Chapter 8; Under Fire
Derek arrived at the ruling house as the last of the sun’s rays made their decent from the visible sky, bidding farewell as they disappeared behind a group of tall trees. Entering the huge front door, he sighed as he made his way to William Sloan’s office.
"Hello Derek, we didn’t know you were coming" Patty Sloan kissed his cheeks. "I need to see your husband, important Legacy business" Derek returned her affectionate hello. "Does this have anything to do with Edgar Mince?" Patty smiled warmly. "How’d you know?" Derek asked. "William has been pulling out his hair over this whole ordeal" Patty replied. "He never cared much for Edgar, but the man was a good Legacy member." "I didn’t know William had any hair left to pull out" Derek laughed. "He has been getting kind of thin on top for years."
"You better watch it old man" William walked up on the cozy looking pair. "Let’s not forget the snow on the roof; how old are you now anyway? Approaching 100 would be my guess and not looking a day less than 99" the ruling precept scanned his friend. "At least I have hair for women to lose their fingers in" Derek smiled at Patty. "The woman of my choice doesn’t have to play fortune telling on a bald head I obviously don’t have." "Don’t worry darlin’, I can predict you will have a good night" Patty kissed William’s lips as her fingers played with his scalp. "At least I have a woman who is not non-existent at the moment" William nailed Derek good.
William escorted Patty to the sitting room while Derek had a seat in his office; he hated it when William got the better of him. Deep in thought, he knew William was right, he did have a birthday coming up in a few months and he hoped Andrea would be around for it. The last thing Derek wanted was to sit around the castle surrounded by a swarm of well wishers with colorful happy birthday balloons wearing those stupid party hats. None of his house mates except Andrea could carry a decent tune and she did it enchantingly. If Derek Rayne wanted someone singing to him on that one day a year he dreaded almost as much as the budget dead line, it would be his Greek goddess and she would be singing to him in private.
"What's the urgency?" William entered his office. "Derek?" William noticed he was miles away.
Derek was indeed on a mental retreat far from his body's current whereabouts; he was imagining himself lying on a huge bed in his sexy blue silk pajama pants and robe with a beautiful woman in sexy lingerie singing to him as she did unbelievable things to his willing flesh.
"Derek!" William finally got the precept to notice his presence. "Sorry, I didn’t notice you had come in" Derek was sadly back to reality. "I guess not; with that goofy grin plastered all over your face" William sat behind his desk. "Are you sure the grin isn't from the lipstick all over your face and receding hair line?" Derek made a quick come back. "Let’s just get to why you are here" William couldn’t wait to get rid of Derek and be alone with his wife.
Derek handed his proposal to William while explaining the funds he needed, ground work on their investigation into Edgar Mince was a necessity if the tribunal was going to be able to proceed properly on their case against him. This was one case the Legacy could not afford to make mistakes on. Looking it over, William handed the file back to Derek and told him he would have to present it to the tribunal himself; he, as the ruling precept had to stay neutral in the matter. Derek sighed, he was hoping to get what he needed and head home without any over night stays.
"This sucks" Derek quoted Nick and made himself comfortable in one of the vacant bedrooms.
*Atlanta, Georgia*
One by one Rachel and Nick questioned each member of the Atlanta house, the SEAL could say one thing; they were loyal to their leader.
"Tommy Bryant" Nick looked at the clip board. "Yes" Tommy sat in the recliner as instructed. "Says here you are head of security." "Yes I am" Tommy remained calm and cool. "Keep many secrets for Mr. Mince do you?" Nick cocked a brow. "We are the Legacy and secrecy is our game" Tommy replied. "Nick, stick to the standard questioning" Rachel disapproved of the route he was taking.
"Let me rephrase that" Nick paced the room. "Ever cover up anything your boss doesn’t want anyone finding out about?" "That’s enough Nick!" Rachel apologized to Tommy. "We didn’t ask for this job, it was thrust upon us." "’cuz your boss is suckin’ up to Old Willie Boy in hopes he will be the new commander in chief of the Legacy" Tommy sneered at Nick. "Figures if he gets a top job like that his girlfriend will stop globetrotting and spend more time fuckin’ him."
"Send the next one in" Rachel held Nick back so he wouldn’t beat the crap out of Tommy.
"Elias Brooks" Rachel checked the clip board. "Yes ma’am" Elias replied. "Says here you are head researcher." "That I am ma’am" Elias courteously responded. "Rachel will be fine, you don’t have to call me ma’am." "Tell me a little about Edgar Mince the man" Rachel sat behind the small desk to take notes. "What is he like?" "The man is pretty much the same as the Legacy precept" Elias replied. "Both personalities are strong, brave, fearless, warrants respect and only wants to see justice done in this world."
"So you are saying his business personality is no different from his private life’s personality?" Rachel made notes on her pad. "That’s what I’m saying” Elias confirmed. "Thank you" Rachel replied. "That will be all."
"One more thing if I may add a comment" Elias smiled at Rachel. "Sure" Rachel felt warmed by his proper respect. "Is Rayne going to take that sweet, sweet ass with him to London when he takes over William Sloan's job?" Elias laughed. "I would love to go on expedition in those tight fitting jeans." "Get out!" Rachel screamed. "My room is 4th door down to your right if you need to make a house call. I sleep in the buff" Elias blew Rachel a kiss.
"Peter Raintree" Nick watched the 40-ish year old man enter the conservatory. "Rachel, this is the house shrink and Edgar’s best friend." "B-being a psychiatrist yourself, y... you know what my j... job must be like" Rachel was trying to calm herself. "Let’s cut through the bull" Nick was all over Peter. "We know your boss is up to something and you better spill before I have to get physical."
"Being Derek Rayne’s little gopher boy you know what loyalty and friendship is all about" Peter was showing no signs of fear. "Protect your leader at all costs." "Leave Derek out of this! Edgar is the one under investigation here" Nick growled in contempt. "I have nothing to hide and neither does Edgar" Peter smiled at Nick and excused himself.
With two house members left to question Nick knew this was not going to be easy, Edgar had total loyalty from his staff and that would not change. With the previous interviews going as badly as they did Rachel felt things were not going to get any easier, the only thing getting her through the day was Nick's promise of a night of fun on the streets of Atlanta. There would be a friendly dinner followed by whatever activity she wanted to enjoy. At this point Nick would even put himself through a shopping spree to make Rachel feel better.
Things in the Obsidian Bay were going better than London and Atlanta; Philip had no trouble speaking to the Trithereon. The clerics welcomed him with open arms and provided all the information he needed to know. Just as at the crime scene the word justiceseeker came up here as well. Once that mighty word was spoken an unimaginable story of long ago flowed through Philip’s attentive ears. Their founder was brutally murdered in the line of duty--only seeking justice for one of his own. Thanking the men for their time, Father Callaghan promised he and his friends would bring justice back to both their lands.
