Case File 2017.07.25
After about six hours on the road from Wybark the next morning, the RV rolled into Kirbyville, Texas. Liam was still following that call from his Power and since there was plenty of daylight out had gone to scout out the area after they'd settled hotel lodging for later this evening. Delilah had taken to settling in with a cool shower, grateful to not be cramped in the RV with everyone as long today. She still couldn't bring herself to remove the white lace from around her neck, but since the incident with the fire at the Colorado hotel, it was seeing some ware from the dirt with all the soot. It didn't have the same power over her anymore, but she still couldn't quite believe that yet.
Rhea had only stuck around in the hotel room briefly to splash some water on her face before heading back out to see if there was better food than overpriced and questionable hotel fare. She'd felt a bit awkward being in the cramped quarters of the RV again as they'd left Wybark. Not having mentioned a word about the test with Delilah in the ladies room of a Cracker Barrel. It was a comfort to only be on the road for six hours with a bit more daylight to stretch her legs and get some air, even if the heat was a little uncomfortable...it still wasn't as bad as Tijuana.
Thinking of 'uncomfortable' brought an unexpected surprise as a familiar voice spoke a short distance away from her, between the hotel and the laundry mat. She thought for a moment it was an illusion or a trick of the heat, because standing there...still dressed too perfect...was Monty. His idle comment of being unable to find a reason to be in this place not leaving her enthusiastic to engage in conversation, but she did. She kept it brief to state it was business of a different nature and asked what brought him out there...considering he couldn't imagine a reason to be there. But obviously there was a reason.
He didn't look pleased, and while that wasn't unexpected, Monty noted that after utilizing considerable resources to retrieve his youngest sister from captivity that she was now absconded by her traveling across the country. Well it was probably more accusing than a statement, either way the displeasure was evident. Though what Monty left out was that it had gained him something else in the process, LaDragos' mantle, even if he'd called in a favor owed to him by the Queen of Air and Darkness in the whole scheme. Rhea wasn't amused either, crossing her arms and giving him her full attention before pointing out that Monty had neglected to impart any mention of a sister before she'd left Chicago. Her mission was to retrieve Alex and he'd exacted a price from her for the information since the only source Kerbee had was a bit flighty and vague. That source had lead her to Monty as being the individual that could confirm information.
She couldn't entirely keep the cranky tone from her voice after Monty berates her, stating questions he didn't expect answers for regarding why he'd even need them at all. Rhea points out that if he wanted to tip his hand and make it obvious he wanted his sister back in Vegas...none of them would have ever been involved. But that's not how the White Court do things...they don't make it obvious...and if it does seem obvious then you've likely missed the true intent. She made a point to add that it wasn't her choice back in Vegas to bring Delilah along-- the young woman had made that choice herself and came with them.
Monty started prattling off what he did know...impressed that Alex survived the encounter and how she's not imprinted on him before catching something and really focusing in on Rhea once more over the rim of those glasses. Perhaps it was a bit of disbelieve when he asked if Rhea had let Delilah feed off her. She wasn't going to blatantly lie and deny it...Rhea hadn't said anything in the first place to tip him off to the prior night's experiment. She hadn't about it to anyone...only she and Delilah knew at this point. Regardless...that slight flush came to her cheeks being called out by him. To her credit she kept her voice matter of fact in tone as she kept her stance, but it surprised her all the same.
Apparently that amused Monty, she caught that slight smirk on his face. It was generally a bad idea for a practitioner to allow the White Court to feed on them. The interaction left a mark and afforded some measure of influence over them-- how long that lasted wasn't certain but it basically made it easier for a next feeding. Once again, after taunting her about the pleasure it must bring to help Delilah, he brings up that tentative 'relationship' between the White Court and the White Council. Monty charges Rhea with the safety of his sister Delilah...or else he might consider the current position of remaining at war with the Council in name only. They didn't aid the Reds in the war, but he was reminding the Warden how that could change.
Rhea kept from reacting to the smirk or the mandate just imposed to be his sister's keeper. He was spinning an old record, and while she didn't doubt he'd make good on the threat...it's not like she had much to bargain with at the moment without Delilah leaving with him now. She didn't want that...knew that Alex would have none of that...and it wasn't Monty's place to make her own choices for her-- she'd lived in captivity for too long and had a right to decide for herself. Seeing as he didn't press the issue to see his sister or have Rhea hand him over, she suspected this was more of his way to make an 'official' arrangement to protect Delilah. Road trips are 'ever' so relaxing. Go see the sights. Don't die. ...and make sure my sister doesn't get killed-- or else. Rhea only realized she'd held a breath long after Monty drove off...he could really get under her skin at times. ...and not because he'd stolen her first kiss either.
