And… I'm back. None of my old readers (with the exception of clara0414, I think) reviewed this so I'm guessing that either one, they're not fanfictioners anymore or two, they've given up on me, or three, they're dead. I think it's option two, what about you? XD

Anyways, to the new reviewers, thank you for checking out this fic and reviewing! To the old reviewer (see what I did there? XD), thank you for sticking by me and reviewing even after I made you wait for so long! My replies to your reviews is at the bottom A/N.

So basically this fic takes place when the hostages are released but the threat of the Vespers is still there. Sorry for not mentioning it earlier.

Also, the words or sentence that is/are are italicized is usually someone's thoughts. Just saying, in case someone got confused. :P

That's all for now. =)

Enjoy 'cause that's what matters most!


And the three Cahills got to work in eager—or maybe not so eager—anticipation for the arrival of their distant cousins.


"No."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I'm not going. Even if you give the clothes I already wore to Goodwill."

Ian sighed. "Natalie. We don't have a choice. You, as well as I, know very well what could happen if we are not there."

He and Natalie were in the kitchen eating breakfast. They were seated opposite each other on a circular dining table made of real crystals which glinted against the glass chandelier, creating sparkling effects. In front of them lay heaps of food: various different kinds of caviar, smoked salmon, Eggs Benedict, gourmet stuffed French toast, tea, crumpets, and fruits.

"I don't care what happens! I just don't want to go to that blasted reunion! I doubt anyone will notice that we aren't present at the reunion. They hate us, remember?"

"They will notice and if we don't show up, it will arouse their suspicions." Ian stated firmly but then his voice took on a gentler tone which he only used in front of Natalie. "Listen—Natalie, please look at me."

Defiant amber eyes met calm, identical orbs.

"I don't want to go either. I hate the idea as much as you do and I know that they hate us. However, if you do not go, not only will everyone get suspicious and start jumping to conclusions, but Fiske will give us an earful the next time he sees us—that is, if we're still alive."

Natalie scowled. "All right, fine. But only on one condition."

Ian sighed again. "You know we can't spare any money to get the latest limited edition of Prada's shoes."

Natalie was clearly offended. "Ian! I thought you knew me better than that! …And besides, I already have the latest edition. So no, that isn't what I had in mind. I was thinking of something else. Something much, much better."

"What is it?" Ian warily asked.

"I want to be there late."

Ian blinked. "That's it?"

"A day late."

"A day?!" Ian exclaimed. "Fiske will—"

Natalie interrupted. "Not if we have a plausible excuse, he won't."

"I'm listening…"


"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a reminder that seat belts should be fastened. Flight attendants, please prepare for take-off. Cabin crew; please take your seats". The captain announced.

"Guys, put your seat belts on!" Hamilton Holt told his twin sisters, Madison and Reagan. The two were thumb-wrestling and paying no attention to what was going on around them. "You guys!"

"Sorry, Ham, no can do. If we stop now, we'll have to start all over again," Reagan answered without looking up.

"Okayy, then. I guess I'll just have to tell the Cahills your guys' secret," Hamilton threatened.

"You wouldn't," Madison said.

Hamilton tried to mimic the trademark Kabra smirk. "Watch me."

Just then, a pretty, young flight attendant appeared. "Excuse me. Please fasten your seatbelts. The plane is about to take-off," she said in a light British accent that sounded somewhat like Natalie's.

Hamilton stared at her, not because she was pretty, but because she looked—and sounded—vaguely familiar with light brown eyes and wavy, auburn hair.

But I've never seen this person before…Right?

Stop being so pathetic, Hamilton, he scolded himself. Quit your staring already! Your sisters and the attendant will notice.

Hamilton quickly ripped his gaze away from the attendant and just in time too, because Madison looked his way a second later. If she saw him staring... he'd probably never live it down.


"The targets have boarded," A shadowy figure sitting exactly six rows behind the Holts murmured into his phone.

A female voice on the other end answered, "Keep an eye on them until they reach their destination. Try not to harm anyone."

"Understood. When will the Cahills be informed of our little… surprise?"

"Oh, but they won't. It is—after all—a surprise, right? They will know when they see."

"Well then. Is the surprise ready?"

"Of course. It will be delivered tomorrow morning. There will be no guardian at that time. Fiske… has already been taken care of."

"Perfect. I must go now, the plane is about to fly."

"All right. Remember: do not get caught." And the connection was cut.


There is a great deal of mystery in this chapter, don't you think? XP What do you think Natalie's plan is? Who is that vaguely familiar flight attendant Hamilton was talking about? What is the surprise? And the mysterious people talking on the phone? All of these questions… will be answered if I ever finish this fic. XD But tell me, what are your guesses? I want to know what you guys can come up with… and how bad I am at writing suspense/mystery.

Oh, and if any of the descriptions sound weird, then feel free to tell me, since I'm a real amateur at this kind of stuff.

Shout out to WithPaperAndPen for beta-ing this! If this chapter was good/amazing/awesome, it's her doing. (Check out her 39C fanfic, by the way. It's called Nothing Left to Lose. Really good!)

Reply to reviews:

TimeTravel6: Thanks. I worked super-hard on the descriptions and I guess it paid off. =D Yes, yes it is nice.

Volcanic Lily: I've already told you this, but you bribed me with your awesome fic. :P ...And I understand: the blame is on me. XD

dude: Thanks, dude! XD

Stylie Kylie: That's the point now, isn't it? I mean, I'd have no readers for the upcoming chapters if I didn't do that. XP

Loony Face: I know, and I'll try my best not to make it cliché. You're probably the only one! XD (Interesting penname, by the way. ;P)

clara0414: You're welcome. I have to change that... and think up of some reason Evan shouldn't be in the fic. Thanks for reviewing!

THGFAN101: That's my favorite line too! Well, that and "Ow! You hit me muzzle!".

books R fun: Well, Dan isn't exactly expected to know that, now is he? XD Thanks for reviewing!

TheQueenoftheSea: I found out who you are! Finally! But really? Conceited much? I'm talking about your review and your username. But at least you reviewed this fic... unlike what you do to some other fic. *cough* Hunger Games *cough*

AgentCandy203: Thank you and yes it is the same.

Thanks for reading and please review! =)

~Illuminating Flames