Revenge Revisited

by MothToANewFlame

What if Daniel had found out Emily's true identity at the end of Season 1? With this knowledge could they have a chance again? What if he became her ally? A rewrite of Seasons 2-4 featuring a slight change to the Season 1 finale, the return of some favorite characters, and a chance for the heroes and villains to 'do-over' … New beginnings and slightly different endings…

10. Chapter 10: Power

Chapter 10: Power

Power. Born out of nature, coveted by man. Wars rage on, and victors are crowned... but true power can never be lost or won. True power comes from within.

Daniel remained deep in meditative thought, reviewing notes for the morning board meeting in the backseat of his premier car service on the way into the office. The car pulled up to a red light in the city, not a few blocks away, and it gave him just the still moment he needed to digest it all. It was really happening – he was the Chief Executive Officer of a multi-billion dollar company and in addition to the expected responsibilities that came with the job, the added layer of determination to root out its evils was already giving him anxiety. He had just taken his attention off of the portfolio on his lap to gaze out of the tinted window beside him when suddenly the rear door across from him, that he previously assumed was locked, swung open. He watched in surprise as Emily's slender form stepped in, dressed for the cover of a magazine, and scooted over beside him. In one motion she quickly shut the open door and leaned forward to whisper ahead to the driver. "Take a lap around the block."

The driver immediately complied with a nod and Emily leaned back in the seat to finally address Daniel with a breezy greeting and a smile. "Good morning."

Despite keeping composed during the entire surprise entrance, Daniel could not prevent a smirk from crossing his lips. He watched the road ahead through the partition as the car turned the corner.

"I'd say 'good' is an understatement if I didn't know you better," he quipped back, wondering since when did Emily have the means to override his car service. He couldn't resist another friendly once-over when she crossed her legs beside him, but knew there was a reason behind her visit. "To what do I owe this… visit?"

"To whom, actually," Emily answered back without a beat, crossing her hands over the clutch on her lap. "Your mother reached out to me this morning."

Daniel chuckled, rolling his eyes. "I can only imagine what for."

Emily inhaled a breath. "What she asked is barely worth mentioning," she replied, keeping her thoughts on the matter to herself. "But it's the why and the when that concerns me. By the desperation in her request its clear she knows that the Initiative is closing in. The CEO announcement yesterday all but sealed the deal."

Daniel was unfazed. "I think we both expected that to happen next." He peered closely at his unexpected companion. "Isn't that what we want?"

"It is," she conceded, growing more serious. "But how you handle the next few minutes will be extremely crucial to keeping yourself protected and earning their trust." She glanced down at her clutch and then opened it to produce a black and white photo. "This was taken by surveillance from a hotel I own about a block away from your office."

Daniel looked intently at the picture of a woman on a cell phone, standing street side. "Helen Crowley?"

"She's one of them," Emily explained, introducing Daniel to the concept for the first time. "She'll be waiting for you to arrive in moments and when you do; my guess is she's going to make her first in a series of requests." She took a deep breath to emphasize her next statement. "Daniel, whatever she asks you to do – you need to say yes."

He glanced up from the photo, puzzled. "I thought you were against compromising my stance to the Initiative?"

"I am," Emily confirmed, recalling their previous discussion. She shifted uneasily. "But with everything that's happened in the past 24 hours I couldn't have you risking your life just to prove a point."

Again his brow furrowed, feeling lost and behind the ball. "What do you mean, risking my life?"

Emily sighed as the car slowed to a halt on the other side of the block, and the driver waited for further instruction. "Your mother feared telling you the truth would put a target on your head… but if the Initiative senses any resistance from you, or that you've been made aware of their presence, they have orders to take you out – something even I may not be able to stop before it happens."

Daniel finally exhaled a breath he didn't realize he had been holding, and pondered on Emily's words while she allowed him time to digest. She watched him respectfully for a moment, and then continued.

"Obviously your mother isn't aware that you know the background on them, but I am – and I needed to warn you first." She continued to watch him cautiously, her eyes flicking back and forth between his. "Daniel, I've trained for this, I can prepare you for what you need to do. As long as you give off the illusion of complacence you can keep them in your control—"

"So my mother put you up to this?" he questioned, interrupting her train of thought.

She shook her head. "Not exactly. She wanted me to dissuade you from the position – I decided to use the information to help you instead."

Daniel glanced down again at the photo of Helen, formulating just how he wanted to handle said information. He finally turned to face Emily directly. "Helen Crowley - she's the key to the Initiative?"

Emily nodded, uncertain if his confirmation was a sign he would follow her suggestion or not. It likely seemed crazy for her to show up unannounced, demanding that he follow her lead, but after what he had done for Ashley's sake, she couldn't risk him turning down a request and putting himself in danger just to prove that he couldn't be swayed. If anything, now was the time to keep a poker face and hide his intent, and hopefully allow her to handle the rest.

Daniel handed the photo back, looking around swiftly out of the window. "Alright then," he agreed. "I'll work with her for now – I'll let you know what comes from our first encounter when it happens." Emily nodded appreciatively, returning the picture to her purse. Daniel watched her, still nursing a thought in the back of his mind. "But what about my mother?"

"I'll deal with Victoria," she responded, leaning forward to tap the driver and then turning back over her shoulder to watch him. "You just be careful."

And with that she was gone, shutting the door behind her and stepping up onto the curb to disappear from Daniel's sight within seconds. He shook his head, admiring her spontaneity and determination and was still in a bit of a trance when he reached ahead to tap the partition, spurring the driver to take off again, heading towards the office. This time he kept a careful eye out of the window and then rolled it down when he noted, just as Emily had predicted, Helen Crowley waiting on the corner for him about a few feet away from Grayson Global.

"Morning, early riser," Helen extended her greeting, leering over him as he glanced out of the open window.

Daniel smiled broadly, carefully concealing his hand. "Being C.E.O. of a global investment firm isn't exactly a 9-to-5 commitment."

Helen grinned back, noting the ambitious tone in his voice. "Then I promise, I'll only take a moment of your time."

Daniel nodded, swiftly moving to exit the vehicle so he could walk and talk with Helen. Before he could emerge, he turned to thank the driver. "Hey, thanks for the—" he began, and for the first time noticed a significant difference in his regular employed. As he watched in his second bout of surprise for that morning the driver glanced over his shoulder, and despite being inconspicuously dressed in uniform, Daniel clearly recognized him – as Nolan Ross.

"Have a good day, boss," Nolan jibed with one of his signature looks and then saved another for Helen's direction. "Hope your meeting goes well." He couldn't help sneaking another grin as he turned back to face the road and pulled off, leaving Daniel behind to finally put together the entire charade of Emily's surprise appearance.

Conscious of Helen still waiting a few paces behind him, Daniel could only shake it off while he joined her on his way up the building steps.

"Ms. Crowley – you have my undivided attention."

SCENE

Victoria did her best to contain her annoyance as she walked through the hallway of Grayson Manor, while hearing a cell phone persistently ring from the living room. Following the noise, she stopped short when she spied Conrad sitting only a few feet away from the ringing device, clearly ignoring it as he spread open the morning newspaper.

"Are you going to answer that?" she accosted him briskly.

Conrad paused, lowering the paper only long enough to let the last ring finish, and when it finally stopped he smirked and put the paper back up to cover his face, satisfied not to pay the phone any mind.

Rather than let his ignorance get to her, Victoria swiftly snatched the paper from his hands, forcing him to look her way. "As much as I'm certain you're enjoying this temporary holiday, need I remind you that Daniel is having his coffee in your former office right now?"

Conrad rolled his eyes, already expecting the browbeating. "Yes, an office he's vastly unprepared for. Why do you think the phone keeps ringing? The investors are probably in a panic."

"They're not the only ones," Victoria insisted, tossing the paper back in his direction to take a seat in her favorite chair. "The longer Daniel remains in power, the more likely the Initiative is to use him the way they used us all those years ago. And don't think for a second I've forgotten what he divulged about your ongoing relationship with Lydia Davis –"

"Ah, so that's the source of your increased contention this morning?" Conrad deciphered, zoning in on the topic to make sense of Victoria's prickliness.

"Take your pick," she shot back, not having forgotten his transgression with Ashley either. "Though your sins take a back seat to my concerns over Daniel's safety," she added. Victoria then glanced over his casual form, dressed down in cargo shorts and a polo shirt, with his feet crossed on the table. "Only rather than lounge around aimlessly, I've decided to actually do something about it."

He did his best to deflect again. "Pray tell, what that is my dear? Short of telling Daniel the truth and sealing his doom, we've done everything we could to get through to him."

Victoria scoffed at his blanket assumption. "Not everything." She leaned back to begin sharing her latest work. "I've made two very important phone calls this morning. The first was to Patricia Barnes - she and her husband are going to be spending the weekend with us." She glanced over to the large clock on the mantelpiece. "They're due within the hour."

"Patricia and Judge Barnes?" Conrad sat straight up in surprise, setting down his paper to lean forward. "The man's weeks away from a Supreme Court confirmation – you'd think our home would be the last place he'd want to be seen."

"Oh, but not Patricia," Victoria asserted. "I just bought us the head table at her annual Liberty Project benefit. Her organization is dedicated to helping the falsely convicted appeal their unjust verdicts. And as a man wrongly accused of a crime yourself, this benefit is the perfect venue for you to begin rehabilitating your image."

Conrad could not help but to laugh. "Well, if they sold stock in irony, I would be richer than the sultan of Brunei."

Victoria sneered. "When Daniel inevitably falters as the head of Grayson Global, your renewed image will ensure the board's welcome to have you back with open arms." Again she glanced down at his attire. "That is, if you can get yourself into something half-decent by noon tea."

Conrad ignored her affront and nodded, slowly seeing the benefits to Victoria's plan and even began to start his own wheels turning. "Well then, the only question that remains - how do we convince Daniel to abdicate?"

The doorbell sounded, just as Victoria spread a wide smile across her face in response to Conrad's question. "That leads me to my second phone call," she answered, standing up to follow Marta halfway to the entrance of the room. She turned back to face him. "We don't convince Daniel – she does."

Conrad watched as seconds later, Victoria's guest arrived, notably familiar and in timely fashion – Emily Thorne.

SCENE

"What a lovely view of my beach house."

Emily tested the waters between her and Victoria as she stood alone for a moment, looking out over the balcony while Victoria brought set down the tea tray behind her.

"I hardly noticed," Victoria lied sweetly, thinly disguising her intent while Emily turned to sit down. She moved on from the subject without hesitation. "I hope I didn't disturb you with my call this morning."

Emily shrugged off her observation in favor of playing nice for the moment. "No, not all," she assured her, taking her glass in hand. "I rather appreciated getting your call early." She smirked to herself, knowing it afforded her the opportunity to catch up to Daniel before he made it into work that morning.

"Yes, well when it's a matter of life and death-" Victoria continued, stopping herself short. Emily caught the reference and Victoria decided to get straight to the point. "Emily, I may have been rather blunt in my request but you must understand my reasoning."

Emily nodded, offering what she already knew thus far. "You mentioned Daniel's gotten himself in over his head. Obviously I want to do anything I can to help." She arched an eyebrow in concern. "I'm just not exactly wherein the threat lies on his life?"

Victoria raised her chin with a knowing gaze, staring away for a moment. "Running a company like Grayson Global requires a ruthless temperament, and that's not a quality that comes naturally to Daniel." She sipped at her glass. "There are people that would take advantage of that, and use it to his detriment."

"What kind of people?" Emily tried her.

Victoria tightened a grin. "The kind that operate in secrecy," was all she would divulge. "Emily, ever since your engagement ended, I've witnessed some disturbing changes in Daniel's behavior."

Emily's interest was piqued, despite sensing it was a technique to distract her. "Oh?"

"He's become secretive and distant," Victoria went on, and again Emily soon felt a sense of pride over the confirmation of Daniel's stance against her arch nemesis. Victoria zoned out for a moment, concentrating on a thought in the distance. "Almost as if…"

Emily waited, half expecting an accusation to follow, but Victoria found her way back to reality, disregarding it. "Unfortunately, my son has walled himself off from me completely, but I believe that you still have the power to reach him."

"And what makes you think that?"

"Because, in spite of my interference and your transgression last winter, I'm of the opinion that my son is very much in love with you," she replied with a meaningful look. "And assuming that you ever loved him, too, I'm asking you to step in and help stem the tide before it's too late."

Emily had thought it for some time, that Daniel's devotion to aiding her in her mission and insistence on being involved was a result of continued feelings for her. And despite how clear the evidence was, she had done her best not to focus on it, especially with the complication of Aiden's presence in recent weeks. But her heart always reminded her at the most random of times: the night of Gordon Murphy's murder when he slept across her lap in the downstairs couch, dancing in his arms at his parents' wedding, and even in his eyes at the gun club when he first realized that she might be falling for someone else. The truth always seemed to shine through with Daniel, likely the reason why he appeared so vulnerable to people like his mother. His transparency was one of his strongest traits but could easily be played as a serious weakness. Emily tightened up, recognizing that if she were going to continue to work with him, she needed to help him conquer that weakness and teach him how to bury his feelings. And yet, how could she ask him to do so when she was the very object of his affection?

Victoria watched Emily in thought carefully, curious if she had struck a nerve or rather, incited guilt. "Unless of course," she tested her. "Your feelings for him were less than genuine all along?"

Emily snapped back to attention. "Of course not," she answered, and before she could even think about it the words were pouring out of her mouth. "I loved him very much."

Victoria remained pleased. "Then remind him of the man that he aspired to be when he was with you. Persuade him to drop his interest in Grayson Global, and I will stand behind you every step of the way, come what may." Victoria studied Emily's look of acceptance with satisfaction, and then turned when she heard Marta beckon from the doorway. "Ah," she perked up. "My guests are here. Emily, if you don't mind I'll need to see you out so I may attend to them? I trust you don't need any further discussion."

"Of course," Emily obliged and stood up to follow her down, all the while replaying their conversation in her mind, wondering how she would be able to balance Victoria's request against her mission with Daniel that ran quite the opposite. But when they reached the foyer and Emily caught sight of who had arrived, her attention was soon redirected.

"Robert, Patricia," Victoria eagerly greeted them with kisses, next to a redressed Conrad, who was now presentable. "It's so lovely to see you both."

"Hello, Victoria," they both greeted her back, and Emily watched them closely as she made her way down the stairs.

Victoria turned to let her through. "I'd like to introduce a very dear family friend and neighbor," she announced emphatically. "Emily Thorne."

Emily leaned forward to shake their hands and exchange greetings. "Very nice to meet you," she held her gaze over Judge Barnes, a hint of intrigue filling her face. "Judge Barnes, this must be a thrilling time for you?"

"Indeed," he replied, noting her awareness of his upcoming confirmation for Supreme Court.

Patricia leaned in to accompany him. "Pleasure, Ms. Thorne," she added and then turned to address Victoria. "Victoria, we are so grateful to you for offering to host us while we're in town.
It's a much-welcomed respite from the hearings."

Conrad began to edge past the welcoming party, making his excuses as he did. "I apologize, I've been called to an important luncheon that I need to attend but I leave you in Victoria's well-equipped hands until my return." Judge Barnes and Patricia nodded graciously while Victoria sent him a much more suspicious look.

"Luncheon, Conrad?" she questioned.

"Yes, dear," he nodded her way. "It seems our son would appreciate a transitional discussion," he explained, glancing over at the Barnes. "Some might call it a 'rite of passage'."

"Just don't give too much away at once, Conrad," Judge Barnes echoed back, brooding.

Conrad chuckled. "Believe me, I won't," he added, while Victoria gave her look of approval as he left.

Emily saw it as an opportunity to leave as well; having already gained the information she needed. "I'll leave you two to get settled," she exited with a smile, tapping Victoria lightly as she went. "Victoria, thank you for the lemonade."

"Ms. Thorne, I hope to see you again?" Judge Barnes kindly addressed her, and she turned with a sinister look in her eye that only those closest to her would understand.

"Oh, you will," she smiled sweetly, insinuating.

Victoria stopped her before she was through the front door. "Oh, Emily, you are coming to dinner tonight, aren't you?" She waited in expectation of an affirmative reply.

Emily did not disappoint, seeing it as the perfect venue for her next takedown. She turned around, with a pleasantly innocent grin, including the others in her response. "Who can say "no" to Victoria?"

SCENE

"Don't you think my mother should pay for Jack and Amanda's wedding, considering Amanda never even called a lawyer after cartwheeling off the second-floor balcony? They'd be stupid not to offer," Charlotte brainstormed, swinging her legs back and forth atop the bar of the Stowaway while Declan paced nearby, not hearing a word. It wasn't the first time her boyfriend had been in a daze in the past few days, changing noticeably in demeanor ever since the christening of baby Carl. She wondered if he felt a bit neglected with all the hoopla going on for Jack and Amanda, and being familiar with the feeling, had devoted the bulk of her time and energy to spending it with him for the summer, hoping to be a comfort. But at the moment, he seemed fairly unaware of her intention.

She leaned forward, anxious for him at least give some semblance of a response. "Earth to Declan! Come in, Declan."

He finally snapped back, after concentrating for a few minutes on something in the distance. "I'm sorry Char, but listen, I need you to do something for me."

Charlotte quickly grew serious, slipping off the countertop. "Sure, anything."

He leaned in to whisper. "You remember that guy you found outside nearly beaten to death?"

"It's not exactly something I can forget, despite trying to," she replied in obvious tone. It had taken her some time to put the image out of her mind, despite Declan's attempts to calm her shortly thereafter.

"Well he was one of my dad's closest friends, and I think Nate and Kenny had something to do with it," he explained, still in a low whisper. "They're dad and mine used to be rivals. Jack thinks they've been plotting against us this whole time to get revenge for what happened to him years ago."

"That's terrible! What happened?" Charlotte couldn't help but ask.

Declan kept his eyes on the window outside, certain he was short on time. "I don't have time to explain but right now I need you to buy me some time, I have a hunch on something these guys are planning—" he quickly dodged away, gesturing for her to stay put. "Stall as long as you can, ok?"

Charlotte turned back to find her place where Declan instructed her to go and after minutes passed, both Kenny and Nate returned inside, leading her to strike up conversation right away to keep them occupied.

"So get this," she attempted, making a big spectacle of her story. "My mom's latest charity case? Ex-convicts. Wrongfully accused, of course, but still – they all seem so damaged. Prison seems like hell." She paused as both Nate and Kenny stopped what they were doing to look over at her, before exchanging meaningful glances with each other. "What?" she asked in a simple tone. "Did I say something wrong?"

Nate began to start in, but Kenny stopped him with a hand. "Don't, little brother. She doesn't want to hear about that." Instead Kenny glanced around the bar, looking for Declan. "Where'd your boyfriend go to get more bourbon, Kentucky?"

Nate caught on, wondering the same. "Yeah, you know what? I'll go check on him."

He turned to head for the back room but Charlotte quickly stepped into his path, stopping him with a tug at his arm that he noticed with surprise. "Wait!" she insisted, playing coy. "What? You don't want me to hear?"

Nate looked over at Kenny who finally digressed, and decided he might as well divulge. "Okay.
Well, back when I was young and dumb, I used to live with a bunch of guys who were, uh, what? Purveyors of recreational curiosities, shall we say?"

Meanwhile, Declan could faintly hear their conversation exchange as he rustled through the bags in the back that Nate had stashed back there that morning, hoping he would quickly be able to make something of them. As he did, he noticed a suspicious looking satchel sitting on the inside of a stash of coffee beans and pulled at it – only to inadvertently spill the contents of the bag all over the floor. Frantic, he dove towards the mess, hurriedly trying to put everything back in the bag as he heard the voices begin to dwindle down out by the bar.

"… So the D.E.A. busts in and raids the place," Nate was finishing. "And guess who's the only sucker at home?"

"You," Charlotte guessed innocently, feigning sympathy. "Oh, my God. So you went to jail for something you had nothing to do with?"

"Five years," Nate answered back with a resigned look. He leaned in closer to Charlotte, unnerving her slightly. "And I'll tell you something else. It isn't like hell. It is hell."

He began to step away and Charlotte sensed she still couldn't let him go just yet. "Seriously, I never would've guessed!" she added, hoping a compliment would keep him around.

"Yeah, well, I guess I clean up nice," Nate brushed it off, becoming increasingly suspicious of her sudden flattery. He glanced towards the back room. "Obviously, your boyfriend did get lost. I'll be right back."

Again he turned to leave and Charlotte reached out to him, this time actually grazing his stomach with her hand, which only made Nate more suspicious. "Wait!" she insisted, offering herself instead. "I'll go get him."

Nate chuckled, looking up at Kenny to see if he noticed the young girl's tendency to be a little too affectionate with her please. He tucked a devious thought about testing her spunk later on into the back of his mind, and rested a hand on her shoulder to push her back. "No," he declared forcefully, and this time Charlotte shrunk back. "I'll tell you what, you stay here, and I'll go get him. Okay?"

As Charlotte shrugged away nervously, Nate started for the back room, pushing open the door just as Declan tucked away the last of the stray beans into the large satchel and lifted a pack of bottles beside it, coming up with the armful as Nate walked in. "What the hell is taking you so long?" he asked.

"Nothing," Declan replied innocently, doing his best not to show any signs of concern on his face. "It's just really hard to find stuff with all your junk in the way," he added, deflecting. He glanced over, wondering if he could get a pulse from Nate by asking. "What is it anyway?"

"Wholesale coffee beans," Nate answered gruffly, ushering him out with an arm. "It's a side business, and it's none of yours."

Declan nodded and moved out of his way, leaving Nate alone in the storage room to look around, ensuring that nothing was out of place. Once he was satisfied that the space had went untouched he finally left the room, never once noticing the stray coffee bean that lay in the corner of the floor from where Declan spilled open the bag.

SCENE

Emily arrived at her beach house to a feeling of déjà vu, seeing Nolan at the kitchen counter still donning his driver uniform from that morning while he perused her laptop, monitoring Grayson Manor.

"I take it traffic was light coming back from the city?" Emily teased him playfully, setting down her heels as she padded over to him barefoot.

"Delightfully so," he joked back, sliding his driver's hat down the counter where she picked it up with a chuckle. "And," he continued, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "I can now add limo driver to my list of Hampton's occupations – along with FBI agent, personal butler and let's see, oh yeah – subsidiary of Grayson Global." He turned to her for the obligatory eye roll. "What's next, a beat cop? A few more costumes and I could start my own strip club."

"Thanks for your help this morning," Emily sighed, giving him the gratitude she knew he was looking for. Despite his sarcastic little quips, it was nice having his presence back now that Aiden was gone, and Nolan made a much easier companion to work with, at least for the moment. "You'll be back to your day job soon – Daniel just gave me the scoop on Helen. She wants him to dig into Grayson Global."

"And by 'him' she means me,"Nolan shrugged, still keeping eyes on the computer screen. "Well at least I'm back to my usual playground," he digressed, facing her. "Seems like you are too – who's the new guest star on the Grayson Chronicles?"

"Judge Robert Barnes," Emily sighed, catching his reference to the surveillance. She came around the counter to retrieve her Infinity Box from her blue dresser. "He was the overseeing judge on my father's trial—"

"Which, translated means the red sharpie is back," Nolan inserted, feeling a little giddy at the prospect. He looked on when Emily returned, reading from a folded up letter.

"'Dear Mr. Clarke,'" Emily read. "'As Dr. King once said, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and I'm afraid you've suffered a grave injustice. My position during your trial afforded me an inside access to the system, a system I truly believed in until I witnessed a man charged with upholding the law act outside of it. Judge Barnes has failed you, as have I.'"

Nolan peered closely. "It isn't signed?"

"Yeah, but I'm almost certain that James Palmer wrote it."

"And James Palmer is—?" Nolan continued.

"The courtroom clerk," Emily answered, still with the letter in hand. "My father's theory was that Palmer alerted Judge Barnes to the one member of the jury who still believed my father was innocent. And then Barnes passed that juror's name—"

"To the Graysons," Nolan finished, understanding.

"Exactly." Emily reached over to the laptop and clicked a few keys on the keyboard to pull up saved footage she had kept from her research and allowed it to play. Judge Barnes' face appeared on screen, making a statement at the front of the courthouse, surrounded by press.

"I've expressed the court's heartfelt condolences to juror number seven and his family, and have recused him from service. An alternate juror has been added to the panel. The trial will proceed without delay. Thank you."

Emily froze the frame and leveled a finger at the screen. "That's Palmer, right next to Barnes," she pointed out, holding up the letter. "He was killed in a subway accident three days after this was postmarked."

"They got to him," Nolan realized, disgusted at the corruption.

"But if I can position myself in front of Barnes and raise the specter of James, maybe I can trip him up?" She shook her head, still brainstorming. "I don't know."

Nolan did his best to be optimistic for her behalf. "Well, sure seems like you've got your opportunity? Victoria looked only too happy to have you for dinner later on," he remarked, recalling Emily's exit.

Emily rolled her eyes, packing up the Infinity Box to put it back. "She still thinks she can get me to dissuade Daniel from being CEO. But instead it gives me just the presence I need to bring up Palmer."

"Hate to say it, but – for once the dragon lady is right."

She glared back at him. "That's not the plan, Nolan. You know that."

"Mm, you're missing the point," Nolan clarified. "It's not what you can get Prince Danny to do, it's the fact that she knows, just like everyone else does, that you can." He looked at her meaningfully, finally addressing the elephant in the room. "He still has feelings for you, Ems."

"I know that," she said in a rushed tone, locking away the box and turning to head into the other room. Nolan persisted, following right behind her.

"And," he pushed, leading. "How do you feel about it?"

"That's not important," she continued to deflect, but her friend was too sharp and sped up to come around in front of her, barring her from the rear porch door she was heading for.

"Sooner or later, you're going to have to come to grips with your feelings," he insisted, knowing he was probably crossing the line but feeling entitled. She tried not to look at him but he stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Unless, you're still figuring things out with the London fog?"

Emily sighed, still trying to look away. "I haven't heard from Aiden since Daniel released him from the board, my guess is he went back to Takeda."

"Better off right? You never did tell him the truth about your feelings for Danny, or that he knows you're Amanda Clarke for that matter—"

"No, and I don't intend to," Emily shot back, stepping in to impress her point on Nolan. He edged back as she entered his personal space. "And neither are you, it's safer this way."

"Safer for him?" Nolan questioned, unable to resist pushing one last button before Emily steamed him. "Or for you?"

But she kept her calm, acknowledging that it wasn't the first time she had thought about it. "Look, what Aiden and I had it was complicated," she admitted. "I care about him. But he doesn't listen – he always finds a way to make things harder." Nolan listened, appreciating in the least her willingness to open up about it. "In the end, Aiden can take care of himself. He's a survivor, like me." She contemplated. "We wanted each other but… we didn't need each other."

Nolan nodded, following her reasoning as he expected her to say the converse in answer to his next question. "And Daniel?" he asked, as if to question whether he did, in fact, need her.

Emily stared off. "Daniel wants to do the right thing, but he isn't prepared for any of this. Once we make contact with the Initiative things may take a turn – he's going to need help."

"So, then," Nolan assessed, trying to make sense of Emily's dilemma. "Despite how obvious it is how he feels – you're his mentor, now?" he posed his question slowly, implying there was more to it.

Emily paused for a beat. "I can help Daniel focus on Helen. I know how to play her. And he can help me get to Barnes – and protect Nolcorp." She stared him in the eye, trying to regain direction. "The mission hasn't changed, Nolan. I can't think about anything else until I finish what I came here to do."

Nolan shrugged, realizing his interrogation had ended and slipped ever so slightly out of her way. "Alright, have it your way, boss." He stepped aside, allowing her to continue towards the back door where she was headed. He turned around for one last proverbial comment.

"Just remember, Ems – with great power… comes great responsibility."

SCENE

"Let's make this quick, shall we?"

Conrad greeted his companion for lunch, glancing around the corner of café where they were seated to ensure there were no familiar faces in the company. "I have another appointment within the hour, and I'd rather not arouse suspicion by being late."

His companion looked up, and to anyone that assumed Conrad was telling the truth when he left home, they would be shocked to see it was not Daniel, but Lydia Davis that sat across from him.

"Considering that you no longer hold any position of import with Grayson Global, I can see why you'd be expected on time," Lydia answered back coolly. "It's not like you have anything else on your plate?"

Conrad snorted at her insinuation. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves – while my succession was regrettable, I still hold a seat on the board." Lydia tilted her head in indignation, but Conrad continued on, leaning forward. "But, in light of my first offspring's ease of betrayal, I must say it comforts me to know I have yet another on the way."

Lydia softened at the mention, keeping her eyes locked onto his. "Does it?"

Conrad took hold of her hands into his to assure her. "And, while Daniel remains their key target, it seems both you and our child may be safe from the clutches of the people I've been working to protect you from – the very reason I even agreed to seeing you in person today."

Lydia instinctively shirked away, pulling her hand back as she realized her recent alliance with Helen Crowley may have accomplished the opposite. "Well, now the danger is gone, right?"

"For the time," Conrad sighed, truly uncertain. "These kinds of things always unfold in ways we cannot anticipate in advance. But it is my hope that Daniel's attempt at running a company far above his level of being equipped will dissuade any outside interest, and they will move on."

Lydia nodded, a bit relieved. "Good. With the Initiative moved on, you'll finally be able to focus on your new family."

Something in Conrad's countenance changed noticeably and suddenly Lydia was aware of her overshare. "How do you know about… the Initiative?" he questioned, having never mentioned the specific name of the conglomerate to her before.

Lydia decided it was worth putting her cards on the table. "You're not the only one with connections, Conrad. When you used them as your reason for casting me aside once again – this time I did my research."

Conrad replied in a vehement whisper. "Lydia, do you have any idea how powerful these people are – what were you thinking seeking them out?"

She leaned forward, unafraid. "I needed to know I could trust your excuse. You haven't exactly been honest with me!"

"I see," he nodded back in irritation. "Well now that you have solid evidence of their existence, can I presume you're willing to actually cooperate when I tell you that you need to be discreet?"

"Actually, you're going to cooperate with me instead," she asserted, to a raised eyebrow from Conrad. "Up until now I've kept quiet – concealed my identity from the Initiative and kept your secret safe," she lamented, grazing the slight bump in her abdominal area. "But now I have a few demands of my own."

"Naturally," Conrad jibbed dryly, folding his hands in anticipation. "I take it your apartment on the east end and the steady flow of transfer to your account isn't enough?"

Lydia attempted to be honest, pleading to his sigh of exasperation. "I thought it would be – but it isn't. Conrad, it's not just about the money, I'm tired of hiding in shadows, meeting you in places like these," she glanced around at their surroundings.

Conrad, for his sake, had had enough and was willing to offer no more. He removed his napkin from his lap, tossing it on the table. "I'm afraid your expectations greatly exceed the current reality, my dear—" he started to get up but hesitated with Lydia's next comment.

"Either you reconsider," she leered. "Or I make sure that video Victoria received is only the first in a series of messages – that not only incriminate the transgressions in your bed but those you conducted right on Grayson Global property."

Conrad stopped short in his tracks, his attention immediately stoked. "That was you?" he asked in shock, realizing Lydia was referring to the mysterious footage of he and Ashley that surfaced only days prior.

She smiled in return. "I told you I had connections. Though that particular recording pales in comparison to what other evidence exists revealing the true nature of the Americon Initiative – and your affiliation with it."

Conrad could barely contain his overwhelming sense of defeat at her threats, and finally sunk back down into his seat to catch his breath, much to Lydia's satisfaction. At last, her exchanged information with Helen Crowley was going to pay off, and in a big way. It was the only card left she had to play, but she was desperate – and it had worked.

"So," she continued, straightening up in triumph. "Now do you have more time?"

SCENE

Daniel checked his watch for the third time in the past fifteen minutes and finally gave up on waiting for his father, certain that he had blown him off. Instead of trying him on the phone he decided his time was better spent on his next order of business – following Helen's admonition to dig into Grayson Global.

"Nolan?" he spoke into his cell phone as the number he dialed connected.

"At your service," Nolan answered from his office, reporting in to his makeshift mission control at Emily's suggestion. "How can I be of assistance?"

Daniel took a moment to chuckle. "I see you're taking that role literally," he remarked, thinking back to that morning. "That was a clever trick you two pulled off."

Nolan grinned to himself. "Eh, not the first, and certainly… not the last."

Daniel took it in stride, wondering how often they planned to use him as the guinea pig. He moved past it, getting an eerie feeling at the thought. "Right – well let's see how clever you are at your field of expertise. I'm sure Emily already told you this, but I'm working with Helen Crowley now. Her first request is for me to dig up Grayson Global's company secrets."

"Ooh, watch your language," Nolan scolded him in jest, flinching slightly when Daniel said 'Helen Crowley'. "Mentioning the enemy's name for probing ears to hear? That's just asking for trouble."

"This is a safe line," Daniel insisted.

"Mm, I was more or less referring to your location at the Rider House – a.k.a. Grand Central for Hamptons' richest, including some of your key investors," Nolan clarified, tapping away on his keyboard.

Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing around. "How did you know where I was?"

"Don't worry," Nolan assured him. "That one was light detective work – your new secretary is all too happy to share your whereabouts. Keep an eye on that one."

Daniel licked his bottom lip, catching on. Since Ashley's departure he worried that any replacement would be susceptible to infiltration, but until Nolan had mentioned it he hadn't given it a second thought. Associating with the Thorne/Ross pairing was certainly making him keener on his surroundings, if nothing else.

"I'll do that," he replied, slightly exasperated. "In the meantime, can you just look into what I asked?"

"Yes, sir," Nolan complied, ending the call so he could focus.

After hanging up, Daniel left to go back to the office, somewhat unnerved. Nolan's tendency to talk down to him was getting under his skin, and while he still felt in control of the situation, he was beginning to see how easy it was for Emily to shift that dynamic.

Yet despite his focus on affirming his control, Nolan's notions on prying eyes and inquisitive ears were proved right. Unbeknownst to Daniel, while he exited the Rider House, an onlooker remained behind who had overhead the entire conversation and was just a step ahead towards his own pursuit of the Initiative – Aiden Mathis.

SCENE

Nolan did his best to concentrate while his software searching program ran in the background on his monitor, but it was easy to get distracted when it came to a request of this elementary level. He had no real qualm with it, with the exception of the boredom it mandated, forcing him to stay past normal business hours just to keep the program running. To fill the time, he reached out to Padma, who had been noticeably distant ever since her discharge as CEO, despite Nolan's attempts to offer her another position. He perked up when the notification on his phone chimed, signaling her text reply.But not a second later than he could look down to read it, he felt the strong grip of an arm around his neck, followed by a menacing whisper in his ear.

"If you value the person on the other side of that conversation, you'll keep very quiet when I release you, and don't even think of running off," the voice insisted, and Nolan's eyes widened in shock while he nodded emphatically. The grip released from his neck, allowing him to exhale in relief and Aiden emerged from behind him.

"Aiden?" Nolan gasped. "Seriously, was that necessary? I've already been traumatized enough by surprise attacks at home, let alone the workplace—" he cut himself short to cough a bit, clearing his throat and shaking his head in contempt at his forceful approach. Once calmed he observed, "I thought you were gone?"

Aiden came around to lean on Nolan's desk, glancing over at his computer. "Emily may no longer have any use for me but I haven't given up on the Initiative. When my discharge from Grayson Global banned me from the premises, I had to come up with another way in."

Nolan followed his explanation nervously, noticing for the first time that Aiden was dressed like a janitorial worker. Still, much was left unexplained. "Wait – banned from premises?" Nolan emphasized. "I thought Daniel just excused you from the board; Takeda is still an investor?"

Aiden looked down a bit sheepishly, while not dropping his steely façade. "Takeda's not aware I've extended my mission. And I need to keep it that way." His expression intensified. "With your help."

"Hah, so sorry," Nolan lamented sarcastically, shaking his head with conviction. "You're not getting me in trouble with the boss—"

"Daniel's position is short-lived, I assure you," Aiden interjected, his negative thoughts about the young Grayson CEO already churning.

"Uh, not that boss," Nolan clarified. "Emily already has her own plan of action, which in no way or form involves me helpingyou." He begged off, but Aiden only got closer. Nolan reached for his phone, sensing he might need to actually call Emily for back up but he was a second too late for Aiden, who snatched it up off of his desk before he could grab it.

"Does it involve continuing to keep in contact with the enemy?" he taunted, holding it up. "Because I'm almost certain that's a clear violation."

Nolan stood in reach for it but Aiden swatted him away, waiting for an explanation. "Padma is not the enemy," he insisted, growing impatient. "She has nothing to do with this—"

"Oh I beg to differ," Aiden countered, glancing at the open message. "As a matter of fact I have concrete evidence linking her to the Initiative for quite some time now. Information that I would share with you as a friendly courtesy – that is if you'd be willing to do something for me in return?"

"Mm, blackmail?" Nolan surmised with an eye roll. "Are you trying to reach some kind of quota for clichés in one day?"

Aiden relaxed slightly, deciding to rely on good faith rather than intimidation. "Listen, my intention was not to threaten you—"

"Coulda fooled me—" Nolan mumbled, but allowed him to finish.

"The truth is my family was affected by that bombing too, and this may be my only chance at finding out what happened to my sister. So while I understand your obligation to Emily, I am asking you to do this for me, Nolan." He paused to clearly emphasize his sincerity. "As a personal favor."

Nolan continued to eye him carefully, strolling over to where Aiden stood. "And if I don't?" he verified, glancing down at the gloves on his hands. "Do I become another casualty of your war on the Graysons?"

"No," Aiden insisted, realizing he should have gone about his requests more diplomatically to begin with. He looked down at the phone, realizing Padma was perhaps the best reference he could use as common ground. "But clearly you know what it's like to have someone you care about not always understand your reasons for what you do. Well that's what it's like for me." He took a breath, feeling a sense of guilt towards the estranged family that he had left behind, and the secrets of which even Emily did not fully know. "Turn me down and they never will," he finished.

Again Nolan pondered, allowing Aiden at last one more chance to plead sincerely, as he handed his phone back over. "Please," he insisted. "Help me this once and I will never ask for your assistance again."

Nolan took a deep breath as he considered carefully what he did next.

SCENE

"Evening Emily, you look terrific as always."

Emily did her best to put on a gracious smile as Daniel welcomed her into Grayson Manor, conscious of the nearby ears of the family. She attempted to take his compliments in stride, not wanting to give off any overly noticeable signs of familiarity.

"Thank you Daniel," she obliged him as she stepped into the foyer, eyeing his formal dinner attire. "As do you. It's lovely of your parents to have me this evening."

With a disbelieving smirk, he leaned in, for a moment making her think he was about to plant a kiss on her cheek. But instead, he moved over a few inches to her ear to whisper. "No need to play sweet for my sake. My parents have already gone in with the rest of the dinner party."

When he pulled away, Emily stiffened a bit; realizing Daniel was in effect telling her to cut the act. She relaxed, despite sensing an air of irritation. "Of course," she replied, easing back into natural interaction. "I take it your mother informed you of my coming?"

"Waiting for me when I returned to my office, in fact," Daniel answered in a dry tone, narrowing his eyes at her. "But I'm sure you already knew that," he added, while Emily cocked an eyebrow. He kept on going. "Just like you knew where I would be this morning, where I went to lunch this afternoon, and likely what time I'm going to bed tonight—"

Emily stepped in, closing the space between them while she spoke in a low voice. "Daniel, is there something wrong?"

He stared back, and Emily sensed he was restraining frustration. "It's just that lately," he confessed. "I've been feeling a bit 'handled'. I know you mean well and I understand we're working together, but it's a little unsettling to have someone ahead of my every move, that's all."

She relaxed back onto her heels, nodding her head down in acceptance. He had a point - perhaps she had been somewhat overbearing in all her planning. But something told her there was more to it. "Is that all that's bothering you?" she asked.

He sighed. "That and… Aiden." Emily began to huff in exasperation but Daniel continued, clarifying his meaning. "No, it's not what you think. He hasn't shown up to work in a few days – since I cut him from the board in fact. Granted, he may be sore about the decision but he's still a representative for Takeda Industries," he paused, watching her facial expression for an answer. "I was wondering if you knew anything about that?"

Emily resisted the urge to look down again, sensing how closely Daniel was circling the truth. It was only a matter of time before he discovered the connection. But instead, she stayed true to her decision to keep it in confidence. "If you must know, I haven't heard from Aiden since I ended things." She stared intently at him, and it was the truth. "I'm not seeing him – or anyone."

He was still uneasy. "Not for my mother's lack of trying though, right?" he guessed, sensing that a push at reconciliation was rather coincidental. Emily's silence answered him so he moved on. "Well, then," he continued, looking her over. "What's on the agenda for tonight? You show up in yet another traffic stopping dress. But Judge Barnes is here so let me guess, still business?"

"Daniel—" Emily began to protest but this time he surprised her with what he already knew.

"I know, he presided over your father's trial," he finished with a grin, while Emily's face tremored in surprise. Though his irritation still loomed under the surface, something about her reaction relaxed him, as if a silent victory. "Yeah I did my homework after you left last year. It's fine, Em. I just…" he trailed off. "I just wanted to know what to expect. And now I do."

A glint of light in Emily's eyes signaled the guilt she felt knowing Daniel had genuine feelings for her. She thought momentarily about aborting the entire evening, but it was all she could do to stand firmly in place, watching Daniel to ensure he was up to continuing.

"Are you sure?" she asked, a loaded question that encompassed both her regret for involving him so deeply and her determination to avenge her father's persecutors. Daniel sensed it.

"I'm sure," he insisted, extending an arm to escort her. "Shall we?"

SCENE

"I actually audited a torts class when I was considering law school as an undergrad back in 2002," Emily offered conversationally over dinner, as she, three of four Graysons and the two Barnes all assembled around the grand table.

"Really?" Daniel interposed with a well-crafted look of surprise her way. "I didn't know that."

Emily sensed the sarcasm in his tone and hoped her decision to stay would not turn out to be for the worst in his current state. While she wasn't overly fearful of his candor, she did worry that his behavior could arouse suspicion. But thankfully, Conrad offered a distraction.

"Daniel, it seems that your tendency to overlook critical detail is not just exclusive to business," Conrad jabbed his way, inciting Daniel to witty comeback.

"The occasional oversight is far less damaging than willful ignorance," he shot back with a pompous look, and Emily sipped her water to keep calm.

"Oh, enough, you two," Victoria broke it up, glancing over at the Barnes. "We have guests."

"A little competition between men is healthy, Victoria," Judge Barnes supported the banter with a hearty grin. "After all, it's the foundation of our great nation, huh?" While he laughed, Emily seized the opportunity.

"That's what my professor said," she replied softly, averting back to the subject. "In fact, Judge Barnes, I believe you knew him. James Palmer?"

The table fell silent, including Daniel, who could only look over at the judge for his response to Emily's bold question.

"Yes." Judge Barnes answered cautiously, turning his attention more fully to Emily. "Yes, of course I knew James. He was a clerk in my court for a time." He began fiddling with his napkin, and Emily picked up on the detail as a sign of uneasiness. "His accident that winter shook up the entire campus."

Patricia piped in next. "He was a good man. His passion for justice was unparalleled."

Emily genuinely raised an eyebrow, not expecting the support. "Patricia, you knew him, too?"

She glanced back up at her and then around the table, a bit self-conscious at her comment. "Only in legacy," she quickly diverted, hoping the topic would pass.

"Which, if I'm not mistaken, includes the infamous David Clarke trial?" Emily continued to push, and both Conrad and Victoria lifted their heads from their plates at the mention. Daniel turned rigid beside her, not realizing just how boldly she planned to breach the subject.

"Emily owns David's house," he found himself speaking up on her behalf, turning slightly to meet eyes with her and then glance back at the judge and his wife. "Naturally, she's developed something of a historical interest in the story." Judge Barnes and Patricia both nodded in understanding, making the connection, while Emily looked over appreciatively to Daniel at the smoothness of his assist.

"Conspiracy theorists show up on my doorstep all the time," she added, sensing an air of relatability might allow for a more favorable response.

Yet, Victoria could always be counted on for divulgence. "To say nothing of David's own daughter Amanda," she added coyly. "She and Emily have become quite friendly lately." Emily grimaced, hoping that Victoria's bold admission would not deflate her momentum.

"Well, no disrespect to your friend, Ms. Thorne," Judge Barnes replied. "But when it comes to that contemptible father of hers, believe me, justice was well served."

Daniel felt the sting of his response in Emily's heart beside him as if it was his own. He watched her sympathetically, but she barely flinched, only stared straight ahead at Judge Barnes. "Sounds like your certainty gives you great comfort?" she suggested.

"I haven't lost a night of sleep over the man, if that's what you're asking," Judge Barnes retorted.

"No, that would be my job," Patricia added, stirring up a nervous laugh from all at the table. With the distraction, Daniel reached over under the table to graze Emily's knee, and squeezed gently in comfort. But his gesture could not stop the fire that had been sparked.

"But, Patricia," Emily continued with passion. "Surely the Liberty Project has been approached countless times about an appeal?"

"No. Actually, it hasn't. None of my husband's verdicts have ever been second-guessed by the organization," she added nervously, resting a hand on the table while her emotions hinted through. "His opinions are above reproach," she finished, and despite her conviction, it was clear she was saying just the opposite.

As Emily watched intently, Judge Barnes reached over to squeeze Patricia's hand, and Emily was certain her wince in pain the moment thereafter was an indicator of more lurking beneath. Daniel too observed the subtle exchange and once again gently tapped Emily beneath the table, as if to warn her not to push further. This time, she listened.

"Hence the Supreme Court nomination," Conrad tacked on, breaking up the slight solemn tone with a raised glass. "Hear, hear," he added, drawing the rest of the company to toast in agreement. Emily raised her glass, but then paused once she noticed Patricia toss her napkin onto the table and rise up.

"Victoria, thank you for the lovely dinner," Patricia announced. "But there's much work to be done before tomorrow's benefit. I'm coming down with a bit of a headache."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Victoria responded. "Should I have something sent to you?"

Patricia nodded, quickly turning to leave. "Thank you."

"I think I'll join you, darling," Judge Barnes declared, not a second behind her, and again Patricia flinched as he rose from the table beside where she stood. She waited submissively for him while he bid farewell to the rest. "Good night, all. Pleasure, Daniel," he added, glancing Daniel's way and then finally to Emily. "Ms. Thorne."

Emily nodded, her eyes smoldering as she watched him walk away.

SCENE

"So what were you able to find out?"

Aiden's entrance to Nolan's personal office at Nolcorp the following afternoon differed greatly from his visit to Grayson Global the night before. Not only was he in business attire but he was much calmed since their discussion, as was Nolan, who rather liked the Takeda alum when he wasn't threatening his life.

"Very little," Nolan replied from his desk as Aiden walked over. "That is, until I stumbled across this gem."

Aiden leaned behind him to watch Nolan's monitor. "What's this?"

"Conrad has his surveillance system backed up and archived," Nolan explained, accessing the footage for Aiden to see and zoning on the find of interest. "This one's from the investor's lunch."

As he cued up the screen, Aiden watched as Helen Crowley stepped into out of sight into a corner of the mansion and spoke privately into her phone. "I enhanced the image and I figured out the number she was calling," Nolan added, clicking over to a closer-up image and then sliding him a slip of paper with the number written out.

"Is it still working?" Aiden asked, stepping back to examine it while he pulled out his phone.

"Sort of," Nolan replied, letting the image play. They watched as Helen mouthed a word into the receiver on screen. "It's voice-activated access. Problem is, I can't read lips. I've tried everything from "integrity" to "Interpol"—"

"Ingredi," Aiden interrupted him, deciphering the image with a keen eye. "She's saying "Ingredi". It's Latin for –"

"Entry," Nolan finished, finally making sense of it. Despite being slightly crazed, he had to admit that Aiden was sharp.

"Very good," Aiden echoed back, dialing the number into his phone and then waiting for the prompt. After the first ring a beep sounded and he cleared his throat. "Ingredi," he spoke clearly, while Nolan looked on.

Almost immediately after, the prompt transferred to a live line and much to his surprise, Helen's voice answered Aiden back. "Mr. Mathis, I presume?"

Aiden's face turned rigid as he answered. "Yes."

"I've been expecting your call," Helen purred back. "I think it's time we meet."

His resolve intensified, Aiden straightened up, ready for the next phase in his own mission to finally take place.

"I couldn't agree more."

SCENE

"You're treading on dangerous waters," Daniel's voice signaled his entry into Emily's beach house as he slipped past the sheers through the open back door. His dress shoes clattered on the wood floor while he walked over in his black tie best, showing up early to escort her to the benefit. After the interest-garnishing display the night before, he could only wonder what she had in store for the upcoming event.

Emily barely moved from where she stood in her backless gown at the kitchen counter, despite being aware of Daniel's presence. She continued clicking through images on her computer screen, responding only once he got close. "You didn't seem so worried last night when you chimed in about my father's house?"

Daniel stopped short, spying an unhooked loop at the top of her garment. He reached over to fasten it for her while he replied, drawing Emily to stiffen slightly at his touch. "Just trying to save you from getting exposed," he replied, a bit symbolically after the helpful gesture. Once he closed the hook he stepped around so he could face her. "Unless that's what you want?"

Emily glanced back with a wry look that said the opposite. "The only person getting exposed tonight is Robert Barnes." She turned the laptop so he could see, and Daniel's face contorted in shock at the graphic images – x-rays of bruises, contusions, and even broken bones.

"What is all of this?" he asked, leaning forward onto the counter.

"Photos of Patricia Barnes' injuries," Emily explained, watching his expression change to one of intrigue. "I'm guessing you noticed that gesture of silence he gave her during the evening?"

"Right before I tapped you?" Daniel recalled, placing the moment.

"Mm, well his grasp appears to be less than affectionate," Emily continued, reading off some of the reports. "Broken collar bone, fractured wrist…"

"You think he's abusing her?" Daniel shook his head in disgust while his eyes fell to the letter sitting on the counter and he began reading the first few lines. "Dear Mr. Clarke –" he paused to look up at Emily at the mention of her father's name and tried to make the connection to Patricia. "Did she write this?"

"I'm beginning to wonder," Emily answered openly. She continued to type, switching over to the other set of records showing on Patricia's file. "It says here, she had a criminal record."

Daniel chuckled to himself, feeling a sense of common ground after his past two summers and Emily's presence beside him. "Yeah, join the club."

Emily acknowledged it with a glance. "Only her judgment was expunged, just like mine," she added, again turning the screen so he could see. "Likely a favor Judge Barnes won't soon let her forget." Additional images of Patricia flicked onto the screen from years ago, showing her in a sea of crowd, clearly an activist.

Daniel exchanged a look of surprise with her. "Not exactly the conservative stately wife we saw last night," he commented.

"No," Emily agreed, then stopped short to double back on a photo that she passed. "Wait, I don't believe this," she exclaimed, zooming in and pointing to a man in the picture. "That's James Palmer next to her!"

Daniel zoned in, following her lead. "That was the court clerk you mentioned – the one that died?" Emily nodded as his expression deepened in recollection. "That's when Judge Barnes seemed to tense up last night."

"No wonder," Emily resolved, putting it together. "He and Patricia were friends. Which means if she did write the letter, whoever killed Palmer believed he wrote it, not her." They both straightened up in simultaneity. "That would scare anyone into silence."

Daniel agreed with a serious look. "Especially if the threat lives under the same roof," he added, recognizing the implication of Judge Barnes' cruelty with a renewed respect for the gravity of Emily's mission. "We should get going," he stated, as if to give her his own vote of confidence in proceeding with her plan.

While he turned and walked towards the back door, waiting for her to join, Emily closed her laptop and grabbed her small purse on the counter, exhaling in anticipation at the take down ahead.

SCENE

"You're in the deep end now, Mr. Mathis – I hope you know how to swim."

Helen's raspy voice barely made it out of her throat before Aiden's strong hands were around it, gripping her from behind similar to how he accosted Nolan the night before, although much more forcefully in this instance. He had waited patiently in hiding for Helen to arrive in the parking garage where they had arranged, desperate more than ever to make her pay for the havoc her organization had wrecked on his family. Nolan had pleaded for him to be careful, but the moment he saw Helen emerge from her car it was a promise he knew he couldn't keep.

Despite his sudden attack she didn't fight him, only remained very still in his grasp, so much so that it scared him, though he didn't let it show. "So it's true," he breathed into her ear instead. "You're with the Initiative. You destroyed my family."

"Nothing personal," Helen assured him calmly, and Aiden only tightened his grip.

"You realize I'm three moves away from snapping your neck?!" he bellowed, but she only smiled back.

"Well, if you do that, how will you ever reunite with your sister?"

That got his attention. Reluctantly, he released her, setting her free to whirl around while he drew the weapon he had concealed, pointing it in her direction. "Colleen's dead," he informed her.

"Actually, no," Helen insisted in a monotone, readjusting her suit back into place. "When you murdered her kidnapper back in 2006, we realized keeping her alive might someday prove useful." She eyed him over, unfazed by the barrel levied at the center of her head. "Seems someday is upon us."

Aiden could only shake his head in response, never expecting for a moment that his sister could in fact be alive. His arm shook with intensity, and sweat beads began to form on his face, but as Helen inched a step closer he raised his gun again, warning her.

"So tell me, where have you been these last six years?" she pried anyway, to no response in return. "Hmm? Ah, strong and silent. Good for you. Bad for Colleen." She took another step and this time Aiden replied angrily.

"Where is she, bitch?!" He cocked the gun menacingly. "One more step and it's all over."

But despite his threats, Helen knew better that he needed her alive if he were to ensure his sister's interests were safe and she played it to her advantage. Behind her, her car service appeared from around the corner and she half-turned, leave for a commandeering remark. "Next time we meet, you bring your manners, and I'll bring an offer."

With that, she left Aiden stunned into submission as she got into the back seat, rolling down the window for one final threat that outweighed any weapon he could raise to her face. "You mention this meeting to anyone, and you'll never see your sister alive again." She smiled to end the conversation, leaving Aiden to ponder in silence while her car sped away.

"Good-bye, Mr. Mathis."

SCENE

"Well, seeing how you've already mastered the links, Grayson, how do you plan to spend the rest of your retirement?" Judge Barnes prodded Conrad, to laughs in return. They were joined by Daniel and Victoria at the benefit table, while the noise of jazz music and light conversation filled in the background, and guests filtered through to take their seats.

"Retirement is a long way off, Robert," Conrad assured him in response with a careful eye towards Daniel. "This is but a respite from my stewardship of the company."

"Well, it's just one man's opinion, but I think a man of your acumen, wealth, and guile belongs in politics," Judge Barnes flattered him, to strong objection from Victoria.

"Oh, don't go putting ideas in his head, Robert," she pleaded. "It's the last thing this family needs." More laughter followed, with the exception of Daniel, whose silence quickly drew Victoria's interest. She watched him, seeing he was noticeably scanning the room and leaned over to whisper in his direction. "Try not to wear your disinterest so prominently on your sleeve, dear."

Daniel snorted in response, caring little about his father's delusions of grandeur. "Just waiting for my date to return, that's all," he answered back, secretly hoping Emily hadn't ran into any trouble during her attempt to corner Patricia in the ladies room. While Victoria was pleased at the apparent spark between Emily and her son that fit her current intentions, the empty seat only reminded her of Patricia's absence.

"Speaking of," Victoria went on, turning her attention back to Conrad and the judge. "Can we assume Patricia is making the introduction this evening? I take it she's preparing to take the stage."

"Oh, I'm afraid my wife's migraine has not subsided," Judge Barnes replied firmly. "She'd prefer to stay out of the spotlight if she can. Conrad will have the honor of introducing himself tonight," he added, turning back to him.

"Happily," Conrad replied with a toothy grin, taking a final sip of his glass before standing. "Which means, I ought to be getting onstage before we begin."

His arrogance sickened Daniel as he watched him go, but at the same time he was relieved in what he saw in the distance – Emily emerging from the upstairs quarters with a confident look, with Patricia only a few steps behind. Feeling motivated, Daniel instead turned his attention to the Judge and his last remark. "Judge Barnes," he addressed him. "You said your wife was still feeling unwell?"

"Yes," the Judge answered affirmatively. "Afraid she has these bouts more often as we both get older."

Daniel exhaled through his nose and turned up his lip. "Perhaps she's feeling a bit better this time?" he suggested, gesturing with his eyes towards the stage.

As Judge Barnes turned to take note, Patricia confidently stepped onto the platform a few paces behind Conrad, apparently nodding that she was comfortable to proceed. The judge suppressed an irritated look, just as Emily found her way back to the table and nodded discreetly at Daniel while she took her seat.

"It would appear so," the Judge replied with a curious look, slowly rising to his feet. "Excuse me," he addressed them, and turned to take his place up on stage just as the room fell silent while the lights dimmed.

Daniel kept his eyes on him as the audience opened with a round of applause, and from the corner of his eye he spied a smirk ever so slightly cross Emily's face as the proceedings began.

SCENE

"Are you ready for this?"

Declan inquired of his brother timidly, as they stood in close company behind the bar at the Stowaway, waiting for the impending arrest. After sharing his discovery with Jack, he had insisted they seize the opportunity to act, and get them out of unwilling cahoots with the Ryan bothers once and for all. But until all was exposed, they had to be cautious not to give away their intent. Jack glanced over his shoulder to make sure Nate and Kenny were otherwise occupied before nodding back at him, lowering his voice in response.

"I told Amanda to take Carl to my grandmother's for the evening," Jack explained, removing the towel from his shoulder to toss it onto the bar, a nervous habit. "Just in case things get a little out of hand." Again he looked around, checking that the coast was clear. "But my buddy on the force assured me this would be quick – thank goodness you found what you did before they noticed."

"Yeah, well I have Charlotte to thank for that," Declan added, nodding in her direction where she sat with a few of her friends at a table in the back, merely keeping occupied while she waited for a lone moment with Declan. "She's the one who kept them distracted the other day. If not for her I wouldn't have found the drugs—"

"Shh," Jack cut him off, still on edge. Declan remained silent and Jack glanced over at the table. "You really should get her to go home too, Dec, I don't want her here when it happens."

"You don't think I tried already?" Declan shot back with an obvious look. "She won't go. She's already mad as it is that I've hardly spent any time with her the past few days." He glanced over at Kenny, who had just made his way back to the bar but still hadn't looked in their direction. "Can't say I blame her."

Jack nodded, knowing he should let his brother go before it aroused suspicion. "That's not a bad idea. Look, why don't you take her out on the Amanda for a bit—"

"What? Jack, you need me here," Declan insisted, leaning in, but Jack stopped him with a hand, careful to keep his voice low.

"I don't need you here, I need you safe," Jack insisted with a meaningful look. "Alright? Head out there as soon as you get a chance, hopefully the cops will come and go before you get back. Go."

Declan obeyed his brother hesitantly, perking up a bit once he finally made his way over to Charlotte's table and extended a hand to her. Her face lit up with a bright smile at his invitation and Jack watched in relief from behind the bar as the two of them slipped out the back, headed for the docks.

"Off to make summer love," Kenny's voice crept up behind him, giving him a startle. He watched Jack flinch in response, not realizing that he was watching so intently and then added, "Don't tell me you were keeping an eye on them just now, big brother?"

Jack did his best to play cool, forcing a laugh. "Just making sure he doesn't get into trouble, that's all," he commented, turning to wipe down the bar.

Kenny laughed back, clapping Jack on the back as he made another pass, this time with the bottle he needed. "Nah, but kids gotta have fun – it's summer!" he countered with a smile. "Besides," he added. "He's a smart guy and I'm sure you've already had a talk with him about being safe. How much trouble can he get into, right?"

Jack barely cracked a grin, hoping his inner thoughts didn't show through. "Yeah. Right."

SCENE

"To be falsely accused is a gut-ripping experience. And that's why I plan to redouble my efforts to help the wrongfully accused by donating not only my finances but my time to the Liberty Project, with the hope that someday we may truly live in a world of liberty and justice for all."

Conrad ended his speech with a grand gesture as the crowd erupted in applause and Judge Barnes came up behind him with a proud smile, clapping him on the back before shaking his hand. "Thank you, Conrad," the judge nodded his way and then looked back over his shoulder towards where his wife stood, waiting on the sideline. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce my wife, Patricia Barnes."

Emily watched intently from the crowd as Patricia slowly approached the podium, assuring her with a confident nod. She glanced over at Daniel as if to say, this is it, and he too observed closely as the welcoming applause died down and Patricia began to speak.

"Thank you," she began, taking a deep breath. She assembled her notes in front of her but made clear contact with the crowd, not needing them. "A man far wiser and braver than I once said, 'there may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but let there never be a time when we fail to protest.'"

Her eyes fell on Emily in the crowd as she inhaled sharply before pushing herself to continue. "When I was in law school, I met a man named James Palmer. He was young and bright-eyed, full of hope and integrity. Robert hired James to be his court clerk during the trial of David Clarke. For years after the trial James had wanted to come forward with information that, at the very least, would've resulted in a mistrial."

The crowd began to murmur at her divulgence, and Judge Barnes leaned forward from his seat just beyond her in concern. Patricia turned back slightly to face him but kept going. "But out of concern for my safety, he kept that dark secret hidden. Three days before his death, that secret came out in a letter written to Mr. Clarke in federal prison."

At that she held up the letter in her hand, while Emily nodded anxiously in the audience, clearly having been the one to give it to her during their meeting. It was the last straw to rattle Judge Barnes, and as the crowd watched he rose to his feet to stop her.

"'Dear Mr. Clarke, I'm afraid you have suffered a grave injustice—" Patricia began to read from it anyway, when the Judge placed a hand on her arm to stop her.

"Patricia," he urged her forcefully, but she shook free from his grasp in return.

"Robert," she echoed his name back, just as vehemently and with a look of resignation at what she was doing he let her go, conscious of the crowd of onlookers. He stepped away and she proceeded to continue while cameras shuttered in the background and the guest continued to murmur.

"'My position has provided me unparalleled access to the system,'" she read on. "Judge Barnes has failed you, Mr. Clarke, as have I.'" She straightened up as she finished it and set it down before her. "You see, what James knew is what Judge Barnes knew, which is that the verdict rendered in the David Clarke trial came from a tainted jury. I believe that this letter cost James the ultimate price. But James didn't write it." She paused for emphasis, staring out at the flashing lights of the ruffled crowd before her. "I did."

The audience gasped at her admission, while estranged looks came over both Conrad's face up on stage and Victoria's in the crowd. At the table, both Daniel and Emily held their heads high with pride over Patricia's confession, fully aware of the courage it took for her to finally tell the truth. But she didn't stop there. As Judge Barnes watched in obvious protest, Patricia turned to face him once again.

"And today my husband, Robert Barnes, stands to inherit a great deal more power. And the greater the power," she concluded, a bit emotionally as she unbuttoned the jacket she wore, her hands shaking. "The greater the potential for abuse."

With that, the crowd erupted in even more camera flashes and murmuring as Patricia stood before them, covered in deep bruises all over her arms, neck and chest. She wore her wounds for the first time without shame, leaving that expression for her husband to experience while he exited the stage with his head down.

Victoria gasped beside Daniel at the table, glancing around at the many others who were shocked and alarmed by the sight before them and the clear exposition of corruption in an esteemed place. But for Emily, it was quite no surprise. Rather, it was confirmation – an invigorating reminder that no level of power was too great for her to breach in her quest for revenge.

SCENE

"Ladies and gentlemen, we're closing The Stowaway early this evening by order of the Montauk P.D.!"

Despite knowing they were coming, the sudden arrival of the Montauk police still startled Jack when they burst through the doors, entering in a group of four or five officers and a canine from the narcotics unit. Immediately customers looked over at the commotion, which was more than enough to send Nate and Kenny into frenzy where they were taking orders behind the bar.

"Put your drinks down, people, and head for the exits!" the head officer commanded, singling out a few trailing customers. "That means you! Drinks down!" he emphasized, and the patrons immediately complied.

Jack did his best to be discreet, wearing a look of surprise while the officers escorted everyone off the premises and then immediately turned for the supply room to begin the search. He came over to where Nate and Kenny were inching over in protest and watched for their reaction.

"Hey, is there a problem, officer?" Nate questioned, doing his best to block the door to the supply room with his body.

"Step aside, son," the head officer commanded him, plowing forward as his canine let out a menacing bark and began sniffing in the general direction.

Nate put his hands up defensively and shot a knowing glance over at Jack, who could only manage to look away, realizing he was onto him. Somewhat out of the loop, Kenny stepped in between them to try to sort out what was happening. "What's going on here?" he asked, but Nate only shook his head angrily. He turned next to Jack. "Jack, do you know anything about this?"

Jack toughened up, still not divulging, but seeing no point in playing dumb. "Hey, I been here for 10 years and never once got closed down on a search. You're the new guys," he leered towards them. "You tell me?"

Nate bit his bottom lip menacingly, already putting together what was about to happen and their silent standoff only lasted a few more minutes before the police emerged, the dog barking wildly as they held up their first find – a hefty sized bag of cocaine, concealed in the coffee grains.

Simultaneously, two officers broke off from the search party and gripped both Nate and Kenny before they even knew what was happening to them, shoving them face-forward against the bar to begin putting cuffs on.

"Nate Ryan, Kenneth Ryan, you are both under arrest—" the officer began.

"Hey, come on, that stuff's not mine!" Nate insisted over his shoulder, now throwing a death glare at Jack.

"—for possession and distribution of narcotics—" the officer continued on, reading them their rights as another detective came over to Jack with a clipboard.

"Jack Porter," he addressed him. "As of right now, everything in that back room is officially closed off for the duration of investigation. Can you cooperate while we ask a few questions?"

Jack looked over again from Nate to Kenny, who were both wriggling while the cops finished restraining them, but presently weren't resisting arrest other than shouting out a few complaints.

"You don't understand, I had nothing to do with this!" Kenny insisted, looking over at his brother. "Nate, what the hell did you get us into?"

The officers began to escort them off the property to the police car while Jack watched and listened to one last outcry from Nate. "This isn't over, Porter!" he sneered at him, puffing out his chest. "I'll be out in no time, and then you are gonna pay—"

"That's enough!" the arresting officers pushed them on through and Jack winced as Kenny looked back at him in surprise and disbelief that he had turned them in after everything they did for him.

"Mr. Porter?" the detective was still waiting on an answer.

Jack finally snapped back to attention. "Yeah," he rushed quickly, running a hand through his hair. "Absolutely, if we could just make this as quick as possible my wife and brother should be home soon."

"Trust me, this will be fast," the detective assured him, giving him a few papers to begin signing. Jack leaned forward and began to help proceed with the investigation, feeling satisfied that it soon be all over. But as he scribbled his name at the bottom of his page, a small part of him wondered had he truly spared his family from the threat at present, or had he only sealed their fate for the future?

SCENE

"The truth was bound to come out."

Emily's voice greeted Daniel as he came around the corner of the benefit entrance. Guests were still exiting and his father was currently seizing the opportunity to court the media, but true to form, Emily had dipped off into a safe haven from it all just outside. He turned back as soon as he heard her and walked over, anxious to catch up.

"Apparently so," Daniel agreed, strutting over. He gave her a half grin that both acknowledged her expertise at orchestrating Patricia's public admission and his own admiration for her desire to. "There's no chance Judge Barnes will make it to Supreme Court now, much less sit on another stand for the rest of his career. This is a triumph for you."

Emily stared ahead. "It's a triumph for Patricia," she stated, in partial correction. She turned to meet eyes with him. "And for my father. One step closer to the rest of the truth coming forward."

Daniel nodded, the topic suddenly bringing a different subject to mind. "Speaking of truth, have you seen Charlotte lately?"

Emily shook her head, none suspecting. "Not really," she answered, thinking. "Although Amanda mentioned she's been spending a lot of time at the Stowaway. Why?"

"Just curious when you plan to tell her who you really are," Daniel replied honestly. He glanced back towards the benefit. "For a second, I imagined what it would be like if it were you up there." Emily furrowed her brow and he explained further. "You know, once this is all over and your father's name is cleared. Telling the world who you really are?"

Emily inhaled a deep breath. "I think I'm still a ways off from that—"

"That is what you plan to do though, isn't it?" Daniel continued, cutting her off with an intense look. He softened when her face grew rigid at the question. "I mean, at least Charlotte deserves to know who you really are. Who her sister is – while she gets closer to someone she thinks is you."

Emily straightened up. "You know Charlotte is still healing."

"You think this will help?" Daniel countered.

"I do actually," she reinforced, becoming faintly perturbed at the implication.

Daniel nodded, not expecting much less and instead preceded with his own opinion. "Well for your information, Charlotte found a man nearly beaten to a pulp the other day," he informed her, to a look of surprise in return. For once he was sharing something she didn't already know. "Yeah apparently hanging around Jack's bar isn't quite the best for her either," he added meaningfully.

Emily looked off into the distance, ready for the discussion to end as she spied his mother and Conrad coming through the doors a few feet away. "I'll talk to her," she promised, and there was finality in her tone.

Daniel glanced in the direction of where she kept watching and realized her discretion was due to his parents' emergence, particularly his father who was followed by a sea of press. "He's talking like he's running for office," Daniel observed, changing the topic. He turned back to Emily. "Just when I thought I took him down he grows back two heads."

"It does seem rather aggressive," Emily agreed, looking on. "But nothing a conversation with your new friend shouldn't help shed light on."

It was Daniel's turn to wrinkle his brow. "Helen?" he asked, guessing correctly. "I thought the Initiative cut ties when I replaced him?"

"Maybe," Emily held an open expression. "Maybe not," she added. As her eye caught Victoria looking in their direction she suddenly pecked Daniel on the cheek, surprising him with the gesture while using it to whisper in his ear, much like he had done at dinner the night before. "Find out."

She stood back and prepared to walk away, turning the affectionate sign into a farewell. "In the meantime, I'll talk to Charlotte."

Daniel nodded as she walked away, enjoying a sense of pride of what had just transpired, the first time he felt he might have actually influenced her for a change. He turned to watch her leave and that's when he caught his mother in the distance, smiling back at him, clearly having seen the whole exchange and Emily's departure. But despite his foreknowledge that her presence might have also influenced Emily's friendly exit, it would not dispel the evening's success. In that moment their connection had felt real and Daniel decided that rather than let the spark dwindle and burn out as it already had so many times this summer, he would act on it before it had the chance.

SCENE

"Jack?"

Emily called out nervously as she entered the unusually dark and empty Stowaway, making her conscious of the hour. She checked her watch and realized it still wasn't as late as the appearance suggested, but something told her more was afoot than an early night off. Jack was down the stairs in seconds and she knew she would soon have answers.

"Hey," she greeted him as he walked up, letting go a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She allowed the door to shut behind her and walked halfway through the bar to meet him. "Is everything alright, I saw patrol cars leaving?"

"Yeah," Jack lamented with a tired look that spoke volumes. "They're just leaving. We…. sort of had a bust."

Emily's eyes widened. "Oh my goodness. Is everything okay?"

Jack shrugged, resting against the bar. "Ah, turns out – our great new partners, Nate and Kenny? Not so great after all. Nate was using the Stowaway as a cover for trafficking and it's pretty likely that Kenny knew the entire time. Even set the whole thing up from the start of the summer."

"My God, that's horrible," Emily sighed in response, folding her arms. She stole a quick glance around. "How's Amanda and Carl? And Declan?"

"They're fine," Jack assured her with a smile. "Declan actually helped me figure it out, he was smart enough to see through their schemes. He and Charlotte actually distracted the two of them so they could find out what they were into. I just called a buddy of mine to make the search happen…" he trailed off, a bit uneasily and Emily could sense that there was more to the story that he wasn't just yet ready to reveal. But rather than force him, she did her best to be comforting.

"Well thankfully your family is safe now," she supplemented. "That's all that matters."

"It is," Jack agreed, folding his arms contentedly. "It is." His eyes seemed to drift before falling on her again, and there was sweetness in them that reminded her of the night almost exactly a year ago, when he confessed his feelings. Emily stirred for a moment, unsure why just the gentlest of looks from Jack could make her feel so uneasy and looked away, self-consciously.

"Speaking of family," she continued on. "Ah, Daniel," she emphasized, covering her own indirect reference. "He's a bit worried about Charlotte. So am I, actually – I guess we have reason to be."

"Charlotte's doing okay," Jack assured her again with a hand. "Don't worry, I made sure her and Declan weren't around for the arrest, she's been through enough with what happened to Matt Duncan last week."

Emily pursed her lips. "I heard."

Jack gestured with a hand towards the steps. "She's actually in the nursery with Carl, she wanted to help out and let Amanda get some sleep." Emily smiled at her thoughtfulness and Jack stepped aside a nod. "Go 'head, you can go right up."

"Thanks, Jack," Emily smiled again at him and then stepped past, slipping up the steps while Jack watched her from below.

SCENE

"Charlotte?"

As Emily poked her head into the room, her sister looked up from where she was cradling Carl, swaying softly in the rocking chair. Her face lit up at the sight of her, and she mouthed Emily's name in return, conscious not to speak too loudly as Carl slept in her arms. She gently rose from the seat and moved to return him to the crib while Emily watched; admiring her sister's ginger placement of the sleeping infant and the tender way she covered him over in his crib. She stepped back so they could slip out of the room quietly and then followed her over to the back deck of the upstairs room where they could talk.

"So are you alright?" Emily asked once they were able to speak normally.

"Emily, it was unbelievable, did Jack tell you?" Charlotte replied with bright eyes, securing the door.

"Yes, everything," Emily replied. "Even how you helped out beforehand, apparently?"

"Ugh, it was nerve-wracking!" Charlotte gushed, recalling the other day. "I can only imagine what would've happened if Nate caught Declan when he found the drugs by himself!"

"Well thank goodness they didn't," Emily added, relieved. The mention of drugs from Charlotte's mouth unnerved her a bit. "Your family is a little worried about you. I was with them this evening – I think they hope you haven't deserted them all together?"

Charlotte laughed it off. "Oh, in between parading from party to party they actually have time to think about me?" She grinned to a knowing look from Emily. "That's rich." She shook her head, staring out over the railing. "Don't worry, I could never forget about Danny. It's just being here with Declan… and Amanda and little Carl? It just feels more like home, somehow?"

Emily nodded graciously. "I understand." She recalled how familiar Charlotte seemed to be with Carl just a few moments ago and fought feelings of guilt, knowing they were not the real family she thought them to be. She pondered how she could possibly word the truth, but before even an inkling crossed her mind, Charlotte went on.

"And there's something else," she began, turning to face Emily eye-to-eye. "Tonight after Nate and Kenny got taken away, I got this strange rush?"

Emily furrowed her brow in concern. "What do you mean?"

Charlotte searched for how to describe. "It was like I helped right a wrong, you know? I mean I thought I would be scared but I was actually excited by it." Emily appeared to be a bit taken back, so Charlotte leaned in to make her point. "I mean Emily, if you saw what they did to Matt Duncan – it was horrible! But now they get to pay for their actions. I guess it just… it just feels good to be a part of something… good. It's like a natural high," she looked at her, hoping she understood. "Does that make any sense?"

Emily sighed meaningfully, knowing there was no way she could intimate to her just how much sense that made. It awoke a sharp jolt of reality – they were related after all. It was only natural that Charlotte eventually inherit the same sense of justice. Although Emily worried over her sister's struggle with addiction, a part of her could relate when it came to getting revenge. And naturally, it was a much safer vice.

"Of course it does," was all Emily could answer back.

"That being said," Charlotte continued. "I don't know if I can ever be around my parents again." She knew it was a final thing to say but she felt determined. "It's just now that I know about some of the things they've done – I'm just ashamed of who they are? I thought they were good but," she paused for confirmation from Emily. "I'm not so sure anymore."

Emily swallowed, closing her eyes at her admission, like hearing music to her ears. But it was all she could do not to capitalize on Charlotte's moment of vulnerability. Regardless of what Daniel said, she was in a fragile state. Emily knew it well, as she had been there before herself. So rather than test her limits, she knew better that only time would allow for her to find the strength to face the truth.

"I know how you feel," Emily assured her, relating. "And thankfully, you have somewhere you do feel safe right now, with people you can trust, that love you." An image of Jack, the way she left him at the bottom of the stairwell crossed her mind. "Good people," she added. "But just know, your brother and I – we care about you too."

Charlotte wrinkled up her face in desperation to clarify. "Oh, Emily, in no way does this have anything to do with you or Daniel! You know how much I care about you!" She suddenly threw her arms around her, pulling her into a hug, and again Emily's guilt showed on her face as she squeezed her back.

"In fact," Charlotte added, pulling away. "I've been kind of hoping you and Danny would… get back together." She watched her nervously, knowing she was hoping for a lot, but couldn't help but want a woman she respected and looked up to for her brother. "You said you were with him tonight, didn't you? So, is there any chance?"

Emily suppressed a small chuckle, putting her head down. "Time will tell."

SCENE

"Guard says you asked to see me?" Detective Fuller took a seat in the interrogation room across from Nate Ryan, who despite his restraints and a few beads of sweat from being held in the sweltering cell for a few hours, appeared calm and collected.

"That's right," Nate answered, his cuffs clattering on the table as he folded his hands. "I've got some information that I think you'll find valuable."

Detective Fuller sniffed a laugh, glancing over at his partner who stood in the corner. "That so?" he tried him.

Nate smoldered but continued. "I'm sure it looks like this is just a plea to get off, but trust me. What I know is bigger than some lightweight drug bust."

The other detective laughed aloud from the corner of the room while Detective Fuller smiled in addition, but Nate stayed focused on him, intensifying his expression. "I don't know about that, buddy," Detective Fuller replied finally. "Today's bust wasn't exactly a misdemeanor. Neither was it your first run-in with this business. You're lookin' at some heavy time."

Nate raised his eyebrows, hinting. "You could be looking at a promotion after you hear what I have to offer."

Detective Fuller finally leaned forward before his partner could break into hysterics. "Alright, enough of the gag," he sighed. "Say what you've got or you can save it for story time in the penn."

Nate leaned forward also, matching him. "Murder," he stated plainly. "First degree. With the weapon sitting right under your nose."

"Where's that?"

"Right where you boys were today," Nate replied with a grin, leaning back. "You were too busy worrying about me to notice your informant isn't as innocent as he looks."

Detective Fuller huffed. "Jack Porter? He's as clean as a whistle."

Nate leaned in again. "Yeah, well dig deeper. Cause the only reason my brother and I even got into business with him is because we knew he was desperate for a cover." He nodded, drawing in Detective Fuller's attention. "That's right. Only we had no idea just how close to home it hit. The guy's been covering up for years. Our theory is, soon as he found out we made him? He tried to shut us up by getting us pinned for his crimes."

Detective Fuller sighed again, incredulous. "So you're telling me that not only are those substances confiscated not yours, but they're Jack Porter's, and he was covering up because you were going to pull the plug on him for murder?" He shifted in his seat, interested but still partially disbelieving. "Oh and, you claim to know where the murder weapon is?"

"That's exactly right, Detective," Nate stared him down.

"Well murder's not much of a claim without a victim," Detective Fuller went on, goading him into talking more. "Since you know so much, I take it you've got that information too?"

"Of course I do," Nate continued, taking a deep breath and squinting in the overhead light as he prepared to complete his incrimination. "How could I ever forget that? It was Joe Ryan. My father."

SCENE

"How'd it go with Charlotte?"

Daniel's voice welcomed Emily as she slowly walked up the steps, only just feeling the day's exhaustion as she arrived at home. She expected him to be there after they parted ways at the benefit, but the relief of seeing him seemed to resonate from a place that was unrelated to her mission. With a guarded smile to herself she realized she missed having someone there to come home to. After Nolan moved out and things with her and Aiden ended abruptly, she had barely any time to recognize how much she enjoyed having a companion. It was a rare selfish thought that she normally would disregard as quickly as it came, but tonight she allowed herself the pleasure as she joined Daniel on her porch.

"There was a detour," she replied, leaning over on the railing next to him. "Trouble with Jack's partners at the Stowaway."

Daniel shook his head, as if to say, I told you so, but instead tried to be more sympathetic. "Is everyone alright?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "As it turns out, Charlotte aided in getting Jack and Declan out of a deal with some pretty manipulative people. The cops arrested the perps and took them in." She turned to face him, her hair blowing in the gentle evening breeze. "She helped save the day."

"Following in her sister's footsteps," Daniel observed, peering at her through his eyelashes and she had to submit a look in return, already having pondered the subject.

"At any rate, it just wasn't the right time. But someday… I will tell her." She stared out towards the sea, watching the infinite waves rush in and retract, wondering if she truly could fulfill that promise. "How'd it go with Helen?" she asked, not in a hurry to dwell on it.

"No mention of my father but that doesn't mean anything," Daniel answered wisely. "She is however, still on the prowl for intel. Just not for Grayson Global anymore. I reported back what Nolan's program ran and after I told her it was basically a dead end – she shifted her attention to Nolcorp."

"Nolcorp?" Emily intensified in curiosity. "Hm. I need to get with Nolan." She straightened back up and Daniel noticed the clasp at the top of the back of her gown had opened again, just as it had earlier.

"Wait," he gestured softly, attempting to fix it. But when Emily realized what he was doing she reached a hand over her shoulder to tap his hand.

"Leave it," she replied gently. "I'm turning in anyway." Something made her glance upwards while Daniel was still behind her and in an instant she thought she spied Victoria looking down from her balcony, observing them from a distance. But just as quickly, she disappeared and Emily had a split second to think before turning around. "I appreciate you telling me."

"About the clasp?" Daniel guessed with a laugh.

Emily chuckled back, putting her head down for a moment. "No, about Nolcorp." She looked back up. "You know, we've worked well together these last two days."

"We have," Daniel agreed, thinking something. "In fact I was hoping to extend that sentiment…" Emily raised an eyebrow, unsure of his meaning, but his explanation cleared it up. "After hearing about my father's interest in politics tonight, I decided I can't just clean up the image he left behind with Grayson Global – I need to replace it with a new one."

"What did you have in mind?"

"A department you'd be more familiar with than I," he replied. "Charitable foundations."

Emily smiled back, understanding. "Your turn to use me?"

Daniel laughed. "Is that a problem?" he challenged her lightly, glancing over her form. "Strictly business, right?"

Emily only held her smile while she shook her head at his fair request, unable to put a few stray thoughts out of her mind. Power can be hoarded by the mighty or stolen from the innocent, she thought. But power provides the ability to choose. An instinct that had been tugging in her since she sensed a more independent spirit over the past few days now signaled that perhaps Daniel was making the right choice. And while she had vacillated over her confidence in him in the past, it was hard not to feel more encouraged now. His support of Patricia Barnes' revelation, his clear determination to rebuild Grayson Global's image, and even his concern over Charlotte all amounted into a new person evolving before her. In a word, he was refreshing.

Daniel watched the light flicker in her eyes, and while he felt confident that she would support him, he didn't want to push his luck. "You don't have to answer now," he added, squeezing her hand and preparing to walk away. "Just think about it."

But before he was but a few steps off, Emily realized just how foolish she was being at even letting him think there was any decision to make, especially considering how boldly she had been commandeering his decisions of recent. She stepped forward to catch him, reaching out a hand to pull him back by the arm. "Daniel," she breathed. "You know I don't need to think about it. My answer's 'yes'."

In parallel, the next thing that happened also required very little thought. Daniel only needed to stare back into her full brown eyes for a moment before his lips made the decision his mind had been thinking for some time. He leaned towards her in response and kissed her – first softly with dearness of appreciation, and then passionately with intensity of desire. He cupped her face gently with a hand and leaned in closer, pushing her back a step so that she steadied her balance by wrapping an arm around him in return.

Emily's mind went blank for a moment, allowing her to enjoy the indulgence yet even further than the companionship she initially envisioned when she returned home. The tiny semblance of guilt that rested in her soul reminded her of the last time she gave in to selfish feelings, but something between this time and the last felt different, though she couldn't immediately pinpoint what it was. Perhaps it had something to do with seeing Victoria just moments before; serving as a reminder of the power she knew she had over Daniel's heart. Knowing that truth somehow served as a protection, saved her from going too far but also endeared him to her, preserving the image of innocence he seemed to hold in her own heart. Yet her mind was still quite aware of the clear danger. The use of power is not to be taken lightly, she thought. For it is never without consequence…

Her thoughts could be no more proved true than by the onlooker that watched the two kissing, unbeknownst to them both. There, lurking in the shadows of the home Emily had not yet walked into, waited Aiden Mathis– anxious to tell her of the news he had discovered, but now enraged by the scene he had happened upon instead.

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: You guys! Omg it feels like it's been forever! Please tell me if you even still care about this story lol… Sorry I've gotten away from regular updates but with much longer chapters and it being summer, time is just not on my side! =( My apologies, but I do hope you enjoyed and would LOVE to hear your feedback on the major advancements in this chapter. I know some have commented that they still want some jealousy/interchange with Aimily before we go full throttle with Demily, and I promise just bc the ending was happy doesn't mean that's not in store. Especially if you can anticipate how Aiden will react in this alternate universe! But for the hardcore Demily shippers that need regular 'feels' – this was for you! ;) So I hope you liked it and had fun reading some of the other changes with Lydia/Conrad and the Ryan brothers. That was pure fun! And it will have some repercussions that I bet u can guess ;) I also felt Charlotte/Emily were in need of some sister time. So all that was packaged up for you loyal readers! SOOO your turn! Pls let me know if u DO want this story to continue and what you thought! Thanks for the feedback and hoping to update soon – faster this time! ~Love and Revenge~ MothToANewFlame