Jonathan entered the room announcing the arrival of Grace and Axel. The moment Grace entered the chamber her nieces descended upon her like bees to a honeycomb. She welcomed them with open arms and free flowing tears. Hugs, kisses and tears were witnessed by all and appreciated by those in attendance.
Axel after greeting Alivia, approached Granger and as customary he bowed, before kissing his ring, then repeated the action with Maverick.
The room was filled with chatter, suddenly the large doors creaked open loudly as Dominick and several of Maverick’s team escorted the prisoners into the large room.
Maverick took slow deliberate steps towards his throne, playing on the dramatic staging. It was at that moment Silver noticed the chair adjacent to Maverick’s. It was identical to Mavericks throne except the marking were trimmed in silver and the cushions red and black. Silver looked Maverick in his eyes, in search of an answer to her question, for the gesture spoke volumes and touched her heart. Maverick simply nodded and held his hand out to her, which she gladly accepted ignoring the electrical shock she’s grown used to.
When she was face to face with Maverick Silver whispered, “Thank you, this really wasn’t necessary.”
“You’re welcome love and it was necessary if I ever wanted to claim my throne for myself.” The words though curt didn’t reflect the tenderness in his eyes.
The trio stood bound by a magical rope in front of the group that eyed the three prisoners with disdain. Looking in the old man’s eyes and observing his body language Maverick knew the old man would be a tough nut to crack. The young man and woman both stood shaking as they recognized the severity of the situation.
Dominick stood beside Maverick broadcasting for all to come to order and remain silent.
“I speak for The Watch court of the Manhattan district. This is an official court proceeding, which will be judged by the great leaders of The Watch.” Dominick turned to the right and took a bow and said, “Watch leaders Granger Grog, Maverick Moor and representing Rosemond Jacks, Anthony Jacks.”
Turning back to the trio Dominick pronouncing in a serious tone, “The charges which are punishable by death are as listed, kidnapping, attempted murder, treachery and treason against The Watch and it’s protected citizens.”
The look on the young man and redhead’s face was priceless, even the granite looks on the old man’s face waned as the words from Dominick sunk in.
Maverick began with the old man deciding to capitalize on his fears. “Why did you choose to war against The Watch?” Mavericks dark eyes intensified, his magical aura causing them to glow.
“I didn’t know I was warring against The Watch, Sir... Your grace.” He said casting his eyes downward.
“You said you had no idea you were waging war against The Watch, yet every coven and corner were warned and alerted of this feud.” Maverick barked, causing the man to take a step backward.
“What was the reward?” Maverick asked ignoring the man’s frighten expression.
“I was promised a large sum of money if I used my shop as a… a... well a place of refuge.” He said looking briefly at the group before him.
“It was meant to be a prison!” Maverick corrected, his booming tone bouncing off the walls caused the man to tremble.
“So, you chose money over loyalty to The Watch, to me, to the citizens in which I protect?”
“No, no, it wasn’t like that.”
Granger leaned forward his piercing blue eyes bore into the older man, as he asked, “How old are you? Do you have a wife, children or perhaps grandchildren?” He asked in a hauntingly quiet voice, opposite of that which Maverick just displayed.
“I’m seventy-three, soon to be seventy-four, and no Sire, I have no wife or children, nor grandchildren.”
“So, money, greed and stupidity ruled you. I cannot abide an old fool, and that Sir is what you are.” Granger sat back against the chair and nodded his head. Suddenly the man began to clutch at his chest. His color went from white, to red, to blue before he crumbled to the floor.
The redhead let out a lancinating scream as she ran to the young man burying her face against his shoulder.
Grace covered her mouth stifling a shocking gasp, turned her head opting to look at Axel instead.
Alivia shook her head and let her eyes look down at her feet. None were new to death, but each were caught off guard by Granger’s actions.
Maverick nodded his acceptance to Granger, “Jonathan, please remove him from my court.”
“What is your name, young man.” Maverick asked as he adjusted himself on his throne.
Maverick’s booming voice caused the young man to fall to his knees. “My name is Jason Jackson, they call me JJ, my lord. I’m sorry for everything. I’m sorry for my part in, well in holding woman hostage, but I took good care of her.
“Didn’t I Miss? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” he looked at Alivia asking again, “Did I?” nodding his head in hopes Alivia would do the same he said, “I mean I treated you well, didn’t I?” JJ whined.
“Tell me all. I think you are smart enough to know what I speak of.” Maverick inquired in a calm voice.
“Yes, my lord, I was hired by a man named Cy. He told me he would make me rich and give me power, great power. At first, I had no idea about The Watch’s involvement.” He placed his hand over his heart and said, “I swear everything I’m saying is true. Cy gave me instructions on what to do.”
“Where is he?” Granger asked.
“I don’t know, your grace. I would call him, he’d tell me where to meet.”
Maverick asked, “What does he look like?”
“Cy is middle-aged, in his fifties maybe sixties. Tall, medium built with scary eyes.” He turned to Alivia and said with all honesty, “I’m very sorry, Miss.”
Maverick turned to the woman standing beside the young man. “Now for you.”
“I’m Rebecca Lewis, I too am sorry,” she cried.
“Unfortunately for you, Rebecca you have more charges against you than your two cohorts.” Maverick stated in an icy tone.
“You attack the home of one of my citizens, multiple times. You attacked my fiancée and soon to be sister-in-law, waged war knowingly against this council and disregarded all laws concerning obedience to The Watch.”
Standing to his full height he asked, “Tell me why I should let you live?”
The redhead screamed, holding the side of her face. Blood seeped between her fingers as splotches marred her white tee shirt. Maverick turned to Silver, “Stop it!”
“I’m not doing anything.” She shook her head vehemently.
He looked over at Alivia and bellowed, “Again, I and only I am judge, jury and executioner in this court, not you! Do you understand?”
Alivia slowly sank into the chair, she’d never been so scarred in her life. The sound of his voice and the strange orange glow of Maverick’s eyes let her know she crossed the line.
“I haven’t decided on your fate.” Maverick said addressing the redhead.
Rebecca cried, “I said I was sorry. What more can I say?”
“Nothing.” Maverick noticed Jonathan coming through the back door, and he shouted, “Jonathan, take her back to her cell for now.”
“What? No please!” she cried.
“Take her now!” he bellowed.
“What about me?” the young man asked, his eyes wide as saucers.
“You, I believe, and because I believe you, I’m going to spare your life, under two conditions.” Maverick explained. “One that you prove your loyalty to me and two, you contact Cy and help us bring him down.”
“I can do that, yes Sir that and anything else you want.”
“Great make the call, tell him you need a new safe house, that the old man is gone and you’ve been exposed. Remember your life depends on this setup.” Maverick said.
“Yes, I know what to do.”
It took five rings before Cy answered, “What is it?”
“I, I’m c
alling because something isn’t right.”
“What the fuck you mean something isn’t right?” Cy asked.
“I can’t find the old man. Someone tried to break in and I had to escape with the girl.”
“He’s an old man, where the hell could he be.”
“I don’t know. Yesterday someone attacked one of my guys. I think it was The Watch, someone has been spying on the shop.” JJ said convincingly.
“Paranoia is it?” Cy laughed, then said, “What do you mean one of your guys? I told your ignorant ass not to bring anyone other than those I selected into my mission!”
“They can be trusted, trust me.”
“You dumbass I don’t trust anyone. Bring me the girl I’ll be waiting for you at the warehouse loft on the corner of Greenwich in an hour.”
JJ had the phone on speakerphone so Maverick and the rest of his party could hear the conversation. Maverick shook his head as a negative on the time and put up nine fingers.
“I don’t think it’s safe enough to leave during daylight hours. I can be there at nine tonight.”
“Okay, Mr. Paranoid, be there at nine sharp, and you better not be a minute late. If anything happens to the girl, you’re dead.” Cy stated before hanging up.
“Okay we don’t have a lot of time.” Maverick announced before turning to JJ, “Thank you, unfortunately, I have to make sure you stick with our plan so back to the cell you go but with a fine meal to tide you over until we leave.”
“But I did want you asked.” JJ whined.
“And I promise no harm will come to you, this is just a precaution.”
“If you need extra men for this mission, I can spare a few.” Granger volunteered.
“I’m not able to make any commitment without speaking to my brother, besides I think all of our valuable troops are engaged in our own immediate cause.” Anthony announced with regret.
“Thank you both but I have enough men.” Maverick replied.
“You might but I insist on joining you.” Axel informed Maverick. “I hope you will not deny me the opportunity to help avenge my family.”
“I would be honored, but don’t you think staying here protecting your family might be a better plan?”
“I do not, my lord!” Axel replied as if he’d been insulted by Mavericks suggestion.
“Then you are welcomed to join me.” It was at that moment Mrs. New announced lunch being served.
The chatter around the table was infectious. Mrs. New prepared all of Granger’s favorites to his delight. The large bowls and platters overflowed with steamed prawns, roasted quail, new potatoes, asparagus and apple pie. Looking around the table at the group touched Mavericks heart. He never experienced a large family or lots of friends. Thinking about it, the only time his table has occupied these many people at one time was when it was his turn to host the annual Watch conference.
Silver brought life to his life. What he thought was a happy existence didn’t hold a candle to the days he’s spent with Silver. He hadn’t thought much on the idea until he blurted it out to the redheaded witch, but marrying Silver was what he wanted.
Maverick closed his eyes, made a fist and envisioned the way only an artist could make the ring he wanted to give Silver. His eyes remained closed until he felt the cool metal in his hand. He rose from the table drawing the attention of his guest. Silence enveloped the room. Silver watched Maverick as he made his way over to her and knelt down on one knee.
“What are you doing?” Silver searched Maverick’s face for an answer.
“Silver, I had no idea that you were sent here to save me. I don’t know how I survived so long without you in my life.”
He took a deep breath before continuing, “I love you. Will you marry me, love?” Taking her hand, he slipped the emerald cut diamond ring on her finger.
Silver began to cry.
Aunt Grace sighed, “Oh my, oh my.”
And Alivia shouted, “Answer the man, dammit.”
“Yes!” she cried as she placed her hand on the side of his cheek. “Yes, I will marry you.”
“Mrs. New, champagne. We need champagne!” Granger bellowed.
The men embraced Maverick as the women hugged and kissed Silver who couldn’t believe what was happening, it was as if she were in a dream. There was no denying, she loved Maverick, with every fiber in her body, she loved him. He made her feel, new, strong and beautiful. Who would have thought, a proposition would bring about a proposal?
Joy and laughter rang throughout the dining hall as food and drinks flowed in abundance. When the food finally dwindled down Granger again congratulated the couple and announced he and Anthony were needed elsewhere.
“Before you leave Granger, I would like you to know, you’ve always been a father and a friend to me, it would please me if you would be my best man.” Maverick held his breath waiting for the response.
“I think it would please me more. So yes.” Granger replied with misty eyes.
Maverick made sure all were gone, except for the three couples before knocking on the table drawing everyone’s attention to him. He didn’t want to say anything while Granger and Anthony were present. He trusted Granger with his life but thought it unwise to involve him with information concerning the cup. Plus, he didn’t know Anthony, and although he seemed like a good guy, trust for Maverick didn’t come easy.
Taking a deep breath he said, “I don’t plan on giving Cy the cup, however I’d feel a lot better knowing I indeed had the cup in my possession before tonight’s meeting.” He acknowledged everyone’s nod of agreement, before adding, “So the six of us need to search Grace’s attic and find this damn cup, goblet, or whatever it may be, even if it takes all night.”
Once they arrived at Grace’s house, Axel suggested moving all the items from the attic since it was obvious the cup was buried under the floorboards. “You should be able to reactivate your spell without mixing a new batch.” Axel stated as he and Maverick cleared the cluttered space.
Silver chanted waving her hands from left to right as her voice gain more power as the incantation took hold. The floor began to shine an eerie green glow. A swirl danced upon the floor until like fingers it surrounded four of the floorboards indicating the goblet was underneath.
Grace hugged Silver, “You did good.”
Dominick raised his hands loosening the rusty nails from the floorboard. It took some time before all the nails were set free, allowing them to lift the boards. They began to laugh when after lifting the boards, they were met with a steel safe.
“Your grandfather really intended to keep this cup hidden.” Maverick whispered.
“Yes, it appears he was a bit obsessive when it came to the cup.” Silver inhaled deeply.
“Any idea of the combination?” Maverick asked the group.
Silence blanketed the room all stood, eyes focused on the black steel box.
“I think I got it!” Alivia shouted. “In the book he said power is the key, it can answer all your dreams, so maybe we need to use the numbers that represent the word power.”
“But only Maverick has the power to open it, he proved that with the other box.” Silver exclaimed.
“So, 7 right, 6 left, 9 right, 3 left, 7 right.” Maverick stated as he carefully rolled the silver knob. The noise so loud it sounded like a gunshot as the tumbler clicked open. Grace exhaled at the sound of the safe opening, as all eyes remained glued to the metal box.
Alivia squeezed Dominick’s arm as she held her breath in anticipation. The squeaking hinges confirmed the age of the safe, as Maverick pulled the creaking door open. A black velvet bag rested on a faded red pillow. Maverick removed the item, noting the weight to be of a considerable amount, unlike the other cup. He untied the black pouch letting the fabric cascade around the silver goblet.
“Well, well, well, look what we have here.” Maverick announced, as the group leaned in closer to get a better look at the goblet. Maverick handed the goblet to Silver, who in return handed to Gr
ace, who passed it along to the others.
When Axel handed it back to Maverick he asked, “Now what?”
“We wait for our rendezvous,” and with a snap of his finger he made the goblet disappear. “I’ll feel better having that cursed cup in a safe place.”
“I feel better knowing we have it and can now end this game with Cy.” Silver hissed.
“Well I for one need a nap, too much excitement for one day, hell half a day.” Grace laughed.
“I understand Aunt Grace; do you want me to stay until we go back over to Mavericks this evening?” Alivia asked as she rolled her eyes at Axel.
“No dear, I have Axel here with me. I’m sure he’ll want to nap too before meeting with Cy.” Aunt Grace stated as she held onto Axel’s arm.
“Alivia, you might want to take a nap too, it may be a long night.” Dominick whispered to Alivia.
Alivia felt a chill go up her spine. The way his hot breath heated her earlobe and the sexy way he said her name made she want to melt in his arms. It was something about Dominick that made her feel safe and secure. Sure, she could associate it to the rescue at the holding house, or that he’s one of The Watch’s enforcers. Yet, it was something else drawing her to him. She wasn’t her usual flirty self with him, in fact her boldness seems to dissipate around Dominick. No, it was something she couldn’t put her hands on, but she liked it, and decided to see where this thing she couldn’t name was headed.
Alivia has never been in a healthy relationship, not really. She had to admit one-night stands and weekend romances were at the top of her dating history, maybe one or two lasted a month. She suddenly felt dirty and ashamed of her past behavior. Maybe Silver was right, it was time she grew up.
Back at Mavericks’ compound Alivia felt more at home than she did at her own place. She didn’t want to admit the break in and kidnapping really spooked her.
Dominick was kind enough to walk Alivia down the hall. She wanted Dominick to make love to her. She wanted to view his magnificent body. Hell, she wanted to scream ‘take me’. But with everything going on the best she could expect was a walk to her bedroom door. She knew he had to prepare for tonight, she knew they have just met so why in the hell should she expect anything from him this early in the game. No Liv, not game, never a game with Dominick.
A Witches Proposition Page 11