Deathstalker 05 - Deathstalker Destiny

never appeared on any of your shows?"
    "Well, first, I recognized your body language," said Toby calmly. "We spent a lot of time traveling together on Haceldama, and I notice such things. Like the way you and Evangeline stand together, your bodies always orientated on each other, like longtime lovers. And I never did believe Finlay Campbell would die that easily. And second, I kept quiet about it because it wasn't any of anyone's business if you wanted to hide behind a mask again. There's enough news to go round without dragging up old scandals. And third… I've kept quiet because I want a full exclusive interview with you when you finally do unmask. Fair enough?"
    "You always were too clever for your own good," said Finlay Campbell. "I will unmask, eventually. When enough time's gone by that no one cares anymore."
    "There is still the matter of the murder warrant against you for Gregor Shreck's death."
    "No one really gives a damn about how Gregor died," said Evangeline. "Most people are relieved he's gone. And the evidence against Finlay is entirely circumstantial. Eventually the case will be dropped, and then Finlay Campbell will return. And he and I will finally be married. After I've sorted out a few little problems of my own."
    "I'll be getting married myself soon," said Toby, almost bashfully. "Clarissa and I have decided to tie the knot, once the war is over."
    Evangeline smiled, and then frowned slightly. "But isn't she… ?"
    "My stepsister as well as my cousin? Yes. But don't worry about it. Such marriages are practically a Shreck Family tradition. Anyone gives us a hard time, I'll schedule a few prime-time specials on their own little peccadilloes.
    I won't let anyone stand between me and my Clarissa. I never loved anyone before. Never thought I had it in me. But Clarissa's special. Marry her
    tomorrow, if she'd let me."
    "No," Clarissa said firmly. "I can't marry you, not as I am now. Lionstone's surgeons made a lot of changes in me, when I was transformed into one of her maids. Implants, revisions, alterations. Jenny Psycho undid some of them when she freed us, but the majority are having to be put right the hard way.
    Lionstone had me made over into a monster, and I did monstrous things. Sometimes I live them again, in nightmares. And then, of course, Aunt Grace was murdered and replaced by a Fury, and I was Shub's prisoner. Just what I didn't need. But Toby was always there for me. His love kept me sane. Taught me to be strong, and resilient."
    "You always had it in you," said Toby. "You're a survivor. You're a Shreck."
    "I want to be fully human again when I marry my Toby," said Clarissa. "And if that means having to wait, well, Toby and I both waited a long time to find each other. My only real worry is that when we finally get to the altar, they'll make me take my vows under my original name; Lindsey. I never liked it, even as a child. Changed it to Clarissa the minute I was old enough to make it stick."
    "She could throw a hell of a mean temper tantrum, if you got the name wrong,"
    Toby said fondly. "I always called her Lindsey, of course, when we were both young, just to get a rise out of her. I remember one time she tried to pierce my ear with a stapling gun… I was an obnoxious little toad, even then."
    "Practice made perfect," said Flynn. "All these marriages at once; there must be something in the air. I'm trying to get Toby to let me be his bridesmaid. I'd look lovely in a nice little pink frock."
    "I think you'd look very sweet," said Clarissa.
    "You're the only one who does," said Toby.
    "Maybe there's just too much death around," said Evangeline, and they all nodded soberly.
    "Whatever," Toby said finally. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'd better get back to my control gallery, and check that everything's still running smoothly. Less than an hour to the grand ceremony now. I'll see you all later. Flynn; behave yourself. And promise me you won't try and catch the bouquet when Constance throws it."
    Robert Campbell strode impatiently into yet another of the private anonymous little rooms off the main floor, and didn't bother to hide his glare when he found Cardinal Brendan and Chantelle waiting for him. "All right; what is it?
    What is it that's so important I have to leave all my people behind, to talk with you two in private? It's not another change to the language of the ceremony, is it? I'm damned if I'm going through yet another bloody rehearsal just to placate another religious,