"Would you like me to go make a grounds check, Khaat?" Marcus asked.
"No," she said softly. "Brian's right. We'll wait, like we always do."
"Understood," Marcus said, watching one of the house elves bring the tea tray Brian had sent for.
"Do I need to even ask you if you're armed?" Brian asked, more for Khaat's benefit than his own.
"Yes, Sir," Marcus said, shifting to hold Khaat up with one hand under her good shoulder. He opened his suitcoat, displaying his wand, and a gun in a shoulder holster. He had a knife and a second wand in his belt, and he had a back up pistol and a second blade strapped to his ankle.
"Jesus," Brian scowled. "You waging a war?"
"Yes, Sir," Marcus replied seriously, "Against anyone who thinks they're going to touch your wife, Sir." Brian was quiet, not used to anyone in the wizarding world who was, regularly, armed like a one man assault force.
"You're very weird, Belby," Brian said, frowning. He poured Khaat a cup of tea and handed it to her.
"You pay me for my weirdness, Sir," Marcus said.
"Indeed. I think I've got this for now, though," Brian said.
"Respectfully," Marcus said. "I'd like to remain at my post."
"Alright," Brian said. "Fine. Take a break, though, for now, if you're going to work the night shift too."
"Thank you," Marcus said, closing his coat. Brian went over to Khaat and put own hand under her shoulder, taking Marcus's place. Marcus excused himself.
He went downstairs, loosening his tie and went to the kitchen.
"You know, you really don't need to wear a business suit to work here, Belby," Edward said, watching Marcus head to the coffee pot and pour himself a cup of French Roast.
"Yes," Marcus said, "Yes, Sir."
"Really?" Edward frowned, "And what did I tell you to call me?"
"Edward, Sir," Marcus said.
"Not sir, just Edward," Edward corrected.
"Yes, Sir," Marcus replied.
"This really is going to be a thing with you, isn't it?" Edward sighed. "Is he always like this?" he asked the others.
"Yes, Sir," Angus said to Edward, teasing his grandfather.