ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS: By Lori Titus
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010The Marradith Ryder Series, Part 85
Marradith slept fitfully and woke just before dawn.
Marradith had dreams about Keiko. Her eyes shined with hatred as she lunged at her. The visions were chaos, but the last image she saw was Daria screaming.
It was the scream that woke her.
“I’m being paranoid,” Marradith whispered into the darkness.
Still, she got out her phone and called Daria. It went straight to voicemail.
Marradith envied Justin. He could sleep through almost anything. She watched the fall and rise of his chest. He was curled up with his pillow, his face was as untroubled as a little boy’s.
Marradith kissed him goodbye and went out for her morning run. It helped to clear her head. She ran down to Evanston Park and then took her time winding back through the trails.
Motion always made her feel better.
A decision would have to be made about Keiko. Most likely, she’d be executed, unless someone on the Sojourner’s Council spoke up for her. And that was highly unlikely.
Marradith wondered, what would happen to Jenny?
Jenny had been taken away by Sojourner agents in the early hours of the morning. They gave no explanation of where they were taking her or what would be done. Justin told Marradith that he guessed they’d take Jenny to a necromancer, who could produce a spell to erase parts of her memory.
And hopefully, Keiko had been lying about Jenny having been bitten…..
Marradith passed Jenny Winslow’s house on the way back home. How much would they wipe Jenny’s memory? Would she still be a talented architect? Would she remember the husband she’d loved, even though she lost him in the end?
How much loss would Jenny feel, somewhere inside of herself, even if the memories were gone?
Of all things, they would at least make sure that her memories of Syd were destroyed.
Marradith reminded herself that she’d have to go see Will sometime during the day. Everyone was telling her that he was working through his change into a Wolf well, but she was skeptical.
What exactly did well mean? Not killing someone every half hour?
She had to see for herself. And sooner or later, she would get Daria on the phone.
Such a short time, and so many changes, Marradith thought sadly.
She twisted her wedding ring absently, and a soft smile came to her face. With any luck, Justin might still be home when she got back, if she hurried.
Better yet, maybe she’d find him still in bed.
********
A knock at the door roused Justin from sleep, and he went downstairs.
Though he would have liked to believe it was just Marradith, he knew better. She had a key.
And he sensed the presence of a Wolf.
Justin opened the door and nodded. “Yes?”
Paul glared at him. “We need to speak.”
“Would you like to come in?”
“No, I’ll make this brief. Marradith’s not here is she?”
“She’s out for her run. She’ll be back in a little while.”
Paul cleared his throat. “I am going to be leaving, and I need you to do me a favor.”
Justin crossed his arms. “What is it?”
“I am going after Scott. He’s with Syd. I’d like you to release Keiko into my custody.”
“Why?”
“She’s a bargaining chip. And her blood link to my son is strong. I want to find him and bring him back into the fold if possible.”
Justin raised an eyebrow. “Well that breaks several rules.”
“You’re in control of this house in my absence, and you have Rafael’s authority when he’s not here.”
“I do,” Justin replied. “You really think that you can handle Keiko? What if I let you have her and she gets free?”
“That will be my problem, not yours.”
Justin sighed, and scratched his chin.
“Granthem….” Paul said.
“Okay. Under two conditions.”
“What would those be?” Paul snapped.
“First. You’ll take a Guard of my choosing with you, who will report your progress to me. You resume your old title as a Sojourner.”
“For this assignment only,” Paul spat.
Justin shook his head. “No. For anytime that we need you. After all, retirement from our ranks was your choice. Now your daughter is in. There are certain benefits to being one of us.”
Paul sighed.
“We’re agreed, then?” Justin asked. He extended his hand and they shook.
“Something else,” Paul growled.
“Yes?”
“It’s obvious that I’ll want you to take care of Marradith. But in my absence… Nora and Danny…”
“Of course,” Justin said. “Whatever they need, you don’t have to ask.”
“See to it.”
Paul turned to leave.
“One last thing.”
Paul turned on his heel, a look of exasperation on his face. “What?”
“I’m sure you know already, but this is Scott’s absolute last chance with us. If it comes down to it, I’d prefer you back in one piece rather than him. I’m sure Marradith and Nora would both agree.”
“That doesn’t matter. He’s still my son.”
“I respect that. We’ll give it a month,” Justin said coolly. “No longer than that.”
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© 2009 Lori Titus
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