Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Annals of Fear II	By : DeathNoteFangirl Category: Death Note > Yaoi-Male/Male > Mello/Matt Views: 5803 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Death Note and I do not make any money from these writings

Chapter List
- 27
- 28
- 29
It was a fact, barely acknowledged and unspoken by none, that Century was currently Mello and Matt's prisoner.     He had accompanied them into their chalet, sitting on the bed, while Matt leaned against the front door.   Guarding it.   No firearm had been produced.    Its threat lingered almost solidly in the atmosphere anyway.    Mello had changed swiftly out of his biking leathers in the bathroom.   He didn't dress for the occasion, but for speed, throwing on his black jeans and Nightwish Olkapää Tribal t-shirt, just because they were the closest to hand.   Matt and Century waited in silence.   Nothing was said until Mello emerged, grabbed his red winter coat, and quietly rasped, "Let's go."

They progressed up the slope, to the hall, more slowly than Mello would have preferred.   Century walked ahead, his head bowed.   Mello and Matt followed a few steps behind, but never overtook him. They were against the wind and entered with both Matt and Century wheezing.    Deontic was waiting for them, but none of the others had made it there yet.    Century didn't look up, but carried straight on towards the toilet.    They let him go.   There was no way out of that, without returning through the main room.   Deontic watched him go.   She stated, blandly,   "Fenian's coming."

Mello's mood rose.   "This will never do."   Mello declared, as his coat flew along the table top.   "No. Right."   He gave the room a long, appraising look.   "Set and setting. Set and bloody setting."

Deontic was shivering, under a thick, woollen dress, two thin jumpers, a cardigan and her padded coat.   She touched the radiator experimentally, recoiling when they proved to be switched off.   "Are you in your hot blood?" She asked, shortly. "Mello, you're making me feel cold."    But Mello was pre-occupied with tearing apart their boardroom table, separating it into its component smaller tables.   As yet, they were just being dragged across the floor and abandoned at random points.   "What are you doing?"

There was a groan from the pipes as the radiators chugged into heating up.    Matt emerged from the kitchen and placed his hand over the radiator nearest to it.   Deontic hadn't even seen him go in there. He stood now, a few feet from its door, watching Mello with an expressionless face. Deontic dug for tissues in her pocket and only came up with sodden ones.   She sniffed several times, then huddled in the junction of the radiator and wall, willing it to warm up faster.    Mello was swinging chairs, grabbing their back supports, one in each hand.   Some went under lone tables; others started forming a rough semi-circle across the room.    Matt eventually asked, "Do you want any help?"

"No." Mello replied, with an intense look of concentration.   Deontic had a bad feeling about this.   "Unless you can find some couches and armchairs before they arrive.   Hard-backed, wooden chairs.   No fucking good."

Matt blew out his cheeks and made a show of looking about him, whilst not actually moving from the spot.   There were no suites anywhere in his vicinity.    "I could nip out and buy...."

"No."

Cold air streamed into the room, as the main door was opened.    Hal, Valerie and Lauren filed in.   Hal seemed on edge beneath her usual veneer of professionalism.    The other two women appeared quite relaxed.    Hal had a greying bruise on her cheekbone.    She asked, warily, "What's this about Mello?"

Mello deposited yet another chair in his cluster, near to a far wall radiator.    It looked cosy, or a place in which to lose your personal space, depending upon your point of view.   "Ah!   Hal."   Mello gushed, as if he hadn't seen her come in.    Hal had been moving towards Deontic, but Mello jogged to Hal's side, intercepting her.   Mello's hand came out, but it was to rub her bicep through her thick coat. Hal stood immobile.   Her lips pursed and her gaze fixed upon him.   Mello met it head on and shook his head.   "Hal, I acted abominably towards you. Not just with," His meaningful gaze took in the mark on her face, "that.   That was just the tip of the iceberg.   Me acting like an immature child.   Can you forgive me?"   He actually looked contrite.   It was in his stance; his eyes; his minute, shifting movements; and the biting of his lip.   "Please."

Hal was softening, anyone trained to observe people could see that, though she was determined not to show it.   "So you think you can just say sorry and it's all over?"   She exhaled, looking away.    Then frowned, sharply returning her attention to him. "You didn't even say sorry.   You asked me to forgive you."

"I am sorry."   Contrition oozed from every pore.   Mello appeared so genuine.   "I've been a wanker to you since we arrived."

"What are you up to?"   Hal's eyes narrowed.

"Making amends."   Mello's gloved fingertips touched his rosary.   "And I wanted to do that publicly, because I embarrassed you publicly.   But I do understand that a lot more will have to be said in private."   A beguiling smile made a tentative foray onto his lips, then disappeared again.   He bowed his head.   "I've lost your friendship, by being a complete cunt."

Hal grit her teeth.   "I'll wait to see what you're up to first."   She attempted to sound stern, but there was resignation in her eyes. "Dang, do you think you can play me like a harp?"

Mello shook his head.   "But do you agree that we can have a private talk, very soon, and see what bridges can be built?"

Deontic spoke up from by the wall.   "Are you still demanding her resignation?"

"Ah, she'd have never gone." Mello replied.   "She'd have fought me every step of the way," he met Hal's gaze again, "and probably won.   You don't get to the top of your game by being a quitter and you, lady, are right up there with the elite."

Hal rolled her eyes, "Now you're going for flattery."

Mello frowned. Hurt flashed across his features and was gone.   "You don't realise what you did out there?"

"Mello, I know my worth."   Hal retorted.   "I know what I did and, if you're referring to the Kira case, I am proud of my achievements.    What I'm questioning is your motivation now."

Mello nodded, bowing his head, "And I deserve your distrust; for which I am most assuredly sorry."   He swivelled on his heels, before she could reply, and faced Valerie.   He extended a hand.   "Ms Mihaili, I fear that we got off to a shaky start, but I hope that can be rectified."   His smile was pure charm and his hand was taken and shook.   "I short-listed your application to the position at Wammy's House.   It was a very impressive résumé.   I was particularly struck by your work in Uganda, with the child slaves.   I hope that you won't find us too parochial, after all of those run-ins with the Lord's Resistance Army."

Valerie wore a faint smile.   "I like to see it as broadening my horizons. After all, if my work helps a Letter to do their work, then there is the potential to improve the lot of many more individuals than I could in Uganda."

"I see," Mello smirked, nodding sagely.   He leaned in closer, delivering his stage whisper with a conspiratorial wink.   "So what you're really hoping for is a Letter to take up the cause of your child slaves."    Valerie looked slightly stunned, as Mello stepped back.   She waved her hand in warding, laughing with him.    She made to speak, but he got in first.   "We'll have plenty of time to discuss it in the near future.   You are scheduled to assess my husband.    No doubt I will meet you then again and we shall see what can be done."   He glanced across at the chairs, while patting Valerie's arm.   "Now, if you would please excuse me, I was in the process of trying to make it a little more comfortable in here for my peers."    He swirled away, leaving Valerie to cast a bemused look at Hal.   As he approached the chairs, Mello called out, "Lauren."   The young woman had been standing with Matt.   They hadn't been talking, just sharing a proximity as they watched Mello.   She scurried over to her employer's side.   Mello's voice was low. This was a private conversation.   It still carried across the room.   "I want you to keep ahead of what's happening in Belarus, but, seeing as it's been adjourned, can you do a bit of research for me please?"

"Yes." Lauren bundled her large handbag from her shoulder to her chest and rifled through it.   She extracted a notepad and pen, then waited expectantly.   The straps of her handbag were falling down her arm.   Her glasses were sliding down her nose.   Yet she remained poised to write.   Mello smirked and she misunderstood him.   "I am fluent in Swahili."

Mello frowned and rushed to give her the assignment.   "I want you to find me all you can on the Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army.   Leverage.   Contacts.   Who's in bed together. Who hates who. Who's campaigning.    No case at the moment. I just want to be apprised of the full situation."    He watched Lauren dutifully scribble it all down; though Valerie was in the corner of his vision.   The psychiatrist grinned, her shoulders momentarily rising and her entire bottom lip caught beneath her teeth. Beside her, Hal just looked stressed.    Mello nodded, as Lauren finished writing, "And I still want you out of here. Tonight preferably.   Tomorrow at the latest."

Lauren lowered her hand with the notebook in it.   Her handbag slid down her arm and was caught deftly in the same hand.    She pushed her glasses back up onto the bridge of her nose.   "I'm waiting to see what Deontic's doing."

Mello nodded. "Ok."   He shifted a chair one inch to the right.   "Fair enough."

"Jesmo li mi samo ljudi koji govore hrvatski ovdje?" Lauren asked, quietly.

Mello smiled, "Moj mu� je postao prilično tečna."   But then shook his head. "Ne znam. Nemojte ga rizik."   He turned, with a huge grin, towards where Deontic, Hal and Valerie were watching them.   "Work related. We're not talking about you." He winked.

Deontic narrowed her eyes. "Yes, actually, I do speak Croatian. Risk what?"

Mello's face lit up with delight.   "Was that for me?"   He jogged across the room, whipping up his red coat from the remains of the table, but it was only to pull a chocolate bar from the pocket.    "I'm very flattered."    Mello returned to his cluster of chairs and settled himself down upon one.   His leg, bent at the knee, was up on the neighbouring chair.   "Risk discussing details about our non-Watari case, with Watari ears perked."   He took a bite out of the chocolate bar, then inspected the edge remaining.   "Won't you all join me?"

There was a startled alertness in the air, followed by a general shuffling in his direction.   They took their seats.   Hal, Deontic and Valerie in a row, technically facing Mello, as he was sitting sidewards in his seat.   Lauren took the one adjacent, with her pad on her lap.   He had his back slightly turned to her, but, as she sat, he leaned back to smile at her.   Matt sauntered into the centre and Mello nodded to the seat next to that with his foot on it.   Matt took it.   His knee touched Hal's, so he twisted inwards too. He wished that Mello would move his foot, so that Matt could move up one.    Hal addressed Mello. "Who are you saving that seat for?"

Mello looked surprised.   "No-one."   He indicated the arrangements with an imperious gesture.   "I've set it up, so that we can be more comfortable.   No-one hiding behind their barricades."    At a couple of blank looks, he clarified.   "The table."

"And the other tables?   With chairs at them?"

Deontic interrupted Hal, "That isn't important.   It's a mind-game.   This isn't a semi-circle.   It's more like a rectangle, with Mello and Matt at the head.    Subtle suggestion. But what is important is why Mello isn't investigating whatever Century has found." She looked pained.   "And he's been in the toilet for a long time.   Shouldn't we check on him?"

"Mail..." Mello began, but stopped as the main door opened.   Fenian and Kiana entered, looking flushed.   Fenian stopped in surprise just inside the door and took in the room with a long look.   Then he turned his attention to the group and stared blankly at them for a moment.   Kiana held onto his hand and waited with him.   Mello called across, his tone magnanimous. "Take a seat, Kiana."   He gestured to one of the empty chairs alongside Lauren. "Fenian, I'd appreciate you fishing Century out of the restroom. He's been in there for way too long.   I was about to go, but he'd probably prefer your smiling face."

Fenian frowned.   He kissed Kiana, then hurried into the toilets.   Kiana was left stranded.   She shrugged and strolled nonchalantly over to them.   "Did Siân get off alright?"   She asked, taking a seat on Lauren's row.

Mello nodded.   "Pretty, little smokescreen, wasn't she?"

"What?" Kiana looked nonplussed.

"She gave Century the perfect cover.   We all thought he was romancing the lady, in some quiet nook of Aberystwyth." Mello stared at his chocolate.   "Dropped the shopaholic off in the town, went off and did some location analysis.   We'd have known about it, if he'd come here from Wammy's House.   There would have been questions.   People following him.   He let us assume that he's been thinking with his balls.   I under-estimated him."

Hal and Kiana exchanged glances.   It was Hal who articulated their bewilderment, "But you're all here to work on the case. Why on earth would he need to hide it?"

"Because," Mello snapped off a jagged block of chocolate, "he was further along than we suspected and wasn't playing nice.   He didn't want to share his information."

Fenian stepped out of the toilet doorway and wandered across to them.   The politics of the seating arrangements were not lost on him.   He didn't sit down.   "He's really upset."    Hal and Deontic both glared at Mello.    "He says that he's not feeling very well.   I'm thinking we should run him up the hospital for a check up."

Mello shook his head.   "It's not his heart.   He's just panicking."

"Yer man doesn't fucking panic."   Fenian responded, scathingly. "Unless in very specific situations."

Mello nodded. "And no, I haven't pulled a gun on him.   However, I beg to disagree with your assessment.   Your data set is missing the past two months.    He's 18 years old.   He had a heart attack not long ago.   He's been told by the doctors that he has a chance of healing completely, as long as he doesn't have another one.   He's done some physical exercise, which he's not yet strong enough to do. It's left him feeling weak and out of breath, so he thinks he's going to die."

Hal rose, "I'll go and see to him."

Fenian stopped her. "He's talking to Chrissie on the 'phone.   Don't crowd him out."    He reached out a hand towards Mello.   "His car keys please."

Mello licked his chocolate.   "Would he be adverse to me going and checking out what's under the altar?"

"Yes, he fucking would."   Fenian took out his cigarettes and shook one out.   "That's part of the reason he's so upset."

Deontic fished her own car keys out of her pocket.   "Are you over the limit, Fenian?"

The Irishman blinked.   "To drive?"   He waited until she nodded, then asked, "Are you smelling the alcohol or something?"

Hal sighed, "It's not an Inquisition or anything.   We are just asking, as you are one of Century's closest friends. It is better that, if he's going up to the hospital, that you take him.   But if you're..."

"Yeah, I am.   But only just.   I'm not fucking drunk or anything."    He turned, as the door opened again, this time to emit Century.   The teenager was ashen and his eyes were swollen red, but he wasn't crying now.   "Do you want an ambulance calling?"

"It's my case." Century croaked.   "I want to be the one to..."   He faltered.   Fenian took his arm and helped him into a seat beside Kiana.   "Mello, please."

Mello swung both feet onto the floor and sat, with his elbows on his knees, facing Century.   "You're not having a heart attack. Your breathlessness comes after exertion and then it goes away again.   You weren't gasping for breath after you came back from seeing Siân on the train.   You were after you ran after me up the stairs.   There's no cyanosis.   You're white as a sheet, but you always are.   Your skin isn't clammy.   You're feeling weak, because you've been working too hard on this case and taking driving lessons, when you should have been relaxing."   He waited, but Century just stared at the floor, panting.   "I've seen you have a heart attack and I've seen you have a panic attack.   This looks a lot like the latter to me."

Hal shook her head, "With respect, Mello, you're not a doctor.   Let him go up to the hospital, just to put his mind at rest."

"Is your heart hurting you?"   Mello asked Century.   "You keep pressing your hand over it, but I don't see the actual pain on your face."

"It's beating really fast."

Mello nodded, "Yeah, but you've just walked up a hill."     He waited, as they all did, listening to Century's breathing start to steady.   "And may I be really radical here and suggest that you're also a bit torn up, because you've not seen Siân for ages, then you've just had to kiss her goodbye again?"    He watched Century's sneer of dismissal.   "It's ok to miss her. You're not any less of a man for feeling that.   If I have to go away on business, I miss Mail."   Matt had slid onto the seat beside him, when Mello had sat up straight.   Mello leaned back now, just enough to cup his hand around Matt's knee and gently pat the inner side of it.     "Like one of my limbs has been cut off or something.   I miss him. It's ok to admit that you're missing Siân. You don't have to cover it up with a heart scare."

"I'm not."   They were all watching the colour return to Century's complexion.   His gasps were far quieter and less ragged.

"Let me put this together."   Mello sat right back in his chair, releasing Matt's knee in the process.   "Two months ago, you got dragged into my case and it resulted in the second biggest scare of your life."   He raised a finger to forestall Hal, who was looking restless.   "I say second, because nothing is ever going to top that moment when you realise that your parents are dead, when they should have been looking after you.   Instead of leaving you alone in the fucking system."

Fenian tutted his exasperation. "Mello."

"First biggest scare is your parents proving that they're not immortal.   The second is discovering that you're not immortal either.   World turns on its axis and you don't know up from down anymore."   Mello glanced at Valerie.   She smiled back at him and Mello looked again, just to quickly nod an acknowledgement of that.   "Don't know your arse from your elbow, when that happens, then you have to try and put the world back into something you can live in.   And how can you trust the world, when the worst thing that can possibly happen goes and bloody well happens?"

"How is this helping?"   Fenian interjected.   "You're just doing his fucking head in."

Mello glared at the Irishman.   "No.   I'm trying to get him to accept that round two has happened to him.    You were not in that house, two months ago, Fenian.   You have not had that thing unleashed on you.   The fucking terror of it! I can..."   He smacked his lips together.   "I can taste it.   I can feel it in the pit of my stomach.   It fucks with your emotions and your head. And Century had it worse than any of us.   It frightened him into a heart attack then and he's still reeling from it."   Mello raised a second finger.   "Add onto that the fact that he's been going through this away from home.   Hal, don't bullshit me that Wammy's House is home to him.   Home is with Chrissie, Salvo and the baby.   So, instead of resting and giving himself the best physical chance, he's been working, because it's a distraction and because the sooner this is sorted out, the sooner he can go home."   He was watching Century, who was just silently leaning into Kiana, her arm around his shoulders.   His respiration was back to normal.   A lollipop was in his mouth.   He just looked shattered and drained.   Mello raised a third finger.   "Add into that that he's patently wasted time with Siân by continuing to work on this case.    Then had to see her off for an unknown period of time."   A fourth finger raised. "So he finally sees the finishing line.    He's confident enough to 'phone around to crow about it, but it all goes wrong at the 11th hour.   Because that bastard, Mello, looks ready to steal victory from his very grasp." A fifth finger.   "And same said bastard nicks his car in the process."    Mello waited.   "Do you see where I went with that, Century?"

Century didn't react at first, but then slowly nodded.   The silence drew out.   Century filled it with a whispered, "Yes."

"Right."   Mello peered up at Fenian. "Fenian, would you mind grabbing the flip-chart please?" He watched Fenian sneer. "Please."   Mello turned to Matt.   "Can you scribe for us?"    Beside him, the redhead nodded and reached for the laptop, that he'd stashed beneath his chair.    "I want to spell this out here, because none of the four of us, who were here last time, have come out of it unscathed.   Half of the bullshit that's dogged us, since we set up camp again, is because of what we brought with us from last time.   This isn't the house now. This is us.   I want that acknowledged, because whatever we uncover now means that it's going to happen again."   Mello looked at each of them in turn.   Where he could, he met their eyes.   Fenian turned away and fetched the flip-chart.    "It will happen again. That's not a risk, it's a certainty."   He smiled his appreciation, as Fenian manhandled the stand, with the A3 pad on it.   "Thank you."   Mello stood up and took a permanent marker from the little shelf on the stand.   He wrote on the pad, 'Aftermath of August', and circled it.   "I look around and I see too many people by half here.   It fucked with four of us last time.   It's got just over twice that number now."

Fenian was in Mello's way.   It was awkward for both of them. There was a seat between Kiana and Lauren, but Fenian took Mello's chair instead.   "The shit from last time had nothing to do with what happened to Deontic."

"I didn't say it did."   Mello wrote 'Deontic's Attack' on the pad and circled that too.   "That's one of two bigger issues that's separate."

Fenian shook out another cigarette and lit it. Beside him, Matt glanced across, then did the same.   They were both blithely ignoring the 'no smoking' sign on the wall between their heads.    Fenian spoke through the ensuing cloud of smoke.   "Any second now, you're going to tell me and Ki to fuck off back to Ireland."

"No, I'm not."   Mello smirked, enjoying Fenian's surprise.   "This morning, I would have, but what Century was hitting under that altar was rock.    I want you on board.   At least until we find out what it is, then you can fuck off back to Ireland."   He looked from Fenian to Kiana and back.   "She'd be useful too.   But you're looking at this the wrong way around. What you really need to be asking is, do you want to stay?    Any cracks in your relationship are going to be split wide open by the end of it.   The pair of you will be taking shit home with you.   Are you absolutely certain that you want to risk it?   Because I can tell you right now that, if I'd known in advance, I'd have taken Mail and got the fuck out of Dodge."

"And you're still together."

Mello shrugged.   "Yeah, we are."   He turned and stood poised with the marker.   "But if you're staying, of your own free will, then afterwards, please remember that I warned you."

It was Kiana's turn to look annoyed.    "Our relationship is sound. Thank you."

"I'm not trying to imply that it isn't.   I'm just saying that you'd better be prepared to deal with every little niggling thing that isn't hunky-dory.   I'm at the level of caps left off toothpaste here, as well as the big stuff."   Mello hadn't written anything more yet, though his marker kept hovering near to the paper.   "I don't know whether to add this or not.   Fenian...."

"So," Fenian cut him off mid-flow, "things haven't been going well with you and Matt."

Mello twisted around to glare at him, then carried on round to meet Matt's eyes.   The Spaniard had paused, in his transcript of their entire conversation, to stare back at Mello. Words hung, unspoken, in the air between them.   Then Mello smiled brightly.   "Mail knows that the day I leave him, is the day I'll be carried out in a coffin.   Even then, if he's still alive, I'll come back and haunt the fucker."    He winked at his husband and the corner of Matt's mouth twitched up, before he continued on with his typing.   "Fuck it. I'm writing it."     Mello added, 'Fenian. Childhood. Mello.' to the pad and circled it.   "It's been an issue. It's been more hassle than we currently have the capacity to deal with.   But it has to be dealt with."   Mello turned from the board and faced Fenian.   "Is it dealt with?"

"What do you mean 'dealt with'?"

Mello sighed, "Is it behind us?"

"We've agreed to keep out of each other's fucking way."

Valerie raised her index finger to be heard.   "Is this not where I come in?"   She smiled encouragingly at the two men.

"Yeah!" Mello beamed.   "Go on, Fenian.   Go for counselling."   He noticed Matt's smirk.

"Fuck off."   Fenian growled.

Valerie shook her head.   "I could act as a mediator between you."

Century sat up suddenly, leaning away from Kiana.   "Mello, can I have my keys please?"   He nodded towards the board. "I've had the pep talk. I was there."

Mello surveyed him.   "You're looking much better.   But no. You'll have them before the night's out.   I need to go back up there anyway to get my bike and you won't let me do that alone.    I'll let you give me a lift up there, then I'll give you the keys at the house.   Deal?"

"They're my keys."

Hal cast Mello a long-suffering look.   "I'll give you a lift.   We can have that talk."    She nodded towards Century.   "Would it hurt to give them back to him now?"

Mello nodded, "Yes, it would.   Because he'd leave right now and initiate things before we're ready."   He looked from face to face.   "Trust me. We're not ready."   He quickly added a fourth circle.    It read 'Complications of Swelled Ranks'.     "If this plays out anything like last time, then everyone here is going to be fucked up.    Lauren is leaving tonight and I'll be honest on the main reason for that.   I need someone I can trust outside this.    I trust Lauren to watch my back and to get me out of trouble.   I will lose that if she's in the same mess as me."    His gaze settled upon Valerie.   "You're here for two reasons.   The first is Fenian's vendetta against the English, Wammy's House and myself..."

"... the fuck?"   Fenian rose from his chair.   "She's fucking here because Matt...."

"... which was sparked by your girlfriend trying to fuck with my head.   Tit for tat. And she did that because of your vendetta against..."

"Oh! For fuck's sake!   You mean to tell me that..."

"And if we get to the root of it, we kill all the little branches winding off it."   Mello's gaze was cold, over a warning smile.    "Where are we going with this, Fenian?"

Fenian glowered.   Kiana reached out to touch his hand.   "Not fecking worth it."   She stood, clutching her boyfriend's hand. "I'm going to put the kettle on.   Would anyone like one?"     People started giving their orders for hot drinks, grateful for the diversion.    "Liam, come with me.   Help me make them."   It was a blatant ploy to steer him away from the argument, but Fenian took it.    They walked away.

Mello turned back to Valerie.   "I believe you're also here in case any of us need psychiatric assistance.   May I enquire as to where we go when you go under?"   He grinned from her to Hal.   "I suggest that you would be more valuable to us back at Wammy's House, where we can call you and where, of course, Mail and I will meet you afterwards for our counselling."

Hal's eyes widened. "You're having counselling too, Mello?"   She smiled, some of the tension washing from her features.

Mello frowned. "I'll be with Mail."   He gestured to forestall further discussion. "It will happen after we leave here.   We'll discuss the fine detail then.    Valerie, do you agree that you should return to Winchester with Lauren?   Oh!"   Mello's whole face lit up. "You could do me a huge favour, ma'am."   He grinned.   "Lauren is undertaking a little research for me, vis-a-vis Uganda's child slaves.   You would be an incredible first port of call.   Maybe you could highlight the main issues for her, during the journey home?"    He saw the uncertainty on the woman's face, but he saw too the desire.   It was her cause and here was an opportunity for a high-ranking Letter to take it up.   Mello just hoped that the dangling carrot would lure her all the way out of the door.    "Deontic."

The Malaysian woman flinched. "Mello."

"Do you want to go home?"

"I want you and Fenian to stop sniping at each other."   She faced him head on, holding herself stiffly. "Please."

Mello took a couple of steps to stand in front of her.   "Do you trust me?"

"In what context?"

"Good answer."   Mello smirked.   "To solve this case and to deal with the tossers that hurt you."

Deontic was silent.   Then she gave one quick, jerking nod.   She followed it with a whispered, "Yes."

"Then go back to Wammy's House.   Have a warm bath and relax with some nice origami.   Chill out with Linda and Luigi. Let Valerie help you make sense of what happened to you.   Hopefully to the point where you can see, as we see, that you were brilliant out there.   You outsmarted the vermin and I'm proud of you for that."

She sat frozen.   "Stop patronising me, Mello."

"I'm sorry that you feel patronised."

She looked blankly ahead.   "I have as much right to be here as you do."

Mello nodded, "But it's not a matter of obligation.   It's weighing up what's sensible."

"Obligation?"   Deontic scowled.   "I'm here to solve the case with you!"   She stared up into Mello's eyes and held his gaze. "Why don't you tell me?" She said, tightly. "Do I stay? Do I go? Which are you going to manipulate into happening?"

"It is totally your decision."

There was a short stand off, as both stared, but neither spoke.   Deontic looked away first.   "I wish to stay."

Mello took the couple of steps back to his seat and resumed it.   There was a loaded silence, as he licked his chocolate bar.   "Lauren, please assist Valerie in packing her belongings.   Then escort her safely back to Wammy's House."   The psychiatrist looked stunned.   Hal rolled her eyes.   But Lauren was already on her feet, having anticipated that he would say that.    "Thank you."    Mello caught Hal's glance and held it.   "I'm cogitating about whether you should be here.   There should be a reason why everyone is here."

Deontic answered for her. "She's with me."

Along the row, without seeming at all pushy, Lauren had guided Valerie out of her seat.    The psychiatrist tried to speak, but Mello interrupted with a firm, "Thank you," uttered over a warm smile.   "We will be in touch."

Hal was frowning.   "You're sending me home?"

"I'm sending us all home." Mello smirked. "Just some are going fractionally before others."    By the main door, Valerie had said, 'Hal?'   Mello raised his voice, waving, "Safe journey."    He watched Lauren bundle the woman outside.   Mello smiled at Hal. "There have been too many distractions."    His gaze slid sidewards, towards the teenager, stranded now at the very end of an otherwise empty row of chairs.     "And now there are fewer."

Century sensed all of their eyes upon him.   He stopped staring miserably at the floor and cast a quick look around at them. "You want me to tell you what I know, so that you can nip in there and steal the glory."

Mello laughed without mirth.   "No. That would be cheating."

"What then?"

"You were talking with Chrissie, while you were upset. Is she on her way here?"    Mello watched Century shrug.   He asked, more pointedly, "Is she on her way?"

"No."

"Good."   Now his smile widened.   "So, why don't you tell us what you know?   So we can help you solve it."

Century sneered, "Cer i crafi."

Matt paused in his typing. "How are you spelling that?"

Mello chuckled.   He reached across and, extending a finger, added the Welsh expletive to the end of Matt's transcript.    Aloud, he spoke calmly, precisely, "We are at a crossroads.    Your options are to go it alone, which worked so well last time.   But this time with myself and Mail going head to head with you.   Which, as I'm sure you are already well aware, will mean that you'd better have it right first time, because that's the only head start that you're going to get."   Mello nibbled his chocolate.   "And I know what the next stage is.   I'll be up there opening the altar myself.    Or," Mello raised a finger and grinned, encouragingly, at the Welshman, "we could work together.   You have witnesses."   He indicated Hal and Deontic with a nod of his head.   "You will have all the glory you need."    His gaze was sly, as he peered across at Century.   "How sure are you?   And how sure are you that Mail and I haven't already got information that hasn't entered this arena?    You think that I sat on my ass for two months?"

Century jolted in his seat.    The look that he gave Mello was full of disappointed defeat.    "Fuck."

Author's note:   I've been asked to set up a discussion forum on my website. It's still in beta mode (as I sort out the colours), but the discussion has started. The URL is: http://mrsjeevas.joharrington.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=11
- 27
- 28
- 29
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Annals of Fear II