Chapter XI: The Game is Real

Satine crept down the stairs towards Peter's room. If she was right-- and she hoped to God she was-- the real financial details would be hidden in there. She let out a tiny gasp and fled back into the shadows as Peter left his room, whistling cheerfully. Although he was oblivious to her presence, Satine swept him the coldest stare she possessed, and emerged only when his music faded to a dim pitch on the main floor. She pushed the door open and quietly slipped inside.

Satine knew exactly where to look for hidden documents. She'd seen courtesans at the Moulin Rouge tuck bills in inconspicuous places and conceal diamonds in the last place you'd look for them. She remembered what Harold had told her a few years ago when she'd been involved in a bit of a daring escapade with a customer. Satine shook her head at the memory.

See, chickpea, the key is to look in the most obvious places. Really intelligent people don't use hidey-holes. They slip their valuables in places that you'd automatically dismiss.

Satine went straight to Peter's desk. As she would have expected, it was neat, ostensibly with nothing to hide.

Let's see. . . she murmured to herself, ruffling through the documents. Financial details. . .no, nothing here. Satine nimbly sorted through the files. As she sorted the papers, a thick packet fell out and she sucked her breath in.

What have we here? she whispered, ignoring the benign label of and looking through the thick sheaf of papers. Ah. . .here we are. True to form, Peter had painstakingly documented every shady transaction, every change. All right, Satine said lightly, pushing away from the desk. One thing down, a thousand to go.

What are you doing in here? Satine felt a swift stab of worry as she heard William's voice. She turned slowly, her hands extended as she saw her brother-in-law standing in the door.

Now, William, she began carefully, watching the man's face.

Did you find them? William asked curtly, moving towards her. Satine raised an eyebrow.

You knew?

William shrugged casually, but Satine could tell how hard this was for him. His lips were tightly pressed together, and his face was pale. I overheard Peter talking with his friends a few times, and I am a bit more astute than what is commonly believed. He shook his head. You found them, though. I'm impressed.

I had experience. William eyed her carefully, as if trying to discern her real identity by study.

Who are you, really? he asked slowly.

A courtesan, Satine said bluntly. A former courtesan, she amended, watching the man through narrowed eyes. From the Moulin Rouge. William snorted faintly.

Father was right, he said dryly. Well, who could have guessed?

Satine said. I don't know how.

He has ways and means, William said absently, watching her. Blackmail? Sounds like my brother. Dear boy that he is. Satine nodded ruefully.

This game is real, Satine grimly agreed. I know. Believe me, though, when I say I've been through worse.

Somehow I believe you, William said, a small flicker of sympathy passing over his expression. But still, you can't stay here. It's not safe. When is Christian expected back?

Two days from now, Satine said. William shook his head.

You'll have to leave this house, he said after a brief moment of silence. Peter will be gone in about an hour. Can you be packed by then?

Can you take care of this alone? Satine asked bluntly.

It'll be a pitched battle. Not one that you'd want to be caught in the middle of.

I don't think I have a choice. William took one look at her defiant stance and sighed deeply.

All right, he said, rising and opening the door for her. Let's see what Father has to say about this.

An hour later, Satine and William sat in Jonathan Everett's study with him. The older man's face was ashen as he rifled through the documents.

This can't be, he said finally, his voice shaking. I can't believe that Peter would--

But he has, Father, William said gently. He told Satine herself. He's got an elaborate plan to get most of Christian's inheritance.

He thinks that he can trap me by disparaging my name, Satine added scornfully, tossing her hair back. He's falsified documents suggesting that I'm a can-can dancer from the Moulin Rouge. I thought he'd have a bit more imagination than that-- I would have expected something against my family. William looked over at her and felt a new-found respect his sister-in-law's abilities. She was a courageous actress, tossing off lie after lie in an effort to salvage everything Christian had wanted. Evidently his father was swallowing every statement Satine told him, and William let out an uneasy sigh of relief.

I suppose I would believe Christian would have gone to the Moulin Rouge, Jonathan Everett muttered, looking at a particularly well done piece of fraud. I should have had more faith in the boy. But I never even dreamed that Peter would do something like this. But the evidence. . . He buried his face in his hands and Satine rose and gently touched his shoulder.

It'll be all right, Father Everett. He looked up at her, smiled slowly, and patted her hand.

You're a good girl, Satine. Maybe you can knock some sense into my son's head. Satine smiled a little at that statement.

Oh, I think life can do that for me. William cleared his throat and Satine raised her eyebrow at him.

All right, William, she said lightly. What do you suggest we do with Peter? William began to pace while Mr. Everett and Satine watched him bemusedly.

I think Peter should be sent away to America, he said finally. He's clearly dangerous-- been making lies up about Satine, threatening her, trying to ruin us all. You'll have to send him without letting him know, Father, and then--

I am going to disinherit him for this, his father said snappishly. I'll take Peter out and put Christian back in.

That's your decision, Father, William said deferentially. And I'm sure Christian will give us all the financial support we need.

He'll be more than happy to do so, Satine added helpfully. Mr. Everett grunted.

All right, all right. I see what I'm to do. Now, out of my study, the two of you. Satine bent to kiss the old man's cheek and he smiled unwillingly.

Very well, very well, now be off with you.

Outside, Satine let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding.

she said. Now the only thing left to do--

The only thing for you and Christian to do, William said firmly. Is to go home.

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Author's Note: A thousand thanks to everyone who has reviewed. Please keep doing it--;)--I appreciate it more than even Christian could say. The characters are the respective properties of their owners, and most are used without permission, but with incredible love and respect.