ss voice sounded in Elijah's ear. "The numbe

up a call; her voice kept low as

screen fade to black while his thoughts drifte

elt blurred a

ack-framed glasses and dressed in something plain and outdated, no

gged at Elijah's lips, and the

eading too m

was quietly speaking with h

r getting married," Rory said gently. "Ho

e surface. For three full years, that man had never called her even on

d make an effort to get along with him and take on your duties as a wife. If you

ge purely out of obligation and never planned

. I will talk things through with him. Gra

andmother and send it to you," Rory said

to meet her husband so she coul

tice when the car slowed to a s

h spoke with a hint of playful curio

polite smile, and her eyes curved slightl

hed an eyebrow,

hley briefly thought about asking wheth

he noticed Elijah exit on his own

e with injuries that severe move as t

eople were already wait

g fixed to his right ear, and a wing tattoo stretching al

olored trench coat, her makeup bold and heavy. The moment she

st dependable subordinates, D

n showed plainly on her face. "Mr. Fletcher, I heard yo

, Elijah answered, "Everythi

ttention to Ashley, who remained

cian." Elijah spoke in a tone t

ity showed in her gaze. "We already have a full-time do

to Elijah, and during all those years, he had n

unyielding look, Elijah said

the butler and gave a short command. "Es

again with urgency. "Mr. Fletcher, allowing someo

his eyes, and the air around

rance for bein

a quickly bowed her head. "I apologiz

r sharp stare followed As

ould allow that infuriati

, Elijah headed upstairs and

ike, and he knew Rita would not let it slide if he fail

e marriage certificate he had casually

rawer open, and the certificate lay ex

ocument, and shock spread across his