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Conrad Grayson luxuriated in the idyllic isolation of the private beach. Not for years had he felt so relaxed, calm and collected. Here he could finally be himself without the restraining influence of over-bearing Victoria, forget about problems in far distant New York and enjoy spending time with his mistress and, he hoped, in time wife. He thought he would have been more saddened by Victoria's death but, as far as he was concerned, she had caused her own death by foolishly pursuing a quest in the name of long-dead David Clarke. He chuckled, grinning like the Cheshire Cat as Lydia emerged from the crystal clear waters in a white bikini, oozing Ursula Andress as she swept her flowing blonde hair over one shoulder and grinned at him. She sprinted up the beach and flopped down beside him on the golden white sand.

"The sea's beautiful," Lydia enthused, "you should think about taking a swim."

"I'm more focused on keeping my head above water," he joked, although the message was not lost on Lydia, whose happiness immediately dissipated, almost into the air around her, "oh, come-on Lydia – they can't find us here and they never well." Somewhat reluctantly Lydia took up her former position, cuddling up to Conrad's warm chest, pulling back his white linen shirt to stroke slowly at his chest.

Lydia laughed thinking back to her arrival, "I still can't believe I had to be smuggled onto the island in the dead of night. You really are taking security to heart – how are you affording this?"

"Daniel is in control of Grayson and he's utilising secret assets to bank roll us," Conrad grinned, "he's a smart boy and he's taking care of everything," Conrad kissed Lydia's head, "its been a week – if they were going to find us, they would have by now."

"Any news on Charlotte?" Lydia prodded.

Conrad rocked his head from side-to-side, "It's better she recuperates without being pestered. I've known the Connors for ten years – they're good people and it's where she needs to be. I could hardly fly her out here, could I?"

"I suppose not," a malevolent smile formed on Lydia's face, "I told Michael I was going to Europe – he truly is clueless."

"The whole world is." Conrad reminded, a triumphant smile plastered on his face.

That thought scared Lydia a little. True she had been able to discover Conrad's location – but not before she passed into a no communication zone. She had agreed whole-heartedly to help Victoria take down Conrad, but now Lydia was beginning to regret the entire thing. Conrad was a dangerous man, and would doubtless not think twice about casting Lydia aside if it meant escaping the FBI. It was a prickly situation, and, Lydia reflected one that was only going to get worse with time. The moment Conrad found out what she was doing, she would be finished – which meant she had to work faster so he didn't reach that decision point. She could only be grateful that Conrad had arrived in the Caymans before news of the identification of the second body had been made – and that his security guards, intelligent as they were, hadn't bothered to check who else had supposedly died with Victoria on the flight. At least the reception blackout was blinding Conrad, as well as Lydia – she just had to figure out how to get a message back to Victoria about what they were.

"I've been thinking though," Conrad said abruptly, looking out to the horizon, "that we should think about moving again."

"Moving?" Lydia said, sitting up and trying to keep the fright from her voice. "But we've only just arrived!"

"Exactly – the FBI will catch up to us someday. We need to be two steps ahead of them. How do you feel about Thailand?"

"You're kidding right?" Lydia offered a playful smile, but Conrad's face was starkly serious.

"If they catch us, I'm going away for a long time."

"But…I mean…Victoria never got to give her evidence, and I didn't? You don't think any of the others would, do you?" Lydia was feigning a frown now.

Conrad sighed, "I don't know what to believe, I just know we should be moving. If not Thailand, then why not Africa? We could have a lodge out on the plain – see the animals…enjoy a little culture?"

Lydia's mind was racing for plausible reasons to avoid moving. She needed to stall Conrad here before she was drawn further into the tangled web – she needed to hold out for someone to find them, assuming she couldn't betray their location first. There was very little for her to go on, she was drawn to a few possibilities and then lit upon one, summoning her duplicity to her Lydia waited for her moment.

"I just don't think it's a good idea. You said it yourself – we're safe here."

"Maybe I was being overc-"

"-we can't go," Lydia said, more firmly now, a tear tracing her face, "because…I'm pregnant Conrad. We can't move with the baby – it's out of the question."

._.

There were gasps of shock as she strolled confidently into the cavernous ballroom playing host to the Gala for Endangered Marsupials. Her glossy hair trailed down the left-hand side of her head, while the fiery scarlet dress highlighted her immaculately pale skin-tone and her choice of fashionable white, lace gloves harked back to decades past. In short she oozed glamour and drew more than a few admiring glances as she swept through the entranceway. She handed her coat without looking at the man on the stall, wrenching the ticket of the man and strolling into the main room. She scanned the room and spotted Daniel instantly, handsome though tired looking – busily greeting people he'd never met before as best he could.

She laughed at that thought, swiftly slicing through the crowds until she drew even with him.

"Surprised to see me, Daniel?" she quizzed.

Daniel took her in, shock etched in his face, before wrapping her up in a hug that broke all the society rules. He stood back, "Sis – I wasn't expecting you…I hadn't even asked the Connors how were you doing…I'm sorry…it's just work and-" Charlotte had pressed a restraining finger on his lips.

"It's fine, I just thought I'd come and see you in action," she smiled sweetly, "I don't have to eat with you if it's going to complicate things…I am sort of gate-crashing a society gala."

"Not at all," Daniel said, scanning the room for Ashley who appeared out of thin air, her trusty iPad still in her grasp, "Ash, is there any way you could get an extra place set for Charlotte at our table?"

She frowned for a moment before forcing a smile, "Of course." She tapped a few times on the iPad and then waved at the nearest person dressed in a waistcoat and bow tie, whispered in his ear and dispatched him on his mission. In a few moments an extra place, chair and name-card had been produced for Charlotte. She hugged Daniel in thanks and took a seat at the table.

In a few moments, several important-looking business-people – three women and five men, took their seats at the table, joined by Daniel and Ashley who settled into their respective seats as the starter – a particularly exotic looking plate of seafood began arriving. Charlotte smiled sweetly at the people.

"Now who is this charming specimen?" one of the men enquired.

"This is my sister, Charlotte," Daniel introduced warmly, "she's a High School Student."

"No aspirations in the company?" one of the woman, dressed in a navy suit, with her hair tightly tied back in a high ponytail.

Charlotte shook her head, "It all seems very interesting, and I'm learning little bits about how it operates here and there, but I think it's in safe hands with Danny. He's always been resolutely interested in business…other boys had their race-cars and their Lego…but Danny was reading the Financial Times or the Economist." She was lying through her teeth, but she saw from Daniel's warm smile she had said exactly the right thing – the business people were laughing and nodding encouragingly.

Her mother had been exactly right about the purpose of the gala. Daniel had little or no concern for the animals involved – it was a chance to show off his philanthropic side to potential investors and it was a great boost to the company's image, considering that his father's ugly shadow still hung over it. Her mother had been also right that Charlotte attending, and boosting Daniel's profile would bring her right back into his confidence. She had always struggled to gain a mastery over her brother when she was younger, now she was discovering it was a lot easier than she'd ever imagined.

She grinned politely at the business people and made enlightened conversation all evening. She had undergone some intensive coaching from her mother about how Grayson Global operated, and she was evidently impressing Daniel. She could see that Ashley was disliking her with a particular fervour but she was irrelevant to the objective, and, if need be, Charlotte was sure she would be able to deduce some way to remove her.

Within a few hours, the gala was wrapping up and Charlotte was standing outside, waiting for a limousine to arrive, to take her home to the mansion. Almost without warning Daniel was beside her, grinning broadly.

"You did great tonight sis, really great," he enthused, "I can't believe you know so much, you really do care about the company and Dad don't you?"

"Whatever made you think I didn't?" she smiled sweetly, but quickly faded it to a slight frown, "Besides…I have to accept that you're my family…now that Mom's gone."

Ashley joined them, forcing a smile, her blue dress not quite as gorgeous or eye-drawing as Charlotte's own choice, "Good work tonight. You'll be a somebody some day." She promised with a total lack of sincerity.

"Ash, do you remember that internship we were about to begin searching for?"

"In the public relations department?" Ashley asked, a knot forming in her stomach as she deduced where Daniel was going with this conversation.

"What would you say to Charlotte filling the position? She proved herself capable tonight – she has the knowledge and she has the skill – plus the family name must have a few advantages."

"It shows promise," she said through nearly gritted teeth, "come see me Monday afternoon Charlotte and we'll sort something, okay?"

Charlotte nodded appreciatively, "This is…so amazing! We're going to be working together…thanks Danny," she hugged him, squeezing him tightly, "you won't regret this."

._.

Declan scanned the bar briefly – he knew Amanda wasn't upstairs and, having scanned downstairs – he was sure she must have gone out. The perfect option to talk to Jack. As far as Declan was concerned, Amanda only meant Jack would get drawn into whatever crap that Graysons were involved in – and that was something he didn't want for his brother.

Jack was drying off some of the wet-glasses and storing them in racks – a job Declan was glad he wouldn't have to deal with. He eased into one of the bar stools and dredged up the courage to confront his brother about Amanda. Nolan had only cemented Declan's own fears about the girl – Nolan was among Jack's closest confidantes: if he thought Amanda was shady, she was shady. The fact Declan's own ideas tallied only made it clearer.

"Can I talk to you about something?"

"What's on your mind?" Jack prompted, putting the glass he'd just finished down on the counter.

"Amanda…actually," Jack raised an eyebrow at her name, "I'm just…a little…suspicious about her."

Jack laughed and rolled his eyes, "What's the matter this time Dec?"

"I just think she's been a little shady you know," Jack chuckled dismissively at that, "I mean come-on Jack – she doesn't talk to you for months, disappears after you tell her you love her…then turns up with a baby."

Jack was glowering, "What are you trying to say Dec?"

"I'm not trying to say anything," Declan even held up his hands to try and calm Jack's already rumbling temper, "I just think that you're a guy with a secure income and a place to stay, and I think that Amanda…since she's pregnant with a kid," his emphasis on that cause Jack to scowl furiously, "you're attractive to her. She also knows you're crazy about her and easy to exploit."

"Did somebody put you up to this Declan?"

"No," Declan batted away fiercely, "I just don't trust her alright. I don't think you should either."

"I'm not gonna throw her out Dec – she's pregnant with my kid, and has nowhere else to go." Jack sounded definitive, his glare settling into a steely impassive expression.

Declan's lips curved downward, "I really wish you'd just try and consider this from my point of view…I don't wanna see her take you for a ride. Get a paternity test."

The door opened at that point and Declan cursed his bad luck, Amanda was crossing the threshold, laden down with grocery bags. She placed them on the bar and surveyed the two brothers with a nervous smile, "What are we all talking about?"

Declan shot Jack a pleading look but it was shot down coldly, "Declan thinks you're trying to take me for a ride."

Amanda's smile remained weak but didn't falter as she turned to Declan, "I'm sorry you feel that way but I can under-"

"-understand?" Jack was dumbfounded, "Amanda he's just been so offensive to you – do you not even care about that? He said I shouldn't trust you! You're the mother of my child!"

Amanda patted at Jack's arm affectionately, "It's understandable though. I did leave abruptly and didn't talk to you for months, and turning up with a kid – it is a little suspicious looking. I'm not asking for you to trust me outright Declan," she looked him straight in the eyes, "I just need you to…at least let me try and win you over. Sound fair?"

"Sure," Declan said, already warming to the idea, "sounds good. What's in the bags?"

"I thought I'd make Spaghetti and Meatballs for Dinner? If that's okay with you two?"

"Of course it is," Jack smiled lovingly at her, "sounds perfect actually. Do you want some help?"

Amanda rolled her eyes, "It's a couple of grocery bags…you two just get the bar set up already!"

Amanda made her way up the stairs and set the grocery bags down in the tiny kitchen. She was going to have to get a lot smarter if she was going to keep Jack from Emily. For one thing she had to overcome the pregnancy issue – by any means necessary. Emily wouldn't have planted the idea in Declan's head – she didn't know him, her mind drifted for plausible scenarios and then fell upon Nolan: who else was close to the brothers that Emily knew? If he was already sowing seeds, it wouldn't be long before he and Emily went from passive to active efforts to remove her. She'd learned a lot from Satoshi, and she was going to put it into overdrive to overcome Emily this time.

._.

"Nice boat." Emily commented in sublime understatement.

"Your mother bought it for just shy of 400 Million last year," Satoshi commented impassively – he personally found such demonstrations of wealth primal and unnecessary, "and she's been holidaying here for a few months now."

"How did you find her?" Emily was keeping her emotions in check – delighted as she was to be so close to seeing her mother, she was also incredibly nervous – how exactly did she react to someone who had never made contact with her, her entire life. "Any idea why she never made herself known to me?"

"One of your Father's closely guarded secrets I'm afraid," he offered a sympathetic smile, "but I can get you aboard – catering staff have been boarding all evening. Satoshi gestured to the waitress outfit beside him and the brunette wig. Emily rolled her eyes – she felt like she was coming full circle again. "A simple deception for simple reconnaissance."

._.

The delivery went off without incident.

Emily boarded the enormous yacht gingerly and quickly ascended, following two other waitresses up to the rear dining room – an open area with large round table and padded seating area: incredibly luxurious and comfortable. Emily scanned the room – it attached to the enclosed kitchen were two chefs were hard at work preparing an evening meal. There were doors leading off the kitchen forward, and a staircase that led upward. Her mother's bedroom would be off one of the corridors leading from the kitchen – she had surmised as much from the blue print of the yacht Satoshi had obtained. She snapped back to attention as she realised the head of the waiting staff was talking to them.

"Mrs Thompson's children will be seated at this table," he gestured to the table Emily had just passed, "separate table from the adults," Emily remained impassive while she took onboard the fact she had half-siblings, "while she and the main party will be dining upstairs on account of the favourable weather. I cannot emphasize enough that your job is simply to serve and deliver. You do not talk or make eye contact with the clients unless they do so first, and only if they do so expressly in order to get more food or drink. Am I making myself clear?"

Emily reflected that the slightly annoying, starched British accent would've made something clear to a child in kindergarten. She didn't relate that, nodding politely. A waiter descended the staircase and whispered something in the head's ear. He nodded a few times and then focused directly on Emily. He studied her intensely.

"I don't remember you from the interviews?"

"I was standby," she said simply, affecting a New Yorker accent, "Clara called in sick." For a moment the man looked confused, then he blinked and shook it off.

"Very well, take this drink to Miss Thompson's Cabin." He strolled toward the island at the centre of the ultra-modern kitchen and placed a wineglass on it. He moved to the huge fridge-freezer and pulled open the fridge door, plucking out a bottle of chilled white win and poured a large measure into the glass. It was all laid out for waiting, with trays waiting and glasses securely piled high in racks beneath it. Emily crossed the room and picked up a tray, grabbing the wineglass and heading out of the first door from the kitchen, passing along a corridor of rooms until she came to a stairwell. She paused before descending, checking again that the satellite phone was still in her pocket. Touching at it to make sure it was secure she began her way down to the cabins.

It seemed to be overkill to have an emergency way of contacting Satoshi – after all Emily was going to see her mother – what was the worst that could happen? Emily wasn't foolish: it would be awkward. But they would eventually become comfortable with one another and then they could talk – about everything. It would all be better. Emily was confident of that. She strolled up to the correct cabin and knocked once.

"Miss Thompson?"

"Come-in." called a slightly muffled voice – Emily could hear the shower running. It shut off as she entered the room. Her mother stepped out of the en suite a moment later, her hair wrapped up tightly in a towel and the rest of her draped in a dressing gown. She smiled at Emily as she deposited a glass of wine. "Ah, thank you for this." She took a big sip of the wine as she studied Emily. She waited a few moments and then confusion crossed her face, "Is there something else?"

Emily took a deep breath.

"Yes actually," Emily said calmly, "Caroline…I've missed you for many years…I'm your daughter. I'm Amanda."

The reaction was instant.

The wine glass dropped to the floor, spreading ice-cold wine across the carpet and Caroline's lip began trembling as she shrank back. She ran to her side-table and rummaged in a draw, producing a small pistol, Emily shrank back warily – a rush of emotions battling her composure, vying for control of the situation.

"Get out," Caroline said, her voice fluctuating and uncertain as she said it, "get out now."

"You don't need to worry – the Graysons are out of the picture now, everything's fine – I avenged my Father." Emily implored calmly, backing away all the same.

Caroline shook her head, "You naïve girl – this goes so much further than the Graysons. If you think you avenged your Father you clearly didn't uncover the full story – look at Flight 197, closely. Now go – I've already said too much and you being here will be enough to bring their attention to me. I said go." The word was cold and harsh, and Emily felt its impact immediately. Hurtling out of the room. She tossed away her wig and pulled out the satellite phone, punching in the number Satoshi had given her.

"I need help," she said rapidly in Japanese, "now, I'm leaving the yacht in five minutes." She returned to the dining room and hurtled toward the boarding deck at the rear of the boat – she could see a small inflatable boat, bobbing – tied up. She leapt down and furiously untied the knot, running to the engine and pulling the cord. Mercifully the engine came to life at once, roaring violently as Emily gunned the throttle and eased the boat away, slowly but with increasing speed. She heard shouts and yells behind her, but they were lost in white noise – she closed them out. She needed to be free and to focus on what had happened: her own mother had been afraid of her. She hadn't not wanted to see her – she had been afraid.

._.

Satoshi's Yacht, though smaller than her mother's felt instantly more homely than the enormous boat had. Satoshi as a mentor had somehow become more of a parental figure in her life than she'd had since her Father's death. Warden Styles had been something of a mentor, but she had never had the intimate bond that a mother and daughter had together.

"I believe I now understand her fear," he frowned, "when I believed you had lost your way I planted someone within Grayson – to take the company down whether you could go through with it or not." Emily turned to him, listening closely to what he was saying. "The group who claimed responsibility for the Flight 197 Attack – AmeriCon Initiative – have been acting as overseers of sorts for Grayson Global since well before that attack. Conrad was their lackey. They are the people who required a scapegoat – Conrad helped them to the person, but they sought out your father."

"Then I need to go after them."

"You can't," Satoshi ruled out, "you need to draw them out. Then you can strike them down."

Satoshi nodded, "Amanda is not to be underestimated any longer."

"How did she get away?"

"I let her." Satoshi said calmly, "To keep your skills honed you must face fresh challenges – removing her is one of them. I am an old man, and I am only getting older. There is little more I can teach you, and you must learn to deal with problems alone."

"I understand," said Emily humbly, "and I already know my next move. I'm going to bring someone in who'll find Conrad for us – and make Daniel's life difficult. Conrad's Father."

._.

Hope you liked Chapter 2,

Reviews and responses as always welcome and appreciated,

Acrobat,

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