ILL-FATED JOURNEY™

Chapter 45

What?" Vlad asked, stunned.

"Last time I checked, your hearing was excellent, and you understood the Queen's English better

than I do," Charles stated dryly, casually picking imaginary lint from his blue button-down 

cardigan.

His Grach pistol slowly lowered, and Vlad demanded. "Explain."

"Didn't the envoy tell you all of this after your father died?"

"All he said was that I was offered my father's place. I told him I didn't want it."

"You don't have that option." Charles declared with an airy wave as he took a seat in the deep

brown worn leather armchair. "You may not participate if you don't want to and the position can

pass down the line."

Vlad's face twisted in confusion. "Pass down? Like an inheritance?"

"Just so."

"You're telling me this disgusting venture is part of my... inheritance!" Vlad stated angrily, and 

Charles nodded with a smile. "How do I get rid of it?"

"Easy, old chap!" Charles said simply. "Blow your brains out...or would you rather I do it for 

you?"

"What the hell? That is the only way out?" Vlad asked, pausing in his restless pacing.

"Well ...the agreement is till death. The founding fathers took it very literally." Charles replied. 

Then as he appraised Vlad, picking up his drink he went on. "But knowing you, you'll find some

drastic and bloody way out. Please remember our familial ties when you do."

"Tell me...how?" Vlad stammered.

"To cut a long tail short. A few centuries ago, a Russian Czar was in England being entertained

by one of my not so illustrious ancestors. I think it was for a wedding or something...and as

usual, the bloody passage for the emperor to return home was frozen over. Bored and stuck in

England and having a ...healthy Russian appetite, he found the entertainment provided by the

host not...adequate. So, the genius that runs in my family tree decides to ...collect a few rare

specimens for him to try. Two of them died 'accidentally'. This is where they form their ...sacred

pact and decide it would be fabulous to have whatever or rather whoever they wanted by 

simple...purchase."

Vlad's jaw dropped. "Our family started this mess!"