Re-Education - 10. Chapter 10

Everyone stared at Wanda, shocked. When she first arrived, I feared I would have to enthrall her to forget everything and come up with another option. Even during the conversation at dinner, I wasn’t sure how this would turn out, but after seeing her loving acceptance of Craig, I thought everything was going to work out. Her statement that Josh had to move out seemed to prove me wrong.

“Wanda!?” David exclaimed.

“Mother!” Jake cried.

“Fine,” Josh said. “I’ll drive down this afternoon and get my things.” Turning to me, he asked, “My Lord, may I assume that we are welcome to stay with you until we can find something else?”

“Include me in that as well, My Lord,” Jake said angrily. “If Josh isn’t welcome there, neither am I.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Wanda said with a shake of her head. “Of course, you’re still welcome; it’s your home. But you can’t expect Craig to stay hidden indoors all the time. Someone will see him and ask questions, and you won’t have answers.”

Josh, Jake, and the rest of us just stared as she went on. “We’ll need a story to explain your leaving…” she paused to think. We wisely stayed silent. “We’ll say that my mother’s ill, and the boys are moving to Buffalo to help care for her. She doesn’t know anyone back home, so no one will be able to check on that, but where will you really go?”

“They’ll stay here,” I said firmly.

“But what about school?” Jake asked.

Staring in awe at how quickly his wife had devised a solution, David said, “We’ll work it out. Maybe Mr. Pringle can keep you enrolled through a homeschool program or something.”

Jake shrugged. “If we have to, we can just drop out. I’m sure that the vampire liaison at Harvard can work around it once we explain.” He then sheepishly added, “Now that I know you’re not really throwing him out, I don’t have to move.”

Wanda put her hand on Jake’s cheek and said, “No one would believe that you’d ever live apart from your brother, Jakey. If you stay, it will cause more questions.” She turned to me and asked, “I assume that David and I can visit the boys here?”

I laughed. “I doubt that even I am strong enough to keep you out, Mrs., er, Wanda. You’re free to come and go as you please.”

“I hoped you’d say that, Greg.” She smiled. “We’ll have to explain to Craig that when you visit us at home, we can say he’s your cousin. Do you think he’ll be able to play along?”

As if saying his name summoned him, Craig came running down the stairs, saying, “I know how to pretend, Aunt Wanda. I won’t give the humans anything to wonder about.”

Wanda smiled at the boy and said, “I knew you were a bright one. Now, let’s get you some clothes.” She took his hand, and we all followed Donna up the stairs. As Julie, Mike, and Cris came out of the office and joined us in the foyer, I called Tommy and asked him to have a marshal take Donna, Wanda, Craig, and Chipper in the Denali.

“I’d like to join them, if I may, Greg,” Julie said. “But before I go, I have a request.” I nodded, so she continued,” Keep my boy away from orphaned vampires; I’m not ready to be a grandmother.” Everyone laughed as she added, “And keep him away from the girls too!”

“I’ll do my best, Julie, but the fates have been quite busy, so no promises,” I replied with a grin.

With the mothers and our children off on their shopping trip, we looked at each other, momentarily lost for what to do next. The problem was solved when Chris asked us to join him in the office. I nodded, then led the way, noticing that Billy headed for the kitchen. Before I could wonder why, he had joined us.

When I sat behind the desk, Billy’s detour was explained as Mary came in with a tray of glasses containing elk, wine, and the ever-present sheep. Once she had passed out the drinks and closed the door, I looked at Chris and raised an eyebrow.

“I explained to Dad what you and I talked about, Greg. He’s, well, I’ll let him speak for himself,” Chris said.

I turned to Mike and waited. “Chris explained the issues you had with your Court, My Lord, and—”

“When did you start calling me that?” I asked.

“I decided to take a page out of your book, Greg. When I’m talking to Greg Fowler and Scott Warnick, the owners of businesses that I represent, you’re Scott and Greg. If I’m speaking on issues that affect your Court, I am addressing Baron Fowler and Baron Warnick and should speak accordingly,” Mike explained.

“While I see your logic and can agree with it, no one in this room calls me anything other than Greg unless our conversation needs to be formal. Now, what are your thoughts on my Court?”

Mike smiled and said, “Well, at the risk of offending you, there’s a reason judges are almost always former lawyers. I don’t mean to say that your decisions weren’t just and correct, but the phrasing leaves a lot to be desired, especially where you and Chris were trying to sound legalistic.”

I laughed. Mike relaxed and continued. “I would need to research vampire laws and traditions to know their rules, if any, but since you’re not a lawyer, stop trying to sound like one. Stop trying to make your Court sound like you're in a human court. Unless Chris has missed something, you are the final word on everything that happens in your Court. Because of this, no one could complain if you simply speak plain English, without all the ‘aforementioned’ and ‘thereof’ and other fancy wording the two of you tried to use, trying to sound like lawyers.”

I nodded. “I see what you’re saying, Mike, but we thought if we sounded proper, it would help offset our age.”

Mike smiled and said, “You didn’t sound horrible, except to an attorney who’s spent a lot of time in court. Just don’t overdo it. As to the other thing, I’m more than happy to help. In fact, Julie and I have already discussed reducing my workload so we can move when you get seated.” My face must have reflected my shock because he explained, “Chris is certainly going to go wherever you go, so we want to be able to move so we’re close to our only child.”

“And you wouldn’t have a problem with being your son’s subordinate?” I asked.

“Subordinate or not, we’ll be fine. I know that Chris will respect my advice, Greg, and I am secure enough to accept that he might not always take that advice.” Mike explained, reassuring me.

I turned to David and said, “When the time comes that you choose to retire, I’d like to discuss our options, David. Josh and Jake will be provided for by the Nation of Dracul, but Craig will need to provide for himself once he’s eight. I’m happy to help Josh buy you out when it comes to that.”

“I appreciate that, Greg. I’ll have to discuss it with Wanda, but I doubt we’ll do that for at least a year or two. If we move away too soon after the boys, it might create questions,” Mike replied.

Brian exclaimed, “That’s it!” When we all turned to stare at him, confused, he laughed, then said, “We’ve been trying our damnedest to stay in high school, trying to figure out how to get out of wrestling without questions, all while trying to take care of your new responsibilities. Instead of saying the twins are moving to take care of their grandma, you could…” he paused, then sheepishly said, “Okay, so I haven’t thought it through, but if Mike starts talking about retiring and moving, then when Chris needs to, it’s not so suspicious.”

As if he were thinking out loud, David slowly said, “Everyone knows my partner sold his half of the business. We can still send the boys to care for their grandma, but I can start openly wondering if either of them has an interest in the business and either hire or promote someone as general manager so Wanda and I can retire.”

“If you want to retire, we’re all for it, David, but the story of the twins going to Buffalo is enough cover for their move. There’s no need for you to retire and move. They’ll be here for ten months; then, we’ll all be in Boston for a few years while we’re in college. We’ll all come visit as often as we can, and we’ll probably buy a house, so you’re welcome to visit anytime you like,” Scott said.

“For us, Brian’s right. I’ll start making comments about how, with Chris about to start college, Julie and I want more time to enjoy life. I can assign more of my work to the other partners and maybe even promote another partner,” Mike said before turning to me and asking, “Do you have any idea where you might be seated?”

“Not a clue, Mike, and I doubt George even knows. That’s still years away. Why?” I replied.

“Assuming you want me to continue serving as your attorney for all human issues, I would need to apply to the State Bar of whatever state you end up in,” Mike explained. “There’s no rush. I’m a member of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania due to the geography of where we live, and so far, all your business interests are within those three.”

Scott asked, “When we purchase a home in Boston, would you need to be a member there?”

Mike shook his head. “We would hire a local lawyer as the attorney of record, but I could still review all the paperwork and give you advice. We can work it that way with almost anything, even if you buy a small business, but if I’m going to represent that business once you buy it, I’d have to become a member so I can file papers with the court.”

“By the time that is an issue, I might be finished with law school. I could apply in several states other than the three Dad covers and be the attorney of record while relying heavily on his advice,” Chris said.

I considered all of this, then said, “Mike, you don’t need to make any changes that you don’t want, but if you want to start laying the groundwork, it might be wise. If something comes up and Chris needs to move—”

“Dad, if you’re willing to do this, plan to retire and move in January when the semester ends. I hoped to finish high school, but it’s not practical. If nothing comes up, we can always say I convinced you to stay in the area so I could graduate.”

Brian sighed. “The way things are going; I’m going to be all alone by the time spring comes around.”

“I plan to finish my senior year, Brian. Scott will probably just move away, but since he’s a new kid, no one will think it’s odd,” I said.

“While all this conversation is great for future reference, we have a few issues that need to be addressed today,” Billy said, pulling us back to the moment. “First, the tailor will be here in ten minutes to measure everyone. Second, when are the twins going to make their move to ‘Buffalo’? And what excuse are Brian, Chris, Scott, and Greg going to use for missing school Tuesday and Wednesday?”

“While he’s here, I need to replace the suit I destroyed when I changed and order two good suits for each of you,” I said. “Can anyone think of other things we’ll need from him?”

Scott suggested, “If he’s still here, it wouldn’t hurt to have him make suits for Chipper and Craig. I doubt he could have them ready before we leave, but I bet the tailor in Beverly Hills could have them when we arrived.”

“Greg, before you spend a fortune on clothes for me, I’d like to sit down and discuss what my job actually is when you have time,” Trevor said.

“We’ll find the time, Trev,” I replied, then said, “Sorry, is Trev okay? Or do you prefer Trevor?”

“Either is fine, Greg, but since you saved my life, I’ll answer to anything you want to call me,” Trevor said with a grin.

“That’s a dangerous statement,” Jake said with a smirk. “As far as school is concerned, Josh and I can have Mom call in on Monday and say we went to Buffalo over the weekend. That sets the stage for our move.”

“And I can call in for myself, saying something came up, and I had to return to Los Angeles for a few days. Maybe it has something to do with Dad’s accident,” I said.

“I’ll contact our people at Harvard and Wharton, Greg,” Chris suggested, “Brian and I are going on campus visits until Thursday.”

“I’ll have to remember that one for future use,” I said.

When I turned to Scott, he put his hand to his stomach and said, “I feel the flu coming on. I’ll ask my mommy to call in for me.”

“So I’m clear, everyone is blowing off school, and we are staying until we fly to LA?” Jake asked. When I nodded, he said, “I’ll let Mary know so she can get groceries.”

“If you don’t mind, Greg, I’d like Josh to show me what he’s done at your school,” David said.

“And, not to be indelicate, but James and Donna were supposed to feed from us this weekend,” Mike said. “We can take care of that while we’re here.”

David asked, “Does Craig need—”

“I’ve already offered to be his first human blood,” Jake interrupted. “If Josh wants to let you or Mom have that honor, I understand. But I already offered; I thought it would help us bond.”

“He’s not ready for human blood anyway,” Josh said. "And by the time he is, Jake might not be human. I don’t want to cause hurt feelings, so we’ll just have to wait and see.”

David quietly said, “Well, this may sound weird, but ever since you told me about vampires, I’ve wondered what it would be like. If any of you have the need, I’m willing.”

“I would be honored to feed from you, Dad, but you need to understand that I’ll be able to read your thoughts. It might be awkward for one or both of us,” Josh explained.

“I think I can handle it, Josh,” David said after a moment. Then he smirked and added, “And I’ll try not to think about the last time your mom and I—”

“OH MY GOD, Dad, stop!!” Josh turned to me. “That’s it, you feed from him, Greg. Even if I didn’t see the thoughts, that image is now burned into my brain.”

Remembering my conversation with James and Donna, I said, “James, would you care to explain his responsibilities when it comes to Craig’s sexual education?”

This led to James, Scott, and I recounting the conversation we had about vampire’s attitudes about sex, sexuality, monogamy, and how most vampire children learned about sex. When Mike said that he and his wife had occasionally had other partners, Chris just stared at him. When David talked about his explorations during college, the twins just giggled. When James talked about demonstrating sex to Scott, Mike made a very interesting observation.

“Up until the middle of the last century, it was rare for a family to have a house large enough for the children to have their own bedrooms. Even when I was a child, there were families with eight or ten children in a three-bedroom house. In fact, two doors down from you, Greg, a friend of mine, lived with his three brothers and four sisters in a three-bedroom house. I can only imagine that they learned about masturbation from an older sibling.”

David laughed and said, “I learned about it when I caught my cousin doing it in the barn. He pulled me over and helped me experience my first orgasm.”

Mike nodded, “And many rural families had one room that served as a sleeping area. Those children couldn’t help but watch their parents making love. I don’t see a problem with how James and Donna handled it.”

David gave Josh a pointed look and said, “Neither do I.”

Josh looked at me and asked, “This is what you meant when you said if I couldn’t do it for Craig, you would?”

I nodded. “It is, and from what I’ve seen, that time is quickly approaching if it hasn’t already passed.”

“If you like, we could talk with Chipper at the same time, Josh,” Scott offered. “He’s already seen enough that we should explain some things to him.”

Trevor looked down and said, “We tried to shield him from it, but yeah, he’s seen it all.”

“I assume that Craig has seen everything as well?” David asked.

“He’s seen Tanya and me, yeah. I don’t think he’s seen two guys together, but I’m sure he’s smart enough to put things together,” Trevor replied.

Josh seemed lost in thought, and we all gave him a minute. Finally, he said, “Well, there’s no shortage of guys who can talk him through things, but I don’t know about asking Mary, Donna, or Jenny to be involved in, um, lessons.”

“I’m sure any of the three would be willing, Josh, but for you, Greg, Chris, and the humans, it might be awkward,” James said. “And I’m not sure how Brian would feel, knowing that Jenny was involved.”

“I don’t know how I’d feel either, James,” Brian said. “I know that she refuses to let us go past making out. She says she’s afraid of her beast losing control. She even makes us stop making out when, um,”

“No need to explain, Brian. To a vampire, even the scent of a few drops from their mate can drive them insane,” James said. He turned to Scott and asked, “How have the two of you been able to resist the urge to complete your bond?”

“It’s been hard,” Scott said. When everyone laughed, he shouted, “I didn’t mean it that way. You guys are perverts!”

Mike said, “No, Scott, we’re males talking about sex; of course, we’re going to laugh at every weak innuendo that comes up.” And naturally, we all giggled.

Josh shook his head and said, “I’m reconsidering my plan to involve any of you in talking to Craig.”

I was about to make a rude comment when there was a knock, and Mary opened the door to say, “The tailor has arrived, My Lord.”

“Show him in, Mary, and please get us some drinks,” I said.

“Just bring the wine and elk bottles, Grandma,” Billy suggested. “And in case you’re not stocked up, everyone is staying until Tuesday evening.”

“We have plenty of venison and blood. I’ll pop out after breakfast to get some fresh veg and milk for the babes,” she replied. “With all the marshals, I’ve kept the pantry well full.”

“Also, Joshua, Jake, and Craig will be staying here for the foreseeable future. I want you to find some help with the cleaning,” Scott said. When Mary started to object, he added, “We should have added someone when we brought in the marshals, Mary. You’re busy enough cooking without having to keep up with the cleaning.”

“And feel free to assign Craig some chores. He should learn to be responsible,” Josh inserted. “Jake and I can help out as well.”

“I’ll let the boy help out, but I’ll not be havin’ Your Lordships doin’ any housework,” Mary said in a voice that left no room for debate.

I nodded, then said, “Until you find someone, you might ask Tanya to help. I don’t want to order her to do it; with her obliged to my service, it feels too much like slavery. I want to find a job that she will enjoy, but for the short term, I think it will be fine.”

“She’s already offered, Greg, almost exactly as you said. She said she wanted to earn her keep,” Mary replied.

Mary quickly showed a frail-looking old vampire, accompanied by an assistant who looked to be five, into the office, then left to get the drinks.

The old vampire bowed and then asked, “You needed my services, My Lord?”

“Can we do this here?” I asked, or would you like more space?”

He looked around, then asked, “Who are we measuring, My Lord?”

I realized I was being rude, so I offered my hand and said, “Please, call me Greg. We’ll need almost everyone in the room measured, as well as two children when they return from shopping with their grandmothers.”

“I’m honored to meet you, My Lord. I am Robert,” he replied. Then, pointing at the boy, he said, “And this is my apprentice, Samuel. We can work in here, but more space would be helpful.”

“Then we’ll move to a larger room,” Scott said. "Josh and Chris, please move some furniture in the family room, and we’ll join you there.”

When Josh and Chris headed out, James asked, “Robert, aren’t you getting a bit old? Don’t tell me you’ve decided to pass on?”

“Not by choice, Sire Warnick, but the baron has yet to approve it, so I just continue on,” Robert replied in a sad voice.

When Robert mentioned the baron, I felt a sudden wave of fear combined with hate roll through Samuel. I wondered why he had such strong feelings but didn’t feel it was my place to ask. Scott led the way, and we all followed him to the family room, where Josh and Chris had simply stacked the coffee tables in the corner and moved the sofas to the walls, creating a space larger than the living room back home.

“Will this do, Robert?” Josh asked.

“Quite well, My Lord, thank you. If those who need measuring would disrobe, we can begin.”

While we undressed, I explained to Robert that we would be sending his measurements to Beverly Hills for official Court Garb for my Council, as well as asking him to make several suits. When I said this, he sent Samuel out to their vehicle to retrieve several large books of fabrics. As he measured us, I learned that, in his past life, he was a tailor on Savile Row. When he renewed, he moved to New York and worked in several of the larger men’s fashion houses there until 1963, when he found his fated mate. Her family lived in Pittsburgh, so he moved to be with her. They set up a shop downtown, and in 1985, the baron became a customer. James told us that he has been going to Robert since the 1870s, and hoped the baron would approve his renewal, telling us that he and his mate were childless and hoped to renew and try again.

“No offense to Samuel, I’m sure he’ll make a great tailor, but I like how you cut my trousers,” James said. “I promise I will ask about your renewal at Court in December, Robert.”

“Thank you kindly, Sire,” Robert replied. He looked at me and said, “Beggin Your Lordship’s pardon, but might I ask why you’re having your garb made in California?”

“I’m a young changeling, Robert. Mine were made there, and I didn’t know of anywhere else to go. Can you make them?” I asked.

“I don’t stock the fabric, My Lord, but I would be honored if you would allow me the opportunity.”

I didn’t know if there were rules about this, so I pulled out my phone and stepped outside. After a short call to Frederick, I decided to do several things, one of which was likely to offend Gareth, but I thought I could talk my way out of that one. I was standing by the pool, sorting out my thoughts, when I heard a woman scream.

“What are you all doing standing around naked where anyone can see you?” Wanda shouted as she tried to cover Craig’s eyes.

“No need to cover his eyes, Mom,” Josh calmly replied. “He’s seen naked men before and will again. Right now, in fact. Craig, come get measured for a suit.”

Without hesitation, Craig ran forward and stripped bare. Chipper frowned until Scott told him to do the same. I laughed, and when Wanda saw me, her mouth dropped open. “It’s freezing out there, Greg,” she admonished me.

“We aren’t affected by heat or cold unless they’re extreme,” I explained. “Although flames hurt, and I’d imagine that subzero temperatures might be uncomfortable, but I really can’t say.”

“That still doesn’t explain why you’re all naked,” she snapped.

“It’s their house, Wanda,” David told his wife. “They’re free to decide what’s proper. If it makes you uncomfortable, we can go to another room until the tailor is finished.”

After a few breaths, she said, “I’m not offended, David; I was just surprised.” Her eyes quickly took in the bodies of her sons, then she commented, “I see my boys have grown quite a bit since the last time I gave them a bath.”

Josh and Jake both whined, “Mom!”

David laughed, then said, “If you don’t mind, Greg, I’m going to take my wife into your office and share some of the things we discussed earlier.”

I nodded, and when they had gone, I looked at Robert and asked, “Forgive me if I’m being too personal, Robert, but if the baron doesn’t approve your renewal, what will happen to your shop?”

“My mate will have to find a tailor or sell it, My Lord. Samuel is several years from being qualified, though he is quite the sharp study,” he replied.

Again, at the mention of the baron, I felt the same combination of fear and hate course through Samuel. “You opened your shop sixty years ago, and you’re the only qualified tailor? No offense, but that seems odd.”

“Pittsburgh doesn’t have a large market for bespoke men’s clothing, My Lord. Every human I’ve trained has taken that training and gone to one of the large shops in New York,” he replied. Then, with a hint of resentment, he added, “Or Beverly Hills.”

Samuel was measuring Chipper, which was quite a chore as every time he tried to touch the tape to his skin, Chipper would squirm and giggle. “Stand still, pup!” Scott admonished.

“But it tickles, Daddy!” he whined.

“Yes, it does, and I expect the son of a baron to ignore the tickles and behave,” Scott replied in a gentler tone.

“I’ll try, Daddy.” It was cute to watch as he set his face and did his best to ignore as Samuel did his job. I was glad to see that when he finished, he proceeded to tickle Chipper until he was squirming on the floor while we all watched and laughed.

With all the measuring finished, Chris and Josh quickly replaced the furniture, and we sat as Robert showed us fabric selections, suggesting various colors and patterns based on our builds. While we did this, I pressed on with my plan.

“As you are subjects of Baron Evans, I have no say in you and your mate’s renewal, Robert,” I started. He gave a slight nod, and I continued, “But, if I were to purchase your shop from you, as an employee of mine, I would.”

His head snapped up, and he stared at me, mouth agape. With tears in his eyes, he asked, “Are you serious, My Lord? I’ll sell it to you for any price you name if you could really do that for us.”

“Well, I would put several conditions on the purchase. You should hear those before you jump to a decision,” I said in a stern tone.

“For a chance to have a child of our own, I would be your slave, My Lord,” he pleaded.

“Nothing like that; in fact, my conditions are quite simple. First, I’d like to hear how young Samuel came to be your apprentice. Did his family put him in your service?”

Robert and Samuel exchanged glances, and then Samuel, with hate in his voice, said, “The baron gave me to him, My Lord. After my parents died in a car crash, he cared for me for a few months, then he, um, tired of me and gave me to Robert.”

I nodded as I considered his words and the emotions I felt from him. Knowing there was a lot more to the story, I decided now wasn’t the time. “I see. Well, as I understand apprenticeship, that means that Robert is your legal guardian. Would that be correct, counselor?”

“I would have to check into it, My Lord, but I believe you are correct,” Chris replied.

I turned back to Robert and asked, “If you were to sell your shop, what is it worth?”

“We own the building, My Lord,” he replied. Then he timidly explained, “It has five floors, with our shop and apartment on the ground floor and offices on the other four floors. I hate to ask His Lordship to pay what it’s worth, considering what else you’re offering.”

“I know the building, My Lord,” Trevor offered.

“As do I,” James said. He went on to say what the building was worth and his best guess at what he might spend on renovations if he were to buy it. Robert told us what he got in rent from the law offices that occupied the second, third, and fourth floors and what he had received the last time the fifth floor was occupied. I looked at Josh, and he said that, without seeing it, he couldn’t offer an opinion.

I was stunned when Scott said, “We will write you a check today for three hundred thousand dollars, and we’ll visit the building tomorrow. If we choose to purchase it, we’ll write you a check tomorrow for the other three million dollars. If we don’t purchase the building, consider what we gave you today as payment for your tailoring business.”

“That’s more than generous, My Lord,” a stunned Robert replied.

“You haven’t heard my conditions,” I warned.

“I have already said I’ll accept anything you want, My Lord, but I’ll listen to what you have to say.”

“You will obtain and constantly keep in stock, at all times, enough fabric to make ten sets of official Dracul garb. You will remain in that location until I say otherwise, and you will continue to make suits for myself, my household, James, his household, and any other retail customers I can send your way,” I declared.

“I will find a way to afford that, My Lord,” he stated firmly.

“I think you misunderstood me, Robert. I’m not saying you’ll make our clothes for free. I expect to pay you what they’re worth. I’m simply saying that you will remain where you are so I have access to your work.” I looked at James and added, “And if your work doesn’t live up to what James has led me to expect, he will answer for it.”

“I have no fear of that, My Lord,” James replied with a smirk.

“Not questioning your conditions, My Lord, but you’re an unseated baron?” Robert asked nervously. I nodded and waited, so he asked, “What happens when you get a barony?”

“That’s up to you, Robert. You can remain where you are, and we’ll bring you to us for measurements, or we can rent the space your shop occupies and find a location where I am.”

“If it’s all the same to you, My Lord, I will follow you,” Robert declared.

“Then consider yourself and your household sworn to my service until I release you,” I stated in an officious tone. “That done, you have your baron’s blessing for you and your wife to renew after you finish this order. Can you get the official garb done before we see the Prince on Tuesday?”

Robert thought for a moment, then frowned. “If I could get the fabric from New York by noon tomorrow, yes, My Lord, but even if I drove all night, I couldn’t do that.”

“Tommy, call the pilots. They are to take Robert to New York, hire a car to take him wherever he needs in the morning, and get him back in time to work his miracle,” Billy ordered.

“Yes, My Lord,” Tommy said as he rushed from the room.

“I have one more thing I’d like to ask, but you are free to decline. I would like Samuel to spend the evening,” when I said this, I could sense Samuel’s fear rise to the level of sheer terror. I turned to him and said, “You have my word that you will not be harmed in any way, Samuel. I simply want to talk to you, on my honor.”

Samuel turned his eyes to Robert, who said, “I don’t know you, My Lord, but I do know Sire James. If he assures me of Samuel’s safety, I will agree.”

I smiled. “You care about him like a son.” He nodded. “I swear that I will treat him as if he were my son while you are away. We will bring him when we meet you at your shop on your return from New York.” I turned back to Samuel and asked, “Are you okay with this? I won’t make you stay if you don’t want to.”

Samuel looked horrified as he debated whether to stay or go. I did my best to smile without looking creepy or overeager, as I thought I knew what he feared. Finally, he asked, “No offense, My Lord, but if Robert trusts Sire James, I do. Will you swear that I will not leave his side?”

“You will not leave his side, Samuel,” I said with a nod.

Robert left with two marshals and Ted. They would drive back to West Virginia, where Ted would take Robert and one marshal to New York. They would spend the night there, purchase what Robert needed, and return to Pittsburgh, while the other marshal would return here tonight with the vehicle.

An hour after they left, James, Scott, Billy, our entire Council, including Tommy, and I sat with Samuel as I asked him why he feared and hated Baron Evans. At first, he was horrified that I knew this, and it took Trevor telling his story to get the boy to calm down enough to open up. Once he started, his story just flowed out, and as it did, my feelings for Gareth Evans completely changed. At our dinner, he was polite and outgoing and seemed to be someone I could come to like. About ten minutes after Samuel started talking, I had a deep hatred for the man. Two hours after he started his story, I held a sobbing Samuel and made the boy a vow.

Struggling to keep my beast at bay, my voice rumbled as I said, “I will kill him.”