A/N: Phew long chapter. Finally I finished it. I do hope you will enjoy it... although, it may be a rough one. The evil that is Charles Meade has finally made it's presence known. A little side note: the timeline is Season 3, but I already have Brian established in Kinnetik – which is a bit earlier in comparison to canon. Once again, thank you all that have been reading & commenting. I appreciate that so much. Please continue to do so. That keeps me motivated and writing quicker.

Chapter 4

Charles returned to the diner, most certainly not to satisfy his appetite in this most dreary establishment... but to avail himself to studying Justin Taylor, up close and personal. He smiled as he felt the interested glances passing his way – some of which were from those assuming he was Brian, and the other's that had just seen them together knowing that he was not. His visit to Pittsburgh could turn out to be interesting in a vast number of ways... and, he was anxious to get started in all the explorations. His eyes lifting to find Justin approaching with a menu and cup of coffee in hand, Charles thought: Yes, many explorations he was not only willing, but eager to enjoy in the quickest manner possible.

"Your menu and your coffee, Sir..." Justin said with a smile, placing both down in front of him.

Charles ran his eyes over Justin's face, quickly memorizing every perfect detail – his eyes lingering longest on those lips. He gritted his teeth thinking of the pleasure they had given his brother. Well, that was of no matter, he thought. That wouldn't be happening again. He would more than see to that. There were only two loose ends to tie up. One was Ethan Gold. Today Charles would hunt him down and deliver his message... the only one he would be given. If he did not immediately comply – he would be destroyed in a manner of which Charles deemed appropriate and in line with his own brand of humor.

Then, there was Brian. He knew exactly what he would do next. Brian thought he would find all his answers in Chance Harbor. He would find those that could possibly assist him... but, they would not help him. Their collective fear of him would keep them under control. If they failed – that town would see a bloodbath the likes of which had never been seen. Nothing could stop him now. Not Ethan... and most certainly not Brian.

"Thank you, Justin. Why don't you join me? I'd love to get to know you better... being as you was once so very special to my dear brother," Charles prompted, displaying one of his most winning and sincere smiles.

Justin missed the smile that crossed Charles' face at the crestfallen look that crossed Justin's face at the inference of Brian having 'once' finding Justin to be special to him. He found it to his advantage that he was the mirror image of Brian. That would be just another method of luring the delicious blond into his bed... and more importantly under his control. Seeing Justin fidgeting nervously, looking back at the thinning out crowd, Charles urged him further. "C'mon, just a few minutes. What can it possibly hurt?"

"I guess nothing," Justin agreed as he slid into the seat across from Charles, knowing from Brian's initial warnings – this was not what would have pleased him; but right now finding the possibility of satisfying his curiosity about the brother he hadn't known existed much more appealing than pleasing his former lover. "I am very curious, I must admit."

"I'm sure many people will be," Charles mused as he took a sip of his coffee. He pushed the menu to the side, totally uninterested in food at the moment... his tastes moving in a much different direction.

Justin noticed the unwanted menu being pushed away. "You're not hungry or the fare here is not to your taste."

"Oh, I'm hungry alright... but, I don't think what I want can be found on this menu," Charles said, as he pierced Justin with his hot and penetrating eyes.

Justin's eyes became focused on the eyes fashioned out of liquid fire that seemed to have magnetized his own. "Y—your, eyes. So different. I can't look away."

Charles chuckled, his throat tinged with lust and victory. "I don't want you to look away. Deeper Justin... look even deeper. Tell me what you see." Charles probed deeper seeing that Justin was trying to resist, and was stronger than he had expected. "Don't fight it, Justin."

"I-ah, see things I shouldn't see," Justin said, trying to blink, finding himself unable to do even that. "My dream. I see my dream. How is this possible? I don't understand," Justin began to whisper almost incoherently.

"It's okay, Justin. Nothing for you to be worried about. The future will take care of itself," Charles answered, smiling benignly, knowing he would have to release Justin from his power soon. This place did not have the privacy for what he had in mind. "I want you to have dinner with me tonight, Justin. In fact, I won't take no for an answer."

"Uhhhh, I can't do that," Justin said, managing to look away when Charles severed the connection for a brief moment. "I'm sorry, Charles. It's nothing personal... but, I have a boyfriend. I'm committed to him... not to mention you are Brian's twin. There's just no way."

"So... you're telling me if you didn't have a boyfriend, the simple fact that I look like Brian would turn you away from me. Now, that's hardly fair..." Charles countered, looking at Justin with hot and intense eyes.

Justin laughed. "Okay, it's a given you and Brian are both beautiful. Undoubtedly, you possess the same charm he carries. I doubt many could refuse either of you. However, I am not available so it doesn't really matter. Don't get me wrong, I am flattered... more than I can ever say, but I am with someone." Justin stood up, clearly seeing the anger in this man's eyes, Brian's physical twin – yet, he had the feeling so different in a multitude of ways. Before leaving the table, he courteously offered, "Please let me know if you need anything else."

Charles inclined his head, watching his delectable form until it was once again behind the counter. He smiled to himself making an immediate decision. Oh yes, his plans had changed. Justin was a bit too attached to his insignificant boyfriend. Charles had the feeling Justin was using Ethan to hide behind... but, that was of no matter. The problem would be resolved soon. He couldn't allow for that interference any longer. No warnings for the little rat. He would just move to dispense of him - immediately. He knew all about Ethan Gold and Justin's history with him. A violinist, 'the fiddler' as Brian and his friends referred to him.

Pulling out one of his business cards, Charles laid it on the table, before scrawling a brief note on a clean napkin laying on the table. Justin, it was a pleasure meeting you at last. Should you change your mind, I am only a phone call away. I hope to hear from you very soon. Charles Meade. Charles threw a crisp twenty dollar bill on the table, gaining Justin about eighteen in tip money, before his eyes met Justin's once more behind the bar – noting the blond appeared apprehensive, yet still very curious. He didn't have a problem dealing with Justin's fear or anything Brian tried to fill his young head with... but, the curiosity would be how he pulled the boy closer. He would use every means at his disposal to get what he wanted. There was no hurry. It would all fall into his grasp very soon.

Ethan Gold was about to meet his end... a poetic and fitting one it would be as well. Then, Charles would offer his comfort to sweet Justin. Once he had him alone and unencumbered he would make his move. Where seduction failed – in the event that it did – magic would take it's place. In either event, Justin Taylor would be his little puppet very soon. The pleasure of Justin's body and the further use of him to torment Brian was his for the taking... and he most assuredly would be taking it all.


Justin stepped hesitantly into the offices of Kinnetik, immediately spotting Cynthia in the corner filing a large stack of folders. He swallowed nervously hoping he had done the right thing in coming here. Justin realized this wasn't something he had done since he had left Brian. His eyes shuttered briefly thinking about that. Brian had just started Kinnetik. Things had deteriorated in rapid fashion between them at that time. The rage party had been the final straw. Of course, that was in the past now. He was here because Brian had been so insistent. Things were much different now. He didn't have to worry about being alone with Brian now. He had moved on... they both had. Nothing would happen. His commitment to Ethan would not be challenged... nor would Brian have any desire to do so. It was completely finished, he convinced himself.

Cynthia abruptly turned around, smiling at Justin instantly. "Justin. It's so good to see you."

"Hi, Cynthia... I know I don't have an appointment, but your boss asked me to stop by. If he's busy, I can come back another time..." Justin offered, thinking that could be the best possible scenario here.

"Oh no," Cynthia denied, shaking her head vigorously. "Brian has been an absolute bear ever since he arrived today. You came at the perfect time. He is going out of town for a few days, and he has just a short amount of time to spare. Please go in. Maybe you can pacify him."

Justin nodded, while looking at her dubiously. "I doubt I can calm him... but, I'll try. Wish me luck."

She smiled at him. "You never need it, Justin... the rest of us, well that's another matter."

Justin walked down the small hallway to Brian's office, knocking tentatively on the door, almost jumping when the harsh command to enter was given. He opened the door, stepping inside almost timidly, before closing the door behind him. Brian's scowl turned into one of relief as he stared at Justin hovering near the door. He smiled slightly, gesturing Justin closer. "Come on in, Sunshine. I promise – I won't bite."

"Uhhh, how about we ask Cynthia that," Justin smirked, as he took a seat across from Brian's desk, forcing himself to ignore images the words - Brian and biting represented.

Brian rolled his eyes in irritation. "She's used to me. Now, I don't have much time. I have a flight to make... and I need some promises from you."

"Business trip?" Justin couldn't resist asking, wishing he had bitten his tongue as soon as he viewed the light in Brian's eyes at Justin's obvious interest.

"Interested, Justin?" Brian asked, part of him wishing he wasn't so rushed right now... he just might push Justin's obvious slip a bit further.

Justin averted his eyes, shrugging his shoulders. "No, you just didn't mention it this morning when you asked me to stop by... no, wait – when you told me to come and see you."

"It's personal, Justin... and something that just came up," Brian answered shortly. "I don't have the time to go into long explanations right now, but this is very important. You need to stay away from my brother. As much as you can."

"As I told you earlier, Brian – I don't see our paths crossing that much..." Justin answered, confused by the savage look in Brian's eyes. It was a mixture of hatred and fear – a fierce combination that he'd never seen in Brian in all the time he had known him. "Brian, what is it? I can tell you're really upset. Maybe, I can help."

Brian stood up, closing his briefcase, laying it beside his desk... before coming around to perch on the front of his desk. "The only thing you can do is stay away from Charles. In the end, it's all a question of him letting you, but I'm hoping I can fix this before he comes after you."

Justin looked up at him warily. "What do you mean comes after me?"

"I explained this earlier, Justin. I don't have time to be repetitive," Brian snapped angrily. Running an unsteady hand through his hair, Brian softened his voice. "Look, I know I'm going about this all wrong. This is a big deal, Justin. You don't want to mess with this man. He can do things you can't even begin to imagine. I would love to go into detail with you... but, I can't. I just need you to trust me on this."

"You're asking a lot, Brian. Most especially now in our current relationship – or should I say lack thereof," Justin said, his confusion continuing to grow.

"It's all I can say, Justin. You just need to believe what I am saying is for your own good. I'm only trying to protect you," Brian told him, wishing he could tell him everything, but knowing he was bound by an oath not to do so. Keeping Charles' secret protected all those that carried Brian's blood – namely Gus. If he broke the vow of silence, Gus was no longer off limits. That he could never allow to happen. Looking deeply into Justin's eyes, Brian virtually implored, "Promise me that you will do this for me. I have never asked you for anything, Justin."

Justin nodded slowly. "No, you haven't. Okay, I'll try to stay away. If he comes around the diner there's not much I can do... but, I will try not to see him otherwise."

"Thank you. It might not be enough... but, I hope it will give me enough time before I return."

Sensing that Brian needed to leave, Justin stood up preparing to move towards the door. He frowned at the tenseness in Brian's face, before unthinkingly reaching out to brush his hand across his cheek. "I hope you accomplish what you need to do there. I don't like this seriousness in you. When you return I hope to see the 'no apologies, no regrets' Brian Kinney – and not this one standing before me now."

Brian's eyes shuttered closed for a moment at Justin's unexpected touch, before he straightened up, reaching up to grasp his hand, squeezing it lightly. He smiled softly, before answering, "I hope you see him again too."

Justin lowered his eyes, gently pulling his hand free – knowing he needed to do so before he said and did so much more. He smiled at Brian, before he moved away to the door. When he had almost reached the door, he turned only when he heard Brian calling his name.

"Justin?" Brian asked so softly that Justin could barely hear him.

"Yes, Brian?" Justin asked, his eyes widening at the warmth in Brian's questioning tone.

Curling his lips under, looking at Justin intensely, he said, "There's one way we could solve this problem." Not giving Justin a chance to respond, he continued, "You could come with me. You wouldn't even need to pack. We could get everything you need once in Washington. What do you say, Justin? Will you come with me?"


Charles walked towards the insipid man in a slow prowling gait. He smiled as awareness came into the eyes of Ethan Gold... one that would be diverted very soon. He began to circle his prey slowly, his eyes looking him over in distaste. He curled his lip in disgust, as he said, "Such a pathetic little man. I can't imagine what Justin could possibly see in you."

Ethan's eyes flared in anger. "Brian? What's the meaning of this? And... how did I get here?"

Charles reared his head back in cold laughter. "Brian? No, I am not my weak brother. This is what he should have done so long ago when you moved in on what belonged to him. However, it's of no matter. I will right this for him... although, it won't be Brian that claims the prize."

"Brother? Who are you... what are you talking about. And, where are we?" Ethan began to stammer, his instincts at last telling him something was very wrong here.

"To answer your ramblings... I am Brian's twin brother – similar only in appearance. Where are we? I do believe we are on the roof of an abandoned warehouse. Very high up. I believe it was an old steel mill. Now, is when you should ask me why you are here..." Charles hissed into Ethan's ear.

Ethan began to back away, heading towards the fire escape – eyes widening as Brian's twin began to whisper eerie chants into the air. "What are you saying?"

Charles closed his eyes, his words increasing in speed and intensity, the air suddenly beginning to close in on Ethan. He suddenly opened his eyes, an evil smile beginning to form. "It's quite simple, Mr. Gold. Have you ever heard of the story 'The Fiddler on the Roof'? Ahhh, I can see that you have. Well, this one is going to have a much different ending."

Ethan shook his head from side to side, feeling as if the air and clouds were coming to suffocate him, his feet moving quicker to the fire escape. He could hear voices in his head telling him all was hopeless, that jumping was his only salvation. Ethan tried to fight the voices, but his call to them was even greater. Moments later all was lost when the chants became louder... a brutal pounding into his head. He looked at the menacing evil standing before him and realized only too late he had been lured to this place by some unknown power, and now his fate was truly sealed. He tried to fight it with all his will, but the power was too great. Before he knew what he was doing, he found himself climbing out onto the ledge, his screams of terror echoing upwards as he plummeted to his sudden and immediate death.

Charles laughed as he moved to look down over the side. He shook his head back and forth, before he murmured in evil delight, "Poor little fiddler finally fell off the roof. Now to console Justin... and then he will be all mine, Brian." Whistling as he moved soundlessly down the stairs, he laughed again at his handiwork. "You have lost, Brian. Go to Chance Harbor. No one will help you. When you return you will find Justin with me... and, then I will take him away from you – forever."

TBC