Cooking the Books

In the days following the ball, Malik had been busy, more busy than usual, but that was to be expected. Something like that couldn't happen and not have everyone a little on edge. So the first chance he got to make his way to the Tilani household, had him there faster than a carriage could take him. The Lord of the house was out for the day, Malik had confirmed that she had been seen in the leisure club only thirty minutes back, so now was a good time for him to go see his 'sister' and niece.

Novella had been the one to bring him into the fold, those ten years back, the manipulation had been masterful, but what had made him chuckle, now, years, and years later, was that it had created a bond between them that neither could have anticipated at the time. True affection. So when the older slave woman let him into the house, knowing who he was, the slave handed off the child Annie to him, and he instantly melted. There's my favorite girl. He cooed softly to her as he was ushered into the sitting room, bouncing the child in his arms as he bent at the waist, up-ending them both, and then back up standing, Annie laughing loudly, and happily at the attention, before he tucked them both into the sitting couch.

He continued to play with his niece until Ella showed in the room. Father will most likely be by today, if he checks the townhouse. You finances were a little askew, so I took care of it. He accepted a cup of tea, that was brought in by the older slave woman, and nodded to her. I know your wife was sending money along with the Jolfy woman, so it was an easy enough fix that won’t raise any questions. Smart of your wife to do that. He sat back on the couch, Annie on his knee, being bounced gently, as he sipped the tea. It’s a good place to hide some of your more, questionable, purchases.