Saturday
Jessica was wide-awake, staring at the ceiling. Marcus was still sleeping soundly, his arm draped over her chest. A glance at the alarm-clock told her it was just past 5 am. She had woken up an hour earlier, thinking about her situation and more specifically last night. She had given in to him completely, and he had refused her offer. He hadn't been angry or anything; actually his behavior hadn't changed at all. He still touched her casually every now and then, he still joked around and he was still nice to her in general. She couldn't figure out what she'd done wrong. She wasn't experienced, but she was pretty sure he'd liked her touching him, judging from the um... evidence that had been pressing up into her thigh when she'd been sitting in his lap.
She sighed, turning over to lie on her side with her back to Marcus. He stirred, moving his hand along her upper body to find a place to settle down. It set up camp right before it reached her breasts, eliciting a groan of frustration from her. The tables had definitely turned. She wanted his hands on her, so much so that she even contemplated taking advantage of him while he was sleeping. It could very well be the only opportunity she got; he was after all about a thousand times stronger than she was. She was no match for him when he was awake. Was she really that desperate? No, she decided. Not yet anyway. She punched her pillow into shape with one arm and plopped herself back down on it. A soft chuckle behind her alerted her she'd woken Marcus up with her moving about.
"Can't sleep?" He propped himself up on one elbow.
Jessica grumbled a reply. The last thing she needed right now was being laughed at, and that was undoubtedly what he was planning.
"Why not?" Marcus prodded further. "Did I snore?" He turned her in his arms gently so that she was facing him. She was grateful for the darkness in the room so he couldn't make out the desire on her features.
"Did you have another nightmare? What is it?" Marcus was beginning to get a little concerned when she wouldn't answer him. He had thought they were making progress, but this new development was unexpected. And unwanted. He lifted one hand to caress her cheek. "You can tell me."
"I don't want to."
Her voice sounded determined, so Marcus decided not to pry any further and let her figure out things on her own. The coming day would definitely aid her in doing so. Marcus kissed the top of her nose and stroked her hair. "Try to relax. We're sleeping late today."
Within seconds Marcus was asleep again. Jessica grimaced. He was still holding her too tight for her to escape his grasp, and since she didn't want to wake him up again, she was stuck in this position. She waited for a few minutes, then touched his naked chest tentatively. When he didn't respond, she applied more pressure, feeling out the hard muscles. He groaned appreciatively and unconsciously moved closer to her hand. Jessica pulled back in alarm and raised an eyebrow in wonder. A little more boldly, she resumed her touching, raking her fingertips over his skin, daring lower with every down-strike. When her hand reached the waistband of his boxers, she paused. Did she really want to go there? Did she have the courage? What if he woke up? Curiosity, and the fact that Marcus let out a disappointed moan at her stilled movement, persuaded her to explore unknown territory.
Jessica gingerly placed her hand on the anatomically correct spot, immediately finding out that even though he was asleep, Marcus was still enjoying her touch. Um... oh. She couldn't help cupping him and sizing him up a little. She gulped when he grinded his hips into her hand and she quickly withdrew her arm. Breathing hard, she folded her arm so that it couldn't do any more harm and resolutely closed her eyes. Her cheeks burned as she realized that she'd just done the thing she'd deemed herself not desperate enough for.
Marcus sat at the dining table fully clothed when Jessica emerged from the bedroom sometime around noon. She didn't meet his eyes, which he found moderately funny. Was she ashamed of her wanton behavior the night before when she had initiated their kiss? Wanton in her own eyes of course; compared to most of the women Marcus had known in his very long life, her behavior still classified as chaste. She'd showered and was wearing tight jeans with a black top sporting a low neckline. He took in the sight admiringly while she was having breakfast. When the timing was right he'd have a wonderful time enjoying himself with that body. He cleared his throat. "Hurry up, we're going out."
She whipped her head around to face him. "Out? Out where?" Is he letting me go? Just like that? She searched his expression for clues but found none.
"Just going for a drive. We'll be back in time for dinner." Marcus was aware of the fact he had just gotten her hopes up only to crush them seconds later. It amused him less than expected, but it still was kind of entertaining. He couldn't wait to see her face when she'd find out where they were going.
Jessica mentally berated herself for getting so excited over nothing. She could have known he wouldn't let her go. Hadn't he said something to that effect earlier? She did look forward to seeing the sun again after spending almost four days cooped up inside with no windows whatsoever. "I'm almost done, just a minute."
"You're not going out like that, are you?" Marcus gestured at her attire. She looked down at herself to find out what was wrong with her outfit.
"Your face I mean," he clarified. "You still have those bruises and the cuts from Tuesday night haven't completely healed yet either."
Jessica shrugged. "Well I can't do anything about that, can I? What do you propose? Wearing a veil?"
"I'm more thinking along the lines of you using some of that make-up you've ordered to cover them up." He grinned condescendingly and leaned back into his chair.
"Fine." She rolled her eyes at him and padded back into the bedroom. When she finally re-emerged, Marcus was satisfied with her appearance, even though some of the bruises were still visible. He took some pride in the fact that he was the cause of them, especially since Jessica didn't show any hint of fear when he touched her.
He ushered her out of the apartment with his hand on her back. Taking the elevator to the parking garage a floor further down, Marcus decided on driving the black BMW. The weather was a little too chilly for his taste to drive a convertible, and the BMW had tinted windows, which was convenient. In addition to being an impressive car it was very comfortable, so it was perfect for today. He helped Jessica into the car and sat down in the driver's seat, noticing that she hadn't attempted to open the car door and escape. Smiling inwardly he started the car and steered it into the city streets.
Although Marcus didn't make a stop anywhere -- not like she'd really expected him to -- Jessica still took pleasure in the drive. After almost three hours of admiring scenery and making small talk, Marcus suggested they'd head back to the city again. Instead of taking the exit that would lead them back home -- I mean Marcus' apartment -- he left the freeway two exits early and drove through the suburb where her parents lived.
"This is my parents' neighborhood," Jessica observed bemusedly. "What are we doing here?" She wasn't naïve enough anymore to think he'd brought her back home to let her go, so she felt a little unnerved by being in these familiar surroundings.
"We're going to visit your parents," Marcus replied evenly. "I thought you'd like that."
"I do! Seriously." She turned her head to smile at him, then her face darkened. "You're not... going to hurt them, are you?"
"As long as you behave yourself I won't. Don't worry. I do have some ground rules though." They'd arrived at the house and he pulled up alongside the curb, looking out the window pensively.
"Care to elaborate on those?" Jessica prodded when he didn't continue.
"Never mind," he dismissed. "It'll be more fun this way. Just keep in mind that Wolfram & Hart offered you an internship as my assistant. I'm curious to see what you'll come up with to fill in the blanks."
Jessica was taken aback by this. "Yeah, sounds like fun," she muttered. How was she supposed to fool her parents and sister with a story that she didn't even know yet? One look at her and they'd know something was off. Not to mention the fact that her father would most likely subject Marcus to a round of third degree questioning if he so much as suspected that there was something more between them than the usual relationship between an assistant and a supervisor. If her family figured out what was going on, Marcus would undoubtedly kill them in a heartbeat. She'd have to avoid that at all costs.
Marcus stepped out of the car and opened the car door for her. Together they walked up to the house. Before Jessica could ring the doorbell the door flew open and revealed Jessica's mother.
"Jessie!" The older woman grabbed her daughter in a bear hug. "I thought you were too busy to visit us for a while. That's what you said, right? Who's your friend?"
"Mom, this is Marcus Hamilton, my um... supervisor." Jessica pried herself loose from her mother's arms.
Marcus smiled charmingly and took the woman's extended hand. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Nader. Jessica told me so much about you."
"Come in, please. My husband is in the living room. We were so happy when Jessica called to tell us she'd been offered an internship. And at Wolfram & Hart no less!" Jessica's mother led the way into the house while Jessica shot Marcus a questioning look. I haven't called them... why would she say that? Marcus just winked at her and continued to win over her mother.
Mr. Nader and Jessica's sister Michelle were both in the living room. After the formal introductions were out of the way, the interrogation commenced. As Jessica had suspected, her father was suspicious of Marcus' motives and asked questions accordingly.
"So, Mr. Hamilton," her father began, bringing out the big guns. "That business trip my daughter had to accompany you on this week... I trust you took good care of her? She had her own room?"
"Dad!" Jessica chided.
Marcus didn't mind the man's audacity. "Actually..." he started with a devilish smirk on his face, but he was cut off by Jessica's elbow connecting with his ribs. She glared at him, panicking slightly.
"Dad, that's none of your business," Jessica stated firmly, trying to steer the conversation in a safer direction.
"I think it is, Jessie. This man is a lot older and more sophisticated than you. I have the right to know if he's taking advantage of my little girl."
"Well, he's not!" Jessica replied hotly. Actually I'm the one taking advantage of him, she thought, recalling her actions of the previous night.
"Mr. Nader," Marcus stepped in. "I appreciate your concern, and you have every right to worry. I'm well aware of the fact that I'm older than Jessica and I have tried to suppress my feelings for her. But when it turned out she felt the same way, we've talked about it and we've come to the conclusion that we want to give it a try. That's why we're here. So while I understand you might not be thrilled with this development, I do see the need to make it abundantly clear that this is our decision and therefore not something you get a say in. At all."
The words came out a little more possessively and threateningly than he'd originally intended, but it was worth it when he saw the entire Nader family, including Jessica, shrink back into their seats as he enunciated the last sentence. The look on their faces was priceless. The father looked at him with pure unadulterated rage, barely contained by the intuitive knowledge that crossing Marcus was a bad idea; the mother looked flat out frightened; and the young girl looked at him with undisguised admiration and a little fear. Whereas Jessica threw him a look of utter annoyance combined with hurt and fear and something he couldn't put his finger on. I knew there was a reason I picked her.
Jessica's mother was the first to break the uncomfortable silence. "Come on girls, let's prepare something to drink." Part of Jessica was glad to retreat to the kitchen and break free from the suffocating tension between her father and Marcus, but another part wished she could stay and protect her father from the wrath she knew Marcus was capable of. She had experienced her father's sometimes patronizing manner first-hand, and she couldn't imagine Marcus taking kindly to that. She shot him a warning glare, which he answered with a reassuring smile.
Mrs. Nader closed the door behind the three of them and turned to her eldest daughter, worry etched on her face. "Jessie, what have you gotten yourself into?"
"What? I like him," Jessica said defensively. "I'm in love with him."
"He's absolutely yummy," Michelle put in her two cents. "Scary... but yummy. That body... totally hot!"
Mrs. Nader rolled her eyes at the teen's comment and studied Jessica's face. Reaching out to touch her chin, she arched a brow when Jessica flinched. "Are those bruises? Jess, does he hit you?"
"No!" Jessica denied ardently. "He's great! He's sweet! I was... mugged Tuesday night."
"And you didn't see fit to mention that because..." her mother inquired.
"It didn't seem like a big deal, Mom. I'm twenty-one years old. I can make my own choices and right now I choose Marcus."
In the living room, Marcus was entertaining himself by alternately riling and placating Jessica's father. He'd just made a particularly nasty insinuation about certain other skills Jessica possessed besides being a valuable assistant. The older man looked as if he was about to explode, when they overheard Jessica raise her voice and telling her mother that she basically chose him over them. Mission accomplished. Time to leave.
Because of reasons he didn't want to analyze, it didn't feel right to him to leave her parents in their current upset state. Standing to put his arm around Jessica's shoulder he smiled at her lovingly and then addressed the rest of her family in a soothing voice. "I'm sorry if this came as a shock to you, and I can assure you that I wasn't looking to get involved with an intern, but I will make sure to take good care of her. And of course I've signed over my duties as her supervisor to one of my colleagues. It was nice to meet you all. You should come by and visit us some time."
"Us?" Mr. Nader sputtered, not quite appeased yet. "Jessie, are you living with him? After four days?"
"I'm twenty-one, Dad. I do make my own decisions. And yes, we're living together." Jessica suddenly felt very tired. Finally her family seemed to resign to the fact that she stood her ground when it came to Marcus.
As they left the house, Marcus' arm still draped loosely around her shoulder, she realized he'd managed to have her choose him over her parents. At some point during the heated arguments she hadn't been acting anymore; she'd felt as if they were disapproving of her actual boyfriend. She wondered if he had planned the course of this visit or if he'd just decided to spice things up a little by irking her father. Even though she had no doubt her parents would welcome her back with open arms if she'd ask them to, Marcus had succeeded in temporarily cutting her off from her family. Which, it occurred to her, was a good thing. They wouldn't come to look for her; they'd stay safe. It was all too possible he'd done that on purpose, which made her like him even more.
Marcus turned to her as soon as he sat down in the driver's seat. "See? Told you that was going to be fun."
She scowled at him. "For you maybe. My parents think I'm crazy." She had half a mind to wipe his smug grin off his face, but instead decided on staying alive for now. "But on the bright side, they won't try and contact me for a while. Which means they'll live."
Marcus studied Jessica's face thoughtfully. She'd come a long way in only four days. Right now she was discussing the fact that he'd kill anybody that crossed him without even thinking twice, and she didn't really seem that upset about it. If anything, she appeared to only be mildly annoyed by his behavior, the way people were when they knew the other person was hopelessly incorrigible. She was already halfway down the road of acceptance, which meant that in a little while, he didn't have to exercise patience anymore. A part of him wished that it had taken her longer to adapt so he could have kept her around a little longer, but another -- much bigger -- part was glad that soon he wouldn't have to reel in his urges. Soon.
To Jessica's surprise Marcus told her he'd cook dinner. She offered to help him but he declined, saying that she should just sit and relax for a bit. She wondered if he was sorry for causing stirrings in her family life or if he'd just felt like cooking. She mused if Marcus ever really had ulterior motives for doing what he did or if he just did as he pleased and only considered the consequences when they came knocking at his door. He was undeniably strong and powerful; that had to influence the way he experienced things. He didn't have to be afraid he'd make enemies along the way, he could just get rid of them when they aggravated him. She felt herself growing curious about his past, speculating about his age and what he'd been through to make him be like this.
After dinner Marcus popped in a movie and ordered her to come lie next to him. He stretched out his long body on the sofa and patted the spot between him and the sofa back. She snuggled up to him, her chin on his chest, so she could still see the TV screen. His arm snaked around her waist and pulled her even closer, while he folded his other arm under his head. They watched the movie in companiable silence, a pleasant dull feeling settling in Jessica's body.
The entire movie Marcus was keenly aware of her breasts pressing up against his side, and that only worsened after the movie had ended and there was nothing left to distract him from the feeling. It seemed like his desire had only grown stronger after realizing she'd be his soon. It's still too early. As if to make him even more uncomfortable, she moved in his arms, turning slightly towards him. Too. Damn. Early. Abruptly, he sat up. "I'd better go... do something." He disappeared into the kitchen.
Jessica made a face at the kitchen door. He is definitely getting weirder. She glanced at the clock. Just after 11 pm. Well, if he's gonna be like that, there's nothing keeping me here. She decided to turn in. Somewhat offended by Marcus' behavior, she didn't bother letting him know she was going to bed.
After about an hour Marcus joined her. Still a little bit angry about his conduct earlier, she rolled away from him when he put his arms around her to pull her into a spooning position. In spite of her irritation, she was disappointed when he didn't push matters as she'd expected him to do. Instead he cuddled up to his pillow.
Marcus was a little put off by Jessica's refusal to sleep in his arms, but he acknowledged it was probably for the best. He was running low on patience and the more he kept his distance, the better. He wondered why he strained himself so much to wait if he could just take what he wanted and then find another girl to entertain himself with. The last couple of days would have been an utter waste of time, but what were four days in an eternal life? He could give in right now and then find someone to keep around for a longer period of time.
Something about that plan just didn't sit right with him. He kind of liked Jessica and he definitely was attracted to her. Finding another girl to keep around for a longer time inevitably meant finding someone he wasn't as attracted to -- so he didn't want to have sex every time they touched. Or every time she looked at him. Or when she smiled. That would irrefutably be less enjoyable than to have Jessica around. He had some self-control, he could hold out a little longer. He just had to keep in mind that it would all be over too soon if he gave in to his need.
Sunday
Marcus woke up feeling cold. It only took him a second to recognize why: Jessica wasn't sleeping in his arms. In fact, she had moved toward the very edge of the bed and looked as though she could fall off it any second. He remembered the previous night. She had been angry with him for some reason. He couldn't quite put his finger on why that ate at him, until he realized that her anger was counter-productive; it wouldn't help him achieve his final goal -- to break her. He pointedly ignored the little voice in his head that reasoned that her ire could prove useful in maintaining the distance between them, thereby aiding him in keeping his hands to himself and providing him with more time.
The thing to do now was to mollify her. He gently pulled her back to the center of the bed so she wasn't dangerously close to the edge anymore and got up. He prepared an extensive breakfast in the kitchen, put it on a tray and carried it back to the bedroom. The sound of him kicking the door shut behind him woke her up as intended and she looked up drowsily.
"Hi," Marcus greeted her. "I'm sorry about last night. I come bearing peace-offerings."
Despite herself Jessica smiled. Her resolve to stay mad at him wavered. Besides, he was bringing her breakfast in bed wearing nothing but his boxers. She blatantly feasted her eyes on every detail of his body as he faced away from her to carefully deposit his tray on her nightstand. Food. Focus on the food. "It looks great. Thank you," she smiled at him appreciatively as he crawled back into bed next to her. "You want one of those?" Jessica offered holding up a warm croissant.
"You sure?" Marcus chuckled. "I know how cranky you can be in the morning so I wouldn't want to get between you and your food." Jessica glared at him, throwing the pastry at his head.
"See?" Marcus pointed out. "Already shooting me angry glares and throwing things at my head again."
"You deserved it," Jessica asserted. "Insulting people is a sure-fire way to make them grumpy."
"I'll remember that." He broke a piece off his croissant and held it in front of her lips. Hesitating for only a second she took his fingers in her mouth and carefully retrieved the piece of bread with her tongue. Marcus swallowed visibly and Jessica tried to rein in her hormones, aided by the sudden shrill ringing of his cell phone on the nightstand. Welcoming the distraction, Marcus picked it up. "Marcus Hamilton."
"Hamilton, it's Steve Warner. Sorry to disturb you on your day off but we have a situation here." The caller sounded agitated, which was quite unusual for him.
Warner was the head of Wolfram & Hart's Internal Control Department, which meant there were problems afoot. Marcus sat up. "Explain."
"There's some fairly compelling evidence that one of Wolfram & Hart's employees has been selling confidential files to competing firms. Also, we suspect that he's been trying to uncover the identity of the Senior Partners. We have strict instructions to inform you straight away in cases like this." Warner fell silent, waiting for Marcus' reply.
"I'll be right up. I'll have to get dressed first." Ending the call, Marcus grimaced. This was not how he wanted to spend his Sunday. He turned to Jessica. "No rest for the wicked. I won't be long."
"On a Sunday?" Jessica wondered aloud. "What can possibly be so important that you'd have to go in on a Sunday?" She was disappointed he couldn't stay and enjoy breakfast with her. Maybe there even would have been some kissing.
"Would you believe me if I told you it was a matter of life and death?" Marcus inquired drolly. Well, it is. Traitors are not tolerated in Wolfram & Hart's ranks. There was no need for Jessica to know what he was going to do though, so he refrained from clarifying his statement. He gave her a quick peck on the forehead and dove into his closet to get dressed.
Marcus entered Warner's office without knocking. "Let's get to it, shall we? Who is he?"
"His name is Patterson. Chris Patterson. 36, married, three kids, works in Research. We have pictures of him trading files for money with a staff member of Burke & Burke. Early this morning my men captured him at the airport trying to flee with his family. Both Patterson and the family are next door in the holding room." Warner paused, glancing at Marcus uneasily. "He had sensitive documents on him."
"Get to the point," Marcus demanded.
Fidgeting nervously, Warner answered, "There was information in them about the identity of the Senior Partners. We've burned the papers of course."
Marcus jerked his head around to face the other man. Narrowing his eyes he observed Warner's features thoroughly. The man wouldn't meet his stare. Damn. Marcus softened his expression and smiled. No need to alarm him yet.
Relieved, Warner smiled back. "Bring them in?"
Marcus nodded. "All of them."
Warner left the room to fetch the Patterson family. Marcus took the opportunity to sit down behind Warner's desk and go through his drawers. One of them was locked. Using his supernatural strength, he opened it. There was no evidence that Warner had written down anything about the Senior Partners' identity in it, but Marcus did find something else that held his interest: a beautiful ceremonial dagger with an engraved handle laid hidden under a stack of papers. He took it out and admired it, running his finger along the blade to test for sharpness. Satisfied, he slid the weapon into his jacket's inside pocket and waited for the family to be led in.
The door opened and revealed the Pattersons, escorted by Warner and two of his security guards. Chris Patterson was shaking violently, aware of what awaited him. His wife was constantly demanding answers to her questions from either her husband or Warner. The children were too young to realize there was something terribly wrong. Marcus noticed two of the kids were girls -- twins, about three years old, and there was a younger child in a stroller. He smiled at the little girls congenially and one of them raised her hand in a shy little wave.
"Initiate standard family sweep, Hamilton?" Warner inquired in a neutral tone.
Marcus let his eyes travel over the group in front of him. Reaching a decision, he shook his head and stood. "I want to make something clear first." He walked around the desk to stand next to Warner. "Mr. Patterson. You knew full well that Wolfram & Hart does not abide treachery. What I can't wrap my head around is the notion that nevertheless you've betrayed our trust by selling company secrets. You have anything to say for yourself?"
Patterson cast his eyes downward. "No, Sir. But my wife and children didn't do anything wrong. Please spare them."
"You were fully aware of our policy on dealing with traitors, and as such you are fully responsible for placing them in this situation. Frankly though, there is something that troubles me more than your betrayal." Marcus set to pacing in front of the group of people. "The Senior Partners' identity is the best kept secret in this company. And you've gone and uncovered it. I admire the resourcefulness and intelligence you indisputably possess but the fact of the matter is, our secret could be out on the streets. You understand?"
Patterson sighed. "I wanted some kind of insurance Wolfram & Hart wouldn't kill us when they found out about my... betrayal."
"Liar," Warner accused. "You wanted the reward."
Patterson looked confused, while Marcus slowly turned to face Warner. "Reward?"
"Yes, competing firms have offered a million dollar reward to anyone who can reveal the Partners' identity to them," Warner explained, throwing Patterson cold looks. "He just did it for the reward."
"I see," Marcus nodded and took in Patterson's perplexed face. This settles it. Moving to stand behind Warner, he retrieved the dagger from his pocket. "Mr. Patterson, Mrs. Patterson, could you please cover your children's eyes?" Mrs. Patterson quickly turned the stroller away from the scene and wrapped one of the twins in her long overcoat. Mr. Patterson took care of the other child. Suspicious, Warner tried to turn around to see what Marcus was doing, but Marcus was faster and crushed the other man's windpipe with his arm, lifting him off his feet. "Traitors die. That's the policy. Be glad you don't have a wife and children." He thrust the dagger into Warner's heart and let his dead body slide to the floor.
The uniformed security guards cocked their weapons and aimed at him. Marcus smiled slightly. "I'm sure Warner has offered to share the reward with you when you three read about the Partners' identity." They backed up to the wall as Marcus approached them. "What a dilemma. You know the Partners will most likely strike you down where you stand if you attempt to shoot me, but at the same time you know I'm going to kill you. If it makes the choice any easier I promise to make it quick."
The guards hesitated for just a moment, providing Marcus with the opportunity to pounce on them and break their necks in a matter of seconds. Patterson's wife let out a shocked gasp. Surveying the three bodies on the ground and appreciating his handiwork, he turned to the family. The man stared at the dead bodies on the floor until Marcus snapped his fingers in front of his face. "You're going to get these out of here."
Patterson swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes Sir."
"Good." Marcus saw one of the little girls peek out from under her mother's coat. Quickly drawing her attention away from the corpses on the ground, he kneeled in front of the girl, facing her. "You're a pretty girl. What's your name?"
The girl peered at him through her eyelashes and grasped a handful of her mother's coat before she answered him in a small voice. "Nicole."
"Nicole, would you do one thing for me?" Marcus smiled and stroked the girl's hair when she nodded eagerly. "Take your sister and the stroller and wait outside for Mommy and Daddy, okay?" The wife was about to protest, but Marcus got to his feet and silenced her with an icy stare. Giving in, she ushered the children out of the office, then came back to support her husband who was having trouble standing.
Marcus shook his head wryly. "Patterson, you are one lucky bastard. You're bright and inventive and you know about the Partners. Just the man I need as my personal assistant. And if I catch you so much as looking at the Burke & Burke building -- or any other competing firm -- I will have your family killed slowly and make you watch. Okay?"
"Work for you? But you... Yes Sir. I won't let you down."
Marcus chuckled. "I know you won't. Now all I want to know is whether you have told your wife about the Partners."
"She doesn't know anything. I haven't told anyone," Patterson denied vehemently. "I swear I just wanted to use the information to..."
"Blackmail the Partners into letting you and the kids leave in one piece?" Marcus finished his sentence.
Unsure of the correct answer to that, the man stayed silent.
"It's okay, Patterson. As I said before, I admire your ingenuity. I only want to stress that tattling the Partners' identity is a really, really bad idea that will inevitably lead to the gruesome and torturous death of your children, wife and yourself. In that order." From the look on the Pattersons' faces, his message was clear. "Now go and fetch those lovely children of yours."
Patterson turned to leave, then gestured to the corpses. "I just have to... get rid of --"
"I'll take care of them," Marcus interrupted him. "Go do something nice with your family and report to my office first thing tomorrow morning."
Making his way to the door leaning on his wife, Patterson looked back at Marcus over his shoulder. "Thank you. I mean... Thank you."
Marcus acknowledged him with a curt nod, then sat down in Warner's chair again as the Pattersons closed the door behind them. Why hadn't he just followed the company protocol? It was true that he could use somebody with inside knowledge about the Partners, but did he really have to bring a traitor into his inner circle? He half-heartedly contemplated following the family to their house to finish the job, but something kept him from pursuing that plan. He'd granted Patterson a second chance. Not something he'd normally do, but not something to rebuke himself for either. He'd keep an eye on the man and take appropriate action when needed.