Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 47
Chloe broke into his thoughts. "That didn't come out quite right. What I meant was I went to Uni in England. I pretty much know the interesting spots whereas you being Belgian-Italian might not."
Matt was satisfied with the answer and pleased with the fact Chloe had taken the time to look him up. However, before he got too pleased with himself, Chloe explained she had read his bio a few weeks back in a magazine article.
Matt flushed. Here he was thinking Chloe might be interested in him when….
Chloe cut across Matt's thoughts once again. "I accept your invitation Matt. Dinner would be nice. I'm in Suite 414."
"Wonderful. I'll pick you up at 8:00. Since you know London so well, I'll let you choose the restaurant. Should be fun."
"I look forward to our night out. Thanks for your time Matt. I'll see you tonight."
You're welcome Chloe, and I look forward to our night out as well. I'll see you at 8:00. In case you change your mind, I'm in Suite 212. Just ring me."
"I won't change my mind Matt. See you later."
Matt sat quietly revisiting his and Chloe's conversation. Now that he had his first date in six years scheduled, his nerves were on edge. All he could hope was he didn't misread any signals and make an arse of himself.
"Excuse me Mr. Lozio. I'm here to pick up the contracts. I was here earlier but you were having a conversation."
"Thank you Paul. No harm done."
Matt went back to the work on his desk, but his mind was now wandering to Suite 414 at The Luxe.
/
A/N: *Contraceptus is an original spell made up by me.
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 48
/*/
Gas had gone back and forth with Alexander Dalca who obviously recognized the support he and his company had let slip through their fingers. The arrogant wizard was adamant about speaking with Mr. Lozio, Mr. Lozier and Mr. Maida to rectify the situation going as far as to promise adherence to MCC rules. After earlier crossly chastising Matt for his stance, Gas made a tentative decision on his own and set a meeting for 11:00 am Friday.
As soon as he completed the call with Dalca, Gas hurried to find Matt and Emilio sure they would rip his head from his neck when he shared what he'd done. Before that though, Gas spoke with Ezra advising him to get everything ready for a meeting with Alexander Dalca which he had set for the next morning.
Ezra was surprised and not surprised. Gaspare Maida was coming back to himself. Gas might seem like a laid back wizard, but was like a wolf when he latched onto something he thought needed to be rectified. Although he wouldn't say it out loud at the moment, Ezra too thought the Romanian Holdings matter could be turned back their way with a bit more oversight. He and the rest of FF were as much a part of MCC as The Beasts. They didn't like to lose. "Alright Gas. I'll get everything ready. Just in case."
Gas found Emilio first and asked he accompany him to Matt's office. Which he did. Emilio didn't comment but thought he knew exactly what this was about. Being an intelligent wizard, he would remain silent until he was asked to speak.
Matt was in a cheery mood. He'd had his visit from Chloe and a date for that evening as well. He had a cheery smile on his face when Emilio and Gas stepped into his office and Gas closed the door.
Glancing from Gas to Emilio, Matt put his pen down before leaning back in his chair remarking in an equally cheery voice. "You two won't get anything accomplished if you keep running me down."
Emilio rolled his eyes in Matt's direction but remained silent because he didn't know why
Gas needed a meeting.
Gas spoke. "We're-I'm not running you down Matt. I've done something I need you and Emilio to know about."
Matt straightened up in his chair. "Sounds ominous Gas. Just what is it you've done? I'd hazard a guess, but it can't be what I think. Explain please."
Glancing from Emilio to Matt, Gas came right out with it. "I've accepted a meeting with Alexander Dalca. I'll need you and Emilio to sit in with me. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:00."
Matt let out a sigh as did Emilio. Both were thinking the same thing. They thought this matter was closed. Before Emilio could voice his opinion, Matt had something to say.
"It seems we are going round and round Gas. Wasn't it just this morning you accused me of acting like Draco making unilateral decisions without consulting the rest of the team? It would seem decisions are only unilateral if I decide to make them."
Leaning forward in the chair, Gas huffed at his CEO. "I didn't accuse you of anything Matt. I simply made a statement. After having an extended conversation with Dalca, it is my belief he understands what needs to be done to get back into our good graces. I'm asking my CEO and COO to sit in. I'd like Ezra there as well."
The room was quiet for several seconds then Matt spoke. "Since this should be a team decision, I'd like to hear from you Emilio."
"I don't think I'm the person you want to hear from at this moment for various reasons. However, I'll defer to any decision you and Gas make. I will make one point Gas. If you ever want to make another unilateral decision after the matter has been sorted, don't. Instead, take a pill, swallow a potion, go sit on the toilet, or go home, but don't go around the back of me and Matt." Rising from his chair, Emilio added a few more comments before excusing himself. "Unless you and Matt come to a different conclusion, I've already said my piece. Alexander Dalca won't willingly be getting anymore of my time. Let me know when this has been settled. Perhaps tomorrow I'll have an away day."
Matt continued gazing at the door after Emilio left. Gas was becoming a bit uneasy wondering if he'd pushed too hard.
"Matt."
Matt held up a hand. "I might have expected this from Ezra but not from you Gas. Let me rephrase because I wouldn't have expected this from Ezra. You, Emilio and I came to a conclusion. The matter was settled to what I thought was our satisfaction. Now I'm hearing that Dalca has convinced you of his sincerity through an extended telephone call. It seems no matter which way I turn, I'll be thought of as some arsehole who can be manipulated."
"That's not..."
Matt pushed on not allowing Gas to continue. "While I applaud our top men for trying to move our company forward, I detest going back on my word and I don't like being circumvented. Was Ezra involved in this? If he was, I'll let him go faster than you can blink."
"Ezra wasn't involved Matt. I set the meeting on my own."
"Good. I definitely don't want to lose a good wizard over bullshite. Here's where I stand. Neither myself nor Emilio will attend. You and Ezra can take the meeting. If you come to terms with Dalca, you and Ezra will see it through. You and Ezra will go to Romania to follow up. I won't allow any of the remaining FF to get involved. I've said what I have to say Gas. If you'll excuse me, I have contracts to review. If I were you, I'd keep Emilio's advice in mind. Before making decisions that could feasibly come around and bite you in the arse, take a pill, swallow a potion, go sit on the toilet, or go home, but don't go around my back or his. I've been reasonable this time but if something of this sort happens again, you won't like the response. Please close the door on your way out."
"Matt?"
"There's nothing more to say Gas. Do what needs to be done."
/*/
Matt was furious inside. Furious and disappointed. He was certain if Draco had still been in charge, there wouldn't have been any question of giving Alexander Dalca a second chance never mind a third. Gas would have to learn actions have consequences even if it meant him spending time in Romania leaving Seana and Evan home alone.
After his internal meltdown dissipated, Matt opened his office door then went about his work. Emilio stopped by briefly to say goodnight not mentioning anything about Gas. Matt wasn't long behind his cousin. He needed time to unwind. He had a date with the lovely Chloe Knight and wanted to present a calm exterior.
/*/
After finishing with his client, Theo decided to stop by to check on the three family compound mini mansions. Theo didn't doubt everything was up to snuff, but he was a stickler for perfection. If he was charged with selling a property, it would be done correctly. Besides, the catalyst for the whole thing would be touring her new home on Tuesday. Theo didn't want any muck ups.
As he walked the properties, Theo thought about his deceased mate Draco. He would have had a shite fit and fell in it if anyone had mentioned selling and breaking up Malfoy Manor. Theo chuckled to himself. Never mind Draco. Lucius Malfoy would have had a breakdown of vast proportions and had to be checked into the Janus Thickey ward for care. Shrugging, Theo completed his walk through of Hermione and Emilio's new home confirming everything was ready. Hermione, Scorp and Emilio could move in the next day if they chose. Closing the gate behind him, Theo thought Emilio Lozier would probably still be Minister of Acquisitions in Milan dating Italian witches if Draco hadn't died. He shrugged again. "Life is what it is. On to the next property."
/*/
Scorp was beside himself with joy when Emilio Apparated in. He ran towards Emilio then turned to run back towards Hermione. "It's Meelio mum. It's him. He's here. Hi Meelio. You didn't come. Mum said you had business. I was sad."
Emilio grinned at Hermione over Scorp's head. "Good evening Mrs. Hermione. Good evening little man." He said, heading directly for Hermione to leave a kiss on her cheek before turning back to leave a kiss on Scorp's forehead.
Scorp was ecstatic and had to be told to calm down. "I'm calm mum but I'm happy too."
Emilio hung his suit coat before heading to the fridge to get a Guinness while Scorp watched his every move. Whispering to Hermione, Emilio spoke a few naughty things promising to follow up after Scorp went to bed before taking a seat beside Scorp on the couch. Scorp let out a long sigh as he leaned in against Emilio. To him, things were now as they should be.
Emilio heard snickering coming from the kitchen and asked what was funny.
"We are out of beef brisket so mum had to make chops." Hermione replied.
Remembering the conversation, Emilio laughed at the bit of humor. He had asked mum for chops for him and Scorp and she had made it so. Scorp didn't really know what was going on but his mum and Meelio were laughing so he laughed too.
/*/
Hermione received a well done on dinner from Emilio and a second from Scorp. After dinner, Hermione and Emilio listened to Scorp chatter away until it was time for bed. When Dusty came to collect him, he was tired enough to go without being told twice.
"Goodnight mum. Goodnight Meelio. Come back tomorrow, okay?"
Emilio gave Scorp a little reminder. "I'll definitely see you tomorrow because you, me and mum are going to see my mum and dad. It will be a nice, little adventure."
"Yay," replied a sleepy Scorp. "I like 'ventures. Jump me up Dusty. I'm too tired to walk."
"Okay little mister. Dusty be jumping you up the stairs."
Ten minutes later, Hermione went up to check on her boy and found him fast asleep. It was now fiancee and fiance time.
/*/
"Is it time for cuddling now Mrs. Hermione?" Asked Emilio, running his hand through Hermione's hair.
"It's always cuddle time when you're sitting next to me Mr. Lozier."
Emilio felt his heart swell. After all those years of loving this witch, he was here with her listening to the words of love he had always wished to hear. She was his. He was hers. All was as it should in his life and there wasn't a day that went by he didn't thank Merlin for certain things. Although he would never speak it out loud, one of those things was Draco Malfoy killing himself.
"Hey handsome. A penny for your thoughts. I'm wrapped up in your arms, but your mind seems somewhere far away. Has the bloom already left the rose even before we are married? This doesn't bode well for our future." Hermione remarked, giving Emilio's arm a slight nudge.
"Funny Mrs. Hermione. Whatever bloom you are referring to will never be off the rose if the rose is you. My mind did drift for a moment. Matt and I had an appalling day, but that has nothing to do with you. I'm here with you. That's where my mind should be."
Emilio had told a small lie because he definitely wouldn't tell Hermione he was sitting there thinking how grateful he was that Draco had killed himself.
Pulling Emilio's face around so she was looking in his eyes, Hermione kissed him. Gently cupping her chin, Emilio kissed her back and the mood became serious. Rubbing his lips against Hermione's cheek, he whispered in her ear.
"I love how you love me Hermione."
Hermione went silent for several seconds once again reminding herself how lucky she was to have a second wizard who would love her and Scorp until the ends of their lives. She replied to Emilio. "Thank you for waiting for me and coming back into my life."
Those words. Her words were inflaming Emilio to the point he would have liked nothing better than to slip off her jeans right there on the couch in the middle of the living room and make love. But that would have to wait, his fiancee had asked a question.
"Why was you and Matt's day appalling? Nothing serious I hope."
Emilio left a kiss in the crook of Hermione's neck before responding. "It was serious and it wasn't."
"That sounds ….. interesting. Is it something you can share?"
"This is our time love. Are you sure you want to hear what your brother pulled today?"
"Harry? What has he done now?"
Emilio laughed. "Yes. The way things are I'd think it was Harry as well. In this case, Harry gets a pass. You do have a lot of brothers."
"Just tell your story git." Hermione replied with a grin.
Emilio complied. "I'm speaking about your other brother Gas. Today he did something unexpected. He circumvented both Matt and I after the three of us had made a decision."
"Really? That doesn't sound like Gas. Draco always spoke highly of him."
Not wanting Draco's name brought into the conversation, Emilio replied with a hint of sharpness in his voice. "It might not sound like Gas, but it is what he did."
Hermione leaned back and gazed into Emilio's eyes. "If this isn't something you care to share, let's not discuss it. I'd rather regale you with tales of your someday son."
Realizing why Hermione had changed the subject, Emilio grabbed her hands in his and kissed them both. "My apologies love. The sharp edge of my tongue was not meant for you. It was concerning the situation. However, you're right. I don't care to discuss it. I'd rather be regaled by Scorp's antics. Agreed?"
"Agreed love. I'll preface this by saying, at the time it happened I didn't think it was funny, but relating it later to Hannah we laughed like we were mad. Yesterday morning I shared our engagement news with Seana and Gas who were delighted for us. While Gas was congratulating me, Scorp pipes up, congratulate me too Uncle Gas. Meelio is marrying me too. After a laugh, Gas congratulated Scorp. As a bit a humor, Gas promised he and Seana would be glad to babysit for us when we had a baby. After he said it, I held my breath that Scorp hadn't heard him. No such luck. From that moment on, Scorp insisted we had to let you know we would be getting a baby. I finally had to get firm with him. Anyway, I'm sure he'll have questions so don't be surprised."
Pulling a face, Emilio let out a loud chuckle as he pulled Hermione to him. "I want a baby mum. Can we have one please? Uncle Gas has one and Uncle Harry is getting one. I really, really want one."
Suddenly in a fit of giggles herself, Hermione gave Emilio a pinch. "There'll be no baby talk in this house."
"Can we talk about it when we move into our new home? I don't mind."
Hermione was now full out laughing. "Alright Scorp the second. You can stop now. I will say one last thing on the subject. Be ready when Scorp asks about us getting a baby."
/*/
After settling down, Emilio asked Hermione if he could escort her to the new bedroom so they could have a bit of private time. "A reminder that we will be visiting my parents this weekend where there will be less than zero privacy. Going three whole days without making love with you is not something I want to think about. We should make use of the privacy we have now."
"I concur. As I've mentioned in the past, you don't have a corner on that market Mr. Lozier. Let's make use of our time." Hermione replied, reaching over to grab Emilio by the hand.
They walked to the new bedroom hand in hand.
Emilio offered one last bit of humor before closing the door behind him. "I'll try not to make a baby."
Hermione offered her own bit of cheek. "Good to know future husband because we're not ready for Scorp two."
"Yes. There's that." Emilio responded with a grin across his face. "We'll definitely have to prepare for that.
/*/
Matt gave himself a last look in the mirror. "Handsome as always." He bragged to the mirror. Five minutes later, he was at the door of Suite 414. Just before Chloe opened the door, Matt realized he had turned up empty handed. He could have at least brought a bottle of white wine. No matter because Chloe had opened the door and was inviting him in.
"Good evening Matt. Come on through. How are you? Rest your coat. You're staying in the hotel so I think you know there is a hospitality bar. Make yourself a drink if you like. There are so many fine dining choices I'm having a hard time deciding. Perhaps you'd like to offer a suggestion."
Matt grinned at the lovely blond. "To be truthful Chloe. I haven't been on a date in many years. Beside that, I've only been in London a short while, but I know a great many in Milan."
Chloe smiled as she continued to shuffle the restaurant pamphlets.
"Any restaurant I suggest would only be a guess." Matt admitted.
"A handsome wizard such as yourself hasn't been on a date in many years. I find that hard to believe. Do you have some underlying affliction which doesn't allow you to go out at night?"
Matt blushed. "No. Nothing as serious as that. I am recently divorced."
It was Chloe's turn to blush. "My apologies Matt for making light of something I knew nothing about. I did read your bio but there wasn't anything mentioned about your marital status. I wrongly assumed you were a single wizard."
"An apology isn't necessary Chloe. I had a wife now I don't. Shall we move on from there? I was thinking a veal dinner would be nice. What do you have in your repertoire of restaurants for that?"
Thinking she'd gotten off on the wrong foot with Matt, Chloe was hesitant to share her thoughts. After a few seconds, Matt lightened the mood with a bit of witty chatter.
"Please don't tell me the witch who didn't hesitate to approach a stranger, at midnight in a lounge bar has now lost the ability to speak."
Matt's words were enough to bring Chloe back to herself. "I think you'll never let me live down our first meeting, but I've always considered myself a straightforward witch. Perhaps too much so. A bit of offhand information cannot stop this mouth."
Seemingly gliding, Chloe went over to a counter to retrieve three or four more of what appeared to be menus. "These offerings are standard hotel fair left for guests. Veal was it? I believe I know where we can get an absolutely delightful Rose Veal Saltimbocca, if that suits your taste."
"Saltimbocca is a favorite of mine. Lead on."
"Easy to please then Mr. Lozio? I like that in a wizard. We don't have far to go as we'll be dining downstairs in The Luxe main dining area. I've heard the food is amazing."
Matt was surprised. Not once since he'd been staying at The Luxe had he thought about the dining room. He'd have to share that information with Emilio. When Matt looked up, Chloe was reaching for his arm.
"Let's get to dinner, and if things go right, we might be able to squeeze in a just before midnight drink."
Placing her arm under his, Matt acknowledged Chloe's comment with a smile. "So, our date might last well into the night. I like that in a date." Added Matt a bit facetiously.
"Perhaps that remark was a bit too straightforward. I'm my own worst enemy."
Matt laughed. "Nothing of the sort," said Matt. "Late night dates with lovely witches stimulate me."
Giving Matt a direct stare, Chloe responded a bit facetiously herself. "Now look who's being too straightforward."
Chloe's words elicited a soft chuckle from Matt as well as a bit of a blush. He was such shite at dating.
/*/
Gas was so exhausted he took a pass on holding Evan when Seana tried to put the baby in his arms. Instead, he slumped down on the couch with eyes closed and head laid back. Seana was concerned so she put Evan down and came back to see about her husband.
Running her hand across Gas' head, Seana couldn't find any sign of fever. "Are you ill love?"
Gas grabbed Seana's hand. "I'm not ill love, I'm disappointed."
"Disappointed? What now? Are Matt and Emilio still in a snit over some bloody statements?"
"Don't upset yourself Seana. I'm upset enough for the both of us. This has nothing to do with statements, but I have done another foolish thing."
Seana sighed. She thought it was bad with Draco at the helm but now Matt seemed to be making it intolerable for her husband. "Do you want to discuss it now or after we've had dinner because one way or another we're going to talk about it."
Gas smiled at his wife. She was so gentle, but when she got fierce, everyone should look out. "I'm going to take a shower then have dinner then we'll talk."
"Alright Gas. Go take your shower. Please remember one thing. No matter what goes wrong at MCC you're not the villain. We spoke about this before. Shite happens. Things go wrong. Stop taking everything on your shoulders. Go. Go take your shower. Your dinner will be ready when you get out."
/*/
After his shower, Seana noticed Gas had perked up considerably. "You seem more relaxed. That shower has made a world of difference. Your dinner is on the table. Steak, gravy and potatoes. One of your favorites. Come on."
Gas nodded as he followed Seana to the table. "Looks good love. Thank you."
"You're welcome." She said, pushing the salt and pepper within Gas' reach before sitting back in the chair.
"This food is delicious. Why are you just sitting there? Eat something love."
Seana ran a cloth across the table. "I want to hear what you have to say first. If it's manageable, I'll eat. If not, I might have a few glasses of wine."
Gas winked at his wife while reaching over to pat her on the hand. "My mistakes are not yours to bear. Please fix a plate and eat something. If your stomach can't tolerate what we discuss, you have my permission to vomit."
Seana laughed but reached over to give Gas a good pinch on the arm. "Okay prat. Just remember you gave me permission."
They chatted a bit about Evan, Hermione's engagement, Carmela and Willem's promotions and other things until Seana finished her food. Gas cleaned up and they went to sit in the living room.
"Alright Mr. Maida, tell me what disappointing thing you did today."
After letting out a sigh loud enough to wake Evan, Gas explained exactly what he'd done. In full detail leaving out nothing.
/*/
Seana loved her husband with all her heart, but even as someone uninitiated in the ways of large firms and big business she knew what Gas had done just wasn't done. She remembered the few mistakes Gas had made while Draco was alive and the repercussions. Draco had gone mad. He apologized after, but Gas had been a mess for days.
Not wanting to sound accusatory, Seana used a soft voice full of concern when she responded to what Gas had shared. "I'm not casting aspersions Gas as you are a grown wizard, but what ever possessed you to do such a thing? You went around the backs of the partners making them look like prats. You almost lost Ezra his position. In addition, you might have to visit Romania for extended periods of time. I definitely don't want that."
Gas didn't want to be in Romania for any period of time either. He summoned the whiskey. He needed a drink.
Seana was not through by any means. "This Alexander Dalca sounds like a right arsehole. If he wouldn't adhere to terms for Matt, Emilio and Ezra, what makes you think he'll adhere to terms for you? I'm your wife and I'm on your side, but in this case you were and are wrong. I suggest you fix it. Get fucking Alexander on the mobile right now and fix it. Doesn't matter what reason you give. Just bloody fix it. Get the mobile and fix it. NOW!"
Gas responded solemnly. "I can't fix it love. Not now. I'll make us all look like fools."
"You've already made Matt, Emilio and Ezra look like fools, huffed Seana. "Where's the harm?"
"All I wanted to do was prove Romanian Holdings was viable. I've stepped in the shite and cannot get out. If I renege on my promise to meet with Dalca, he might be in a position to take legal action against MCC. I can't have that."
"Alright love," Seana replied. "We'll think of another way. If you can't cancel the meeting, see it through, but… But, no matter what Mr. Dalca says or promises neither you nor Ezra should accept his terms. You're as cagey and wily as the next wizard. Work it out. I've never met the wizard and I don't trust him. You shouldn't either. Please don't take this last bit the wrong way. I think you should try your best to get Matt and Emilio to attend. If you can manage that, it will look like you all agreed to give Dalca another chance when in reality, you haven't. Send Owls to Matt and Emilio this instant. Apologize one more time, promise never to do anything like this again then explain what you want to do. Let them sleep on it and see what comes of it. Doing it that way will allow MCC to come out of this looking strong, aligned and more than fair."
Gas was feeling confident. His wife had come up with a workable solution. He loved the idea. It would solve two problems. He'd be out of the shite and hopefully back in Matt and Emilio's good graces. He picked up his drink and headed for their small study to send two Owls.
/**/
Friday morning, Hermione opened one eye when she heard Emilio cursing.
"Shite, shite, shite!" Exclaimed Emilio as he hopped around trying to get trousers, socks and shoes on all at the same time. "You loved me so well I fell asleep."
"That's my job." Hermione responded sleepily. "Please calm down love. It's not the end of the world. You might want to try putting on one article of clothing at a time."
Giving Hermione the stink eye, Emilio voiced his concerns. "It's after 7:00 am. Scorp will be up soon, if he isn't already. We have an agreement. He doesn't get to see me walking around with my dick hanging out until he's at least four."
Hermione was fully awake and realized why Emilio was upset. They did have an agreement. Not about Emilio's dick hanging out but about respect. She still found Emilio's antics humorous and let out a short bark of a laugh before hopping out of bed. "You're right Em. Give me a kiss and be on your way. I'll go see about Scorp."
"I'll see you both about 4:30." Emilio gave Hermione a quick kiss before Apparating out.
It would have been awkward for Scorp to have caught them in bed together, but the time was coming when they'd all be living together. She and Emilio would have to explain some of it to their little man before then.
/*/
Luckily, Scorp was still sleeping. Hermione showered, dressed, left word with Dusty and Crissy to see to their boy when he woke up then made her way back downstairs to clean up the new bedroom. When all was fresh and clean, Hermione closed the door and headed to the kitchen to have a tea and start Scorp's breakfast.
She was on the third sip when she remembered she hadn't cast her spells. Hurrying to the bathroom, Hermione made several flicks with her wand while talking to herself. "The sex with you is very good Mr. Lozier, but there won't be the patter of tiny feet for us anytime soon. *Contraceptus."
"That was close. I almost outdid myself." Hermione remarked to herself as she summoned the breakfast materials. "There's enough talk as it is. It would be more than awkward if I turned up with a growing belly before marrying the baby's father."
"Mum. Good morning mum. I'm awake." Scorp called from the bottom of the stairs. "Dusty helped me walk down."
"Good job on the stairs. I can see you're awake. Good morning love." Hermione said, grabbing Scorp by the arm as she planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek. "Did you thank Dusty for getting you sorted?"
"Mum." Scorp huffed. "I always thank Dusty and Crissy and Embers too if he helps. I'm a big boy."
Hermione grinned down at the plate in front of her. Nothing got past her son. "Your breakfast is ready Scorp. Come to the table."
During breakfast, Hermione reminded Scorp they would be going to Milan to visit Ilaria and Emiliano and see Mela and Fausto as well.
"Laria likes me and Meliano is funny. I like them mum. Laria will take me out to the garden if I ask nicely."
"Yes, she probably will. Mela wants to see us too. We are going to have fun. We'll be going upstairs to pack our cases. We want to be fresh and clean for our visit."
"Okay mum. Okay. We want to be fresh and clean, but I think Dusty and Crissy will want to help pack our cases. It's their job."
"It is their job when mum says it's their job. Sometimes I like to do things on my own. You'll learn that when you get older. Sometimes it feels good to do things on your own."
Scorp looked puzzled but didn't question Hermione. All he said was his usual, okay mum, okay.
/*/
Emilio was running behind. He was removing clothing as soon as he landed in the suite only stopping to have a pee before stepping into the shower. He was back to his calm self when he stepped out of the shower. He still had a towel wrapped around his waist when he noticed an Owl laying on the floor next to the door. He thought it was fairly early for someone to be sending an Owl. Emilio's first thought had been Matt which was silly. Matt would simply have come upstairs.
When he opened the envelope, Emilio realized the letter was from Gas and had been sent the previous evening while he was at Malfoy Estate. He also noticed the same letter had been sent to Matt.
"Let's see what the prat has to say now." Emilio said out loud.
Emilio read the letter twice. "Not a bad idea. It seems Gas has found a way to pull his fat out of the fire. As long as Matt is onboard, I'm onboard as well. Alexander Dalca will get the beating of his miserable life and not even know it." Rather than Owl Gas back, Emilio decided to speak to the CFO as soon as he got to work.
With his Wonder Wizard Watch showing 7:40, Emilio dressed, grabbed the case he'd packed Wednesday, his wand and headed to the lifts. He Apparated to MCC as soon as his feet touched the Apparition point.
/*/
Emilio found himself late to the party. Gas and Ezra were already in Matt's office. Noticing a copy of Gas' letter laying on Matt's desk, it was obvious they had been discussing the plan.
Matt looked up. "Good morning Emilio. Nice to see you. I worried you might make good on your threat to take a day away."
Emilio took a chair not bothering to answer Matt's rubbish.
Matt, who hadn't expected an answer continued speaking. "I assume you've read the plan. What are your thoughts?"
Emilio tempered his thoughts. This was a time for cooler heads to prevail. "I actually like it. You know I'm against giving Dalca anything else by letting him know his actions are the cause of it all. I especially like we will be putting forth a united, pliable appearing front. Personally, I can't wait for you to cut the legs from under the blighter." Turning to face Gas, Emilio spoke to him directly. "I haven't changed my stance on how this decision was made, but I admire your ability to turn things around."
Gas could have thanked Emilio but he didn't. It would have presumptuous. He was just glad Matt and Emilio had come onboard.
Matt took over from there. "Gentle wizards we have a plan. Gas will call us when he has Dalca settled in the conference room. Be ready. Emilio, don't speak."
Even Gas had to smile at Matt's last comment.
Coming out of character, Emilio told Matt to kiss his arse before striding out of the room.
Matt threw his hands in the air answering Emilio's comment with a smug grin on his face. "My cousin the thug. I'll see you at 11:00."