James looked at the man lying on the bed and frowned.
He was confused.
His master had been acting strangely over the past few days, and he couldn't understand why.
James picked up the bottle of capsules from the bedside table and shook it.
Still full.
"Looks like he hasn't been taking his pills."
Which was odd.
Master Rodney took his medication very seriously.
Three years ago, he had been diagnosed with chronic migraines. Before seeing Doctor Samuel, the fainting spells had become frequent enough to worry everyone in the house.
The doctor had instructed him to eat properly, reduce his alcohol intake, get enough rest, and never skip his medication.
Rodney had followed those instructions religiously.
Until now.
James glanced at the unconscious man again.
Recently, his master had been different.
Not bad.
Just... different.
He woke up later than usual.
He spoke more to the staff.
He smiled more.
And he seemed genuinely interested in people.
Just last Friday, Rodney had insisted on giving him the day off.
"But Master Rodney, I'm fine. I'll drive you."
"No, James. I've been using you nonstop. Everyone deserves a break. Even you."
"But Master Rodney, you pay me to serve you. Let me do my job."
Rodney had sighed and turned around.
"Exactly. I'm the one paying you, and I want you to take a day off. Enjoy yourself. Go see a friend. Do something fun."
Before James could protest again, Rodney got into the car and drove off.
At the time, James had simply stood there in shock.
That wasn't something Rodney Vanguard would normally say.
Then there was the incident in the kitchen.
James had gone downstairs to collect Rodney's dinner and nearly dropped the tray when he found him sitting with Cook at the kitchen table.
Eating.
Laughing.
Talking.
As if they were old friends.
The two of them were discussing recipes while Rodney ate with a spoon instead of his usual knife and fork.
Even stranger, he seemed to know every member of staff by name.
The servants had noticed it too.
They spoke about it constantly.
The new softness.
The new warmth.
The feeling that their employer had somehow become a different person overnight.
James had tried not to think about it.
But it was becoming difficult.
Earlier that evening, he had been taking a package upstairs when he noticed the home office door standing open.
"I guess he's finally back to work."
He had stepped inside.
Files were scattered across the floor.
Newspaper clippings covered the desk.
A large map of Europe sat open beneath dozens of sticky notes.
James frowned.
He thought Rodney had abandoned this investigation months ago.
Then he noticed the body on the floor.
"Master Rodney?"
No response.
James sighed.
Again.
He walked back into the hallway and called for the security staff.
"Hey!"
The two men looked up.
"Master Rodney has passed out again."
He rubbed his forehead.
"Come help me get him upstairs."