A house divided
“It’s been some time.” The old man said, neither looking up from his tea nor turning to see who was behind him.
“Quite.”
“I assume you are here about our friend.”
“Indeed.”
“And how is she faring these days?”
“Hurt. Angry.”
“As should be expected.”
“Of course.”
“You found her?”
“She found me.”
“After all this time? Interesting.”
“It is time she learned. She needs to know.”
“And you believe I am the one to teach her?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“You are the eldest of them all. More importantly, you are her blood relative. Only you can teach her.”
The old man lifted his head. “Indeed.”
“Master?” a voice called from the other side of Kalwren’s closed eyes, “Is everything alright?”
“Of course, dear. Why do you ask?”
“You seem so distant lately. I was beginning to wonder if, maybe, you are no longer pleased with me.”
Kalwren chuckled, “If I wasn’t pleased with you, I wouldn’t be here now, would I?”
“No. I guess not.” The voice paused, wanting to say more, but not sure.
“What is it love? What are you thinking now?”
“I’m not sure if I should say, but…a representative for your sister came here yesterday.”
This made Kalwren open his eyes. Mercy was on a mission to destroy him, as though it were his fault that he was the only boy and their father was still so old fashioned. She had started to snoop on what he did in his down time. “How did you know it was one of my sister’s people?”
“All they asked about was you. The Madame would not tell them anything. But…I was thinking…” Another heavy pause.
“Yes?”
“It may be better if you stayed out of the backrooms, visited some of the others here for a while. To protect yourself from whatever it is your sister has planned.”
Kalwren put an arm around the bare waist of his lover and placed kisses on his shoulders, “How odd, you’re actually concerned about me.”
“I’m sorry if it’s inappropriate for me to suggest.” The boy turned away from Kalwren’s gaze.
“No. Not inappropriate at all.” Kalwren chuckled, “You’re actually quite right though. Until I know what it is that Mercy is up to, it may be best for me to stay away from the brothel all together.” He checked his pocket watch, nearly one in the morning. “I should be on my way.”
“Will this be the last time I see you?”
“For a while,” Kalwren responded, placing his hand on the boy’s cheek and giving him a reassuring smile, “once I know what Mercy has up her sleeve, I’ll be back when it’s safe.” Kalwren quickly dressed and left the room.
At the front of the brothel he picked up a phone and dialed the number ot the office. Trea answered, her voice thick with sleep, “Wake up. Things are getting serious. I think she’s planning to make a move against me.” He paused, “And maybe you also.”
