," said Frank, startling Alvin out of his thoughts.

"Oh, of course. Give that to me" said Alvin, as he received a file from Frank in a private room in the bar. He decided to stop thinking about the encounter with Soest for a while and focus on the job at hand.

He then proceeded to check out the file that he was handed over. It was a bit rushed since it was delivered in only half an hour, but for the most part, it was complete.

"Stephen Rosier. Runs a rather successful grocery store. Sufficiently wealthy. Not remarried after he lost his wife 3 years ago. Had a great network of trusted friends. Has only one son. Half a month ago, withdrew over 2,000 pounds from the bank for some unknown purposes. Was beaten up 3 days ago, but did not go to the police. A bitter neighbour, a business rival, and some other people who offended him were also beaten up recently. None of them went to the police for unknown reasons. Also, he who used to be polite and tolerant had recently become increasingly violent and moody. A passage from the note written by his son, Evan Rosier also stated that he had come into mysterious people recently.

"This guy was probably tempted by a Beyonder, and came into contact with some mysterious powers. Hence, he is acting crazy. He beat up people because he had a surge in confidence due to the prospect of being a Beyonder. The reason he got beat up is that he probably he made some demands, or refused some money to the Beyonder" thought Alvin. He divined the possibility of danger once again, and it came up negative. While it could not be ruled out that his divination was interfered with, Alvin was quite confident in the result given by the coin.

"I'll be back after an hour or so. Keep the largest private room empty" said Alvin to Frank. After receiving acknowledgement, he first divined if he was monitored, and on reviving a negative, went back home.

"Alvin! You are back!" said Cheryl happily after he reached home.

"Yes. Did you sleep okay?" asked Alvin.

"I just woke up. So what happened? Did anyone connect the incident last night to us?" she asked.

"Well, I was just visited by a captain of the Red Gloves" said Alvin. After paying a moment and seeing the horror on her face, he said, "But he didn't connect me with it. He just came for information. I told a story about a client hiring me as we discussed. He believed it. And offered me the position of an informant for the Nighthawks"

"Whew. You scared me for a while. So are you sure he believed you? And did you take the offer?" asked Cheryl.

"I think he did. He offered to watch over me as I take the potion, but I suspect that he will bring some special items to confirm my story then. So I will wear the Null Mask and hold the Coin of Wonders just in case. Also, I will hide the Sword of Dominance, the Forgotten Cloak, and the thing I got yesterday. Also, I will have to thoroughly clean the Crimson Wolf's Core to ensure that they didn't find out that I got it last night. I'll also confirm everything with the coin before I go. And yes, I did join the Nighthawks" said Alvin.

"Do you think that's okay?" asked Cheryl.

"Well, first of all, it's not like they would leave me alone if I refused. Might as well as join. Second, with this identity, even if something goes wrong I can ask for their help in relocating me, you and Naomi. Worse comes to worst and we are caught up against enemies who would dare face the church, we can get rid of this identity. Also, I heard that the Nighthawks have the potions and materials for the Seer sequence. I could use my contributions to get items till you reach Magician and even get further potion formulas" said Alvin.

"I am not sure of reaching the Sequence 7 Magician even. I could lose control if I advance into clown even" said Cheryl sadly.

"No you won't. I found out the secret to quickly grasping the potion, and reducing the chance of losing control" said Alvin. "With this, it's basically no problem in reaching at least Sequence 7. After that we have to look at what happens" he continued.

"Really? That's great!" said Cheryl happily. She had become a Seer 2 months ago, but was always afraid of losing control. She thus frequently slept alone afraid of harming Alvin and Naomi.

"Yes. And with this you also needn't be too worried if Naomi becomes a Beyonder after we find the missing ingredient for the Planter potion" said Alvin. "The method is called acting. It involves....."

Half an hour later, Alvin had finished explained about the acting method and hiding the sensitive items and cleaning the Crimson Wolf's core thoroughly, Alex decided to head to the house of Stephen Rosier.

He did not have any item except the Coin of Wonders, Null Mask, and a revolver. He had re-confirmed that he wouldn't be meeting any danger, and had Cheryl divine the whereabouts of Stephen Rosier using the details provided by his son and an item of his that he had one of his informants swipe.

According to the divination, Stephen Rosier was in his home. And according to the Coin of Wonders, this was confirmed. But the coin also stated that the boy, Evan Rosier was still worried sick.

He caught sight of Evan from the living room window, and hence he sneaked into the house from a window next to a tree on the second floor without making noise. He stealthily climbed down, doing a floor by floor cursory search. He did not find Stephen Rosier anywhere. He then went to the ground floor, and started searching the rooms. He searched all rooms except the living room, and there was no sign of Stephen. Confused, he walked into the living room, where Evan was. He then looked at the sight in front of him, stunned.