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Chapter 14

Juliette stormed out of the hotel, hair flying, fists clenched. She'd only just barely managed to keep her composure.

Anger burned through her as she thought about Kenneth. Had he just actually asked her to do such a thing? As if she wouldn't understand his every intention? Should she really contact Kelly, get her to come to Portland, lead the Royal Family right to Adalind and Sean's daughter, Diana?

She walked along the sidewalk, steps slow and controlled, until she was sure she was out of Kenneth's sight. Even after she felt she was a safe distance, she kept walking, unwilling to draw attention to herself. Who knew who was watching—how far Kenneth's 'eyes' reached.

A few more blocks and she spotted Sean's car. She climbed into the passenger seat and closed the door. She looked at Sean, expression set and voice firm, clear. "We need to talk to Nick. It is very important."

Sean nodded and drove off.

"What's the matter?" he asked after several, tense, minutes of silence.

Juliette looked at him briefly and shook her head. "Just— Just keep driving."

And he did as he was told.

Throughout the ride, neither spoke. As soon as the car stopped, Juliette immediately opened the door of the car and slammed closed it with a loud bang.

Sean cursed in frustration. Something was wrong, something was deeply upsetting Juliette. Upsetting her enough to go to Nick's, even knowing that Adalind was there. He couldn't help wondering how the two would react to each other.

He got out slowly and walked up the path after her. Just as he reached the door, he saw Nick's puzzled face in the open door, gaze flicking between them before landing on Juliette.

"Juliette," Nick greeted. "What are you doing here? I mean—I am pleased to see you, and you're always welcome... But what are you doing here?" He leaned in when she did for a brief hug.

"Hey, Nick," Juliette said, softly. "Sorry for the surprise visit but I saw Kenneth again today. I think it's time that you call everyone, see if they can all come over," she added as she pulled from him and went into the house.

Nick looked after her, puzzled, as she walked in and turned to Sean. He raised his eyebrows in question, silently asking if he had any idea what was going on.

Sean shook his head and walked past Nick into the house. Nick was right behind him, closing the door. They stayed in the foyer, both of them silent as they watched Juliette head into the living room where Adalind was sitting on the couch.

Juliette stopped abruptly when she noticed Adalind, and simply said "Hello". But her eyes sparkled a little dangerously as she glared at the blonde.

Adalind looked at Juliette with surprise, swallowing nervously. But she merely said "Hello" in return. She turned enough to see Nick, and Sean, loitering by the door. She mimicked the look Nick gave Sean earlier; gaze darting to Juliette for a moment, silently asking 'what's she doing here? What's going on?'. But both men shrugged, neither of them having an answer to give.

Both men were more than surprised that it was so peaceful between them. Nick was the first to move, heading into the living room and giving Juliette his attention. "What's going on?" he asked again. Juliette meet his gaze and he could see she was displeased to see Adalind here, anger simmering but being held back.

Juliette crossed her arms. "Nick, call the gang together—it's really important."

Nick could tell she meant it, the anger still there but no longer for just for Adalind. Something was going on... but he knew there wouldn't be another word about it until he'd made a few calls. Juliette was strong-willed. He nodded, fished his cell phone from his pocket and started making some calls.

xxx

Nick had called everyone and they were quick to get there.

First, Hank appeared with Wu. Both talking quietly amongst themselves when they saw who was standing next to Nick. They both greeted Juliette, but didn't approach her, staying away from the palpable tension in the other room. They didn't know what to make of the situation yet, but both were still friends with Juliette; she hadn't done anything to them. They hung back, unsure of how to proceed just yet.

Monroe and Rosalee were last to arrive. Monroe just stared at Juliette for a long moment before greeting her with a curt "Hi". Rosalee elbowed him and walked over to where Juliette was standing. "Hey, Juliette. It's nice to see you again." She could tell Juliette was happy to see her old friend when she got a smile, and they both leaned in for a short, but warm, hug.

Rosalee pulled away, looking around. "So, what are you doing here?" She lowered her voice, leaning in towards Juliette a little more, "I mean, Adalind is here, too," she added, eyes darting briefly to where the blonde was sitting. They both ignored the way Adalind rolled her eyes and looked away.

Juliette grimaced. "Yeah, I know," she said with a shrug. "I'll deal. Anyway, I met with Kenneth earlier today. He asked me for a favor." She paused, making sure she had everyone's attention. "Which I will not do—under any circumstances," she said firmly, eyes on Nick. He looked uncomfortable at the mention of Kenneth but he didn't say anything about it, so she let it go as well. "But I'm glad that I went there and talked to him."

"What did he want from you?" Nick asked. Hank and Wu were next to him, listening intently.

All eyes were on her. It was really uncomfortable, if she were being honest. These people had all been her friends, and while they weren't hostile, the usual warmth was lacking in a way she didn't like and unsettled her. She wrung her hands briefly and then stuffed them in her pockets, looking at everyone before settling on Nick.

She cleared her throat. "He wants me to help set a trap for your mother. He asked me if I can get her to come to Portland. He wants the child. Your child," she said, glancing between Sean and Adalind. They were both staring at her intently. "Anyway, I wanted to give you the details, let you know what he's planning so you can work out a plan of your own against him. Even if we haven't had much to do with each other lately, we're still friends. I will gladly help you to make it possible."

Juliette looked at Nick and he to her. Both saw the sincerity in others eyes.

"So, how are we going to do that?" Nick asked after a long moment.

She looked at Nick and smiled. She wanted to support him no matter what was between them.

To be Continued?