To Death Shall Thy Part

Chapter 25 - Dinner at the Moriarty Manor

William gave a wry smile to Luke before walking towards them. He purposely stands in between Luke and Catherine to further provoke the former. Both the two Senior Doctors laugh silently while watching the drama unfold.

"Oh! Professor Moriarty, where is Lucian?" Catherine, oblivious to the hidden competition between the two men asked when she did not see Lucian behind the professor.

"I left him in my office. Don't worry, He's fine." William assured Catherine while making small gestures, which in Luke's view, is pretty much intimate. Lord Zachary and of course, Doctor Helene did not miss this little provocation and waited for a good show.

"Of course, Catherine. Everyone here can hold up to schedule, so you are free to attend to your matters. I trust Professor Moriarty can take good care of you." Lord Zachary replied while giving William a knowing look.

In response, William put his hand on his chest and bowed in a dignified manner. "You have my word, Doctor. I will make sure, no harm will come on Lady Faucigny's way." at the end of his sentence, William looked at Luke with a wry smile. Luke responded with a grunt.

"I'll be off then. Goodbye." Either intentionally or not, Catherine ignored Luke as she motions for William to follow her. William unhurriedly walked out of the room, and just before he passed by the door, he turned to Luke and gave a teasing smile. After having fun while provoking his enemy, William left with a smile.

As for the remaining trio, after making sure that Catherine was out of sight, they put down their smiles and ignore one another. No one cared to talk to the other and went on their separate ways.

In the Hallway...

"Doctor Faucigny, I left Lucian at the office, would you like to head in there now, or perhaps later?" William asked as soon as the two of them reached the hallway.

"Please, just call me Catherine, Professor." Catherine smiled.

"Then you can also call me William." William gave a smile, very different from earlier.

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate? I think Professor will do." Catherine replied almost immediately.

"I insist that you call me William." William rebutted while leaving no argument with his statement.

"If you insist, then, William will do." Catherine smiled in defeat as she continues talking to William. After reaching the office, William, as a polite gentleman, opened the door for Catherine and followed suit after letting her enter first.

The interior of the office gives a regal vibe. On one side, there are two bookshelves full of Mathematical books. On the other side, there is a shelf that has antique decor and pictures on it. The overall interior suggests that an owner is a gentle person. After giving the room a quick full sweep look, Catherine nodded her head in admiration and approval. After that, she then gave her full attention to the teen sitting in the chair.

"Lucian, did you wait long?" Catherine approached lightly. Lucian, in response, answered sincerely.

"No. I was reading so I was not bored."

Lucian gave a curt reply. Catherine just nodded in return and turned to sit down at the chair William pulled for her.

"Can you tell me everything that occurred in the past month?" Catherine started inquiring. As the host, William went to prepare tea and snacks, also giving them privacy.

"..." Lucian Narrated the happenings in the past month. After hearing the story, Catherine went into a somber mood.

"Where is Miss Frida now? Is she still in that bar you're talking about?" Catherine probes after calming down.