ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 157

           Breaking News

There has been a fire at Monk's Garage in Beltsville , Maryland ; a fire resulting in an very volatile explosion. Surrounding homes and businesses in the immediate area around the garage have been evacuated until further notice.

Ned Barker smiled as he watched the news report on the television in the kitchen of the guest house where he sat with Nanny enjoying a traditional Eldermere breakfast of porridge and egg spinach tart.

Nanny shook her head. " How dreadful. I hope nobody has been hurt. Speaking of hurting , I do believe that we should pay a visit to our Prince Cedric today. Mr. Volkouv said he would be released from hospital tomorrow. Thankfully. You know how he hates being confined to anything.  "

Ned nodded with a slight lift to his lips as he thought that the princess would be delighted to know that the car was no longer an issue. Thanks to a little well placed cash in certain pockets he had discovered within the streets of America. He also thought of the small vial that Josephine Petrova had passed to him discreetly.

( " I don't want to know what you use it for, " she said sharply. " That is your choice. And , if you are caught I will deny your very existence. Also do not forget your part of our little arrangement. ")

It would be so easy, he mused as he ate his breakfast. Just a little in the prince's beloved hot chocolate every night before bed. The dear spare would get sicker and weaker until he wasted away to be no more.

( " This give you flu symptoms. Or they think it is flu. They not taste it or smell it either. It is perfect, most perfect, poison. I should know. I created it. ")

Once he was no more all the secrets die with him.

              ---------

" Good morning, your highness, you are looking well today. "

Prince Cedric opened his eyes in his hospital bed and found himself staring at Saunders in a light weight cream colored sweater and khakis, his arm in a sling , a few blue - purple bruises along the bottom of his face. Thankfully the man looked no worse for having been in a auto accident. In fact, to his bemusement, the butler looked even better than he usually did.

" Now , now , Sammy , I think we can be on a first name basis now since we both fought the Grim Reaper and won. Don't you? "

Saunders twitched his mouth in something fairly resembling a smile. " If you say so, Prince Cedric. "

Cedric rolled his eyes. " Hopeless. You are hopeless. Well , sit down. Since you are visiting me today I assume you are not working at the moment. Unless you are quite afraid that if you are seated you shall dislodge that rather large pole up your buttocks. "

Saunders lips twitched even more until he couldn't continue to restrain himself any further. He began to laugh and the sound washed over Cedric like a warm flowing water. " You are unlike anybody I have ever met, your high..... , Prin..... Cedric. "

Cedric's eyes twinkled at him. " That is exactly what the King says. Constantly. "

They both looked at each other and laughed even as the butler sat down in the chair beside the bed.

They were still laughing as the door opened and in came Jeff Kendall with what looked like a large white box of doughnuts in his hands.

Jeff said brusquely," What's the funny, Ric ? I need a joke. It was like getting trade secrets for Nicholas to secure me admission to your room. I know you're a prince and all but you're not Rebel , dude. " Then he winked at the prince as he threw the box at him which Cedric easily caught.

Saunders sat in the chair staring at Jeff Kendall with amazement on his face. As well as jealousy growing in his heart.