Fate - 10
"We're being watched," Solomon hisses as he pulls Florian close and places a proprietary arm around his waist. "Cover yourself."
Florian reaches up with his right hand and pulls the hood lower over his face, just short of obscuring his vision. He keeps his left hand at his side, concealing the thick bracelet that identifies him as a slave and Solomon as his owner. Florian knows that Solomon bought him at Ray's request as a way to free him from Azura. That knowledge doesn't make the situation any easier to accept.
Sitting in that musty back room while Solomon and the jeweler haggled over the price of the bracelet had been bad enough. Having the jeweler staring at him with undisguised lust, being touched so casually while the man fitted, then welded the bracelet, hearing the comments the man made to Solomon; that was surely one of the most humiliating
experiences of his life.
Solomon had explained it, of course, how the bracelet was a necessary part of the deception, that it would make Solomon's ownership more convincing. How could Florian argue against it? As always, he was at someone else's mercy, with no will of his own.
"We're here. Remember your place, slave." Solomon releases his hold and Florian obediently lowers his head and steps back.
They enter the dimly lit restaurant and push past the crowded tables in the front to take seats at a small table in the back. Solomon orders for both with brisk efficiency, not bothering to ask what Florian would like. The food arrives, delivered by a young boy who sets the loaded tray down unsteadily and hurries back to the kitchen without a word.
Solomon palms the folded note barely visible under one of the plates before sliding the tray towards Florian and waiting for him to serve. Florian's movements are hindered by the large cloak and his attempts to keep the bracelet concealed. He manages to set everything out without spilling, but he's so unsettled he can barely eat.
"Don't waste my money," Solomon chides and Florian blushes. They eat in silence and don't linger over the meal. They don't speak again until they are back in their hotel room.
"Stay there," Solomon commands as he makes a thorough survey of the room. Someone's been there in their absence and wanted them to know it. The room isn't ransacked, thankfully, but items have clearly been moved or rearranged. Solomon knows it's a reminder from Azura and it makes him more determined to carry out his plan.
"Florian!" The blond turns away from the window, startled by the anger in Solomon's voice. He's pulled roughly backwards and stumbles on the hem of his cloak. He's caught by strong arms and a solid chest, his body twisted awkwardly. Before he can regain his footing, he's pushed back onto the bed.
"Stay away from the window. You draw too much attention." Solomon is digging through his suitcase and finally finds what he'd been seeking. "Hold still while I put this on." He clips the leash to Florian's bracelet and loops the other end over a knob on the headboard.
"I have to go out for a while and I can't take you with me. You may walk around, but you are on your honor to keep this on." Solomon leans over Florian and whispers in his ear. "Don't let anyone in. If someone enters without permission, you may defend yourself but you may not leave this room. You're safer here than out there. Remember that."
Florian nods his head and doesn't turn away when Solomon kisses him. He turns onto his side and watches the man slip the note from the restaurant into his pocket along with a small knife. He already has the gun concealed in his waistband.
When he's gone, the room is uncomfortably still. Despite the heat, Florian shivers.
XXXXX
"Are you Isaac?" Solomon looks around uncomfortably. He's in the poorest section of town and despite his efforts to blend in, he's drawing too much attention.
"Get in here," the old man snaps, barely waiting for Solomon to clear the door before he closes it again. "Take this." He shoves a length of braided leather at him, the cover for Solomon being here.
"Sit. Sit. Have something to drink." There are two cups already in place and Isaac fills them with dark liquid before taking a seat. He waits for Solomon to take a drink before drinking himself.
"We don't have much time. You know why I'm here."
"Of course, so listen up and I won't have to repeat myself. I knew Ray and Azura back then, along with the rest of their little group. I still have too many of those brats pestering me. But those two were something special. Smart as whips. Maybe too smart." He makes a disgusted noise and takes another drink.
"Ray was a little thing. All alone once his sick mother died. He was in a bad way until Azura took him in. Even then Azura had a nasty streak, but then I guess he needed it to survive. He kept Ray and the others safe, but Ray was his favorite, and Ray worshiped Azura. Could hardly believe it when Azura sent Ray off with his mother's family." He pauses long enough to refill both the cups.
"Wasn't long after that when that man came. Called himself Romwell and fancied himself something special, I tell you. He took a liking to Azura, bad eye and all. Suppose the eye didn't matter much for what that man wanted. But Azura was smart and he got the man to take him back to America with him. Was gone for years and when he came back he was all fancy and acting like he was better than the rest of us." Isaac pauses and takes a long swallow of his drink, draining the cup before continuing.
"He was different after that. He might have been nasty before but he was plain evil when he came back. I heard rumors that he got that Romwell to adopt him then killed the man right in his own bed." Isaac shakes his head. "There's not much good left in him that I can see."
"Do you think he'll ever let Ray go?" Solomon is sure he knows the answer, but needs to hear it from someone else.
"Ray was a good boy then. I heard he did good for himself. He deserves to live the life he wants, not be chained to Azura." Isaac shakes his head again. "Not going to happen while Azura's around."
"Thank you," Solomon nods. He is finishing his drink when a knock sounds on the door. Isaac motions for him to remain seated and goes to let the person in.
"Thought you two might want to have a conversation." Isaac motions for the new visitor to take a seat and brings over another cup. He fills all three and sits. "From what I hear, you both have a common interest."
The man nods and shifts his robe aside just enough for Solomon to see the uniform underneath. Why would a Knight Templar want to see Azura dead?
::end part 10::