When Tuesday night spice and salsa night rolled around, Conor found himself in a chipper mood as he placed the salsas on the table.
"Well, there is a smile I haven't seen before," came a cheerful greeting from Peter as he walked hand in hand with Cara.
Conor chuckled, "Well it's been one hell of a week and it's only Tuesday."
"Last we saw you it was the end of the world. How did we get from that to this cheery Conor?" Peter questioned.
"I thought something was off on Monday when you came by the community center, but you didn't seem to want to talk then," Cara mentioned.
"Let's just say some dead weight has been cut from my life."
"No, that grin says you found someone new already," Cara commented.
"Well, I am not about to kiss and tell."
"Mmm, I say he found himself a rebound. Might not stick but at least it got him off the starting blocks," Cara commented to Peter. They both chuckled at Conor's blush.
"So, what is next my friend?" Peter asked.
"Business. Lots of business. Actually, some of it has to do with Cara. Our friend Johnathan at the community center might be coming to work at Vokrizin. I am hoping he will help get Celia's blessing off the ground."
"Oh, that is wonderful! He would be a fantastic choice for that!" Cara exclaimed.
"So, you two joining me tonight or just out for a stroll?"
"I think we can stick around for a bit, but we have dinner plans at seven"
Cara and Peter chatted with Conor for a few minutes, enjoying watching the crowds before Peter finally glanced at his watch.
"Conor, I need to steal Cara. It was great seeing you. I will keep you posted on how things are going with Aperture!"
"See you around the office then. You two enjoy. And Peter, Treat that one well!" Conor called after them, as Peter and Cara made their way down the street.
***
The next day, Conor was working in his office with Anna reviewing possible sites for Celia's Blessing when the light on his desk buzzed.
"Mr. Brantley, there is a very irate lady here. She claims to be your wife."
"Thank you, Kayle. Please escort her back."
Anna looked at him, a bit of color draining from her face, "I thought you signed the paperwork... I mean, we..."
"The ink is dry, Anna. It's a new day, a day for us to shine brighter. And you certainly make my day brighter. She is not going to dampen that."
From down the hall, they heard, "CONOR BRANTLEY, WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU GOTTEN ME INTO?"
"Hmm, guess only the backroom is soundproof. Noted," Conor mused watching Jessica storm her way toward his office and fling open the door.
"What are you doing here anyway? Still, pretending to work at this shell company? And I suppose this is your little side hustle?" Jessica berated.
Conor stood, coming to his full height, "Jessica Cochan, you are in my office, on my turf. You will no longer speak to me or my staff in such a manner or tone. As I recall, you wanted nothing to do with me or my projects. Now, what is it you wish to discuss?"
Jessica stared at him slack-jawed, "When did you grow a spine?"
"Monday, right around the time I signed our divorce. So, what do you want? I am busy."
Jessica stood stunned, mouth open for a moment more before she snapped back to reality. "Can you explain why I came home to find men in my place? They just came in and made themselves at home. Said they were looking for you."
"Me? And which house? The apartment you were supposed to vacate or Nyman's place?"
"The Apar... How did you know about... Nevermind. I came to get some stuff I had left and they were just there. Said you had stolen some artifact. What the hell have you gotten into Conor?"
Conor instinctively clutched Celia's pendant under his shirt. "I have no idea. You came here right after?"
"Of course! Why?"
"Because they likely followed you that's why." Conor tapped an intercom, "Mr. Nuri?"
"Sir?"
"Unknown visitors are likely to arrive shortly. From what Jess just told me, likely not friendly ones."
"Understood. I will alert security. Do we know who?"
"Only that they are likely not friends of the Sahvot."
There was a pause before Mr. Nuri replied, "Understood. I will take additional steps. Make use of your room."
"Shavot? Room? What the hell Conor?" Jessica demanded.
"Jess, frankly I don't know what you have brought down on me, but it's best you leave."
Another button and Kayle was at the door. "Kayle, get Jess out of the building and then find Mr. Nuri. Be safe. Celia protect you."
Kayle's eyes shone with fear, but she obeyed and rushed Jessica out the door.
Conor turned to Anna, "With me, please." He led her into the bedroom and flipped open the bank of camera screens.
"Conor, what is going on?"
"Honestly, not a clue. But I figure it was a good way to get Jess out of the building and Mr. Nuri's reaction tells me he knows more than I do."
"You said Sahvot. That these men would not be friendly to the Sahvot."
"Faithful, the true followers of Celia is what I meant... have no idea what Sahvot is. Anna, go double-check the bookshelf, make sure it's secure and that nothing is askew. Check the desk and make it look like we were not here. Then come back inside."
"Yes, Sir."
Her formal tone hurt a bit, but they were on the clock. On the screen, Conor watched as a team of five men in black stormed up to the building. Mr. Nuri's men held them at the door for a minute but then one of the attackers advanced and in a swift motion the security member was knocked out on the ground.
"Shit, these guys are good."
"It's all finished. No one will ever know you were here today," Anna said, latching the hallway door, and sealing the soundproofing.
Conor clicked a radio, "Mr. Nuri, I am secure. Let them search. There is nothing to find." Conor watched Mr. Nuri glance at a camera then nod. He hollered at his men, and then greeted the intruders himself. Conor watched as they were led to the fourth floor and the five men fanned out, searching every office. Mr. Nuri's security force followed close behind but did not engage. Finally, the men came to Conor's office.
"I would ask that you not disturb Mr. Brantley's things. You may search the area for the man, but this is a business, and you can clearly see he is not here. We are a law firm and if you continue this action, I will be sure you are each charged with every available crime possible."
"We don't answer to the law, we serve the Temple."
"Even the temple answers to the Crown law, and my firm is very close to the Crown law. I advise you to think twice before you damage the reputation of the Prima any further. Even the Prima would not want to cross me when it comes to a public relations battle, and I assure you, you gentlemen have given me all the munitions I need."
The men looked at each other, before turning and shoving past Mr. Nuri. "When he returns, you had best advise your client to return what he has stolen."
Once Conor saw the men exit the building, he and Anna exited to a shell-shocked Mr. Nuri.
"Mr. Brantley, I am sorry. It seems that even my security team is not up to the task. They are good men, but they are not ready to face Dragoons."
Anna spluttered, "Dragoons? Abrasax Dragoons? What the hell are Dragoons doing coming after Conor?"
Mr. Nuri frowned at Anna's casual use of Conor's name but said, "I believe young master Brantley knows what they want. Why they want it now is unclear. And why the Prima suddenly suspects you..."
"I only know of a few people locally who have anything to do with Abrasax. Cara has an uncle who I believe is a Dragoon... I met one not too long ago when I was at Grizlhut. But neither had it out for me. Other than that, Miss Lokir I suppose..."
"You have run into Kerrigan Lokir?" Mr. Nuri asked, eyes wide.
"A few times now. I always get an odd feeling around her. Why?"
"Conor, sorry, Mr. Brantley... Miss Lokir is the embodiment of Abrasax. She is your counterpart in that regard. As you are with Celia, she is with Abrasax."
"There are others like Celia? And Kerrigan holds one?"
"The only other known one is Abrasax. There may be others, but they have not been spoken of in modern recorded history."
"And the Dragoons?"
"Loyal to Abrasax as far as I am aware. Naturally, that would be the Prima of the temples or bearer of the sacred pendants."
"So, it has to be Kerrigan who figured something out." Conor's tone turned icy. "If she was after the pendent now, she wouldn't have had anything to do with my mother, would she?"
"I would not rush to conclusions. These Dragoons are loyal to the temple, but Miss Lokir has been running Dragon Corp far from the temple's direct influence for several years. It could be that in her absence the ranks have shifted. There is a new Prima, and a male at that. They could be together on this or not. It is unclear. What is clear is you need better guarding. You mentioned this Cara... do you trust her?"
"Yes, yes of course. Why?"
"Please have her call me. I may be able to talk to her uncle..." Mr. Nuri trailed off. "Well, if there is nothing else, I have a man that needs a hospital." He bowed and backed out of the office.
Conor squeezed his fist and realized Anna had slipped her hand into his.
"This is scary, Conor."
"Celia will lead and guide. How about you go and get some fresh air? Maybe find some lunch while you are out. I need some time to think and sort a few things out."
"Ok, do you want me to bring something back?"
"That would be great, thank you. Just...keep your wits about you. We are not sure who these people are yet or what they are willing to do."