RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on May 17, 2012 15:51:20 GMT -5
“How I’ve missed your brand of humor,”
Richard simply chuckled in reply before taking another sip of wine. He was continually surprised by Zander's appreciation of his often cruel brand of humour, but considering the man was amused rather than offended it was best to leave it be and not question why he found Richard so amusing.
“Richard, you’ve met my mother. If she threw a dinner party with the intention of letting Hector and I get to know each other, it would surprise me if we even saw each other at the dining table, let alone had the chance to talk. She’d have everyone, and their single daughters, between Hector and me. And if she does throw one of these parties, you are going to be there to suffer with me."
The smirk Richard had been wearing fell from his face at this particular revelation - not that he minded spending time with Zander, when need be - but this would not be a need be situation. Why on Earth would Zander want Richard there to suffer with him? Maybe this was just him excersing what power he had over him - maybe the monetary aspect of this deal they had going wasn't enough.
"I don't think so," Richard replied, in a manner both joking, so as not to offend, but with that degree of seriousness to show that he meant it, a degree of seriousness Richard had perfected over the years in almost every aspect. Continual plotting and scheming could do that to a person.
Then again, if Hector was there... Richard could not deny he would enjoy seeing Hector suffering at this particular get together; the man was holding it together surpiringly well under such pressure from the economy - better than Richard had hoped.
“Speaking of suffering, I neglected to ask after Anne. I trust she’s still putting up with you?”
Zander could sometimes be amusing but this was not one of his finer moments. Granted, he didn't know the half of it - no-one save Richard and Anne themselves knew the true, destructive nature of their relationship - but what Zander didn't know wouldn't hurt him.
"And why would she not be?" he asked, unwisely, and perhaps a little too stiffly to keep up the humourous mood.
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Post by ZANDER “ZEUS” DEVEREUX on May 19, 2012 18:19:32 GMT -5
"I don't think so," Richard replied to his hypothetical invitation.
Zander shrugged, doubting that he would have any support once his mother got going. She was known throughout the state of Louisiana for her parties, and those of his friends here in New York were like Richard – far too slick to get pinned into any situation he did not want to be in. He would undoubtedly suffer very much alone.
He was aware that maybe he had pressed too hard on the other man’s nerves when his expression turned stony at the mention of the lovely Anne. He had always been under the impression that the pair were good together, but every couple had their moments, he supposed. Perhaps he had accidently intruded in one of those times.
"And why would she not be?"
“Richard, I did not mean to imply she wasn’t,” he replied in all seriousness, wondering when the man had become so sensitive.
In all honestly, he couldn’t imagine Richard without Anne, or Anne without Richard. They were one of those steady elements in his world. Heaven forbid Richard remarried. It would probably take much longer to learn the new one’s name than it had for him to remember Anne’s.
“The last time I saw her, she seemed very happy.”
Mind you, that was over a year and a half ago. A lot could change in all that time. He was tempted to offer an ear to the man if he wanted to talk about his troubles, but he knew Richard too well. He would not give Zander any more black mail material than he already had on the man. He mentally huffed at that. It wasn’t his fault he was able to follow the crash back to Richard. He had simply been curious and knew enough about economics to figure it out. Richard had been the one to bring money into the equation.
What may or may not have been wrong with Richard’s marriage was not something he was going to be able to figure out nearly as easily. Relationships were clearly something he was terrible about managing, unless it involved one of his sisters, but that was mostly because he knew his sisters that well.
“And I do hope you will give her my warmest wishes when you see her.”
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RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on May 19, 2012 20:18:59 GMT -5
“Richard, I did not mean to imply she wasn’t,”
Richard clearly hadn't masked his true feelings on the question well enough, but the serious nature of Zander's reply did little to set him at ease - if anything it only made him more aware of how wrong Zander was. She was still putting up with him - if indeed putting up was the correct term. Actually, putting up was woefully inadequate. Barely coping worked better. No wonder she was, as so she earnestly professed, seeing someone else.
“The last time I saw her, she seemed very happy.”
That was over a year and a half ago- a great deal could change in a year and a half. A relationship that had been rekindled after a murder, built on foundations of mind games and abuse, had descended to those levels once more and a mayor could be usurped by someone he counted as an ally. A great deal could change, and it had. And then there was the word seemed. Had Anne ever been happy, Richard wondered, or had she entered into the marriage simply because she could no longer defend herself against his attacks?
“And I do hope you will give her my warmest wishes when you see her.”
"I shall be sure to do so," Richard replied, almost instinctively reaching for his glass of wine having made his reply and taking a larger sip than before. He should have realized - he did realize - that his strange behaviour would be picked up on by Zander - but Richard hadn't been himself for a good long while now. The mask was slipping.
ooc: 'He would not give Zander any more black mail material than he already had on the man. He mentally huffed at that. It wasn’t his fault he was able to follow the crash back to Richard. He had simply been curious and knew enough about economics to figure it out. Richard had been the one to bring money into the equation. '
I said it before but I want to officially say it here in this thread - that part of your last post in particular was fantastic. :3 Thou get'st points! Also - Ricky, remarry? He had a hard enough time manipulating Anne! XD
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Post by ZANDER “ZEUS” DEVEREUX on May 21, 2012 17:47:36 GMT -5
"I shall be sure to do so."
Zander watched the other man take a sip from his drink. He was worried about Richard. His own problems aside, Zander could see that Richard must have been troubled if he was slipping this much. Usually reading Richard was like playing a game of Russian roulette – one never knew what to expect every time the trigger was pulled, just like one never knew what the man was thinking until he acted. Richard only ever let people see what he wanted them to see. So to have Zander touching a nerve must have stung more than it should have.
“Excellent,” Zander replied. “Speaking of which, my mother did ask me to say hello if I saw you.”
As he had mentioned before, his mother had a soft spot for Richard. Whether it was his physical condition or the fact his father had always praised the man, his mother seemed to feel that someone should ask after him.
“However, that was some time ago. I am sure she will be pleased that we finally got together.”
He picked up his own drink, taking a long sip from it. Wondering where he should direct the conversation now. He had no wish to rile Richard anymore than he had. The man knew his troubles, he knew his displeasure, and he now knew Zander was aware that there were cracks in his armor. It should have been more comforting to know that there were seams to his facade; just like there were seams to everyone else he had ever met. Only, if Richard was slipping, he doubted any good would come of it in the long run.
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RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on May 22, 2012 16:59:30 GMT -5
As Richard set his wine glass down he was well aware that Zander was watching him. As he suspected, his unusual behaviour had not gone un-noticed. Frowning slightly before inwardly resolving to keep his friendly façade up in a manner more usual with him, he returned his attention to Zander's words. It was strange how he seemed to care more about Anne's wellbeing than Richard himself.
“Excellent. Speaking of which, my mother did ask me to say hello if I saw you.”
Richard had met Zander's mother on a couple of occasions - the woman seemed to have taken a shine to him, the reason why he could not fathom. Granted, Zee had been one of his political supporters, but as far as Richard was aware the only politics Zander's mother involved herself with were these wretched dinner parties.
“However, that was some time ago. I am sure she will be pleased that we finally got together.”
Richard nodded.
"I trust your mother is well," he said, having done so. The conversation seemed to have been reduced in minutes to the sort of small talk usually shared amongst the most distant of acquaintances - Zander's unexpected revelation, coupled with his attitude to Richard on the issue of Hector's mayoralty and his asking after Anne had put Plantagenet off his game.
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Post by ZANDER “ZEUS” DEVEREUX on May 25, 2012 1:31:45 GMT -5
“I trust your mother is well.”
Zander couldn’t help but chuckle. “What next? Are we going to talk about the weather? Or perhaps gossip?”
Really, they had slipped into small talk now. This was how most people began conversations, building up to things. He supposed he and Richard were not the most normal of acquaintances, but they certainly did not slip into small talk if they could help it.
“Mother is as well as ever. If you are really interested, call and talk to her yourself. She would most certainly hold that over my head for some time. She only hears from me when one of my sisters reminds me of her birthday.”
Sadly, he always became too busy to check his calendar. Jeanette kept them all on track with dates and important things like that. It was her calling in life, he supposed. His calling was to do what they told him with a flare all his own.
“Which is partially why I have yet to tell her about Hector,” he added. “I’m not sure what she would react more strongly to – the fact I was calling, or the fact I had an older brother and that he was, well, Hector.”
And that was another reason why he’d wanted to talk to Richard first. He made for a good test run for telling others, seeing as how Zander expected his reaction would be one of the worst, even if he covered it with layers of decorum.
“Speaking of which, I shall have to let you know what I finally do decide to do about him.”
Zander couldn’t help but shake his head. He had no idea how he was going to deal with his brother. He’d probably treat him like he would an old Gator on the lawn. He’d have to interact with him at some point, but he’d be careful not to get close enough for his jaws to snap closed around him.
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RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on May 29, 2012 16:29:41 GMT -5
“What next? Are we going to talk about the weather? Or perhaps gossip?”
Richard laughed as Zander did, although in truth he hadn't been trying to be funny. He didn't actually care about the statement he had posed either - it had merely been a social convention he had utilized to get away from the subject of himself and Anne. It may have provoked a derisive reaction from his dining companion but at least it had worked.
“Mother is as well as ever. If you are really interested, call and talk to her yourself. She would most certainly hold that over my head for some time. She only hears from me when one of my sisters reminds me of her birthday.”
Although he didn't care, Richard couldn't help but consider making the call now, if only to make Zander miserable. Not that that would exactly help the strange aquaintanceship they had but it would amuse Richard when they next met - and God, did he need a laugh.
“Which is partially why I have yet to tell her about Hector. I’m not sure what she would react more strongly to – the fact I was calling, or the fact I had an older brother and that he was, well, Hector.”
"If I were her, I'd be more alarmed your older brother was Hector," Richard replied. "I've known the man for some time, you've just met him - we both know what he's like. Not exactly ideal older brother material."
Then again, he wasn't exactly brilliant younger brother material. He recalled a mention some time ago by a certain detective of his having won the bronze, silver and gold medals for the Little Sibling From Hell Awards - not to mention how proud his mother would be of the achivement. He was able to laugh about that now.
He was aware he had spoken out of turn, considering Zander's hold over him (and Hector's) and the relationship between the two - and yet he wasn't going to apologize, or take it back. He was sure Zander well knew how he felt about Tormei.
“Speaking of which, I shall have to let you know what I finally do decide to do about him.”
"You sound as though Hector is some sort of animal you can't decide what to do with," Richard said, with a small laugh. "Do you keep it as a pet, do you put it in an animal shelter? Hector may have some animalistic qualities but you're going to have to deal with the man."
ooc: Apologies for my long-windedness in thsi post - watching six episodes of 'The Big Bang Theory' and admiring Sheldon's manner of speaking leads to weird posts. XD
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Post by ZANDER “ZEUS” DEVEREUX on Jun 7, 2012 15:27:00 GMT -5
"If I were her, I'd be more alarmed your older brother was Hector. I've known the man for some time, you've just met him - we both know what he's like. Not exactly ideal older brother material."
Zander snorted, thinking that Richard probably hit the nail on the head. His mother would be quite astounded she had raised the brother of the mayor. And Hector was not an ideal big brother. Personally, Zander thought he was a fantastic big brother to Sidda and Jean, so he knew how the job should be done, but he also knew how younger siblings should act. That was probably why the whole thing bothered him. He would make an excellent younger sibling if given the chance. And he would be willing to give Hector the chance, if he wanted it.
“I know, but I had all these ideas in my head about what my brother would have been like. I put the horse before the cart, I suppose.”
Not even him, though. He’d had all these ideas about a twin. He had never known about Hector, even when he talked to his mother. He hadn’t given Hector anything to stand on.
"You sound as though Hector is some sort of animal you can't decide what to do with. Do you keep it as a pet, do you put it in an animal shelter? Hector may have some animalistic qualities but you're going to have to deal with the man."
He couldn’t help laughing a little when Richard chuckled at his own words. He was right. He would have to do something with him.
“Come now, Richard – of course I'll keep him. I doubt the pound would take him. But keep in mind that you can leave a snake alone for months before it needs to eat. I’ll just have to be prepared with a nice little mouse.”
It was finding out what Hector’s mouse was that would be the problem. Maybe he was more of a rat person...
“I am sure you and your brothers had ways of handling each other.”
They would have had to in order to have survived each other. He recalled Edward, and he knew that Richard would have had ways to deal with him. Otherwise, they would have killed each other years before Edward finally passed.
OOC: No worries, Ness! I love The Big Bang Theory, especially Sheldon's long windedness. I have personally been watching a lot of MASH, so you can excuse the quippiness as that!
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RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Jun 8, 2012 20:11:11 GMT -5
“I know, but I had all these ideas in my head about what my brother would have been like. I put the horse before the cart, I suppose.”Richard gave a small laugh. "You most certainly did." Zander had indeed run before his horse to market in this situation - then again, wouldn't he rather have had the ideal older brother rather than the older brother he actually had? Of course he would. If Richard was in an ideal world, Edward and George would have been very different - or they wouldn't have existed altogether. “Come now, Richard – of course I'll keep him. I doubt the pound would take him. But keep in mind that you can leave a snake alone for months before it needs to eat. I’ll just have to be prepared with a nice little mouse.”Richard couldn't help a smile - who in their right mind would take Hector - but his expression faltered a little as Zander continued to speak. He would have to deal with the man indeed, and he would have to be prepared. But how would Zander deal with Hector? This would certainly be an interesting scenario to watch develop, if nothing else. “I am sure you and your brothers had ways of handling each other.”Plantagenet's smile widened a little at Zander's assertion - of course they had their methods. Murder being one of them. But Zander wasn't to know that. In truth Richard had mostly dealt with Edward and George by avoiding having to be in their company, but that wasn't going to help Hector. "We certainly did," he said, with another small laugh, stalling for time as he tried to come up with a more helpful (and plausible) answer than murder. ooc: Assuming we're thinking of the same MASH I've only seen a few episodes of it but I enjoyed it. And hurray for BBT/Sheldon fans! Dr. Sheldon Cooper FTW! Also, that last bit of your post about Ricky's having to 'deal with' Eddy - brilliant.
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Post by ZANDER “ZEUS” DEVEREUX on Jun 10, 2012 6:28:47 GMT -5
"You most certainly did."
Zander felt like rolling his eyes as Richard chuckled. Of course he would laugh at his silly assumption. It was silly, but he always felt like a child when Richard chuckled like that. But he was happy the other man was happy. And when he smiled at the mention of his brothers, Zander wondered what he could possibly be thinking about. He was probably remembering some fun they had as children. He’d missed out on that with his brothers. His sisters did give him a run for his money, though...
"We certainly did.”
Zander did give into a childish eye roll then. That was unhelpful. He had hoped that maybe Richard, having two brothers of his own, would have something to say that could help him out.
“Any pearls of wisdom? Advice for a new brother to...brothers?” he paused a moment thinking that was about right. “You know, if Hector were a girl, I would have no issues here.”
He couldn’t help but snort at the ridiculous idea that came to him of Hector in a dress. A bright, pink, frilly dress that ended around his knees and turned into white stockings with bows, and finally ending with black polished shoes and a pink bow in his hair. It was hilarious, but nowhere near flattering. It was better he was a man, even if Zander knew how to handle girls much better. Sidda and Jean were his learning curve there.
“Life’s funny that way, don’t you think? I find out I have brothers, and suddenly I’m wishing they were more sisters.” He shook his head, taking another sip of his drink, wondering if the other man thought he was crazy.
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RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Jun 11, 2012 16:13:56 GMT -5
Richard was not surprised when Zander rolled his eyes at his reply. He hadn't given him anything at all with that response, but could he be blamed for that considering the only truthful answers he had at his disposal?
“Any pearls of wisdom? Advice for a new brother to...brothers? You know, if Hector were a girl, I would have no issues here.”
The very notion of Hector being a member of the opposite sex was ludicrous and Richard was unable to help a laugh, not even able to attempt imagining it. Instead he continued to cast about in his mind for an answer to Zander's most important question - what would someone normal say in this situation?
“Life’s funny that way, don’t you think? I find out I have brothers, and suddenly I’m wishing they were more sisters.”
"It is strange, indeed," Richard replied, taking another sip of his wine as Zander did. "And as for your query about 'pearls of wisdom', I'd have to say, in my experience, having a brother is not simply a case of loving everything about them - its learning how to tolerate their flaws."
He was surprised how much truth was actually in that statement, though he was unsure how Zander would respond. Then again, Hector was the brother in question. That piece of advice made perfect sense in this context.
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Post by ZANDER “ZEUS” DEVEREUX on Jun 13, 2012 15:55:29 GMT -5
"It is strange, indeed. And as for your query about 'pearls of wisdom', I'd have to say, in my experience, having a brother is not simply a case of loving everything about them – it’s learning how to tolerate their flaws."
Zander studied Richard for a long moment. That made a lot of sense. He’d been expecting some backhanded sarcasm, maybe a humorous idea about how he could always drown Hector with the wash, but nothing helpful. Certainly nothing so profound.
“Richard, that’s actually really sound advice. You should sell it to Hallmark.”
He was serious. It seemed to be the kind of thing that one would find in a greeting card somewhere. That is if Hallmark made cards for trying brothers or newfound brothers. Knowing Edward the way he did, he imagined that Richard had to repeat that in his head over and over again while he was still alive. Edward, as good a mayor as he was, never grew up. Zander liked him just fine, he’d even gone out a few times with him years ago. But he knew Richard’s personality and he knew that blood or not, they never really saw eye to eye on things. His daddy certainly saw that. He’d gone around supporting Edward straight to Richard, after all.
He wondered suddenly what his father would have thought of this turn of events. He would have probably approved of Hector for Mayor, until he figured out he wouldn’t have any pull with that bull headed man. But as his brother...He didn’t know. He supposed that was one of the big reasons he wanted to talk to Richard. They had similar ways of looking at things, well, at least explaining them. His father wasn’t nearly as devious as Richard could be.
But he was honest when he said that it was sound advice. And he was aware that he had made a choice. He’d give Hector a chance and he’d keep everything Richard said in mind. After all, neither of them had asked for this.
“I suppose you’re right. I’ll just have to give it a chance and see how it goes and hopefully it all turns out.”
After all, they were both new to this. They’d shared one afternoon together and Zander had judged him harshly based on that. His father would be disappointed in him and Richard had helped him to put that all back in perspective for him. He was just going to accept and love Hector until either they were friends or one of them was committed. After all, the flaws went both ways.
“And you know me – once I set my mind to something there's no stopping me.”
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RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Jun 19, 2012 7:36:24 GMT -5
“Richard, that’s actually really sound advice. You should sell it to Hallmark.”
Richard could not deny he was surprised at the sincerity in Zander's tone - it wasn't exactly the pleasant, heart warming advice he felt he should have given. But then, the brother in quesdtion was Hector. And he, the man giving the advice on how to deal with Hector, was Richard, a man who had murdered his own brother for his position of power. He wasn't one for heartwarming and pleasant advice.
He nodded simply, in acknowledgement of Zander's sincierity, feeling quite pleased with what he had said now he thought about it once more. It made perfect sense and it had more than a grain of truth in it. It worked.
“I suppose you’re right. I’ll just have to give it a chance and see how it goes and hopefully it all turns out.”
"Exactly. I've surmised from your first impression of Hector that you may have judged the man too quickly - then again he didn't exactly endear himself to you, as you say. Giving him another chance is, I believe, the best solution in this case."
“And you know me – once I set my mind to something there's no stopping me.”
Richard nodded again, smiling a little in acknowledgement of what Zander was alluding to - or what he belived he was alluding to.
"Oh, believe me, Zander, I am well aware of that as an aspect of your character."
ooc: Sorry for the late reply! D:
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Post by ZANDER “ZEUS” DEVEREUX on Jun 21, 2012 4:18:13 GMT -5
"Exactly. I've surmised from your first impression of Hector that you may have judged the man too quickly - then again he didn't exactly endear himself to you, as you say. Giving him another chance is, I believe, the best solution in this case."
Zander nodded in agreement. He’d never been known for rash judgements when it came to people, but he had let his own feelings get in the way. This was out of character for him. Giving him a chance would be the best thing he could do in the situation. He was glad Richard agreed.
“I’m sure you’re right,” Zander replied. “I can’t imagine it could hurt.”
Oh, he was sure that it could. But he was being optimistic. Thinking like that wouldn’t help him out in the long run. And while he had been known to dive into situations without considering the consequences, he still had common sense enough to know that sometimes you had to consider the long run. Hector wasn’t going anywhere, after all, not like his one night stands.
"Oh, believe me, Zander, I am well aware of that as an aspect of your character."
“Of course you are – we share it, even if you are more subtle about it,” Zander replied, thinking that it was all too true.
Just look at the stock market – a subtle means to an end to make Hector look discredited. Now, that could be problematic. Knowing what he did, he wouldn’t make for a very good brother if he kept it to himself. But on the other hand, he’d known Richard for a very long time, and he knew enough to know that Richard would not be one to double cross. He shrugged to himself, thinking it wouldn’t matter. It would never come up. And if it did, he could always play dumb. For some reason, people seemed to believe it far too easily...
“I’d suggest we start a club, but I think we’re both a bit too old for secret handshakes.”
OOC: I struggled with this one! Hopefully it gave you something to work with!
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RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
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Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Jul 2, 2012 10:52:06 GMT -5
ooc: I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply! D:
bic: “I’m sure you’re right. I can’t imagine it could hurt.”
Richard almost laughed. They were discussing Hector. Of course attempting to get closer to the man could hurt - and probably would. But seeing as he had somehow managed to help Zander and they were being serious, the pair of them, he decided not to.
As the younger man commented on the subtlety or otherwise of their methods of seeing things through to the end - bitter or otherwise - Richard allowed his laughter to issue forth. He was certainly the more subtle of the two of them. Being in his brothers' shadow for so long had, in this case, been an advantage.
“I’d suggest we start a club, but I think we’re both a bit too old for secret handshakes.”
At this Richard smiled, though thinly, his own disabilities in mind. It was Zander's use of the word secret, however, that made him think of how best to reply - although, in truth, it wasn't strictly related. Richard was paying Zander to keep the stock market episode a secret - what if he chose to get closer to Hector by telling him just who had attempted to discredit him?
"Speaking of secrets, I trust you will continue to keep our monetary arrangement between the two of us? That is to say - you won't reveal the truth of the crash to your brother?"
Richard had every right to be worried, considering his work for and with both brothers, and his first-hand knowledge (though coming from his own actions) of how brothers could be.
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