Xavier Drakon

Esther turned her head to take in William as he poured her sherry. She looked him over with her good eye, deciding whether he was truly asking about the shadows or asking as a joke made at her expense. 

She wet her lips with her drink before deciding to answer. “If they have any, they haven’t shared it with me yet. They’re simply rejoicing at the chaos and death in the room.” She took another drink of her sherry, still eyeing the man. “Why do you ask, dear William. Hoping to catch a murderer tonight?”

“Should they give you any word. You make sure to let me know, yeah?” William asked the woman, looking her in her good eye. It wasn’t that he completely believed that what she saw was real, but he wouldn’t discredit it either.

He nodded his head with a sad smile. “I would love to catch the murderer tonight and if the way the police are barricading the doors are any indication, then I believe one way or another someone will be going to jail for this tonight.”

The Bennett men sure were easy on the eyes, and perhaps it was wrong of her to notice such a thing considering the circumstances, but she could not help herself. “No, I don’t know anyone who would want to hurt him either. He was a good man, he didn’t deserve this.” Hazel did not quite mean that either, the first part at least. She knew a number of people at the party who were envious of Charles, people who would benefit from him not being around. People were unthinkingly chatty, especially in the throes of passion and in the moments afterwards, so Hazel heard a lot. Knew a lot. But being in the profession she was in, she was also well versed in the art of telling people what they wanted to hear. And making it believable. When he met her gaze, Hazel offered him a sweet smile she knew would hit its mark. “It’s kind of you to ask, Mr. Bennett, but I will be alright. I’m a little shaken, that’s all. I am more concerned about you.” The fingers on his arm squeezed gently, her eyes up on his face. “Is there anything I can do for you, sir?” Perhaps they could both use a bit of a distraction right then. 

“The best man I knew.” That was a lie. His brother did great things - yes, but so did other people. The only difference he was smug enough to showcase it for the world to see. What if the world didn’t want to see it? Well then I guess you end up dead in a smoking room with a slit across your throat. As was the case for poor Charles. Poor William looked around the room and spat at the thought of Charles having to do anything with the word poor. This was justice, karma, whatever you wanted to call it. Turning his attention to the woman he had asked about her, how she was, and used it as a means of distraction for himself. “It is an outrage.” He agreed, showing he had some ill feelings towards a murder taking place right under their noses. When she offered up something to help him, it took every ounce of him not to smirk at the words. William had to think of something quickly and it needed to be effective. It was no secret that the people around him thought that William and Eleanor were fucking. Which also meant the first suspects could be them, everyone assuming that the two plotted this to live happily ever after. On the other hand no one had completely proved what the two of them were up to. “A distraction would be nice.” He pointed out, stepping closer to her and allowing his hand to fall to her lower back. “What type of help can you offer me, Hazel?”

Agnes licked her lips when she caught his eyes lingering on her lips for a moment. So far her plan was working. It left her wondering if she was really that amazing of an actress and she should try for more leading roles, or if he was really that gullible. Perhaps both were true. She liked to stay in the background, unnoticed by most, but perhaps if she became more of a star, she’d be able to steal more important and rare items. That was something she would ponder later, once she had the painting and they were out of this house. Snapping out of her thoughts, she ducked her head a bit before looking back up at him, her hand still resting on his shoulder. To anyone watching, it would look like two grieving individuals.

The blonde stepped a bit closer to him as he placed a soothing hand on her back, trying hard to look like a meek, innocent young woman. “My mother believed that a woman should be able to take care of herself and not rely on a man, though she passed before she could teach me how to do so.” She replied softly. “You are too kind, Mr. Bennett.” She replied with a smile, her voice soft and seductive. “You would do something so kind for me? Someone you do not even know?” She asked, though her mind was reeling. This is exactly what she needed. An all access pass to the house, since she was now a personal guest of the brother. She’d be able to slink around and get to the painting without anyone bothering her.

That slick little tongue of her pushed from her mouth and found the need to add moisture to her lips. Such a simple gesture and yet William found himself nearly mesmerized by it. Far be it for him to not appreciate the beauty of a woman who stood in front of him, one so innocent, so in need of guidance. The younger Bennett brother finally brought his eyes back up to her own and continued to aid her in soothing her emotions. The fact that he was rubbing her back seemed to be something that helped her, so he continued the action and made himself seem more grief stricken.

Her mother was clearly a foolish woman and to think she left her without teaching her that she should rely on the strength of a man to guide her through life. “I’m sorry to hear that. You need someone you can count on in your life - everyone does. And she should have taught you.” And then for any listening ears, William added “My brother was that for me. The person I could count on for anything. Now he’s gone.” He bowed his head to really drive the story home and then shook it off as if he was trying very hard to be brave in the situation. “I am just kind enough. I can’t imagine a young woman like yourself being alone and left in a bad situation when a murderer is clearly on the loose.” The last of his words were a jab at any law enforcement still near by him. “I need all I need to know about you to make the choice of your protection with my name.” He let go of her now and stepped back slightly. “There are rooms upstairs. Should you need to lay down with all of this going on, allow me to know and I shall get you access to a room.”

What was supposed to be a fun night on the job somehow managed to crash and burn right before her very eyes. One minute she was sneaking away from the party to a more secluded area where Charles had instructed her to wait for him, the next there was screaming and chaos. Rushing back into the main hall, Hazel gasped when she saw the body sprawled out on the floor, eyes widening in shock. “Oh goodness.” She murmured under her breath, laying a hand over her heart. While her feelings for the man had not run deep, she did have a fondness for him. He was one of her most frequent clients and he treated her extremely well, who could do such a thing to him? Tearing her eyes away from the gory scene, Hazel made to leave the room, to take a moment to herself, when she ran headlong into someone. “Mr. Bennett.” She greeted with a curtsey, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “I- Am sorry about your brother. Are you alright?” She asked, falling into habit and sidling closer to the man, laying a hand on his arm and giving him a doe-ish glance from under thick lashes. 

“Hazel.” The man greeted back with a nod. His voice thick with both grief and worry - at least he hoped it seemed that way. He was indeed worried, but the worry wasn’t for his bother. That ship had sailed a long time ago and though William would never admit it, Charles probably deserved whatever he had got. “It is a shock to all. I don’t know anyone who would want to hurt him.” That was a lie, the list was probably a mile long - as large as the shadow that he cast over everyone he met. William shook away the thoughts as he focused on the woman in front of him. She worked for Madam Phylis and he would be lying if he said he hadn’t visited the place a time or two. “I will be alright once we figure out who did this. How about you? Are you alright?” He turned the attention to her, his eyes catching her large ones. Instantly he knew why she was a favoured call for the majority.

“Oh Will.” she whimpered into his shoulder. His arms wrapped around her felt like the most natural thing in the world, his fingers in her hair the only thing that could possibly comfort her. “What are we going to do without him?” she asked loudly, the tremor in her voice glaringly obvious. Walking away from the crowd she waited until she was out of earshot of the other guests before looking to him again. “No, I was not near him.” she admitted quietly. Eleanor dropped her voice even quieter, “You didn’t…for me? …Or us?” she asked in practically a whisper.

The sound of his name on her tongue made him want to take it from her. It was undeniable that he loved this woman and he would do whatever it took for her. “We will figure it out. We will live on as he would have wanted us to.” Again spoken for those spying eyes and curious ears. It was heartbreaking to hear the tremor in Eleanor’s voice, but he knew it was for the onlookers. Once he pulled them safely out of earshot of everyone, William pulled her gently against the wall. “I was about to ask you the same thing.” He tilted his head and then bowed it down as he let out a breath. “To be honest I wish I had done this a long time ago. But no.” He hadn’t he wouldn’t have had the guts. For if he had been the one to kill his brother he was sure he would have been looked at and caught - it wasn’t unknown that some people suspected something between him and Eleanor. “Has anyone tried to come after you? Anything strange the last little bit?” His eyes searched her, he wanted to make sure him or her wasn’t a murderers next target. 

Rose wasn’t sure if it had been the wine or unfortunate food poisoning that had set her head pounding the way it was, but something had the space between her eyes thrumming violently and the sensation, while fading, was refusing to go away. The last thing she remembered was screaming- and then the gravity of the moment struck her again. Wherever Lawrence had gotten off to, it was nowhere near where she was now and in most ways she was glad for that fact, less time spent listening to him prattle on was a blessing in more ways than one.

Smoothing her jacket down carefully She made herself move to the bar, perhaps a drink would calm her nerves and the pounding in her head. “A glass of wine, please.” She murmured, shutting her eyes for a short moment- before a shadow blocked the light behind her and she cracked open one blue eye. “Ah, sorry, am I in your way?” She questioned, straightening up slightly as she turned. “I’m sorry- I think we’re all horribly out of sorts… I can’t believe what happened to poor Charles- my Lawrence, he… they were close, you know? I just hope he didn’t suffer…”

William Bennett had brought himself to the bar. The place was crawling with upset people and now the police were questioning everyone one by one. He had his time with them, gave them some words of sorrow and then he was soon on his way. He wasn’t upset about his brothers death, but he was outraged that someone dare touch a member of the Bennett family.

A woman broke the concentration he had with a whisky neat in his hand. All the thoughts and concerns swirling in his head as the alcohol swirled in his blood stream. One seemed to feed the other, a hungry beast famished for more. “Hmm?” He said, turning to her as his mind took a moment to comprehend the words spoken seconds before. It seemed like a delayed reaction on Williams part, but he recovered with an attractive smile and his attention. “No you’re not in the way. Don’t worry.” He knew this woman, he was sure of it. Then she spoke again and the recognition hit him. “l am sure my brother suffered.” Suffering wasn’t what he wanted his brother to go through, but the thought didn’t bother him either. “You’re the lawyers wife. I thought I recognized you.” He bowed his head slightly to the woman, a polite gesture. “William Bennett, and this party has everyone out of sorts.” He agreed.

Mae glanced about the hall as commotion and panic seemed to break out around her. She looked for Wilfred, Harold… Anyone she recognised, but found no one. “Wilfred?..” she called, stepping carefully out of the way as people rushed past. “What- What happened?..”

Originally posted by daddareo

“I don’t know who you’re looking for but they have to be here.” William Bennett pointed, his face full of forced sadness and a drink in hand, towards the doors that were not boarded up for “their security”. “No one’s getting out of here untill we find out who killed my brother.”

When Eleanor saw what had happened she gasped loudly and covered her mouth with both hands in horror. She felt eyes on her, and was frozen between rushing to her husband’s side and running far away from the horrible sight. Her eyes frantically searched the faces around her until she recognized someone and rushed over. “William!” she shouted, dramatically throwing herself into him and burying her face in his chest. “How could this happen?” she cried, shaking her head against him but looking around to ensure everyone saw her reaction.

The moment the curse left his mouth, William knew who had run into him. Her perfectly shaped body hitting his and fitting precisely how your soul mate is supposed to fit. “Ellie” He soothed, his hand coming up to brush her hair, a calming gesture for those who may look on at them. This wasn’t the place, but he wanted to sweep her away and be anywhere but there. “I don’t know. I don’t know.” He repeated, his hand continuing the gesture of stroking her soft locks. “We will find them though, and they will pay.” It was said for the audience of it, he was happy his brother was no longer a problem for them. “Were you with him?” He questioned, then looked around the room and pulled her away from the crowded area.

Elizabeth looked at him once more unsure of what to say, she could tell that while he appeared to be concered there was something that he was hiding but that was not her concern.  after all she simply had been hired just to serve the food she couldn’t wait to just go back home and put this night behind her. His next words caught her attention the man murdered was his brother “I am so sorry- she began but she couldn’t help but feel the chill from his next words that was true one person had already been murdered that night and who knew if anymore would be it reminded her of that crazy legnend she had read about the axe man  of New Orelans perhaps now was not the best time to bring that up. She noticed his displeasure at her not knowing where the lady was but she had just barely started her shift before “ you- you dont think anyone else could be next do you?” she asked although if truth be told she was not sure that she wanted to know that answer 

William heard the woman’s apology and he pretended to nod in grief at her words, but that was all. For her wasn’t sorry it happened, if he were honest it couldn’t have happened at a better time. However, he didn’t need anyone else to know that. So it was best to keep that part of conversations light and easy. It seemed for a moment that the frail server girl was in her own mind, so the man did nothing but study her facial reactions and features. Then when she spoke he nodded his head slow in answer. “I think it is very likely that whomever killed my brother may have intentions to murder others. It is clearly something they enjoy - however I am sure my brother has incurred many enemies in his time.”

A giddy feeling flowed through Agnes when she realized who was standing next to her, a plan already forming quickly in her mind. If she could distract the brother, maybe they’d actually be able to pull it off. Of course, her face didn’t show any of her thoughts or real feelings. Instead, she feigned ignorance, acting like she didn’t know who the man was. She brought a delicate hand up to gently wipe the tear off her cheek. 

“They will. The detectives will find out who did this. I am sure of it.” She blonde replied before placing a soft hand on his shoulder. “Oh, no. I have come by myself.” She explained, biting her lip in a worried manner. “Surely no one would come after someone as forgettable as I am, right?” She asked, widening her doe-like eyes in hopes of catching his attention even more. Of course, all of her words were lies. She’d come with Troy, but no one was supposed to know that they were anything more than acquaintances from set. She was also very capable of taking care of herself. Years of thievery and getting out of sticky situations had helped her learn to look after herself.

The woman was very feminine, delicate, and it left a man like William wanting to take care of her. Wasn’t that how it had started with Eleanor? Her need for him, for protection, for something better than his brother. As she held a hand to her cheek, William couldn’t help but follow her hand and then let his eyes linger only a moment on her soft, pouty lips. 

“They will.” He assured her with a nod, his hand coming up to softly rub her back as her delicate hand went to his shoulder. She was beautiful, he hadn’t paid attention before but seeing this woman he wondered why he had paid no attention to her before. How could he have dismissed such a thing? Eleanor. His mind screamed at him, but he needed to take care of this woman too and Eleanor may be being questioned by the police at this moment. She will be fine for a moment. The man shook his head in disapproval. “A woman like yourself should not be wandering around without an escort. Have you not been raised to know this?” His hand continued to sooth her, and in the moment it aided him in looking like he was grieving just as much as everyone else. “I can assure you that you are anything but forgettable.” He knew one hundred percent that he would think of this woman later that evening. “I’ll make sure you stay safe. If anyone bothers you, you tell them you are the guest of William Bennett, personally.”

Dammit… He was not exactly doing his best to make certain he stayed in the shadows, was he? Niklaus pinched the bridge of her nose, stepping out of the way when a servant scurried over to clean up the broken glass. What a waste of perfectly good whiskey..

He tried to gather himself and get back to the present, as unpleasant as it was right now, when he was suddenly grabbed and shook violently. Niklaus struggled against the flashes of the past, prying the male off of him with a soldier’s strength. “I did not. And I will ask that you kindly watch the way that you handle me” he grumbled, taking a step back and grabbing another drink from a passing tray.

The hands that pried at him were one of strength and experience. William dusted himself off as if he’d been touched by some homeless person on the streets. The clothes on his body was worth far more than even the life of the drunkard in front of him.

“Do not threaten me!” He shouted, his tone haughty in only the way William Bennett could pull off. “Surely you know who you speak to, do you not?” He stepped back now, his back straight as he looked down on the person across from him. “You speak of murder after what has just happened? Have you any sense?” He gave out a humourless chuckle and looked around the room. “I think we should have the detectives have some time with you.”

Elizabeth looked at him once more and nodded his words about it being a circus could not have been more correct given the situation, she was still a bit shocked by it all “no, I- was just coming out of the kitchen when this had happened– I am sorry for rambling again but you have to understand I did not sign up for this at all” she said rather shaken by the events so far 

The man offered her an attractive smile, one that seemed genuine to anyone. “I don’t believe any of us did.” He allowed the smile on his face to falter and then form into a perfectly practiced frown. “The man murdered is my brother and I am hoping the murderer doesn’t have plans for anyone else.” His mind once more flashed to Eleanor and Evelyn, and in the forefront of his mind he always worried about himself. He was upset the server girl hadn’t seen Eleanor. “You should stay on your toes.” William warned as he looked around the room. “Everyone should.”

He had been on his own when it happened, as was per his way, keeping the waiters busy bringing him whiskey after whiskey. It was amusing to watch the festivities, the handsome men and beautiful women in their finery. He wished that he could join them..kind of. But knew that he was better off on the sidelines by himself.

The scream pulled him from the reality of the party and back to the war, crystal glass falling from his hand and landing with a crash as the fear set in. Murder and death..that was all he saw. Blood red, murder and death.. Niklaus let out a yell as he was bumped into, panicked eyes settled on a male but not really seeing him. “Do you want to get killed too?”

@master-xavier-drakon

At first William Bennett was concerned for the man he had bumped into. Not overly, but the sound of glass shattering had his attention. Especially since the recent events. Nerves were still on end, William still did not know how to feel, but when the man grabbed his head in panic, he took a step back.

Then his question echoed through his mind. Did he want to get killed too? Did he want to get killed too? As fast as he had reacted in his life William grabbed the man and pulled him towards him. Yelling loud enough for those around to hear. “Are you saying you will kill me too, you murderer? Did you kill my brother?” He began to shake the mans body in his grip now.

Esther Black stood arguing with the shadows that stood in the corner.

“Haven’t you had enough! With all this chaos you should be sated by now!” 

They shimmied and twirled in response. Answering her in ways only Esther understood.

“You evil brutes! Go find someone else to feed off of!” With that Esther turned and marched away from the demons she spoke to. Her good eye darted around the room, taking in the other shocked faces. Everyone seemed unnerved, and for good reason. Though the body had been moved to another room, the blood still stained the floor where it had only just been cleaned up.

She moved to the bar, reaching over to pour herself a glass of sherry wine.

“What a terrible shame,” she murmured to herself as she heard someone join her on the side of her blinded eye.

“A shame it is indeed, Ms. Black.” The town loon. It was always a wonder to William why Charles would invite this woman to be part of their intimate events. He supposed it served for some entertainment and if truth be told there were times that William wondered if the woman actually did see things that were there that none of them could.

“Those shadows of yours wouldn’t be holding relevant information, would they?” Curiosity got the best of him as he asked, joining her for a drink and helping her pour out the wine and then something stronger for himself.

“I’m so sorry it’s my fault for being in the way” The girl said looking at him. Elizabeth had no plans to even take the job tonight but she had figured what could possibly go wrong plus she needed the extra money and the job did pay well but what she did not sign up for was a death however “ Is, this really happening, I mean this isn’t just some kind of sick joke you don’t suppose” she asked once more. She should have probably stopped talking after all she was nothing more than just the hired help after all. 

“It’s nearly a circus in here.” William looked down at the woman who was wearing the cloth of hired help. When she asked her question he did have to think about it. It wouldn’t be a surprise to William if his brother had served up his own murder for the event of the night - to entice people and create the Halloween illusion. That wasn’t, however, the case. “I should hope not.” The words could be construed in many different ways - though William meant it that his brother better be bloody well dead. “Have you seen the mistress of the house?” He was still on the lookout for Eleanor. Did she know about Charles?