Silent Enemy

Chapter 13: Family Matters

Olivia Wilde stared at her son, for a moment, before she swept her eyes to the mammals accompanying him. Of course the rabbit was there, as was another fox she had never seen before. He was ill dressed, and kept casting his eyes around as if expecting an attack to come at any moment. Likewise, a pair of shrews were clutched in the rabbit's paws, looking scared and uncertain. It had been a long time since Nicky had come to her in the night, needing her help with one thing or another. She had hoped those days were long passed, and yet here he was, clearly in some form of trouble. She swallowed, the nodded her assent, closing the door so she could undo the chain, and opened the door wide for her son and his retinue. "Nicky, what's the matter?" She turned to look at the rabbit, eyes narrowing as she did so. "Judy"

"Someone broke into our apartment, we need a place to stay while we get things under control." Nick lied without missing a beat.

"Uh huh, and who is this?"

Nick moved into the foyer, followed closely by Judy. Daniel, on the other hand, remained outside, waiting for something.

"Daniel Coleman mam. I wonder if I could ask your permission to come inside."

Olivia looked to her son, eyebrows raised, then turned back to Daniel. He seemed skittish about something, it perhaps a tad overly polite. Still, it was better than some of the mammals Nicky had brought home over the years. "Please come in Daniel, we don't bite.

"Thank you mam." Daniel stepped through the threshold, feeling its power wash over him. The threshold at Judy and Nick's apartment had been a minor thing. While it had been a home for years, it hadn't had the time necessary to build up the energy required to be truly formidable. Ms. Wilde's home, on the other hand, had years to develop and grow in strength. Whereas the apartment had been akin to a battered wooden wall, this was like the armored hull of a battleship. He felt the energy strain briefly against his power, then give way around him at the power of her invitation. By inviting him to come in, she invited his power, which gave him an advantage should any more supernatural threats try to make their presence in the coming night.

Olivia Wilde led the group into her small living room, its interior clean and inviting. She gestured for them to sit, and moved into the kitchen. The sound of a kettle being filled came, as well as the earthy aroma of tea bags being sifted. "Nicky, can you help me with something for a moment?"

Nick stiffened, then answered in the affirmative. "You all make yourselves comfortable. I'll be back and we can figure out sleeping arrangements."

"I can handle that Nick." Judy raised the two shrews to her face. "I'll show you guys where you can stay tonight."

"Ok, Judy." Fru answered, voice a monotone drone.

Judy took the pair outside the room, and Daniel heard the sound of creaking stairs. He sat, and groaned with pleasure as his aches receded slightly as he collapsed on the comfortable couch. He leaned back, and closed his eyes, allowing himself to bask in the comfort, and his mind to go blank.

Inside the kitchen, Olivia was preparing her usual welcome of a spot of tea. It had been her ritual as long as Nick could remember, as was the interrogation he was about to become the target of.

"What's really going on Nicky?" Olivia took mugs from the cupboard, arranging them in a line, as Nick placed a tea bag in each.

"What do you mean mom. I told you."

"You were never good at lying to me dear." She smirked at that, but her eyes remained hard.

Nick sighed, rubbing his head with his paw, a nervous gesture he had never managed to fully break. "I'm telling you the truth, but not all of it."