“Manfred Van der Venne,” Alasdair growled, his anger showing in every line of his body.
Hamlin stepped back a pace, wondering if he was going to become dinner for a gryphon. Even as a human the man was frightening. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to face him in his real form.
Manny, however, didn’t seem particularly fazed by Alasdair’s rage. “He needed to know, if for no other reason than to keep him safe.”
“You were ordered—“
“Yeah, yeah, like you thought I’d obey when it came to him. If you did then you’ve got no idea what the word love means.”
“Love: a strong positive emotion of regard and affection; a deep feeling of sexual desire and attraction.” Alasdair looked at Manny, not even close to cracking a smile. “I suspect you definition is couched in terms of sexual desire.”
"No." Manny replied tersely. "I love him, like it or not. Real love, not just fuck-buddy love."
Hamlin bit back a smile as he listened. Alasdair might have the reputation for being fearsome and tyrannical, but apparently Manny had no problem standing up to him.
"Very well." Alasdair sighed. "Why me? Why do I seem to get the love struck ones?"
Manny grinned. "Your sweet and caring personality?"
"Manfred, be quiet. Let me at least think about what you are to do next." After pacing to the window and then back to his desk, deep in thought, Alasdair stopped to ask, "Is there any indication that Cerdic is living at the house now?"
"He certainly hasn't put in an appearance. I suppose he could be hiding out in what used to be his quarters. The space takes up the whole top floor of the house so there'd be more than enough room for him and Mr. Shadrick."
"Have you seen anyone around that you don't know, a delivery man, a new postman, even a new neighbor?"
"No delivery men, we handle all the shopping ourselves. I don't think I've ever seen the postman to be honest. The mail just ends up in the box. As far as neighbors go, there's an apartment complex next to the house, and one behind with a terrace that abuts ours. It would be hard to know who's new and who's not."
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