Celestial Discord

Chapter 5- Checkmate

Without saying a word, my father scooted the chair back, stood up and walked out from the desk. Unlike how he usually walked, his stride lacked any sense of urgency. His usual quick footsteps were replaced with calm, quiet steps that you had to focus on to even hear. Once in front of the desk, he stopped. He was standing in a very polite position; back completely straight with his long arms clamped behind his back. He looked past the maids and butlers and gazed directly at us with a face devoid of emotion.

My father was similar to me in appearance. He was slightly taller, as one would expect. We shared the same brown hair, although his was combed and tidy. Our noses, ears, and mouthes were both small but in contrast to my abnormal purple eyes, his were a bright blue. And unlike my lack of facial hair, he had a neat brown mustache. He wore a standard black suit and brown khaki pants with black loafers, which wasn't all that uncommon. He almost always dressed in formal attire.

Despite being in his mid fifties, he could easily pass for early thirties because of how youthful he looked. The only unusual part of his appearance was a medium sized dagger that was resting in a holster that was attached to his belt. My father having a knife didn't make sense; he had always preferred a gun for protection. Well, realistically he prefers a sword but in this day and age that'll attract the attention of every officer in the city.

No words were spoken for what seemed like hours, although in reality it probably didn't last more than ten seconds. The tension was several times worse than when I was alone with Mary and Mr. Reginald. I looked over to Tucker, who had once again lost his playful demeanor in favor of a quizzical expression. Mary was analyzing the room and probably trying to look for potential ambushes, while Mr. Reginald was standing tall, looking directly into my father's eyes. Every instinct in my body was telling me to run from this room but I knew it would be too much trouble convincing the other three, as I probably wouldn't get too far on my own.

Mr. Reginald was the first to break the silence. "Mary, we need to leave," he said without looking at her.

"No I believe you should stay," my father interjected.

Everyone looked at him, shocked. It was the time first someone possessed has actually spoken and there was no deviation in their voice. He sounded just like he usually does, like a regular middle-aged man with slightly raspy tone. It raised the question, was he even possessed?

Mr. Reginald's face changed from suspicion to one of concern. "Mr. Price, are you alright? I believed you were part of the possessed."

My father chuckled. "Thank you for your concern Reginald, but I've taken way too many precautions to get infected by a virus."

Mr. Reginald bowed. "As it would seem."

"And Mary, thank you for taking care of my sons."

Mary bowed. "It was no problem sir."

Then his gaze fell upon Tucker and me. His somewhat joyous expression turned apologetic. "I apologize for keeping you two in the dark. I just didn't want to cause you two to panic and become paranoid."

I let out a nervous laugh. "It's fine."

Tucker, who was basically mean mugging father, did a complete expression as he went back to his regular laid back expression. "No problem pops, I can handle a couple zombies on my own." He flexed his arm to back up he's claim.

Father laughed. "Really? I'd like to see that." He paused. "Well hopefully you shouldn't have to. The containment squad should be here soon."

"Containment squad?" I asked

"Yes, to counteract the chemical bomb that's plaguing the mansion. I called the authorities and they're on their way to quarantine the place. We just need to sit tight and wait."