The Cinder Bullies (28)

Patton walked along slowly, heading towards the village. He stopped, pulled a flask out of pocket and took a sip of wine. He was already inebriated and began to sing at the top of his lungs.

Millie heard him coming in the distance, and knew that it was him, because of the song he was singing. It was the same melody he had whistled, when she left. Rosa was at the manor helping Nadia and Bessie, so she was alone.

"What on earth is he doing?" wondered Millie, as he came closer and closer. "Is he drunk? This is not good!" She decided to follow him, but to stay behind him at a safe distance, and watch out for him. There was no one else around to help him.

Patton did as Bentley had requested and posted the invitation to the welcome home party for the villagers, where it was supposed to be placed in the forum. It looked a little crooked to Millie, but at least it was there for everyone to read.

Patton turned around and headed right back towards the manor. Millie ducked down behind a bush, so that he would not see her.

"He really does need some help!" she thought to herself. "What can I do?" Being concerned about Patton, Millie decided to keep following him and to make certain he arrived back at the manor safely. 

He continued to sing at the top of his lungs, stopping every once in a while to take an occasional drink from his flask, as he walked on. A little while later, stumbling on a rock, he dropped his flask, but he did not realize it had fallen to the ground.

"He has had enough to drink anyhow," decided Millie, who picked it up and hid it in her satchel. To her, Patton had a beautiful and powerful  voice. "It is too bad that he is drinking, but I think that might be opera music he is singing!" said Millie to herself. "I wonder if Xaviar or anyone else, knows he can sing like that!"

A little while later, Patton arrived at the manor, still followed by Millie. He stumbled on the threshold, as he went through the front doorway, regained his footing and closed the door behind him.

"What are you doing here, dear?" asked Nadia, who was just leaving the manor. "I did not expect to see you at the manor today."

Millie decided to discuss Patton's drinking problem openly, immediately. She reached into her satchel, pulled out his flask and handed it to Nadia There was still some wine in it.

"We've caught him now," said Nadia. She decided to be honest with Millie too, and tell her what was happening with Phillip, as well.

"Both of our visitors are drinking stolen wine, so Bentley is going to have to deal with them now. But, thank you for seeing Patton back to the manor."

Just then Rosa came along, chatting happily with Cindy and Dancer.

"Both of our young ladies and Xaviar, know what is happening with the visitors now." said Rosa, after Nadia explained everything to her and Cindy. "That is a very good thing."