The Bed You Make,
Chapter 2, continued
Snide laughter echoed just outside the pantry. “I do not think that there will be many of the usual late night inspections of the premises for some time to come.”
“I believe that you are right,” a second voice responded. “He will not have the strength to do much of anything but lie there until she exhausts herself. I have heard,” the voice added, “that her kind cannot get enough.”
Mrs. Landsbury had overheard enough. She pushed open the pantry door. The shocked expression of the two Cassadine guards was priceless. “Go and pack your things,” she instructed the two men. “A launch will be waiting to take you to the docks in thirty minutes.”
“Surely you cannot mean to fire us? The guard's shock turned to anger. Stefan Cassadine had employed him for nearly five years. His cohort had been there even longer. The job paid extremely well and the benefits were generous. “We are entitled to our opinions!”
“I do not care what your opinions are.” Mrs. Landsbury's voice was like ice. “I have fired you because you were too careless to first ensure that there was no one around to overhear them.”
The first guard glared at the longtime Cassadine housekeeper. “I will take this up,” his voice rose with anger, “with Master Stefan himself.”
“Do that,” Mrs. Landsbury smiled serenely. “I will explain to the Master my reasons for letting you go. And I will add,” she smiled pointedly, “the conversation that I overheard about Master Stefan's new bride. Not only will you lose your jobs, but I am fairly certain that you will find it difficult to find work anywhere else, if the Master has anything to do with it.”
Mrs. Landsbury could see the older guard's hands shake with impotent rage. She realized that despite her intention not to bother Mr. Cassadine with the situation, the guards' attitudes ensured that the matter would have to be brought to his immediate attention. Over the years Stefan had granted the faithful housekeeper total authority over the staff. In return for his unwavering support, Mrs. Landsbury kept her employer well informed on matters that might affect the safety or well-being of his loved ones.
Never losing sight of the two guards, Mrs. Landsbury stepped just inside the pantry and thumbed a button on the intercom. “Master Cassadine,” she began apologetically, “there is a matter that needs your attention near the pantry.”