Disclaimer: I do not own The Riddles of Epsilon.
Note: Yes, I know it's short, and yes, I know it's been longer than I thought it would be, but I just think that I should end this chapter here since a lot is revealed. Hope you enjoy it despite it's length.
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"She didn't believe it," James stated emotionlessly. "A rock wouldn't have believed it."
Jess was peeking in a window and saw him sitting in a chair at the kitchen table, leaning it back on two legs. Lillian was washing dishes and Trevor was leaning against a counter. His face was hard.
"You didn't give us much warning."
James laughed, but the sound was devoid of humor. "I believe your employer told you to always be ready."
Trevor grunted.
Lillian slammed a dish into the sink. "Sir, I am sorry, but I warned you. I am not an actress and the only reason I am here is because my husband made a deal with your master! Next time you want people over for dinner, tell them I am sick. I am going to bed now. Goodnight." And with that, she left the room.
Jess gasped and, realizing what she had done, covered her mouth. James' head turned slowly to look out the window and Jess ducked out of sight.
"I'm sorry about that," Trevor said, staring at James with his arms folded across his chest.
"It's fine. This will work with or without her," James murmured.
Trevor nodded. "Is there anything you need, sir?"
James' eyes left the window reluctantly. "Not now. Go speak with your wife."
Trevor nodded again and walked out of the room.
Soon after, James disappeared, too.
Employer? Master? Sir?! What was all that about!? Jess got quietly to her feet and ran all the way back to her room.
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James stood in the cottage of Epsilon. "Hello?" he called out. When he received no answer, he sat lazily in a chair and began to speak to the emptiness. "I can't help but think you chose the wrong people for my parents. She just-"
Two bright eyes grew into a body… the body of Epsilon. "You idiot! She was there! Now she is suspicious. Now she won't trust you!"
James got to his feet with cat-like grace and turned to face him. He growled lowly, then said, "You should have told me she was going to be bothersome, master." He said the last word with intense sarcasm.
Epsilon did not look pleased, but he decided to let the younger being finish before giving his own tirade.
"That woman you chose is the only reason Jess was there at all. Why aren't you off bothering her?"
"I believe you took care of that, though it was not your place to do so. And what are you going to do about Jess? What is your plan for her? She's your assignment! You must not fail! Well? What is your plan?" Epsilon replied, his voice rising as he spoke.
James knew Epsilon was expecting him to back down, but what he did was smirk and step close to his 'master.' "She will trust me. She will have no choice," he whispered, his eyes shimmering unnaturally. "And then I will get my reward."
The two stared each other down, both trying to intimidate the other, and both failing. Then James grinned. "I'll report back tomorrow… if I'm not too busy being trusted by Jess." He knew it was a foolishly brave remark, but he was using Epsilon's need of him to the utmost advantage. He turned on his heel and walked arrogantly out of the cottage.