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«What incredible bad luck! But there's nothing to be done: no one will drive me for free, so I have to go back there» I thought with annoyance and walked quickly to the restaurant: I remembered the way to it, because Mariszka's car had driven past it, and I had a good memory for directions. As I approached the restaurant, I suddenly heard Markus's voice.

– I'm glad you're here» he said, sighing heavily. – I'm afraid I have terrible news. I've wanted to tell you for a long time, but I've never been able to get away from Prague, even for a day, and it's a matter that can't be discussed over the phone – it's too personal.

– It's okay, Markus, the main thing is that you found the time. So, what happened to you? – A charming man's voice answered him (I recognised it immediately. it was Brandon Grayson). – You don't look so good. I've never seen you like this before.

– I'm lost, Brandon. I couldn't even imagine… It hurts me to even think about it. I can't understand how it happened because there's so much my parents won't tell me, so his last day in Prague is a mystery to me.

– What do you mean?

– Cedric disappeared.

«Cedric disappeared»? Not moved away like they told me, but disappeared?» – This news discouraged me. I stopped, leaned against the wall of the building, and even held my breath: I suddenly had a chance to find out about why Markus was so angry and worried.

– Disappeared? – Brandon was surprised too, judging by the tone of his voice.

– Yes. He realised it was us who hid her from him. But don't worry: he doesn't even know she was-» Crap! I didn't hear the last of his words, because a huge double-decker bus drove past me, followed by another one, drowning out the roar.

I mentally cursed: this conversation could be the key to Markus's secret!

When the buses were gone and there was relative silence, I listened again.

– Cedric's trouble is that he fell in love with the wrong woman» Brandon said grimly.

«How could Cedric fall in love with the wrong woman? Cedric! With his beautiful soul! If he chose her, then she's perfect!» – I was in fundamental disagreement with this saying, though I knew nothing of the «wrong woman.»

– Yes, damn her! But he disappeared. At the end of August, the day after we hid her» Markus said.

– 'Isn't there any trace of him?

– There isn't. He trashed the hall, burned all the paintings and our family portrait, but he talked to our parents for about twenty minutes and demanded we give her back to him, then he stormed off, got in his car and drove off. And those rattlers didn't even stop him! When I found out about it, it was like I was blind and deaf at the same time. If it hadn't been for Mariszka, I'd have gone mad. Cedric almost killed me.

– I had no idea it would turn out so tragically» Brandon muttered. – Was he so obsessed with her?

– As you can see. I've got the Secret Service on my ear, thousands of private investigators working for me, but so far there hasn't been a single lead: it's like Cedric's vanished off the face of the Earth.

– I'm sorry, Markus, and I want to help: I have a lot of connections, in all circles.

– You think I haven't tapped into them? But it's all for nothing! And Father… He still can't get over it: he just sits in his armchair, staring at the fireplace, and then he goes into Cedric's room and stares for hours at the painting he's done. Mum closes herself in her bedroom and only comes out to hunt. The castle suffocates us all. I can't imagine how Mariszka stands it all. – Markus took a deep breath. – I found this in Cedric's desk. Do you know who the author of the drawing is?

There was a rustle of paper, followed a second later by a heavy sigh from one of the men.

– Viper? – Brandon asked quietly.

«Her name is Viper? What a strange name… She must be an amazing girl to have won Cedric's heart. But I don't recall any vampires with such an unusual name. Although, there are so many of us, I don't know more than half of them. Maybe I'm just unfamiliar with her» I wondered sincerely.

– That's a touching drawing» Grayson said. – I think she's madly in love with him. I've probably heard it from her a dozen times.

«Brandon knows this Viper girl too? Why does everyone know her and I don't?» – I was overcome with annoyance.

– That's the trouble: it's some kind of curse. Damn it, why did this have to happen to my brother?! – Markus exclaimed quietly.

– Where is she now? – Brandon asked. Markus didn't answer, and the man repeated in an insistent tone: «Markus, where is she?

– In a safe place» Markus answered him. – Why do you want to know?

– I wonder where you locked her up, because I'm aware of the story and I remember very well how your parents took her away unconscious.

– No, I'm sorry, but I'm not answering that question.

– Markus, don't be stubborn. You know very well that this stays between us

– Why do you insist?

– Why? Maybe I want to visit her. – Grayson's voice turned mocking.

– Brandon, I'm not in the mood for jokes right now. Only three persons know about this.

– But four persons know the whole story, and that includes me.

– Don't insist. I'm gonna say no. – Markus' voice sounded very tired. – I know you're curious…

– Misha! What are you doing here? – I suddenly heard Mariszka's voice right above my ear.

My sister took me by surprise, but I couldn't let her realise I was overhearing. I had just found out about a big secret: Cedric was in love with a girl named Viper, but his family was against her, and she was hidden somewhere, and then Cedric disappeared. What a news flash!

– Two buses just drove by and splattered me from head to toe! – I put on my hysterical Misha mask again.

– I can see that. But what are you doing here? You're supposed to be on the bus to Oxford!

I shook off the hem of my dress and my boots, which were really muddy from the buses that had deprived me of the opportunity to find out where Cedric's girlfriend had been for a long time.

– It's a comedy story! – I said loudly, knowing that Markus and his friend could hear every word we said: it was better that they didn't know that I'd overheard their entire conversation. Well, most of it. – I'd forgotten my purse in the restaurant, and they wouldn't take me to Oxford for free» I added sarcastically. – I looked like a complete fool! I was so embarrassed!