Good morning! Welcome to Chapter 7.
For some reason, the last chapter was not announced on the notices. I'm hoping I don't have a repeat with this chapter. Hope you enjoy it.
Jdcocoagirl: I'm glad you picked up on that insight! Hope you are enjoying the story.
Tj2398: Hee hee. I really do wish I could post faster. Here's a little more!
Playlist:
Jesse J's : Domino
David Getta's Titanium
Flo Rida Wild One
Chapter 7
His target was having an immense amount of fun at the club. Dancing like a wild man, oblivious that DR128 watched from above, Stephano Remini didn't know he had a short time to live. The two body guards who walked in with him were close, but stayed a safe distance away from the young man. The idiot told them to disappear from his sight while he makes a fool of himself. Remini, a man in his mid-twenties with auburn hair and a sleek physique, turned women's heads from time to time. At the moment, he was gyrating his pelvis against a cute brunette's backside on the dance floor. It was a sad attempt at dancing, but Remini was enjoying every moment. He met the floosy at one of the bars in the club while ordering his third drink for the night.
Jesse J's Domino rocked the dance floor as DR128 watched the pair on the dance floor. People jammed to the song while pink and blue lighting flew wildly around them. They turned, twisted and moved to the groove of the song. The assassin, on the other hand, watched his target with cold calculating eyes, preparing for his move.
"Another Amaretto Sour?" the waitress came up to him.
"Sure," he responded with a small smile as she turned to her.
"Anything else? We also have-"
"No," he answered flatly as he handed her another twenty dollar bill, "That's all. Thanks."
Seeing that the patron wasn't much of a conversationalist, the waitress gently took the money from his hand before walking away to place the order. Looking back down, DR128 decided that after the next drink, he would head to the first floor of the club. They had been there a while and Remini probably already felt comfortable with his surroundings. The body guards most likely felt the same way, but he'd have to take the opportunity when they were far away and distracted enough to hit. The dance floor emptied out when the song ended and another, less popular, began. He would need the dance floor to be filled again if his plan was going to work. Hopefully the DJ will play something to get the crowd up again.
His sight had never left his target. After leaving the dance floor, Remini sat down in a living area close to the entrance doors. One of the body guards made a barstool by the closest bar to where Remini sat his permanent home. The other wasn't around, but DR128 had no doubt that the ogre was casually surveying the club. The brunette was with him and apparently now a blonde with short hair had joined the party. Great, he thought in somewhat annoyance, he better not sit them all night. DR128 was patient, but he would hate to have to come up with an alternate plan if the idiot decided to spend the entire night on the couch or worse leave the club with one or both women.
The waitress placed his drink on the table. "Thanks," he said without looking at her.
"Have a good evening," she replied before walking away.
He continued his surveillance just as David Getta's Titanium began to play. Soon, people filled the dance floor. As the crowd started dancing, the blond who was sitting with Remini suddenly rose from her seat, grabbed the brunette by her hand and roughly guided her away just as the target began laughing hysterically. DR128 wondered what happened. The body guard by the bar stood up. Apparently asking Remini if he was alright, he was shushed and sent back to his post.
Watching from above, DR128 took the glass filled with the Amaretto Sour and drank. He'd have his chance soon.
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Stephano Remini was having a night that was anything but successful. The brunette and her friend wouldn't put out when told and he soon lost interest in them. I guess he shouldn't have said that he was interested in a three-some. The blonde woman, so offended by the conversation, stood up and took her friend with her. Stephano laughed. What the hell did they expect coming to a club? Some fairytale romance? Sighing, he scanned the area for anyone who interested him. Some women just smiled as they passed by, but they didn't stop to chat. He couldn't blame anyone for not getting close. With the two Hercules by his side who did nothing but cramp his style, who would? One of the bastards even had the audacity to walk up to him when he specifically said he didn't want them anywhere near him for the night. Remini cursed himself for what was beginning to be a crappy night. Annoyed, he continued surveying the area around him. Then, he suddenly sat up. Something peeked his interest as he looked at the entrance doors. A red haired woman walked in, behind her two others followed.
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DR128 followed his target's gaze. Forgetting Remini for a moment, his gaze fell on the woman walking in. He couldn't quite see her face, the opaque surroundings didn't help and the angle that he was at made it challenging, but he could have sworn she somehow looked… familiar.
Not understanding why, he suddenly felt the urge to leave his post. He rose from his chair leaving his drink behind and headed down the nearest stairs. He needed to know who the red head was for he never forgot a face.
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The second youngest of the four sons of Italian UN Ambassador Salvatore Remini, Stephano was a lamb who had willingly decided to separate from the herd. His oldest, Giovanny, was a doctor at one of the top hospitals in Chicago. Gio's twin, Marco, was an archeology professor in Sweden. Their younger brother, Paolo, was currently studying journalism at New York University and their sister, Gianna, was completing her secondary studies in Sweden. Stephano, on the other hand, was still trying to grow up and yet succeeded. He majored in everything possible, only to end up leaving the field of study before the year completed.
About a year prior, Stephano's latest passion, Advertising, sizzled. His father had enough of his playing around and decided his career for him. Politics played a major role in his family and having Stephano hopefully fill his father's shoes was the last resort. For the past six months, Stephano assisted his father with work assignments and events. Hoping the political world would peak his son's interest, he sent him to attend the United Nation's Annual ball on his behalf. It would probably help him meet and network with possible connections. But his father's main reason for sending him off was that Stephano would feel obliged to take responsibility, since it was representing his father.
Stephano knew he'd have to behave at the ball, so in order to let out some steam, he decided to have some fun at Oasis. But, the night had gone so bad for the ambassador's son that he was about to leave and call it a night. That is until he saw the red head come in.
She was gorgeous. Thin, but athletic and with curves; just the way he liked them. The other woman was quite striking herself. She was about the same height as her friend with long blond hair, very American, but she kept close to the Indian man they had walked in with. She was definitely off limits.
Stephano looked at Twiddle-dee who was still sitting by the bar watching him and Twiddle-dumb who walked to his partner with an air of superiority that sickened him. They began talking to each other. They too had relaxed, maybe they would keep their distance for a while. Stephano turned and noticed as the threesome took seats at one of the nearby tables.
Perhaps the night wouldn't be a dud after all.
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Standing by one of the stairwells, DR128 noticed the events taking place in front of him. The two guards were close, but far enough that they wouldn't cause an obstacle. Remini stared at the red head with salaciousness, ravishing her with his eyes. A few minutes later, he walked up to the group and began a conversation. Soon, he commenced touching her shoulder gently trying to engage her into conversation. The red head, however, seemed to be playing polite. She smiled, and looked to be playing his game cautiously. The Indian man watched Remini carefully, making sure he kept his distance from the red head and the blond woman next to him.
DR128 noticed that the red head was more visible now from where he stood. She was beautiful but for the life of him, he could not remember where he had seen her. He had never been assigned to the states, could she have visited an assigned country in Europe? Was she even an agent? Why would I think she was an agent? He didn't know and just thinking about her was causing him a headache. He suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around quick enough to notice a short haired brunette who was about to speak when he stopped her, "Get lost." He quickly turned around so she wouldn't catch any of his features.
"You jerk!" she responded before walking away from him.
Looking back at the group, DR128 noticed that Remini was now very comfortable with the group. He was talking and laughing like he had known them forever. Inwardly, DR128 sighed hoping he wouldn't have to wait too long before making his move. For the moment, he took the time to study the redhead.
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"Tell me more about yourself," Stephano asked Jessie after he introduced himself to her and her friends.
"Yes Jessie, tell Stephano about yourself," Claire smiled as Jessie saw her friend look at her with utter annoyance hidden behind her fake smile.
"Jessie?" he asked with his deep accent, "that is your name?"
"Jessica," she corrected him. "My name is Jessica."
"Jessica!" he smiled, "Bellisimo nome."
"Thanks!" she responded. Looking at Hadji, he shrugged as if telling her Say the word and we'll leave. Claire, on the other hand, looked at Jessie as if telling her to give the guy a chance. Looking back at the man in front of her, she asked, "Where are you from?"
"Milano," he nodded, "I'm here on….official business. My father and I are representing our country in the United Nations ball this Saturday." There, that should impress her, he thought. But, Jessie nodded without a hint of surprise or wonder. It almost angered him.
"You're Salvatore Remini's son? Hadji asked.
"You know my father?"
"As a matter of fact, I met him last year," Hadji responded. "My father and I were in Rome gathering research on a project we were working on."
"You're a scientist?" Stephano asked curiously, "Who is your father?"
"Benton Quest," Hadji responded casually, but was surprised when the Italian laughed.
"Benton Quest? The world famous scientist? You're his son?" he mocked. The three didn't withhold their surprised gazes.
"Actually, Hadji is his adopted son," Claire responded defensively. "Hadji is also the second in command at Quest Industries."
So much for tact, he thought. By the tone the blond had offered, he may have royally messed up any chances with Jessie. Immediately, he gave them a regrettable look, "I apologize Hadji. I should have been….so….not very political?"
At this Hadji laughed uneasily, "That is quite alright. Apology accepted."
As the atmosphere around them cooled down, Stephano asked, "How do you all know each other?"
"Claire and I work for Quest Industries as well," Jessie replied a bit more seriously, "Claire's in research and I'm an analyst," she said, "I'm in charge of the QuestWorld program."
It was him who was now impressed and he showed it. This was no ordinary woman. He knew she wouldn't be easy to…entice, but maybe with a little work he could get her to be his date at the ball. Maybe then she'd put out. As he thought those words, the floor began to massively fill with people as they heard Flo Rida's 'Wild One'.
"Oh! I love this song!" Claire suddenly jumped. "Come on Hadj, let's go."
Looking rather nervous, Hadji turned to Claire, "I am not a very good dancer."
"Don't worry, we can all go!" Stephano stood up, hoping to play it cool so that Jessie might relax around him, "No one ever pays attention to anyone else on the dance floor. Do not worry, it will be fun." Turning to Jessie, he offered his hand, "Dance with me Jessica."
Smiling uneasily, Jessie took his hand as Hadji and Claire stood up. Then they joined the rest of the mass of people on the dance floor.
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The dance floor went crazy when the song began blasting. DR128 watched as his target took the red head by the hand leading her to the middle of the floor. The Indian man and the blond woman kept close as well. No doubt protecting her, he thought.
He couldn't control himself, his eyes kept wondering to the red head. She was a sight to see. Some jobs required him to take extra steps to complete the mission, like when it came to Kristen. It's not like he didn't enjoy those types of assignments, but he never really wanted those women. There was never a connection; it was just a cold emotionless act or plain lust. But, looking at the red head he felt something he had never felt before. He wouldn't call it lust or anything of that sort, it was just a strange feeling so foreign he couldn't even name it.
She moved to the music beautifully. Her curves flowed smoothly to the rhythm of the music. Her red hair bounced around her. Wearing an open back champagne blouse, he could see her flawless porcelain skin. Her black tight pants showed her perfectly round derrière. She was literally a beautiful sight.
Remini grew closer to her. The mere gesture brought him back to the present and cursing himself for allowing the woman to distract him. He looked around the room and seconds later, they were out of sight, covered by the amount of people dancing around them. He looked for the bodyguards; still close, but far enough so that they wouldn't have time to get to him. It was the perfect time to act.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Jessie was beginning to enjoy herself. At first, she was weary of the young Italian man, but in the end, he was just a player and other than a few dances, she wouldn't give in to what he would eventually want. Her friends were having equal fun. Claire was all over Hadji, and even though she thought he was counting his steps, he didn't mind Claire on him at all. . Stephano wasn't a bad dancer though he seemed into himself too much. Jessie looked around. Everyone was having a lot of fun. Why shouldn't she? Even if it was for a little while. For once, Jessie allowed herself the luxury of loosening up. The floor was packed, but she was thankful there was still space enough to feel comfortable.
Swaying to the music as she continued looking at the crowd around her, her eyes suddenly fell on a man with blond hair. He walked toward her. His eyes coldly stared ahead as if not seeing her, but somehow she knew he was. The world around Jessie slowed down. They stared at each other and she couldn't believe who she saw. It was him. She had no doubt about it. Her green eyes widened at the acknowledgement. But just as he appeared, he disappeared within the crowd and the world began to move again. What the hell is happening to me? Am I seeing things? Desperately she looked for him; her eyes scanned wildly the surroundings.
"Jessica, dance with me," Stephano called out, unaware of what she had just experienced. He put both hands on the sides of her waist and drew her closer, "Come on, have fun with me."
"I'm…sorry," she answered still looking around, no longer dancing, but moving in a slow left to right motion.
People were getting crazier with the song and Jessie was getting frustrated when she could no longer see him, Is that you Jonny? She thought desperately searching. Then, he appeared again, getting closer to her, Jessie couldn't help it any more, she froze. It can't be him, she thought, I have to be seeing things!
Closer, he moved toward her and Stephano. He was so close that she could touch him, but her body would not cooperate. Her mind was telling her one thing, but her body just didn't want to listen. He lifted his hand to his ear as he passed her and Stephano without so much as a glance to her. Then, just as he appeared without warning, he disappeared again into the mass crowd. When she couldn't see him, Jessie came to. It was as if she had woken up from a catatonic state. Breathing deeply, she suddenly whispered harshly, "Jonny!" About to move, she stopped when she heard screams.
Turning she saw Stephano on the floor, foam coming out of his mouth. He was convulsing. Hadji was already down trying to help, "Someone, call 911!"
Shocked, Jessie looked at Stephano. Stephano…Jonny! What did you do? She thought.
"Jessie!" Claire moved her out of the way as the guards ran to them and dropped to the floor trying to look over the man they were supposed to protect, "What is going on here?"
Jessie didn't know, she honestly, didn't know.
XXXXXXXXXX
As planned, he walked out of one of the exit doors that led to the side alley. The hit went so fast that outside everything seemed normal; everyone around him oblivious to what occured inside. He checked earlier to see if the side alley had any cameras, they did. But, the scrambler made sure to destroy any recording of him inside as well as outside of the facility. He was safe.
He walked to his car casually and got inside just as he heard the faint sirens of probably an ambulance heading to the club. Not that it mattered, but he knew they were too late. By now, Remini was dead. Retrieving his real phone from the glove compartment, he dialed to report out. He heard the line pick up just before he said, "Successful elimination of target."
"Good," Master replied, "Next hit, forty-eight hours from now. Stand by for further instructions."
He hung up, turned on the ignition and drove back to the hotel.
XXXXXXXXXXX
After almost two hours of interrogation at the club, Phil Corvin followed Jessie, Hadji and Claire back to the compound. Once his meeting with Dr. Quest and Race, he and Zach were driving back to headquarters when the call came in. Both rushed to the club. Zach stayed behind with the CSI team and would report his findings to Phil later in the morning, but the I-1 agent pretty much knew what they would find. Borrowing a car from another agent who had appeared to provide help, he followed the kids home. Perhaps, in their safe haven, they would provide a better perspective of what occurred earlier that evening. Their home offered a more comfortable setting.
Back at the estate, he explained to Benton and Race what occurred. They couldn't believe it. Phil was not surprised, he was pissed. Two people related to the UN were dead in a span of almost a week, three if you counted the Russian ambassador. Apparently, whoever was doing this wasn't just going after ambassadors, but also their family members. Worse, the hit happened in front of three hundred witnesses, many standing inches away from the victim when the assassination happened. No one could tell him what occurred. Even Jessie, who danced with the victim had no clue. She stated that one minute she was dancing with him and the next, he was on the floor foaming through his mouth. And of course, there was no video evidence. Recordings were scrambled.
Corvin had given them a description of the young suspect at the airport, but no one at the club had seen anyone who matched that description. Well, those that were at least sober. At least, Hadji, Claire and Jessie stated the same and they hadn't been drinking. But in a club where most individuals were under the age of twenty-eight, who would really be able to tell if in fact the kid was there? They all looked the same.
The group all sat in the living room at almost three o'clock in the morning going over what occurred one last time, "So is this going to be your final statement?" Phil asked the group of three in front of Benton and Race.
"God, I hope so," Claire sighed, "We've gone over this story about a thousand times. It hasn't changed Agent Corvin."
"I know Claire, but we need to be sure," he answered with the equal annoyance that Claire felt. Turning to Jessie who only spoke when questioned, Corvin asked, "Jess, are you sure that there isn't anything else you want to add?" He noticed the girl's pale face and quiet demeanor. Very unusual for her. He was sure she hid something. It had been a while since Jessie, or the rest of them for that matter, been exposed to death or violence, but Jessie was strong. This wouldn't have fazed her.
"No," she shook her head. How was she supposed to tell them, all of them, that she thought she had seen Jonny Quest as clear as she saw all of them in the room? And, how was she supposed to tell them that she thought he was the one who killed Remini right in front of her eyes?
There has to be an explanation, she thought. She just needed time to figure it out. God, how long was it going to take for everyone to leave her alone?
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure Mr. Corvin," she nodded with a sigh as she began composing herself. "I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. I mean, I was dancing, having a good time and then he just…" she didn't finish.
Unsatisfied with the interrogation, Phil knew he wouldn't be able to find anything else for the night. He stood up, making everyone aware that the questioning was over, "Alright, enough for this evening, get some rest. I'm sorry we inconvenienced you."
"That's alright Phil," Race answered, "I'll walk you out."
Before turning, the I1 agent looked once again at the kids, "If you remember anything else, please let me know."
"We will Agent Corvin," Hadji answered as his father walked over to him and touched his shoulder, Benton's signal of support that put Hadji at ease.
Phil looked at Jessie. The girl didn't look at him, a blank expression that told nothing. "Well goodnight. Jessie."
She nodded, "Goodnight."
"Let me know if you remember anything else, even the smallest detail." She nodded again without saying a word. What the hell is she keeping?
Race and Phil left the room. As Race bid Phil goodbye at the door, Benton looked at the kids, still shaken by the evening's events, "Why don't you kids go to bed? You all need to get some rest."
"I agree," Hadji replied as he walked over to Claire. "Come on, I will walk you both to your rooms."
"Thanks Hadji," Jessie smiled uneasily. "I'm actually going to go to the kitchen to make myself a tea. You guys go on."
Nodding, Hadji took Claire's hand, "I will see you tomorrow then."
"Try to get some rest Jessie," Claire told her softly.
"I will, good night," Jessie told them before turning to Dr. Quest, "You should get some rest too."
Looking at her curiously, Dr. Quest gave her a soft smile, "How about I make you that cup of tea?"
The two walked over to the kitchen, "Have a seat Jessie." Benton told her as he opened up the cupboards and retrieved two mugs, "What a night, huh?"
"You have no idea," she shook her head remembering who she had seen.
"You don't mind if we microwave tonight?"
"No, not at all," she said, "It's late, I was thinking the same thing."
He filled the mugs with water and took two tea bags from a canister in one of the cabinets before putting each bag in a mug. He then put the two mugs in the microwave and pressed the buttons to heat, "I'm sorry that you saw your date…"
"He wasn't my date," she quickly answered. "We had just met him and he asked me to dance," Jessie watched as Doctor Quest walked over with sugar and milk, putting it on the table, "Why are you asking me again, I thought I had—"
"You're hiding something," Benton told her as the microwave beeped and he went over to retrieve the mugs, "And I need to know what's really going on. I have no doubt Phil thinks so too."
How could she tell him the truth when she didn't even know what the truth was? "Doctor Quest, what would give you that idea?"
He smiled warmly as he sat down and passed a mug to her, "Jessica Bannon, I've known you since you were six years old. You are like a daughter to me and I know more about you than you give me credit for."
She laughed lightly, "I'm that transparent?"
He didn't answer her. Instead, he began preparing his own tea, "What's going on?"
"It's nothing really," Jessie replied with a shrug as they began preparing her tea, "I'm just…I'm just...not sure of what I saw. And, I'm feeling a little guilty that I let it happen."
"This was not your fault!" he immediately told her. "Jessie, don't blame yourself for something you had no control or had anything to do with."
She smiled uneasily, "Duly noted."
After some silence, he asked, "Did you see something?"
Someone, she wanted to answer, but she just couldn't tell him yet. "Doctor Quest, I'm still trying to understand tonight's events and well…I'll be honest, I was an awful witness."
"I'm sure that Phil can help you…"
"No," she shook her head and sipped her tea. "Listen, I told Agent Corvin everything I saw tonight. I promise. I guess I just need a good night's rest to think things through. If I remember something else, I'll call him tomorrow."
The two were quiet for a while drinking their tea in comfortable silence. "What do you think Jonny would have done if he'd seen what happened?"
Sighing deeply, Benton nodded curtly. It was hard for him to talk about his son at times without getting too emotional or angry at himself for being unable to find him after so many years, "He'd have run after the killer."
At this Jessie laughed, "Or he would have asked Corvin to assist in the investigation." She took a sip of her tea looking at the sadness, yet delight in Benton's eyes as they spoke of his son.
"Or he would have been at the lighthouse on Questworld searching for clues," he responded with another light laugh.
"One thing is for sure," Jessie told him, "He wouldn't have just sat here talking about it. Jonny could never just sit around, could he?"
"No," Benton shook his head, "He couldn't." He drank his tea in silence after that.
Jessie sighed, there is no way Jonny would have killed Remini, at least not willingly. Yet she wondered, why was he at the club in the first place? And, had he really been there? After silence became prevalent in the room, Jessie finally said what they both were thinking, "I miss him."
"Me too," he let out a breath. "Well young lady, you should get to bed. I'd like to speak to the three of you tomorrow about some event I need you to attend."
Looking at him curiously, Jessie asked, "What event?"
"All in due time Jessie," Benton responded. "Don't worry; I'll give you all the details tomorrow. Well, in a few hours. Just get some rest."
Standing up, she extended her hand toward his cup, "I can clean up."
"Don't worry," he said. "I'll do it. You've had enough excitement for one night."
She smiled and hugged him, "Thanks for the tea. Good night Doctor Quest."
"Good night Jessie," he responded taking her cup.
"Is Dad still out there with Mr. Corvin?" she asked noticing that her father had not come in.
"Probably," he responded, "Don't worry. Race and Phil are most likely swapping theories. Go to bed."
"Alright," she nodded. "See you in a few." Jessie finished as she walked out of the room without looking back. After Benton made sure she had gone up the stairs, he turned to the front door. Somehow, the last thing he thought Race and Phil were talking about was the Remini murder.
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"Is there anything else we need to know before we leave for Russia Phil?' Race asked the I-1 agent as they stood by the entrance door of the mansion. The two briefly spoke of the Remini incident before the conversation redirected to what Phil had originally visited the Quest mansion for. "I don't want to walk in unprepared."
"For the last time Race," Phil sighed in frustration, "What you know is everything that Zack and I know. If something new comes up, I'll be the first one to call."
Silent for a moment, Race finally told him, "He's lost his wife. He can't lose any little hope he has left…I don't think Benton can take much more disappointment."
"Then maybe he shouldn't go," Phil responded with firmness. "Race, we don't know if that's even Jonny. For all we know it is someone who just matches the description."
"It's the first lead we've had in years, no way he's going to stay." Race put his hands in his pocket, "God, Phil what about if it is him? What kind of a mess is this kid in and why would he do this to his father?"
"Let's just take it one day at a time," Phil suggested just as Benton stepped out.
"What's going on?" the doctor asked as he took a look at the two men in front of him.
"We were just discussing your trip," Phil answered. "The three of you leave tomorrow afternoon, I suggest you start packing."
"How long do you think we'll be there for?"
"It will take you at least a week to come up with any tangible leads," Phil answered. "Unless you get lucky, but don't get your hopes up." He warned in more ways than one. Benton understood and nodded curtly. "I must also tell you that you shouldn't really advertise the reason you're going. If indeed it is Jonny, I don't think it would be a wise for those holding him to learn you just found him."
"Understood," Race replied. "Don't worry, not even the kids know the real reason why we are going either."
"Good," Phil acknowledged, "I'll keep an eye out on them here as well. I'm not sure what's going on with this UN bull, but I don't like that your kids are somewhat involved in this."
"Me either," Benton answered.
"Well, I better be going. I want to speak to Zach to see if they've found anything else," he sighed. "This has been one nasty day for me. Get some rest gentlemen, I have a feeling things are going to get worse." Phil turned and began walking to his car.
Once Race and Benton watched as the car disappeared down the road, Race turned to Benton, "Did Jessie tell you anything?"
"You noticed it too?"
"The minute she said she didn't know anything else," Race answered. "What did she not want to say?"
Benton shrugged, "She says she doesn't know what she saw. I guess she wants to be clear before she says something that might cause her more than one sit down with Phil."
"Damn it," Race shook his head, "She's only been back one week and she's already involved in this crazy mess."
"It's strange," the doctor replied, "All this happening at the same time…Listen, I can go on my own to Russia…"
"Absolutely not!" Race was adamant. "Jessie can handle this for the time being. If things get worse while we are there, I'll revisit the option to comeback. Are you sure you want to go? I mean…"
"No," the doctor replied firmly. "Race, I need to see this through. I need to find my son. I owe it to him and to Rachel. He needs me."
Race thought for a moment how he wanted to state the following words without being too rash toward his good friend, "Benton, what if Jonny doesn't want to be found?"
The doctor smiled sadly, "Then you don't know my son as much as I thought you did Race. Jonny is in trouble. I believe with all my heart that he'd never do anything to hurt us intentionally."
Nodding, Race replied, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way. Jonny needs our help and we are going to do everything possible to bring him home."
With a smile and a boost, Benton walked back in to the house as Race followed behind. Both headed to the study to discuss last details before heading to their rooms for some needed rest.
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When Jessie got to her room, the last thing she thought of doing was sleep. Well, at least not until she turned on her laptop and pulled up her program. She wanted nothing more than to get to the lighthouse, pull up QuestWorld and insert her program in order to locate Jonny.
She knew it was him the moment she lay her eyes on him, there was no doubt in her mind. It took every ounce of effort not to go into the lighthouse. Her father and Doctor Quest were probably still downstairs discussing what occurred at the club. No way, she'd be able to disable Iris in order to get to the lighthouse. There had been too much commotion in the evening and it just wasn't a good idea to test the waters.
But she could get a head start. She began inputting the details she needed to get the program started once she inserted it to Quest World. That way, she'd save some time once the opportunity arose and she'd find a way to the lighthouse.
A new purpose filled her heart. It was only briefly that she had seen Jonny, but to her, it was the loveliest thing she had ever experienced in the many years he had been missing.
