Chapter 5: Prime Minister Thorne

Mayrose Thorne was a quiet person; she didn't like to talk to strangers, and her reactions could be a little clumsy. She was shy, rather than cold.

However, her expressions would change according to her mood.

Chris had spent too much time analysing her until figuring out how to read through her. He hadn't put so much effort even with the Prime Minister. Maybe because the Prime Minister's face wasn't as pleasant to look at.

In just a day, he had figured her out - more or less. He still didn't know what she was doing in Raimund's hands, nor what was her link with the Insurgents. But he knew she didn't like cold tea and preferred coffee. She had asked for some, and he had phoned the doctor before making a small dek cup. Caffeine with her nerves wasn't too wise.

He knew she could stay still for hours without doing anything, resisting boredom very well. He could only imagine the broad world in her mind, though. He was curious, but how to ask?

At least, she didn't send him away if he kept quiet and pretended to be working on his laptop the whole time. She didn't feel observed even though he didn't miss any of her actions. Not even how she was starting to regain control over her body.

She could drink alone, finally. It was a relief, and he didn't know why. Was he supposed to care so much about her? After exchanging something like twelve words?

When the Prime Minister finally arrived, it was late in the evening of the second day of electoral silence. Chris and May were having tea in the living room - an excuse to have her hydrate herself. Teatime was especially silent, and neither wanted to break that peace with useless words. Not May, who loved silence. Nor Chris, who would never make her feel uncomfortable with some trivial conversation.

The butler solemnly announced their guest: "the Prime Minister, Leonard Thorne."

Chris saw how May didn't even turn but closed her eyes as if preparing for something. He got up to greet the first man of the country, second only to the President - but the latter didn't appear too much in public, by the way.

"Welcome to my humble home," Chris said with his circumstantial smile. He didn't like having to deal with Leo Thorne, especially for such a delicate matter.

There were dozens of ways things could go wrong. Starting from how Mayrose could just tell the truth of their meeting.

Leonard Thorne walked in with certain steps. Similarly to how Raimund had, Chris didn't fail to notice. It was funny how similar those two could act: overbearing, sometimes even arrogant, yet always keeping up appearances.

The butler hurriedly poured some tea for the Prime Minister, and then he retreated after a nod of approval from Chris.

"Please, be comfortable. There's a lot we need to talk about."

He showed the couch to Leo Thorne, careful not to help him sit too close to May. She was using the armchair, so she was safe for the moment. But that man was a fox. A single second of distraction could be fatal.

"I'd like to start with the main issue," he said, in fact. "What is your granddaughter doing in your house during the week of electoral silence?"

"What's the main problem? That she's here, or that it happened this week?"

"I'm not sure. Tell me what happened, and I'll decide what is worse."

Not even for a moment had he asked May how she was doing, if everything was all right. Not even if she was being treated well in the enemy's house.

Were they really family? Unfortunately, those grey eyes are as rare as to confirm it. They were a grandfather and his granddaughter.

"Yesterday, on my way home, I found Mayrose not far from here. She was being targeted by a group of delinquents," Chris said.

For sure, he couldn't involve Raimund Pierce in the story... Even though their link was not a complete secret. And it was unavoidable.

"I told my driver to stop the car, and I invited her on. Once we drove away, I noticed her identity. I couldn't just drop her somewhere, and being May your granddaughter made the situation complicated. I decided to bring her here to recover from the shock. I haven't called the police for the aggression."

"I appreciate that," the Prime Minister said. "It would have attracted attention on both of us, and not in a good way. Some would have thought we were just trying to do politics during the week of silence. I'll take care of the aggression by myself."

Leo Thorne turned to May, smiling kindly. Just like a loving grandpa would.

"It's my first granddaughter we're talking about," he said. "I'll bring her justice."

Chris did find something weird in the conversation, but he couldn't pinpoint what until the Prime Minister's next words.

"I'm sorry for the trouble, Senator Lindt."

May was there, a witness and the victim of that story. Yet, Leo Thorne had not once thought of asking her anything. He was talking with Chris as if she wasn't there, which would have maddened even the most patient of people.

"And I'm sorry for the trouble that is next to come," he said. "I'd ask you to keep her until the election day. She's not in the condition to go home right now, and our residence is a hectic place. Your house is so calm that her recovery will be swift. Is it too much to ask for?"

"No, of course not," Chris said. It was an excuse, obviously. But what did Leo Thorn hope to achieve? Was it a trap?

"Naturally, everything shall remain a secret between the two of us," he added.

Chris raised one brow, even more surprised. Was there an end to his shamelessness? He knew Leo Thorne was one to take advantage of every single chance, but to such a degree?

Leaving his first, precious granddaughter to a stranger's place was simply too much. Had he no fear of what Chris could do to her?

What's more, May wasn't reacting at all. It was as if she wasn't interested in the conversation. As if it meant nothing to her.

Was it a common occurrence? That they took decisions for her without as much as asking for an opinion?

"There are three of us in this room," Chris said, not resisting the temptation of making him notice how transparent their familiar dynamics were at that moment. "It's a secret among three people."

It was like saying that it wouldn't last long. There was an old saying about secrets, and three people were too much to keep one.

However, he wished to accept that offer. He wanted to take care of that wounded rabbit for a little more. Even just to see her frown when he denied her coffee. Or what could have been a smile if she didn't have a poker face, especially in front of sweet food.

There was much he wanted to witness yet.

"Can I count on you?" Leo Thorne asked, not missing how Chris glanced at May for a single moment before nodding. He didn't grin because he was being a worried grandfather, but his mood improved a little from the very deep pit it was.

Mayrose had caused trouble, as a change. But, for once, he could get something out of it. With the right moves and countermoves, he could build leverage against the most dangerous of his opponents.

"I will show my appreciation for this favour, in the future."

"I won't forget," Chris said. "It's not an everyday occurrence to have the Prime Minister owe me."

"Not an everyday occurrence indeed," Leo Thorne commented.

"I want to go home!" May exclaimed, at that point.

"You will, granddaughter."

"I mean, now!"

Leo Thorne was using a condescending tone with her as if he was talking with an idiot or a child. It hurt Chris's nerves so badly, yet May did not react.

"How can you leave without being noticed, while I would be spotted for sure?" she said. "I'd come back with you now, and no one would ever know."

"You shouldn't talk about things you don't understand," he replied, coldly. "If I were seen, the most we would hear is that I was negotiating with Senator Lindt during the week of silence. If you were spotted... There would be no end to the theories. And we can't afford this now, neither of us."

"But..."

"Senator Lindt," Leo Thorne said, cutting his granddaughter's words and turning to Chris. "Might I have a word alone with May? I need to explain a few things to her. And to check she's all right, of course."