Alive bond

Leaving

Eve sat there lost in thought.

--Why did you throw a cup at him? The truth this time.

-Raphael texted him,explaining that his new friend invited him to stay for a few days in America. And Anthony replied that it wasn't his business to know.

-Anthony gave that kind of answer? What is this man's name?

-I don't know. Raphael never told me. And Anthony became a bit aggressive when I tried to pressure Raphael. At least he has some protective instincts.

-A lot of things dont make sense. Do you have a picture of him?

-Sure. Raphael posted on Facebook a picture of them together outside of the Louvre.,Angelica said and showed Eve her phone.

-Alright.Send her to me,if you please. And go take a walk. You seem to need fresh air.,Eve suggested and soon Angelica exited the room.

When Eve got the picture,she cropped it and sent it to Paimon with the text:"Do you recognise him?".

A few minutes later,a new message appeared on her screen.

-Where the hell did you find that traitor,Eric? Where is he Eve? I can recognise a cropped picture when I see one. You removed the surroundings so I won't figure out where he is hiding.But I will. And I'm going to remind him why I'm the Shadow of Pain.

She didn't bother responding. After all,she has gotten all the information she needed. She left to find Angelica and Anthony and tell them to pack their things.

They were going to France.

-I still can't believe they called Alex Joshuarelle as a speaker in the conference. I mean, his relationship with literature is basically nonexistent. I can't even imagine the last time he picked up a book.

-You are right. Everyone knows his wife is the real author but he is just so controlling that the poor woman was practically forced to "admit" in public that she was simply the editor of the books. Unbelievable.I wouldn't be surprised if the real editor is his mistress.

The conference had just finished and Raphael and Eric decided to take a stroll to discuss this mutual experience and enjoy the nice weather in general. However,as time passed, through mutual sharing of opinions,they concluded that attending the conference was a mistake.

They had high expectations but they only ended up disappointed. So,Raphael thought that he could at least take advantage of this opportunity to acquire a new friend. That is why he agreed on spending a few more days with him in America. Anthony wouldn't mind,would he?

Suddenly,Eric's phone buzzed and when he looked at the new message his smile disappeared and he sighed annoyed

-Sorry,Raphael,but I have to get going. Will I see you again tonight?

-Of course. We will meet at the airport to take the 10 o'clock flight for New York.I have never been to America. I am quite excited.

-As you should be.Excellent then,see you tonight.

After that they said their good-byes and parted ways. When Eric decided he was far enough from Raphael,he took out his phone and started calling someone who eventually picked up.

-Where are you?,the mysterious male voice asked

-How many times do I have to tell you? Don't bother me while I am working,Eric answered frustrated

-I wouldn't call it "work". You are putting your life on the line here.

-You are overreacting,as usual. Anyway,why did you call?

-I finished work early. Do you want to meet?

-Of course. The usual place?

-Always. See you at twenty.

The man hung up and Eric picked up his pace while a small warm smile appeared on his face. He didn't want to be late. Even though being late is a demonstration of power and authority he had no wish to execute these techniques now.

Eric arrived a few moments later to a cafe and after a quick search he found what he was looking for. He started moving towards a secluded table where a man was sitting with a cappuccino in front of him. He was in his mid-thirties tall,around 6 feet tall,and handsome. His deep black hair fell gracefully on his forehead emphasizing his brown eyes.He had broad shoulders which,along with his height,gave everyone the impression he was a dangerous hitman. But his threatening aura disappeared when a faint,sincere smile appeared on his face. That smile changed his face. A calm expression dominated his features,full of patience but also fear. Not fear of being threatened but fear of losing. This deep worry and sorrow made him look 10 years older even though his smile was that of a blissful teenager.

-You are late,he said playfully

-According to you,I'm always late. So,how was work?,Eric answered in the same playful tone.

-Boring,as usual. The marketing team is a disaster and the board is just a group of ignorant fools.Honestly,I don't know how we manage to sell our products.How about you? Any progress with Raphael?

-Plenty,in fact. He agreed to leave with me for New York. Tonight. Once we are there alone,I will manipulate him and his way of thinking. Angelica will be dead before she has time to realise what has happened.

-And you can't do that here?

-France is too close to England.Once Angelica realises that she is in danger,she will have time to react. But in America,by the time she finds Raphael,if she finds him among the chaos of New York city, it will be too late to turn things around.

-At least let me come with you.

-George,we have already talked about this. There is not much you can do to help. Besides,this is a crucial time for your company. You can't just take a week off without a serious reason. You said it yourself,you don't have someone capable to leave in charge. Stay here and I promise to return as soon as possible.

-My main concern is not when you will return. My biggest fear is if you will come back at all.

-I think you worry too much. My plan is flawless. I kill Angelica and I offer her head as a gift to the Princes. After that,they will have to accept my return back home. I thought you would be happy for me. I will no longer be a fugitive or unwanted.

-I am happy for you,as long as things develop according to plan. Don't forget. The moment Angelica is in trouble,the Queen will be notified. As a result,it will be a matter of time before Paimon finds you. After that,you will lose control of the situation. He will find you and you will be at his mercy. He can choose to accept your gift or take advantage of this opportunity to end you. They hate you,Eric. They think you are the reason their enemies are so powerful right now.

-In a way,they are right. Lets not forget that I started the family line in which the Queen was reincarnated. If only I hadn't raped that village girl all those eons ago. Then she wouldn't have given birth to that wretched girl and in the end the Queen would never have returned. But that's all in the past now. I have to earn my place back.

-Will you promise to call me,if anything happens? That will calm me down at least.

-Lets make a deal. I will call you every night. If I don't call you,that means something has happened. What do you say?

-Im not entirely pleased but I sense this will be the last compromise you will make.

-It is. It's only for a week. After that,I will return victorious.

-You can destroy a bond like Angelica in just a week?

-With her absent? And one source secluded? I could do it in two days but I want to do it slowly and painfully. It is more fun this way.Besides,why not go sightseeing while I'm at it? It would be a pity not to enjoy a city like New York.

Eric had an ecstatic smile on his face like a child waiting to open a Christmas present that he was longing for all year.All George could do is smile with him and hope,with all his heart,that the beautifully wrapped gift did not have a bomb inside.