Cimmerian Shade

Chapter 15

A/N- You had to know I was gonna put a lil' note before I let you read...right? :P And don't you dare skip it either! LOL. I just wanna thank you guys for reading, reviewing and fanning. I know I must sound like a broken record but I'm being genuine here. I really appreciate the support! Some of you guys were gettin' a lil' grumpy with me for not posting sooner..mmmhmm I got your lil messages..lol. But trust me, it's much better now that its edited and revised. I hope this chap doesn't let you guys down. Hope you still like it in the end!

Btw- the story is now copyrighted!! I hope to publish at some point...we'll see. :) Thanks again! Epilogue and Preview to follow!

“The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.”-Mahatma Ghandi

“He isn’t in, my lord.”

“Rubbish!” Addison had enough. He’d been coming to the manor every day, for three days thus far, and refused to believe that Brandon was out every single time. If Manchester’s butler lied to him once more, he would not be responsible for his actions. He took the liberty of telling his man just that.

Godfrey’s eyes slightly widened at the blatant threat, and he immediately stepped aside, motioning to the inside of the manor. Addison grimly walked past him, heading straight for the study, and banged on the door.

“Leave me!”

Addison instantly pushed the door open, and walked into the room.

Brandon looked up from his desk, a dark scowl dominating his expression.

“Not bothering with the superficial pleasantries today?” Addison asked, cheerfully.

“Get out.” Brandon responded darkly, and then stared at the drink he held in his hand.

Addison answered him by walking to a nearby chair, and taking a seat across from him.

Brandon responded by slamming his drink down, spilling the contents onto his desktop.

Addison viewed the liquid that rapidly spread over the desk. “Tsk Tsk. It’s such a shame to waste such a magnificent fluid.”

“I do not feel like chit chat, Addison. If you wish to do that, go somewhere else. I do not want to talk to you or anyone else for that matter.”

“Oh, yes I know. Torrington has been trying to see you as well. He informed me of your ongoing ‘not in,’ status.”

Brandon paused. “You have spoken with Torrington?”

“Yes.” Addison smiled when Brandon frowned. “Actually, he was going to come here again today, but got called away on some family business in Scotland. I volunteered to come in his stead.”

“Torrington never would have agreed with you coming in his stead. The idea of it is absurd.”

“Yes, well these are absurd circumstances. Look at you,” he motioned to Brandon’s person. “You look as if you haven’t shaved at all these past few days,” he looked around the room and stood up. “And you apparently hide from any semblance of life and daylight,” he finished, jerking the curtains open.

The rays burst through the room and settled on Brandon, causing him to shield his face from the light.

His anger burst out, and he quickly stood up, causing his chair to clatter to the floor. “Blast it all, Addison! Leave! Now!”

Addison quickly walked to the front of his desk, and stood before him. “Why are you acting this way?” he demanded.

Brandon stared at Addison for a moment and then sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. He turned and righted his chair. “Why do you care?” he returned grimly, reclaiming his seat.