In the dimly lit stairwell, Charles, stumbling slightly, led his crew as they rushed downstairs, his face etched with anxiety.
A gun barrel appeared from the landing below, bringing Charles to a halt.
The eyes of the men below were filled with intense hostility, as if they would pull the trigger the moment he took another step.
Scarface Charles looked up at his double on the stairs and said sharply, "I don't care if you're a derivative of 1344 or a Charles from a parallel timeline. This is my world. Please go back."
Slightly out of breath, Charles spread his hands to show he meant no harm. "I just want to ask you one thing. I'll leave as soon as you answer."
Charles held Lily up in his palm, presenting her. "Have you ever seen a talking mouse like this?!"
Scarface Charles slowly shook his head. "No."
"Good. Audrit, give me the drawing paper you have." Charles took the pen and paper from the Vampire.
