Ciel sighed as they walked down the long trail ahead of them.
"Why are we out here," he complained.
Katherine sighed, her arms folded across her chest, clearly irritated with being there as well.
"My father always goes to his villa in the countryside when he wants to be alone," she explained for the fiftieth time. "It helps him think."
Sebastian nodded.
"As I was conducting research on Katie's past, I learned that when Lord Williams comes here," he added. "It's usually when his company is stressed or needs correction. After he returns, the company begins to prosper once again."
Ciel nodded, finally understanding the two servant's logic. This would most likely be the first place Lord Williams would take Anthony.
"So you two did your research," he mumbled. "Good job."
Katie shook her head as they approached the door of the villa.
"I know what kind of man my father is," she stated plainly.
Suddenly the door opened, catching Ciel off guard for a moment. Alfred's eerie cheerful face greeted them. His long, blonde hair had been left down to hang over his shoulders and down his back. Brownish-gold orbs found Katie and locked onto her. His twisted smile only grew.
"Well, hello, Mistress," he purred. "Fancy seeing you here."
Katie folded her arms over her chest. Ciel cleared his throat for attention, but Alfred didn't seem interested.
"I came to see Lord Williams," he announced politely. "I received a letter from him a few days ago, and I wanted to confirm something with him."
Alfred raised an eyebrow but smiled graciously.
"Oh, but of course," he said warmly. "I would be more than happy to show you the way."
He opened the door all of the way and disappeared into the house. Sebastian moved in, holding the door for the earl and his wife. Ciel entered first and was impressed with the room. It was open and bright, unlike Lord Williams' personality. The walls were a wonderful cream color while the floor was a gorgeous oak. Calm blue curtains and furniture almost made the earl take a step back.
Katie sighed from behind him, and he spun around. Her eyes focused on the wooden floor. There was a hidden sorrow to them. No doubt she was remembering something unpleasant.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Milady," Alfred appeared on a staircase. "I forgot how emotional you become when you come here. You were ever so fond of your dear mother."
Katie slowly ripped her eyes away from the floor. They had become hard and relentless.
"I thought you were going to show us to Lord Williams," she snapped. "Or are you such a neglectful butler that you forgot where you last saw him."
Alfred was taken back for a moment, but he recovered and bowed slightly.
"Where are my manners," he said solemnly. "This way."
He climbed the stair case, and the rest of the troop followed him to the second level. Katie walked in front of Ciel as if to protect him from Alfred's every move. Sebastian held up the rear, eyes watching for the slightest hint of malevolence. Alfred eventually led them into a large room which turned out to be Lord Williams' room. A single bed was placed in the center of the room, furniture all around it. Ciel noticed that there was something under the covers, and it didn't smell pleasant. Alfred smiled wickedly.
"I present Lord Williams," he announced.
Katie approached the bed, suspicious eyes on her ex-butler the entire time. With one swift, graceful move, the covers were thrown back to reveal the bloody, mangled body of Lord Williams. Sebastian quickly moved in front of the earl, blocking his view of the horrific sight. Ciel breathed in deeply, trying to prevent himself for vomiting.
"I'm afraid he isn't feeling very well today," Alfred said naturally as if he hadn't even realized that his master had been killed. "Would you like to come over another day?"
"You killed him earlier than I anticipated," Katie said solemnly.
Ciel saw Alfred shrug as he moved into the earl's view.
"He started to hesitate," he stated calmly. "So I took care of it for him. Now our plans won't be in jeopardy again."
Katie rushed into the butler, smashing him against the wall. Her hands found his throat, eyes narrowed and fierce. Alfred didn't look worried at all. If anything he was enjoying his new-found attention.
"Where's Anthony," Katie demanded sharply. "What have you done with him?!"
Alfred smiled confidently, completely ignoring the woman's hands at his neck.
"Is that why you're here, milady," he cooed. "I thought you just wanted to see me."
Katie rammed the half demon into the wall again.
"Where is my son?!"
Alfred's face grew solemn as he realized that she was dead serious. A dark aura took hold of his eyes, sending chills down Ciel's spine. Katie suddenly looked away from her battle, distracted by something. Everyone froze, listening. A soft cry echoed through the room, and Katie bolted for the door. Alfred made a desperate attempt to grab her. His strike was too slow, and she escaped out of the room. Before the butler could follow, Sebastian moved in between him and the door.
"Leaving so soon, Alfred," he teased. "I thought we could chat for a while."
Ciel moved away towards Lord Williams' side. He quickly covered the body and looked over it quietly. A few days ago, he was a strong leader of a vast empire. With one false step, he ended up dead. The young earl felt a sense of melancholy as he moved away from the bed. If he wasn't careful, he would end up like him. A crash made the young master look up. Alfred ran out of the door, blood running down his face and arm. Sebastian pulled himself up from the tangle of broken floor boards and curtains.
"Are you just going to let him get away," Ciel demanded. "Go after him. If he gets your child, I'll lose his company!"
Sebastian glanced at the earl, slightly irritated.
"My lord," he said in a solemn voice. "We do have a plan; if I may so bold as to remind you of it."
Ciel opened his mouth to object but closed it. He snorted and turned on his heel, marching towards the front door.
"Very well," he grumbled. "I will go obtain our escape vehicle. Make sure you two meet me at the rendezvous point."
Sebastian bowed slightly.
"Yes, My lord," he said, a smile pulling on his lips.
He turned and left the room hastily.