Chapter 11: Calming Reassurance

#

A few minutes after Shiela left, a stately Rolls-Royce with tinted windows pulled up to the gates. Flond confirmed it was his boss, Ms. M.

After letting the Rolls-Royce across the drawbridge, Ms. M was helped out of the car by the driver. She was an old bobcat, yet still looked striking for her age, holding a classy cane with a polished amber stone decorating the head. Ms. M wore a professional yet beautiful black business suit, comprised of a black jacket and dress shirt over her torso, with a knee-length black business skirt, her legs covered with above-the-knee hosiery, feet adorned by sensible oxford shoes. Ms. M and her entourage was escorted into the Citadel Room. Codec, Jet, and Xen already were firing up some new programs to keep tabs on Cailus and his business dealings. They found out from Flond that Cailus had quickly garnered a new estate, as well as vehicles for traveling and other resorces.

After being told of how Flond had introduced himself, Ms. M gave Flond a scornful look. “I swear, Flond… You seem to do these things only to intentionally drive up my blood pressure.” She said with a sigh.

“Only for you, Ms. M. Only for you.” Flond replied jokingly.

Ms. M rolled her eyes. “What is the situation?”

“So far, I think he’s just teasing us.” Xen replied from the chair in front of the main terminal. “He knows he can make a move, and he’s now made it clear to all of us that he can. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time until he pulls something.”

“I agree.” Codec said. “I also took the liberty of looking up the address Shiela provided to us on that card. It leads back to a private villa that she purchased here on Vhaldaria. It’s located just outside of Mel’Andrea. Not even a half-mile’s walk away.”

Ms. M pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing in frustration. “Anything new on your end, Flond?”

“Well, as stated, Shiela Brightstone made an unexpected appearance a few hours before you arrived.” Flond reported. “She has a history with Gareth and Damion Willbringer. According to records I have uncovered, her family has also made recent purchases in stocks with C.A.I.”

Ms. M switched from pinching the bridge of her nose to rubbing one of the temples of her forehead. Clearly a migraine was bubbling up. “Very well. I’m going to dispatch Mr. Zed to help you with any equipment needs, Flond. Also, you won’t have to make any guest arrangements for Flond or Mr. Zed,” M continued, turning to Egad. “They will be staying in a provided long-term mobile living vehicle which is on its way here. Until this matter with Cailus is resolved, Agent Flond is going to be assigned to guard you and monitor the situation. As you know, Mr. Foxmoore, several of your largest freight companies help keep the commerce and supply chains of the GCOC flowing between worlds. We cannot afford to jeopardize that in any way. I hope you understand.”

“I understand fully,” Egad replied. “There is a vacant area behind the vehicle garage where this long-term housing vehicle can be stored.”

“Very good.” Ms. M said. “Flond, as soon as you figure out Cailus’ end game with this, report to me.”

“Of course, mum.” Flond said with a bow.

“Very good.” Ms M said, walking over to the door. “And Flond?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t call me ‘mum.’ I’ve told you that too many times in the past.”

Flond just grinned. “Of course, mum.”

Ms. M just rolled her eyes, and took her exit.

Bishop could not help but comment on what he observed. “You really do enjoy driving up her blood pressure, don’t you?”

“One of the perks of the job.” Flond said casually with a smile.

# # #

Later that night…

Tommy tossed and turned in his bed. He was having trouble getting to sleep. The recent news of Cailus’ return had put his on edge. He was afraid that Cailus would attack the castle, not just to get even with Egad, but also to try to drag him, Gareth, and Bishop back into his clutches. Tommy began to quietly sob as the situation went through his mind like a scary movie. He had been trying to quell his anxiety all day, with little success.

“Tommy? Is everything ok?” The curtain to his bed was pulled back slowly. Zhal was standing there. Even in the dark, the tiger could see the tears running down Tommy’s face.

Zhal didn’t wait for an explanation. He quietly walked over and got in the bed with Tommy, spooning the dragon with care as he draped an arm over him. “It’ll be okay, Tommy. Master won’t let Cailus take you, or your parents away, and I will make sure to protect you. I promise.”

Tommy slowly turned around and snuggled himself against Zhal, burying his face into the tiger’s chest. As Tommy shifted, the planter attached to the bed rocked slightly, sending a small shower of cherry blossoms down over the bed onto him and Zhal. Zhal rubbed Tommy’s back as the dragon lay in his embrace, the tiger giving Tommy a gentle kiss on the forehead as they both settled in and went to sleep.