Tall, Dark & Lonely (Pyte/Sentinel #1)(25)

“How did the prisoners get rid of the rats?” Joshua asked.

Ephraim turned his hand over so he could lace his fingers with Madison's. He continued to run his thumb over her skin. He was surprised he could be this close to her and control his hunger even with her blood screaming for him. He wanted nothing more than to taste her, but he controlled it. Every now and then his fangs would begin to lower and he would run his tongue over them sending them back. She had so much control over him and she didn't even know it.

“If you were in there long enough you would pray for a visit from a rat,” he said casually.

“Why?” Brad asked.

“Food. The guards didn’t give much food, not enough to live on and not often and most families couldn’t afford to feed a relative in the cells. A rat provided liquid from the blood and nourishment from meat.”

“Gross!” Jill’s boyfriend said.

“So, they just sat in their cells?” Joshua asked.

“No, they were often taken out of the cells for the amusement of the guards or punishment from the magistrate.”

“What did they do?”

“The prisoners were whipped, caned, tortured in any and every way possible or they were killed. Most didn’t survive a beating. The cuts became infected and that’s usually how they died if starvation didn’t get them first.”

“How sad,” some of the women said.

“That sucks.” Joshua said plainly.

David laughed. “He’s kidding. It wasn’t that bad and it wasn’t like that with the nobility at all. The nobility cared deeply for the lower people. They were the backbone of the society after all. They would want to keep the workers happy so they would produce.”

Madison saw Ephraim’s jaw clench. “You really believe that, don’t you?”

“Yes, I’ve studied it for years.”

Ephraim released her hand and sat back. “You’re the expert.” He picked up his fork and continued to eat. After a minute everyone else returned their attention to their plates. She could tell from their expressions that they trusted and believed Ephraim.

She looked down at her hand. It felt very warm. She could still feel the hot path where his thumb caressed her skin. Her entire hand tingled from his touch. What was it about this man?

David could hold her hand and all she felt was discomfort. She didn’t like his touch, but he was polite and attentive. If she was honest she'd admit that he was a little arrogant. She knew from some of her own research that Ephraim was correct. The justice system back then was inhumane.

Everyone ate, but kept looking back at Ephraim, hoping he would talk again. Joshua leaned in. "Are you okay?”

Ephraim forced a smile. “I’m okay.”

“I believe you, you know,” Joshua said in a loud whisper.

“Thanks. Eat your vegetables. I heard your Grandma made a chocolate cake.”

Joshua dug in. The boy loved cake. Ephraim ate slowly and kept his eyes down. Madison noticed Grandma watching him. She looked worried.

“Joshua, I was planning on taking your sister to Boston next weekend. The museum is holding an exhibition on nineteenth century art if you want to come. It depicts what life was really like back then if you want to know.”

“No, no thank you. I was hoping to go fishing again with Ephraim.,” Joshua said without looking up from his plate.

Ephraim nodded, keeping his eyes on his plate as he pushed his food around. “You’re always welcome to join me as long as your Grandmother and Madison say it’s okay.”

“Why wouldn’t he ask his mother?” David asked, looking confused.

Madison opened her mouth to answer, she really needed to tell him the truth, when the door to the dining room opened.

“I’m so sorry I’m late. One of the other bartenders called in sick and….David? What are you doing here? Crystal is looking everywhere for you!”

“Who’s Crystal?” Joshua asked.

David opened his mouth and then shut it. All eyes moved between David and Candy.

“Crystal is David’s girlfriend of course. She works with me at the, er..club.”

All eyes fixed on David. Candy walked around the table, oblivious to the change in the room.

“Oh, before I forget, she told me that if I ran into you tonight to ask you to pick up more diapers for the baby.”

Chapter 6

Ephraim dropped his fork onto his plate. He leaned back in his seat, keeping his eyes on David. David fidgeted in his seat. He was sweating profusely and looking around nervously.

“Everyone, leave now,” Ephraim said in a cold level voice.

David stood up.

“Not you. Sit down.”

“What’s going on?” Candy asked, sounding confused.

“Why don’t you stay, Candy?” Ephraim’s voice was gentle, but everyone knew it wasn’t a request. It was an order.

“Okay.” Candy sat down in the seat Brad vacated. The men threw David a glare as they left the room.

“I want to stay, too!” Joshua said.

Without taking his eyes away from David, Ephraim pulled his wallet out and opened it. He pulled out two fifties. “Since it’s my fault that no one was able to finish this lovely dinner that your grandmother cooked I’ll treat, go order enough pizza for everyone.”