In the grand scheme of things he was simply grateful she was still alive. But it did complicate his attempts to enable the happiness she said she desired – even if it was without him. Holding her and then letting her go once again had drained him, perhaps even more than the panic to reach her had, certainly more than the physical exertion had.
Still, he wondered how Garland had seemed so unconcerned by the threat, as he filled in the hole before rolling his sleeves down and donning his jacket and making his solitary walk back to his rooms for a much needed bath. He had tried to stay out of the man's way mostly for Julia's sake, but also to avoid making another enemy. It seemed he had too many of those already.
oOoOo
Dear Les,
I think I found that old friend of yours from school – the one who kept getting in trouble for embarrassing professors. He agreed to meet me. I think he'll be able to help me get rid of that problem I've mentioned keeps getting between me and Julia.
Your brother,
Darcy
oOoOo
Neither of the two men at the table were regulars for certain. One had ordered some elaborate cocktail, the other 20 year old scotch. "Where the hell do they expect me to find that?" the barkeep muttered. "This is a low rent district dive, not some gentleman's club."
The two men got the bartender's best approximations for their orders, and continued their quiet conversation. The younger man was a little the worse for wear but preened as the elder congratulated him on his recent escape from prison and the creativity he'd shown in tormenting the man both considered their chief rival.
As they conferred, the dark-haired man complained about his wayward wife's escapade at the New Year and made an offer that momentarily surprised the young fellow who allowed a giggle to escape. "You'd pay me? Any price? Really? How delicious. Her name?" When he heard the man's low reply, he gasped with pleasure and replied, "How could I resist? You realize I'll need some time to plan just the right games for them, don't you?"
They sipped at their drinks and had just ordered another round when the younger man spoke up again, "What would you say to framing her for something dastardly and forcing him to testify against her?"
"I don't know. Her spending time in prison might damage my reputation as well as hers. You'd have to be sure my reputation doesn't suffer any ill effects."
"Oh, Doctor, I'm sure I'll come up with something that may even enhance your reputation, at her expense, of course," the young man assured smoothly.
"And I have to be sure that he will never be able to pursue her afterwards. He pretends he's honorable, but he can't seem to stay away from her, especially when he thinks she's endangered."
"He can be persistent, but I'm sure I'll think of something. I may need to meet you at your home to discuss it. I'll contact you soon." And with that the young man took advantage of the chaos of a bar fight to disappear, leaving the older man with the tab as a drunk was thrown across the room and landed on the table.
oOoOo
"Doctor, I need to know if your house has a basement," inquired the voice over the phone.
"Good, I'll need to section off a portion of it and make some renovations to the upstairs as well.
"Of course, they will be discrete. It won't do at all if they're noticeable in the least. If you leave me a key, I can do the work myself while you're at work or away.
"Yes, the plans are coming together nicely. Oh, I'm sure everyone will be surprised by what I'm planning; that's where the real fun lies. I'll see you soon." He hung up and whispered to himself, "When you least expect me."