A/N: Yay! I finally was able to kick this summer off with this chapter! Now, I do want to bring up that this is a piece of fiction. I am not a scientist or a science person in general, but I did do some research to tie in with Dr. Plum's research so it would make some sense. The rest was pure straight up made up stuff to fit in with my story. So if I am wrong or anything, then my apologies. Maybe this is plausible but for the sake of this story… you will see the direction I'm leaning towards. I did include citations at the end so you know I didn't make everything up.

Thank you to those for reading and reviewing! I hope you will enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 10

He hadn't realized he was smiling until he saw his reflection in the glass door to the entrance of his building The Grand Oak. It was a strange sight to behold for both Bog and the doorman who was at a loss for words until he remembered to greet him with a hasty, "Good evening Mr. King." However, that didn't damper Bog's mood as his smile remained in place as he headed to the elevator to his penthouse.

He couldn't stop thinking about Marianne Fairwood. She was the least likely person he expected to run into, let alone go on an evening stroll with. In addition, he never believed he was one that needed rescuing but rescue him she did. Unlike previous unwanted dates, Bog hadn't known until it was too late. Normally he would arrange some sort of situation to get him out. Either a phone call from the office or the lair in the guise of the office would have been in place. Or if he had one of his minions following, he would signal them to cause a disturbance like spilling a drink or plate on him or the girl. A few times there was a robbery to scare her so the date could end faster. There was the rare exception he would stay for the whole date but not often. Then it would become apparent that it was his money and power they were more attracted to.

His mother knew how to pick them.

But Marianne Fairwood… She was different.

She wasn't interested in his money. Then again, why would she when she had her own? However, it was no secret in the beginning of their acquaintance that she didn't like him. His position and status had nothing to do with her disdain, but regrettably his behavior when he had unknowingly insulted her. Since then and after their companies coming together on the alternative energy project, her interaction with him had changed drastically.

Even he had to admit his thoughts were also changing. She wasn't what he expected. She wasn't some rich girl who believed the world should be handed to her on a golden pedestal. Marianne had to work hard to get where she was in her career. Her father hadn't planned on handing the reins to his company to his daughter not unless she proved she was worthy and capable of doing the job. Since she clearly had done so, not everyone was warm to the idea with her being in charge. The fact she still has to prove herself despite having the position secured was something Bog never had to experience.

No… He did. Not with his day job… oh no… but when he took over his father's role as The Goblin. He had been young. So young and nervous and he did his best to disguise his trepidation about filling in the shoes of one of the greatest villains ever. There had been some drug-pins and other dangerous men who didn't think The Goblin's kid had it in him to be the type of leader they needed. Those early days had been stressful and he had to prove to his fellow criminals that he was the one they should follow and pledge their allegiance to.

Bog managed to capture their loyalties but he did have to take out a couple enemies here and there. It was all part of his villainy and to maintain what his father created with his dark kingdom. He respected what Marianne Fairwood was facing, although it was rather unfortunate she couldn't get rid of those who defied her orders.

Not that she should have blood on her hands. Marianne was too good for that. Not like him… He was tainted while she was pure. He was corrupted while she was untouchable.

If she only knew what he was capable of doing, what he has done. There was no way a girl like her would want anything to do with him.

His smile wavered. He knew the truth about who he was would destroy her. Whatever this thing they seemed to have… It couldn't go on. Not when he had so much to plan for in regards to this city and its hero. He would have to keep his distance from Marianne Fairwood. Getting close to her would be his downfall—make no question about it. He was going to have to keep things strictly professional and not lead her into thinking otherwise.

Now… if only he could do something about that ache in his chest!

Luckily, Bog didn't have to think about it for much longer. As soon as he entered his apartment he was swiftly ambushed by his mother.

"How did the date go?" she asked him, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

In that instant, his earlier anger came rising up. Griselda was a sharp pistol when she wanted to be and her deception of making him think he had a meeting with the elusive Bryce Gwain was a whole new level of treachery. Standing in front of her, he clutched his fists as he lowered his voice in a grave inflection.

"How did you think it went Mother?"

She chortled. "My goodness Boggy. I didn't think you would be that sore over one little dinner. Not when you had that other pretty girl with you."

Her words floored him. How did she know…?

Griselda rolled her eyes. "Haven't you noticed by now? I'm usually there for your dates since I know you are never going to be honest with me about these girls unless I see how it goes for myself. It's not easy trying to pull a fast one over you when you're anticipating my next move. I don't want to have to go through another one of your fake robberies to get away from a date. Besides, I couldn't have planned it better myself with that charming Miss Fairwood coming to your rescue."

Bog looked at her bug-eyed. "You…"

"Close your mouth son. You don't want to catch any flies do you?" she teased as he promptly closed his mouth. "Now, Miss Fairwood is a nice catch. Of course, she is rather short than I thought and her hair could use a new style, but she seems like a lovely girl. And… she seems to be taken with you."

"Mother, I—" Bog couldn't seem to form the words. He was still flabbergasted that she has been on every date that she ever set up for him. How could he not have noticed Griselda of all people around?!

"Look, son, don't try to cause that brain of yours to implode. A mother has a right to know if her son is interested in a girl that could potentially be his future wife. You have no idea how happy you made me that you found her on your own! I didn't have to do anything! Now, I hope you call her to set something up for later. Something a little more official than that walk in the park. Don't get me wrong… it's romantic but a girl likes to be wine and dine too."

Shaking his head, Bog clapped his hand over his face. "Mother…" he sighed. "There won't be an official anything. I have things to do and I have my plan for Violet Wings. I can't afford any distractions and you're not helping with your constant infernal meddling!"

He turned away from her lest he should do something he would probably regret. Before he disappeared in his room, Bog gave his mother one departing look. "I'm gonna say this once and only once: do not interfere in my business or else I will forget that you are my mother. This time I mean it."

Griselda didn't even flinch when he slammed his door. She decided she was going to respect his wishes and not interfere. After all, what was the point of setting him up on dates when there is a perfectly lovely woman for her boy already? All she had to do was foster what was clearly there and let the magic unfold.

xxXXxx

Marianne arrived in the apartment within record time. She hated the fact that she left Bog so abruptly, but this was way too important. She had to know what Dawn and Sunny uncovered and the sooner she knew… the better she might be in finding the missing scientist and stopping The Goblin once and for all.

After closing the door, she strode through the apartment to find her sister and friend sitting on the floor in the living room with numerous cartons—mostly empty with a few half-full—ones lying all over. Marianne arched her brow as Dawn gave her an exasperated look.

"Don't give us that look. There was plenty for you too but we didn't know when you would come back. Don't worry. Sunny saved you some General Tso's chicken and there might be some lo Mein left too I think."

"Never mind the food. The mess—" Marianne took a deep breath and decided that all the cartons were not a total big deal compared to what was really at stake. "Forget it. I found out that The Goblin does in fact have Dr. Plum in captivity. What was it that you guys found on her research?"

"To be honest… finding it was difficult," Dawn shared. "I mean really, really difficult. Dr. Plum is the personification of the Pentagon if you know what I mean."

"Okay…" Marianne looked over at Sunny. "Are you guys going to tell me what you did find or is this going to be a longer disclaimer for nothing found?"

"No, no we did find the information," Dawn clarified. "But I want you to know it wasn't easy."

"Not easy. Super difficult. Top government secret tough. Got it." Marianne crossed her arms over.

As Sunny opened his mouth to speak, Dawn interrupted again. "I just wanted to let you know the challenges we faced to get this. So I don't want you to be upset…"

"Upset? I told you two to dig up whatever info you could get your hands on about Dr. Plum's research. Why would I be upset?"

Dawn and Sunny exchanged silent looks before the latter took a deep breath. "I might have… done some illegal hacking."

Marianne's jaw dropped. "WHAT!?"

"I told you she was going to be upset," Dawn muttered. "Should have let me continue my leading Marianne into the truth slowly."

"Rest assured, no one is going to be able to track it to me," Sunny rushed quickly. "I covered my tracks super-duper well. I have this program that I created that allows me to take a look around at whatever I want and it's like these invisible brushes are following behind to wipe away my footprints—"

"You're certain there is no way to track you?" Marianne questioned.

"Um… yes." Sunny was surprised that Marianne was taking this well apart from the initial outburst. He thought for her she was going to go berserk. Their hero was all about doing things the right and legal way.

Yet, neither Dawn nor Sunny elaborated what they found and Marianne pinched the bridge of her nose. "Any time now would be great guys."

"Really? You're not upset?" Dawn asked. "I thought for sure you would lay an egg or something. I told Sunny we shouldn't even mention his hacking, but the last time we kept something from you totally blew up in our faces so keeping it all hush-hush probably wasn't smart—"

"DAWN!"

"Okay, okay! I'll stop. Sunny, take it away."

"Right." He cleared his throat. "And just so you know it was Dr. Plum's computer that I hacked into. Since she won't be able to use it anytime soon… I calculated the risks were low. Even if the police manage to crack the firewalls and decrypt all the codes, we will still be in the clear." Off Marianne's glare, Sunny chuckled sheepishly. "Enough of that. Dr. Plum kept a research diary of all the work she has done over the last couple decades. So it was very lucky for us that once we debugged everything and cleaned it up a bit we are able to see it. However, this latest research she has been conducting wasn't as world-changing as she thought. Here… it's best if you see it for yourself."

Sunny turned his laptop that was on the coffee table to face Marianne so she could scroll through it. The brunette went down on her knees to get a closer look at the computer. It was a written log so Marianne started with the one that was dated about five years ago.

March 3, 20—

Today I ran out of my favorite perfume and so I went to the store to buy a new one. To my shock, I discover they were no longer carrying it! Apparently, "Ba-Ba Blueicious" was discontinued for the ridiculous reason that it wasn't being sold in enough quantities to keep the bottle on the shelf. I don't know why. I buy it in the caseload but clearly it is not enough to the company to keep this brilliant scientist happy. So I was pondering my next move… What do I do next? Do I shop around to find a new brand of perfume or should I hunt through the black market of perfume to find the elusive blue bottle that I covet?

As I decided what to do while berating the salesgirl (okay… that was wrong of me to do; It's not her fault the stupid company decided not to sell my brand. But I would have preferred a head's up about the discontinuation. I AM on the calling list for Pete's sake!) it was that moment that my nose detected something extraordinary. It was a wonderful aroma filled with brown sugar effused with honey and almond. Instantly, I was transported to the time when I was a little girl and I would help my Bubbie in the kitchen as we conducted all these fantastic experiments. There was one time we were using potassium perchlorate to create our own fireworks and we accidentally ended up setting the garage on fire! Oh, the crazy things my Bubbie and I did in the name of science!

But the reason I mention this is because my Bubbie would use that same smell to conceal any putrid scents from our experiment. In that moment, I was reliving those fond childhood memories, and before I could stop myself… I had tears streaming down my face! The fact that an innocent scent could have such a powerful impact was astounding! I knew then I had stumbled upon something MOMENTOUS! This was going to change the world! I knew it!

The salesgirl must have thought I lost it because I started to buy up as many scents I could get my hands on. I needed to test this theory to see if there's some accuracy to it. Yes my old memory with my Bubbie might have been a fluke so additional testing needs to be done. If I can accomplish what I am hypothesizing, then this will change the world of modern medicine forever!

March 5, 20—

I have started my series of testing with various different scents. I first tested myself to see if I could bring out anymore buried memories from my childhood. Now and then I would have the general basic memories but nothing that gripped me emotionally. I know I just started this idea but I need to read more on the olfactory senses and take a look into nature as well. Smell does tie in with pheromones and this might provide some insight. Maybe I can find out why I had cried when I smelled that brown sugar, honey, and almond compound.

The following entries consisted of Dr. Plum's research notes on the subject on pheromones and its relation to the animal kingdom.

The basic function of pheromones is for the female to attract a male in mating season—"female in heat." A honeybee that is injured can give off at least forty chemical compounds from its Koschevnikov gland (near the sting shaft) to indicate its pain to alert its fellow honeybees of danger. This, in turn, will result in a swarm of bees attacking the assailant. A second form of alarm pheromone from a honeybee is to ward off potential enemies.

Other uses: mothers to help infants suckle, social interactions, giving orders, recognition (i.e. dogs differentiating master from stranger), communication, and marking.

Initial discovery of repeating behavior: the silk moth experiment by Dr. Adolf Butenandt. Successfully able to isolate the odor and synthesized molecule with the same results as if an actual female moth is present to attract male moths.

Process: The odor molecules react with the chemosensory receptor that travels through the nose passage and binds to the receptor so it sends a signal to the brain. [Triggering the parietal and temporal lobe and hippocampus?] Every scent creates a receptor that diverts it to what is pleasant and unpleasant. This aids the brain in recognizing what the odor is and categorizing it properly. This does bring into play the short-term and long-term memory functions—[smell is more than likely the key to unlocking memories?]

Further research has shown that humans do not give off actual pheromones like animals. Humans are attracted to certain scents and may indicate/explain why humans are attracted to other humans if they happen to wear a scent that is categorized as pleasurable. There is, however, tests being conducted on whether or not a molecule is present in a new mother helping a newborn feed.

Then Marianne scrolled down to what Dr. Plum phrased was her actual theory and her hypothesis.

Upon looking at all the research that has been gathered from pheromones and various odor molecules linked with animals and insects, I have formulated a theory about the implications on how such olfactory uses might have on a human being.

Since animals and insects are affected by the production of chemical compounds, it only stands to reason that humans (also mammal) are also affected as well. While humans may not send out a chemical compound in regard to emotions, humans are susceptible and influenced by the smells surrounding them. As these smells are linked to various receptors in the brain it only stands to reason that a smell can be linked to memory. If a human can detect and identify what various smells are from good to bad, then a human should be able to unlock a specific memory that is associated to that particular smell.

In other words, associating smell with memory can be used to help patients with dementia and Alzheimer's. If a human is exposed to a specific smell over time, then it is possible that the memory will be able to be pulled out from the brain. With each memory being triggered, there is a chance that a patient will be able to recall on his or her own without an aid. Furthermore, this could be used to help people who are suffering from amnesia, people who could be blocking certain memories to help in police investigations or to help psychiatrists determine what might be the cause for a patient's phobia or dilemma.

Test trials on animal subjects will commence in three weeks' time.

As suspected, Dr. Plum was hoping that the use of pheromones and other chemical compounds could aid in people suffering from memory loss. Brenda the Imp had been right. This could be such a game-changer in the world of modern medicine. To imagine how people might not suffer from dementia or any other brain problem that ties in with memory! Even the faintest of aromas could awaken something in the subconscious that might not otherwise be accessed. It was amazing! It was genius!

Marianne had to hand it to Dr. Plum. This kind of research could have the world literally at her feet. No wonder Brenda wanted to steal the research. Whether or not the motivation was altruistic or a means to become richer, Marianne could see the value in what this research could bring.

As well as the sinister value…

If The Goblin could control the world with pheromones, then he might use the compound to bring about fear to control leaders and get them to do his bidding. Or alarm to trigger a mob-like swarm as a distraction to keep people from interfering with his villainy. And if he decided to sell this to other notorious and evil criminals…

Marianne shuddered at the ramifications of such a plot. There will be no safety in the world. People will be reduced to their primitive natures and not be able to control themselves or to prevent crimes from happening. Countries could trample and fall. The world could fall into an apocalyptic demise.

Dawn and Sunny seemed to have the same idea as Marianne from the serious expressions on their faces.

"This is incredible," Marianne said. "There can be a lot of good done with this and at the same time…"

"A lot of evil," Sunny finished softly. "That's exactly what Dawn and I were saying. It's no wonder The Goblin took Dr. Plum if that happens to be his intentions."

"I never realized he would stoop to this kind of depravity…" Marianne trailed off.

"Keep reading," Dawn told her. "There's actually a light at the end of the tunnel."

"There is? I don't know how if what Dr. Plum is saying is plausible." She went back to reading the diary.

Test #1—Remembering Mother

Subject Bunny #1 aka Bugsy

Successfully isolated molecule from mother rabbit's milk so "mammary pheromone" will elicit reaction from Bugsy to actively seek "mother." This should be recognized as a pheromone "innate" to the rabbit and not any other mammal.

History: Male; 6-yrs-old; suffers neurological symptoms of head tilt, unsteadiness, and urinary problems probably as a result from being infected with E. Cuniculi; does express confusion around feeding time (will eat and then wants to eat more, not realizing he has).

Procedure: First, Bugsy is placed in a secure covered cage. This cuts down on the possibility of odor contamination. Second, I would like to call this the "mommy" pheromone instead. It has a rather nice ring to it and it is essentially coming from a mommy bunny so… The "mommy pheromone" is reduced to a perfume-like substance and was sprayed into the cage through a tube. I gave Bugsy only two spritzes of the pheromone as a starting point.

There is instant sniffing as soon as the "mommy pheromone" is introduced. Bugsy has a very slight but noticeable twitch of his ears. Possibly he is listening for mommy to call him. No other physical reactions. Did not salivate or actively search for the source.

Memory Recollection… Fail.

Test #2—Remembering Mother

Subject Bunny #2 aka Mugsy

Same components as Test #1 with Subject Bunny #1 aka Bugsy.

History: Female; 8-yrs-old; suffers from similar neurological problems as Bugsy but also survivor of breast cancer; given birth to over 50,000 babies (Note—so happy that I'm not a rabbit).

Procedure: First, Mugsy is placed in a different but similar secure covered cage. Mugsy is introduced to the "mommy pheromone" with two spritzes. As a former mother herself, this should feel familiar and possibly might result in her ushering phantom babies to feed.

Like Bugsy, Mugsy does exhibit initial sniffing of the pheromone. Her nose starts to twitch uncontrollably, her eyes are widening. She poops.

Memory Recollection… Fail.

As Marianne scrolled through the rest of the tests conducted on these two bunnies, there was constant failure with each case. The amount of the pheromone was increased and with it brought little if none recognition from both test subjects. Dr. Plum couldn't determine if they were ignoring the smell as they were older and have no need for a "mommy" or if it was because it was not a unique natural mommy scent to the rabbits. However, her research on rabbits suggested that there should have been some kind of physical reaction to the rabbits. If babies could react to the synthetic pheromone, then an adult should too, even if the adult is experiencing memory problems.

Alas, the only physical reactions from Bugsy and Mugsy was a lot of defecating, urinating, and in one case, belching.

Dr. Plum did not rule out these two bunnies yet. There were other odors to try to ignite some memory recollection. But the "Remembering Mother" test was not over. Her mice trials were separated in two ways: one, she performed a similar experiment using older mice with dementia and that, unfortunately, failed like the rabbits; two, she went back to the basics and had a female mouse give birth so she could collect the odor from the mother and store it for future use when the babies grew older.

The second test could not be conducted until the babies reached their maturity, which took six weeks for the girls and eight for the boys. Marianne didn't want to read how Dr. Plum managed to induce dementia in the adult mice (some things were left to the imagination) and skipped to the actual tests themselves.

Like the rabbits, Dr. Plum gave colorful names to her lab mice subjects as well. There was Winnie, Minnie, Timmy, Jimmy, Jennie, Mickey, Tommy, Sammy, and Johnny. Out of the male mice only Johnny exhibited a reaction akin to the "suckling" behavior of a baby. For the girls, Winnie and Minnie also had a positive reaction to the natural odor of their mother. Having a third of the babies respond positively was a good sign. Of course, Dr. Plum was if not thorough in her experiments. Her second batch of mice, sadly, did not yield the same results as the first. Neither did the third nor fourth with the exception of only one mouse from group three who did try to suckle the wall of its cage. This exception was named Dopey but Dr. Plum noted that this particular mouse's personality was quirky and she wondered if this was another example of his quirkiness.

All in all, the "Remembering Mother" test was viewed as a failure. Dr. Plum questioned the positive mice results as a fluke since she had not been able to recreate it. However, it gave her hope that she might have scratched the surface.

The next series of tests were the "First Love" memories. This was a difficult scent to capture as rabbits do not "go into heat" like other mammals. Dr. Plum brought in two younger and very randy bunnies to assist in this experiment. She earned quite a bit battle scars to collect enough bodily fluids so she could break it down into a viable scent for her test subject.

As expected, Bugsy made another cameo in this one.

He was placed in a similar cage where the odor was released. Since this wasn't an exact science, Bugsy did have an interesting response. Instead of becoming excited, he was more frightened and hopped as quickly as he could to a corner to escape the smell. That put an end to the rabbit testing.

Dr. Plum moved onto other mammals where there was a chemical signal indicating the female was "in heat" and to a male interested. Three species were used to conduct this test: mice, hamsters, and dogs.

To get the female mice interested, she had to use the (Methylthio) methanethiol from the male's urine. In the hamster, she isolated the aphrodisin from the female's vaginal fluid. And lastly, the dog she was able to buy a spray that would help get a male's attention.

The results for this test were significantly better than the first; however, Dr. Plum was still facing obstacles. For one, she could not duplicate the results from one subject to the next. If two male dogs were used, then one would react to the smell while the second was indifferent. The same went for the mice and the hamsters. Despite changing the dosage for exposure and the length of time, Dr. Plum's observations were scattered. She had hypothesized a higher score of reaction, especially from the males, since she picked the randiest of mammal species.

Yet, despite the lack of consistency, she did deem this test somewhat successful but not enough to support her theory if it could translate to humans.

Then again, humans were a different beast altogether.

The diary went on with other tests to help with animal dementia, but ultimately, each test ended up failing. Bottling up scents which should tie in with memories was a tall order to make and it was becoming increasingly difficult to determine if she was making a dent at all. Some entries got a little crazy where Dr. Plum wondered if she should stop to invent a method to get animals to talk so she would know without question if her attempts were working.

However, her notes would continue to question how this test would translate with a human test subject. Perhaps using animals was not the answer she was looking for? If she could find people willing to volunteer… she might have better luck with her experiments and her research might go somewhere.

But there was another problem that arisen.

Money.

Despite Dr. Plum's previous contributions in her field, she was lacking the necessary funds to continue this line of research. There was a lot of "what ifs" and a lot of speculation on her part with each test, and while she was contemplating that a human test subject might have positive benefits to direct her studies… She was quickly becoming broke. And no one in their right mind would support her research unless there was actual and definitive proof that pheromones could help those suffering from neurological problems.

She needed a solution and quick.

Marianne could clearly see Dr. Plum was desperate. At one point (she didn't explicitly state it but it was heavily implied) she could get the necessary funds from borrowing the money from a very successful source. This was, naturally, alluding to her Dr. Plum's Plumettes foundation. Luckily, she didn't for it was taking away the means to encourage girls to pursue science as a career. At least Dr. Plum wasn't that desperate to stoop that low.

But she was desperate enough to get the rumor mill buzzing.

Dawn showed her various message boards and blogs that coincided with the dates from Dr. Plum's scientific log. There was a very good reason why all the hullabaloo about Dr. Plum's research was vague and secretive. It was because Dr. Plum made it that way. She wanted people to talk about her work to garner attention, enough attention that maybe someone would be willing to step up to help support the rest of her research. With more money she might be able to expedite the use of human test subjects. Oh, she put on a good face about the whole business too. She would deflect questions and laugh it off as a rumor here and there, but she purposely kept mum about her progress. Dr. Plum was counting on some sucker or the very least someone extremely curious that wanted to see the research grow.

Eventually, Dr. Plum did leak the results that were positive.

There was more buzzing about nothing concrete if anyone was willing to fund the research. Apparently, her ego and pride would not admit she needed it and continued to hope that some wealthy benefactor would step to the plate.

When that didn't happen, her last entry indicated she was going to have to seize the bull by the horns and look for the money herself.

"Do we know what Dr. Plum did next?" Marianne asked her friends.

Sunny nodded as he swung his laptop back towards him. "I found a calendar she had on here with all her appointments and such. There is no question she is a busy lady."

"Yup," Dawn chimed in. "It sucks that her tests didn't pan out the way she wanted them to, but she really wanted this to happen for real. Which I get and all but she had other things she could have focused on, things that were going well for her. But she was stubborn all right."

"Hmm… why does that remind me of someone?" Marianne teased and not so subtlety looking at her sister.

"Har har." Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Here we go!" Sunny exclaimed, bringing up Dr. Plum's calendar. "Looks like she was setting up appointments with a very select group of people who might benefit from her research. Well… that is assuming the research does work and everything."

"Give it!" Marianne took a look and Sunny wasn't kidding. Of course, Dr. Plum was trying to avoid embarrassment and none of the people she was meeting were her colleagues or past business partners. No… This required a different means of delicacy and people who might not normally venture in this line of research.

As Marianne expected, no one seemed interested in helping Dr. Plum. Even with the so-called positive test results, there just wasn't sufficient enough proof that this was viable. If Dr. Plum came to her, as CEO, Marianne couldn't sign off on this idea. There was no certainty, no solid proof that pheromones or scents could trigger memory recall in those suffering from memory loss.

All of this sounded too good to be true and now that Marianne could clearly see it was exactly that… She was starting to feel a little bit better that whatever The Goblin had cooked up might not come to fruition after all. But she couldn't say the same about Dr. Plum's fate. The scientist clearly fudged the facts and showcased what she wanted others to see to continue her work. If The Goblin learned of her deceit… her life could very well be in danger. It was imperative Violet Wings find her. There was no question in her mind.

Then Marianne saw something that had her faltering.

"What is it?" Dawn frowned at her sister's sudden gasp.

"She had a meeting with Dark Forest," Marianne said softly, not believing the words coming to her ears. Bog? She had a meeting with Bog King and he never said…

Not that there ever was a reason for him to share that information, but they had talked about Dr. Plum's disappearance. He never indicated that he knew her or what her kidnapping would mean. He didn't even speculate the reason why!

When Marianne clicked to see the notes for that meeting, a part of her was somewhat relieved to see the meeting had not been with Bog but with someone within his R&D department. That would make sense… Not everything was run pass through the boss unless it was important enough that would require his attention. The same went for Marianne. She didn't meet with everyone that walked through her doors in her company. There were departments and supervisors for that and once it crossed the proper channels… then it would come to her attention. That would take time for any proposal to come to her desk, and the same for Bog. It was possible he never knew that Dr. Plum came to Dark Forest.

Before she could dismiss the entire thing, there was something that caught her eyes. Dr. Plum did go to Dark Forest to seek funding for her research, and it appeared that the head of R&D was interested but the purpose for his interest had Dr. Plum holding back.

Dark Forest wanted to weaponize her research.

Dr. Plum wanted to use her research to help those in pain and suffering, not to hurt people. She immediately said no to the request and concluded the meeting was over. Marianne had to applaud Dr. Plum's ethics on that one. Regardless that Dark Forest's claim to fame was chemical weapons; she wouldn't want this idea to exist as one. If Dr. Plum managed to find a way with her pheromones, then it could spell trouble depending on who gets their hands on it.

Of course the only difference was that Dr. Plum walked out of Dark Forest without incident. Somehow, The Goblin learned about this and it was possible considering the inside job that happened in the Dark Forest.

The gears in Marianne's head were turning as once more Dark Forest and The Goblin were in the same sentence again. Either Bog was having the worse of luck or this means something else. If Dark Forest's security was compromised, then who's to say that Light Fields isn't? But The Goblin wouldn't be interested in her company. They weren't the ones designing weapons or anti-fare.

"You don't think Dark Forest and The Goblin are in cahoots?" Sunny voiced aloud.

Marianne shook herself out of her reverie. "No. I would know if something off-putting was happening there."

"That's right! You and Bog King seem to be an item," Dawn said, her lips splitting wide across her face.

"We are not!" Marianne said defensively.

"Keep trying to convince yourself," her sister muttered.

"Look, we had drinks that one time and so what if he called my cell phone…"

"Wait, are you really dating Bog King?" Sunny interjected.

"No!"

"Denial isn't a river." Dawn smirked.

"You are totally misinterpreting Dawn and you know it. We had drinks and I might have stumbled upon him on a date, which he bailed out and we were walking in the park before I got your text message—" Realizing what she slipped out, Marianne clapped a hand over her mouth as her sister whooped in delight and Sunny stared at her with jaw dropped.

"I knew it! Marianne this is wonderful!" Dawn cried.

"No, no. No it's not. And would you close your mouth Sunny?!"

"Sorry."

"Don't do that. I've been noticing some changes in you and I think you have the hots for him," Dawn pointed out.

"I don't—"

"I get it. You 'don't'," Dawn said as she used air-quotes. "But seriously Marianne. There is no shame admitting you like the man. He has that sexy Scottish accent."

"His accent is sexy?" Sunny asked.

Ignoring him, the sisters were staring each other down.

"You have to stop doing this. Not all guys are bad—"

"You're not getting the big picture. Men are—"

"I know Roland didn't pan out but you have to stop comparing all men are going to be like him—"

"I don't do that!"

"You do too!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"You're too boy crazy that's the problem."

"And I think you're not boy crazy enough."

"That's stupid."

"Well, I think you need to jump back into the waters. It's safe."

"Famous last words."

"He's not a shark!"

"Doesn't have to be."

"You're impossible Marianne!"

"No, practical."

"Like there's a difference?"

Sunny put his fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly to get their attention. That worked as they both turned their glares on him.

"No offense but we should focus on this new information here. So putting Marianne's possible feelings for Bog King aside—" At that, Marianne protested. "—let's focus on the big picture."

"Fine," Dawn admitted. Looking at her older sister, she told her with no hesitation. "This conversation isn't over."

"Whatever Mom," Marianne told her.

TBC…

The research conducted on pheromones and animals came from the following links:

"Babies learn the smell of mum." Sanger Institute. 4 Oct 2012. Web. 29 June 2016.

Brennan, Peter A. "Pheromones and Mammalian Behavior." In: Menini A, editor. The Neurobiology of Olfaction. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2010. Chapter 6. Web. 29 June 2016. . .gov/books/NBK55973/.

Schaal, Benoist, et al. "Chemical and Behavioral Characterization of the Rabbit Mammary Pheromone." . Nature 424 (July 2003): 68-72. Web. 29 June 2016.

"What is E. Cuniculi in Rabbits?" Vets . 2009-16. Web. 29 June 2016.

Wyatt, Tristram. "How Animals Communicate Via Pheromones." American 103.2 (March-April 2015): 114. Web. 27 June 2016.

All generic questions and information was thanks to Google.