Claire signed in to the public library's computer, while Sherry took a seat with a book across the room, still within the redhead's sight. Pulling up the internet, she waited for the screen to load before using the AOL search engine to look up Umbrella's website. She browsed their homepage which highlighted their motto "Preserving the Health of the People" with pictures of smiling customers and their stories of how Umbrella's products changed their lives.
'They'll change your life alright,' she thought as the images of the undead from the city came to mind.
Scrolling past all the product marketing, she clicked on the corporate link at the bottom. She skimmed through the entries about Umbrella's history, suppliers, and career opportunities until she found something promising under international services. As Claire read the various locations Umbrella sponsored around the world, she felt suddenly overwhelmed at the sheer amount of influence the company had. The website only showed their public operations-she could only guess how many underground projects they had. Focusing on their European enterprises, she located their largest medical branch in Paris, France.
"Bingo," Claire said excitedly.
Writing down the address, Claire exited out of the site to check flight times to Paris. The earliest flight she found didn't leave until early the next morning from Denver International. They could leave this afternoon and check-in to a hotel outside the airport for the night, maybe take some time to shop for supplies. She glanced up at Sherry while she planned out their trip. The girl looked content as she sat reading in one of the library's armchairs.
Turning back to the computer, Claire decided to check her email. She imagined that Leon was beside himself yesterday after discovering them missing. The man had a very protective nature, so she hoped offering him some means of contact, a way to know they were alright, would placate his anger. Logging in to her account, Claire scrolled past a couple of spam messages and an email from one of her professors-that she wasn't quite ready to deal with yet-before she found his email. Guilt consumed her as she felt his frustration and worry through his message.
'Damn it Claire, what the hell are you thinking?! Your disappearing act with Sherry has made one hell of a mess here. The DSO is in a frenzy looking for you guys, the agent I met talked to her director and they're having the police issue an APB on you. You will be arrested on sight. Now, I managed to talk her down and buy you a chance, but if you don't turn yourself in within 24 hours they will issue an Amber Alert on Sherry and have you charged with kidnapping. Please Claire, just take this chance. I don't want to see anything happen to you guys. We don't know what kind of groups are out there who would jump at the chance to obtain Sherry. I doubt they'd have a problem disposing of you to get her, either. I'm still being employed by the DSO and will be sent to training soon, so if you need to, ask for Agent Ingrid Hannigan. She's very focused on her job, but I sense she means well. Just return safe.'
Claire stared at the email in disbelief, then read the message again, hoping she might have read wrong. Leaning back in her chair, the redhead cursed. This was awful, the DSO wasn't playing games. With an APB out on her she would have a hard time traveling around the state, let alone leaving the country. She groaned as she ran her hand roughly through her bangs.
Paranoia descended on her as she wondered if maybe she or Sherry had been recognized on the way over. Perhaps cops already waited for them back at the apartment since her residence wasn't exactly private information. She felt backed into a corner and began to doubt herself. Maybe Leon was right and she should just turn herself in now. He had given her a chance to turn back.
A clattering from the reading area broke through her frantic thoughts. Claire's head whipped over to look at Sherry. The young girl had stood from her chair in surprise. Her book lay forgotten on the floor. Following the girl's gaze, her muscles tensed as she noticed the source of Sherry's shock. A tall blonde man, dressed in shades of black, deliberately approached the girl. Something in his posture reminded the redhead of a predator stalking its prey.
Several peoples' heads turned as the redhead's chair screeched across the floor. Shooting up, she scurried over, desperate to intercept the man's measured walk towards Sherry. Casually, he turned his face towards her to observe the spectacle she was making. Her eyes met the inky surface of his sunglasses as she took in his cold, chiseled features. Recognition flared in her mind, but his actual identity escaped her. A memory curled at the edge of her mind, just out of reach. Where had she seen him before? She brushed past him to stand beside Sherry. His slow, heavy steps stopped in front of them and Claire defensively stared him down.
Trying to keep her voice calm, Claire asked, "Sherry, do you know this man?"
Before Sherry could respond, he interrupted, amusement clear in his voice. "You must be the lovely Claire Redfield."
Unease crept over her as she asked, "And who are you?"
"Uncle Albert." A small voice squeaked, having finally found her voice.
Two pairs of eyes turned their attention to the girl who had spoken out. A blush settled on Sherry's cheeks as she realized the attention was on her.
She swallowed nervously. "Um, this is, uh, Albert Wesker. He was a friend of my dad."
A lightbulb went off in Claire's head upon hearing the name, as she realized why he had looked familiar. A distant memory of Chris' STARS team photo came to mind that had included the man. She had never met him personally, since he never came to off duty events, but Chris had complained about his rigid attitude. However, she remembered Chris' diary had said everyone died at the mansion except himself, Jill, Barry, and Rebecca. Shouldn't that mean Wesker had died too?
"Wesker? As in Captain Wesker of the STARS team?" Claire's voice grew softer as she said uncertainly, "I thought you were dead."
He did not say anything, just silently watched her as if he was waiting for her to say something else. His sunglasses concealed his eyes and made Claire increasingly nervous. She couldn't read the man, but felt a distinct impression of being scrutinized like a specimen under a microscope.
As if needing to clarify herself, the redhead blurted, "I mean, Chris' diary at the police department had listed the survivors from Arklay mansion. So I assumed you had died since your name wasn't there."
Still he said nothing. Claire felt like shaking him for answers. This man who stood silently before her was the only connection to what had happened to her brother that night. She stepped closer and tried to keep her voice soft to avoid being overheard.
"Captain Wesker," she said nervously. "What exactly happened to the STARS team?"
She knew there had been an outbreak in the mansion because of Umbrella, but did not understand what had led to it. She was missing details.
Finally, Wesker asked a carefully worded question. "Your brother hasn't told you about the mansion incident?"
"Well no, not directly anyway," Claire said. "He left shortly after the RPD refused to investigate Umbrella."
She had only found pieces of the incident's report, much of which had been missing. Most likely, Chief Irons was to thank for that. Wesker almost seemed smug over what she had said.
"Well Chris has always had a one track mind, I'm sure he didn't mean to leave his dear little sister in the dark," he said, almost mockingly.
Frowning, the redhead wasn't sure she liked his tone. Something about him was off. Even while standing in a relaxed position the man exuded an intimidating and authoritative aura. Though that was not surprising after hearing the stories her brother had told her about the man. That aside, she did not have the time to be standing here talking.
"We have a plane to catch so it'd be nice if you could tell me why you're here."
With a firm voice he said, "To retrieve Sherry. She's coming with me."
His statement left her speechless for a second before her shock faded into anger. Who did he think he was, coming here and ordering Sherry to go with him? She did not care if he was Chris' boss in the past or if he was used to having authority. The redhead was tired of people assuming they could command things in her life. Her temper exploded.
"Like hell she is!" Claire moved in front of Sherry, blocking her from the man's sight, as she defiantly said, "I wouldn't send her with someone who was friends with a man like William Birkin."
Sherry shifted uncomfortably at the mention of her father and Wesker's face darkened. He took a menacing step towards her, then stopped short. Nearby people kept glancing frequently over at them and the librarian openly gave them the stink eye. They were making a scene standing there arguing in the middle of the library. Not that Claire cared though, she would make a fool of herself in front of an audience if it meant Sherry's safety.
"You seem to be under the illusion that I was asking your permission." His cold, low tone sent shivers down her back. "Dr. Birkin and I developed an academic rivalry during our schooling."
His jaw tensed as he furrowed his brow. The man spoke quietly, but vehemently. "He had his quirks, but I assure you he adored his daughter, whom he trusted me with on numerous occasions."
She opened her mouth in shock, Claire hadn't meant to imply that Birkin didn't love her daughter. Peering at Sherry from the corner of her eye, she tried to assess her reaction to the conversation. The girl simply looked puzzled.
Stepping out from behind Claire, Sherry tried to speak up, mimicking their hushed tones. "Didn't you also w-"
Even behind sunglasses, his gaze felt intense as he turned to her. "Isn't that right Sherry?"
Her words died in her throat as the girl quickly nodded her agreement. Back in control, Wesker moved towards them and Claire tensed again. Raising an eyebrow at her, he languidly retrieved Sherry's book from the floor, then, gestured to the door.
"Unless you want to continue talking about sensitive topics in public, I suggest we find a more private location."
The APB came back to her mind and she suddenly felt exposed. He was right, she didn't wanted to risk someone overhearing. Though, following him out of the public area didn't seem like the best idea either. Acting like she had already agreed, Wesker headed to the library's entrance, dropped the book in the return bin, and exited. Sherry quickly moved to follow after him. His forceful attitude rubbed Claire the wrong way but-after seeing Sherry's eagerness-she decided to see what else he had to say.
Rushing after Sherry, Claire caught up so they could leave the library together. They stepped out into the warm sun and glanced around for Wesker; Sherry spotted him first. The blonde man had chosen the bench farthest from the entrance and patiently waited for them to join him. The redhead took a seat at the other end while Sherry sat between them. Something odd about the situation came to her mind.
"How did you know where to find us?"
Ignoring her question, he watched her reaction as he said, "I hear you're in a little trouble, Miss Redfield."
Claire's mind went immediately to the contents of Leon's email. Her brow furrowed as she realized she had no clue how to solve this issue. Noticing the comprehension in her expression, Wesker continued.
"I imagine that you won't last very long with the police looking for you, and Miss Gren was kind enough to tell me that you have plans to chase after Chris."
"You talked to Rachel?" Claire felt surprised and confused, but he kept talking.
"Now this is going to go one of two ways, either you can go on your own and I guarantee you'll be apprehended by the end of today, or early tomorrow if your lucky, but you have zero chance of making it on that plane." His voice held no emotion as he told her this, staying as neutral as someone talking about the weather.
Her gut twisted as she realized the truth of his statement. On her own she was guaranteed to fail. Leon's offer for her to return came to mind and the redhead realized that they were being forced back.
"Or," he said as he watched the conflict in her eyes. "You can make a deal with me and we can help each other out."
The blonde man extended this offer like a light in the darkness. His proposal sounded so easy. Claire felt tempted to accept, but she needed to think it through. The redhead glanced over at Sherry, who had been sitting silent through the entire exchange. The girl's mood had brightened a little at seeing someone she knew. She probably wouldn't mind going with Wesker, but the redhead wasn't sure it was the best idea.
Dredging up past conversations with Chris, she tried to piece together what kind of man her brother deemed his old captain. Chris had constantly complained that Wesker was a hard ass, but she could sense the underlying respect her brother had for the man. She felt pretty sure that Chris had trusted him. Thinking of her brother reminded her of something else.
"Why would Chris think you were dead?"
Wesker answered with ease. "Likely, because he thought I had died when the Tyrant stabbed me, and by the time I came to, they had already left the mansion."
Claire frowned as she thought of the Tyrant in Raccoon City that Leon had described. The other man had emphasized its overwhelming power. It had taken a rocket launcher to kill the monster. If the Tyrant in the mansion had even a fraction of the same power, it would have done some massive damage. No wonder Chris had thought his captain was dead. She eyed the man before her, amazed that he survived. But she still had another question.
"Why didn't you contact him after you escaped?"
"As you yourself said, Chris disappeared to chase after Umbrella. How could I have contacted him?"
The man had a point, she did not even have a means to communicate with her brother. Her reasons to deny his offer were dwindling. The other option was to go back to the government like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs.
Wesker leaned back against the bench, looking bored of the topic. "Now if you're done giving me the third degree, I'd like your decision."
"One last question." Claire was pretty sure he scowled. "What are you getting out of this?"
"I plan to leave the country in a company jet for business with my organization. If you come with me, they have a house on the outskirts of Paris. You'll be free to look for your brother and I'll be able to make sure Birkin's daughter gets the care he would want for her."
"How did you know we were going to Paris, and what organization are you talking about?"
"Your computer screen wasn't exactly hidden, and my organization would love to see the end of Umbrella," he said.
'The prick walked right behind me and I didn't even notice,' the redhead thought. 'So Wesker is also working with a group to stop Umbrella.'
She turned to Sherry, asking her opinion on the matter since ultimately this was all for her. The girl fidgeted as they waited for her answer.
Sherry glanced first at Wesker, then to Claire before saying, "Uncle Albert did say you'd get arrested if we didn't go with him. I don't want you to get in trouble, Claire."
Releasing her breath, Claire looked over at the blonde man. He didn't seem surprised about Sherry's answer. Really, her only other option was to go back where they had escaped from; this deal was the only way to continue with her original goal for Sherry. Her brother had admired Wesker while working for STARS. Chris was right to complain about Wesker's attitude problem, but overall he seemed trustworthy.
Looking into his sunglasses, she came to a decision. "Alright, we'll take your deal."
He smirked triumphantly, having expected this outcome. Claire was just glad to have found a solution. A way around the APB that didn't involve turning Sherry back over to the government. She felt like a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
'Wait for me, Chris,' she thought. 'I'll catch up with you soon.'
Wesker shut the door to his hotel room and placed his bags on the desk. He had just gotten off the phone after ordering a cleaning crew to the Redfield's apartment. They were to dispose of Rachel Gren's body without being seen or leaving traces. The blonde man couldn't leave a witness who would mention him when the cops came looking for the girls, so he had disposed of her after getting their location.
Taking a seat at the desk, he unpacked his bags. The girls were staying in the adjoining room, just far enough away to give them the illusion of privacy. Earlier, he had bribed housekeeping to let one of his operatives in to bug the room. Turning on his laptop, he pulled out a folder, which contained Sherry's printed medical records. He read over her bloodwork report while waiting on the laptop to start up. A low beeping emitted from the computer screen, alerting Wesker to the incoming transmission. Entering in the connection passcode, the screen brightened to reveal Ada Wong.
"Did my information lead you to the girl?" she asked.
"Yes, you've proved most valuable to us and your payment will be transferred shortly."
The woman shifted to look at something off screen and asked offhand, "And the Redfield girl?"
She left the unspoken question in her mind. "Did you kill her?" Wesker sat back in his chair and folded his hands across his lap as he tried to understand her motives. The spy was not known to normally care about what happened to others.
"How is Mr. Kennedy doing?" he drawled.
Her only response was a small twitch of an eyebrow as she refused to rise to his bait. As long as the objective was not hindered, he did not really care what she felt for the Kennedy man. It did however make good information for future use. Wesker chuckled and decided to throw her a bone.
"I had fully intended to dispose of her so I could send big brother Chris a present," he said mockingly. "But I have discovered that she may provide better use in the future."
The woman nodded slowly and Wesker pressed a couple of keys before hitting enter. A soft electronic ping could be heard on Ada's side of the monitor.
"Your next assignment has been sent and the organization expects a progress report within the week."
He ended the video conference without waiting for her reply. Opening up his company email, Wesker quickly wrote up a vague report on obtaining the infected subject and his plans to move to one of the company's private labs in France. He attached his project overview for the G-virus, providing just enough information to keep the chairman satisfied.
The surviving STARS members' investigation into Umbrella was making the 3rd Organization nervous. The chairman feared that they would reveal the organization and other companies involved in bio-warfare development. Wesker doubted they would make it that deep into the industry, but to appease them he sent their best operative to keep tabs on them. He did not trust Ada, but she always got the job done.
Checking unread emails, he found a recent report from the spy stationed in Umbrella.
'Data Extraction Progress Report
I have infiltrated the ranks of the research staff and expect to be assigned to the central unit within the month. The company seems to be reeling after the Raccoon City outbreak. After the news of Dr. Birkin's failure, many branches are scrambling for the company's project spotlight. I'll send over any data that seems promising. Rumors have spread that the Ashfords are close to finishing a project worthy of restoring their reputation. It's said to involve some new strand of virus. I'll report immediately if the information has substance.
Jack Bishop
3rd Organization, Intelligence Branch'
This progress was good, but slow. Having a spy obtain data from Umbrella was tedious. His plans had been set back years when he lost the data at the mansion. He cursed Sergei and the STARS members for interfering. Things would be going much more smoothly if he had the Tyrant and Umbrella's information. The Red Queen might keep him off Umbrella's system for now, but it couldn't hold Wesker back forever. Once he established complete control over this organization then he would be sure to track Sergei down and return the favor.
For now, he would focus on his research. See what he could discover from the blood in Birkin's daughter. It amazed him that the girl had not mutated like her father. Though, they had administered some kind of 'antidote'. He wished he had William's project notes for the formulas and exact properties used, but he supposed he could discover enough on his own with testing. His mind drifted to the Redfield girl who had unwittingly handed him a perfect sample.
His original plan was to kill Claire after getting the girls out of public view, but what he had not expected was Chris to leave her ignorant. In her mind he was still the Captain of the STARS team. She still felt suspicious of Wesker, but his old title had bought him a small amount of trust. Just enough for him to gain her cooperation. Eventually, he could use her to exact his revenge on the older Redfield. The man wouldn't be a pain in his side for too much longer.
Once they arrived in France tomorrow he would be able to set everything into motion. Wesker smirked as he emailed a requisition to the organization for lab supplies. Things might possibly be going even better than he had planned.
A/N: Again I'd like to give kudos to Twistanturnu for Beta reading this chapter and helping me work out the kinks.
Wesker finally entered the picture! and I'd love to know your reactions and any constructive criticism.