Chapter new begins
Cassius is jolted out of his reverie by the shop bell chime behind him. He instinctively reaches for his side arm at his hip in the holster as he turns to face the newly arrived guest. Kallie's Sister Mercie enters the room and the door swinging shut seems to take Cassius' breath with it. Mercie has green eyes, dark brunette hair that flows over her shoulders and beautifully complements her classic hourglass figure. She is smiling and as soon as she notices Cassius she squeals with delight and hurries to set her purse down. She starts talking to Kallie immediately and Cassius takes the opportunity to slide the box over the counter and politely takes the box cutter out of Kallie's hand. He slid the blade under the tape easily and quickly has the box open. Kallie scowls at him as he reaches in and pulls out a wax sealed parchment paper, a small book, a small trinket bag and a necklace.
Mercie makes a grab for the necklace and Cassius holds it out of her reach. "C'mon Cassy I wanna see it!!" Cassius scowls as he dips out her reach. "You know I don't like it when you call me that." He brings the hand with the necklace to rest in front of her face, ready to spring the palm open for her.
Cassius breaks out in a playful grin "Cmon Mercie say the magic word.. Actually say both of them for the unnecessary name comment." Mercie's shoulders sink and she pouts her lip. She gives a dramatic sigh "Please and I'm sorry for the name Cassius Tatterwood, King of the world." She makes eye contact and he uncurls his fingers to reveal a glittery red stone set in gold with small symbols on the left and right sides of the jewel.
Kallie stood to the side of this interaction with a bemused look on her face. Kallie remembers the night her Mother brought Mercie home. Kallie stood as a four year old child in her Aunt Kitana's kitchen when Arianna came in the house. It was dark and storming outside with the rain beating the shutters and lightning crashing. Arianna pulled over her shawl and brought the tiny babe to her chest.
The baby's clothes were dirty and barely fit. Her small face was tear streaked and red from crying, likely hungry as babes are. Arianna and Kitana laid the blanket from one of Kitana's chairs on the table. Her small frame looked like a doll and Kallie slowly sneaked closer to the strange scene. She managed to wriggle into a chair and intently watched her Mother.