Sara watched as the backlights of the car disappear behind a building as it
turned a corner. It was only then did Sara put on her helmet, mounted her
Buell, and revved the engine. It had been a difficult ride back home. The
light drizzle she first rode in had gradually picked up and by the time she
reached her apartment building she was soaked through. After parking the
bike Sara hurriedly made her way inside. Wet footprint and puddles of water
formed as she slowly made her way up the stairs. Her earlier conversation
with Irons ran through her mind.
"Thank you for the offer Mr. Irons but I think I can manage home just fine riding my bike. As you can see the storm has already passed."
"Managed my ass. It was a miracle she didn't crash along the way home." The storm she had thought 'passed' had decided to erupt while she rode home. Making her trip difficult by making the roads slick and the air chilly.
Finally Sara made it to her apartment, unlocked the door, and got in. After getting in she closed the door and locked it. For a moment she leaned back and closed her eyes, letting out a sigh of relief now that she was finally home. 'Ah.shit!' she opened her eyes and stared at another flight of stairs she had to climb. 'Well at least its better then a damn elevator.' Immediately her thought turned to Nottingham and Irons.
The black limo lurched up to the front of the mansion. Ian got out of the car, not bothering to shield himself from the pouring rain, and made his way to the back of the car. He opened the umbrella that was in his left hand, held it high above, and opened the door. Irons took his time getting out of the car. He watched from inside of the car as the rain pelted down on an unsheltered Ian. Ian didn't use the covers of the umbrella to protect himself from the icy raindrops. He knew Irons would disapprove and only punish him for it. So instead he patiently waited for Irons to emerge from the limo.
Finally one leather clad loafer stepped out of the car and landed softly on the wet gravel. Soon enough the rest of Irons gracefully made his way out. Ian adjusted the arm that was holding the umbrella making sure his master was fully protected. It was only a few feet until the shelter of the porch would protect them both. But Irons took his time, stopping just a few inches away from the porch. He looked out into the dark stormy night. The heavy rain pounding the ground and then he turned his attention to Ian.
"The storm has once again made an unexpected appearance. I do hope that the fair Sara has made it home safely. I would hate to hear the good detective getting herself into an accident. It would be quite devastating if something were to actually happen to her. Don't you agree Ian?"
"Yes" Ian lowered his head and kept his voice composed but as the allusion ran through his mind he was becoming more anxious. He wanted to go to her. To see for himself that she was all right. Suddenly a strange sensation ran up from his left wrist. The feeling had a calming affect and Ian's concern for Sara eased. Ian couldn't explain what had just happened but he knew somehow the Witchblade was involved and it was telling him Sara was indeed safely home. It had been obvious Irons wanted a reaction out of Ian. But was disappointed when he didn't get one. Frustrated he turned back to the mansion and quickly walked in. Ian, soaked through from the rain, followed not too far behind.
Irons headed straight for the den. He faced the great hearth, leaning heavy against his cane. He let the fire warm his body while his servant stood in the middle of the den, dripping wet and shivering from the icy cold rain. Irons stared deep into the orange glow of the fire.
"Tell me Ian what exactly happened in that elevator this afternoon?"
Irons picked up a piece of cloth off of a near by table and began to wipe down his cane. He began to polish the handle until the golden metal immaculately shined in the afterglow of the fire. Ian didn't know how much Irons had witnessed from the surveillance videos. So he didn't know where he should start telling the truth and where he should start lying. Though he knew lying to Irons was useless. The man just knew when he was being told the truth and being deceived. Irons should know the difference. After all Kenneth Irons is the best when it comes to deception. Ian treaded the issue carefully.
"I am not sure sir. I had been on my way down to retrieve the car like you had ordered." Irons walked towards Ian, still polishing the cane handle.
"When I entered the elevator car I had not realized Lady Sara.." Irons eyes widen as he listened to Ian giving Sara such a reverent title. Irons had first noticed when Ian started to show respect for the detective, calling her 'Lady Sara'. It was when he had unsuccessful returned home without the Witchblade the night of the Irish massacre. There was no doubt Ian had lied to him about what happened that night. But for now he wanted to know what happened this afternoon. The image of Ian kneeling in front of Sara, ready to touch her with his bare hands, was still there in the back of his mind.
".was already occupying the car. It was mere coincidence when I entered." Irons struck Ian across the face with the back of his hand. Drops of water splashed across the room and loose strands of his wet hair stuck to the side of Ian's face.
"There are no coincidences, Ian!"
Ian knew there were no coincidences when it comes to the Witchblade and the wielder. But what else could he say? He had been so anxious after he had heard Sara inquiring about him, albeit to simply question him, but he would seize any opportunity to be with her. How could he tell Irons that he had rushed to see her standing by the elevator? Watched then waited until that last moment to squeeze through before the metal doors closed her away from him. To tell him he wanted that small respite with her no matter how short it may have been. Just being so close to her then was enough to keep him happy for God knows how long. No, he could not tell this to Irons, to his master, to his keeper.
"What happened in that elevator, hm!?" Irons growing frustration could be heard in his voice. He had stopped polishing the metal handle and simply tighten his hold on the cane. His grip was so tight Iron's knuckles were turning white.
Ian didn't immediately answer so Irons jabbed the metal handle against Ian's side. Eliciting a sharp hissing sound from Ian. Irons repeated his question and again Ian was not quick enough to answer. This time sinking the heavy metal into Ian's stomach causing the man to double over and dropping him to his knee. Ian returned to his feet a soon after taking in a deep breath Ian began to speak.
"I was informed that there was a malfunction in the systems." Irons walked behind him and stuck the wooden part of the cane across Ian's back. Ian jerked forward from the blow.
"The wielder Ian! What happened between Sara and yourself, hm?! It was quite a show you put on for her. Stripping in front of Sara like that. It was very brave of you to actually expose yourself to her in such a manner. Tell me did your disfigured body revolt her? Did she turn away from you like I know she would?"
Ian's mind flashed back to what had happened. Yes, she did turn away from him but not for the reasons Irons had stated. He remembered that lustful look in those enchanting green eyes of hers. A look no one had ever given to him before in his entire life. He wanted nothing more then to be lost in those emerald orbs. Ian attempted to lower his head but Irons grabbed a handful of his hair and yanked his head back. The longing look was reflected in Ian's eyes. Irons let go of his hair and slapped Ian across the face again. Then took the cane and landed the handle against the right side of his ribs. Ian let out another groan but his face remained impassive, but the pain was there in his eyes.
Irons willed himself to control his anger. He wanted nothing more then to release his frustration out on Ian but he wanted answers. Remembering the excruciating pain he felt while in the elevator. Something had occurred with the Witchblade and could not fathom what. Sara was not going to confide in him, which only left him Ian.
"The Witchblade had pulled Sara into another vision. She had been under the blade's spell for quite some time. I was unsure what was happening so I tried to wake from her trance but it appeared the blade refused to let her go. I decided it would be best to serve Sara if I was able to find a way to get the elevators to work quickly as possible. And so I left her behind. By the time I had reached the control room the elevators were working and I had witnessed, through the surveillance cameras, that Sara was pulled back from her vision by then. That is when I decided to retrieve the limo like you asked, sir." Of course Ian deliberately left out the information about what the blade had done with him.
Amazingly as Irons looked into Ian's eyes all he could see was the truth. 'Could it be possible that Ian really did not know what happened to Sara during her vision?' Irons thought. He stared at Ian once again then decided it was useless. The only one who could possibly tell him what had happened was a woman who seemed to hate his every being. If she continued to refuse him like she has in the past there was no question that it may be time to reclaim what was rightfully his. May be it was time to take back the Witchblade from the fair Sara.
Irons brought back the handle of the cane and swung it across Ian's face once again. Fortunately the blow did not draw blood. But the discoloration could be seen on Ian's face.
"Go clean yourself up, make sure Sara made her way home safely and continue your surveillance." Ian composed himself before leaving. He straightened his stance but kept his head bowed. Turning around he walked towards the door until Irons' voice stopped him.
".but from a distance. Do not make any contact with the wielder. If I find out you have disobeyed me Ian the consequence shall be severe. Do you understand?" Ian made no comment.
"Go Ian. Your Lady Sara awaits." Irons snorted at his sarcastic comment. He turned back to the fire and sat in one of the leather winged back chairs.
Without a word Ian left the den. Quickly making his way to his room. He locked the door behind him and walked over to a chair. With much difficulty he removed his waterlogged boots. Then began to peel of the layers of soaked garments off. Leaving the wet clothes and boots in the corner Ian made his way to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and waited till the room bellowed with steam. He stood under the scorching sprays of water. Letting the heat of the water relax his tensed muscles. Ian winced from the pain as he looked down at himself. He expected his body making sure there were no broken bones. Fortunately there was none. But that didn't lessen the pain. Lightly touching and seeing large bruises form on his abs, another on his right side and he could feel one also forming on the left side of his face.
Ian quickly showered and changed into some dry clothes. As he was pulling on his gloves he only then realized he didn't have his ring. Ian searched through the wet clothes and found nothing. He then let his mind drift back and realized he must have left it on the floor of the elevator car. He needed to find the ring. Ian couldn't explain why but he didn't feel right without it. Ian wasn't sure if Irons had given it to him. He had had it for so long he just couldn't remember where it came from. What Ian could remember was that he was never apart from it. Even as a little boy he had the ring with him. It was on a silver necklace and Ian would wear it around his neck until he was able to wear it on his finger.
Rushing out of his room Ian to make his way back to Vorshlag. Soon after he would take vigilance over his Lady Sara. Ian hadn't bothered to report back to Irons in the den. If he had he would have found out what Irons was up to.
~*~
"Thank you for the offer Mr. Irons but I think I can manage home just fine riding my bike. As you can see the storm has already passed."
"Managed my ass. It was a miracle she didn't crash along the way home." The storm she had thought 'passed' had decided to erupt while she rode home. Making her trip difficult by making the roads slick and the air chilly.
Finally Sara made it to her apartment, unlocked the door, and got in. After getting in she closed the door and locked it. For a moment she leaned back and closed her eyes, letting out a sigh of relief now that she was finally home. 'Ah.shit!' she opened her eyes and stared at another flight of stairs she had to climb. 'Well at least its better then a damn elevator.' Immediately her thought turned to Nottingham and Irons.
The black limo lurched up to the front of the mansion. Ian got out of the car, not bothering to shield himself from the pouring rain, and made his way to the back of the car. He opened the umbrella that was in his left hand, held it high above, and opened the door. Irons took his time getting out of the car. He watched from inside of the car as the rain pelted down on an unsheltered Ian. Ian didn't use the covers of the umbrella to protect himself from the icy raindrops. He knew Irons would disapprove and only punish him for it. So instead he patiently waited for Irons to emerge from the limo.
Finally one leather clad loafer stepped out of the car and landed softly on the wet gravel. Soon enough the rest of Irons gracefully made his way out. Ian adjusted the arm that was holding the umbrella making sure his master was fully protected. It was only a few feet until the shelter of the porch would protect them both. But Irons took his time, stopping just a few inches away from the porch. He looked out into the dark stormy night. The heavy rain pounding the ground and then he turned his attention to Ian.
"The storm has once again made an unexpected appearance. I do hope that the fair Sara has made it home safely. I would hate to hear the good detective getting herself into an accident. It would be quite devastating if something were to actually happen to her. Don't you agree Ian?"
"Yes" Ian lowered his head and kept his voice composed but as the allusion ran through his mind he was becoming more anxious. He wanted to go to her. To see for himself that she was all right. Suddenly a strange sensation ran up from his left wrist. The feeling had a calming affect and Ian's concern for Sara eased. Ian couldn't explain what had just happened but he knew somehow the Witchblade was involved and it was telling him Sara was indeed safely home. It had been obvious Irons wanted a reaction out of Ian. But was disappointed when he didn't get one. Frustrated he turned back to the mansion and quickly walked in. Ian, soaked through from the rain, followed not too far behind.
Irons headed straight for the den. He faced the great hearth, leaning heavy against his cane. He let the fire warm his body while his servant stood in the middle of the den, dripping wet and shivering from the icy cold rain. Irons stared deep into the orange glow of the fire.
"Tell me Ian what exactly happened in that elevator this afternoon?"
Irons picked up a piece of cloth off of a near by table and began to wipe down his cane. He began to polish the handle until the golden metal immaculately shined in the afterglow of the fire. Ian didn't know how much Irons had witnessed from the surveillance videos. So he didn't know where he should start telling the truth and where he should start lying. Though he knew lying to Irons was useless. The man just knew when he was being told the truth and being deceived. Irons should know the difference. After all Kenneth Irons is the best when it comes to deception. Ian treaded the issue carefully.
"I am not sure sir. I had been on my way down to retrieve the car like you had ordered." Irons walked towards Ian, still polishing the cane handle.
"When I entered the elevator car I had not realized Lady Sara.." Irons eyes widen as he listened to Ian giving Sara such a reverent title. Irons had first noticed when Ian started to show respect for the detective, calling her 'Lady Sara'. It was when he had unsuccessful returned home without the Witchblade the night of the Irish massacre. There was no doubt Ian had lied to him about what happened that night. But for now he wanted to know what happened this afternoon. The image of Ian kneeling in front of Sara, ready to touch her with his bare hands, was still there in the back of his mind.
".was already occupying the car. It was mere coincidence when I entered." Irons struck Ian across the face with the back of his hand. Drops of water splashed across the room and loose strands of his wet hair stuck to the side of Ian's face.
"There are no coincidences, Ian!"
Ian knew there were no coincidences when it comes to the Witchblade and the wielder. But what else could he say? He had been so anxious after he had heard Sara inquiring about him, albeit to simply question him, but he would seize any opportunity to be with her. How could he tell Irons that he had rushed to see her standing by the elevator? Watched then waited until that last moment to squeeze through before the metal doors closed her away from him. To tell him he wanted that small respite with her no matter how short it may have been. Just being so close to her then was enough to keep him happy for God knows how long. No, he could not tell this to Irons, to his master, to his keeper.
"What happened in that elevator, hm!?" Irons growing frustration could be heard in his voice. He had stopped polishing the metal handle and simply tighten his hold on the cane. His grip was so tight Iron's knuckles were turning white.
Ian didn't immediately answer so Irons jabbed the metal handle against Ian's side. Eliciting a sharp hissing sound from Ian. Irons repeated his question and again Ian was not quick enough to answer. This time sinking the heavy metal into Ian's stomach causing the man to double over and dropping him to his knee. Ian returned to his feet a soon after taking in a deep breath Ian began to speak.
"I was informed that there was a malfunction in the systems." Irons walked behind him and stuck the wooden part of the cane across Ian's back. Ian jerked forward from the blow.
"The wielder Ian! What happened between Sara and yourself, hm?! It was quite a show you put on for her. Stripping in front of Sara like that. It was very brave of you to actually expose yourself to her in such a manner. Tell me did your disfigured body revolt her? Did she turn away from you like I know she would?"
Ian's mind flashed back to what had happened. Yes, she did turn away from him but not for the reasons Irons had stated. He remembered that lustful look in those enchanting green eyes of hers. A look no one had ever given to him before in his entire life. He wanted nothing more then to be lost in those emerald orbs. Ian attempted to lower his head but Irons grabbed a handful of his hair and yanked his head back. The longing look was reflected in Ian's eyes. Irons let go of his hair and slapped Ian across the face again. Then took the cane and landed the handle against the right side of his ribs. Ian let out another groan but his face remained impassive, but the pain was there in his eyes.
Irons willed himself to control his anger. He wanted nothing more then to release his frustration out on Ian but he wanted answers. Remembering the excruciating pain he felt while in the elevator. Something had occurred with the Witchblade and could not fathom what. Sara was not going to confide in him, which only left him Ian.
"The Witchblade had pulled Sara into another vision. She had been under the blade's spell for quite some time. I was unsure what was happening so I tried to wake from her trance but it appeared the blade refused to let her go. I decided it would be best to serve Sara if I was able to find a way to get the elevators to work quickly as possible. And so I left her behind. By the time I had reached the control room the elevators were working and I had witnessed, through the surveillance cameras, that Sara was pulled back from her vision by then. That is when I decided to retrieve the limo like you asked, sir." Of course Ian deliberately left out the information about what the blade had done with him.
Amazingly as Irons looked into Ian's eyes all he could see was the truth. 'Could it be possible that Ian really did not know what happened to Sara during her vision?' Irons thought. He stared at Ian once again then decided it was useless. The only one who could possibly tell him what had happened was a woman who seemed to hate his every being. If she continued to refuse him like she has in the past there was no question that it may be time to reclaim what was rightfully his. May be it was time to take back the Witchblade from the fair Sara.
Irons brought back the handle of the cane and swung it across Ian's face once again. Fortunately the blow did not draw blood. But the discoloration could be seen on Ian's face.
"Go clean yourself up, make sure Sara made her way home safely and continue your surveillance." Ian composed himself before leaving. He straightened his stance but kept his head bowed. Turning around he walked towards the door until Irons' voice stopped him.
".but from a distance. Do not make any contact with the wielder. If I find out you have disobeyed me Ian the consequence shall be severe. Do you understand?" Ian made no comment.
"Go Ian. Your Lady Sara awaits." Irons snorted at his sarcastic comment. He turned back to the fire and sat in one of the leather winged back chairs.
Without a word Ian left the den. Quickly making his way to his room. He locked the door behind him and walked over to a chair. With much difficulty he removed his waterlogged boots. Then began to peel of the layers of soaked garments off. Leaving the wet clothes and boots in the corner Ian made his way to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and waited till the room bellowed with steam. He stood under the scorching sprays of water. Letting the heat of the water relax his tensed muscles. Ian winced from the pain as he looked down at himself. He expected his body making sure there were no broken bones. Fortunately there was none. But that didn't lessen the pain. Lightly touching and seeing large bruises form on his abs, another on his right side and he could feel one also forming on the left side of his face.
Ian quickly showered and changed into some dry clothes. As he was pulling on his gloves he only then realized he didn't have his ring. Ian searched through the wet clothes and found nothing. He then let his mind drift back and realized he must have left it on the floor of the elevator car. He needed to find the ring. Ian couldn't explain why but he didn't feel right without it. Ian wasn't sure if Irons had given it to him. He had had it for so long he just couldn't remember where it came from. What Ian could remember was that he was never apart from it. Even as a little boy he had the ring with him. It was on a silver necklace and Ian would wear it around his neck until he was able to wear it on his finger.
Rushing out of his room Ian to make his way back to Vorshlag. Soon after he would take vigilance over his Lady Sara. Ian hadn't bothered to report back to Irons in the den. If he had he would have found out what Irons was up to.
~*~