Chapter 48
Chapter Forty-Eight
Sunaria and I remained as guests in The Cavendish Hotel.
Marcus needed to learn to hunt and establish his independence.
I’d arranged to meet him in the old Woodgrange Cemetery, known more for its exclusive clientele, the once wealthy and now deceased, who rested soundly beneath finely crafted, ornate tombstones.
This graveyard provided an elite place of rest for those who could afford it.
Though, whenever I’d previously visited, the night watchman had fallen asleep.
Scent from the eucalyptus trees permeated the air.
The graves were all well-tended. Some of the time-honored monuments were watched over by carved angels, and their stone gazes followed me as I ambled along.
Oak trees lined the winding pathway, providing much needed shelter during the summer months and, for us, privacy.
City life had for a moment been suspended in here.
Marcus rested on one of the older tombstones, seemingly deep in thought and very nervous. I lingered behind him for a moment, enjoying reading his thoughts. His ruminations were of me.
I chuckled. “I’m flattered.”
Marcus jolted and spun around to face me. “You scared me half to death!”
I laughed. “You need to be more cautious.”
“Let’s get it over with.”
“You make it sound unpalatable.”
“This is no time to jest.”
I leaned against the tombstone next to him. “To survive, you’re going to have to look at it differently.”
Marcus paced.
I sighed. “You can’t go on like this.”
He rubbed his hands together. “Is there any other way?”
“You already know there isn’t.”
“So you just bite, suck, and run?”
“One does not gulp a fine wine or rush through a delicious meal.”
“How can you enjoy it?”
“It’s a pleasure like no other.”
Marcus shook his head. “I’m bloody terrified.”
“Calm down. You’re starving, too, right?”
He nodded. “After I took that girl in the tower… Not sure I can do it again.”
“I’ll walk you through it.”
“What if something goes wrong?”
“It never does,” I said. “We’re designed to be the perfect predator.”
“Dear God.”
I rested my fingertips on my temples. “Your sister can do it. Rachel’s so sweet, they don’t even see it coming.”
“What if they beg for mercy?”
I grabbed his arm and guided him along the pathway. “The art is to have them begging for more.” I stopped before a monument. “See that?”
“The gravestone?”
“Yes, and it’s something you’ll never have. Something good comes out of every situation, and for us that’s one hell of a benefit.”
Within the hour, we’d taken a corner table in a noisy, public house, The Baker’s Dozen.
The finest food and drink were offered. This place attracted the more discerning customers.
Apparently, it had once been a bakery but had soon become a popular meeting place for locals when warm ale had become available.
Marcus stared at a young man who leaned against the bar, sipping his ale.
I nudged Marcus. “I hope you’re not sizing him up?”
“I thought you’d be pleased.”
“He’s twisting his wedding ring.”
“So?”
“He’s not used to wearing it.”
“He’s a newlywed?”
“Are you really considering separating two young lovers?”
“Oh, God.”
“Try again.”
Marcus shrugged.
I discreetly pointed to a rotund gentleman in the corner. The man, easily in his fifties, snuggled next to a well-dressed, middle-aged woman.
“Him?” Marcus cringed.
My gaze fell on his escort.
“His wife?” Marcus said in surprise.
“Not his wife.”
A ruckus in the corner caught our attention. Two men were arguing, and all eyes were on them. Taking advantage of the distraction, the woman pick-pocketed the portly man and then headed out of the door with her prize.
I gestured to the barmaid. “I’d like to pay for our drinks.”
“You’re not eating then?” she asked, raising her voice over the din.
“Prior dinner engagement.” I winked at Marcus.
We left a handful of coins to pay for our untouched drinks and tracked the woman, waiting for the opportune moment when she disappeared down a dark alley or, as she did now, headed quickly into Manor Park.
Facing her, we strolled through the well-tended gardens, the epitome of two gentlemen taking the night air.
“Excuse me?” she said, noticing us.
We stopped and offered her a polite bow.
“You’re out late.” She pushed her breasts up and gave us a seductive smile, revealing a mouth full of rotten teeth.
To our right, the bushes rustled and out jumped a twenty-year-old, pointing his pistol at us.
I recognized her accomplice, one of the men who’d caused a ruckus, just minutes ago in the pub.
His broken nose and cauliflower ears revealed his penchant for boxing.
I gave Marcus a sideways glance. “Sometimes, they make it easy for you.”
“Hand your money over – all of it,” the man snapped.
“Which one would you like?” I asked Marcus.
“You choose,” Marcus whispered.
I turned to him. “This is not about what I want.”
The woman scowled. “Shut up and give us your money.”
“Or I’ll shoot your ruddy head off.” The man jabbed his gun barrel closer to my chin.
I smiled at Marcus. “Looks like the decision’s been made for us.”