The Bill Comes Due
***
THE NEW YORK SANCTORUM – FRONT DOOR
Molly found herself entranced by the man standing before her; handsome, proud and serious were her initial thoughts as her gaze took in not only his good looks, but also the scars that further enhanced his features rather than detracting from them.
He was dressed similarly to Stephen, though his robes were dark green in colour. The tunic was belted and had a mandarin collar, while the trousers though close fitting allowed for ease of movement, while on his feet were a sturdy pair of boots.
Everything about the outfit spoke of fighting practicality, where one could go from being at peaceful rest one moment, to a readiness for combat the next.
It was only when the man began chuckling good-naturedly that Molly realised she had been staring.
“I’m so terribly sorry,” she apologised, her cheeks flushing a delightful shade of pink.
“That’s perfectly all right,” the man replied, his voice rich and pleasant. “I was hoping to have a word with Stephen, but I fear I’m interrupting,” he indicated Molly’s formal attire.
Molly looked down at herself. “Oh, right. No its fine. Stephen was just called away. Something he had to deal with urgently.”
“The responsibilities of the Sorcerer Supreme are never-ending,” the man agreed.
Molly now stepped back, satisfied that this was someone who knew Stephen well, a work colleague. “Why don’t you come in...” she paused, realising she didn’t know his name.
“Karl Mordo,” he supplied, offering her his hand.
“Molly Hooper,” Molly responded in kind as she shook his hand.
*
NEW YORK SANCTUM - FOYER
As soon as Mordo crossed the threshold, the Sanctum gave a massive shudder, alerting Molly that something was amiss.
But when she turned to Mordo in the hope he could give an explanation as to what was going on, she realised as she watched his friendly demeanour turn to one of vengeful hostility that she had been deceived.
***
LONDON SANCTUM
It resembled a fantasy, with a number of medieval turrets and an ornate archway that dominated its entranceway. An impressive looking building that was built on the corner of two city streets. But for all its finery, the four storey building still managed to blend in with those that surrounded it.
Like its New York and Hong Kong counterparts, its upper level was dominated by a large ornate window.
*
When Stephen and Wong emerged from the gateway into the London Sanctum’s interior, they found everything calm, no calamity of any kind in progress.
“I don’t understand,” Stephen stated, turning to Wong, who looked equally confused.
It was then that Stephen felt a sharp pain in his chest, in the region of his heart, and his face drained of all colour.
And he realised that they had been deliberately misled.
***
THE NEW YORK SANCTUM
When they returned, Stephen’s worst fears were realised.
Molly had been taken.
***