Page 67 of Bloody Business

The change of venue had done wonders to clear his mind.As he came out of the fog, he had a suspicion of what had been done to him.A portion of his old energy had come back, but he wasn't the man he used to be.He was fat, prematurely aged.He'd lost respect among his clan, and his enemies had damaged and in some cases outright stolen his business.

It was time to set some things in action.He needed to name an heir, she needed to be established, and he needed to choose a husband for her.

After all, the husband was the one who would really run things.It would also buy time as all the thugs in town competed to win her.

Hurdle limped in with the help of his crutches.His knee had never recovered from the assault by Bloodhand's goons.

“Brother, I bought us a house.It's time we got serious about securing Lily's future.”There was no point in letting Hurdle think about what to do.Zul Kan got better results when he simply told him.

Of course, Hurdles' idea of securing Lily's future differed wildly from Zul Kan’s vision.Being the younger brother and in better health, he figured he would be in charge of it long after Zul died, so he didn't say much.After all, he could smell the sickness in Zul's body.He was practically rotting from the inside.

Hurdle didn't see the problem in moving into a fancy new house.From his point of view, he would soon be the head of the clan.He might as well have his house established.It was for Lily's sake, anyway.She'd put up with a lot, and she deserved to live like a princess.

By then, he'd formally adopted her as his daughter.He had all the hopes and dreams of any indulgent father.

Unfortunately, although he had big plans, Zul Kan had always been the more capable son.Despite Hurdle's grand plans, his brother wasn't so easily out maneuvered.

It helped that he framed his plans as being beneficial for Lily.The schools, the tutors, the business training...All of it was going to help her be a big success.

It helped that he'd had Lily under his thumb for a long time.All he had had to do was threaten to hurt Hurdle, and she'd fallen right in line.It was to be expected.She was young, naive.He didn't hold it against her, just factored it into the use of his tool.

Lily would do what he said, when he said it, and that was the way he liked it.

Tashi and Lily's Story

Alliances

Tashi Yal sat behindhis desk.He'd filled out over the years, and despite being chair bound, his upper body was fit.He would never have his father's imposing stature, but he had his father's gray skin and direct orange stare.

He was idly toying with a pen as he regarded his guest.

Lily sat in front of him, apparently at ease.She was poised, and she'd gotten prettier over time.At sixteen, she was lovely.At twenty-one, she was a knockout.

She was wearing a dark blue dress and expertly applied makeup.She'd also shown up at the gates of his house that morning and asked for sanctuary.

“I heard about Hurdle.I know he was dear to you,” he said finally.“My condolences.”

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