Summary: Cal and Gillian participate in a small and innocent scientific experiment?
Disclaimer: I don't own the LTM characters or make any profit from this. Keep the rainforests alive and don't sue.
Timeline: For the sake of the argument let's say AU.
Warnings: Violence, Language, NC17 – Sexual situations.
Gender: Angst/Drama/Sci-fi
Note: Sorry for typos. As much as I try to fight them, they somehow always sneak in.
TRUE COLOURS*
/ OTHER SHADE OF GREY /
Chapter 1
GOING UNDER
"Million dollars, think about it darling, one million" Cal was excited "it means our dream of research centre could become a reality..."
"I have a bad feeling about this..." Gill barely audibly whispered taking a small sip of the tea, unexplainable uneasiness from the earlier meeting still didn't fade.
"There is this huge building outside the city that we could rent, it is former think tank and has broad..." Cal was unstoppable when he was thrilled. To have their own research centre was a long time dream which they never had a chance to realise due to the lack of resources. It was not that the business didn't bring profit. Simply to run purely scientific establishment required a lot of money, not only to afford appropriate premises and latest technology, but also conditions that would attract best scientists. Cal and Gill had been talking about it for years. It would be a chance to bring their studies into whole new level. If they agreed to the offer, their dream could become a reality.
There was nothing shady or suspicious. It was simple and plain. New software for military purposes had been developed by IFT – Institute for future technologies. The Lightman group and more specifically Cal and Gill were offered to run the tests. It had something to do with virtual reality and detecting truth from false. If everything was so innocent, why did she have this strong feeling of forbidding?
"I don't know..." Gill was not convinced.
"Let's meet this Dr Wolf and see what he has to say," sensing Gill's discomfort Cal reassuringly smiled and offered "We can always say no."
"Fine," Gill finally relaxed, but the small smile that played on her lips never reached her eyes. She didn't want to drag the man out of his euphoria, but couldn't bring herself to join it either.
"Besides, this whole thing could be fun. You, me, cyber-world – who knows where it could lead..." Cal seductively purred under the table putting hot palm one her bare leg and moving it up till it disappeared behind the hemline of the dress. At the same time he leaned closer in an attempt to steal a kiss.
"Cal!" a bit blushed Gill chided looking around, but never making an attempt to move away "We are in a public."
"So?"
"Can't wait till the evening?"
"It is a pure torture," he passionately whispered against her ear "You deliberately chose this dress knowing full well that it drives me crazy."
A hot shiver run down Gill's body making her tremble. Next moment their lips met in a passionate, albeit a bit too short for Cal's liking kiss. Green eyes were full of disappointment when Gill gently pulled away.
"You are insufferable," the woman smiled, this time genuinely. The truth was since they started to date, his happiness directly reflected on her. There simply was no way that she could stay gloom when the man was practically glowing.
"So I've been told," Cal laughed warmly looking at the woman and bringing one of her palms to lips. He still couldn't believe his luck. Was it really possible that he had stolen the heart of this amazing creature? Life couldn't be better. Well, million dollars would definitely make the topping to the cake.
The day was lovely, warm rays' of afternoon sun played on two figures unhurriedly enjoying each other's company on the terrace of their favourite restaurant.
x x x
"The software was developed mainly for simulations, but its usage for interrogations is not excluded. We call it UR or "Ultimate reality," the man with thick German accent explained.
Cal almost laughed at the originality of the name and looked at Gill, but she was completely focused on Dr Wolf and didn't share his humour.
In the meanwhile Dr Wolf continued "Basically it is virtual reality environment. There are some input parameters programmed and some variables adjusted for each specific simulation, but to large scale the personalities, situations and events come from your minds. It all is connected in a matrix..."
"You are saying that you have spent millions on designing advanced 'Doom'?" Cal interrupted unable to stop himself. He tried hard not to grin after word 'Matrix'. Picture that next moment nice doctor would ask them to choose between blue and red pill vividly played in front of his eyes.
One could almost see steam evaporating from doctor's ears at the mocking tone. Before the German had a chance to open his mouth Gill eased the situation.
"What my partner meant," she said glaring angrily at Cal "Is that we find your project very interesting."
There was a small pause, before she continued "What would be our task?"
"We need to determine the level of believability of the environment. You are the best specialists detecting truth from lies."
"How does it work?" Gill asked.
"We can go see the lab right now," Dr Wold offered "The equipment itself is nothing new or secret. It has been used in the field for quite some time."
They passed glass walled corridor and stopped in front of see through doors for one of the laboratories. Upon entering Dr Wolf introduced his colleague "Please meet Mr Brown, my assistant and programmer who will co-monitor the experiment."
Gill and Cal in turns shook the hand of small baldly man hidden behind huge glasses. Looking around spacious room they saw two chairs equipped with all kind of medical equipment, like a heart monitor etc. Top of the chairs was decorated with helmet like object that had huge cables stretching from the top. Cables went across the room and were connected to a huge complex of computers, servers and screens. Upon closer examination it was clear that the medical equipment was wired there too.
"As you can see, it is quite classical setup. First of all we will check your vials. During whole time we will monitor your heart rate, pulse, activity of brain and blood pressure. It is just a precaution that is mandatory to all the tests. You will receive a shot of sedatives that will help to relax muscles and free your mind. Then we will connect you to the equipment," he said indicating to the helmets "Basically that is all."
"How long are we going to be 'under'?"
"One descent lasts approximately eight hours. Altogether there will be three of them."
"There is something else you are not telling," Cal said closely observing the man and Gill tensed. She had seen it too.
"You are as good as they say," Dr Wolf smiled, but the expression seemed somewhat plastic to Gill.
Meanwhile the doctor continued, "There are two levels of descent. Normally for simulations we plan to use level one that works on conscious level. We will program certain modelled or real situation that has to be resolved. In order to do it, 'diver' will use all his knowledge, skills and experience. It can be used to find possible solutions for certain situations, for example to prevent terrorist attacks."
"And level two?" Gill asked a bit pale. As psychologist she didn't like this kind of mind games.
"Level two works on the level of sub-consciousness. There is whole concept of possible scenarios how it will be used, developed by CIA, but this information is classified. Only non-confidential example I can give is that it would be used to solve heavy crimes. Specifically in cases when the person can't or won't share the truth willingly, for example, when dealing with sociopaths or criminals who are seriously injured and are in unconscious state."
"Which level will be used for testing?" Gill asked already knowing the answer.
"For testing we have to use level two," Dr Wolf confirmed her fears "It has more advanced design and is less predictable. In that environment you will completely lose your current personalities. It is a role play in equal parts defined by set parameters and your sub-consciousness. Your memories, experiences and conscious thoughts will not form a part of the setting."
"Basically we shall have a virtual amnesia?" Cal specified.
"I guess in a way we could call it like that," Dr Wolf said thoughtfully.
Gill glanced worriedly at Cal, but he was not affected at all. Truth to be told Cal was not taking it seriously. As a big fan of technology industry and following latest developments in the field he was not impressed by the software. In worst case scenario it would be as boring as Second life, and in best case kick some adrenaline as World of war craft. Well, for Gill's sake he opted for the first.
Gill, on the other hand, felt uncomfortable. Somehow the thought of that cold chair in the centre of the room completely didn't invite her. Possibility to lose her identity, even only on virtual level, was even less appealing.
"What will happen when we wake?"
"As I mentioned before, while there, you will have no recollection of the real world. Once you ascend back to reality, you will remember time spent there, but it should have the same emotional effect as watching a movie."
"Sounds fun," Cal smirked putting reassuring arm on Gill's shoulder.
I'm overreacting, Gill thought relaxing a bit. Cal's proximity gave her strength. He always made her feel safe and secure. Maybe they should give it a try. After all what could possibly go wrong?
Really, what?
x x x - x x x - x x x
"What the bloody hell happened?" Cal was beyond furious. Hands clenched in tight fists, he had to use all his self control not to pull out the gun and shoot his employee right on the spot.
"It was a setup. The place was full of cops when we arrived. If it wasn't for Foster's quick reaction, we all would have been busted or worse," the man Cal had been shouting at for last twenty minutes tried to defend his team. Drug deal Cal had negotiated with Chinese had gone completely out of hand. Besides losing one the team members on the field and two arrested, the five million dollars worth merchandise was now the property of the police. What was even worse was that Cal's reputation and reliability as seller had gone to hell. Someone had to pay for the fiasco.
"Speaking of the devil, where is she?"
"She went to a meeting with Columbians."
Even in his angered state Cal had to admit that it was a solid justification. He had set up the deal of firearms s while ago. With the morning's disaster he completely forgot about it. It was a good thing that his personal adviser never forgot anything. She was the most precise and organised person he had ever met.
If the Columbian deal failed too, Cal would have to do some serious damage control. The price requested for the automatic weapons was too high and Cal knew it, but he needed additional income to cover the losses. He should have never returned to Vegas.
"We have a hostage," the crew leader tried to rehabilitate his position "Maybe he will be able to tell us something."
"Should have started with this little detail in the first place," Cal's mood improved significantly "Would have spared me some voice cords."
At least something good. Torture always helped to blow off some steam. It also was a healthy exercise before the lunch.
x x x
Besides entertainment Cal didn't get anything valuable of the young police man. After two hours of intense interrogations the most human thing left was a bullet to the forehead. The rookie died instantly.
When Cal exited the basement, he saw the slim figure of his personal adviser entering the large glassed entrance doors of the building. Her 'innocence personated' look was deceitful; if the situation called for it, she was tougher than nuclear heads.
"How did the negotiations go?" he asked quickly striding over and kissing the woman on the cheek as he grabbed her arm and dragged her down the hall to his office.
"Despite odds the deal ended up well. After some debates and persuasion they agreed to the initial price," Gill replied tiredly. The morning had been stressful, first the encounter with the FBI, then three hours with angered and screaming Columbians. Sometimes Gill really hated her job.
"I never doubted you," Cal's voice seemed considerably happy as he opened the door to the office. Apparently last two hours had lifted his spirits.
Moving behind large oak desk Cal sat in the leather chair and pulled the woman down on his lap "Now, kitten, tell me what the fuck happened."
"There is nothing much to tell. I don't know how, but the police knew about the deal. As soon as we arrived, everything went down in white flames. I believe Carlo already told you the rest of the story and considering your mood our guest was not able to tell anything new either," Gill replied irritated. The whole situation was Cal's fault to begin with. Maybe, she mused, it was time to talk to Joe.
"Could it be that our partners are not as trustworthy as we thought?" Cal said thoughtfully.
"I highly doubt it. Wong Liu managed to retreat, but in the process lost some of his man too. If it was his setup, he wouldn't have showed up at all. Besides Triad has a solid reputation in the business."
"Makes sense. Then who? Only other person who knew about the deal was your dearest brother," Cal couldn't resist the bite. The thought that he had lost five millions was annoying, but fucking up relations with eastern partners could prove to be very dangerous. He needed a scapegoat.
"Alec?" Gillian looked at him surprised "He is an idiot, but he would never get enough balls to betray you. No, there is something else going on."
"What do you mean?"
"We might have a traitor in our lines," Gill thoughtfully bit lower lip.
"Impossible, I picked all the men myself," Cal scolded "There has to be another explanation."
Gill looked down at the man barely hiding a smirk. His ego and self-confidence would be his downfall one day. Both traits were endearing an annoying at the same time.
"Fine, be it your way," the woman capitulated as the headache started to develop at the base of her temple. She simply couldn't take one more screaming match today. Nevertheless, it would be completely out of character, if she didn't voice her thoughts "I told you before, don't get involved with the drugs. It is too risky and dangerous business."
"Don't start the lecture," Cal growled exasperated "I get that enough from the old man."
Sometimes he really hated how much she reminded him of his father, most notorious mob of the other side of the ocean. Both were level headed, never rushed into things, before acting weighted out all the pros and cons and unlike Cal never acted on impulse. What annoyed him even more was that usually those two proved to be right. If he didn't know better, Cal could have sworn that Gillian and his father were related by blood.
Cal, on the other side was more what could be called a hot shot. He was clever and cunning, but his temper and pride usually got better of him and it tended to cause serious problems, especially in sensitive situations. That is why he was the master mind running the wheel, but execution side was left to his lovely adviser.
"I'm just saying..."
"Shhh..." Cal hushed the woman with a finger against her lips before she had a chance to finish the sentence. Brushing the thumb against the lower lip he whispered, "There are better ways to use that lovely mouth of yours."
Gill's warm body in his lap were streaming Cal's thoughts into certain direction. As Gill opened her mouth and sucked on his thumb, anger he felt earlier quickly transformed into passion. All the blood from man's brain gathered in lower parts of his body.
"Unbelievable..." seeing the change in his demeanour Gill smirked, stood up and casually kicked off her heels.
"If next word is lover, guilty as charged," Cal was enjoying the view in full measure.
"Men are so easy..." closely watching his face Gill slowly stepped out of her panties and threw one leg over his lap sitting down in a way that she was rubbing against his blossoming erection.
"For your own sake I hope you are talking in theoretical concept," Cal jealously tightened grip on the woman's neck clearly showing who was in control. The grip bordered to painful.
"I like when you get all green eyed," Gill laughed despite his roughness.
"You know you are driving me crazy, kitten," Cal erotically whispered against her ear easing the grip "Those short tight skirts will be the death of me one day."
Unable to control his needs any longer Cal possessively pulled the woman closer and passionately kissed her lips.
The fact that no one dared to come in his office without a warning was really handy at times like this. Otherwise it wouldn't be the first time when the boss and his advisor were caught in a quite zestful situation.
Cal never refused himself a pleasure and was used to get what he wanted, when he wanted and how he wanted.
x x x
Cal was zipping trousers and Gill sliding down the side of the table was straightening the skirt when they heard loud thundering voice coming from behind the closed doors "The day when I have to wait to see my son has not come yet!"
The poor secretary didn't stand a chance against the intimidating and headstrong man.
"Fuck!" Cal swore under his breath taking exasperate look at Gillian "Do whatever you have to, but get him out of here."
Father was the last person on earth he wanted to meet today or in the nearest future as a matter of fact. Joe Lightman was a hard man to please even on best days. Besides he somehow always was too well informed about all the errands of his son. It was more than annoying.
No doubts, Joe loved his offspring, but he was a tough man, very demanding and scolded the youngster even for the tiniest missteps. There would be one hell to pay, if he knew about the fiasco with Chinese and bloody debt in Vegas.
Joe was an old school guy. He came from a time, where a word given was a law, when Families treated each other with respect. His quick wit and ruthlessness were well known trademarks. Although Joe had built his business with blackmails as well as trade of illegal firearm and military equipment, he stood high moral ground against involvement with drugs regardless of how much profit it made.
Before Gill had any chance to react, the doors burst open and statuesque figure appeared. Despite his years, he looked excellent.
Quick glance over pairs dishevelled appearance left little questions regarding recent activities. Not that Joe overly cared about sexual habits of his son, but he couldn't hide his approval. This girl was the best match for his hot headed son.
"Hello, kiddo," he warmly greeted Gill, squeezing her in a bear like hug. With a slight smile playing on his lips he added "I can see my son keeps you occupied."
"He certainly has his ways. It is always pleasure to see you Joe," Gillian smiled back. For some reason Joe liked her from day one and the feeling was mutual. Gill respected him for his firmness and wit.
"Heard you had a tough morning," Joe kissed her cheek noticing bluish shade on her neck.
"It was a bit... tense."
Joe heaved in thundering laughter knowing full well extend of the events she so politely referred to as 'tense'.
"You haven't changed a bit kiddo. I love that spirit of fire and steal as well as diplomatic approach. Hope one day it will get through that thick skull of my son what a treasure he has."
Warm welcoming was replaced with stern condemnation when the elder man looked over Gill's shoulder at his son. In reply Cal lifted his head up high in proud defiance. No words were needed to know that his father not only knew about the drugs and Wong Liu, but also about the fucking Vegas. Damned!
Could this day get any better? Cal rolled his eyes in irritation.
"I heard you have been quite a busy beaver," Joe's disapproving gaze was almost burning.
"We have conducted some mayor deals lately," Cal bragged dryly. There was no way to please the man anyway, why bother?
"Cut the crap," thunderous baritone broke the air "Are you using?"
"No. Narcotics are for weak - that is what you always said, that is what I believe," Cal lied effortlessly. Luckily his father didn't share the unique talent of reading people's emotions.
Since Cal could remember himself, he had this gift and in his line of work it proved to be a blessing. There was only one other person he had met who was almost as good as him, in certain ways even better, his personal advisor and lover. She might be younger and less experienced, but her gift, especially for reading voices was something truly unique.
Cal knew that Gill saw right through his lies, she always did. Besides she knew for a fact about his entertainment with the white powder. Nevertheless, he was not worried. Gill would never go behind his back or betray him. Her loyalty had been proven beyond doubts. Once she even took a bullet that had his name on it. She had almost died fighting for her life over a week. Her heart had stopped several times while she was in coma. It was an old story, but Cal never forgot the fear he had felt when the red light of gun played directly on his heart.
"For your own sake I hope you are telling the truth. If I ever have even tiniest hint that you are junkie, I swear to God I will appoint your cousin Doyle as the head of the USA branch."
Cal barred his teeth, even mere thought that his father dared to threaten him boiled his blood. Although he loved Doyle, they were best friends while grew up, brothers in arms, Cal had no intention to share his position, especially the power and influence that came along. He was the head of the Lightman Group USA. Period.
Both men were standing eye to eye challenging the other to back off. It wouldn't be the first time when one of father's and son's arguments resulted in a physical fight. At Cal's disposal was youth and quicker reaction time. Joe had experience and despite the age was in outstanding shape. He had been a boxer once, even got the nick Joe Almighty, but the family business soon got him off the ring. Even after all these years the man kept good shape with frequent exercises and healthy lifestyle.
Sensing the storm coming Gill intervened making them take a step back.
"For how long are you in the town Joe?" she enquired in a warm peaceful tone.
The elder man looked away from his son and his facial expression relaxed "I have a gallery opening tonight and meeting with senator Baneth tomorrow morning."
"Too bad, I hoped you have enough time for a dinner," Gill smiled dazzlingly.
"That would be lovely, kiddo" Joe replied "Maybe you wouldn't refuse the old man pleasure and accompany him tonight to that awful event? Afterwards we could have a nice dinner in Royal Piazza."
"With pleasure," Gill replied with a smile that never reached her eyes. Late evening with mandatory socialisation was the last thing she craved for, but she knew that it was what Cal expected.
"Now if you will excuse us darling, I need to have a word with my son. Alone," Joe patted her arm and led the girl to the doors. Gill glanced over her shoulder apologetically, but seeing the contempt on Cal's face turned away and exited the room. After all they were both grown up and powerful men. It was time they dealt with their issues without her acting as buffer. After all they were family.
As soon as the doors closed, Joe's expression changed into one of barely controlled rage "You undeveloped punk, what were you thinking setting up a drug deal with Wong Liu? Especially without additional insurance? Where you thinking at all? And how to classify your stunt in Vegas?"
"It was a good deal, would have helped to settle things with Tony. How the fuck was I supposed to know that freaking FBI will show up."
"Didn't you check your sources?"
"What do you think? Off course I did. Nothing indicated the bust," Cal finally looked at his father and the realisation hit him "There is something you know, something you have not told me yet!"
"Good to see that your talent had not been drank or gambled away," the elder man smirked "The Lightman Group and especially you are under FBI microscope."
"How is that anything new?"
"My sources confirmed that they have inside information. You have to pay closer attention to those around you."
So Gill's suspicions had been right, like always. The fact only aggregated Cal's already extremely bad mood. How much he hated when those two played the smart ass card.
"How bad is it?"
"With appropriate damage control the situation is solvable without major losses."
"Good," Cal relaxed. Everything was not so bad after all. His back was covered and that was all that mattered.
Joe looked at his son and sighed. Intelligent and wise beyond his years the youngster had shown such a promise. It was until all the power and glory hit him hard in the head, made him overly self-confident, proud and careless. If it wasn't for the girl, Joe would be seriously worried for the business on this side of the ocean. Gillian was a real diamond in rough, the only person who managed to keep at least one foot of his arrogant son on the ground. On the other hand if it ever came to choosing between the two, the blood would always win. Joe really hoped that it would never be the case.
"Your mother, God rest her soul, would turn into her grave seeing the extravagant and meaningless lifestyle you are leading. Posh parties, expensive suits and cars, more than just shady deals. In my days..."
Here we go! Cal rolled his eyes not bothering to listen further. The path down the memory lane was the last thing he needed. Everything had changed since his father's youth. The pace was different, values were different, the business could no longer be run the old fashioned way, but there was no point to argue. His father was the most bull-headed man that ever walked the face of earth. Unfortunately he also was the only person who could help to settle mess with the Chinese mafia more commonly known as Triad. Besides, if properly motivated, Joe could also help to repay Vegas debt. Gill would have to work all her charms tonight to persuade his father deal with Tony. Sometimes the girl was indispensable.
Joe's next sentence got Cal's full attention.
"Why don't you settle down, marry and lead respectable lifestyle. It would help with the business; help you to become more prominent figure in the higher circles."
"And have the boring social life you lead, no thanks," Cal wrinkled his face dissatisfied "Besides I have absolutely no desire to chain myself to a single woman when there are so many fish in the ocean."
"One does not intervene with the other," Joe smirked "Just keep your 'adventures' below the radar."
"The same way you did with mom," Cal could not resist the bite. His mother had loved his father and dedicated her whole life to the insufferable egoist. The truth about his many affairs pushed her over the edge and she killed herself. Overdose of the sleeping pills. Cal was only fifteen at the time and took her death really hard. Since then Cal blamed his father for everything that went wrong in his life. The irony was that he turned out to be just like the man he so much resented. Only Cal didn't see it yet.
"We had a happy marriage for twenty years," Joe's baritone split the air "A thought to leave your mother never crossed my mind. I loved her, still do."
The hurt he saw on his father's face made Cal slow down. What was the point to bring back painful memories? It would do no good for any of them. Besides it was too unpleasant journey and Cal tried to avoid everything displeasing as much as he could.
"Will you join us tonight?" Joe asked after a minute of silence.
"For the opening no, but I will try to make it to the dinner," Cal promised. Even as the words left his mouth Cal had no intention to go "Now let's get back to the business. What is our line with Triad?"
"Here is what we will do..."
x x x
Gill was sitting in her office with an open bottle of Pepto-Bismol in her hand gazing into nothingness. The ulcer was acting up again shooting waves of pain through her body. The medication didn't help much. Doctor had warned her long ago to lower the level of stress and take vacation for at least a month, if she didn't want to end up on operation table with ruptured ulcer. Unfortunately one could not take a leave from the life itself and that was exactly what she needed.
Gill was so lost in thoughts that didn't hear the crack of opening doors. Only when a warm palm settled on her shoulder and familiar voice greeted her Gill finally snapped out "Hey, Sis heard you had a rough day!"
Not believing her ears Gill looked up and huge smile appeared on her face, all the discomfort and tiredness completely forgotten.
"Eli! Is it really you?" she stood up and gave a warm hug to the tall curly haired man. Her younger brother was the sole reason of her existence, only person she truly and selflessly loved.
Gill had raised the boy singlehandedly from early age and had put all her hopes and dreams in him, wowing that Eli would never be forced to lead the life she did, that he would stay clean and free from all the dirt, maybe become a doctor, a layer or a scientist. It all crashed when Eli blinded by the glamorous and chick lifestyle aside his studies in the college accepted Cal's proposal and started to work for the Lightman Group as a small level hit man more commonly known as a soldier.
He was running insignificant errands and low level hits with minimal or no risk involved. Although the youngster craved for the power and was eager to become the big shark, his sister closely monitored all the assignments ensuring the boy was not involved in anything dangerous.
Eli hugged her back "Good to see you too, Sis. How are things at the upper level?"
"Same old, same old. How was your trip to California?"
"Nothing interesting," Eli wrinkled his nose "but you already know that, considering the tight leash you keep on me."
The last was said with a bit of contempt.
"You know that I love you," Gill smiled warmly not very least offended by the harshness of his tone. She hadn't seen him for two weeks and had missed the boy dearly.
"I know," the youngster smiled apologetically "I really do, but sometimes that controlling streak of yours drives me nuts."
"I know" it was Gill's time to smile apologetically "When did you return?"
"Yesterday morning," Eli replied, "but with moving and everything I didn't have time to drop by."
"Wait, where are you moving?" Gill's expression got stone serious.
"I'm going to live with Alec," the boy replied with a huge smile on his face "He has a whole penthouse floor to himself and Zoe, there is plenty room for me. Besides, Alec offered. It would be a great opportunity for the two of us to bond. We didn't have much chance while I was growing up after all."
Cold shivers ran down Gill's spine at the news. It was hundred times worse that looking at the barrel of the gun pointed at her head just a couple of hours ago or threats of angered Columbians that included her and not very pleasant activities.
How was she supposed to protect her little brother and make Eli change his mind without further alienating him? Their relationship lately was not the best and largely it was her fault. If she tried to persuade him, he would only rebel seeing it as her meddling with his life. Crap! That son of the bitch Alec really knew how to break her.
"Why don't you stay with me for a while, if you don't like the campus? Or we could find something suitable for you in the neighbourhood," Gill tried carefully.
"So you can control every step I take?" Eli bite. Seeing the hurt on his sister's face he stepped closer and reassuringly put a palm on her shoulder "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that."
"I know, it is ok," Gill sighed fighting the tears that threatened to break free. Could this day get any worse?
"When are you moving?" she asked barely controlling the voice that threatened to break.
"My stuff is already there. Alec gave me master's room," Eli bragged "The place is so amazing, can't wait till my fiends see it. By the way, Alec sends you greetings. He said to remind you of 'family business', whatever the hell that means."
This time Gill was not able to hide the cold shiver as the tremor ran down her body. Her face turned ashen. The message was crystal clear. Besides bringing back unpleasant memories it was a warning to back off or putting it in Alec's words she would have to assemble Eli from a puzzle sized pieces.
Eli had no clue of the real reasons behind the strained relations between his siblings. Gill never said what black cat had crossed their paths. His elder brother was more open on the subject. According to his version Gill had once tried to control his life the same way she was now controlling Eli's. When he didn't allow it, she was furious and their relationship was strained ever since. Knowing his sister the explanation sounded plausible and Eli never questioned it, despite the fact that it didn't really explain the level of her hated.
Besides he liked to hang around Alec, he was not so demanding and right as Gill. Alec lived in a bohemian atmosphere and Eli loved it. Besides, Alec and Zoe held the best parties in the town and Eli could easily make side money selling some drugs to his friends. Alec already promised to help him with merchandise. What else was there to wish for?
"Are you alright?" Eli asked worriedly glancing at his sister. Her face had not lost its ashen pallor and she was literally trembling.
"The ulcer is acing up," Gill replied clutching her stomach and doubling over with pain.
"Should I call for a doctor?" Eli asked reaching for the phone.
"No, it is fine. Will pass shortly. Just a bit stressful day," Gill replied pulling herself together and straightening up despite the fact that the movement made her see stars. She didn't want to worry Eli. In spite of his bravado he loved her just as much as she loved him.
"Are you sure?" Eli asked worried. Her defiant pose and confident voice didn't lessen the ashen colour on her face that was turning almost green.
"I am. Before you run away, tell me about the trip," Gill asked carefully sitting down.
"I will. Before that I wanted to ask you something."
"Short of money?" Gill enquired not a bit surprised. Unfortunately lately it was the main reason of his visits. Come to think of it, not so long ago they met simply to enjoy each other's company. Although only several months had passed Gill felt that it had been a lifetime ago.
"How did you know?"
"I always know," Gill replied with a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth "How much?"
"Five grand," Eli replied with a pleading expression on his face.
Gill almost choked. It was not your regular coffee money for a college kid who, by the way, had a well paid side job and received monthly funds from her.
"Why?" Gill cautiously weighted his expressions.
"I need a new laptop, some books and my car has to be fixed. You have no idea how expensive the life in campus is."
Gill was silent for a while assessing his expressions. The truth was she really had no idea about the life on the campus or study expenses. She never even finished the high school. Not that it had been her choice, rather necessity. She had loved to study, was thirsty for knowledge, but it simply was not her fate. Life had made her learn all the lessons hard way, she was taught not by books, but streets.
Not seeing any traits of deceit on her brother's face Gill took the check book and started to write.
"Now tell me about the trip," she looked at the boy handing him filled piece of paper.
Eli excitedly complied, as always exaggerating his own merit. He liked to speak about himself and his lot. Gill listened to him, but the cold hand that clenched her heart never released its grip.
Maybe that is my own fault, not for the first time the woman wondered. Considering that she had never been able to count on their mother or Alec, Gill had raised the boy the best way she knew and taken the task very seriously. Feeling responsible that little Eli was deprived from parent's love, Gill did everything in her power to compensate the lack of affection by pampering the boy beyond the limits. After she joined the Lightman Group, she used the power to make safe environment for her little brother who at the time went into a public school with high rate of crime and violence in a neighbourhood run by gangs. The school bullies were threatened, teachers intimidated, street criminals beaten, all in the name to ensure safe environment for the boy.
When Eli grew older, he became more and more like his father and often ran into trouble because of his own stupidity. Sister never failed to rush to his aid and extinguish the fire. Regardless of the mess he was in Gill never let him know to what lengths she had to go to make the matter disappear.
Eli was not a little boy anymore, but for her he would always be the five years old skinny boy with huge eyes, curly hair and huge smile plastered on his face whenever he saw her.
Getting more and more influenced by Cal and Alec lad was getting out of control. What angered Gill up to helpless tears was the fact that there was not a damned thing she could so about it. Eli stopped listening to her a while ago and every attempt to get his attention only alienated him.
Since Eli learned that it was because of his sister's interference he was not taken seriously by the crew, he had limited all contacts with her. It hurt deeply, but what could she do? Let him get killed because of the arrogance of youth?
Besides Alec was a bad influence and tuned Eli against his sister every chance he got. Gill dreaded that Eli wouldn't have the will to keep away from the drugs. Why would he, if his idols and role models namely Alec and Cal were bloody smackheads.
Unfortunately Gill had no clue know how to make Eli see that the path he was taking could be lethal. Especially, when she herself was striding through the life with a neon sign 'Criminal'plastered on the forehead.
tbc