– But we've only been together an hour and a half. Well, calm down. Do you want to go for a walk or go shopping?

– Mariszka, we're splattered with blood! – I was desperate to escape to Oxford.

– It's no problem: we'll go to my hotel right now and change. Even if you want to leave, you still need a change of clothes, I hope you realise that?

I even smiled at this bitter truth: she was right – they wouldn't let me on the bus dressed like this! They'd be asking me where the blood came from!

– All right, but then I'll leave» I agreed sullenly.

My sister silently took me by the hand and led me to the car in which she had come to Big Ben. As people passed by, they looked at us in surprise, and I was ashamed of my appearance.

We arrived at the hotel, went into Mariszka's suite, she washed the blood off my face and hands (luckily my hair was clean), then I changed into one of her dresses (my sister loved dresses, and she had a lot of them) and a grey jacket. I didn't take off my boots, as the alternative was heeled shoes. After that, I had to wait for Mariszka to shower, change and call Markus to tell him about her walking me to the bus, and he said he was waiting for Brandon, who was supposed to show up any minute.

«Is that the Brandon Grayson who was at their wedding? He's just stunningly handsome! Also an extremely charming man» I remembered. That was all I knew about him, though, because I'd only seen him a couple of times.

After leaving the hotel, Mariszka and I got into the car and drove to the bus station. There my sister said goodbye to me, apologised for the bad day and Markus's behaviour, and left.

I went to the ticket office, ordered a ticket and, when it was time to pay, I was horrified to find that I had forgotten my purse with my wallet and phone in that horrible restaurant.

«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?

– Cédric 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!