Sacrifice (Book 2)

Chapter 11 - Carnival

"Oh, hell no!" Benjamin protested, on his feet in a second. "I don't need a goddamn babysitter!"

Ethan stood up, the muscles in his jaw working. He glanced at his watch; his patience was wearing thin. "Look. I have less than an hour to make it to the airport. I don't have time to sit here and mediate this..." he raised a hand and waved it in annoyance, "issue between the two of you. I understand the situation is less than ideal, but it's what Madison wants. She's concerned about you, and I see her point. You're both targets. Benjamin you need someone to cover your back. The only one who can do that right now is him," Ethan said pointing to Cole.

The doorbell rang and Ethan got up to answer it before the two men could argue further.

Terra walked in and raised her eyebrows when she saw the glares Cole and Benjamin were giving each other. "Well, this is awkweird," she said. "Hi Cole, Benjamin." If she wasn't careful she'd end up with frostbite 'cause the temperature in the room was downright arctic. "Haven't seen you in a while Ben. How's the family?"

Ethan rolled his Tumi out of the bedroom. "Look, Terra, I hate to break up this little reunion, but we have to go. Is the cab downstairs?"

"Yeah. Uber's waiting on the corner."

"Okay, let's go," Ethan said without as much as a good-bye to Cole and Benjamin.

"Y'all play nice now." Terra smiled as she closed the door behind her.

Benjamin scrubbed a hand over his chin. "I'm not staying." He reached for the wallet in his back pocket, pulled out a business card and threw it down on the table. "I'd appreciate a call if you hear anything."

Benjamin started for the door and Cole stepped in front of him. "Dammit. I can't let you go. Listen, I don't want to be here anymore than you do; but this is serious. If you walk out and someone attacks you, that's on me now. Do you think I want Madison mad at me because you were an idiot and wouldn't stay put? No, man," Cole shook his head. "That's not going to happen."

Benjamin laughed. "How exactly do you expect to keep me here?"

"Anyway I have to," Cole said.

*

True to her word, the Queen requested a High Counsel meeting later that evening. With only three hours remaining before sunrise, Erdo was furious she was pulling him away from his duties. He tromped into the main hall late, papers in hand, present but intending to ignore the proceedings. Members of HC were already seated on the dais in their pompous golden robes, waiting for Madison to show up. He looked at his notes. Forty-nine crypts were in the process of upgrading. Feather mattresses, the finest bedding, silk rugs, precious antiques, priceless art, and electric power were being moved from the upper floors to the castle tombs. Then there was the issue of securing creature comforts like warm, mortal blood and high-class prostitutes for the guests. He had more important things to do than wait for the woman. With a loud huff and a dramatic show of impatience, he decided to leave. He got two steps towards the door when the Queen glided gracefully into the room wearing one of her regal gowns. That's odd. He thought she hated royal attire.

"Forgive me, honorable members of High Counsel for my unavoidable tardiness and this untimely meeting," she began, bowing her head.

Erdo narrowed his eyes. Her deference was unusual.

"Thank you so much for answering my summons on such a busy evening, with so little notice. I am immensely and forever grateful to you," she said with a curtsy. The five men and two women lawmakers seemed pleased and met her apology with warm acceptance. Couldn't they see what she was doing? She had dressed for them, was being overly obsequious, and now was flattering them. Stepping next to her, he gave the Queen his full attention.