All Is Bright - K. Sterling Page 0,45

and the tree back up by Christmas Eve,” Cyril told Alon.

“Of course, sir.” He bowed before he ran off to make calls. Cyril tamped down the swell of panic as he beheld the chaos and destruction around him.

“It’s going to be ok. We’re all safe and Alon will have everything fixed in no time,” Farris whispered in Cyril’s ear and gave his hand a tug. Cyril snapped out of it and nodded.

“I know. You’re alright and that’s all that matters,” he said and raised Farris’s hand to his lips so he could kiss it.

“I hear you held your own in the vault,” Lavender said to Farris as he joined them. Cyril was once again overcome and absurdly proud. His hand went to the lump in his pocket and he was so tempted but remembered why he had to wait.

“He did,” Cyril said warmly as he hugged Farris’s hand against his chest. “I can say without a shadow of a doubt, hiring him is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

“Now, now...” Lavender said and held up a finger. “You can’t say he’s the best hiring decision. Not when you have me. And Alon,” he added but his eyes twinkled as they touched Cyril’s.

“I suggest we see if we can pull ourselves together and assemble for one final dinner,” Cyril said loudly as he checked to see if everyone was present and in presentable condition. Bradley, Gabriel, Sharp, West and Walsh were scattered on the stairs and offered exhausted grunts and waves. Martinez and Ivanof were laughing with Grim and Hawkesworth as Sloan questioned Marston but they all paused and nodded in agreement. Cyril checked his watch and hissed as he calculated how long it would take to clear the kitchen and dining room of debris and make them serviceable. “Dinner may be delayed but we could use an extra hour or two of rest,” he mused.

“Alon said there wasn’t much damage to the bedrooms. Specifically ours,” Farris murmured in Cyril’s ear. A smile spread across Cyril’s lips as he reconsidered.

“Change of plans, gentlemen. Dinner will be served in your rooms. Why put the staff through the unnecessary trouble?” He declared and gestured for everyone to retire for the evening.

“Oh, thank God,” Sharp said as he pulled himself to his feet so he could trudge up the stairs. There were several mumbles of assent and Cyril and Farris had the foyer to themselves a few moments later.

“Good call,” Farris said and Cyril nodded as he turned him.

“We’ve been through enough and it’ll all be over and they’ll be on their way back to Lake Cliff in the morning,” he sighed and it was heaven as he wrapped his arms around Farris and pulled him close. “And we can put this nightmare behind us and start afresh without this mystery hanging over us.”

“I’m so glad,” Farris said and looked around before he stole a quick kiss. “Why don’t we start with a bath, first?” He suggested and laughed as Cyril practically chased him up the stairs.

“A bath, first,” Cyril said when he caught Farris and danced him across the gallery and into the master suite. “And then I’m going to show you just how grateful and impressed I am with you for protecting our vault.”

Chapter 27

The next morning dawned clear and bright and Lavender couldn’t help but whistle as he escorted Sage down the stairs one last time. Their bags were on their way down and would be loaded into limos while they ate breakfast and said their goodbyes. The house was in tatters but contractors and designers rushed around, silently repairing and putting everything in its place. Cyril was in the dining room and seated at the head of the table, sipping his coffee. He was listening intently as Paul explained something and Lavender was pleasantly surprised. The two seemed to have come to a truce and Cyril was relaxed and engaged. Reginald truly is a wonder if he can get those two to see eye-to-eye on anything, he thought.

“I’m going to hang out with Aiden and Lane,” Sage said and Lavender nodded. He decided to join Cyril, Elliot and Paul but waved at the group at the other end of the table. Toly and Wilder were seated next to Aiden and Lane while Denver and Ezra were filling their plates at the buffet as Alon looked on. Lavender winked at Paul as he sat across from him.

“Good morning, Cyril, Professor Elliot, Paul,” he said and draped his napkin across his lap.

“I