Chapter 8: Watching Trouble

The quiet laboratory below the Spencer estate was empty except for Wesker. Marcus had left earlier, probably to head over to the Training Facility. William was running around here somewhere, and Wesker hardly cared what he was up to. At the moment Wesker was sitting at his desk, his current work momentarily put off so he could scan through one of John's documents that he had successfully stolen. The soft hum of the computers and incubators was the only soft noise. Within a few minutes, however, the automatic doors to their lab slid open. Wesker didn't even look up from John's papers, hearing William's humming was distinction enough.

There was a loud slap that hit the tiled floor, and Wesker looked over. William had just dropped a large cardboard box full of old documents and journals. The box itself was covered in dust and falling apart, and William's white lab coat was dusty from carrying it.

Wesker took a second to decide whether the box was worth his time, and then he snorted. He went back to reading John's document, where he was getting much more amusement.

"Is that John's?" William asked.

"Why?"

"It is! You are just egging to find something to humiliate him with, aren't you?"

"And what do you have here? You seem quite pleased to have carried it in here," Wesker retorted, tossing John's document to the side. He looked up at his partner through his shades.

"I am! This box has many dumped files of failed experiments!"

"And what good does that do us? Where did you get it exactly?" Wesker asked, getting to his feet. He looked into the box, noticing that some of the paperwork was older than expected. He lightly kicked the cardboard with his boot, and a puff of dust flew up.

"I uh…borrowed it from Spencer's old file room."

"You stole it?" Wesker chuckled. "Then there must be something good in here."

"I'm hoping!" William laughed, and kneeled before the box. Like a little kid, he dove through the box. Wesker sighed and went back to sit down at his desk. He was in the process of getting back to calculating some results, but found William's rummaging quite distracting.

"Most of this stuff is Ashford…ooohhhh," William snickered.

"Will, if they were failed experiments, I'm sure that means they are failed experiments. It's a waste of time."

"You bet! All these files are old school! Now if I could just find one that sounds rather intriguing, I bet I can turn it into a success!"

"You don't pass a chance to show off that you are smarter than everyone else, do you?" Wesker asked, slightly smiling.

"Nope, sure don't!" Before William could laugh, he was suddenly howling. Wesker shot his head over. William wasn't hurt, he was holding up a large photograph of Alexia Ashford. There were some other photos on the floor, all of the Ashford family. These weren't near as old as some of the documents in the box. "I almost lost my lunch!"

"Will, how long is your vendetta against Alexia going to last?"

"Forever, if it has to! Hmm, I have the best idea on what I can do to this picture!"

"Please tell me you aren't going to get a marker and draw-"

"That's completely childish, Albert!" William interrupted. He was looking around the laboratory, still holding the photo. "Do we have a blow torch? Ooh, or some darts or something?"

Wesker felt a rather large headache coming on. He turned back to his work, rubbing his temple and trying to ignore William. He could hear his partner rummaging some more, and he heaved a sigh.

"How many cups of coffee have you had?" he asked.

"Uh, like five. I had two Red Bulls too," William answered, going through the drawers. He went back over to the box, putting the other files and pictures back. At this time, the doors slid open once more. William instantly kicked the box behind a nearby cabinet, sliding Alexia's picture under some documents. He leaned on a counter, relaxing into an innocent posture and faking a yawn.

"Oh, hey Marcus!" William greeted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Hello, you two. Spencer just told me that he put Scott in charge of the Cerberus project. I'm hoping he can enhance the performance of the weapon."

William almost jumped. "Yes! I knew it!" He pointed at Wesker, who had just slid his chair around to face them. "I told you! I was so right!"

Marcus looked rather amused. "Why are you so excited, William? It isn't that interesting of news. Albert, is he okay?"

"He might have a heart attack from caffeine overdose," Wesker growled, standing and walking over to William. He pulled his wallet out and handed his friend a hundred dollar bill.

"You two betted on who Spencer would choose to take over the project?" Marcus questioned, shaking his head.

"Keith would have been a better choice," Wesker answered, looking over at his mentor.

"I do agree on that, Albert. Why do you care, anyways?"

"I don't."

"I was the one who brought on the bet. Hey, I will give you your hundred dollars back if you just admit that I was right, and you were wrong," William sniggered, rubbing the hundred dollar bill in his fingers.

Wesker snorted as he walked over to the opposite counter to check the development of some test cells. "I wasn't wrong. Spencer clearly made a mistake at taking on Scott."

William rolled his eyes. "Geez, you are so arrogant sometimes."

"Alright, you two," sighed Dr. Marcus. "William, could you possibly run some errands for me? I need to get back over to the Training Facility to hold a meeting."

William looked over at Wesker. Wesker was watching him closely, and William knew what his partner was thinking exactly, even with his sunglasses on. William clenched his jaw for a moment, and reluctantly nodded at his mentor.

"Of course. I'm sure Wesker will be fine without me. What do you need done?"

Marcus reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. He walked over to William and handed it to him. "I was supposed to run these things over to Emerson for him. I truly appreciate it, William."

"Yeah, sure."

Again, the sliding doors opened. The three of them looked over to see who it was. Wesker slightly smiled upon seeing Ada. William broke a grin, but Marcus gave her an almost confused, curious look.

"Miss Wong? Did you get turned around? Dr. Howe's lab is further down."

Ada smiled softly. "No. I need to speak with Wesker."

Marcus looked over to his apprentice. Wesker was watching them while mixing vials he needed for Phase 3. William pocketed his cash and Marcus's list. "Spencer made them working buddies," he explained.

"I see," Marcus murmured, looking between them as if he was unsure. He then forced a smile. "Well, I'm off. You all have a good night."

He left the laboratory. Ada now felt more comfortable and came deeper into the lab. Wesker was finishing up, and after he washed his hands, he came over to William and Ada.

"So, is this 'business talk' something I can hear?" William asked.

Ada shook her head. "No, sorry William. I need to steal Wesker from you."

"Fine. It's not like I'm going to be here anyway," William heaved.

"Just give me a minute, and I will be out," Wesker told her.

Ada studied him for a moment, and then nodded. She turned and left the two of them alone. William got out his list so he could gather what he needed to take to Dr. Emerson. He could feel Wesker's hard glare.

"What?"

"He's making you fall more and more behind when he makes you do his bidding."

"I know, I know. It's annoying, okay? But it still doesn't relinquish the fact that he helped us get here to where we are today."

"Do you notice how he never asks me to do anything?"

"Yeah, but that's because you don't listen to anybody. You were the same way with your father, Andric, were you not?"

"You need to consider the possibilities of what will come if we get rid of him."

"If you are so bent on killing him, then why don't you do it?" William growled.

"It won't do me any good to kill him if you do not first see the good it will do for the both of us."

William groaned, rubbing his head. "Alright, alright. Just get going with Ada. I suddenly have this horrible headache."

"It's all that caffeine."

"Yeah, I know. I really need to go take a piss. You have fun," he answered, and was heading out the doors.

Wesker was right behind him. Ada was out in the hallway waiting. William smiled and waved bye at her, and slipped past them to head his own way. Wesker and Ada watched him go until he rounded a corner and was gone.

If they needed to talk in private, they would have to go elsewhere. Out here, scientists were passing by to go their own ways. It didn't help that John was only a few labs down.

"What can I do for you?" Wesker asked.

"I received some interesting info from another agent. We should take this to my room. Are you too busy? Spencer seemed restless. He wanted us to get this sorted out."

Wesker shook his head, removing his shades and hiding them in his lab coat pocket. "William is only running errands. He will be back shortly, and I'm sure he will be fine without me."

"That's great. Follow me."

She didn't even get a chance to step forward before a familiar voice was calling her name. They both looked over to see John walking up. He was looking between Ada and Wesker, his features almost dubious.

"Oh, hey John."

"What's going on? I thought you were coming to see me on my break?"

Wesker kept himself to the side. He let Ada handle it. She gave John a look, and then sighed. "John, did you not get my message? I called your cell. Spencer called Wesker and me onto an assignment. I will probably be gone for the rest of the night."

John looked like he was about ready to argue. He then took a deep breath and slowly nodded. "Alright. I'm sorry I didn't get your message. Be careful, okay?"

"I will be fine, John. Don't worry," Ada replied with a loving smile. She gave Wesker a look, nodding her head for the elevators down the hallway. The two of them started down that hall, and Wesker could still feel John watching them the entire way.

There was silence as they rode the elevator to the surface. As they reached the first floor of the mansion, they took the winding hallways and stairways to Ada's room. There were less people wandering around up here, most were retiring researchers and curious guests.

"I told John that you and I are partners in work when Spencer asks of it. I don't think he was too comfortable with that," Ada sighed just as they started up the staircase not far from her room.

"Does he not trust you?" Wesker asked, slightly smiling.

"It's you he doesn't trust."

"Then he is smarter than what I give him credit for."

Ada gave him a look, her hand resting on her doorknob. Their eyes locked, and for a long moment they stood there staring at each other. Finally, Ada eased a smile and turned the knob. When they entered her room, Ada preceded to go over to her bed, where a profile was laying. Wesker shut the door behind him, and followed her.

"Do you know this man?" Ada asked, handing over the file.

Wesker took it and flipped it open. "Viktor Stanislov? He was a lieutenant under Sergei at one time. About a year ago he was transferred to the U.B.C.S base outside Kingwood."

"Russian?" Ada asked.

Wesker nodded, handing the profile back. "Sergei's elite is pretty much made up of Russians. Stanislov is supposed to be in charge of that base. Why is he important?"

"Spencer received Intel from one of his informants that Stanislov was planning on meeting with a few VIPs of rival companies and sell some research to the highest bidder." Ada waited for Wesker to say something, but he remained quiet. She decided to elaborate more. "So, he wants us to go in and watch him…see if he does or not."

"And if he does?"

Ada studied him for a moment, her expression reserved. "Then we kill him and the rivals."

"I like that you are subtle about it."

Ada smiled, and nodded. "I hear you are a good hit man. I'm looking forward to seeing exactly how good."

Ada turned around and walked for her bathroom. "I will just change real quick. Do you have any other clothes besides your lab wear?"

"I believe not. We will have to stop by my place."

"I was hoping you could fit into some of mine," Ada joked, walking out a minute later in dark clothes perfect for night watch. "You don't have to work tomorrow, do you?"

"No. Is this going to be an all-nighter?" Wesker asked, twitching his lips.

Ada looked at her cell phone for the time. It was a little after seven in the evening. Kingwood was about an hour and a half away. She knew that one Spencer's higher-ups would be at the base until around ten tonight. Stanislov wouldn't risk the chance with the higher-up until he left before he would meet with the VIPs. There was no telling how long they would be following the Russian soldier.

"Well, whenever the cat's away, the mice will play. We have until ten before one of Spencer's higher-ups leaves. That is when Stanislov will move if he going to go for it."

"Then lets get moving," Wesker stated, turning for the door. Ada nodded and followed him out.

Wesker got his keys ready. They left the mansion, getting into his BMW to swing by Wesker's house before their trip to Kingwood. Wesker had a good feeling that this was going to be a good night. This was their first assignment together, and Wesker could only agree that it was going to go swell.

***

The sliding doors opened for William as he struggled to carry the other large cardboard box in. His lower back was complaining. The box had to have weighed around sixty pounds. He could barely see over the top, files and documents poking out in the mess.

"Hey buddy! Could you please give me a hand?"

There came no answer. William growled in annoyance. He quickly made his way over to the other box and let it drop from his arms. The cardboard box slapped hard, dust flying up everywhere. William coughed from it, but looked around the laboratory.

"Where the hell did he go?" he grumbled, putting his hands on his hips. "Wesker?"

There was total silence in the laboratory. The soft hum of computers and equipment were the only noise. William looked all around, even poked his head out into the hallway. "Heeellllooo? Hey Bob, what's up? Have ya seen Wesker?"

"Hey William. Uh, well I saw him leaving with Ada Wong about an hour ago," the plump researcher replied as he was passing by.

"An hour!"

William slipped back into his lab. He pulled his cell phone from his lab coat pocket. He had missed calls from Wesker and Annette. He contemplated on who he should call first. "Hmm, Annette will probably have my hide if I don't call her soon."

He called her first. "Hey baby!"

"William, I'm down in the underground getting a few things. I just wanted to let you know that I'm heading home early tonight. Are you staying late at the estate?"

"Uh…well, I'm having a bit of a problem so I don't know."

"What happened?"

"Wesker up and left me…again."

"Just come home."

"But I have so much to do!"

"Look, if he isn't there working, then you shouldn't either. It's not right for him to leave everything to you!" Annette spat.

"Alright, alright. Give me an hour and then I will leave. I will see ya in a bit!"

"Love you."

"You too, babe!"

William flipped the cell phone shut. He looked around the laboratory, trying to figure out what he was going to do in his limited time. He went back over to the box of files that he had successfully stolen.

He decided to call Wesker to give him a hard time. Wesker's phone rang and rang, until it went to his voicemail. William sighed and hung up. "He better be having a good time to not answer me!"

"William?" It was John Howe.

William almost jumped. He quickly shoved both boxes into hiding. "H-hey, John! Don't scare me like that! It's sorta rude to just waltz on in, isn't it?"

"Yeah, sorry," John said, looking around the lab. "Say, could you help me out? One of my assistants told me they saw Wesker snooping around my filing cabinet, and now my newest document is missing. Did he steal it?"

"What? Wesker?" William snorted. "Of course not!"

"Wait, this is it."

"Geez, I told him not to steal it. He is such a Klepto sometimes! Hey, sorry John! I will get onto Wesker when he gets back!"

John gave him a hard look. "I'm sure you will, William. Thanks."

Dr. Howe left the laboratory without looking back. William glared at his back. He then pulled the newest box out to start going through it. Before he could even pick the first document up, the laboratory doors were sliding open again. William kicked it back into hiding, and made himself busy cleaning some tools.

"Hey, Marcus! Back so soon, huh?"

"Yes, that meeting was shorter than I thought it was going to be," Dr. Marcus laughed. "Thank you for running those things to Dr. Emerson for me."

"You are welcome."

"Where's Albert?"

"Uh…he went with Ada somewhere."

"Somewhere?" Marcus asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Well, I don't know where they went, but it was work."

"Ah-huh, well, if you will please excuse me, Will. I must go speak with Spencer. You have a good night. I'm retiring myself."

"Night!"

After his mentor left, William let out a relieved breath. Apparently, this was not a good night for him. With a defeated sigh, William hung his lab coat, and grabbed his keys. He headed out after locking up the laboratory.

"I'm going home. This freaking sucks."


Yay! Wesker and Ada's first assignment together! I wonder how it will go? Hmm...I guess we will have to wait and see, mwahahahaha! This chapter was fun writing, I don't know why! Probably William, lol. He called Wesker a kleptomaniac...lol. Anyways, I hoped you all enjoyed it just as much! Next chapter coming soon...I hope!!!! Thanx! :D