Queen of the Living

Chapter 11

    The drive to, well, wherever they were going, was quite long.  Matthias had said it would be four hours before they reached the estate Nawal had inherited from the man in the suit.  Thankfully, the dog occupying the back seat was a much better animal-passenger then the pig had been.  He kept calm through the drive and only moved when the car turned or slowed down, where he would lift his head for a moment, pause, resume his panting, and proceeded to lay back down.

    “Your estate was left in the hands of the head butler, Jon Dunn,” Matthias explained.  “But through a series of events, has fallen into the care of a pair of ladies, not entirely unlike yourself, who have,” he paused, looking for the right way to word what would come next.  “Come to think of it as their own,” he finished.

    “So they moved in?”  Nawal asked.

    “Correct,”  Matthias replied.  “They are quite understanding, and are aware of the generalities of your circumstance, though I would not burden them with any specifics.”  He turned the car off the highway, waking the dog - again.  “Monika and Nicole,” he continued.  “They were sweet enough to let you stay without question.”

    “In my own house,” Nawal smiled.  “How very kind.”

    “Right.”

    “So,” Nawal was happy without knowing their life story and decided to discuss more important matters.  “Jack is safe in the hospital, you and my lovely new dog are here, where is everyone else?”

    “Ah, yes.”  Matthias had a habit of adjusting the rear-view mirror in between pauses, which he currently found himself in.  “I sent the pig on an errand to find your head, or finger, which he has accomplished.  He is now waiting for your command, however, I do believe it prudent to let him stay where he is for the time being.”

    “So he’s spying on my arch-nemesis.”

    “Exactly.  Though nemesis is not the word I would have chosen for him.”

    “Later.  Where’s the rest?”

    “Zoroaster, Drago, and Carmela await your call -”

    “Zoroaster?”  Nawal interrupted.  “The crow?”

    “Indeed.  They are not tasked with anything at the moment and Vermilion and my former master are presently residing in your old apartment.”

    “Good.”  Nawal stretched for a moment before resuming.  “How long do I have before our favorite man and his horse pay me a visit?" She asked, stifling a yawn.  "I doubt he’ll be in a good mood when he learns I’m alive…  or not completely dead, rather.”

    “As long as you don’t do anything to bring yourself unwanted attention, you should be fine.  We mustn’t dally though, figuring a way around him should be our top priority.”

    They had pulled off the road just north of Diamond Lake and made their way down a windy path to a much humbler estate than Nawal had envisioned.  Estate just sounds so big and Jane Austen-y, Nawal thought.  It did have the acres of forest around it, an open porch, and rather large door, but Nawal decided it was much too small to be a proper mansion.  Which was fine, but estate…

    The car came to a stop in front of the porch and a slightly disappointed Nawal got out, followed by Matthias and her dog, complete with a leather bag in his mouth and a trail of dust in his wake as he sped into the woods.

    “Really?”  Nawal commented.

    “Well!”  Matthias exclaimed, shutting the car door.