Scriostóir - 15

“It’s unfortunate that they are probably aware by now of what was taken,” Cerdic commented somewhat acerbically. “Still, you two did well. You seem to make a good pair if today is any indication. Off with you now, I have work to do.” He tapped the folder and the other items Manny had gotten from the suite.

“So he’s alright with the fact that you had to save my ass?” Godric asked, once he and Manny were well clear of the office.

“Yeah. He likes it when we look out for each other. Says it makes us more of a team. He’s good people, if a bit rough at times if we fuck up but he deals out punishments to fit the crime as they say.”

“Does he ever deliver them himself?” Godric was thinking that that could be one way to be alone with the Scriostóir and thus end his existence.

“Nope, never. If it’s physical he has Gebhard take care of it. Otherwise it’s more homework, more chores, more anything that will make us think twice the next time.”

“Whew,” Godric replied, putting a strong measure of relief he didn’t feel into his voice. “I don’t think I’d want him whipping my ass.”

“I’m with you on that one,” Manny agreed as they arrived at the kitchen. Checking the refrigerator, he found that their meals had been saved for them.

While they ate, Godric asked, “Does Mr. Wyndham have a wife or a girlfriend somewhere?”

“Nope. No girlfriend, no boyfriend as far as that goes. I swear the man is celibate. But he doesn’t mind if we have one, as long as he gets to meet and vet them first.”

Godric frowned. “What if he doesn’t like them, or think they’re right for you?”

“Then you drop them and move on. Not like we’re ever likely to meet someone anyway, but it happens. A guy who used to live here met this chick about three years ago while he was working a job. They hit it off and he brought her home to meet Mr. Wyndham. They’re married now.” Manny paused then laughed. “The guy and the girl, not the guy and Mr. Wyndham.”

“He still works for him?”

Manny nodded, giving Godric a serious look. “Once you start, you don’t leave.”

“Hey, you never told me that and neither did he. What if I decide I want to move on?”

“Don’t,” Manny said succinctly as he finished his lunch and took his plate to the sink to rinse it before putting it in the dishwasher.