The Wolves Belong Underground

Chapter 12

It has been a few days since Zorath sent out the telegram to Ludwig informing him about the lack of information he received. Last night, he had finally received word from him. Along with a long list of everyone that attended the party, he was also given a note saying to see him in person as soon as possible.

Zorath sat at the dining table, reading the morning newspaper with a cigarette in between his lips as he waited for Maria. Thoughts of last night skated through his head, his appetite growing for breakfast. Yet it wasn't the food he craved. He didn't see Maria throughout the day, morning and night suddenly becoming his favorite time of day. After her duties she would meet him in his bedroom, spending long and heated nights in his bed. And armchair. And desk. And floor...

As pleasant as the thought of her was, he kept thinking about the letter Ludwig sent him last night. It sounded urgent, which was very unusual for his carefree nature. He may have been the root of this underground world, spreading his information and sources to everyone who nurtured the world, but he was as laid back as those who rested against the tree.

Maria strolled in, pushing in cart of steaming tea and breakfast. "Goodmorning, Master." She greeted him with a warm smile.

"Goodmorning." He replied, keeping his attention on the paper. She set out his food and began pouring his tea.

"Add some sugar to that, would you?" He asked, setting down his newspaper.

"Really? You never have sugar with your tea."

"I'm craving something sweet this morning." He put out his cigarette. Maria took out the sky blue porcelain sugar bowl, adding a few scoops of sugar.

"Better?" She asked.

"Yes, thank you." He reached over and took a sip.

She smiled down at him, holding a silver tray against her chest. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No, I'm alright. I'm going out to London today, by the way. I shouldn't be back until later, but sometimes things take longer than expected. You may not be able to clean my room tonight." He quickly glanced at her through the corner of his eye as he sipped his tea.

"Oh, what a shame." she sighed, her voice breathy "It's such a mess, master."

"You're more than welcome to clean it to your heart's desire tomorrow, Miss. DeRose." he tried to hide a playful smirk. She looked down, holding back a girlish giggle as her cheeks hued pink. This made him want to stay all the more. He cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "I'm all set here. Please resume your duties."

"Of course, my Lord." She gave him a small curtsy. She turned and walked away with the cart; his eyes locked on her backside like a magnet. Whatever Ludwig had to say, it better be important.

Zorath arrived at Ludwigs office in the late afternoon, rain pouring from the heavy grey skies. He was nearly soaked just from the carriage to the entrance from the office. He walked in, Ludwig standing by the window.

"Right," Zorath started, taking off his hat "What was so important that I had to come here on such short notice."

"Fourteen." Ludwig replied, his voice empty as he kept his eyes out the window "The newest murder victim was a fourteen year old girl."

Zorath stood there, his eyes dropping to the floor. He knew this particular age was hitting him hard. Ludwig had a daughter of his own, only ten year old, he recalled. Ludwig didn't do very well with murder cases that involved young girls. Unfortunately, Zorath was desensitized to cases like this. "The man who found her was apparently a neighbor, Aurthor Barkey. Was a friend of the family."