0151

"My American name is Mina," the seated woman said. She was dressed in a business suit, with no tie. It was unbuttoned to just above her navel.

"You are in my house," Sabastian answered.

"Yes, because I do as I wish in my domain.

"Mary I know. Sol I know. That means you must be Sabastian. I didn't expect you to be so rude. I introduced myself and you threaten me."

"I do not consider it rude to confront an unwanted and unannounced visitor."

The woman from the door pulled out a sword and said, "You will respect my sire."

Sabastian didn't even look at her, asking Mina, "Why are you here?"

"I said respect," the woman with the sword said, putting it to Sabastian's neck.

"Call your lapdog off," he said, still ignoring her even though she had a sword just inches from his neck.

Claudia screamed and ran to Susan, grabbing her and shielding her eyes.

"Tonya," Mina said.

"He needs to learn a lesson," Tonya answered.

Calmly, Sabastian said, "She will put the sword down or I will kill her."

"You impudent dog," Tonya said, just before Sabastian's hand came through her back, holding her heart and a piece of her spine. Her eyes went wide before her body relaxed. Sabastian let her slide off his arm and collapse to the floor.

The two women on either side of Mina pulled swords, but Mina said, "Stop. One death is enough. For now.

"I haven't seen anyone do that in a very long time," she said to Sabastian. "It seems the rumors of your strength aren't exaggerated."

Sabastian looked over to Susan, who was still being shielded by the visibly disturbed Claudia. "Susan, would you please take Claudia upstairs and stay there until I come get you."

"Yes, but please don't hurt Mina."

"I believe Mina has more control over her destiny than I at this juncture."

"Sabastian," Susan said, "I don't care about the others. Kill 'em all if you want, just don't kill Mina unless you really have to. Don't even hurt her."

Kneeling down in front of Susan, he asked, "Why?"

"I don't know yet, but she's important now."

Sol and Mary were still standing and watching all of this unfold. Although Mary didn't know Mina, Sol did. She ran a human brothel in the area that was, for the most part, so unremarkable that he had forgotten about it until she showed up. He assumed this was her attempt at a land grab as the tribunal unraveled.

"I will not hurt her unless I believe it is necessary," Sabastian answered Susan. "Now take the old woman upstairs."

Susan got Claudia up off the ground and walked her out of the room. Before leaving, however, she said, "See you, Mina," and waved.

Instinctively, Mina waved back.


[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005. All rights reserved.]
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