AN: All right boys and girls, this is it. One more chapter after this one – perhaps two, depending on how the plot bunnies treat me – and the prequel will come to a close. However, if enough people want it, I have a rewrite of the entire series planned that will further explore the relationships set up here.

Enough prattling. On with the story!

ch 10

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out?"

Sylvia flinched. "Honestly, Director? I don't know what you're talking about."

The office was dark with only a desk lamp providing dim illumination. The Director leaned across the desk and smiled at her. It wasn't a nice smile. "Sylvia, dear – how long have you worked for me? How well do I know you? I know what you're planning, and I can already tell you it won't work."

Sylvia squared her shoulders. "I should have hid her better."

"I knew she existed when you first conceived." the Director replied with no small amount of amusement. "You forget – knowledge is power." He leaned back in his chair. Sylvia stood stiffly, a small scowl twisting her lips. "You are my tool, Sylvia. You do as I say you do. My dear, you have never had half the freedom you pretend to have."

Tears were building up in her eyes. She blinked them away. "How long have you known?"

"Which part?"

"That we were going to escape."

The Director smiled. "You first hatched the plan two years ago, when Karr took an interest in the brat. Now Charlie is trying to push up your plans, and the brat won't leave. She's too dedicated, and you can't take Karr with you. Charlie was right about that account."

Sylvia nodded. "I know."

"So what good are your plans now?"

"Useless." Sylvia rolled her eyes. "Cut the crap, Director. We both know what you're going to do. Say what you need to say and get it done and over with. I'm not some weakling you can make cry before you kill me."

"True." the Director mused. "You have never given me that satisfaction before. You might this time, however." He did not stand, but Sylvia could see the gun in his hand regardless. She took an unconscious step back.

"The brat is mine. The brat has always been mine. You planned your marriage, you planned your child – and I took them both from you. You wanted the brat to be far away from me, and I was never far away at all. Everything that you have tried to make for yourself, I have destroyed.

"And now, I will destroy you."

There was only the muffled sound of a gunshot. Sylvia never cried out, never flinched, never cried.

She simply fell to the ground in a pool of her own blood.

/-/

Connor sat on the hood of the sleek Ferrari, back straight and eyes locked on the Director as he and Dmitri came into the garage. Charlie, who had been instructing one of the mechanics in the construction of a new part for Karr, immediately fell silent. The Director smiled at them all before turning his sole focus to Connor and Karr.

"How long have you been training, girl?"

Connor blinked. "I don't know."

"Long enough. Almost three years – perhaps longer. Who can tell for sure?" The Director stopped about a foot away from Karr. "I think it's time for your first mission. See how well you do."

"What mission?" Karr demanded.

The Director handed Connor a photo with an address written on the bottom. "Do you recognize him?" he asked quietly. Connor nodded, eyes narrowed in distaste. "Good. I was hoping you would. Do what you will with him." With that he turned and walked away, Dmitri following along.

Charlie blinked. "That's it? Nothing in particular he wants you to do?"

"There's no need for instructions." Connor murmured, memorizing the address. "I already know what to do."

"Who is he?" Karr asked quietly.

Connor grinned humorlessly. "The bastard who called himself my dad."

Karr's engine revved. "Would he win?"

She shook her head. "Not anymore."

"Then let's do it."

Charlie watched as Connor slid from the hood and climbed into the driver's seat. With the windows tinted, it would be impossible to tell that it was a child pretending to drive. He watched as Karr backed out of the garage and left into the night.

"Sylvia is dead."

Charlie didn't even flinch at the Director's cold tone. "I figured as much." he murmured. "Come here to gloat?"

"No – I came with a warning." The Director never came closer, but Charlie shivered anyway. "Sylvia dared to defy me. Don't make the same mistake – I would hate to lose you as well."

Charlie swallowed hard.

"Yes sir."