Persephone Alcmedi 00 - Wicked Circle

room.
    Mero sat on the leather seating in the round. The enclosed beds had been taken to the rear chamber, and all of them had fed. Though electric lights provided illumination, a few bergamot-scented candles were burning. The citrusy scent had been Seven’s suggestion, an attempt to instill the sisters with calmness and peace via aromatherapy. Presently, Mero listened as Seven gave Menessos a report.
    “The Interim Quarterlord is unaccustomed to the actual duties connected to the job that has just been bestowed upon him. And it seems that the Columbus and Cincinnati havens are disputing territory in Dayton. Remember, we thought their feud was just achy evidence of old wounds? Apparently the ailment is a disease that is no longer in remission. He’s finding it difficult to deal with the phone calls.”
    “Seven,” Menessos said with dismay. “I’ve managed to keep them at the negotiating table for weeks, and that has not been easily achieved. What have you done?”
    She put a hand on the back of the couch and leaned in. “I want that man out of my haven and out of Cleveland.”
    “Seven.”
    “They intend to fight, so let them—while he’s in charge. Let him show his leadership skills if he has any. It will keep him busy.”
    “He won’t tolerate their squabbling and he won’t consider their havens should he supply an active resolution.”
    “Exactly.” She stood straight and crossed her arms. “Leonard of the Columbus haven will go over this Interim Quarterlord’s head in a heartbeat.” She shot a pointed glare at Mero. “And I’m sure the Excelsior will be delighted to have to intervene.”
    “Seven,” Menessos said again. This time his voice was tight enough to snap.
    She uncrossed her arms and let her soft touch drop onto his shoulder. “You have other matters that require your attention. Allow me to handle this.” When he opened his mouth to argue, she sternly added, “I know how to handle petty men with their eyes on power that is not their own.” Her expression dared him to argue that fact.
    Menessos conceded. “What of our search for Persephone?”
    “Everyone we have has been out all day searching, and they plan to take shifts throughout the night, but they have to rest, so there won’t be much getting done here on the nightclub.”
    “She must be found!” he whispered. He clutched his stomach, as if he were in pain. Seven noticed, and she seemed about to inquire, but Menessos said, “Go on.”
    “Ivanka said she was hounded by calls from the Domn Lup until three o’clock—at which time his press conference began. She hasn’t heard from him since. The event was recorded and I have it cued up if you would like to see it.” She offered her master an open laptop.
    “Later,” Menessos waved it away. “Are they searching for her too?”
    “The den claims they do not have her and are not looking for her, but I suspect something is going on. They would not let me speak directly with the Domn Lup.”
    Menessos considered it. “Send Zhan. She and Kirk have an understanding.”
    “Zhan is at the farmhouse assisting Mountain. It will be an hour before she can get there, but I’ll convey your order.” Seven paused at the door. “Anything else?”
    “Just find her.”
    “We will, Boss.”
    Though Mero hung on their every word, he wasn’t lax in his observation of the sisters, who sat huddled together in the corner, whispering and crying.
    From the relative safety of her sister’s arms, Talto spoke. “The witch mastered you. Why do you agonize over her disappearance? If she is not here, she cannot be your puppeteer.”
    Menessos rose and proceeded to the corner. Talto made to cower, but he sat on the floor with them. “Is that the way your former master treated you, Talto?”
    “Yes!” she snapped. “Read this one, torture that one. Night after night after night. So much horror and despair. We wanted to be free of it. We killed Rouma, and I bear no regret.”
    The threat and warning in her tone were not hidden. Mero thought that Menessos would surely wield his power and double her over in pain again. But he didn’t. He simply said, “Rouma? I meant Liyliy.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

    T he sun had set as Johnny and Toni emerged from the church. Toni preceded him into the limousine. As he sat, Aurelia reached to shake hands with Toni. “Hi, I’m Aury. And you are?”
    Toni didn’t take the proffered hand. “Nobody you need to know.”
    Aurelia pursed her lips in