"Last I checked, Overture was practicing his aim at the shooting range."
Finale's reply was swift, faster even for her to process. Her words
were merely reactionary now. She hadn't expected Grave to step through
the door then, half hoping she had at least a minute to gather her
thoughts, or rather, her composure. The folder in her hands felt like
cement as she rose to her feet. "You learn to never bother him when he's
holding a gun in his hand."
Finale's eyes matched Grave's for a
second and that was all that it took for Finale to know that the man
wasn't satisfied with her answer. She knew better than to divert her
gaze. She gave a heavy sigh, maneuvering her way around the table. Her
hand swept up the purse and sifted it smoothly into her coat. "We were
discussing business."
Grave shifted his weight, slipping his form directly between Finale and her straight shot towards the door. "Business."
Finale
pulled herself to a stop before Grave. The man was easily a foot taller
than her and Finale had no other choice but to look upwards. She held
the folder loosely in her arms but her grip couldn't be any tighter.
"Ceravas was our client once before; there's nothing strange about him
coming to us again for hire."
"Yeah, but you forget that Overture's
the one who calls it." Grave reached for the folder where Finale
flipped it out of his reach. Her face was brimming with poorly concealed
insult and disdain.
"That's why this is business between myself, Ceraves and
Overture." The folder came back to a rest much closer in Finale's arms.
It still was within Grave's reach but it was made perfectly clear that
it wasn't to be touched. "Overture will decide whether we take the job
or not, but that doesn't stop him from taking advice from me. I know
Overture relies on you as a brother would but ultimately I hold superior
authority over you, understand?"
It was Grave's turn to frown
now, though if he felt any kind of trapped animosity none of it showed
on his face. The moment those words left Finale's mouth she instantly
regretted letting them slip. All the members of the Circle had always
acted like family since it's creation. Even Overture's standing at the
top tier came across to the rest of the members as a father figure. She
shut her eyes for a second, her mouth open for what was supposed to be a
clumsy apology but all that came out was another sigh. "Listen, Grave,
you can be sure that Overture will have the last say in this matter,
that much I promise you."
Grave made a sound similar to a grunt
as he threw his gaze to the side. And then, in a much more forced
motion, stepped aside to allow Finale to pass. Even as Finale followed
him with her eyes, he never met her gaze. Instead his eyes took to
surveying the room, as if trying to peer into the furniture's memory.
She lowered her head, pressing the folder against her breast as she
continued her trek towards the door.
"I'm gonna eventually see whatever's in that folder."
Finale
took a glance over her shoulder and resisted the urge to look away once
she felt Grave's eyes land on hers. His face was a mixture of emotions,
half of which Finale did not like. Finale couldn't even force a smile
onto her face, knowing full well that her moment to ponder and question
on everything Ceraves had given her had come to a short end. Looking at
Grave now her mind came across a single idea that made her pity Grave
and, even more so, detest herself for considering it as an option. She
couldn't bear to keep her own eyes on Grave now, turning herself to face
forward.
"Everyone's going to get their chance to know what's in this folder Grave. All in due time."