Tuesday, April 13, 2010

MtF 6: Quitting the Night Job

7:04 AM | Posted by Warwriter Widow
Dmitrius and Kalius found Rowena and Josef in the library.  It was floor to ceiling with books.  If Rowena had a library like this, Kalius could only imagine Dmitrius' library, since Dmitrius was very much a scholar, even if he looked like he could physically tear a man in half.  

Dmitrius put his arms around his lover's shoulders as they sat down on the couch.  "What's going on?"

Josef pulled no punches.  "Winnette sucks."

"Why?"

'She's a total tool of the Prince."

"As was I."

"Yeah, but I remember you bucking his orders a few times."

"I didn't 'buck' his orders, I modified them."

Josef studied him.  "Same dif."

Rowena watched the two men.  She noted that she would need to speak with Dmitrius, alone.  Dmitrius pulled Kalius close.  "I'm not coming back, Josef."

"Then maybe this might entice you.  Allard's working for the Sabbat."

The room went silent, the only sound a clock somewhere ticking and Kalius' breathing.  Dmitrius said, "That's a mighty big accusation."  He looked at Rowena.  Rowena nodded once.  Dmitrius sat up straight, looking between them.  "What proof do you have?"

"His bank account."

Rowena said, "And some of his businesses have been traced to Sabbat holdings as well."

"He has business in Sabbat controlled areas.  They've been attacked a little, but no where near some other Camarilla holdings in the same areas."

Dmitrius said, "He could be bribing people."

Rowena shook her head.  "A few of us have looked into his holdings.  They're not doing half as well as his bank account states."

"And there's other members that we know are spies.  He's given them power," Josef continued.

"Whinette is one of them."

"She's Sabbat?" asked Dmitrius.

"A sympathizer.  She owes them.  They saved her from a cairn."

"That happened fifty years ago," Dmitrius said.  "I remember it.  Melanie found her.  Don't tell me Melanie..."

"No," said Josef.  

Dmitrius made a sighing motion though no air came out.  "How could I not see it?"

Rowena smiled gently.  "Intrigue has never been your forte', Dimitrius."

"Comes from being a soldier," said Kalius, squeezing his lover's thigh.

Dmitrius glanced at Kalius.  "All right, but I'm not here for my old job back."

Josef looked away.

"I'm sorry, Josef.  I won't get involved in this.  I have someone else to concern myself with."

"Dimitri..."

"No, I said."

Rowena stood.  "Josef, enough."

Josef stood straight, and glared at Kalius, as if it was his fault.  Kalius met the vampire's eyes and stared back.  "You will know fear, little man."

"I have."

He walked out in disgust.  Kalius had to force himself to stop from shaking.  Dmitrius squeezed him close.  A servant peered in.  "Excuse me, mistress, but I have something for the sheriff."

Rowena nodded, and the servant came in, handing him a cream-colored envelope with gold trimming on the edges.  He sat up and opened the envelope.  He pulled out a very fancy, hand-written invitation.  He sighed.  "Word gets around fast."

"It's not like you've been hiding, love," said Kalius.  "An invitation to where?"

"Gallery opening tomorrow night."  He put the invitation aside.  "I'm not going."

Rowena nodded.  "Please send along Dimitrius' regrets."

"Yes, mistress," said the servant and ducked out. 

"Are you going?"

"Yes," she didn't look happy about it.

Dmitrius looked at Kalius.  "I would like to spend the evening with my erastes."

Kalius smiled.  Rowena said nothing, but turned to her computer.  "I need to do some more work, gentlemen, if you'll excuse me?"

Dmitrius and Kalius both got up and left quietly.


Dmitrius kissed Kalius one last time before shutting the door to the vault.  Rowena sat up in her casket, watching him.  "Dimitrius, we need to talk."

"Of course."  He went to his futon and sat on it with his legs tucked under him.

"I know he is your lover, and you've searched for him, but you're giving up everything you are for him."

"Did you ever think that this is what I really am?"  He waved his hand.  "All these years, I acted the strong, silent, brooding creature.  And now..."

"You act like a teenager in love.  You show your weakness."

Dmitrius lay down on the futon.  "Which is why I  no longer want to be involved in Cainite politics."

Rowena's voice sounded muffled.  "He is your weakness, Dimitrius.  You're too old to have such an Achilles' Heel."

"You don't know him, Rowena..."  Then sleep overtook them.

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