The Marradith Ryder Series: The Art of Shadows, Part 42
David Brennan was recruited to Ryder House by the luck of the draw.
He’d been a guard at the Toronto Compound during Nora and Danny’s stay there, before the family had come to live together under protection of the Sojourners. Towards the end of his assignment, David asked to be transferred out. He was granted an assignment overseas which better suited his talents.
During his time away, his friend Billy replaced him, and eventually went on to become one of Nora’s private guards.
Billy died defending Ryder House on the day that Keiko and her group of vampires stormed the Compound.
Amongst the Sojourners that were qualified to become replacements, few wanted to take the job.
It was an honor to serve the family, certainly, but the attack on Ryder House served as an unpleasant reminder of what could go wrong when defending high ranking actives. People like these would permanently be a target for someone; the players and the circumstances would change, but there was no time that they could really be considered “safe”.
This is what David considered as he listened to Nora Ryder giving him a sales pitch about why he should take a brief assignment for her daughter, Marradith. It didn’t matter if he wanted the job or not, he was taking it. That is, if Nora approved of him.
“First off, I want someone that Marradith is not familiar with. Too many of the people that work at the Compund- even after the incident,” she paused “are like extended family . I want someone without a history to us, and with some backbone. Someone that won’t give my daughter what she wants as soon as she asks for it. And I am looking for someone close in age to my daughter, so that it won’t be odd for you to be seen around with her. How old are you, again?”
“Seventeen,” he said with a smile.
Nora was standing with her hands on her hips, sizing him up. He found her serious expression comical.
“Where are you from?” she continued.
“Nebraska.”
“Do you have brothers or sisters?” she asked.
“Two younger sisters, one older sister.”
“Good. So you should have some experience with women, then.” The corner of her mouth lifted. “Where have you been living recently?”
“Los Angeles,” he said. He hoped that she didn’t want to know exactly what he was doing there. “How long is this assignment for?” he asked.
“We’re thinking she’ll be in California for two weeks, maybe a month, depending on how things go here while she’s gone. It’s a small town . Lots of family connections there. Do you think you’ll be comfortable?”
“I see no reason no to,” he replied amiably. “But then I’m comfortable anywhere.”
“Have you met my daughter?”
He shook his head. “I’ve seen pictures of her, but no, we’ve never met.”
“Pictures?”
“When I served at the house in Canada, you had a set of family photos that you kept on the fireplace.”
“You remember that detail, after all these months?”
“Sure.”
“Hmmmph,” she sighed. He wasn’t sure if it was a sound of dismissal or if she was impressed.
“Well since you haven’t met her, you’ll have the pleasure very soon. I want you to take her and Daria to the airport.”
“Daria’s coming?” he asked.
“No. She’ll share a flight with you; she’s on her way to Los Angeles. I’ll have someone meet you at the airport. It’s a long drive from LAX up to where you’ll be staying.”
***
“I don’t like this idea,” Daria said. “It seems to me if there was ever a time you should stay in New Mexico, this is probably it.”
Marradith could tell that Daria was frowning behind her sunglasses. They were sitting outside a coffee shop, watching people stroll back and forth in front of the shopping center. They were surrounded with packages from their latest spree. In two more days, they would be leaving town.
“Well, I haven’t seen my family there for the last forever. When you get through with whatever you’re doing in L.A., you’re welcome to come visit,” Marradith leaned forward. “What exactly are you going to be working on anyway?”
Daria smiled. “You know how that goes. It’s secret.”
“You’re on Justin’s orders, then,” Marradith said. “How long will you be in L.A.?”
“It depends on what I find. Aren’t you all questions? What’s up with that?”
Marradith laughed, and took a sip of her cappaccino. “Hey, I can’t help but try.”
“Having doubts about this trip yourself?” Daria asked.
“Well, honestly? Yes. I love them both but… anytime Justin is agreeing with my Mom’s ideas, something is seriously wrong.”
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©2011 Lori Titus
Catch up with the author on her blog: http://loribeth215.wordpress.com/ or follow her on Twitter as Loribeth215.
Tags: Lori Titus, The Art of Shadows, The Marradith Ryder Series
June 17th, 2011 at 6:18 am
Hey Lori. You’ve created an unbelievably massive world of characters and story arcs. How do you keep track of it all? I’ve got so much catching up to do on your series. When is the print collection gonna be made available?
June 17th, 2011 at 7:07 am
Wow! I see some seriously interesting possibilities with David Brennan. It’s also interesting that he’s so young and yet seems so experienced. There’s a story that will come there I’m sure. Oh, and I LOVE the last line. Another great chapter Lori!
June 18th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@ Angel: LOL, very carefully! I mostly think of it as about three story arcs that I am juggling at one time, but there are subplots….
Not sure about the print version. I have some Marradith novellas on the way later this year, but I am waiting to hear back about Hunting in Closed Spaces.
June 18th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Tony: Thanks. It seems just when I think things are heading in one direction, the story presents me with a new challenge to write about.