The Nightam Family

Chapter 23: Mortimer Nightam 6

It was difficult to say if things had gone according to plan. Mortimer sat down in his chair at the head of the table.

Most things had certainly progressed according to plan. Both of the troublemakers were now his most loyal children. Josh seemed to have some problems with his new identity as Mortimer’s servant, but William had taken to his new role perfectly. And the family still obeyed him to perfection. Mortimer had called for a meeting, and he had no doubt that within ten minutes, everyone would have arrived.

But his most honoured guests weren’t as obedient. Despite Mortimer’s clear orders, one of them had touched his family. Patricia had her problems, certainly, but Blake had acted outside of his position when he killed her. He had allowed them to live amongst his family, and this was how he had been repaid.

On the bright side, Mortimer smiled, William and Josh had taken care of Blake without any trouble. And now it was time to start the last part of his plan. After tonight, the deal would be complete. All beings carrying the name of Nightam would be removed from the world of the living. And they even got to choose their own fates. Certainly, Mortimer smiled, he’d been too kind for his family. They would have no right to deny that.

The door opened and Jules entered. He walked towards his seat, at his father’s side, only to stop before sitting down.

Mortimer smiled as he saw his oldest son walk away and look for his seat. It was at the end of the table, Mortimer knew. Seniority no longer mattered in this family. All that mattered was loyalty to Mortimer. And for that reason alone, he had placed his sons at the other end of the table. His new children, Josh and William, had now taken the place at Mortimer’s right hand.

And on his left hand was Jessica, who had come in as one of the last people. Everyone was still looking for their seats when she entered. She didn’t seem pleased with her new place. Nobody seemed pleased, for that matter. Only William and Josh sat down quietly, without complaints.

Mortimer had made the details of the meeting quite clear. Descendants only; spouses should stay at home. Only one spouse was in this same building, but she was on the top floor.

He had delivered those outside a death sentence. They no longer had a reason to be part of this family.

Finally, everyone inside had found their seats. Pure silence, pure order.

‘Who are you?’ Anna’s voice came clearly through the room. Mortimer’s smile disappeared when he heard her voice. She should have remained quiet. She should just obey him like everyone else.

‘Who are you?’ Anna repeated herself, ‘you are not my uncle.’

Someone quickly hushed her.

‘I have called you all here for one reason,’ Mortimer said, folding his hands in front of him, ‘I want to know who are loyal to me.’

Some soft whispers were heard.

‘We are all loyal to you, father,’ Jonathan said from the other side of the room.

‘Even though none of you shall succeed me?’

Jonathan turned pale. He didn’t answer.

‘I simply want to know…’ Mortimer smiled, ‘who would follow me for eternity.’

A pure silence.

‘If you feel you cannot do this, feel free to leave the room.’

Nothing happened. For an entire minute, nothing happened.

Then Jules got out of his chair, slowly. And Jacob, Jonathan, Anna even. Mortimer had not expected anything else from his sons. Their loyalty had disappeared a long time ago; it had been replaced by their wish to succeed him. As for Anna… she had been insane for a long time now. But even more people got up. Mary and Layla, although the latter was pulled back by her mother. They all felt Mortimer had betrayed them. Stacey too would have left, had her son not been in Mortimer’s power. She still thought she could save him, how cute. Mortimer had already decided on the boy’s fate. As soon as the young Lucas grew up, he would become Mortimer’s next vessel. Despite the fact that his body was immortal, Mortimer still despised it for its age. No, if he was going to live forever, he could better do so in a young body.

The traitors all stood in front of their chairs, before walking out of the hall.

Mortimer smiled.

In all honesty, Mortimer could say he was pleased with the results. Less than half of the family remained. They would follow him for eternity. He would turn them into his servants, as he had already done with William and Josh.

As for those who had left… Mortimer knew they would share Patricia’s fate. The members of the community were waiting outside, ready to finish the payment with those who left.

All beings carrying the name of Nightam would be removed from the world of the living before the day was over.