Mentions of violence, murder, body disposal, prostitution, drug use. A brief reference to paedophilia.
The large rectangular table, as always, was laid out perfectly. Nine places were set, nine glasses, nine bottles of still water. A folder lay on the desk in front of each seat with a name noted on it. A blank notepad and pen were placed beside it.
The window gave an excellent view of the New York skyline, but Stefan wouldn't be looking out today. His place was three feet behind Klaus Mikaelson, as per Esther's instructions.
The family met quarterly, Mikael and Ester at either end of the table with their children spread between. Freya, Elijah and Henrik sat closest to Mikael and Finn, Rebekah and Kol flanked their mother. Klaus was the middle child and took no side. He sat equidistant between the two. There was little love between Klaus and his parents, and he had grown apart from his siblings over the years.
Stefan hated these meetings, Klaus left frustrated and feeling inadequate. He would watch Klaus's shoulders as his family talked, discussed achievements and identified problems.
Stefan often fantasied about putting bullets into the Mikaelson family, particularly the overbearing and cruel parents, sometimes he thought of resting his hands on Klaus's shoulders and showing the family what they were missing out on.
It wasn't Stefan's place to do that though, he was merely a lieutenant, a bodyguard. Klaus wasn't Stefan's to touch and comfort, no matter how much he wanted to.
So Stefan did what he always did at these things; he listened, observed and analyzed He stood relaxed but ready to strike at any moment, conscious that the people in this room were likely to cause more harm to Klaus than his enemies ever could.
Stefan wiped his bloody fingers on a rag from the trunk of his car. At his feet lay a body carefully wrapped in cellophane. He could already see dark red bloodstains through the plastic.
'What the hell kept you?' He snapped when Lockwood finally arrived in the van.
'Traffic,' Lockwood made a face. 'What'd he do?'
'Mind your own business or I'll be calling someone in to dispose of your body next,' Stefan tossed the rag into the van with the body. 'Burn it.'
Lockwood mock saluted and Stefan rolled his eyes. He got into his car and immediately dialed his boss.
'Jobs done,' Stefan said as he pulled onto the highway.
'Did we get what we wanted?' Klaus purred. He'd started drinking already, Stefan noted. It was early, even for Klaus.
'Good news. It turns out he knew more than we were led to believe,' Stefan said.
'Lovely, I do like a bargain,' Klaus said. Stefan chuckled.
'I know. I'll be there in an hour,' Stefan said.
'You've done enough for today, take the night off, go play some pool with your brother,' Klaus said. Stefan could hear the smile in his voice.
'You don't want a full report?' Stefan asked as he took the exit.
'I've got some company tonight, I'll see you in the morning,' Klaus said.
'Sure, you have a good night,' Stefan killed the call and drove straight home.
The house he shared with his brother and sister in law was quiet so Stefan changed out of his suit into jeans and a t-shirt. He made enough pasta for all of them and ate his while he watched reruns of I Love Lucy.
Klaus couldn't sleep. It was almost four, Stefan would be here in three hours and without sleep Klaus knew he would be irritable.
Klaus didn't want to be, Stefan was never in a bad mood, he was always professional and content, but last night on the phone he had sounded almost happy. Stefan was never happy and Klaus had been kicking himself for not inviting Stefan back and throwing the tramp who was half naked on his sofa out.
Instead he fucked the girl and left her in bed while he prowled around trying to rid himself of this tension that seemed to be in his blood.
Once upon a time Klaus would have turned to drugs to help relax him, but Stefan's addiction history had oddly encouraged Klaus to stop his habits and the birth of his daughter Hope had cemented Klaus's resolve. Money these days was in cyber space and weapons. Klaus had all but done away with his drug dues and prostitution, or escort agencies as he preferred to call them was turning out to be more bother than it was worth. Stefan had dealt with their latest problem last night.
Online was the place to make money these days, and while Klaus kept a healthy interest in street level crime he also had a team of computer nerds to do his bidding. The world really was his oyster, but he preferred to stick to Chicago for now.
With a sigh Klaus sat down and rubbed his temples but the sound of his front door opening startled him. Klaus stood and reached for the closest handgun. Whomever was downstairs seemed to know their way around and Klaus was halfway down the stairs when he recognized the footfalls.
'It isn't wise to break into a mans home in the middle of the night,' Klaus said. His bare feet slapped against the kitchen tiles as he approached Stefan and set the gun on the counter.
'He's usually asleep when I do,' Stefan said. He was wearing sweats and carrying a suit bag. 'I'm just here to use your gym.'
'Can't sleep?' Klaus asked. Stefan paused in the doorway.
'I never can after a kill,' he admitted.
'Neither can I. Knock yourself out,' Klaus waved an arm at the door and turned to go back upstairs.
'We can expect a shipment of guns on Thursday night, eleven fifteen to be exact,' Stefan said. 'There'll also be drugs and explosives.'
'Which type of narcotic?' Klaus asked. He was leaning forward over his coffee table.
'I don't know but Klaus do you think it's wise taking on the Cartel, they're ruthless,' Marcel said from the side of the room.
'If you've lost your bottle you know where the door is,' Klaus said.
Stefan moved to sit next to Klaus. He handed Klaus a folded sheet of paper with the information.
'I haven't I just don't want to poke a stick at a crocodile is all,' Marcel said.
'Chicago is my city, if they manage to get this shit into my city then I risk losing it,' Klaus said.
'Americas your country bro,' Marcel said but he didn't look happy. Klaus turned back to the map of the airport and scratched at his chin.
'We'll take them here,' he stabbed his finger at the place and Stefan carefully copied the coordinates.
'Kol is going to LA for a time,' Klaus said. It was late, almost midnight. Stefan hadn't slept in almost forty eight hours. He suspected the same of Klaus.
'What about New Orleans?' Stefan asked as he thumbed through an email.
'Kol asked me to send someone. You're my obvious choice,' Klaus said. Stefan looked up at him but kept his face clear.
'I'll do whatever you need,' Stefan said.
'I know. You won't be offended when I send Marcel then will you?' Klaus said with a smirk.
Stefan had been watching Marcel and Klaus butt heads for months now. He knew that Klaus was eager to get rid of the man, and Stefan had no desire to go anywhere. He was content next to Klaus.
'I think Marcel is the best candidate for the job,' Stefan agreed. 'You need to contact your banker in the morning, your account isn't balanced.'
Klaus reached a hand out and Stefan passed his cell phone over. Klaus frowned down at it then passed it back.
'You deal with it,' Klaus said and went back to his own cell phone.
'As you wish,' Stefan sent a quick email to the banker and demanded a morning meeting.
'You should get some sleep,' Klaus said finally.
'I'll be back around seven,' Stefan stood up.
'You could stay,' Klaus said carefully. He looked up slowly, and curved his lips.
'If I stay the night we'd only get drunk and talk work until dawn,' Stefan said.
Klaus smiled. 'You're probably right. I'm expecting company soon anyway.'
Stefan nodded. He was just leaving as a car pulled up and two college girls got out. They laughed as they wobbled up the steps to the front door.
Stefan sighed and made his way home, pointedly not thinking of Klaus and the girls.
The Mikaelson family was one of the most well known crime families in North America. They didn't dominate just one city, they dominated multiple cities. Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Miami, all these cities were under Mikaelson control, and they were continually expanding.
Klaus had many fingers in many pies. Judges, police commissioners, senators and governors all ate at his table from time to time. Klaus met with them all, in public before cameras, in private behind doors, Klaus knew each one. Stefan was always by his side, a silent presence and most were more terrified of the one they called Ripper than of the King himself. Klaus enjoyed his bodyguards reputation. He didn't possess Stefan or his reputation solely for himself, but he prided for Stefan.
Right now Stefan was standing silently by the door, his eyes glued on the large windows. Klaus was sharing a scotch with a prominent senator discussing the increasing gang activity in Chicago. Klaus didn't like gang activity. It made citizens nervous, and nervous citizens did stupid things that put Klaus's interests in jeopardy. Just yesterday a body had been found, the body of a young man barely seventeen and some of the evidence pointed towards the Mikaelson family. Klaus knew it was none of his organization, Stefan always cleaned up messes and no mistakes were ever made.
Klaus finished his conversation, guiding the senator towards his next meeting with care, and they left.
'He's an idiot,' Stefan said. They were in a town car today.
'He's pliable,' Klaus said.
'Where are we going?' Stefan asked. Klaus smiled, it was rare for him to go off schedule, even more so to not inform Stefan first. He liked having Stefan off guard, it was something that Klaus couldn't manage to do often.
'I fancied an early dinner,' Klaus said. They pulled up at a restaurant and Stefan stiffened beside Klaus for a moment before he got out of the car and looked around. 'Relax.'
'Who are you meeting?' Stefan shifted on his feet.
'No one,' Klaus pouted and walked into the restaurant. There was a private table at the back waiting as per Klaus's request and Klaus sat first. 'Sit.'
'Nik?' Stefan spoke softly when he shifted the chair. Klaus swallowed, the sound of his name on Stefan's lips always set his teeth on edge.
'Sit,' Klaus repeated. Stefan did, but his eyes darted around the room. 'Relax, its your night off.'
'I'm having a night off?' Stefan said. Klaus opened the menu.
'I think that you deserve it, given its your birthday,' Klaus said. He watched his bodyguard closely, but Stefan only blinked. 'My treat.'
Stefan swallowed and dropped his eyes to the menu in front of him.
Typically Klaus didn't go out on the town. He owned clubs, of course, venues that ranged from rock to dance to jazz. The largest venues in the city were tucked safely inside his portfolio, but Klaus didn't usually frequent them, he relied on his people feeding back what he needed to know.
Tonight though, it was special. Stefan was celebrating a birthday and Klaus was determined his friend would enjoy himself. After dinner they were shown to a table at Gloria's and the most attractive of waitresses were sent their way. Soon they were noticed and it didn't take long for company to join them at the table too. Klaus had no idea who the women were, but they were certainly interested in Stefan, and eventually one girl convinced Stefan to dance.
Klaus watched as Stefan moved easily around the dance floor, his hand on the girls waist. He moved well, and his confidence put everyone else to shame. The hand sliding up Klaus's leg did little to distract him from the sight of Stefan moving from a swing to a slow dance and into a kiss. 'Would you rather she were here?' The girl with her hand almost on Klaus's crotch asked. 'We can swap.'
Klaus ignored her, and tried not to snarl as the woman on the dance floor tugged Stefan by the hand out of the door.
Klaus went home alone, changed and spent too many hours beating the punch bags hanging in his gym.
It was the laughing that drew his attention. Klaus was tired, he hadn't been sleeping properly and his decision last night to drink himself to sleep had been a mistake.
'What's going on in here?' Klaus asked.
His daughter Hope was sitting crossed legged on a stool in front of Stefan, who had his shirt sleeves rolled up and was focused on her blond curls.
'Uncle Stefan's doing my hair up,' Hope told Klaus.
'Where's Julia?' Klaus looked around but the woman was no place to be seen. Dirty dishes sat next to the sink and the remnants of breakfast were still scattered around.
'In hospital,' Hope said. 'She needs an appendectomy,' she said the word slow and careful as if trying to get it right and commit it to memory.
'Very good,' Stefan said. He smiled over Hope's head to where Klaus stood watching.
Klaus tried to shove the feeling in his gut away. Stefan looked happy, he and four year old Hope had an excellent relationship. 'Who taught you that big word?'
'My Uncle Stefan,' she said proudly. Stefan did something with the plaits he had just pinned to her head and smiled. Her hair was twisted into what looked like a crown.
'There you go,' he lifted Hope from the stool and set her on the ground. Hope ran to the mirror in the hallway.
'You do hair now?' Klaus snapped. He watched Stefan shrug.
'Julia called me this morning around five to let me know she was in hospital. I knew Callie was away and that you'd need someone to help,' Stefan turned away. His shirt was half unbuttoned, the tie he would put on was lying on the counter next to Hope's breakfast leftovers.
Klaus poured himself a coffee as Hope hugged Stefan and thanked him for doing her hair. 'How did you know how to do that?'
'I watched a video on Youtube this morning after Julia called,' Stefan said.
Klaus turned away and tried to ignore the heat that burned in his gut when Stefan did things like this. He focused on his breakfast as his cleaning lady came through the door.
Stefan checked his watch and leaned forward to tap the glass partition. 'We're going to be late.'
'Sorry Mr Salvatore,' the driver said. Klaus huffed and turned to look out the window.
'What's wrong Nik, you've been off all day,' Stefan said. Ever since Klaus had arrived in the kitchen this morning to find Stefan taking care of Hope he'd been distant. Stefan didn't like distant Klaus, it meant he was either over thinking something or planning something. Both things, without Stefan's input, tended to be dangerous.
'Nothing,' Klaus lied. Stefan turned back to his cell phone. He had new emails to review and calls to make, and they had a meeting that Stefan knew Klaus wasn't interested in attending.
'Do you mind if I head home around seven tonight,' Stefan asked after a few minutes.
Klaus whipped his head around so fast Stefan was afraid he'd hurt himself. 'Why?'
'I have a date, with Valarie,' Stefan said. That wasn't true, she'd called earlier telling him it was an emergency and begging him to meet her. Stefan had tried to brush her off, they'd only hooked up a few times in the months since they met but Stefan wasn't feeling anything for her. Something about her tone made him agree to the meeting.
Klaus's eyes darkened and Stefan knew he'd said the wrong thing. 'So your work is interfering with your personal life?' Klaus growled.
'Not at all, you were the one who told me to start having fun, just like you do,' Stefan kept eye contact.
Klaus turned away again, his shoulders set in a furious line. Stefan tried not to read too much into Klaus's anger.
Klaus went through phases of fucking men and women. Right now there were two young women draped over each other on his couch and Klaus was regretting his decision. He should have sought out a man during his hunt. A green eyed, blond haired man with firm muscles and the balls to stand up to him.
The liquor was good, and Klaus closed his eyes as he imagined Stefan's weight on his lap, his hands on Klaus's face. He tried to remember what the girl from Gloria's looked like. Valarie her name was. He imagined Stefan fucking her, his beautiful back muscles bunching and contracting, his sweat slicked skin and soft grunts. Stefan would be quiet in bed, Klaus knew it, he wouldn't be overly verbal like Klaus was, he would make noises of pleasure, of course he would, but they would be Stefan.
'Hey, do you want some help with that?' One of the girls asked.
'No,' Klaus told her as he stood from his seat. 'Go away.'
Sunday was typically a day off. Stefan didn't do much business around town on a Sunday but he did keep up to date with his emails and calls, so when something very disturbing reached him it wasn't long until he was straddling his motorbike and heading to his bosses house.
Klaus was sitting on the floor with Hope, both of them sketching with crayons.
'Uncle Stefan what are you doing here?' Hope ran to him and Stefan hoisted her onto his hip.
'I came to see you,' Stefan told her. He popped a kiss onto her nose and she giggled.
'Really?' She asked.
'I need to talk to your Daddy too,' Stefan explained.
'You can only talk to Daddy if you stay for my tea party,' Hope said. Stefan kissed her forehead and set her down.
'Nik, a word in private,' Stefan said. He saw Klaus frown then tell Hope to carry on with her artwork.
'It's a Sunday Stefan,' Klaus had an edge to his voice as he stepped into his office. They left the door open so they could still see Hope kneeling at the coffee table.
'Trust me, you'd be pissed at me for not coming over here,' Stefan tucked his hands into his jean pockets. 'I got a call from Rebekah.'
He could see Klaus stiffen. A long time ago there'd been a thing between Stefan and Rebekah, it had only lasted a few months, but Klaus had hated it, had politely asked Stefan to end it.
'Freya wants Mikael dead,' Stefan leaned close and spoke quiet.
Klaus's eyes widened instantly, and his shoulders straightened.
'What finally pushed his last remaining ally over the edge?' Klaus asked.
'You recall last week Senator White's son and friend were kidnapped by that pedophile ring, well, it was Mikael who ordered it because he didn't get a deal he wanted,' Stefan said.
It had been hours since Rebekah had called Stefan begging him to be the one to tell Klaus. Klaus held the respect of all his siblings, and Stefan suspected some of them even feared him, but this was unpleasant news and none of them wanted to watch Klaus's fury.
Klaus's lips were a tight white line and Stefan watched as his hands curled into fists.
'They want a meeting on Thursday morning, in Colorado, to discuss how the assassination is going to be carried out,' Stefan said. 'Without Esther.'
'Imagine what he would do to his own family,' Klaus turned to the windows and looked onto the street. 'If he gets wind of this...'
'I'll stay here if you want,' Stefan said.
'I can take care of myself,' Klaus snarled but Stefan knew him better than that. Stefan was more than a bodyguard, than a right hand man and they both knew it even if neither man admitted it. Perhaps, Stefan decided, he should do something to change it, take the first step.
'I know you can but Hope can't. I'm staying here until this is over,' Stefan said. He hadn't intended to do so until Hope had hugged him but his mind was made up and he knew Klaus wouldn't say no.
'Won't my round the clock protection interfere with your love life?' Klaus said.
'What the hell is wrong with you?' Stefan asked but Klaus walked away, back to where Hope was scribbling on a page.
'Now all we have to agree on is who is going to kill our father,' Freya said. Her eyes were rimmed red, and she looked exhausted. This combined with her young family must be raking their toll on her health.
Stefan looked around the room. Each sibling had a seat at the conference table and behind them stood their most trusted lieutenant, as usual. Only their parents were missing.
'I believe it shouldn't be any of us,' Elijah said.
'You're right, I don't want fathers blood on our hands,' Kol said.
'I'd kill the bastard in a heartbeat,' Finn rested his elbows on the table. Behind him Sage squeezed his shoulder.
'One of our people will do it, but we all need to agree who,' Klaus said. 'We each take a vote.'
'Agreed,' Rebekah said. 'I nominate Stefan.'
Stefan kept an impassive face as all eyes turned on him, all except Klaus who was staring straight ahead. Stefan knew Klaus wouldn't turn in his chair to look up at him.
'I second that,' Elijah said. Behind him Aya bristled and shot Stefan a filthy look.
Henrik nodded and Kol smirked at him.
'Is there anyone who would rather someone other than Stefan kill Mikael?' Freya asked. No one spoke, and Klaus kept his shoulders tight. 'Niklaus?'
'My vote goes to Stefan,' he spoke so soft that Stefan barely heard him.
'Very well,' Finn slapped the table.
Stefan glanced around the room, each lieutenant was glaring daggers at him. To be honest he didn't care that he'd been singled out, picked for the assassination of the most dangerous man alive. He knew exactly how he would do it already, the plan was forming in his head. That being said he wouldn't have envied any of the others the opportunity to kill the bastard either, he would have wished them luck.
'We need to talk,' Klaus said after he rose from his seat. Stefan nodded and followed him to their town car.
Despite his demands Klaus didn't speak, not until he was back in his hotel suite, and even then it was to ask what Stefan desired off the room service menu.
Hope entertained them as they ate, and after she insisted they change their clothes and take her to the zoo. 'The suits would frighten the monkeys Daddy!' She told Klaus.
He laughed but did as he was ordered. They spent an enjoyable afternoon together, Klaus focused on Hope and Stefan focused on what was going on around them.
Later, after Hope was in bed, Klaus caught Stefan by the wrist. 'Please don't mess this up. I can't lose you.'
Stefan nodded and sat back on the sofa. He spent a long time pondering what Klaus's words actually meant.