Happy Anniversary Eva!
Feeling her rage burning hotter with each step she takes, Elena storms into Enzo's office, guns blazing. Her face tells him all he needs to know, she's lit. She marches forward till her face is just inches from his. "What on earth were you thinking? Do you have no little faith in me at all? Clearly you don't think I can handle myself? Seriously Enzo, you really thought I, of all people, would need to be rescued from Detective Salvatore?"
"Elena..."
"Stop right there," she demands when he takes a step back. "Do you have any idea how embarrassing it was for me and for Caroline too that she had to interrupt to tell me that I had to be a good little girl and come home with my tail between my legs? I'm going to say this only once. Never do that again."
After giving him another lethal glare, she stands upright, arms crossed over her chest while she waits for him to respond.
Enzo tries to stay calm but he didn't think she'd be this pissed, boy does he know now that he threw gasoline on a lit fuse. "Sorry, I..."
Before he can finish, the door to her office opens and Elijah peeks into the room. "Sorry to interrupt but we do have business to discuss."
Elena looks incredulously at her assistant. "You called Elijah? I cannot believe you!"
Enzo straightens. "Granted I didn't expect the second eruption of Vesuvius but you should know by now that I'll do whatever is necessary to ensure your safety."
Elena waves him off and follows Elijah into her office. She slams the door harder than necessary.
Elijah sits at the coffee table, looks up at her and does a double take, as soon as he really notices her attire. His eyebrows raise and his mouth forms an o. "Do I want to know what you're doing? If... of course you even know yourself."
Elena returns his look defiantly. "I merely had a lunch with Detective Salvatore. And Enzo had to ruin it," she sits across from her lawyer, unconsciously trying to lower the skirt of her dress a bit.
Elijah gives her a small smile. "Just so you know, I'm here for business, not to scold you. I would have waited a bit longer but he thought you needed an excuse to escape."
Elena rolls her eyes but is sort of relieved Elijah doesn't seem to see it as a big deal. "You all act like I'm a damsel in distress, some Rapunzel stuck in a tower... You all know better than that or at least you should. I can take care of myself."
Elijah looks amused. "Did you think I came all the way over here to lecture you?"
"I... I don't know. I didn't know if you'd be angry, and I know it goes against your instructions..." When he nods his head just slightly, she continues, "I mean, you haven't told me what to do or rather what not to do but in this case..."
"Elena," Elijah tells her patiently, "you're not that little girl anymore... They all care about you and sometimes they forget that little detail. And yes, you are free to make your own decisions. I can only caution you to be careful. You know by now that I'll be here whenever or wherever you need me, but with that said, I'm not your dad... And you're the boss."
Elena's smile widens. "Okay then as long as you understand who's in charge here."
When he nods with a hint of a smirk, she laughs, "Lets get down to business."
"How was it?" Ric asks the moment Damon steps through the door at their Jungle headquarters.
Damon bites his lower lip as he gives it some thought. "Surprising, sexy, shockingly pleasant."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Well, did you find out what she wanted? Did you find anything new? Did you see the bill?"
"Chill Ric!" Damon laughs. "And to answer your barrage, no, no and... no."
"Oh, c'mon, do I need to get Meredith to inject some truth serum?"
"You can try," Damon winks pretending he's done with this conversation. "Seriously," he laughs which annoys Ric even more. Damon knows exactly which of his friend's buttons to push to get a rise out of him. He's having way too much fun to drop it. "Shit Ric, you make it too easy."
Ric rolls his eyes trying to cover his frustration. "You seem to be in a good mood."
Damon winks at him again, sits behind his desk and finally starts talking.
"So," Ric sums up eventually, "Do you really expect me to believe that the two of you chit chatted about your teenage years?"
"No, not just that... Surprisingly enough, she's very down to earth, I mean if you can forget about the fact that she's in charge of everything that goes on here," he gestures around himself.
Ric is shocked to say the least but before he has a chance to pry anymore information out of Damon, the door opens and Luka steps into the room.
"Hey," Ric greets him. "Do you want to share your love life with us too?"
After spending the next couple of hours over business, discussing new ventures, reconstruction and a claims from a disgruntled ex-employee, their conversation veers into the other, more pleasant topics. Elena has many plans for the future of her casino, she wants to do some remodeling, replace some of the slot machines and carpets as well as some other renovations, maybe even add some suites for her more affluent clientele.
"I'm thirsty, you?" When Elijah nods agreeably, she picks up her phone and asks room service to send up a pitcher of ice tea and some glasses. She hangs up the phone then stands up for a few seconds to stretch her limbs before sitting back down. "Something on your mind?" she asks when it appears like he's in deep thought.
"Father's birthday is next month, mother is planning a big party, you know how he likes to feel important?"
Elena chuckles. "Of course, I suppose you're helping out to make sure it's epic for him," she pauses when there's a knock on the door, immediately Bonnie opens it to let the wait staff in with their drinks. After thanking him, she pours them each a glass and takes a long pull from it. "So do you have any big plans for the party?"
"Oh yes, I have lots of good ideas namely that you'll accompany me?"
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it. If you need some help, contacting suppliers, catering, anything, just let me know."
Elijah bows his head. "I will do that, thank you for the offer." He checks the time and starts putting the files back into his briefcase.
"Elijah?"
He looks up questioningly.
"I... Um... have you found out anything about Detective Salvatore's past?"
Elijah keeps his face impassive and resumes packing.
"Not much although I do think it's quite strange that no one seems to know anything about his past. My logical side tend to believe nothing is there but... then again, why the secrecy if there's nothing to hide, just call it a hunch." He stands up and nods. "To satisfy my own curiosity as well as yours, I fully intend to keep digging and if I find something, you'll be the first to know. And you'll do the same, alright?"
Elena gives him a small smile, "Okay..."
Once he's out the door there's a short knock. "Come in, Enzo," Elena doesn't bother to look up as she has no doubt it's her assistant trying to make things right between them.
Enzo walks through the door bringing with him another pot of coffee however he decides that he better give her a little space or it'll only make things worse between them. She looks up at him, her lips tightening immediately when she notices Kai trailing behind him, the ever present smirk on his face.
"Oh, don't tell me he called you too!?" she cries out indignantly.
Enzo stiffens and hurries out of her office as soon as he sets the coffee tray down.
Kai chuckles. "Who's got your panties in a twist?"
"Do you want something?" she glares, leveling with a stare that could send a ship to its watery grave.
"Well, now that you mention it, I wanted to ask what time you want to go home, two of Kol's men didn't show up so he's busy covering their spots so I need to help out."
"When are you finished?"
"Later. I'll just drop you off at home and then I'll come back."
"I should have taken my car. I can call a taxi though."
Kai shakes his head. "Nope, you're the boss, let us spoil you."
"Yes, and watch me 24/7 I know," she adds sarcastically.
Kai rolls his eyes. "Look, it's a habit. I know we can be overbearing now and then..."
"Yes, you can. Enzo on daily basis."
"He didn't call me!" Kai raises his hands in defense. "Although I did happen to notice you chose an interesting guest to join you for lunch. And an interesting dress as well...," he gives her a closer look.
"Alright, stop ogling me and wait with Enzo. I've had enough of all of you today. I'm going home now, before you all drive me crazy."
Kai laughs and stokes her flames with a teasing wink, he leaves her office to give her some privacy.
As soon as Elena finishes cleaning off her desktop, they leave the office. Enzo casts a chastened look at her but Elena decides to ignore him, rationalizing it in her mind by telling herself that he needs to know he crossed a line today. She feels a bit self conscious when she notices the looks she's attracting as they walk through the gaming area. Rather than give them reason to gossip, she does what she's always done, holds her head high and slips her mask in place, the one that displays the self confidence of a ruthless businesswoman.
Kai knows her poses well and straightens up, warning off those rubberneckers with his frown.
"Miss Gilbert."
They both stop in their tracks and turn to Detective Salvatore, both caught off guard by his presence. "Detective," Elena breathes out, trying to comprehend the fact it's only been a few hours since she was enjoying a nice lunch and conversation with him.
"Are you leaving already?" Damon looks at them contemplatively. If she didn't know any better she would almost think it bothers him.
"We are," Kai beats her with a reply.
"I think I've done enough work for the day and I feel a headache coming, Kai is taking me home." How does she owe him any explanation? Surprisingly, to answer her own question, she doesn't want him to jump to the wrong conclusion.
"If you're busy at the casino Mr. Parker, I can give your boss a lift," Damon stretches politely.
"That's incredibly generous of you, detective, but it won't be necessary."
Damon nods and decides to back off, Kai seems a little on edge, as does everyone of her cohorts when he approaches their boss. Unbelievable. However before they can continue on their way out, Kai's cell beeps with a message.
"Oh crap," he curses when he reads it. "Will you hold on for a half hour or so? They caught a guy trying to cheat at the craps table. He brought in some counterfeit money, Kol's going to call the police. I suppose you don't do counterfeiting and theft?" he turns to Damon with the last line.
Damon slowly shakes his head. "Detective Martin is still here. He can be of assistance, holding onto the guy until a squad car gets here to take your perp to headquarters. It's not our department but we're still police officers."
Elena sighs and turns to go back to her office. Damon stops her with a gesture. "I can still take you home, I'm on my way to headquarters anyway, I can drop you off."
She's not sure why but she nods after hesitating a few moments. Kai really doesn't look happy but he is not protesting either. Damon makes a quick call to Luka, telling him to meet Kai in the craps area right away. Kai gives him a subtle nod then takes his leave.
"Well?" Damon gives her a crooked smile and with a sweeping gesture adds, "After you, ma'm..."
Elena would give him a quick-witted retort if only her head would stop spinning.
It's been a few days since Bonnie has spoken a word to him but now...
"What are you doing, Enzo?" she comes closer laying her hand on his forearm. Her face is a picture of confusion.
"What you mean?" he's not sure what she's asking.
"Why are you so determined to protect Elena from the detective? Isn't it a good thing if he solves Jeremy's case quickly? Unless..."
She has his full attention now. "Listen to me, don't you ever hint that she might be involved in it at all. She's a good person. Just leave her and it well enough alone."
"Enzo!" she pulls out her hand from his grasp as he captured it to give his words weight. "You're hurting me," she studies him. "Do you... do you know something? Did she...? You think she might ha..."
"I don't think anything of the sort," he interrupts her harshly. "And you know nothing either. Just leave it and her alone," he repeats but Bonnie's not one to be taking orders. And she knows him.
Yes, he does know something and no she won't leave it alone. It's time for her to find out who Elena Gilbert really is.
The drive to Elena's house is quiet. She doesn't tell him where to go and isn't at all surprised when he navigates without any directions from her, slowing down when it comes into view. Damon hasn't seen it before but knows the address from her police file. It's quite something from the outside, it has to be magnificent on the inside.
"You can park into the driveway, I'm not expecting any company."
Damon pulls into it, turns off the engine and looks at her. She can't decipher what he's thinking, the intensity of the gleam in his icy blue eyes gives her shivers.
"Thank you for the lift... Damon," she adds with a short pause.
He nods, turning his eyes away, clearing his throat. "No problem. You should take something before your headache gets more painful. I will admit I'm having the same problem since this case started."
Elena frowns, trying to find a hint of accusation in his words but comes up empty, there are none. He's just... tired. Frustrated maybe. But he isn't saying it's her fault. At least she doesn't think so. She knows she should get out of the car so he can be on his way but still, it feels like there's something unsaid between them.
And neither of them will say it.
"Would you...," she swallows thickly and the detective turns back to her. "Would you like to have a drink? I mean... some sort of refreshment, no alcohol of course," she hurries to specify while perfectly aware she's probably babbling. "Sorry, I guess that's inappropriate." She quickly opens the door to get away but is stopped by his voice.
"I'd love to have something cool to drink, the heat today is almost unbearable." He's not exactly happy with his lack of wit, it usually helps him in difficult situations but here... There's no time to question his own motives, so he just gets out of the car and follows her. The house is as opulent as he expected but it's still elegant and tasteful. It sits on a huge lot, he has to wonder how many acres it encompasses. He pauses to look out over the city before following inside.
"Nice place you have here," he mentions as he looks around, impressed with the considerable size of the rock fireplace and the huge TV, it must be at least 60 inches. The furniture looks comfortable, he's actually in awe. When he sees her doll collection he has to smile, the big bad Elena Gilbert likes dolls. "You really don't strike me as an outdoor person but you have all these National Park posters."
"Well, Detective Salvatore, I do happen to love being outside. Have you ever been to Yosemite or Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon?"
"No, but those places are my bucket list," he laughs and follows her to the kitchen. She doesn't ask what he wants to drink, always confident she knows what others want, and he's watching as she prepares two delicious looking drinks consisting of fruit, a blend of pineapple and orange juice, some ice cubes and soda. She hands him one and he feels a jolt when her fingers brush against his. Damon gives her a nod of thanks then trails after her to the living room. She opens the big glass door and settles on the couch while gesturing for him to take a seat as well.
"I realize it's a little awkward," she starts surprising him again. "But I think some things need to be addressed for us to move on..."
"Move on?" Damon's not sure where this is going but for some reason he takes it seriously.
"Yes, we don't need to move... somewhere, just get over this... tension that is always there."
He finally gets it and almost smiles. Is she really that innocent? "I'm not sure we can do that."
Elena looks confused, isn't it what he wants too?
Damon looks around and makes himself comfortable on the couch next to Elena. He sips from his drink and it's, unsurprisingly, delicious. "I probably shouldn't be here, but I was curious. You're a woman of contradictions. I wanted to know what your home says about you."
"And what did you find, detective?"
"I thought we were past that," he gives her a look. "I can see you're a private person, you value it and you probably wear a mask except when you're here, in your sanctuary. I'm surprised that you don't have a pet or do you?"
Elena looks aside. "No pet. I don't have time to give one the care and attention that it would deserve." And the one she had before didn't exactly fare very well.
"I don't have one either. A dog needs more time and energy than I can give and a cat is better suited for a house like this. I used to have a dog when I was a kid."
Elena's heart skips a beat. Is he talking personal things? "How about your little brother? Does he have a pet?"
"We always had a pet in the house. But for whatever reason a little boy might come up with, Stefan chose a rat, it drives my mother crazy," he chuckles. "But he has to be careful with it since he has a cat too."
Elena realizes how easy is for them to just drop everything and have a friendly conversation. Sadly, he'd have to stop being a cop and she a club owner suspected of murder... A suspect can hardly be friends with the investigating detective, let alone more... She shakes off such thoughts, wanting to enjoy their truce while it lasts.
"It wouldn't drive me crazy," she answers, "I always loved such creatures. I even made my dad keep a mouse that he caught in a trap one time, he even got into the habit of removing Daddy Long Legs from the house instead of killing them. However there was a Black Widow once that he squashed. I was so mad at him till he explained their venom is poisonous."
"That doesn't surprise me in the slightest."
"What is that supposed to mean?" she protests but she can see his eyes smiling. Or is it just an optical illusion?
He finishes his drink and stands up. Walking around the couch he bends over the back of it and puts his mouth to her ear. Elena's taken aback, he's as close as he can be without touching her, the adrenaline of the near touch causes her heart to thump wildly.
"I think, Elena, you and I are more similar than you may believe. And I think it's impossible for us to move on from this tension. Not unless...," he moves even closer, his breath falling on her lips and for a moment she thinks he may kiss her. But then he brushes his lips over her face, leaving a hot path in their wake. "See you tomorrow."
Elena only starts breathing again when she hears the door snap behind him.
I'm going to hell. It's the only thing Damon can think about on his drive back to police headquarters.
He's confused. And scared, his belly hurts from crying so hard. He didn't mean for anyone to get hurt. He didn't want to do anything bad... But he probably did. Why else would he be here instead of at home with his parents and his sister, eating dinner and talking about how much fun it'll be when they go to the seaside next week?
He crawls deeper behind the pile of old clothing in the basement. They're probably looking for him right now, but even though he's scared, he doesn't want them to find him so he stays as quiet as a mouse only an occasional quaver of his tear thickened throat escapes. Who are all these people that are suddenly telling him what to do, when to do it and how he's expected to behave? The other children are mean. They push him around, kick his shins, call him names and when they're not doing that, they act like he isn't even there.
Why did they leave him here? They have to come back right? If he's good, if he tells the people he wants his mommy, they'll call her and she will take him home... won't she?
He starts crying again, very quietly so no one will hear. It has to be his sister's fault, she must have told their parents he did something bad to her. She always does that, they always believe everything she says... even if it's not true.
It takes some time before he calms down enough to slither out from behind his hiding place and very quietly goes to join the others.
He must be good.
And then his mom will come back for him.
Eva and I want to thank you all so very much. You're such an awesome and incredible bunch. We are truly grateful for all of your support.
Thank you to my sister Eva. I love you to pieces. I hope you have a terrific anniversary.
Chapter title: "Play the Game' by Queen.
'Ripples of Fear' updated yesterday.
I hope you all have a safe and an incredibly wonderful day. We'll see you next week.