Marriage is Murder

Steven looked over and nodded as Edward arrived his bag placed down as he went to talk to Robert Jack sighed heavily as he looked at Michael " Hay I didn't mean to sound as if I was questioning him , god I would not do that ever , but it had to be asked if not by me , maybe Steven or even Jim" he said and moved to the back door " time for my patrol" he said as he walked out . Jess shook her head as he disappeared out into the darkness.

" he'll walk it off " she said and looked at Steven and Jim both looking at the back door that Jack had gone out of.

Michael simply frowned. He didn't understand why Jack felt it had to be asked. He felt himself feeling a bit angry now himself. He turned to the others.

"This isn't your first day working for Robert, so do tell. What is it precisely that you do not understand? Let's get it cleared up right now," he said.

"What exactly is the issue?" Brian asked, having walked into this a bit late.

"Apparently there is some question that perhaps Robert hasn't thought through how he plans to deal with the beast when it returns. Or something like that," Michael said, still trying to figure out what it was they didn't understand. "Thats what I'm trying to figure out. I'm not sure what the problem is, exactly, that has everyone so concerned."

"Well, whatever the issue is, then lets do hear it," Brian said, sitting down, stretching out his legs and crossing one ankle over the other.

Jess looked at Cassidy and sighed shaking her head back and forth " not from us what ever he has planned we know will work at the best" she said " I think its only Jack who has the problem right now were all up for what ever Robert has planned. Jim stood up and walked over to Brian.

" Robert has my full support in what ever en devour he has planed, I will protect this family and every one in it with my life " he said and then returned to his game Cassidy looked at Michael and Brian.

"Ow don't look at me I'm okay with anything he does, he is the boss and the man in the know after all." she said and sat back in the chair.

"Then if Jack is the problem, then I suggest he get it worked out," Michael said.

"Let's clear this up," Brian said. "Apparently the issue is about Robert and whether or not he knows what he's doing?"

"Regarding the beast, yes," Michael said. "Keeping Khaat safe."

"Ah. Well, its fairly simple. We'll use every weapon we have. Including Escobar if need be. And her stone. But to use the stone, he has to put Khaat right in the direct line of possible harm with the beast. She has to come face to face with him. There is no other choice. Its not new ground. We will do all we can do to keep her safe, but she will face him if she has to. And, if it comes to it, he will put himself in front of her, even if it costs him his life. Thats his plan. Thats always been his plan. And, incidently, its my plan too. I'm sorry, but I thought you all knew that," Brian said.

Jess and the others all looked at Brian and said together " we do Brian" each chuckled Jim and Steven went back to their game " we all will do our part to protect her and Robert , I'm not sure whats up with Jack but I will find out " Jess said and stood up heading out to find him. Steven sighed.

" I think he feels a little humiliated that he couldn't take down the large wear, i guess its hurt his ego a little" Steven said " I'm sure once Jess talks to him he'll be okay" Steven picked up a bishop and took out a rook.

"He is not the answer to all werewolves," Brian said. "No one expects him to be. Especially one that much bigger and that much more animalistic. Hopefully he'll get over himself. But by going outside, he puts himself now in danger from the beast, if its out there, and he puts in danger his own wife by her having to go out to talk some sense into him. Let's hope we don't have to go out to rescue them because if this little temper tantrum goes sideways for him, then he's going to have a hard time dealing with it, even more than he thinks he has now. There is a reason Robert asks us not to go out. He took Abbey out to lure Escobar out of his hiding place, but he didn't stay out there after he was finished. Nor did he order us to extra patrols. There was a reason for that." He checked his watch. He was giving them about 3 minutes outside. If it took longer than that for Jack to straighten himself out, then Brian was prepared to bring Jess back inside and let Jack deal with his issues himself.

Jack stood with Jess out on the veranda his hands griping the wooden rail as he heard her walk out behind him. He turned and lead her back in before she could say one word to him " no you don't, Roberts orders, no one out side. " he said walking back in and over to the kitchen with her. Jess pulled her arm out and stood looking at him.

"so whats wrong ..ow I know let me guess your miffed because you didn't get a second shot at the wear " she said " Jack get over it if he coming back you need to be focused not emotional" she said touching his arm " as god is my witness, you are too bloody emotional right now, have a tea, chamomile " she said and floated over a cup to him.

Jack sat at the table and sighed drinking it forcing his anger deep inside him then letting it go and he smiled " your right ego comes before a fall " he said and Jess chuckled leaning over she kissed his forehead. " I will apologies to Michael and Brian, after tea" he added Jess nodded.

" yes you will and drink all of it" she said leaving him to return to the living room. " hes having some tea, chamomile tea" she said.

"Good," Brian said. "Now, since we've got things under control, I think I will go check on my kids and head to bed. I'll see you all in the morning. Good night." He got up and went upstairs and went into the kids' bedrooms and checked on them. They were all sleeping peacefully. It began to rest on his mind that they were so peaceful because they trusted that he, as their daddy, would keep them safe. He glanced up and looked at Abbey's windowsill to see the bat hanging upside down from the window trim on the outside of the window. Brian made no move to send the bat off. In its own odd way, the bat made him feel a bit more secure.

He went to his own room and went to bed. Angus had soon made his grandfather's room ready for him, and when Edward was done with meeting with Robert, Edward headed to bed. There was nothing more that could be accomplished tonight. Angus went to the kitchen and finished the dough for the pastries in the morning before he went to bed.

"If I'm going to help that boy cook, I either need to stay up all night or head to bed myself," Michael yawned.

Jess nodded and smiled hiding a yawn herself " ow my" she said and chuckled " I think I'll do the same night all" she said heading up to her room with a brief stop at the nursery , she smiled seeing Brian already there. Cassidy and Steven headed up but as Steven passed the floo he saw a hand written letter addressed to Edward laying on the ground. he picked it up and as Cassidy headed to their room he walked to find Edward.

"I found this laid by the floo it is addressed to you looks important" he said and handed it to him. " hope its not bad news its got a Tuscan post mark on it " he noted then tuned to leave.

"Probably not," Edward said, taking the message. "Thank you. There are so many in my compound that it could well be anything. Most likely someone wanting me to bring something back from England. Although, I don't have a clue what that might be. But I'll take care of it." He went into his room and opened the letter. His nephew. A young man who wanted to follow in Edward's foosteps. He had ambition, Edward had to admit that. Apparently the nephew had heard of the beast and wanted to help Edward. Edward hadn't used his nephew on any serious quests--mainly because Edward himself had been retired for so long. There hadn't been much need for help.

The beast might be a challenge for the lad, though. As long as he was not planning on being stupid and making things harder for them all. He sent a quick note back to his nephew, to tell him he'd talk to his host and get back to him in the morning. Then Edward headed to bed.