Mirages
Part 7

"What do you want?" the old man demanded, standing in the doorway to his house and clutching his cane.

"Isaac, I'm Ray." Ray said smoothly, a hint of hopefulness in his voice.

"I know that. Do you think I'm feebleminded? Still doesn't tell me what you want." Isaac turned his head to look at Florian, his face partly concealed by his cloak. "You bringing a woman here? You married?"

"No, this is my friend, Florian." Ray gestured for Florian to keep the hood on. "May we come in?"

"Yeah, yeah. Come in already. Making an old man stand around all day and not answering simple questions. You always were an ill-mannered brat." He turned and shuffled into the house with Ray and Florian trailing him. It was a small space, but the room was tidy and well-kept if a bit worn looking. Ray and Florian took seats at the table as directed and Isaac brought over glasses and an earthenware pitcher of cool tea.

Florian removed his hood, and cloak, glad to be freed from the extra layer of fabric in this heat. He was very grateful for the beverage and took several sips immediately, not waiting for his host, yet unwilling to be so impolite as to drain the glass in one go.

"How are you, Isaac?" Ray looked around, happy to see that the place hadn't changed that much. He'd chosen to visit at this time of day knowing that it was between mealtimes so Isaac wouldn't feel the need to feed them. He didn't bring anything – much to Florian's objections – because Isaac would have refused it, but he was carrying a small coin purse that he'd be leaving behind. Isaac could use it for the orphans if he wouldn't keep it for himself.

"You still didn't tell me what you're doing here. I thought I was rid of you for good."

"You know we never really leave," Ray teased him. "We miss your smiling face and have to come back."

Isaac snorted in disbelief and took a long drink. "There's some of you I wish would stay gone. That friend of yours, Azura. He took off for America and should have stayed there. He came back all funny – like he's not right in the head. Used to be a good boy, watching out for you lot. Now he's shifty and mean – strutting around the market like he owns the place and everyone in it."

"Why do you say that?" Ray asked, his chest tightening. It was one thing to see the way Azura treated Florian and to catch a bit of it himself. But hearing Isaac say such things somehow made it irrefutable.

"They say he's the head of some big criminal organization now – has his hands in everything – drugs, robbery, killing. He had a bit of a dangerous streak as a kid, but he wouldn't have done things like that. It had to be that man that adopted him – took him away and taught him all the wrong things. You know how those uncivilized places are."

"I don't think America is uncivilized," Ray said, focusing on the least painful part of the conversation. He'd already admitted, to himself at least, that Azura had had the seeds of this kind of behavior in him as a youth, but he never imagined his friend could go so far as murder. He hastily looked down, blinking rapidly, covering his distress by studying his drink.

"Do you know anything about this criminal organization. Is this fact or rumors?" Florian asked, his voice soft and polite but insistent. Ray was grateful to him for diverting Isaac's attention and used the opportunity to put his polite mask in place.

"They call themselves the Black Hand. Black Hearts they should be called, what with all the evil things they do." Isaac reached out and touched Ray's face, patting it. "I know what he did for you boy, watched out for you and protected you. Even lost his eye. But that doesn't mean you owe him more than a good life. Don't you let him turn you that way too. You're not meant for that."

"But…" Ray couldn't bring himself to say the words – to confess his crimes as Noir, even if he did give a lot of the profit to charity – or to defend his friends. He couldn't bring himself to give up on Azura yet – there was still good in him somewhere, there had to be

"I am in debt to Azura," Florian confessed drawing Isaac's attention once again. "Ray has promised to do something for Azura in exchange for my freedom. If there's anything you can tell us – anything that we should know…" Florian's voice trailed off and he looked at Ray. He couldn't bring himself to actually say they needed protection from Azura.

"You're in a mess, you are. The two of you." Even as he was chastising them, it was clear that Isaac was trying to think of something that could help them. After several moments of tense silence he had the answer. "This might be something. Not that I know all the story, or can be sure it will help but there was talk around here lately that Azura was searching for something – something big like a treasure. Said he had a man killed to get some ancient scroll that would lead him to it. Some say that that man was an important member of a secret clan set to protect the very thing Azura is after. If you could find out what the treasure is and who'd be trying to protect it - that might be something worth knowing."

Ray and Florian exchanged looks, knowing that this was something they could use – a new lead in their research that might help them find out the real significance of the Queen's treasures.

Relaxing a little, Ray changed the subject, asking after some of the other orphans he'd grown up with and about merchants who used to slip the children fruit or bits of bread on occasion.

When the tea was gone and the conversation exhausted, the men took their leave of Isaac. The old man tapped Ray with his cane – his equivalent of a hug apparently – and then surprised Florian by turning to him with a piece of advice.

"Trust in this one to help you, boy. You've no future in that man's house. Ray's a brat but his word is better than gold." He tugged at the edge of Florian's cape as he added, "And cover up for goodness sake. You'll have everyone knowing your business, walking around with that hair."

Florian laughed and thanked him, pulling the hood up over his head. Beside him, Ray was trying not to look smug.

They retraced their steps to the market, moving as quickly as they could through the narrow streets and crowds. It was a relief when they finally reached the more open area of the market.

Ray wasn't really interested in the wares that were for sale, but Florian was fascinated by everything. He seemed especially drawn to the colorful glassware – particularly perfume bottles - that caught and reflected the afternoon sunlight.

They were stopped in front of an overloaded table while Florian studied glass and tile, when the merchant let out a laugh.

"It is you. I'd know those eyes anywhere – you were one of the creatures that vexed me not so many years ago." He came out of the stall and embraced Ray. "Look at you now, one of those fancy gentlemen." He looked over at Florian who was still covered up but whose hood had slipped back a little revealing his fair features. "Brought one back with you, did you? Given the look of you, you shouldn't be wanting a handout this time."

"Not that I ever got one here anyway, old man. Not that I wanted any of your old junk." Florian looked shocked at the words, but the merchant just laughed. "Still a brat, no matter the fancy clothes. And one with a bad memory no less – forgetting all the times I sent a bit of food your way.”

"He could eat, he could. Such a tiny thing but an attitude and an appetite twice his size." The merchant looked at Florian, then back at Ray, frowning a little. "That explains it – you must be visiting Azura." He gestured towards Florian. "I remembered seeing you before and heard you were Azura's guest."

"Still sticking your nose in I see," Ray teased the man. He'd didn't like the amount of attention they were drawing so he gestured at the stall. "Never mind your sales pitch – show my friend the real goods."

The man shook his head at Ray – the boy had no appreciation for the traditions of shopping. Dragging it out was half the fun. Muttering under his breath he went into the souk, making a quick assessment of what the fair one might like. The merchant had always been good at reading people and it was a certainty that no matter who did the buying, it was the fair one that would do the choosing.

He'd been looking at glass – so that called for small colorful items. He opened a cupboard and took out a deep tray with an assortment of nice but not the best items. If the man was Azura's long-term guest then it wouldn't be wise for Ray to be buying him anything too fine.

Ray took one glance at the tray and gave the merchant a look to let him know he was aware that they weren't seeing the best of his inventory. Florian, however, was oblivious to their wordless exchange as he reviewed the contents of the tray, letting out a soft "oh" when he found something especially interesting.

It was a brass harp, small enough to sit in the palm of his hand and decorated with small gem-like bits of colored glass. A couple of the strings were broken but the rest were fine.

"May I?" Florian asked, itching to touch the strings and see if they would play. The merchant nodded his permission, already tasting a sale.

The sound was tinny and off-key, but there were tiny pegs where the strings could be tuned. Florian was delighted. While he tested and adjusted the strings, Ray and the merchant haggled. Florian tried to object, telling Ray that he didn't need the harp, but Ray waved it off and Florian stopped protesting.

When they finally left the merchant with the harp, all three men were content. Ray stopped a few more places to pick up a selection of treats he hadn't enjoyed in a while, while Florian trailed along holding his harp protectively in the cloth the merchant had given him.

"We'd better get back," Ray said at last, looking skyward and realizing how late it was. Florian agreed, more tired from the heat than he wanted to admit. The streets were wider here than near Isaac's house, but there were still crowds so they didn't talk much as they returned to Azura's house.

Ray didn't realize it until he was in the bath washing away the dust of the marketplace but he'd been glad to see the familiar sights of his old home. It had been good to see Isaac and the merchants too – even if some of them still treated him like he was ten. Most of all, he was happy to have made it back before Azura returned.
 

+++++
 

"Solomon," Lady Fairmont greeted her guest warmly, shaking his hand. She glanced over at his companion and smiled even wider – so far things were going as she'd planned. "Pierre, it's been too long." She shook his hand also, having developed an aversion to having her hand kissed. There were some men who would never break the tradition, but she changed it when she could.

"You gentlemen don't mind if I call you by your first names, do you? Of course I expect you to call me Eloise, And here is my friend, Helene du Rochefort." The men agreed to abide by the lady's wishes. It eased a bit of the formality although Solomon was still not comfortable in such an intimate setting with both Madame Rochefort and the powerful Lady Fairmont. Thankfully Pierre was better at these kinds of social situations. He was making light conversation as he allowed Eloise to direct them to the salon where a small table and chairs had been set up for an informal tea.

"I understand that you've met Helene before, Solomon." Eloise didn't plan on wasting time in getting to the point. The idle chatter could wait until after she had gotten what she wanted. She'd made some arrangements this morning in anticipation of Solomon's arrival – plans that even Helene wasn't aware of.

"We've had the pleasure," Solomon assured her, putting on his best, blandly polite expression. He turned slightly to make a point of acknowledging Helene as he spoke.

"And I understand that you've agreed to assist her in locating her dear son Florian." Eloise poured the tea, her tone deceptively casual. She glanced up and saw a flicker of amusement in Pierre's eyes and correctly surmised that she had an ally.

"I have, although," Solomon looked a bit embarrassed to add, "I'm afraid I don't remember exactly what he looks like. I've met him once, briefly, and seen pictures in the paper – the society column – but it has been a while." He was exaggerating a little, trying to puzzle out the real reason that he'd been invited to Lady Fairmont's house.

"Quite right," Eloise said soothingly as she placed finger sandwiches on each plate. Usually she'd have people help themselves, but it cut down on distractions and she retained better control by serving. "I have photographs I can loan you. And there's a small portrait there." She gestured towards one wall where there was an array of portraits – including one of Florian when he accepted his title.

"Thank you," Solomon said emphatically. He'd been somewhat confident that there weren't many amethyst-eyed blonds in Morocco, but it never paid to take chances. He had a good memory for faces and was sure he wouldn't need to take the photographs. But if Eloise insisted, he wouldn't refuse.

"Have you made arrangements for your trip?" Eloise asked. She was thankful that Helene was letting her ask the questions for now. They hadn't really discussed what they would say to Solomon, especially in the presence of his guest, but it was clear that Pierre had been taken into Solomon's confidence.

"I've checked the schedules of several passenger ships but haven't purchased a ticket yet."

"No? Excellent. I've got just the solution for you Solomon. And I assure you, you would be doing me a tremendous favor in this. You see, I have a friend, a widower, who is traveling to Morocco with his young son and finds himself in need of a tutor for the boy on the journey."

"Tutor?" Solomon was shocked but Pierre had to cover his mouth with his napkin to muddle his laughter. Solomon gave him a measured look before turning back to Eloise. "I don't have any experience as a tutor. Or with minding children."

"But you do have experience as a policeman and I'm afraid that might be what the boy needs most. You see, his mother died in most unfortunate circumstances."

"What happened?" Pierre asked.

"The father is Henri Tassel, of Tassel Bank. Some ruffians from that gang of thieves, the Black Hand, tried to blackmail him and force him to give them a large collection of valuable jewelry that had been placed in the bank vault for safekeeping. Tassel refused and, after capturing him and trying to coerce him, they changed tactics and went after his wife. Her carriage was forced off the road on the way home from visiting a friend. The poor woman was badly injured and died two days later. Poor Henri could barely cope for a while but now he's getting back on his feet. However, he refuses to leave his young son, Noel, behind and he can't really mind the child without help. If you would agree to go, you could provide friendship and protection for the boy. He's only five so you wouldn't need to do much more than help him with reading and writing."

Eloise sat back, drained, yet proud of herself for pulling everything together so quickly. She'd be able to help two friends and that unfortunate child as well as provide a traveling companion for Solomon - a companion who would dutifully write her to let her know of their progress. It was as close to ideal a solution as she could devise in such a short time.

She was hoping that having Solomon travel with Henri would open a few more doors to the detective. He seemed like a perfectly nice man and she'd heard that he was a competent detective, but there were things aristocrats could do just by virtue of their position in society.

"It sounds like the perfect plan," Pierre told the others, giving Eloise a small toast with his glass. She returned the toast graciously, deciding that she would have to make a point of seeing more of Pierre.
 

+++++
 

"I hear that you bought Florian a present," Azura said mildly as he ate another bite of his dessert. It was just the three of them dining and Azura had asked that the meal be served in his rooms.

He had returned in a very good mood in the late afternoon, well after Ray and Florian were back, bathed and rested from their time in the marketplace. Ray had been in the library looking up information on secret clans or groups associated with the ancient Carthaginian queen while Florian had gone off to find Laila and get cleaning supplies to polish and re-string his small harp.

Now the three of them were finishing an informal meal and relaxed conversation. It was nice, Ray mused, not to have the tension that had hung over most of his time in Azura's house. Whatever matter Azura had gone to attend to, it clearly had gone well.

At Azura's question about the present, Florian looked up shyly and smiled. "Ray was kind enough to escort me to the marketplace so I wouldn't get lost."

"And you saw something you couldn't resist?" Azura was all smiles and sweet indulgence as he looked at Florian.

"It is a lovely little harp, but I didn't request that he buy it. He indulged me out of kindness."

"It was kind," Azura said as he pushed aside his empty plate. Ray had already finished eating and Florian was full. Florian silently rose and cleared away the plates and silverware leaving only their beverages. Loading everything onto the cart, he pushed it out of the room and left it in the hallway. On his way past the table to his seat, Azura reached out and grabbed his wrist.

"It's your day for presents, Florian. I brought you something too." Azura pulled Florian down onto his lap sideways and pushed open Florian's robe. While Ray watched avidly but uncomfortably, Azura slid his hand along Florian's exposed chest and then lowered his head so he could lick Florian's left nipple. Florian shivered a little at the wet contact and then shivered again when Azura nipped the small bit of sensitive flesh.

When Azura lifted his head again, he looked over at Ray. "Would you bring me that small case from the nightstand?"

Ray did as he'd been asked, retrieving the small jewelry case and holding it out to Azura. The man shook his head and asked Ray to open it since Azura's hands were full. The heavy lid of the case opened up to reveal a pair of small gold hoop earrings with diamonds. He frowned, confused for a moment before realization struck - they weren't meant for ears.

"Azura, no." Ray protested, wanting to take the jewelry away but he knew that doing something to make Azura mad would just make things worse, especially for Florian.

"Bring that candle over here, would you, and get a pillow from the bed." Azura continued to caress Florian while he watched Ray do as he'd been asked. "Put the candle on the table where I can reach it and the pillow on the floor. Good, now kneel if you'd like to have a turn at the boy yourself."

Ray dropped to his knees, knowing there was no other choice. Secretly, he was excited by the thought of touching Florian again - perhaps doing more - and from the expression on Florian's face, he wasn't objecting to what was happening so far.

Ray caught a glimpse of Azura's whip, coiled neatly at the man's waist and thought of his own whip tucked away in his suitcase. He hadn't worn it since he arrived knowing that Azura would take offence if he did. He felt odd without that weight, as if he were vulnerable without it. He knew how to fight, of course - proper fighting like a gentleman and the rougher no rules style of the streets learned in his youth - mostly from Azura.

Florian leaned back a little as Azura continued to caress him, hands moving downward to where the robe was tied. Without speaking Azura let Ray know that he should be the one to untie it and, when Ray did, Azura caught Ray's head and pressed him forward to kiss Florian's stomach.

Pushing Ray back suddenly, Azura shifted Florian in his lap so that Florian's back was pressed against Azura's chest. Azura moved his legs so Florian's were spread open over them and he pulled Florian's head back so he could bite the smaller man's neck.

Taking the invitation for what it was, Ray leaned forward again and kissed his way down Florian's stomach to his thigh, then trailed up and over to the other leg where he continued up until he'd made a complete circuit without actually touching Florian's erection.

Florian moaned and reached for Ray but Azura caught and trapped his arms, spreading him even wider for Ray.

Not one to refuse a gift, Ray rose up on his knees and kissed and nipped his way up Florian's chest, across and down the other side, completing another circuit on the man's sensitive body. From the way he was writhing, Florian didn't object to Ray's attentions, or to Azura's.

"Stand up," Azura commanded and Ray jumped to his feet in response. He opened his own robe as ordered and stood in front of the pillow. A moment later, Azura slid Florian down off of his lap down onto the pillow where he fed him Ray's eager erection.

Ray moaned and gripped Florian's head, pulling the man closer, pushing deeper. Florian took him without protest and only a little faltering. Ray kept up the steady pressure and after a few moments, Florian calmed, relaxing enough to take Ray in deep.

"He can take more than that. Do I need to remind you how to use a willing mouth?"

Ray ignored Azura's taunt until Azura placed one hand on Florian's head and the other on Ray's backside and drove them together, causing Florian to flail and choke. Azura slapped him smartly on his backside.

Taking the cue, Ray tightened his grip and thrust harder. He wouldn't last long like this - just a few more... Azura pushed them again and Florian's instinctive reaction to tighten his throat drove Ray over the edge. He cursed loudly as he came and Florian obediently swallowed every drop and licked him clean afterwards.

"Very nice, Azura said as he stood up, taking the candle and brushing past them as he went towards the bed. He set the candle down on the nightstand and shed his clothing. Stretching out on the bed, Azura watched as Ray and Florian tried to regain their wits. When he'd waited long enough, he snapped his fingers at them.

Sharing a look, Ray helped Florian up and they each dropped their clothes before joining Azura on the bed. He allowed them a few moment's rest, caressing them both as they recovered.

When they were breathing easier, he took up a candle from the bedside table and held it over Florian. With a smirk at Ray, Azura tilted the candle and watched as the hot wax fell onto Florian's side. The unfortunate man knew what was coming but still cried out and clutched at Ray, seeking comfort.

Azura brushed them apart, handing the candle to Ray and pressing Florian down, flat on his back. Ray studied that expanse of warm flesh before selecting a spot over his stomach and letting the wax fall.

There were plenty of candles around and Azura and Ray gathered and used most of them as they painted Florian with hot wax. The man was whimpering at the pain/pleasure of it, especially when one of them would teasingly remove the small bits of cooled wax, leaving over sensitized skin underneath.

With Florian lying quietly between them for a moment, Azura took up the jewelry box again, opening it and offering it to Ray.

"I realize we never formalized our agreement. Instead of signatures, I thought we should use something more appropriate - which nipple do you prefer?"

Florian lifted his head, looking at each of them in turn, his expression fearful - he'd finally understood that Azura meant to pierce his nipples and make him wear those rings. He'd seen something like that once when a couple of his friends had shown him a book of erotic photographs that the one boy had found in his father's library. It had been a lady in the picture, dressed in a corset and lots of satin and lace, but where proper ladies would have fabric covering their top, the lady in the photo was bare. Jeweled rings had dangled from her huge breasts and Florian had felt only pity for her.

"Do they frighten you, dear boy? Or is it shame? A purebred aristocrat like yourself pierced like a common tart. But think how pretty it will be when we add a collar and chains. There's even a fitting for a leash." Azura stroked Florian's hair as he taunted him in the gentlest of voices. Florian turned to Ray, pleading with his eyes for the man to find some way to save him from such degradation. He could - and had - handled being whipped and even penetrated by a man - those things happened in private. But to have to wear such things in his skin - in public - even if it was under his clothing - it was too much.

"Please," Florian whispered, appealing directly to Ray. "Please don't."

Ray hated marking beautiful things and the thought of piercing Florian sickened him. He turned to Azura, determined. "There must be another way we can finalize this contract."

"You won't like it," Azura warned, his voice light. He closed the jewelry case and set is aside, taking up his whip instead. "You know," he said conversationally. "He's never once cried out when I've whipped him. He weeps and sometimes he faints, but he never cries out." Azura passed the whip to Ray. "Carve your initials in him with this. If he cries out, he'll get twenty more. If he doesn't you can fuck him until he screams." Azura pushed Florian towards the side of the bed, watching before adding one more thing. "Of course I'll be taking you while you're inside him."

Ray simply nodded, accepting the condition because there was no alternative.

"Stand against the wall, as close as you can get, palms flat." Ray instructed. Florian complied quickly, unable to look at Ray's face.

It would take eight strokes, Ray calculated - four for each letter. But they would have to be controlled, short strokes, which were tricky but manageable. He swung the whip experimentally, wishing he had his own but knowing that it wouldn't be wise to ask permission to get it.

A few test strikes had Florian visibly shaking but it was necessary. It was also worth it, Ray decided, as he landed the first almost-perfect stripe. It didn't take long after that - Ray purposely delivered the stripes as close together as he could knowing that it would be less painful for Florian that way, even if he didn't realize it.

With the final stripe laid, the letters RC stood out brightly on Florian's bloody and sweat-soaked back. Ray returned the whip to Azura and went to get a cloth for Florian. When he returned, Florian was lying facedown on the bed and Azura was licking the wounds.

Tossing the cloth aside, Ray reached for the lube, preparing himself while he could. He was glad that he'd used plenty when Azura refused him the time to prepare Florian.

"Remember why you're doing this," Azura scolded. "You're leaving your mark." Lying down on the bed beside Florian and lazily stroking himself, Azura watched as Ray moved into position and sank into Florian's tense, pain-wracked body. It wasn't an easy joining, but Azura watched avidly.

Finally, after Ray had given several deep thrusts, Azura moved into position behind him, Pressing Ray forward and as deep into Florian as he could go, Azura worked his way into Ray's tight passage.

It took a while to find the right rhythm and by then Florian was half out of his mind with pain and pleasure. He was gripping the sheets hard enough for his knuckles to turn white while bearing the combined force of Ray and Azura's thrusts.

After what felt to Florian like an eternity, Ray came deep inside of him. A few more thrusts and Azura came too. Only Florian was left unfinished, but with the two men working together, he soon reached his climax. He was unconscious before he fell back onto the bed.
 

Return to Mirages