Demon Chord - A MaxTul Supernatural Thriller

Chapter 37 - Respite

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Respite

Tul was surprised to see Ronan step out of the void followed closely by a dour faced Max, luckily, he had Kate to break the awkwardness as both slayers avoided eye contact with him.

Kate smiled wickedly at the blond slayer as he stepped out of the void just a few seconds ahead of the dark haired one and said, "what brings you two to Tuscany?"

Ronan returned her smile with one of his own and said with a wink, "unfinished business."

Before Kate could reply, Vlad approached the group pushing a grinning Knox in a wheelchair.  Looking at Tul and Kate, he said, "welcome back", placing his hand gently on Knox's shoulder, he continued, "this one has been anxiously awaiting your arrival, you know how he hates not being part of the action, so, let's do a sitrep in the main library in five minutes."

Turning his attention to the slayers, he said, "I wasn't expecting the two of you, but I can have the staff prepare rooms, I'm sure they can scrounge up some clean clothing as well" as he eyed Max's scruffy appearance.

"We'd like to join in on the sitrep, if that's alright with you" replied Max.

Vlad looked down at Knox, who tilted his head back and shrugged, "I don't see why not...."

Vlad nodded his agreement and said, "then if everyone will follow us, let's get this over with before tonight's celebration."

Ronan looked at Kate and mouthed, "celebration?" but she didn't acknowledge him, instead she frowned and grabbed Tul's hand, and walked quickly after Vlad.

Max saw the expression on Ronan's face, and knocked his shoulder softly into his partner's before saying, "I told you so."

"It's going to take more than that" replied Ronan with a snort, as he started walking to catch up with Kate and Tul.  Max rolled his eyes and followed.

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Max looked around the ornate library filled with antique furnishings and books, although the décor was not to his taste, he certainly appreciated the lavish room and the wealth it represented.

Vlad pushed Knox to one end of the wooden table, while Tul and Kate sat on one side.  Vlad took the seat at the other end and motioned with his hand that the slayers should seat themselves opposite the Wamphyri and his thrall.

After everyone was seated, Vlad looked around the table and asked , "first and foremost, how is everyone? Anyone injured?"

When no one spoke up, he continued, "That's good.  Ok, then bring us up to speed."

After everyone had filled Vlad and Knox in on what had happened in the desert,  Vlad looked at the slayers and said, "I know you both must be wondering what is going on within the Cadre - I have been in contact with Matteo from the Rome cloister who has been named as interim leader. The Scottish twins are under house arrest where they are receiving counseling for their night terrors. They have told everything they know about Rafe's plan for discrediting Laird and instigating the war. Roughly a third of the council has been removed and are currently under questioning regarding their involvement in the plot. The rest of the council are still searching for Rafe and Owen, but so far, they haven't been found.  As of this morning, Matteo is on his way to the US hospital to talk to Laird, who has woken up from his coma. He is lucid and remembers everything, it doesn't look good for Rafe and his followers.  Subsequently, the truce between our peoples has been reinstated." 

He hesitated a beat or two, and then asked, "So what are your plans? Are you headed back to Rome soon?"

Max blinked at the sudden change in subject, but Ronan must have been anticipating the question, because he answered right away while holding Kate's gaze with his own, "I'm not sure I will be returning to Rome any time soon."