Chapter Four- The Eviction

Over the next two weeks, Elisa ignored the protestors that greeted her when she went out for the night, whether it was her shift or visiting the clan and Goliath, in particular. She was also noticing that her fellow tenets were giving her a wide berth as well as cold or disgusted looks. She also ignored their looks. She was completely unconcerned about their attitudes- at least on the outside.

Then one late afternoon, Elisa was writing a check for the next month's rent when a knock sounded at her door. Elisa went over and opened it a crack to see her landlord, Mr. Whitehart. She fully opened the door and smiled. "Hi, Mr. Whitehart. Please come in."

"Thank you." He stepped in and sat in one of the armchairs.

"Can I get you anything?"

"No, thank you."

"Well, I've got next month's rent right here." Elisa handed over the check and then noticed that he was holding a long sheet of paper that didn't look like a list of paid tenets. "What's that in your hand?"

"That's why I'm here." He handed her the paper which actually had a shorter paper stapled in front of it.

Elisa looked at the first page and paled. "E-eviction notice?" she choked. "But, sir why?"

"Look at the second page."

Elisa did so and saw that it was a petition demanding her eviction. It was signed by almost all the tenets in the building. She read through the paragraph at the top and her face darkened.

She then inhaled slowly, knowing that getting angry would not help the situation. "I would like to point out that the gargoyles would never attack a building full of innocent people," she stated calmly.

"They attacked your precinct. Besides, it is my duty as landlord to provide my tenets with a safe and secure environment. I'll generously give all of next month to find a new place."

"I also plan to fight this petition and eviction notice."

Mr. Whitehart stood up. "If you wish to do so, go ahead. Both documents are legal and the reasons I stated in the notice are reasonable. Goodnight Elisa and I am sorry." Whitehart left the apartment, closing the door behind him.

Elisa sighed as she stared at the papers in her hand. She couldn't believe she was being evicted for loving Goliath. Well, technically it was her connection to the gargoyles that was getting her evicted. She intended to spend most of next month fighting the eviction notice since she suspected Xanatos would be willing to give her shelter if she asked him. A knock on her window caught her attention.

She looked over and saw Goliath on the roof. She smiled in relief as she opened the window and waved him inside. She leaned against him, feeling his strong chest and warm body. She always felt safe in his embrace and some of her tension melted away.

Goliath stroked Elisa's hair as he looked at her. He sensed something was troubling her. Her body had been tense when she first leaned against him. She was slightly relaxed now, but he knew it was only temporary.

"Elisa, what is wrong?" he asked gently.

She sighed as she replied. "I received an eviction notice today. My connection to the clan is the reason for the notice. I also got a petition for eviction signed by most of the other tenets."

"Oh, Elisa. I'm sorry. This is my fault."

"Don't be silly. My feelings for you aren't going to change no matter how people act toward me. Besides, I plan to fight the notice."

"What if you lose?"

"Then I was thinking of asking Xanatos if I can move in with you guys."

"I don't want you to get kicked out but it would be nice if you lived with us."

"I know. It would be nice."

Goliath glided home a little while later. Elisa wanted to start her research on the notice. He still felt responsible for her current predicament. If only he hadn't felt the need to be romantic away from the castle. Now one of his worries had come true: Elisa faced losing her home.

I shall speak with Xanatos about Elisa moving into the castle should she lose. It's the least I can do for her.

"Of course, she can move in," Xanatos answered thirty minutes later after Goliath arrived home and explained the situation.

Goliath was surprised by Xanatos's immediate answer. He had expected an uncertain response and a promise to think about it.

Xanatos smiled at Goliath's reaction. "Come now, Goliath. The detective's part of your clan, correct? Well, your clan lives here. It only makes sense for her to live here as well."

Elisa sighed as she closed another book. It was two weeks after receiving the notice and it was looking as ironclad and reasonable as her landlord had said. She had had her head buried in the books at City Hall as well as researching court files, but she found nothing to support her position.

I guess I should call Xanatos. I've only got two weeks to pack up and move. She headed home and as soon as she got in, her phone rang. She snatched it up. "Hello?"

"Detective Maza."

"Xanatos. I was just about to call you."

"Let me guess: You were going to ask if you could move to the castle."

Elisa blinked and then she smiled softly. "Goliath told you, didn't he?"

"Yes and I said you could certainly move in?"

"How soon?"

"Is two weeks soon enough?"

"Absolutely. I'll have to get change of address forms, boxes, packing tape, rent the moving van, and storage shed-,"

"Detective, leave the details to me. I can have my employees pack your things up except for clothes and hygiene essentials."

"Among other things. We can talk later about this."

"Of course. Shall I call the day after tomorrow?"

"Fine. Goodnight." Elisa hung up and almost immediately the phone rang again. "Hello?"

There was heavy breathing for a moment before a rasping voice spoke. "Watch yourself, detective." There was a click and nothing but a dial tone.

Some people may think evicting Elisa was cruel, perhaps unrealistic, but sometimes people do get evicted for various reasons some of which seem silly.