Comrades in Action Book 1: Lacon DeLevigne

Chapter forty five

James knocked on the hardwood door of Sinclair Estate. David, Derrick's butler was the one who opened the door for them.

"Welcome home, your grace. Lord De Vere."

David bowed as he let them in. James just rolled his eyes at the man's stiff and formal manner.

"No need for formalities, David. Calling me James is just fine."

"Certainly not, my lord!"

The butler was aghast. Like what James said was nothing but a mortal sin.

"C'mon. We grew up together and we are almost the same age. Besides, you calling me that makes you sound like your calling my dead father instead of me. Do you know how creepy that sounds?"

His ramrod back stood straight. "I will be calling you Master James then." Hindi kakikitaan ng kahit na anong reaksyon ang mukha nito.

James sighed, "Sige, bahala ka na nga.." Ang tila napapagod na lamang na sagot nito.

Bumaling ang tingin ni David sa kanya. Ang kaninang blankong mukha nito ay bahagyang napalitan ng paglambot. She let out a smile.

"It's nice to see you again, David."

She looked at the man who have been in their family ever since they were kids. He's a butler just like his forefathers before him. Suffice it to say, he came from a very long line of family who specializes in serving the Sinclair family. 

"The pleasure is all mine, your grace. Lord Alleck will be surely surprised to see you have finally arrived."

As soon as David said it, a tiny ecstatic voice reached her ears.

"Momma!"

Alleck shouted as he jumped into her arms. She wrapped my arms around his tiny body.

"I miss you darling.."

"I miss you too, momma.." Anito.

He looked around her then frowned.

"Where's dad?"

She stiffened. Tumikhim sa kanyang likod ang pinsan na si James and the ever so formal David who seldom shows any emotion, looked shocked for the first time. Nagpalipat lipat ang tingin nito kay Alleck at sa kanya. Bahagyang umangat ang isang kilay nito kay Alleck na tingin niya ay wala itong kamalay malay sa ginawang aksyon.

"You don't seem convinced, David. But I'm telling you, I have a dad." Alleck said smugly.

David just looked at him, now a bit perplexed.

"Master Alleck, your father--- His grace has already.. passed.." Malumanay na sagot ng katiwala.

Alleck's brow furrowed. "No.. I have a dad." Lumingon ito sa akin, "Right mom? Right?"

She groaned inwardly. This is exactly what I was trying to say to Nick before all of the lies have started!

"Mom...?"

"Darling.. I--

"Allecksis. Let your mother rest. She's tired from her long journey back home." Came the booming voice from the top of the stairs.

There stood her cousin Derrick, looking very regal and every bit domineering in his white long sleeves polo and black slacks. Both of his fists are inside his pockets while his piercing blue eyes are gazing at her son in full authority. His gaze implying he didn't want any defiance.

"Yes, uncle..." Alleck mumbled.

David cleared his throat.

"Come, master Alleck. Why don't we visit Helga? It's time for her lunch. You mentioned you wanted to feed her yourself, didn't you?"