Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:01 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“I sent a letter last night,” Lewis said. “I wonder if he’ll even read it…” It wasn’t that the mercenary thought that his friend would blow him off..more that the man was such a nerd, that he might be too wrapped up in research to even notice the letter in the first place. At least Lewis had a secret weapon, in that case.

“Is my life story really that relevant to your safety?” Lewis asked with a slightly annoyed tone, nursing his coffee. It was obvious he was tired, but he did seem used to it. “Assuming he did read it, we’ll receive a reply soon.” He rolled his eyes at the look that she was giving him, and he sighed. “Fine. We were sold to a research fanatic who, in her words, called us ‘the perfect experiment.’ Something about nature against nurture. She’s a wackjob, but…she’s also kind. Xeik stayed with her, and I went my own way after meeting a man who taught me everything I know…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:46 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

There was a twinkle in Simone’s eyes as she listened to Lewis’s riveting tale. It was the perfect ammunition for her story. She looked bummed as he told her to get some sleep. “Fine… Fine… but tell me the rest tomorrow.” She got comfortable in bed and fell asleep fast. She could only sleep thanks to Lewis being there. His presence was comforting to her.

In the morning, Martha came to get her up. Simone looked rough as she stood behind the changing screen getting dressed. “Come now Miss don’t look like that,” Martha was chuckling.

“It’s too early,” Simone whined softly.

“You always say it is too early,” Martha brought her back out and plopped her in front of a vanity. “I brought a coffee for Mr. Terrowin.” She was taking a brush to Simone’s hair and putting it in its usual style. Simone’s makeup was light since she wouldn’t stop fidgeting. “Honestly Miss…”

“What?”

“You fidget entirely too much.” Martha sighed and waved her hand at Lewis. “She is yours now.”

“I’m not that bad…” Simone gave a smirk and pulled out a piece of paper as she started to write on the vanity. “Lewis… Tell me more about yourself. You started last night… After you contact your friend of course.” Hopefully, his friend would be of help to them. Her situation really was as bad as she sold it to Lewis.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:36 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“He’s an old friend. We grew up together, though we had different ideas on where we wanted to go in life,” Lewis said as he checked the windows. Deciding they were okay, he sat down at the table and opened his notebook. “Believe it or not, we grew up on the streets. We started as thieves. I know it’s not a great look, but we stole from the wrong person and ended up in a lot of trouble. Long story short, we both ended up being sold off as labor, though…” He sighed. “This isn’t the time for this.” He looked up. “Get some rest. I don’t plan on sleeping, so you can be at ease. I will wake you if anything happens.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:29 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Simone nodded and was flustered again at the state of Lewis. She coughed and quickly moved to pack an overnight bag with Martha. Once they were ready they set out from the house. Simone was tired and she slouched over in the carriage to sleep some more now that the adrenaline was wearing off.

Once they were at the upscale hotel Simone was woken up by Martha. “Thanks…” It took no time at all to get two rooms. Martha would be staying in one and Lewis and Simone in the other. Simone figured Lewis wouldn’t be away from her anymore after this.

Falling onto the bed she stretched and let out a yawn. “This friend of yours… Have you known him long?” She was asking questions as she got ready for bed once more. “I take it you aren’t going to sleep tonight?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:16 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Lewis quickly too the towel and tied it around his waist. The fact that the beast, or whatever it was, merely brushed off his traps meant it was something powerful. “Likely magical in nature,” he said aloud to himself as he walked over to investigate the blood. He took out a small vial from his belt, along with some cotton. As he collected a blood sample, he seemed to almost forget his current state, and stood up a little too quickly.

“It might be for the best. Pack an overnight bag, and give me a chance to disarm what traps remain. I recommend sending your staff away as well. While it’s unlikely your ‘biggest fan’ will come here, it will be better to err on the side of caution.” He looked at Simone with a deadly serious gaze. “Whatever that beast was, it was magical in nature. I’m not well attuned to mana, so I can’t say for sure, but based on what it has done, I can only assume it was a higher tier summoned beast or familiar.” He walked to his door, finally realizing he would need actual clothes.

“I might know someone who can help, but I can’t make any promises. He’s been a little too preoccupied lately with work.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

The moment the daggers hit the intruder was the moment it ran for the window and jumped out. Blood was all over the estate from the traps Lewis had set. Once all the noise had died down there was a dragging noise from Simone’s room.

“Lewis?” Once she knew that Lewis was there Simone opened the door. She was horrified at all the blood and the broken glass. “What was that?” There was something inhuman about everything that had just happened.

Once she had a moment to calm down she blushed and looked away from Lewis. “For your intimate parts Mr. Terrowin,” Martha had delicately stepped over the glass and held out a towel for him. “The downstairs is completely destroyed and bloody. I don’t know how he made it all the way up here to torment her.”

Simone finally looked over at Lewis once he was covered. “We should go to a hotel for the night…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 5:48 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Lewis hadn’t taken a proper bath in ages, and felt he could at the very least take a moment to remedy that. He left his mercenary belt on the door just in case, and took his time sinking into the hot water. There must have been an herbal soak of some kind based on the scent, and the water was doing wonders for his muscles. It was just as he started to relax when all hell broke loose.

He heard the scrambling, and immediately perked up before the sounds of something started to slam into Simone’s door. He was up in a flash, crashing through the door with the belt haphazardly thrown over he shoulder, but enough that he had access to his myriad of tools and small weapons. It was more than enough as he rolled into the hall. With the shadowy target identified, he threw multiple throwing knives at the beast, each with perfect accuracy.

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:18 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Simone thought about it, “He shouldn’t… but if he’s been watching me he would I guess. I always open my window in the morning to let the fresh air in.” She admitted it easily enough.

Martha opened the door and brought in some chamomile tea for Simone. “I’ve informed the staff to stay clear of the entrances. I’ve done the liberty of drawing Mr. Terrowin a bath before the night really settles in.”

Simone delicately played with her teacup with anxiety. “I should be alright while you are away. The tea is very calming…” She took a big breath. “It’s only a short time right?”

It was calm for nearly fifteen minutes while Lewis was in the bath. That was when all hell broke loose downstairs. It started with loud crashes and wild noises. The frantic running upstairs and down the halls. It was going straight to Simone’s room.

There was a loud crash from inside Simone’s room as someone began to bash her door in. It seemed to be a failing attempt. “LEWIS!” Simone yelled from behind her door.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:00 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

It didn’t take long for Lewis to describe the flowers when he was asked, and as he finished his statement, he immediately noticed a change in Simone. Based on her words on what the flowers meant, he concluded that the man was very likely the stalker in spite of his earlier actions. It was strange, but perhaps he didn’t want to cause another public scene, opting for a warning instead. Regardless, he wouldn’t get close enough to even see Simone, let alone capture her.

They arrived at the mansion late into the night, but Simone was far too panicked to sleep, opting to rile herself up as Lewis sat by her side calmly. When it dawned on her that he wasn’t worried, her panic subsided slightly as she slowly worked her way through the logic of the situation.

“I will set traps tonight,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Very powerful traps. I would highly recommend that your staff not leave the mansion tonight, lest they lose a leg in the process.” He gave her a stern look. “Does that man know which room is yours?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:52 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“Well, its about an assassin named Alexei.” Simone gave a smirk. “I’m glad you managed to stop him though. The book signing was a success thanks to you and I remain safe.” She paused at the flowers though as she gave him a rather scared look. “Describe the flowers to me.” Once she got an accurate description. “He wanted to give me black lilies… Black lilies mean a lot of things but in our society they mean possession, taboo, and death. When you want something bad to happen to someone you give them black lilies.”

She was thoroughly spooked. “We should head home. We can discuss it more there.” Once she said her goodbyes they made their way back to Auclair Manor. Simone was pacing in her room. “What if he intends to capture me? Lewis this is very bad.” She was panicking now. “I…” She stopped when she saw how calm Lewis was. “I am safe as long as you are here… Isn’t that right?”

She took a deep breath. “I don’t need to worry as long as you are by my side.” She grounded herself and leaned against a desk. “I barely remember the first time I saw this man. He was at a party. I barely noticed him because he hung back but I felt him watching me. It was before Jerome and I separated so I was too busy dealing with that nonsense to really pay attention.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:44 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“A super fan of yours wanted in, but I made sure he couldn’t…since he didn’t have an invitation,” Lewis stated. He gave her a look. “The ‘Blades of Lust’? That’s certainly an evocative title. I’ve not known weapons for having romantic trysts…” He sighed, pushing the book name aside for the moment. There was something else. “Your super fan…he wanted to give you something. A bouquet of black…something. Daffodils? Anyway, I trashed them. I can’t trust something like that…it might have held a toxin or something.”

It wasn’t that he was blowing off the flower type, more so that he hadn’t the slightest idea what the flowers actually were. It wasn’t something he had studied for long, as most of his research into plants pertained to the poisons they produce, and not what comes before it. “I assume it would have meant something to you, had you seen them?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:39 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Simone saw Lewis and nodded to him. It appeared like everything was going well. Simone signed away at her books. And finally the grand finale of the whole thing. She stood up as all the women sat down. “I’ll now read an exert of Lady Azure to you all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.”

It was a riveting moment in the book where the handsome male lead had discovered Lady Azure’s true persona. They were over each other in moments. The hot and heated scene ended just before it got to the main course and Simone snapped the book shut. “If you want to hear how the scene ends you’ll just have to read it.” There was a wild cheering now as Simone took a bow. “I’m currently working on my new series The Blades of Lust. I hope to see you all again once it is done.”

Simone wrapped up the signing and she found herself over by Lewis. “Any problems?” She tilted her head. “We just have to bid farewell to the librarians then we can be on our way back home.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:33 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Lewis played the dutiful security guard well, walling the man off from ever hoping to get in. When he left the flowers with Lewis, though, he wasn’t entirely sure how to accept the fact that he left so easily. “I see…” He stared at the black lilies as the man disappeared around the corner, and frowned. “No chance at all she’ll ever see these, though she’ll hear about it…” He handed them to the doorman, who seemed almost thankful that Lewis had dealt with the mystery man.

The mercenary entered the library, making sure to stay out of the spotlight as he located his client. Once Simone was in his sights, he made sure to signal that he was there, but remained at a distance as fans of hers lined up with their novels in hand. “It’s going to be a busy day,” he muttered to himself as the line grew ever longer.

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:25 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

The white-haired man immediately turned to Lewis. “I must see her at once.” He approached rather quickly as he impatiently whacked the bouquet into his palm. “She is just dying to see me. I’m afraid I’ve forgotten my invitation.”

There was little hesitation from the man as he grinned. “The lovely and delicate Simone Auclair. She is doing a book signing today. I’m a rather avid fan of my fiance you see.” When he realized he wasn’t making it past Lewis he shoved the black lilies into Lewis’s arms. “Can you give this to her? Can you let her know I’ll see her at home?”

He was rather adamant about it. “Those flowers are special so make sure she gets them!” Taking one last look over Lewis the man left without too much more of a fuss.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:20 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Despite what it appeared, Lewis was quite pleased with himself on how he handled Jerome the night before. It was rare to have a chance to not only indulge in a little wordplay, but to have it be so successful. Still, he knew better than to let it go to his head, and instead focused on the task at hand. He had studied what he could of the library that they were headed to. At the very least, he knew the entrances and exits and the base floor plan.

“”I’ll only be a moment,” Lewis said as Simone disappeared inside. It didn’t take long for a mysterious man to come up and try to enter, only to be turned away. Was this the stalker? The mercenary cleared his throat, making himself known.

“Excuse me,” he said as he approached the man. “I’m with security. May I see your invitation?” It was only a slight alteration of truth, but Lewis played the part well enough that the doorman acknowledged him. “I’m afraid if you don’t have an invite, you will have to wait until after the event to meet with your fiance. If you would like, I could let them know you’re here, though. Can I have their name?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:30 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“Nonsense she is just mad. She will come to her senses,” Jerome shoved off what Lewis was saying easily enough. “She just needs to remember how we were before I left her.”

Jerome’s face went white as Lewis continued on and on about what type of thing he could do. The nobleman was certain that Lewis would absolutely do the things he was saying. “She’s out of her damn mind hiring someone like you.” He took off after that.

Simone’s window rustled and a very sleepy Simone was leaning out the window. “Lewis?” Her voice was timid as she rubbed her eyes. “Is everything alright?” It was amazing she could see in the dark like she could. “I heard something hitting my window…” She did a big yawn.

Martha came up behind Simone and gave a wave to Lewis letting him know she was alright. Closing the window the maid got her back to bed.

In the morning, Simone got dressed and had her breakfast. She was writing at the table. She wrote until they were in the carriage on their way to book signing. She wrote more in the carriage the best she could. Thankfully, it wasn’t a terribly bumpy ride. Lewis once more had opted to ride alongside the carriage.

Once they had arrived at the national library Simone got out and stretched. “I’ll go inside now. When you are ready you can meet me inside as well.” She directed the help to bring a chest into the library. Apparently, she had also brought a donation for the library, she was a very giving noble as it turned out. Simone made her way inside the library after a few words with the head librarian. A lot of applause happened as she entered the building and she set to work with her words.

While Lewis was outside a white-haired man attempted to bring a bouquet of black lilies inside. “My fiance is waiting for me inside. You must let me see my bride.”

“This is invitation only…” One of the workers began to argue with him.

“Tell her I’m here and you’ll see I belong!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:13 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“You know,” a voice sounded from the shadows. “It’s rude to throw rocks at someone’s house.” Lewis stepped out of the darkness, his eyes like a predator as they locked on to Jerome. “If you have business with the lady of the manor, I suggest coming during waking hours, and scheduling a proper appointment. Should she choose to see you, I’m sure she’ll grant you an audience.” He crossed his arms. “However, I wouldn’t put it past her to shrug you off. No one likes a pushy man.” He had heard such phrases said before, but he hadn’t a clue what it really meant in context.

“I can tell you this, though,” Lewis let his arms fall to his sides, his gaze never wavering from the blonde man. “Should she wish it, I could use my various talents and show you quite the exciting time. Did you know that, while on average, most men can’t live with grievous wounds, that there are special potions and magicks alike that extend the lifespan of someone dying? Can you imagine what it’s like…cutting someone open, watching their blood spill, and then moments later reverse the process, as if nothing happened? Can you [imagine what that does to someone’s mind?”

Sure, he would never actually do any of that. At least, not without a pay raise. Jerome, though, had no clue what was in the contract. “So, I suggest you leave her alone, lest she decide that your bothersome approach had crossed a line, and forces her to cross her line.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:05 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“The fact he’s gotten so comfortable with coming to confront me… Made me worried about what else he might do. Stalking is one thing if he was just following me around like a fan but this is entirely different.” She sighed a bit. “I’m worried about just how far he will go.”

Simone nodded to him as they concluded their meeting. She was set to have a bath, change into night clothes, and finally go to bed. The house itself was charming as the mood came down and the staff got less chatty. Now that the mistress was in bed their job was to ensure she stayed asleep peacefully.

It was later that night when Martha, who seemed to be a woman who never slept, came up to Lewis on one of his patrols. “There’s noise in the back garden Mr. Terrowin.” Her voice was low as she brought up a lantern. “Flowers rustling around and a few curses. The Miss is still soundly asleep though.”

In the garden, a blonde was attempting to untangle himself from a bush of flowers. “Damn it…” He had climbed over the fence to try and reason with Simone. “I just need to get loose.” Once he was loose he picked up a few stones. He was wandering around the house looking for her window. He had never really paid attention to where her room was. It hadn’t been of importance. He started to toss the rocks up hitting a window.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:47 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

“I appreciate it,” Lewis said as he took the cup of coffee, taking a quick whiff before drinking. “A unique blend. It tastes delicious,” he mused with a smile before turning his attention back to Simone. He sat down on the other side of her desk, and opened up a notebook. “Sit or stand…it doesn’t quite matter to me.” He paused for a moment, considering her plans carefully.

“I’m not too worried about your food. At least, not at the moment…I would assume your stalker wants you alive. At worst, he might try to put you to sleep, but even then, he would need a way to take you. Not something easily done when you have me here.” He wrote a few things down. “I can set up after our meeting, so please do take your time. Let’s go over the plan for tomorrow in detail.”

It took almost an hour to review the appointments that Simone had, including her book signing. It was to be a closed event; by invite only. Lewis was given a pass, though Simone and Martha both insisted that he wouldn’t need it. The route was rather straightforward, and the venue was a national library two towns over. All in all, about a quarter of a day's ride by carriage.

“That’s all for now,” Lewis said as he wrote down the last of his notes. “I would recommend rest. I’ll be patrolling the halls periodically through the night, and I have a few…” He paused. “Surprises set out. I would recommend warning your staff to stay clear of the entrances to your lovely mansion, though I did leave one door alone … .as I recall, the staff door has its own unique protection magic.” With that, he closed his notebook and stood up. “Do not hesitate to call me should any issue arise. If you cannot speak, make any noise possible, and I promise I’ll come.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:38 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Martha gave Lewis a confident smile, “I’m merely doing my job to the best of my ability Mr. Terrowin. The Miss has been in my care since before her father passed. It was he who hired me to take care of her. From her meals to making sure she is dressed for her day. I interview the help and try to be as thorough as I can about it. Obviously, by myself, things still slip through the cracks.” She nodded to him. “It would be no issue at all to interview them. They’ve been up to speed on the incidents with Miss Simone.”

Simone was in her room fiddling away with a quill. “Come in,” she spoke up as she heard the knock. “I normally work in my study but I figured you would find me easiest here if Martha was busy.” She got up from her desk and looked Lewis over a bit more. He really was the perfect muse for all of this.

“Please, take a seat and we can discuss it… Unless you prefer to stand?” Once Simone took her seat Martha brought in some tea and coffee. “Coffee Martha?” She tilted her head up at her maid.

“Mr. Terrowin seems more like a coffee drinker to me Miss. So I took the liberty of getting a cup for him.” Martha was incredible like that as Simone took her cup and mused over it.

“My day today is concluded but tomorrow will be another book signing across the way. We have dinner in a few hours which Martha is leading in the kitchen.” She tilted her head towards Lewis. “Shall we go over tomorrow's schedule more or are you setting up for tonight?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:12 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Before they left, Lewis had a small chat with the carriage coach. After deeming him not a threat, he decided to ride alongside him, instead of inside of the carriage, stating it would be far easier to see a threat coming. Thankfully, nothing of major note happened during the short ride to the Auclair mansion, however the events that transpired after piqued the mercenary’s curiosity. The man who had scorned Simone, the ex-fiance, Jerome, wasn’t subtle in his attempts to win back Simone’s heart. What was shocking, however, was her impeccable aim, which brought the slightest of smirks to Lewis’ face.

Given the way she interacted with Jerome, and his own actions in reflection, it was easy enough to determine he wasn’t a real threat in this situation, nor was he the one that was stalking her. At least, not in the sense that she felt threatened, at least.

Martha, though, seemed rather unusual for a maidservant. As they walked in, he asked a few probing questions, all which were answered to a satisfactory degree. “I’m rather impressed,” he stated to the maid. “You’re rather on point with all of this…” He would make a note to tell Simone that Martha was cleared. “And you’re sure that there will be no issue investigating the remaining staff?”

After clearing up the staffing questioning, he made his way to his new room. He didn’t have a lot of belongings on his person, but what he did carry was easily stashed away in the wardrobe and closet. The room was well furnished, otherwise. If all went as planned, this wouldn’t be the worst gig he had ever done.

After making sure he had everything settled in his own space, he moved across the hall, knocking before entering. “If you don’t mind…I would like to go over the schedule with you to confirm a few things. I’ll just need a moment of your time.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:46 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Simone seemed to relax as soon as he accepted her offer. “That’s no problem at all.” She got a journal out and handed it over. “This is all my appointments… Schedules. Everything for the next two months. I don’t ever go off schedule. Everything even my meals is listed for the day-to-day. I like being on time.” She wanted to reassure him. “As for my house help… Just get with Martha and she can help you. She’s the one in charge of everything. I trust her with my life. You’ll get everything you asked for of course. Anything to help. The room across from mine is yours.”

She took a moment to pack up some things. “We’ll head back to the house for now so you can settle in. I take private carriages for my own safety. You can look it over and talk to the coachman if you want. He’s staying in another room here. I’ve had to cancel a few affairs because of the situation. I do have a book signing tomorrow though. The other side of town. It’s in my notes.”

Once everything was packed she got on her carriage. The ride home was nice with no interruptions. The gates to the Auclair mansion opened so they could go in and Simone seemed happy to be home. There was a large set of gardens on the front, sides, and back. She liked her time out in the sun.

“Martha, this is Mr. Terrowin he’ll be staying with us while we try to get everything figured out,” Simone said to a maid who had a brown hair and seemed well put together.

The maid bowed to him and gave a smile, “Whatever resources you need you only need to ask. We do have a situation though…”

A blonde man was running for the gates but thankfully they closed, “SIMONE BEATRICE, we need to talk.”

Simone made a face and motioned for the help to start unloading her things from the carriage.

“That would be Lord Jerome,” Martha spoke to Lewis separately. “Nasty split they had but once he found out about the Mistress’s affairs he’s been coming here ever since to get back together. He’s been out here almost every day asking for her.”

“I’m going inside,” Simone said softly.

“SIMONE,” Jerome yelled. “I said I was sorry. So what if Vesta has a larger bust tha–”

Simone picked up a rock, she threw it up in the air, and then she chucked it at Jerome’s head. She was a good shot as the man yelled holding his face. “Word of advice, making the woman you’re trying to get back angry at you… is probably a really bad idea.” Her words were laced with venom before she went inside.

“No love is lost,” Martha spoke up to Lewis. “As you can see she isn’t really heartbroken over it. It was an engagement set up by their fathers.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:27 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Lewis looked at the bag of silver, and then to Simone, who seemed eager for his response.  Something about all of this seemed really off to him, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.  At least the pay was on point for the feeling he was getting, and that ultimately was what mattered most.  

“Fine,” he said as he walked over to sit down at the table.  He took a quill to the contract, and passed it over to Simone.  “Now.  I want details.  I need your schedule, addresses, and your planned routes and transportation methods.  I also want time with your staff.  If I get a sense of anything off, I want the right and power to fire anyone without question.  Is that clear?”  This was only the start of the list of things he had to do, but Simone didn’t need to know the whole process.  Non-lethal traps would need to be laid, and buildings would need to be scouted out.  He would also need to procure building plans…

“I’ll also need a room.  Either across or next to yours.  If one doesn’t exist, I can make do,” he stated.  “Until I know more, I’ll…need to ask that I have permission to enter your room at any time.  In case of emergencies.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:14 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Simone took a moment and formed a line of thought, “Because it has to be you. Besides with the way I like to live having one person is better than having a lot. I’ve done my research and while you do make a good muse that wasn’t my only reason for reaching out to you. I like my quiet Mr. Terrowin. Too many people and it’s suddenly all folding in on itself. It’s better this way.”

For how long… She pursed her lips a bit. “Can’t say for how long. I can keep this up for a while though. My father left me a good portion of money… and the money from my books is a bonus… Plus well… I own gold mines so this really isn’t strapping me.” She was actually a good target. “The gold mines thing wasn’t really out in public. I like my privacy but I have an ex-fiance who is more than a little upset. He found out recently about how much money I’m actually worth… and well…” She frowned a bit. “Can’t say for certain if everything is connected or not. I don’t think it is but you can never be too careful.”

Simone put her hands together and frowned deeply. “I don’t want to end his life if I can help it. I’m not the sort of person who likes that sort of thing. It’s never even crossed my mind. I’m just hoping if I make myself unavailable like a steel wall… That he will give up.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:05 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Lewis skimmed over the contract, and looked at her. It was obvious that there was an actual problem; her distress over the break in was real enough. The fact that she was paying so much, though, was strange.

“With this amount, you could hire an entire bodyguard service,” he stated. “There’s at least enough in there for a week of pay for a whole group. Why just me?” He had to ask the important questions, even if he had a general idea of what the response was going to be. She could have been lying about everything, though he highly doubted it at this point.

Better safe than sorry.

“Say I do accept,” Lewis sounded aloud. “How long is this for? While I assume you’re well endowed, I doubt you can sustain this kind of funding indefinitely. Stalkers don’t just give up. Not unless they have a life altering event…” There was a subtle hint of finality to that statement, and they both knew what it actually meant. “Because that is an entirely different kind of contract, and a very different kind of pay.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:51 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Simone was already done with her quick sketch. Lewis was everything she had ever wanted in a muse that much was true. However, he was much more to her than that as she stared up at him once he insisted she tell him why he was really there. “Very well…”

The writer got up and she shuffled around the tavern room. It was hastily together as a suite for her and not at all matching her tastes. It was almost like this was last minute. “The contract.” She found the paper and handed it over.

‘1. Lewis will protect Simone at all times.
2. Lewis will accompany Simone to wherever she needs to go to protect her.
3. Lewis will stay at Simone’s residence to ensure Simone’s safety.
4. Lewis will do whatever Simone asks if it doesn’t risk her safety.’

“What I’ve paid you is simply the entry fee of getting to meet you. I had to ensure that you would even show up.” She dropped a heavy sack of silver onto the desk. “This is a daily stipend. What you’ll receive until the threat is taken care of. Room and board will be taken care of by me and whatever you need for the job will also be handled by me and my people.”

Now for the real problem. She cleared her throat. “There is this man who has been stalking me. He’s been a problem for a while but we’ve never really taken it seriously. All authors get their crazy fans. At a book signing yesterday night he crashed in and declared he was marrying me and taking me away. In the chaos, I managed to get away and come here. The security was tight for the event. No one even knows how he managed to slip in. I can’t just stop what I’m doing. I have a very busy schedule Mr. Terrowin.”

She held up her hand and sighed. “You being my muse is just a bonus. This is actually the real problem. My safety is at risk as well as my freedom to move around as I please. There is a bonus for completing the job as well. I didn’t want to hurt this man but obviously… Well if it comes down to it we’ll have to.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:42 AM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Lewis had at least heard of the name ‘Simone Auclair’ in passing. If he scoured his memory enough, he could probably even recall seeing her books in shop windows. So when he received a job that had her name on it, he had absolutely no idea what to expect.

The moment he walked in, Simone seemed ecstatic. Her excessive actions mixed with her starry gaze gave Lewis the indication that she was eccentric, at the very least. He was already feeling as though he might regret taking this job.

Cautiously, he acquiesced to her demand, and turned his head to the side, and almost winced when she started exclaiming that he was a perfect match to become her muse. Instinct took over, and Lewis’ scowl expressed his immediate displeasure at the idea.

“No.” He crossed his arms in finality to the decision. “Now what do you actually need from me. My time is valuable, as is yours I assume. Let’s see the contract.” His voice was steady and calm, but below it all he was a hairpin away from fury. This woman was mad, and everything she was doing seemed counterpoint to his own idea of what his work should entail.

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Mar 9, 2024 7:06 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

Simone was looking for a muse. Well, she was looking for a bodyguard but more importantly, this man was a muse.

Hair as white as snow. Muscular from various activities. Handsome hazel eyes. And that ever-appealing bad-boy look. This was the man she wanted. She was sitting with a quill, ink, and a stack of papers. She kept fluttering about though as she couldn't quite get the picture right in her head.

She was paying quite a bit for this job too. Once he came in she slammed her hands on the desk and stood up abruptly. Her eyes were locked onto his.

She was in a nice blue dress with her hair half pulled back. "You are absolutely perfect." She almost yelled it as she jumped back into her seat.

She picked up a drawing pad and a piece of charcoal. She very quickly sketched his face. "Turn your head slightly to the right." Once he had she finished it up. "I WAS RIGHT YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT FOR MY MUSE!"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Mar 9, 2024 7:01 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Mercenary [P/R]

He was a mercenary for hire; one of the best in the business.  It wasn’t often that he was contracted out for an unusual amount of silver, but it did happen.  However…

"She's offering how much?" Lewis said in a loud whisper.

"Shh," Darren said as he pushed the paperwork towards his partner.  "It's an exclusive job too.  Asked specifically for you…."

"But why me?" the silver haired man asked.  The tavern around them was bustling with business, but they could never be too careful in their line of work.

"Don't know, don't care," Darren replied as his finger trailed over the silver amount.  "She's famous, and pays a lot.  If she asks you to do her dishes, you damn better do her dishes."  It was rare for him to be so pushy, but evidently the coin was very worth it.

"That better not be in the contract," Lewis replied flatly.  "Fine….when can we meet her to discuss the particulars?"

"I'm glad you asked…she's upstairs waiting."  The go-between was smiling, as if he had planned the whole thing, but Lewis knew better.  There was no way he was that prepared.  No, the client had to have known that they would be foolish to decline the offer.

"I hate you," Lewis replied with a dead stare.  He stood up, and made for the stairs.  Whatever this mysterious client wanted, he would have to give her.  Well, within reason of course.  He wasn’t a hired killer exactly (though he had taken on such roles before), and despite his earlier claim, there was no way he was doing dishes.