Chapter Twenty five

After the warning from Beth, Joe decided to put his own plan into action. First, he went into his computer to access files he compiled a year ago and buried it so no one would know Egan's past. Mostly because Joe thought that it was not relevant at the time. Anyone deserved another chance if he showed promise. Egan did show some promise. He was good at law and observation.

Egan's shady past was in the area of petty juvenile crimes that progressed. After growing up on the streets, he had stolen a few cars. Then he did a couple of robberies and even shot a man in a dispute over money.

The man did not die and so Egan got a light sentence. After getting out of jail, Egan went straight into a junior college where he studied law. Jeremy Verona recruited Egan as a Watcher when he was almost 30. Then he seemed to take to the job with a holy zealous fever.

Joe copied and pasted all the files of Egan Lasco onto the Watcher's Message Board. "Let's just see how he can squirm out of this if everyone reads it." He thought.

Next, he took the disc out and put it in an envelope to mail to the City Attorney. If the Watchers become a military power then the World and Paris will have to know.

Last, he confirmed his flight to the United States for that afternoon.

Getting ready to go out, Joe dressed in denim jeans and a polo shirt. He put on his good jacket because it was still February and a little cold. He bought a hat along.

Taking the letter, he carefully made his way to the back door. Locking up after himself Joe took a leisurely stroll down the street with his cane in hand.

He said aloud, "I'm just enjoying the morning." No one should guess his true motives.

The eyes watching him from a doorway across the street did not agree with Joe's thoughts. Seeing Dawson depart around the corner the Watcher went across the street in a run to unlock the front door of Le Blues Bar and go inside.

Joshua went looking for Egan who had retired to his private rooms. Knocking first when he heard the "come in" he opened the door.

When Egan acknowledged him he asked, "How long will Steven be kept locked up?"

Egan looked coldly at him and questioned, "Should we spare Steven because he's your brother?"

Joshua begged him, "All he did was object to the killings. You can't torture him like this."

"He tried to leave and warn others," coming over to Joshua, Egan continued, "and he took some private files."

"He made a mistake," Joshua said quietly, "Please will you allow him some food at least?"

Egan looked hard at Joshua and conceded, "All right, since he is your brother, give him a portion of your meal."

Joshua looked relived, "Thank you, sir."

Turning away Egan said, "I want those reports tonight in the morning we are moving ahead the countdown."

Joshua asked, "To what the Gathering?"

Egan smiled, "Yes and I want someone close to the Grand Immortal."

Joshua turned and left shutting the door and telling the personal guard to let no one else enter.

Wiping his face as he went to his room understanding what treading water was like. He wrote out the order to allow Steven limited food and signed Egan's name.

Going to his room, he shut the door and closed his eyes breathing slowly. Gaining control again, he sat at his computer to do the work but his thoughts went to Steven.

As children, Steven was older and the protector. He was the brainy one. Steven would include him in games with his friends buy him ice cream when their mom was not looking and keep him out of trouble. It was great growing up with Steven.

They never knew their father was a watcher. He did not think their mother really knew either. The front story was that he bought rare books and that meant he had to travel and they moved a lot.

When Steven turned 18, he went that night with Dad to a meeting. They were gone all night. The next morning when Steven came to bed, he lay there exhausted not willing to tell his brother what happened. After that, he went with Dad all the time.

It was two years before he knew why. Joshua turned 18 and Dad told him he was going to a secret meeting. Joshua remembered feeling excited to be going with his father to an important rendezvous.

At the Watchers meeting, he learned about their true purpose. He was overwhelmed with information. Then he was given the choice of becoming one or leaving his family to live elsewhere. Anyone would choose to join. They branded him with the tattoo that night. It hurt like hell but he was proud to wear it.

Now he was becoming ashamed of some Watchers. They were turning into spies and killers. His own brother might starve for one man's greed and revenge.

A message flashed on the screen interrupted his thoughts. "The Grand Immortal and Wife are attending a Broadway play tonight in New York."

"So that's where they went," thought Joshua, "Hide in plain sight." He tapped rapidly his response, "Do not move on subject yet and now is not the time. Keep your observations untainted."

Joshua did not kid himself. He knew he was alive as long as he did what Egan wanted. His thoughts turned back to Steven. "He didn't deserve that punishment. If I try to help him then I will be targeted or both of us killed outright."

Joshua rubbed his eyes to keep the tears in check. A seed planted now grew until part of him began to hate Egan more than the power he offered.

London

Beth awoke with a start and got up quickly. She cased the room going last to the door. Nothing but she was sure she had felt another Immortal.

Bright sun was peeking in from around the window curtains. She looked at the bed. Duncan snored quietly. She realized, "He must have been as exhausted as I was."

A soft tap on the door put her on alert again. Putting her ear to the door she asked, "Who is it?"

The reply was, "Room service your lunch is here."

Beth sighed with relief but opened the door slowly. The hotel worker pushed the cart in then looked where to put it.

"Thank you just put it there." Handing him a tip she shut and locked the door after him.

Duncan was beginning to stir so she put two chairs by the cart and went to the bed.

He sat up commenting, "You look rested."

Leaning over his face and smiling she said, "Yes I am and thank you for ordering lunch."

He said, "Good it's here I'm starved."

She went over to sit in a chair and took off the cover. Smelling the delicious aroma she purred.

Duncan got up and went to the bathroom to wash up. As he came back into the room, he stopped and looked around puzzled. He asked her, "Did you feel another Immortal?"

"I did when I woke up." She told him looking concerned. "Do you think someone has followed us?"

"Probably but it feels too faint to be very close." He said and sat down. "We'll stay alert while we eat." He looked at his watch and then adjusted it to London time it was now 1:15pm.

While they enjoyed their lunch Duncan asked, "Would you like to do a little sightseeing? I know a museum worth having a look at."

She answered between mouthfuls, "Maybe later," her thoughts were elsewhere.

They enjoyed a Chef Salad with deviled eggs on the side. Beth loved the hard-boiled concoction and could not get enough of them.

She reached over and snatched one off Duncan's plate when he wasn't looking. However, he saw her anyway and just smiled at her thievery.

After the meal was definitely gone Duncan asked, "Well my love what would you like to do for the afternoon?"

She looked shyly at him smiling and said, "Stay here in bed."

Duncan smiled back and said, "Now that's a good idea."

He thought they were safe for now. They felt no strong vibrations since the first one.

He stood up, pushed the cart out the door and hung a "Don't disturb" sign on the handle. Locking the door, he waited for Beth who had her turn in the bathroom. He undressed in anticipation.

The nightgown she appeared in made Duncan laugh. He asked her, "Where did you get that?" looking at the pattern of little ducks.

"I've had this a long time and it's the only one I have." She said feeling hurt.

He stood next to her and taking a hold of the hem, "I don't think you're going to need it." He said pulling it up and off her.

"First chance we get I'll buy you a nice one." He told her leaning down to kiss her softly.

She let herself be persuaded by his sincerity and soon forgot about the world again as she was caught up in the passions that seemed to consume their every thought. The afternoon passed quickly as Duncan and Beth shared their hearts anew.

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