Dancing in rain – Can I say how awesome your questions are. You have added a whole new element to the story that I was not expecting to write, this chapter being a prime example. Just when I think I know what is going to happen, you trigger a thought and it takes a whole new direction. I hope you like this one. I think I'll dedicate it to you!
Gizmama – I'm so glad you are still enjoying the story! How is this for an update..I think it is record timing for me. You can thank dancing in rain for the sudden inspiration that had my fingers typing furiously!
"Marcus Flint is here to see you sir." The voice announced over the phone's intercom.
"Send him in." The deep voice replied.
The door to the office opened and Marcus Flint walked in with an arrogant swagger.
"You wanted to see me McCain?" Flint said with a growl.
"Have a seat Marcus." Devon McCain waited for the wizard to sit down before talking again.
"It has come to my attention that you have been killing some of my employees Marcus. I must tell you that this news does not please me in the slightest. You have been hired by my company and you are pushing the limits of my patience." The man stated with authority.
Devon McCain, President and CEO of Crane Industries was a powerful and influential man in the muggle world. He knew what he wanted in life and was fearless when it came to acquiring everything he set his sights on. It was this man that Marcus had approached to offer his aid in helping increase the company's strength.
Devon watched Marcus as he spoke and noted the sneer of disrespect on the wizard's face. "Do you think because you are a wizard that I cannot crush you like the bug you are? You are around because you are useful to me, but if I should question your loyalty or your tactics one bit you will regret it dearly."
Marcus scowled. "As if you could do anything to me."
"Don't tempt me Marcus. Consider this your warning. If you dare to defy me I will not even collar you, instead it will mean your death." Devon warned.
"Now, that is all I have to say to you. You may leave." Devon said in a tone of dismissal.
"Look here, you can't just…" Marcus started.
"I can and I will Flint. Cut your losses now and leave." Devon warned. The wizard looked as if he was going to do something rash, but instead decided against it and nodded before turning to leave.
A minute of silence followed his departure before Devon spoke up. "Merlin."
A man slipped out of the back corner of the room and approached the desk. Devon looked at the tall dark figure standing before him. The man had the face of an angel, but the heart of the very devil. This was Devon's right hand man, and the only man on this earth that he would trust with his life. It was fitting really that his name was the same as one of the most famous wizards known.
"Yes Sir?" Merlin purred as he stood in front of his boss.
Devon pondered things for a moment and then held up his hand. "One moment Merlin." He picked up the phone and dialed a number.
"Yes Sir?" A voice answered.
"You know what to do." Was all that Devon said.
"Yes Sir, right away Sir." The voice replied.
"Be sure to bring back my property. I will hold it until I decide on who I want to have it." Devon said.
"Yes Sir, of course Sir." The voice replied again.
Devon hung up the phone and then looked up at Merlin. The man in front of him had an amused smile on his face.
"Enforcing your warning are you Devon?" Merlin said with a touch of amusement on his voice.
"Of course. That wizard is getting too cocky for my liking. Now do you have the reports on the others?" Devon inquired.
"Of course Sir." Merlin said as he walked over to his bag in the corner and pulled out a thick file. He walked back to the desk and sat down in the chair across from his boss.
"We lost one due to Flint of course, that you know." Merlin started.
Devon nodded and Merlin continued.
"Malcolm has reported on his intro training session with Miss Granger. He seems pleased with her progress thus far." Merlin stated.
"What do you think?" Devon inquired.
"I think this witch is highly intelligent that knows when to be quiet and when to act. She is one to keep a close eye on sir. If we can manage to swing her to work for us willingly she would be a tremendous asset to our company." Merlin said.
"She could also be the very person to cause all hell to break loose down below." He added. "Malcolm has allowed her to keep her dog within her cell. He believes that it will endear himself to her for the gift."
Devon took the image of the young witch and took in her features. "Pretty thing she is. Malcolm has already grown an attachment to her. I want you to watch him carefully. I have a feeling his loyalties could become questionable in the future. I want someone that is loyal to me and not the witch he is bound to. "
"Yes sir. The new recruit has only recently woken, and Douglas has been assigned as her keeper as per your orders." Merlin continued.
"Very good. That man has potential I believe. I don't believe he will get attached like Malcolm has." Devon stated.
"What do you wish to do about the old man and the child now that their usefulness is done?" Merlin asked.
Devon pondered for a moment. They had caught those two first to test out their new collar. The old man was waning in health and apparently his mind had gone somewhat feeble as well, decreasing the strength of his magic abilities to a near minimum. The young girl was just new into her magical abilities and had yet to even learn half the spells that existed. Neither of them would have been a direct threat to any of them had the collars not worked properly. Having learned that they did work though gave them the ability to capture the wizards and witches that were known to have the greatest strengths in the wizarding world. Marcus had filled them in on a list of names and they just needed to lure them out and capture them one by one.
"The girl is young and impressionable. I think we shall keep her. When one of our wizards or witches have finished their training, they can in turn teach the girl how to use her gifts. As for the old man, kill him." Devon stated with no emotion in his voice.
"Cecile will not be happy about the decision sir." Merlin stated.
"Cecile has become far too attached. Deal with her in whatever way you deem best. I trust you implicitly to handle the situation." Devon said.
"Yes sir, very good sir. Will there be anything else?" Merlin asked.
"Report back to me when alpha team 1 has finished their task." Devon said.
"Yes sir." Merlin replied with a bow before gathering up the papers, placing them back into his briefcase and leaving the office.
Devon turned around and steepled his fingers in front of himself. His eyes scanned the landscape before him and he wondered if he would ever tire of looking at it. It was truly a wonder to behold really and it was one of the things that he most enjoyed about his office. The sun was setting off in the distance and he watched as the lights turned on, lighting up the Eiffel Tower.