Page 78 of Black Mark's Heart

"No, Master Pprile, I did not," Jeremy admitted. "Not until the interview."

"Did you know they were still lovers?" Master Pprile inquired.

Jeremy cleared his throat. "I knew that on occasion, when they ended up in the same place, that they would use each other to vent their hate for what happened between them. I only know of this happening twice."

"Do you believe it was pre-arranged?" The elderly brother continued.

Jeremy shook his head. "I know it wasn't. The first time, Mora was working for me. She was starting something with another man and very angry when Darius entered the vicinity. He couldn't resist her, or her him."

"The second time?"

"Mora was at the recording studio working. Darius came to the studio to lodge a complaint about the woman handling his business there. I believe Darius saw Mora and took his frustrations out on her." Jeremy swallowed. "At least that's how it appeared when I walked in on them."

The elderly man nodded his head. "So, Master Brooks, it would appear you were aware of Mrs. Rafal's secret before any brother in this room." Brooks’s mouth dropped open. "And, by what Mrs. Rafal confessed earlier, you tried to use that information to force a brother’s wife..."

"Pregnant wife," I interjected. "I was six months pregnant at the time."

Master Pprile nodded. "A brother’s heavily pregnant wife into a relationship with you. I believe you are the deceptive one at this table. I have watched you spend the last two years trying everything to force Master Blake to hand his daughter over to you, to destroy those who she turned to in need. I believe, Doctor Brooks, that you are obsessed with Master Blake's daughter and would destroy the honor of this brotherhood, manipulate our rules and principles to your gain. I question your integrity and your membership."

"What?" Brooks muttered.

"I call on Master Sieman to announce the decision of the brotherhood." The elderly man sat back.

The man at the end of the table stood. "Master Brooks, you are herein stripped of your membership of this brotherhood. You have no second to take your place, as you have never volunteered for mentorship. Your assets, gained by your membership, shall be repaid. Master Fin, could you number his loss please?"

Another man stood, opening a ledger and tabbing through to a page. "To date, you are indebted to the brotherhood for a total of fifteen million, two-hundred and ninety-thousand pounds." The man looked at another page. "Your total assets at the last assessment were in excess of thirty million. Would you like to nominate the assets you will forfeit, or should I pick according to the item values that will satisfy the debt?"

Brooks looked ready to vomit. That, or turn into a Hulk and smash everything, especially me. "If you will grant me twenty-four hours, I will draw up a list of forfeiture."

Everyone looked to the old master. He nodded. "Agreed. You may take your leave." Master Fin shut his books and sat back.

Everyone sat quietly while Doctor Lennon Brooks took his exit.

"Master Blake, would you resume your seat please? Master Rafal, Mrs. Rafal, a pleasure to see you again. May your years together be full of happiness," Master Sieman dismissed us.

Darius stood, keeping hold of my hand. Marshall kissed my cheek, "I'll see you at the hotel. Don't leave before I get to see you, please?"

I kissed him back and nodded. Marshall walked to the other end, taking the empty seat next to Jeremy.

"Mrs. Rafal?" Master Pprile called me closer. I let go of Darius's hand and moved towards him. He handed me my diary back. "I have no idea how you found me, Mrs. Rafal, although I could take a guess," he murmured, his eyes flicking to Jeremy. "I must say, Dr. Brooks greatly underestimated your strength or your ability to put into words the events of your life. I would suggest you publish this as I'm sure you could be a great author, but, to save your children the pain of your childhood or your broken heart, and to save your father blushing, I recommend you burn it, or hide it very well," he whispered, making sure no one could hear what was said.

I nodded, "Thank you." I bowed my head a little, taking my diary back and tucking it in my purse.

I went to Darius, taking his hand and snuggling into him as we walked out.

"Master Sieman, the vote please?" Master Pprile husked out as the door closed behind us.

Darius waited until we were in the elevator. "What did he give you?"

"My diary."

"You have a diary?"

"Since I was fourteen," I acknowledged. "I sent it to Master Pprile last week, when you told me about the meeting."

"How did you know about him?" Darius asked.

"Cass. I asked her who the most influential member of the brotherhood was that I didn't already know. Before you ask, that's also how I got his address. Cass has a terrible habit of knowing Jeremy's PIN to his phone."

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