It's My Life

Chapter 37 - Getting to Know You

"We know where she's being held, but no one can feel anything inside the top floor, or anything below the ground level, if there is anything. It's like he has wards around the levels, or something that blocks our senses. It wouldn't be hard to spot, look for the brand hew house that's just been built." One of the diplomats said.
"Do you think he has found a product that blocks telepathy? Sort of like a faraday cage? It would explain why we can't feel Cass, if she's being held upstairs." Andreas said. Heads nodded.
"I'll get some people to investigate that, see if there is a flaw." Cora said, writing it down on a pad.
"I have no doubt that we will hear from Mr. Ashton today to tell us what he wants. I've felt it all morning. Are the King and Queen easily accessed? I heard they were close to the Halway Centre, or staying there in the underwater rooms." Andreas said.
"Correct. They await communication." One of the administrative team advised. Andreas nodded.
"If we haven't heard from Mr. Ashton by five, we will call him. All in agreeance?" Andreas put to the group. Everyone nodded and sounds of agreement from everyone. Andreas rubbed his eyes. 
"So if we all aspire to be here, or close by, today, then we'll be ready, and the King and Queen will be ready at the Halway Centre. Back to work, all, and I will call you when contact is made." Andreas said, and everyone filed out. Cora turned to Andreas. He hadn't slept well, and she could feel it.
"Please rest, my dear. You are no good to the princess if you can't focus. Use the third guest suite, I'll wake you for lunch." Cora said. Andreas stood up.
"I cannot. I can't rest until she's safe." Andreas replied. Cora moved to the phone.
"I'm ordering a sleeping posset. You need sleep." Cora said. Andreas knew better than to argue, and he moved to the door.
"All right. Have the doctor meet me in the third guest room then." He said, then walked out. Cora watched him with a sadness in her heart, and then contacted the doctor. She knew none of them would rest well until Cassi was home and safe.

Tom had stopped by the Silvers' residence, but he had nothing more to tell them.
"No contact has been made, is that what you're saying?" Jeremy asked. Tom nodded.
"We hope to hear something today. If not, they will take action. We will get her back." Tom said. Louise pottered around the kitchen, and then moved to the table.
"I just hope that man...Mer...whatever he is, isn't hurting her. He damned well better not." Louise said. Both Tom and Jeremy looked at her.
"It doesn't matter if he doesn't. He's still committed treason. He will be punished." Tom said.
"Good." Jeremy said under his breath. Tom could almost taste the anger flowing off him. Louise touched Jeremy's arm.
"Should put him in a room with no water, let him experience life the way poor Cass has. Then he'll learn not to mess with her." Louise said.
"He has committed high treason against the royal family. He will be sentenced as a traitor to the crown and executed. Unfortunately he won't suffer long, unless he's held on land until execution. But as he's Mer, and one that probably lived his whole youth and young adulthood under the sea, he won't suffer as Cass has. He can last longer without immersion." Tom said.
"I suppose that's enough as long as she's safe." Jeremy said.
"I have to go to class, but I'll tell you both everything I learn once I hear anything. That I promise." Tom said and moved to the front door. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to face Jeremy.
"I don't know if I have said it yet, but we owe you so much. If she had never met you, well, I shudder to think where we'd all be now. We all owe you everything." Jeremy said. Tom flushed and ducked his head.
"It's nothing. I'm glad I met her, and glad she trusted me enough to contact me." Tom said.
"I must apologise to you too." Jeremy added. That surprised Tom.
"Whatever for?" He asked.
"For doubting in you, for thinking you weren't right for her. That evening you came over and told us that you were allergic to fish, too. It made me suspicious, like you were trying to pretend to get in her good books. Louise and Cass trusted you, but it took me a while, and for that I apologise." Jeremy said. Tom smiled.
"Apology accepted, though I can understand your unease. You weren't to know there were others like her, even though you found her on the beach. Naturally you were suspicious, since by the time you met me you knew that Brad Thompson knew something. Right?" Tom asked. Jeremy nodded.
"Correct. And we wanted to protect her. At all costs. So until the debt is repaid, I am grateful you're around." Jeremy said. Tom held his hand out to Jeremy.
"I love your daughter very much, and you have my word I'll cross Hades and back to do anything I can for her." Tom said. Jeremy took his hand in a firm handshake.
"Thank you." Jeremy said. They let go of each others' hands, and Tom headed out to his car, driving towards school.