The fourth floor was quiet when Cedric pushed the door open. He had returned just like he promised to check up on Noel.
The lamp was burning low on the table. Arthur and Bennett were both asleep on either side of the bed, which meant neither of them had gone back to their own rooms. They had simply stayed after falling on the side of the bed, exhausted.
Cedric stood in the doorway and looked at the room.
He looked at Noel.
He looked at Arthur's coat hanging near the door.
He crossed to it quietly. His hand went into the right pocket. His fingers found the key and closed around it.
"Looking for something?"
He didn't flinch. He kept his face entirely still and turned around.
Arthur was sitting up on the bed. He was not fully awake but he was awake enough, and he was looking at Cedric with the specific attention of someone whose instincts had woken them before their eyes had properly opened.
Cedric held the key where Arthur could see it.
"I want to wash him up," he said.
