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Mason came into the penthouse, finding her way to the great room walking through the foyer. She saw Nicholas sitting by himself. Lucille had taken Constance into the study to privately discuss with her about her plans - plans for Constance's further education, new languages, and her secretarial and arrangement skills. Sinclaire had comfortably sprawled out on the guest bed and fallen asleep, atop the covers with shoes on, careless of the furniture and anything but his own comfort.
Mason walked over to Nicholas. She instantly was aware of his discomfort and fear, though she misinterpreted the causes.
"Hey there, " Mason said to Nicholas as she approached, greeting him in a friendly and casual manner.
Nicholas stared at her with an empity expression on his face for several seconds, then smiled, rising to his feet quickly and dropping his eyes. " Hello."
Mason looked at him sympathetically, though he couldn't see her expression, because his eyes were glued to the floor. "I'm Mason Weston... it's really good to meet you... you're Nick, right? "
Nicholas fidgeted uncertinally, wondering what this woman's relationship was with Lucille. "Yes Ms. Weston."
"No need to stand... please make yourself comfortable... You must have questions for me? I mean... it must be confusing... and distressing..." Mason sat down just after he did, near him but leaving a comfortable space, so he wouldn't feel crowded.
Nicholas smiled, looking up quietly, almost on the verge of tears. He spoke quietly. "This is our new home?" He brushed his bangs out of his face. "Silly question. Of course it is." He uttered that last softly, almost to himself.
Mason wasn't sure. "You can get your own apartment later, I would think. I have one."
"What an odd thought. I've never lived on my own."
" Do you want to?"
Nicholas hesitated. "I'm not sure." He pulled his legs beneath him, brushing his bangs out of his eyes again, almost as if embarassed by them. He thought for a sort time, then leaned forward, an intent look on his face. "Does... does our new master have any animals?"
Mason thought for a moment. "You know, I don't actually know if Miss Semingsworth has pets... or not... I will ask her though. Do you like animals?"
Nicholas nodded, showing something akin to happiness for the first time.
"What kind of animals do you like?" Mason smiled at him, happy that he looked happier.
"Oh yes. Very much. Even Mr. Thorne let me take care of the dogs. I like animals of all kinds. I get along with them very well."
"If she doesnt have any, she'll probably get you some. She's like that." Mason smiled, remembering.
"Do you think so?" Nicholas asked.
Mason nodded. "I just hope she doesnt order an entire zoo... I was sick and asked for some Gatorade or Allsport... she got me a case. of each flavor of each."
"That would be very nice. And dogs are good for security. Very good. This place... is not secure enough. I looked around." He hesitated, unsure of how to react to Mason's anecdote. "Ahhh. How... generous?" Nicholas seems completely baffled as to why Lucille would do such a thing. He wonders what the price of that generosity was.
"Thorough... maybe ... and generous too, yes. " She paused, then continued. "It's more secure than it looks. I've seen her when someone triees to break in... but... I suppose dogs could help out. And they'd be good company to have around. Sometimes I think she needs more living company... She gets kinda strange moods... you'll see."
Nicholas smiled, somewhat in his own world again. "Oh, I can make it better. Much better." Nicholas trails off, wondering what sort of mood she gets in. Swallows hard, wondering if Constance is going to be any safer here than she was earlier. "Ahhh well, I like to help. I could set up security for you, too, if you like."
Mason noticed he looks more worried. "Were you thinking of some specific security holes?" she asked.
Nicholas had a different worry on his mind, as it happened. "Will Mr. Thorne be coming back for us?"
" Oh.... gosh.... " Mason looked at him sympathetically again. "I'm sorry... I'm pretty sure he won't be doing anything anymore... he's supposed to be executed... I'm very sorry. You should have been told before." She thought that he probably was, but, it didn't sink in.
Nicholas heard, but it just didn't fit. "But... but... he can't be executed... he's immortal."
Mason responded, "One of their high ones came... a Justicar... they have their ways to do it."
Nicholas felt the same sinking sensation he had before... when he was picked up and brought here - drowning. He shook his head, feeling the pull in his veins still. He remained silent, thinking, 'you cannot kill Satan - he always returns, in one form, or another'.
Mason thinks over what she could, and perhaps should, say. "And, I've been studying their... well.. biology...and there's things that destroy them, although, if they take care, they are immortal yes."
Nicholas asked, very quietly, "Are we to be destroyed as well?"
Mason shook her head quickly. "No, you're to be wards of Miss Semingsworth... it wasnt your fault. you didnt do it..."
Nicholas listened. He thought to mention... "Constance and I.. we will suffer a rather gruesom demise without the blood to sustain us."
Mason asked, "uh... were you told what Mr. Thorne did?"
Nicholas seemed terribly confused. "Yes. I was....."
"Miss Semingsworth will feed you... she won't let you... die like that," Mason assured him.
Nicholas nibbled on his lip. "I see. It would be a very unplesant death, to be sure. I am most grateful."
"It's a responsibility; she takes responsibilities seriously." Mason continued, "and, you'll be helpful... with security and everything.."
Nicholas calms, looking into Mason's eyes. "I take my responsibilities very seriously too, Ms. Weston."
Mason nodded. "You'll do very well."
"Do you think... do you think she will keep Constance and I together? She will not speak of it... but... we are both... worried about staying together."
"Do you want to stay together?" Mason paused. "Are you ... very close?"
"Yes. Very close."
"I'm sure it'll be ok for you to stay together then."
Nicholas sighed with relief. "Oh good. She was very upset earlier. I tried to calm her as best I could." He watched Mason... she was smiling at him. "You are very kind. I should like to continue working with you," he told her.
"Oh.. thank you. I think it will be very rewarding to work with you, too."
Nicholas looked around anxiously. "Do you think it would be appropriate of me to begin working immediately? I need to focus."
"Hmm... I'll be right back." Mason stepped out of the great room and went to the study. She knocked at the door, but there was no answer. She waited a little while, and Constance came out. Lucille spoke to Mason for several minutes, and then Mason returned to Nick, while Constance returned to her discussion with Lucille.
Nicholas looked up as Mason returned. He felt unaccustomed to such generosity.
"Miss Semingsworth will have plenty of tasks for you... but... I have an idea we could start on right away... My apartment doesnt really have much security... maybe you could help me set it up better? even help me pick out a dog that I could train as a watchdog?"
Nicholas smiles warmly. "Yes. I should like that. But if you would like a dog... Brutis would be exceptionally well suited to you."
"Brutis? is that .. well, one of Mr. Thorne's dogs maybe? they all need homes now too dont they..."
Nicholas nodded.
"Why do you think Brutis is suited to me? that's really interesting, " mused Mason.
Nicholas smiles, pleased. "He is quite affectionate... easily trained. He responds well to females, and is hightly protective. He is still in the kennels. Would you care to retrieve him?"
" Yes, I think I would. It would be kinda nice to have a pet. Do you know how to get there? I can drive if you direct me," Mason offered.
Nicholas smiled. "Wonderful... Oh yes. I knneled them quite closely actually, so I could visit, from time to time, if Ms. Semingsworth allowed."
Mason and Nicholas went down to the parking garage and got in Mason's car. She drove to the kennel. He opened her door as they got out of the car, and they walked together into the kennels.
Nicholas smiled shyly, stuffing his hands in his pockets, whistling as he walked into the kennels. "This way..." He opened a set of doors for Mason - a series of seven cages, set aside... larger than the rest with seven particularly vicious looking crossbreeds glaring out from behind the cages... until they saw him, at which point, they became nothing more than excited puppies.
"Ah... Brutis.. there you are. Have you been having fun?" Nicholas wandered over, opening one of the cages, letting the huge, dark chocolate rottie out, listening to the dog whimper a reply. He smiled, nodding.
Mason held out her hand tenatively to the dog. "Hey there," she said to him, pitching her voice to a lower and more soothing tone.
"I see! How exciting... Come Brutis... I'd like you to meet someone..." Nicholas leaned closer, whispering into the dogs ear.
Brutis wandered over, licking Mason's hand, wagging his tail.
Nick's eyes shone happily, cocking his head to listen to the dog Mason was petting. Nicholas looked up at Mason, smiling. "He likes you."
"Oh.. he's so sweet," Mason crooned, as she continued to pet Brutis. The dog continued to wag all over, glancing from Nick to Mason and back again.
"Oh yes. He is very sweet. He will make an excellent partner, and will give his life to protect you," Nicholas said very seriously.
" I hope it doesnt come to that." Mason scratched Brutis's head as she spoke.
"Oh no. I would hope not as well. I would miss Brutis terribly."
"He'll be wonderful." Mason hugged Brutis, feeling his strength and warmth. "And good company too I bet!" Brutis licked her affectionately.
" Yes. Good company," Nicholas agreed.
"And he's yours? I mean, its ok for you to give him to me?" Mason asked, just to be sure.
"Oh yes. All of the dogs are mine. I wish to find them suitable homes.. if they are no longer required. Someplace close, where I can visit them. Not here. Not caged. This is bad for them." Nicholas leaned closer, whispering in Brutis' ear again, stroking his neck gently.
Brutis whuffs some sort of reply, putting his paw in the air for Mason to accept. Mason giggles and shakes Brutis's hand. "What a gentleman you are!" she said to the dog playfully.
"He would be most pleased to accept your offer, Ms. Weston," Nicholas said.
Brutis growl/whined, caught between a yawn and a doggy smile. Mason gazed at him affectionately. "Do I need to put him on a leash? or will he just follow us to the car?"
Nicholas wanders to each of the cages... talking with each dog in turn before rising. "No. Just call him. He is very well trained."
Mason walked to the doorway and called, "Here, Brutis." Brutis responds immedaitely, heeling at Mason's feet.
Nicholas smiled encouragingly at the newly matched pair, waiting for Mason to test her strokes, as it were.
Next Mason instructed Brutis to heel. He followed her all the way out to the car.
"I raised him from a pup. He is very obedient," Nicholas told Mason.
Brutis jumped nimbly into the back seat, while Mason took her place behind the wheel.
Nicholas slipped into the passenger side, turning to speak with the dog, after he's closed the door. "Good boy, Brutis. I'm very proud of you. Hmmm? Oh yes. She is quite beautiful, and very sweet. You be good to her, now... and do as she says. Yes, I know you will. She will be an excellent master."
When they returned to the apartment building, Mason parked again in her space. She got out, and let Brutis out to follow her. The three of them took the elevator up to her apartment.
On the elevator, Nicholas told Mason, "Brutis has been trainted to incapacitate first, and kill second. He reacts violently to guns and knives... but will follow your commands implicitly - instantly, so be very careful how you react to strangers."
"Oh gosh." Mason looked at Brutis. "Be nice, hon... dont' hurt anyone unless I say you can or if I'm like, dying or something,, ok?"
When they reached Mason's apartment, Nicholas demonstrated a few hand signals for her, explaining their meaning. Mason practiced them until she could do them correctly.
"When he wishes to go out... he whines like this..." Nicholas said, mimicing the dog's whine. "He will be content where ever you tell him to sleep. A kennel is not necessary unless you would feel more comfortable getting him one. And oh yes... he enjoys being read to, if the notion ever strikes you."
"Oh, neat." Mason thought. "Should I give him a bowl of water?"
" Yes please. He will require a fresh bowl of water every morning."
Mason nodded, and got down a sturdy earthenware bowl, filling it with water and setting it on the floor.
Nicholas scanned the apartment, intent to outdo himself in setting up security for Mason. Thinking of that reminded him of Constance, though. "I hate being rude... but I should be getting back to Constance... Can I meet you on the morrow to finish installing your security system?"
He continued, " I'll have food delivered to you tonight... and some other supplies... if you don't mind."
"Yes, that'll be great." Mason looked excited and eager. "Goodnight."
She let Nicholas out and relocked the door. Nicholas made his way up to the penthouse again, watched and expected by Lucille's security. At the door Constance met him. She looked surprised and happy. She told him that Lucille was putting them together in an apartment on the floor below hers, and that they would be free to keep the dogs there or anywhere they liked, though Lucille herself didn't care for animals and would rather not see them. The furniture had already arrived during the day and the apartment was ready... she had a key in her hand. Nicholas followed her to it and looked it over. He certainly had a lot of work to do. It felt good.