Disclaimer: Aight, pokemon’s not mine, this fanfic is, kk?

 

Chapter 17 – Unlimited Credit/Danglars’s family

 

“Monsieur le Comte, Baron Danglars is here to see you.”

            “Show him in.”

            The Count was busily engrossed in a newspaper detailing the current day’s stock prices when Danglars entered.

            “Yes, my dear Baron?”

            “My dear Count.” Danglars said, with a toadyish, smile. “I have just received a letter form the bankers of Thomson and French, of Rome.”

            “Ah, I was expecting that.” Monte Cristo smiled. “I had intended to deposit some money in an account here.”

            “You are aware, however, that the letter species unlimited credit?”

            “I do indeed.” The Count said with a ghastly smile that would have struck terror into Danglars’s heart had he been able to see it. With a sigh, the newspaper was laid down. “Is there a problem?”

            “Oh, simply because of unlimited…”

            “Are you saying that the house of Thomson and French bankers cannot be trusted?”

            “Oh, nothing of that sort. The contract has been verified.” Zackie smiled oily. “It is simply…”

            “I see what you mean. You do not think me trustworthy…” Monte Cristo abruptly stood. “Well, my dear banker, it is unfortunate… but I shall do what I may. I had intended to deposit six millions in an account… I suppose I shall have to find another banker now.” He trailed off, watching the man’s face pale.

            “S-six millions!”

            “Yes, but I am afraid… well, now, please direct me to another banker you recommend. I am sorry for taking your time, Baron.”

            Monte Cristo stood to leave.

            Danglars could not let an opportunity like this sneak out of his greasy little paws. “Now, now, it was only a misunderstanding. I should be honored if you would choose to bank with me.”

            “Very well, Baron… here.” From his carrying case, he removed six checks worth a million each. “I shall deposit these with you forthwith.”

            “Ah!”

 

            “Also, my dear Baron, I would like to extend you an invitation to dine at my new abode in Auteil, four days hence.”

            “Of course! I should be honored!” Zackie grinned, despite himself. “I shall be taking my leave now. Do not worry, your money is in good hands!”

            With another obsequious look he was gone.

 

            “That fellow has decidedly bad countenance.” Silver said sharply.

            “I could not agree more.” Lance said.

            “Hm. Bowing and scraping for money like that…” Silver shrugged. “Well, I do not regret anything.”

            “I am very glad…”

 

Elsewhere, Danglars residence…

 

            “Is Madame still in bed?” A voice asked.

            “Shh!” The second maid shushed.

            “You mean – Monsieur Wallace?”

            “Yes.”

            Just then, Sabrina came down the hall, clad in shimmering red silk. She paused.

            “Is my mother still in bed?”

            “Yes, mademoiselle.”

            Sabrina sighed and left. Mother… she hated living here… it was so sterile, so empty! Her future was not as bright though. Her path was laid out. In a few months or so, she would be marrying Ashura de Morcerf.

            It was not as if she hated him. She just disliked most men in general. With a sigh, she returned to her room and sat down at her piano.

            Her confidante, singing-mistress, and friend, Erika, was waiting.

            “No?”

            “She is still asleep. I cannot talk to her. I feel she is purposely trying to avoid the subject.”

            Erika shook her head. “I should have never allowed you to dream of the stage.”

            “But the stage is my calling! I have a voice, and I would love to share it with the world. Here I feel just like a caged bird!”

            “I know.” Erika said, running through a series of warm up scales. Sabrina sighed, closed her eyes, and allowed the music to flow over her as she began her warm-up chords.

 

            Wallace Debray slipped out of the room, checking to make sure that his clothing was presentable. Downstairs, he met Zackie Danglars, who had just returned.

            “Ah! Did you sleep well last night?”

            “Yes, your hospitality was most welcome.’ Wallace smiled. “By the way…” He lowered his voice. “Olympus Mining stock is falling. This is from a reliable source.”

            “Ah, many thanks! I will reward you, for bringing me information you could have given to others. Would you like to stay for breakfast?”

            “Alas, I have Chamber duties.”

            “Well, then I shall see you soon again, I hope.”

            “Oh certainly. I hear you were invited to the Count’s gala at Auteuil.”

            “Indeed.” Zackie smiled. “I shall be there.”

 

            Wallace left, whistling cheerfully. It was a fair enough trade, he supposed. Still, the beautiful woman was worth it…

            Why had Daisy ever married a man such as Zackie Danglars? Wealth?

            Impossible! She had been a marchioness…

            Well, who knew, who knew?

            His carriage arrived at the chambers as he ascended the stone steps.

 

            “Ah, hello, my dear fellow.”

            “Beauchamp, or, should I say, Todd? Put that camera down this instance!” Wallace snapped.

            Todd shrugged. “What, what? No information for me?” The mudraking journalist grinned. “Pity.”

            “Your newspapers are horrible.”

            “Yes, so you say, and yet you never read them.”          

            “Thus proves my point.”

            “Now my dear fellow, you must not be so narrow-minded. I was wondering…”

            “You need a favor.”

            “Yes, I’d like to interview the Count of Monte Cristo. He’s terribly in demand, I’ve heard – all over Paris! Imagine.”

            “Bah, they’ll tire of him soon enough.”

            “Yes, but… could I tag along when you go to Auteuil this weekend?”

            Wallace curled his lip. “For nothing?”

            “Everything has a price, my dear minister.” Todd smiled. “What say you I put in a good word for you at the newsstands, how? It would certainly take off some of the heat you have been receiving for the Armes affair.”

            Wallace hesitated. What harm could it do? “Very well. Our deal is made.” With a quick step, he continued on into the ministry.

 

End Chapter

Completed 3/4/05

Phantomness: Heh, part of this chapter wasn’t in the book, of course, but what’s the use of fanfic without some creativity?