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The Deal (3)
The conspirators and their hostage whipped their heads to the door and held their breath. The tension in the room resembled a guitar string too tightly wound, ready to snap at any moment.
“It’s me, Remi!” A voice beyond the door whispered. The tension dissipated, immediately.
“Get in here, Remi,” Edwina hissed.
The young apprentice stumbled into the room and slammed the door behind him. Everyone in the room winced as the sound echoed throughout the room. Edwina had to resist the urge to run her hands through her hair in irritation. It wasn’t Remi’s fault he was clumsy.
“M-iss E-E-Ed-” Remi stammered. The poor boy tended to stutter when he was put under undue stress, another reason Edwina reigned in her temper.
Edwina put a hand on his shoulder, “Take a deep breath.”
Remi gulped, closed his eyes. Edwina watched his lips move as he counted silently. Everyone in the room seemed to breathe with Remi and a peaceful quiet settled over the gr
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King Wingate chuckled. Edwina dropped her quill in astonishment. “Are you just going to let him talk to you like that, Your Majesty?” Edwina squealed. “There’s no reason to be so upset, Edwina,” The King patted her gently on the shoulder, “I think he was embarrassed.” “Embarrassed? Alexander Claiborne? Are you feeling alright, Your Majesty?” Edwina’s voice pitch escalated with each question. She jumped up from the settee, “Maybe I should call the doctor.” “Calm down, Edwina!” The King laughed, “I’m quite alright.” But Edwina ignored her King and dashed out into the hallway. She pointed at the guard closest to her and commanded, “Call the Royal Doctor immediately.” Before she heard their response, she stomped down the hallway, hurrying after Claiborne. She had unfinished business with the villain. He tricked the King. He lied to her and the others. He tricked them and got them to promise him some outrageous deal for help that was alread
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Alexander sipped his bourbon and stared out the window. The view from the second story of his townhome gave him a bird's eye view of his front door. He waited patiently for movement. Waiting for the messenger that would decide his fate. He placed his glass down and opened his cigar case. He pulled one out and lit it, eyes never leaving the street in front of him. He took a long pull of the cigar, letting the spicy smoke hang in his lungs, and waited for the slight burn he wanted to feel. He released his breath, smoke cascading around him. He needed to plan his next move. If Edwina said no, he needed a backup plan. He refused to give up. He would have her, no matter how long it took. But what was the best course of action… Even if she refused him, Claiborne planned to continue working with the King regardless. His threats were just empty words meant to goad his prey into his arms. His original plan had always been to help Edwina. Make her reali
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