Fic: A Little Evil Comes A Long Way (Kahlan/Cara) 16/33
Title: A Little Evil Comes A Long Way
Author: raug_moss
Pairings: Kahlan/Cara
Rating: NC-17
A/N: modern AU
A/N2: I know it's been a little while, but I hope you guys aren't too angry with me. These last two weeks have been really busy, finals coming up and life just happening. But there is good news :D yes yes, this story has been nominated for the Lotseekerfic Awards (lotsfic_awards) for Best Drama (C/K), which is awesome. I'm really happy about that!
another fic of mine has been nominated as well (Best Romance C/K), it's called 'Tabula Rasa' and can be found here
so if anyone feels like voting for their favorite stories, I can only encourage that 'cause that's what I'll do. if not, that's cool too, but I still recommend heading over to the Lotseekerfic nomination lists since they're the best rec lists of LotS fiction you'll find around here :D enough babbling? yes? then on to the next chapter!
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Kahlan is on her way to the subway, because she has decided to try out every available kind of public transport before settling for one.
And while she makes her way down the sidewalk, a black car slows down next to her and blocks her way when she wants to cross the street. She somehow feels like she is caught in a bad gangster movie and that feeling is only heightened when the tinted window of the car rolls down and Rahl grins at her.
“Care for a ride?”
Kahlan sighs.
“Do I even have a choice?”
“I’d really like to make you feel like you did.”
“Alright fine.”
The door opens and Kahlan gets into the car. She looks at Rahl with a raised eyebrow.
“So, now you’re following me?” She asks as the car pulls away from the curb.
He shakes his head and smoothes some strands of his inky black hair back.
“I don’t need to follow you to know where you are. I have eyes and ears all over the city, better get used to it.”
Kahlan grumbles quietly but enjoys the warmth inside the car. It has become noticeably chillier outside and it seemed to be an early autumn this year.
“So what do you want? I’m sensing that you haven’t picked me up to simply enjoy my company.”
“Why do I always get this hostile vibe from you? Geesh woman, try and cheer up a bit.”
The dark-haired man sighs theatrically.
“Cut the crap Rahl and talk.”
Kahlan truly isn’t in the mood for games. Although she used to enjoy a banter every now and then, this is not a friendly relationship. It’s strictly business and while she can’t quite place Rahl, she knows that his boss, Mr Dewitt, is some really evil figure.
“Alright. Just trying to make some conversation here...”
Kahlan glares at Rahl.
“...but right to the point then. We’re invited. Mr Dewitt wants to see you, to talk some business. And you should be glad about that, ‘cause it means you’re getting closer to getting rid of that debt.”
Kahlan exhales quietly. Of course she knew that this was going to happen but she really has no desire to meet Rahl’s boss again. He sends shivers done her spine with a single look and she has seen darkness before in her life to recognize it time and again.
“Any idea what he could want?” She asks, although she dreads the answer.
“Nope.” Rahl simply shrugs.
Kahlan sighs. “This, you and me in a car, will not be a regular occurrence, understood?”
“And here I thought we’re hitting it off pretty well...” Rahl chuckles quietly. “Man, I haven’t met a woman like you in years and lemme tell ya it is quite refreshing.”
Kahlan rolls her eyes and looks out the window for the rest of the ride.
She thought she’s seen pompous houses before, but Mr Dewitt’s mansion pretty much borders on decadence.
The driveway is as long as the street in front of Dahlia’s apartment and the mansion is as large as the entire block.
“What did you say he earns his money with?” Kahlan asks without taking her eyes off the villa as they drive closer.
“I haven’t said anything. Mr Dewitt doesn’t like to share private information with just anybody.”
“Wouldn’t have expected anything else...” Kahlan sighs, her breath fogging up the glass of the car window.
They stop in front of pristine white marble steps and Rahl gets out, hurries around the car and actually opens the door for her before holding his hand out to Kahlan. She ignores it and simply moves past him.
“Someone needs to learn manners.” He mumbles and follows her.
Kahlan swiftly ascends the stairs and finds herself looking into the face of a lion. There’s a huge carving on the wooden door that shows the body of a lion with the head serving as a doorknocker.
“How cliché.”
Suddenly the door opens and an elderly man in a suit steps aside to let her in.
“Welcome Miss Amnell.” He greets her.
She quietly works her jaw as she walks into the mansion. Does everybody know her name now? That’s not how it’s supposed to go.
“Miss Amnell, Mr. Rahl follow me please.”
The man scurries off and Kahlan looks over her shoulder at Rahl. He seems a little tenser than before and the dark look in his eyes clearly shows that this is visit is not a pleasurable affair for him either.
Kahlan then turns and, with a few strides, catches up with the servant. She looks around the mansion as they walk through a long corridor past closed doors.
Everything is exquisitely furnished and most likely very expensive. Statues and paintings are supposed to give the villa a sophisticated aura while the size of it simply intimidates every visitor.
Even as they enter a room which seemingly serves as a study with bookshelves on both sides and a large desk at the head, there’s the same impersonal feeling about it.
Dahlia’s tiny apartment is about as big as a single room in this villa and yet it’s far more comfortable.
“Mr. Dewitt will be with you shortly. Is there anything I can get you?” The butler, there’s really no other word to describe him, asks.
“A scotch. The expensive stuff.” Rahl sighs and throws himself into a leather armchair.
The butler nods and closes the door as he walks out.
“So.” Kahlan begins as she paces through the room.
“This is one hell of a house.”
“Yup.”
“And you’re not going to tell me how Mr. Dewitt can afford that?”
“Nope.” Rahl crosses his legs and leans back.
“Then what can you tell me?”
“Hmm... Mr. Dewitt has very peculiar tastes and chooses his business partners very carefully. The fact that you’re here speaks in your favor... for now. What exactly he does however, is not your concern.”
Rahl suddenly gets up and blocks Kahlan’s path. He stands very close to her as he leans foward.
“People on the streets only call him The Keeper.” Rahl whispers.
Kahlan raises her eyebrows and replies just as quietly.
“Why?”
Only a moment later the butler comes bustling into the room, carrying a small tray with a glass of scotch on it.
He hands it over to Rahl and leaves them once again. The moment is gone though and Rahl retreats to his chair. It’s obvious that he doesn’t want to share anymore information. For now. It only takes a few minutes until Dewitt enters the room. Even though it’s physically impossible, it almost feels like the temperature in the room drops a few degrees.
He’s sporting this thin-lipped smile of his and moves serpent-like toward her.
“Miss Amnell, it’s wonderful to see you again.”
She contemplates trying to smile, but knowing that it would only fail spectacularly, settles for nodding.
“Mr. Rahl.”
“Mr. Dewitt.”
The greeting is cold but Kahlan wouldn’t expect anything else between employer and employee. Or at least that’s what she thinks Rahl is. There’s no way of knowing what kind of relationship exists between the two men and she truly isn’t keen on finding out.
Whenever Dewitt’s eyes land on her, Kahlan feels a chill running down her spine. She doesn’t like not knowing what this guy is all about, but he seems to be of the secretive sort and therefore allows no deeper insights into his life let alone his thoughts.
“Miss Amnell you’re probably wondering why you’re here.”
Dewitt sits down behind the massive desk and gestures for Kahlan to sit in the other chair next to Rahl.
“You could say that yes.”
She slowly lowers herself into the chair so that she pretty much has to look up at Dewitt.
“Well, there’s of course still the money your cousin owes Mr. Rahl here and I’m extraordinarily interested in helping you pay it off.”
“That’s very generous of you, but I suppose there’s a price for everything and I’m not entirely sure how much I’m willing to pay.”
Dewitt smiles and looks all the way like a snake, about to strike and poison its victim.
“It’s fairly easy, really. You’re of great value because no one seems to know you. I’m not sure why or how it is possible, but there’s nothing to be found out about you. Not even my vast sources have been able to dig up anything and therefore I’m very interested in working with you.”
Kahlan silently clenches her jaw and leans back. She’s glad that a man as powerful as Dewitt hasn’t been able to find anything about her past life and yet it’s not necessarily a good sign either. When a shark has detected blood, he will go after it until he’s found the source, no matter what.
Somehow Dewitt reminds Kahlan of many animals and most of them are not ones you’re eager to be face to face with.
“I can assure you that it’s not an epic quest I’m sending you on. I merely have a few minor tasks for you, in parts of the town where my employees are not necessarily welcome. That’s really all there is to it.”
People keep telling her that everything she has to do is easy, but life has taught her that nothing ever is.
“Minor tasks? I’d appreciate it if you’d be willing to share a few more details.”
Kahlan tries to be as polite as possible while she keeps reminding herself that she’s doing this for Dahlia.
Dewitt rests his hands on the surface of the huge desk and leans forward.
“I see you’re a woman who likes to get things done and that’s exactly what I need.”
He smiles again and the brunette wishes that he would stop doing that once and for all. It doesn’t make him appear any less threatening.
“Of course I can’t allow your complete involvement, since there are a few issues that need to be kept private. But you’ll receive the necessary information.”
Kahlan nods slowly and glances at Rahl. He appears completely unimpressed and simply watches Dewitt with a neutral expression.
“Tomorrow a car will be parked near the West Park and I’d like you to it pick up.” Dewitt suddenly says.
He takes a key out of a drawer and slides it toward her across the desk.
“Pick up a car?”
“Yes.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.” Dewitt cocks his head to the side and smiles.
“Simply drive it to a certain location in the industrial district. Some of my employees will take care of it then. I’ll make sure you receive the details by tonight.”
Rahl nods silently as Kahlan takes the key and shoves it into her pocket. She knows there’s a hook because there always is one, but she can’t even begin to fathom what it might be.
It actually occurs to her when she is back in the car with Rahl. They’ve left Dewitt with a stiff goodbye and Rahl has offered to take her back to Dahlia’s apartment.
She looks at him wide-eyed and pales visibly.
“Is there... there’s... is there a dead body in the trunk of that car?”
Rahl stares at her for a moment and then begins laughing like a man insane. It takes several minutes until he’s calmed down enough to choke out a few words.
“’Course not... why would you think that?”
He breaks into another fit of laughter while Kahlan feels anything but the urge to laugh.
“Why would I think that? Because Mr. Dewitt is not the nice guy from next door, that much is clear. And he sure as hell has more than a few skeletons in his closet... and I don’t mean metaphorically.”
The subject is obviously a lost cause because Rahl is reluctant to say anything else about Dewitt beside that he has not hidden a corpse in the trunk of the car she’s supposed to pick up. Whether she believes him or not, she’s still going to make sure there’s nothing fishy going on before she drives around a dead body or worse, more than one.
Chapter 17
Author: raug_moss
Pairings: Kahlan/Cara
Rating: NC-17
A/N: modern AU
A/N2: I know it's been a little while, but I hope you guys aren't too angry with me. These last two weeks have been really busy, finals coming up and life just happening. But there is good news :D yes yes, this story has been nominated for the Lotseekerfic Awards (lotsfic_awards) for Best Drama (C/K), which is awesome. I'm really happy about that!
another fic of mine has been nominated as well (Best Romance C/K), it's called 'Tabula Rasa' and can be found here
so if anyone feels like voting for their favorite stories, I can only encourage that 'cause that's what I'll do. if not, that's cool too, but I still recommend heading over to the Lotseekerfic nomination lists since they're the best rec lists of LotS fiction you'll find around here :D enough babbling? yes? then on to the next chapter!
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Kahlan is on her way to the subway, because she has decided to try out every available kind of public transport before settling for one.
And while she makes her way down the sidewalk, a black car slows down next to her and blocks her way when she wants to cross the street. She somehow feels like she is caught in a bad gangster movie and that feeling is only heightened when the tinted window of the car rolls down and Rahl grins at her.
“Care for a ride?”
Kahlan sighs.
“Do I even have a choice?”
“I’d really like to make you feel like you did.”
“Alright fine.”
The door opens and Kahlan gets into the car. She looks at Rahl with a raised eyebrow.
“So, now you’re following me?” She asks as the car pulls away from the curb.
He shakes his head and smoothes some strands of his inky black hair back.
“I don’t need to follow you to know where you are. I have eyes and ears all over the city, better get used to it.”
Kahlan grumbles quietly but enjoys the warmth inside the car. It has become noticeably chillier outside and it seemed to be an early autumn this year.
“So what do you want? I’m sensing that you haven’t picked me up to simply enjoy my company.”
“Why do I always get this hostile vibe from you? Geesh woman, try and cheer up a bit.”
The dark-haired man sighs theatrically.
“Cut the crap Rahl and talk.”
Kahlan truly isn’t in the mood for games. Although she used to enjoy a banter every now and then, this is not a friendly relationship. It’s strictly business and while she can’t quite place Rahl, she knows that his boss, Mr Dewitt, is some really evil figure.
“Alright. Just trying to make some conversation here...”
Kahlan glares at Rahl.
“...but right to the point then. We’re invited. Mr Dewitt wants to see you, to talk some business. And you should be glad about that, ‘cause it means you’re getting closer to getting rid of that debt.”
Kahlan exhales quietly. Of course she knew that this was going to happen but she really has no desire to meet Rahl’s boss again. He sends shivers done her spine with a single look and she has seen darkness before in her life to recognize it time and again.
“Any idea what he could want?” She asks, although she dreads the answer.
“Nope.” Rahl simply shrugs.
Kahlan sighs. “This, you and me in a car, will not be a regular occurrence, understood?”
“And here I thought we’re hitting it off pretty well...” Rahl chuckles quietly. “Man, I haven’t met a woman like you in years and lemme tell ya it is quite refreshing.”
Kahlan rolls her eyes and looks out the window for the rest of the ride.
She thought she’s seen pompous houses before, but Mr Dewitt’s mansion pretty much borders on decadence.
The driveway is as long as the street in front of Dahlia’s apartment and the mansion is as large as the entire block.
“What did you say he earns his money with?” Kahlan asks without taking her eyes off the villa as they drive closer.
“I haven’t said anything. Mr Dewitt doesn’t like to share private information with just anybody.”
“Wouldn’t have expected anything else...” Kahlan sighs, her breath fogging up the glass of the car window.
They stop in front of pristine white marble steps and Rahl gets out, hurries around the car and actually opens the door for her before holding his hand out to Kahlan. She ignores it and simply moves past him.
“Someone needs to learn manners.” He mumbles and follows her.
Kahlan swiftly ascends the stairs and finds herself looking into the face of a lion. There’s a huge carving on the wooden door that shows the body of a lion with the head serving as a doorknocker.
“How cliché.”
Suddenly the door opens and an elderly man in a suit steps aside to let her in.
“Welcome Miss Amnell.” He greets her.
She quietly works her jaw as she walks into the mansion. Does everybody know her name now? That’s not how it’s supposed to go.
“Miss Amnell, Mr. Rahl follow me please.”
The man scurries off and Kahlan looks over her shoulder at Rahl. He seems a little tenser than before and the dark look in his eyes clearly shows that this is visit is not a pleasurable affair for him either.
Kahlan then turns and, with a few strides, catches up with the servant. She looks around the mansion as they walk through a long corridor past closed doors.
Everything is exquisitely furnished and most likely very expensive. Statues and paintings are supposed to give the villa a sophisticated aura while the size of it simply intimidates every visitor.
Even as they enter a room which seemingly serves as a study with bookshelves on both sides and a large desk at the head, there’s the same impersonal feeling about it.
Dahlia’s tiny apartment is about as big as a single room in this villa and yet it’s far more comfortable.
“Mr. Dewitt will be with you shortly. Is there anything I can get you?” The butler, there’s really no other word to describe him, asks.
“A scotch. The expensive stuff.” Rahl sighs and throws himself into a leather armchair.
The butler nods and closes the door as he walks out.
“So.” Kahlan begins as she paces through the room.
“This is one hell of a house.”
“Yup.”
“And you’re not going to tell me how Mr. Dewitt can afford that?”
“Nope.” Rahl crosses his legs and leans back.
“Then what can you tell me?”
“Hmm... Mr. Dewitt has very peculiar tastes and chooses his business partners very carefully. The fact that you’re here speaks in your favor... for now. What exactly he does however, is not your concern.”
Rahl suddenly gets up and blocks Kahlan’s path. He stands very close to her as he leans foward.
“People on the streets only call him The Keeper.” Rahl whispers.
Kahlan raises her eyebrows and replies just as quietly.
“Why?”
Only a moment later the butler comes bustling into the room, carrying a small tray with a glass of scotch on it.
He hands it over to Rahl and leaves them once again. The moment is gone though and Rahl retreats to his chair. It’s obvious that he doesn’t want to share anymore information. For now. It only takes a few minutes until Dewitt enters the room. Even though it’s physically impossible, it almost feels like the temperature in the room drops a few degrees.
He’s sporting this thin-lipped smile of his and moves serpent-like toward her.
“Miss Amnell, it’s wonderful to see you again.”
She contemplates trying to smile, but knowing that it would only fail spectacularly, settles for nodding.
“Mr. Rahl.”
“Mr. Dewitt.”
The greeting is cold but Kahlan wouldn’t expect anything else between employer and employee. Or at least that’s what she thinks Rahl is. There’s no way of knowing what kind of relationship exists between the two men and she truly isn’t keen on finding out.
Whenever Dewitt’s eyes land on her, Kahlan feels a chill running down her spine. She doesn’t like not knowing what this guy is all about, but he seems to be of the secretive sort and therefore allows no deeper insights into his life let alone his thoughts.
“Miss Amnell you’re probably wondering why you’re here.”
Dewitt sits down behind the massive desk and gestures for Kahlan to sit in the other chair next to Rahl.
“You could say that yes.”
She slowly lowers herself into the chair so that she pretty much has to look up at Dewitt.
“Well, there’s of course still the money your cousin owes Mr. Rahl here and I’m extraordinarily interested in helping you pay it off.”
“That’s very generous of you, but I suppose there’s a price for everything and I’m not entirely sure how much I’m willing to pay.”
Dewitt smiles and looks all the way like a snake, about to strike and poison its victim.
“It’s fairly easy, really. You’re of great value because no one seems to know you. I’m not sure why or how it is possible, but there’s nothing to be found out about you. Not even my vast sources have been able to dig up anything and therefore I’m very interested in working with you.”
Kahlan silently clenches her jaw and leans back. She’s glad that a man as powerful as Dewitt hasn’t been able to find anything about her past life and yet it’s not necessarily a good sign either. When a shark has detected blood, he will go after it until he’s found the source, no matter what.
Somehow Dewitt reminds Kahlan of many animals and most of them are not ones you’re eager to be face to face with.
“I can assure you that it’s not an epic quest I’m sending you on. I merely have a few minor tasks for you, in parts of the town where my employees are not necessarily welcome. That’s really all there is to it.”
People keep telling her that everything she has to do is easy, but life has taught her that nothing ever is.
“Minor tasks? I’d appreciate it if you’d be willing to share a few more details.”
Kahlan tries to be as polite as possible while she keeps reminding herself that she’s doing this for Dahlia.
Dewitt rests his hands on the surface of the huge desk and leans forward.
“I see you’re a woman who likes to get things done and that’s exactly what I need.”
He smiles again and the brunette wishes that he would stop doing that once and for all. It doesn’t make him appear any less threatening.
“Of course I can’t allow your complete involvement, since there are a few issues that need to be kept private. But you’ll receive the necessary information.”
Kahlan nods slowly and glances at Rahl. He appears completely unimpressed and simply watches Dewitt with a neutral expression.
“Tomorrow a car will be parked near the West Park and I’d like you to it pick up.” Dewitt suddenly says.
He takes a key out of a drawer and slides it toward her across the desk.
“Pick up a car?”
“Yes.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.” Dewitt cocks his head to the side and smiles.
“Simply drive it to a certain location in the industrial district. Some of my employees will take care of it then. I’ll make sure you receive the details by tonight.”
Rahl nods silently as Kahlan takes the key and shoves it into her pocket. She knows there’s a hook because there always is one, but she can’t even begin to fathom what it might be.
It actually occurs to her when she is back in the car with Rahl. They’ve left Dewitt with a stiff goodbye and Rahl has offered to take her back to Dahlia’s apartment.
She looks at him wide-eyed and pales visibly.
“Is there... there’s... is there a dead body in the trunk of that car?”
Rahl stares at her for a moment and then begins laughing like a man insane. It takes several minutes until he’s calmed down enough to choke out a few words.
“’Course not... why would you think that?”
He breaks into another fit of laughter while Kahlan feels anything but the urge to laugh.
“Why would I think that? Because Mr. Dewitt is not the nice guy from next door, that much is clear. And he sure as hell has more than a few skeletons in his closet... and I don’t mean metaphorically.”
The subject is obviously a lost cause because Rahl is reluctant to say anything else about Dewitt beside that he has not hidden a corpse in the trunk of the car she’s supposed to pick up. Whether she believes him or not, she’s still going to make sure there’s nothing fishy going on before she drives around a dead body or worse, more than one.
Chapter 17