A/N: Hello my dear readers. I am back home and doing alright. Thank you for all your thoughts, good wishes and prayers. You can look forward now to regular weekly updates. I hope you will continue to enjoy the story... the drama, I hope, will have you on the edge of your seats. (no pun intended). I am still writing the story, but I have enough chapters typed in to keep the updates coming. Please enjoy and if you can leave a review, even a word or two helps. Again, thank you for your loyalty, no one appreciates their readers more than I. All the best for a blessed day. Love, Lady Dragonsblood.
As Matt Cardona drove the small carriage toward Paris, Adam spoke. "You just remember young man, no scary stories. The gargoyles are only there to drain off the rain water. Nothing more, nothing less. They do not mysteriously blink or move."
Shane tried not to laugh, but failed. "Alright, alright. I promise, nothing scary. I don't want my big brother to beat my head in." He gave Chris a wink.
Matt Cardona chuckled. "Better not stand too close to old Stryge then." He knew all the scary tales about the gargoyles.
Adam's eyes went wide. "The one with his head in his hands with his tongue stuck out" He swallowed his nerves.
Cardona nodded. "That's the one. He tends to spit water on people. Especially after a big rain."
"Well, that would be natural, the tongue is the drain pipe. See Shane, that's how those awful stories get started." Adam spoke with confidence. Everything could be explained with simple logic.
Shane chuckled. "You don't have to take the fun out of everything. What a beautiful day. Does it ever rain in Paris?" England's weather was gloomy in comparison.
Cardona answered. "Nearly every day in April, into May. It will start again in September. Of course, sometimes we have afternoon summer showers."
"Lucky Paris. It rains a lot in London." Shane responded as they neared the city proper.
They first stopped for breakfast at a café near the grand cathedral of Notre Dame. Shane was as amazed as Adam had been. There so many kinds of breads, rolls, croissants and pastries. Also butter, jams, marmalade, pâtés and cheeses rounded out the meal. Shane drank coffee but loaded it with cream and sugar.
"How do people eat like this and not get fat?" Shane asked as he took a bite of heavily buttered croissant.
Chris laughed. "They work it off. Although, most don't eat like this every day." He took a sip of his coffee.
"I couldn't eat like this every day. But, I am going to enjoy it while I can." Adam proved his point by taking a huge bite of cherry pastry.
It made both Chris and Shane laugh. The trio happily finished their breakfast and were soon on their way to Notre Dame.
The technical name of the building was The Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris. The translation into English was The Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris. Whatever people called her, the building was the finest example of French Gothic architecture in the world.
The construction had began in 1163 and mostly finished in 1260. Through the centuries, modifications were made. During the time of the French Revolution, she was desecrated and her religious imagery was destroyed. Napoleon I was crowned in her and many Presidents of the French Republic had their funerals there. In 1831, Victor Hugo published his book, "Notre-Dame de Paris." The rest of the world knew it as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Adam had refused to read the book, he knew it had to be scary.
Cardona parked the carriage in a designated area. There were only three other carriages, but still, many people wandered around the courtyard. As usual, many artists were standing or sitting as they drew or painted the façade of the grand Cathedral.
"Cardona, where can we get one of those canvas chairs the artists use?" Chris asked. He thought Adam would be more comfortable if he could sit.
"Right over there, across the street. It is a shop that artists frequent." Matt nodded to a shop just a few feet away.
"Thank you. I am going to dash over and buy one. Then Adam can be comfortable while Shane and I wander." Chris gave Cardona a nod, and started to leave.
Orton stopped him. "Your Lordship, I will go. I don't mind and after all that is why I am here."
Chris chuckled. "Alright, thank you. Take my pocketbook, no matter the cost." He handed Orton the small pocketbook.
"Yes, your Lordship. Won't be a tick." Orton dashed across the street. He thought if a note needed to be passed, this would be an excellent chance.
Chris found Adam and Shane as Adam looked for an angle to sketch. Luckily they had not heard Chris' conversation. Adam was in for a pleasant surprise.
"This is a good angle, I can see the Chimera. I love the dragon like look." Adam had to move back a bit in order not to crane his neck too much.
Orton caught Chris' attention and went over to where the man stood with Cardona. Randy handed Chris his pocketbook. It cost three Francs, your Lordship. I got one more suitable for a taller person." He then handed Chris the folded chair. It would be easy to carry as it wasn't too heavy.
"Thank you, Orton. Look, let's be honest. Have you heard anything?" Chris gave the man a pointed look.
Randy exchanged a glance with Cardona. Matt shrugged, it was Orton's mission. "I can't say much. Go to the Louver as planned on Friday. Trust me on one thing. You, Lord Adam and Master Shane will be safe. Hopefully this will end on Friday. Now please, your Lordship, forget we spoke and enjoy your day. You are safe." Randy spoke with utter confidence. He meant exactly what he said.
Chris gave Orton a wink. "Forget what? Seriously, thank you, both of you. Now, I will surprise my husband." He held up the artists chair and went to his husband and brother.
"That is one special man…" Orton winked at Cardona, then turned serious. "There are eyes on them, but they have orders to do nothing till Friday. I am sure they want to see how you and I behave. You follow Lord Christopher and Master Shane. I am sure Lord Adam will draw for a while." Orton told Matt what he'd been told by one of Hart's men in the shop.
"Good. I will do that." Cardona gave nod and went to stand by and see what the three McMahon's would do.
Randy went to stand by as well. He was ready to stay and watch over Adam. He knew that at least two of Duke Hart's men were also on the plaza.
"Lion! Thank you! You are too good to me. Look, it even has a pocket I can put my large sketchbook in. I simply love and adore you." Adam wanted to kiss Chris, but refrained. However he would reward his husband later… in bed.
Chris did kiss Adam on the cheek. "You are welcome, my love. It is much better than standing all the time. Say, don't forget, Saint Joan de Arc's statue is inside. This is where she received her Holy mission. Alright, you draw. Shane and I are going to climb the bell tower. Orton is here if you need anything. Let me see you sit." He unfolded the chair for his husband.
Adam sat. "Oh, this is perfect. I could sit here for hours. Shoo, go have fun. Shane, mind your brother." He picked up his sketchbook and began to draw.
As Chris and Shane walked into the huge doors of Notre Dame, Cardona followed a few paces behind.
"That was really nice of you, Chris. You really do love him very much, don't you?" Shane looked at his brother as they walked.
Chris stopped walking and turned to his little brother. "Yes, Shane. I do. He fills my soul like no other could ever come close to. He loves me, and would, even if I were a chimney sweep. Others were always more interested in what my title and the name McMahon could bring them. Be aware of that, Shane, when looking for love. You know, I have never asked, but are you going to look for a husband or a wife? Which ever it is, stay wary. Make sure they want you, not the title." Chris started to walk again.
As they walked, Shane gave a shrug. "I am not sure, to be honest. Girls are very sweet and pretty and boys can be charming and handsome. I will take your advice though. I will look for the right person, girl or boy. I know I will want someone who wants Jimmy as much as I do. I want someone who will love the orphanage like Adam does. I know this, Chris. If I find half as much love as you and Adam have, I will be a lucky man."
Chris smiled at Shane. "You are a very wise young man. When did you grow up? Just remember, myself, Adam, Roman, Seth, Dean, Kenny, Natalya and Stephanie are there for you. Any more questions?"
Shane shook his head. "No, but thank you for being honest with me. I'm so… it has been a long time since we've had so much time together, and Adam just makes it even more special. Now, enough. Let's climb." They had arrived at the winding stairs that led up the north bell tower.
Chris shook his head and hurried up after his little brother. Cardona followed but at a respectful distance. He was impressed at how close the McMahon brothers were. He knew many titled families we not like that. Cardona also knew, the world would be a better place if they did.
Adam was so comfortable in his new chair, he never noticed a few fellow artists stood around him and watched him draw. Randy was right behind Adam, on full alert. Anyone of the four people watching could be Bank's people.
When Adam paused, the lone woman in the group gently cleared her throat and spoke, in English. "My dear young man, you are extremely talented. My brother owns a an art gallery in London. He would love to see your work."
Adam smiled at the lady. "Thank you, very much. Oh? Are you from London? I know a gallery owner there… well, my husband does. Mister Jerry Lawler."
"That's my brother. This my husband, Earl and my son, Brian, and his husband Michael. I am Millie Hebner. Wait… are you married to Lord Christopher McMahon? If so, you must be Lord Adam. Jerry couldn't say enough about a portrait you painted. What a small world. I am here looking for young artists to patronize." Mrs. Hebner spoke even more warmly. Randy relaxed a bit. The possible threat disappeared.
"Yes, I am Adam McMahon. Yes, I painted a portrait of my my mother and father. It is a small world It was nice to meet you all." Adam felt a bit awkward, he didn't meet strangers very well. He was very glad Randal Orton was there.
"You as well. I still think you are very talented. I will tell Jerry I met you. We are going back to London tomorrow. Have a nice day, your Lordship." Mrs. Hebner led her family away, there were more artists to see.
Adam turned to Randy. "Well, that was interesting. I am going inside now. I want to sketch the interior. Coming with?"
"Yes, your Lordship." Randy folded Adam's chair and carried it for him. He knew the carriage would be watched by one of Duke Hart's men.
As Chris and Shane stood on the walkway between the two bell towers, they looked down. "I wonder who is talking to Adam? Oh, he is going inside now." Shane observed. He had no fears as he leaned over the railing a bit.
"I am sure he will tell us. Now, say goodbye to Le Stryge. I want to go down to Adam." Chris nudged Shane.
Shane gave the stone gargoyle statue a pat. "Have fun Stryge, thank you for not spitting on me." He and Chris left the small balcony and climbed down the south tower. Ever faithful Cardona followed behind.
They found Adam as he sketched the statue of Saint Joan de Arc When Chris asked, Adam explained about meeting Jerry Lawler's sister and family.
"She is right, it is a small world. I guess you never know who you will run into in Paris. Are you ready for some tea? There is a tea wagon on the plaza." Chris asked as Adam finished up his sketch.
Adam stood and before he could do it, Orton folded the chair, ready to carry it. "Thank you. Yes love, I am ready for a cup of tea. Shane, did Stryge spit on you?" He asked with a wink as they walked out to the plaza.
Shane chuckled. "No, he behaved himself. Are you going up later? The view is incredible."
"I don't think so. I don't need to be that close. I got good vista sketches from the Eiffel Tower." Adam stated firmly. He wasn't anxious to be too near all the gargoyles.
Cardona led the three men to an outdoor seating area, with small wooden tables. They were around a wagon that sold tea and buns.
"I will fetch your tea, your Lordships, Master Shane. Buns as well?" Randy asked. After all, he was there as the Footman.
Chris looked at his husband and brother. "Buns?"
Adam and Shane shook their heads "no". Chris looked at Orton. "Just the tea, thank you, Orton. Be sure to have some and you as well Cardona. Buns too if you want. Here." Once again he pulled out his pocketbook and handed it to Orton.
Randy took the pocketbook. "Thank you, your Lordship." He left with a nod and went to the wagon.
The tea wagon was more like a café on wheels. It could easily be pulled from place to place by a large draft horse. The tea was served in delicate China cups. A scullery maid worked hard and fast washing them up between customers.
Randy paid for five cups of tea and two buns. He carried the tray and served Adam, Chris and Shane as if he were in the dining room back in London. He handed Chris the pocketbook, told him the cost, then went to sit with Cardona at the next table over.
"Had a bit of a scare when I saw that lady talking to Adam." Cardona stated as he bit into his bun.
Randy nodded. "I as well. The lady and her husband were alright, but something about the son and his husband pricked my nerves. Maybe they were just bored. The mother did seem a bit… bossy. Well, it worked out. But, it does prove that you and I must never let our guards down. On alert are the words for the day. Duke Hart's men will keep an eye on the carriage when we are with them." He sipped his tea and bit a chunk out of his bun.
"I didn't mean to make it sound like I had any doubt about you, Randy. It scared me that I was too far away to help you. Absolutely, on alert at all times. Master Shane said something about the Panthéon. We will need to stay close, it is another huge building." Cardona spoke and finished his tea and bun.
Randy smiled. "Not to worry, Matt. I know you didn't doubt me. Yes, we will stay close. I must say, the people of Paris like their buildings to be… huge." He ended with a laugh.
Cardona nodded in agreement. "Indeed they do. Just wait till you see the Louver. Your map is good, but it does not show the immense vastness." He gave Randy a pointed look.
Randy sighed. "I was afraid of that. I mean I could see it from the Eiffel Tower. No matter, I have been assured Duke Hart has it under control. Looks like our men are finished. Time be the Footman." He gave Matt a wink.
Randy took the five tea cups and tray back to the wagon. Chris, Adam and Shane discussed their plan for the rest of the day. "I'd say another hour here, luncheon, then a couple of hours at the Panthéon. I don't want us to be overtired for the Louver tomorrow." Chris spoke his thoughts.
Shane spoke up. "We could go to the Louver on Saturday, or even next week." He shrugged, he honestly didn't mind one way or the other.
"I agree." Adam stated simply.
Chris had to think fast. They had go to the Louver tomorrow. "No, tomorrow will be the best day. Cardona said Saturday is a bad day, very crowded. I really wanted to spend the weekend at the Chateaux. I thought we could return to Paris on Tuesday." He hoped he could convince his husband and little brother to stay the course.
Orton and Cardona had approached the table. Cardona spoke. "I don't mean to step in, Your Lordship, I do agree. Friday is the best day for the Louver. The weekday visitors have already been there, and the weekend visitors haven't been there. Saturday is miserably crowded. Again, I did not mean to overstep." He gave a nod with a slight bow of apology.
"Then we should stick to our plan. We can rest and relax at the Chateaux over the weekend." Adam was anxious to see the famous museum and didn't really want to put it off.
"I don't want to fight crowds to look at things. I agree with Adam. Louver on Friday. We can swim in the pool all weekend." Shane happily agreed to the plan.
Chris stood. "Agreed. We will finish out today as planned too." He looked at his husband and brother and gave a firm nod.
"I will carry this for you, Lord Adam." Orton picked up the artists chair, ready to stay with Adam as he drew.
Cardona spoke. "No, I will do it. You enjoy escorting Lord Chris and Master Shane. Your turn to sight see a bit." He thought it best to change up thinks like planned. Keep Banks' men confused.
"Thank you." Randy handed Matte the chair with a nod.
Adam laughed. "Not worth fighting over, to stand around and watch me sketch. Come on, I want to draw the stained glass windows." He took off toward Notre Dame, Chris and Shane on his heels, with Orton and Cardona following… on full alert.
Two o'clock found Adam happy as he sketched the Greek style Panthéon. The church had been built as a monument to Saint Genevieve, the Patron Saint of Paris. It was a truly beautiful building.
Inside, Chris and Shane were lost in looking at the paintings and relics. Chris was surprised and pleased that Shane enjoyed it as much as he did. Chris remembered when he was Shane's age, he would have been bored to tears. Maybe, at least in educational ways, Barrett was a good influence. Of course, that was just a small thing, any good tutor could do the same.
Orton would occasionally tell Chris and Shane something interesting about the items on display, as he read from the guide book that Chris had purchased. It was nice to be of use to the bothers.
Outside, Adam finished. "I will go inside now, thank you." He stood. Cardona folded the chair and followed Adam inside.
Adam's mouth fell open, but he quickly shut it. "So beautiful." He saw other artists scattered around. He found a place where he could sketch the front of the alter, but not block his fellow artists. Matt set up the chair, then sat on the front pew of the church, near Adam.
Matt Cardona took advantage and prayed, heart, mind and soul that all would go well tomorrow. Especially that nothing would happen to their Lordships or Master Shane.
As Randal followed the brothers, he prayed almost the same as Cardona. Randy was a man of very deep faith… he had to be with the job he had.
Adam happened to look over at Matt. The man's eyes were closed and his lips moved silently. He wondered if the Coachman was alright. He waited for Matt to open his eyes, Adam leaned over and spoke to him.
"Matt, are you alright? Talk to me, servant to servant. I know where I came from and I am not ashamed to say so." Adam spoke with deep concern.
Cardona smiled at Adam. "I am fine, your Lordship. Just saying a few words. It is the right place after all. Thank you for the concern."
"Alright. Yes, it is. I will let you get on with it." Adam returned Matt's smile.
Cardona nodded and watched Adam sketch. The man really cared about people, and didn't give a fig about status. That was also why he wanted to protect the McMahon's. The world needed progressive people in high places.
Chris and Shane found Adam. "That is incredible, Adam. You really should sell your art. You would make thousands." Shane stated as he sat on a pew.
"No, not interested in that, Shane. It do it for my own relaxation and pleasure. Maybe, one day, someone will uncover my art, but until then, it just for me and my family. I need to do the portrait of father and poppa." Adam spoke with a very firm nod.
"I can understand that. If you started drawing for money, it would add pressure." Shane gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.
"Are you ready? I thought we could shop a bit. If you want to." Chris looked at his spouse.
Adam perked. "I would like that. A walk would be nice." He put his sketchbook in his pocket. Randy folded the chair when Adam stood.
"Chris, would you mind if I waited in the carriage. Shopping is not my favorite thing."
"I will stay with him, your Lordship." Randal stated as they left the Panthéon.
"Thank you, Orton. Shane, you mind Mister Orton and do not leave the carriage. We won't be long." Chris spoke sternly to his little brother.
Shane managed to refrain from rolling his eyes. He knew Chris only wanted him safe. "I will behave, I promise."
"I will drive close to the shops." Cardona stated as he held the carriage door open for the three McMahon's.
Soon, Chris and Adam strolled up the street, arm in arm. Shane settled into the carriage and closed his eyes. Randy walked around the carriage a couple of times, then stood next to the horses and patted their noses. His eyes constantly scanned the area. He saw Hart's man, who kept him informed. Randy wondered if he had a note to pass. Well, he was not about to leave Shane.
Adam stood in front of a store that sold antiques. There was a beautiful cast iron baby crib. The reason it was beautiful were the pink roses that looked they had just been picked and stuck on. It made Adam tear up.
The blond laughed, and wiped his eyes. "I don't know why it makes me want to cry. I feel so silly." He gave a sniff, and another swipe of his eyes.
Chris smiled. "You can cry, love. It is very beautiful. Let's go in and get a closer look."
Adam shook his head. "No, we don't need it. I don't want to spend money just because I like something. One day, when we perhaps need a crib, there are the ones in the nursery back home."
Chris shook his head with a laugh. "But, if that is what you want, love, we can buy it. I can have it shipped over. We do have the money."
"No, darling. I… don't want to jinx anything. I know I am being silly, Chris." Adam pulled his husband away from the window.
Chris again linked his arm with Adam's. "You are not silly, love. Nothing wrong with the cribs at home. I mean I slept in one of them and I turned out alright."
Adam laughed. "Yes, you did. That is one thing, Melanie is too old for a crib. Chris, I want her to have her own bed. She's never had anything that has just belonged to her. I'd rather spend money on her, than a baby we may or may not have." He looked at Chris for understanding.
Chris quickly kissed Adam on the cheek. "We will decorate her room like a princess deserves. Don't worry, love. We will have babies of our own." He kissed Adam again.
Adam nearly dragged Chris into a book shop like he was a doll made of rags. Chris too was soon lost in looking at the shelves of tomes. The shop sold old books, as well as new ones, and in nearly every spoken language.
Adam picked out some new books for himself and a few children's books he could read at the orphanage. Chris picked a couple of new poetry books. He loved poetry and sometimes put them into songs He only ever sang for Adam and it would stay that way.
Chris looked at Adam's book choices. "That looks cute. The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter. I bet that one is for the children. Oh, and a new Henry James, Wings of the Dove. I might read that one myself. He is a very good author."
"Yes, he is one of my favorites. Let's see yours…" Adam paused to look at Chris' choices.
"Oh, The Oxford Book of English Verse. I hope you put some of them to music. Thomas Hardy, Wessex Poems and Other Stories. I love his writing too. This is money well spent." Adam stated as Chris paid for their items. The shopkeeper quickly but carefully wrapped them in brown paper and tied it with sturdy string.
Cardona picked up the packages. "I've got it, your Lordship." He'd been so quiet, the couple had almost forgotten he was with them.
"Thank you, Cardona. I want to find a news stand." Chris gave the Coachman a nod.
The shopkeeper spoke, in broken English. "Down the street, five doors. My brother. He has English papers, Milord." He gave a nod of respect.
"Merci." Adam smiled at the man.
The couple walked down to the news stand, Cardona a few paces behind. It was a full on shop, not a stand. The shop sold newspapers, magazines and yellow backs of crime stories, romances and other more adult subjects.
"Shane loves this one. It is the latest as well." Chris exclaimed as he picked up a copy of a science and nature magazine from America, entitled National Geographic. He also picked up yesterdays London Times and the daily Paris paper.
Adam didn't get anything, but he spoke. "I get the crossword."
"I know, love." Chris smiled as they left the shop. Cardona added Chris' purchases to the others to carry.
The newlyweds went back to the waiting carriage. Shane and Randy were talking and Wade Barrett seemed to be the topic.
"… I do like him, but as I said, he is very boring as a teacher. I hope he gets better at teaching from books. Oh, hello. Did you buy anything?" Shane sat up as his brothers returned.
"Books and newspapers. Oh, I thought you might enjoy this." Chris took the National Geographic magazine from the packages Cardona had placed on the seat.
"Thank you. I really like this magazine. Haven't read one since leaving Eaton. It used to come to the school library." Shane held the magazine like it was made of gold.
Chris grinned as he and Adam settled in for the ride back to Chateaux Mayfield. "I remembered you said you liked it. I will get you a National Geographic Society membership sometime."
"That would be nice of you. Adam are you alright? You… were you crying?" Shane asked with a bit of concern. Adam looked… different.
Adam chuckled a bit. He explained about the crib he and Chris had seen. "Don't know why I started to cry. Just silly at times I suppose."
"No, not silly." Shane wasn't sure what more to say, so he said nothing.
Cardona grinned to himself as he drove toward Chateaux Mayfield. He had witnessed the interaction with Adam and the baby crib. He of course, couldn't be at all sure, but Adam had changed a bit. His eyes had a special glow.
Mike had afternoon tea set up on the patio. The sightseers were very grateful. Randy went along as Cardona drove the carriage to the stables. One of the younger stable boys began to unharness the horses.
"We need to talk." Randy spoke quietly to Matt.
Cardona nodded. "Not here. Let's walk." He turned to the stable boy. "Going up the Chateaux. Be sure to blanket them, and give them some warm bran mash. They will be going again tomorrow." He gave his instructions as the Head of the Stables.
"Yes, sir. We will polish the carriage as well." The young man replied with a smile. Cardona returned the smile. He knew Curt would oversee things. He walked toward the Chateaux with Randy.
Randy stopped walking and looked around to make sure they were alone. When he was satisfied, he spoke. "I got another note from Duke Hart's messenger. Barrett will be at the Louver tomorrow, with the two Banks men. These two men are extremely loyal to Lady Sasha Banks and her father. Our side fears they will try to kidnap Shane tomorrow. We can not let that happen. I just wish we knew what they were planning so we know better what to look for." He gave a shrug.
Matt looked at Randy. "I know what I would do if I were Barrett. I would openly run into their Lordships and Master Shane, feign surprise and say I made a little trip with my friends. I would offer to take Shane to see some of the exhibits to give their Lordships some private time together. Knowing their Lordships, trust me, they would allow it. You said Barrett thinks your a bit of an idiot, right? So Barrett wouldn't think you posed any threat at all if you stayed with Master Shane. I don't know for sure, but that is what I would do." He too shrugged.
Randal Orton beamed at Matt Cardona. "You are a brilliant man. We could sure use your smarts and skills. I do understand your loyalty to Lady Mayfield, but…" He was halted by Cardona.
"There is something I haven't told you. Curt Hawkins and I… well, we will getting married soon. I am not about to lose that by joining your agency. I am happy and more than willing to help for now, but after this… we will just live our quiet life here, and be quite content. Sorry, I should have told you before." Matt gave Randy an apologetic smile.
Randy put a friendly hand on Matt's shoulder. "Now I understand even better. No need to apologize for loving him. I would feel the same. You do realize this mission is dangerous. Listen, if you want to back out, I promise, I would understand and bear no ill feelings." He spoke with total and complete honesty, in both tone and expression.
"Thank you. No, I promised to help and I will. As I've said, helping their Lordships and Master Shane is a way of partially repaying Auntie Pru. I would do anything for that woman, including risking my life. Curt understands that, but that is as far as it goes." Matt too spoke with honesty.
Randy nodded. "Understood. Do you think I should tell Lord Christopher?" He arched his brow.
Matt rubbed his chin. "Well, he needs to know it would be alright to let Master Shane go with Barrett. I think you could convey that, if and when it happens. He knows to trust you."
"Yes, you are probably right. I'd better get to their Lordships. After all, I am still their Footman." Randy chuckled as they began to walk toward the Chateaux again.
Chris, Adam and Shane sat in the morning room. Chris read the London Times, Adam read one of his new books and Shane poured over his magazine. It was nice to just sit there in the quiet and relax.
Their dinner had been delicious baked fish, caught in a nearby river and the vegetables were fresh from Tamina's garden. Dessert had been a cool, creamy chocolate mousse.
At nine, Shane closed his magazine and stood. "I am really looking forward to going to the Louver. This happened to have an article about some of the more famous works of art there." He held up the copy of National Geographic.
"Alright, Shane. We will have breakfast here first. Sleep well. I love you, little brother." Chris hugged Shane as he too stood.
Adam also stood. "Sleep well, Shane, I love you, goodnight." He hugged and kissed Shane.
"Love you two, too. Goodnight, sleep well." Shane took his magazine and left the room.
Chris looked at his husband. "You ready to go up?" He asked in a husky voice. It was clear that sleep was not on his mind.
Adam smirked. "More than ready, my mighty Lion." He wiggled his brows at Chris. The couple couldn't get up to the third floor fast enough.
Mike Mizanin smirked as he saw the couple all but run up the stairs. He went in to quickly clear the morning room. He chuckled, well after all, the couple were still on their wedding trip. He quickly finished, he and Maryse were going to have a private, quiet cup of tea in his sitting room.
Upstairs, Shane slept soundly. One floor above, Chris and Adam made frantic, passionate love.
In his room, Randal Orton once again poured over the map of the Louver and its plaza. He memorized ever possible way in and out. If everything went to plan, Wade Barrett would soon be out of the picture.
