Page 67 of Beneath the Flames
Brie noticed Mary’s car parked on the street. When she peered closer, she realized Mary was still sitting in the driver’s seat. Briskly walking up to the vehicle, Brie knocked on the passenger-side window.
Mary frowned as she lowered it and snapped, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing.”
Glancing at the reporters, she said in a lower voice, “Marquis said he wanted to talk.”
“That’s what he told me, too. So, why are you still sitting in the car?”
She frowned. “You know how he is…” Mary shuddered. “I had a hard enough time dealing with Marquis’s whole ‘stare into your soul’ gaze before. I’m not sure I can handle a darker version of that.”
“Look, there’s a reason he invited both of us,” Brie declared, marching to the driver’s side and opening the door. “And I, for one, am extremely grateful you’re here.”
Mary gave her a dubious look but stepped out of the car.
Taking Mary’s hand for support, Brie ignored the reporters as the two of them walked up to Marquis’shouse. After ringing the doorbell, Mary let out an anxious sigh. “I hope we’re ready for this…”
When Celestia opened the door, Mary immediately let go of Brie’s hand.
“It’s good to see you again,” Brie told Celestia, stepping inside and giving her a hug.
After beckoning Mary inside and shutting the door, Celestia held out her arms to Mary. She hesitated for a moment before accepting the hug.
“Oh, Mary, how I’ve missed you!”
“Ah…sure…” Mary stammered awkwardly, giving Brie a look as if she didn’t believe Celestia.
“My Master is waiting for you in the study,” Celestia stated, leading them down the hallway.
Brie’s anxiety increased as she stared at the closed door to the room, remembering her last meeting with Marquis.
“You first, Stinks,” Mary said, pushing her toward the door.
“I’ll go make us some tea,” Celestia announced, glancing at Brie. “And this time, we will drink it.”
Brie chuckled lightly, recalling they never had the tea when she visited last time. “I look forward to sharing a cup with you.”
Grasping Mary’s hand tightly, Brie dragged her toward the door and then knocked.
“Enter,” she heard Marquis command.
When Brie swung the door open, she was encouraged. The lights were on, and the curtains pulled back from the window. Marquis Gray stood up from his chair as they entered the room. He moved two chairs next tohis seat and invited them to sit.
Brie noticed a distinct difference in the ambiance of the room, but she was still uncertain how this meeting would go as she sat next to Mary to face him.
“I appreciate you both coming,” he started. “It was important to me to have you both here today.”
Brie bowed her head, telling him, “It is always an honor to see you, Marquis.” When she looked up, she caught her breath. Although there was now an added layer of hardness reflected in his intense gaze, the man she knew and respected had returned.
Marquis turned his attention to Mary and explained, “I experienced a crisis of faith after I learned of your kidnapping and torture.”
When Mary opened her mouth to speak, he held his hand up. Looking at both girls, he said, “I ask your forgiveness for not realizing what was happening and protecting you from Greg Holloway. While I have been reminded recently that I am not omniscient, from this point forward, I am making it my mission to be more acutely aware of individuals in positions of power, regardless of my past interactions with them.”
Mary met his gaze, stating, “I never blamed you. In fact, I wanted to protect you from that fucking bastard.”
He nodded slowly. “I accept the altruism behind your actions, Miss Wilson. However, I ask that in the future, rather than risk your well-being, you come directly to me with your concerns and trust I will move forward in the best interests of you and everyone involved—including myself.”
Marquis glanced at Brie. “That goes for both ofyou.”
