Okay, I know it's been a while but since MS is coming to a close I'm going to drag this out as much as I can. I will not apologise!

Um, anyways. I bet you're all thinking, damn this girl's dragging this execution out. This chapter and the next were originally one but given the whopping length (and the next one's not completed yet) I had to split them up. In compensation, you will only have to wait 2 days at most for the next update (unless I get struck by lightning or my laptop becomes a meteor magnet). And this dragged out affair won't be dragged out for very long!

Onions: HA HA! I do believe I've never been called an ass before. You make me laugh. I'm sorry (kind of) that my chapter distracted you from your work... how did the exam go? I'm glad you're still around ;) I love your reviews.

Thank you guys so much for your continued support. I love you all!

The First Shadow

.'.

Bitter at all, living without faith,

Crowned by shadows, a kingly wraith.

Rejecting life with every hateful breath,

Immortality rages at elusive Death.

.'.

The way the suspended noose swung back and forth was highly reminiscent of a pendulum in a grandfather clock, as thought counting down to that moment for which they had all waited. Utter silence dominated the execution room and in the glass that separated the audience from the platform, lay reflected all their faces, marred with tension, rage and glittering anticipation.

Klavier's fists clenched in his pockets as his eyes ran over the glass and he took in all their reflections: Seren and Raoul were solemn. They had not directly suffered at Rafael's hands except to see what his cruelty had done to their friends. Though, to their loyal minds, that was more than enough to want Rainsford's death. So they stood in wait, their eyes fixed intently on the empty platform awaiting Rafael's arrival.

Behind them stood Gale and Simon. He was holding her still; something that, Klavier realised, was almost as important as breathing to him. He had been watching them both for the past fifteen minutes and though Simon and Gale barely looked at each other, a part of them was always touching. Right now, Simon had an arm around her waist and his eyes were fixed on the swinging noose almost as if he, too, was counting down the minutes until his nightmare ended.

Gale, on the other hand, was staring at him. Her almond, dark eyes were fixed on his face with an obfuscated expression. Klavier couldn't understand it and somehow, he knew he wasn't meant to — just the same way that nobody was meant to understand him and Ema.

His eyes slid to Deston then, who stood beside Seren, a blank expression on his face. Klavier knew that the emptiness was just a mask placed to prevent anyone from seeing the wave of emotions he must be feeling. He might have asked if Deston was okay. But he wasn't foolish and he knew him better than to do that.

So, instead he looked to Raoul's other side where Ema stood almost as stiff except for the fingers that tightened and loosened on her bag strap repetitively. He smiled inwardly, beginning to understand that that bag was more than just a place to put the tools she used to meddle with forensic affairs. She was trying to be nonchalant about facing her attempted murderer but, though Klavier had never himself been in that position, he knew it rankled deep in her.

He was going to take her hand to show his support but suddenly, Raoul tilted his head ever so slightly that, had Klavier not been watching, he would have missed it: the red-head's eyes narrowed as they scrutinised Ema, moving between her nervous fingers and the tension around her mouth. Then, without a word, he turned back to stare ahead and Klavier felt his mouth beginning to twitch when he realised what Raoul was about to do.

"Hey, babe," he drawled in a voice so deep with mischief that Ema turned on him with a more-intense-than-usual scowl. "Seriously, why don't you like me?"

"Ask me when we both have a lot of spare time," she said curtly, turning away from him again. "I'll tell you then."

The mood in the room lightened instantly: Deston glanced backwards at Klavier with a grin and Gale and Simon were watching with amusement as Raoul bumped his shoulder against Ema's playfully.

"Go on," he said with a widening smirk at the glare she threw him. "Say those three little words that would make my day."

"Go. To. Hell."

Klavier saw Deston press a finger to his quivering mouth in a futile attempt at a thoughtful expression.

"You know you don't mean that," Raoul said, turning on her fully and uncrossing his arms.

"Believe me," Ema bit off, avoiding his eyes. "I mean it."

"So, you hooked Seren up with that chick," he continued much to the silent hilarity of their audience. "How about you do the same for me?"

"What happened to being a man?" Ema scoffed. "Forgotten all that swagger you showed me yesterday? Didn't you call Seren a coward for asking me about Mara?"

Raoul tilted his head, his expression admirably solemn. "I changed my mind."

"Good!" Ema scorned. "Does the new one work better?"

Klavier was trying as hard as he could to rub the grin off his face when Deston, clearly unable to entirely control the laughter inside him, let it out as a great big rush of air. Ema had no idea how amusing she was when wound up and though Klavier knew that at this moment in time, Raoul had decided to pick on her to alleviate her tension, the rest of the time he did it simply to get a rise out of her. He watched her glaring fiercely up into Raoul's laughter and a new sort of delight coursing through him at how well she fit in with his friends. Though he'd never thought about it openly, it had always been at the back of his mind what the world would say if they knew where his devotion lay. The apprehension was not for himself of course but for her – they were worlds apart in the eyes of the world but in his heart, she was his equal in every way. She was the other half, the missing puzzle and she fit into his life perfectly.

He would have to thank them all, Klavier thought as he glanced between Deston who was still vainly trying to stifle his laughter, Seren who was watching on with silent amusement and Raoul who was openly laughing in her face now. Klavier would have to thank the drummer for bringing her into his life through trickery, would have to thank the red-head for winding her up simply to ease her tension and he would have to thank Seren for his never-ending kindness and patience with Ema.

But most of all, he would have to thank them for accepting her into their lives as if she had always been there. He would have to thank them for protecting her, for putting their own lives at risk to save hers.

"—someone who can steal my heart!" Raoul exclaimed, making Klavier realise how far he'd slipped into his own thoughts.

"Ha!" Ema waved him off dismissively. "She should steal your kidney instead — she would get more for it."

There were audible titters around the room now and Klavier glanced at Gale who was giggling into her hands and Simon whose face was buried in her shoulder, his body shaking with – what was no doubt – laughter. Deston was leaning against a wall, his face hidden in his arm and even Seren was chuckling, having taken several steps backwards as if he feared Ema's wrath.

Though telling Ema that by responding to Raoul's remarks, she was playing right into his hands seemed a good idea, Klavier didn't because it was distracting her from her nervousness – something he really wanted. Laughter bubbled in his chest when her hands curled into fists and she pointed insolently in the red-head's face as if she wanted to say something but he cut across her first.

"You don't get it, man!" Raoul mock-groaned. "The number of showers I have to take 'cause of her… I should be sendin' her all of my water bills—" he flashed Ema a rakish smile that left nobody in doubt of his meaning "—but she's got no chance of being able to pay them."

Klavier's laughter rose to his throat but his lips remained pressed firmly together in the hope that he would somehow be able to contain it. Like the rest of them, he had a feeling that if he laughed, Ema would kill him – slowly and painfully.

"There are no words for how disgusting you are!" she snapped, stomping her foot. When Raoul glanced down at her legs and then arched an eyebrow, she looked ready to scream.

"There are," he said, tapping her cheek with a finger and laughing when she slapped his hand away, "you just haven't learnt them all yet." When Ema's body began to shake, he leaned back to look at her cheekily. "Want me to teach you?"

"No!" she yelled, jabbing him in the shoulder. "I don't want to hear what kind of crap comes out of that filthy mouth!"

Raoul seemed not to hear her. "Let's see here," he intoned, starting to tick of his fingers. "There's raunchy, randy, hot to trot, horny—"

Ema exploded. "ARGH!"

They couldn't help themselves anymore – everyone erupted into great big roars of laughter and she spun on the spot to Klavier with an almost beseeching look. When she saw his almost doubled over frame, however, her eyes narrowed dangerously and he, unable to control his laughter, waved at her in what was meant to be an apology.

She swept the room with her deadly glare. "I'm glad you're all getting a good laugh out of this!" she said loudly.

The only response she got was another wave of said laughter. Deston was practically supporting his quaking form against the wall, his laughter the loudest while Seren had his head thrown back, chuckling and shaking his head. Behind them, Simon was cracking up almost as loudly as Deston.

"Mr Adagio," Gale said, suddenly standing by Ema's side, and though her voice sounded stern, Klavier saw a glimmer of approval in her cheerful eyes. "You are no gentleman."

Raoul's shrank from her in a mischievous display of horror. "But she wa—!"

"No, no," Gale said, wagging a finger at him.

His mouth clamped shut.

Klavier, Deston and Seren gaped, taken aback that she had managed to silence Raoul for the second time that day. Years of witnessing his motor-mouth had them waiting for some sort of retort but the Italian remained deafeningly quiet.

"Ha ha!" Seren sang, pointing at Raoul. "You've met your match, Adagio!"

"You be quiet," Ema said, glaring first at him then at Klavier and Deston. "You're all as bad as each other!"

Gale chuckled, putting an arm around Ema protectively and then winking at Klavier, making sure the detective didn't see. "Shouldn't you be thrashing your friends for teasing her, Klavier?"

The blond felt his mouth rise when Ema let out a loud "HA!" Then, nodding and trying to wipe his face of mirth, he walked over to her and pulled her into a hug, laughing when she resisted at first.

"Get off me, you glimmerous fop!" she said, sulkily pushing him away.

"Absolutely not," he replied, tightening his hold on her and flashing a grateful smile at Raoul over her head. "I am sorry, Ema," he said into her pouting face.

"Hmph."

Klavier's eyes turned to Deston who came to stand by her, bending down to peer into her face again. "Aw, ickle Em got picked on!" he teased, his face alive with merriment.

"Get out of my face, you…you—!"

"Fop?" he said helpfully.

"AARGH!" Ema buried her face in Klavier's shoulder, grumbling incoherently while he wrapped his arms around her and looked at Deston who was laughing again.

"Achtung! Back off, ja?" Klavier scolded him.

"It's unfair that you all gang up on her," Gale said, turning on Deston with a make-believe look of disparagement.

He grinned. "You look like you'd be fun to wind up, Miss Sanders."

Gale's smile was dazzling. "I invite you to try, Agent Cavatin."

"I wouldn't, if I were you," Simon said with a smile as he approached them and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. Gale looked up at him over her shoulder with an amused smile. "She'll rip you to shreds."

"Is that so?" Seren said, joining them with an intrigued expression.

"I do not doubt it," Klavier said.

"Please rip him to shreds," Ema added, looking at Gale hopefully. "He needs to be taken down a peg or two."

Gale raised an eyebrow and fixed her gaze on Deston who stuffed his hands in his pockets comfortably and flashed her a perfectly confident smile. She stared at him for several long moments in which nobody spoke and though Klavier expected Deston to look away (he probably would have if he'd been faced with that penetrating gaze), their stares remained locked.

When Simon's hand moved from her waist to her shoulder, Klavier felt a frown begin to find its way onto his forehead. Though Gale's smile remained on her face, it no longer reached her eyes – she appeared to be searching his face for something, her gaze probing and intense. The drummer noticed it too because his smile slowly faded and he tilted his head to the side as he began his own examination of her inscrutable countenance.

And then, she turned her attention to Raoul who was frowning and Seren whose own serious expression made it obvious he'd noticed the shift in the atmosphere. Their confusion was just as blatant as Klavier's when she finally turned to him; his back straightened and he looked at Simon, alarmed by the gravity in their identical gazes.

"What is it?" Klavier asked.

"You have to prepare yourselves," Gale said in a serious voice looking around at them all again.

"Rafael won't go down without a fight," Simon said darkly.

"We're ready for him," Seren reassured them. "We have all of the security we could need."

But Gale was shaking her head. "I'm not talking about an escape. He's got far too much dignity than to try that now. He's resigned to his fate, I think." She paused and for the first time, Klavier saw jaw clench and she took a deep breath as if to stabilise her emotions. "He's going to try and get to each and every one of you in some way." She glanced back at Seren and Raoul. "Don't make the mistake of assuming that, just because you don't know him, he won't know you."

Ema stirred in Klavier's grasp and he glanced down at her: her gaze was fixed firmly on Deston's expression which appeared to have frozen. Understanding her concern, and though feeling the same, Klavier simply rubbed her arm comfortingly.

Seren nodded. "Thank you."

"He's going to play games with all of us," Simon said darkly.

Klavier smiled grimly. "We have a game of our own to play, ja?" He looked at Deston. "Something he will not expect."

"Speaking of…" Raoul said and walked to another door at the back of the room. He knocked his finger against it a few times and turned back to all of them. "Me and Seren contacted Drake Sanders and Mrs Rainsford – his wife – as well as his parents—"

"Drake is here?" Gale blurted out, looking alarmed for the first time.

"He didn't want to be here for the execution," Seren said, stepping forward. "None of them did."

"But," Raoul continued when there was a responding knock from the other side, "there was someone who wanted to see this. We figured he deserved to have his wish granted."

Klavier was frowning at his friend, wondering who they were talking about but then the red-head grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it open. Just as he did so, there was a sharp intake of breath from Simon as if he'd guessed who Raoul was talking about. Before the prosecutor could ask, a tall man entered, his presence intense and exuding such raw power that it seemed barely contained by the room.

"Kade!"

Klavier's head whipped around on Gale but she had already got free of Simon and thrown herself at Kade Richards who accepted her greeting without a word or smile. Instead, he silently enveloped her frame in his arms and hugged her back. The prosecutor couldn't contain his surprise at this display of affection – nowhere since he'd began to investigate her case had Klavier read or heard anything to indicate Gale's friendship with Kade was so strong.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Gale cried, looking up into his face.

He looked back, his face emotionless and dark but the way his eyes were keenly fixed on hers spoke volumes. He raised one large hand to touch her face and Klavier frowned at the loving gesture. Surely this man couldn't be in love with her as well… could he?

He suddenly swept her into a fierce hug, as if his mind had only just accepted she was really there. Klavier glanced at Ema in surprise and she was watching them both with a bemused expression, clearly just as confused as he was. Almost afraid to do so, he lifted his eyes to Simon and felt his heart sink: the Latino was staring at the pair with a dark look in his eyes.

"I will never forgive you."

The deep voice caught Klavier by surprise and he saw Kade pull back to look at Gale, his eyes lowered to hers in a tortured expression but instead of looking guilty, she simply smiled and shook her head.

"I know, Kade," she said wryly. "You told me enough times."

He didn't reply. His eyes lingered on her face for a long, painful moment and then he slowly turned to Simon with an expectant look.

The silence deepened.

They stared at each other, every passing second like another drop of darkness to the menace in Simon's eyes. Threat permeated the air, thickening it dangerously and they all remained frozen as if one word would spark the fire of violence. Klavier threw Ema a sideways glance when her fingers subconsciously rose to grasp his and he squeezed them while turning back to Raoul who was looking alarmed. His shrewd eyes flickered back and forth between the two men as if trying to gauge the risk of a fight but just as he took a step forward, Gale held a hand up to Simon, turning back to him with an anxious look.

"Simon—"

"Why?" Simon said, his eyes fixed on Kade. His voice, though quiet, was shaking with silent fury and his hands had curled into fists as if it was all he could do to keep a hold of himself.

"Simon, he—"

"Gale," Kade said calmly. "Let him talk."

"Now isn't the time for this," Gale insisted, her eyes fixed on Simon. "Please."

"You let her walk into that trap," Simon hissed, stepping forward. "You killed her!"

"Simon—"

"Why?" he snarled. "How could you betray my trust like that?"

"He didn't—"

"Gale," Kade interrupted. "You haven't told him?"

Klavier saw a familiar flicker of fear appear in her eyes when she turned on Kade with a pleading expression and the first signs of emotion broke across his features – he was staring at her incredulously, almost as if chastising her for something.

"No," Gale said softly and biting her lip. "Not yet."

"Oh great," Simon said sarcastically. "He knows the great secret too." His dark eyes settled on Gale. "Does everyone know except me?"

The prosecutor felt his heart sink when he understood what Kade and Gale were talking about. He knew they couldn't tell Simon about Lana now – today was about Rafael's execution and if Gale was right, they would need all of their emotional barriers intact for what lay ahead.

Let it go, Simon, Klavier willed the man silently.

"Simon, please," Gale entreated. "I promise I'll tell you as soon as this is done. Please, just focus on this now."

Instead of the comfort her words were meant to induce, they spurred on his rage and though the other Gavinners had been waiting to thwart any sudden movements from Simon, only Klavier had seen how fast he could be: the tension in his body erupted and he moved almost at the same time that Simon did. The Latino slammed into Kade with brutal force that knocked them both to the ground and they had barely connected with the floor before Simon raised one large fist to strike Kade. Flinging himself forward, Klavier's hand shot out to grab Simon's arm.

And then everything was warnings and shouts and flurry of activity as the others converged to help Klavier control him; Simon was cursing loudly, his murderous eyes still fixed on Kade who was rising to his feet and looking on quietly.

"You bastard!" Simon screamed, fighting to free himself from their grasp. "You let her die!"

"Hey!" Klavier said loudly, pushing at Simon's shoulder. "Stop it."

But his words fell on deaf ears. Klavier threw a glance at Raoul when his arm wrapped around Simon's chest like a steel band yet he only fought harder to free himself of their grip. He was out of control, as if a dormant monster inside of him had been unleashed and would not retreat until blood was drawn.

"I was right there the whole time! Why didn't you tell me?" Simon's voice thickened with fury and disbelief and amid the efforts it took to restrain him, Klavier recognised the naked horror in Simon's eyes.

The truth hadn't sunk in yet — he was still struggling to accept the immensity of Gale's actions and the very real and ignorant part he'd played in the trap she'd set. Simon hadn't embraced her sacrifice. He'd been simply taking each day as it came but now that he was face to face with Kade, the reality had crashed around him again.

Klavier looked at Gale who had been unusually silent through the exchange and it was then that he saw the immense guilt in her face, the heartbreak in her eyes. She was staring at Simon, her gaze roving his wild expression and just as Klavier thought the man would break free of their grasp, she stepped in front of them, right in Simon's line of sight.

And though she didn't say a word, he stilled.

"Let go of him," she ordered quietly, her eyes finding Simon's and locking them with hers.

Klavier immediately let go when he saw the haunted expression trickle into Simon's stricken face. He took a step back, catching Raoul's eye and nodding at him to do the same. Just as he moved away, he felt Ema slipping her hand into his again and when he looked at her, she was watching Simon with a sad expression. Understanding, Klavier raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, turning back to the scene before him and taking a ragged breath.

"I'm sorry," Gale murmured, reaching out to touch Simon's face.

The broken look in his eyes was the only answer. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he allowed himself to be drawn in, his face disappearing into the curve of her shoulder. When she had fully enveloped him into the confines of her embrace, his trembling arms moved around her waist and then his body was shaking, wracked with gut-wrenching sobs.

"Simon…" Gale whispered, her voice choked with tears. "Please, don't cry…"

But then she was crying too, her frame shaking almost as strongly as his. She clung to him as she wept, barely audible words and cries and apologies falling from her lips. Her hands sunk into his hair and she held him close, touching and kissing every part of him she could find, desperation in her every move.

The sight was heart-rending. Klavier wanted to help them, wanted to do and say something that would lessen their pain but he knew nothing could stem the years of suppressed grief and longing they had endured. This was what they had long been deprived of and though he knew this was the release they had needed, the prosecutor felt no satisfaction and no relief.

Unable to watch any longer, he turned his gaze to Kade who had turned his back on them, to Seren and Raoul who'd averted their eyes and at Deston who was rubbing his eyes tiredly. And, just as he was about to look at her, he heard Ema sniff: Klavier felt the knot in his stomach tighten when he saw the shimmer of her eyes as she stared at Gale and Simon. With a sigh, he wrapped his arms around her, and she pressed her face into his chest as if to banish the distressing sight from her eyes.

"Shh…" Klavier hushed, dropping a kiss on her temple but he knew it was no use. Even as he rested his head against hers and looked at Simon, he knew the image would be branded into his mind forever.

They needed time. Klavier knew it would take a while for them to recover – all of them. So when he looked at Seren and spoke, it was no surprise to any who heard and there was no protest from any of them.

"Push it forward to 10."

.'.

Half an hour later, Klavier and Ema were waiting for time to pass as Simon and Gale gathered themselves when Raoul entered unexpectedly. His expression businesslike and a harassed look on his face, the Italian looked ready to snap but then he saw Ema's silent form at the window. He paused, looking at Klavier questioningly who shook his head and sighed, standing up from the chair he'd been lounging in.

"What is it?"

Raoul rolled his eyes. "Rainsford wants to see you."

Klavier raised an eyebrow. "Rafael?"

The red-head shook his head and his mouth curled in distaste. "Wrong Rainsford."

"David?" Klavier said, surprised. "Why?"

"I don't know," Raoul answered. "He's being a pain in the ass about it. I told him we can't move him in case someone sees him but he insists. You're gonna have to go to him."

"Alright," Klavier said, nodding and running a hand through his hair.

He threw a glance at Ema who was watching them both with a frown – she had been exceedingly quiet for the last half an hour and now that she was showing signs of joining the conversation he was somewhat relieved.

"Ema, you should stay with Raoul. I will only be a moment."

"I want to come with you," she said.

"With me?" Klavier echoed.

"I don't know that's a good idea," Raoul started but her eyes flashed.

"I don't care what you think, fireball," she snapped. "I'm going with Klavier."

"Ema," Klavier said gently. "I may require some privacy with David. I really think you should stay with Raoul."

Though her lips pursed at having her request denied, Ema didn't argue. Her eyes turned to Raoul and then she groaned at the promise of more offensive chatter in his smile.

Klavier laughed. "Behave yourself, ja?" he instructed his friend. "I will not allow you to tease mein—"

"Whatever, Gavin," he said, waving him off. "Tell someone who cares."

The prosecutor's lips twitched, knowing that Raoul fully intended on cheering Ema up in his own special way. Having seen the effectiveness of his tactics he turned to the detective who was glaring at them both fiercely. "I will try to make this as short as possible," he promised.

"I want Deston," she announced with an air of desperation.

Klavier's eyes twinkled. "What was that?"

"I want Deston," she repeated stubbornly, not recognising the trap she'd fallen into.

"Huh," Raoul smirked, turning to look at Klavier. "You shouldn't be sayin' stuff like that in front of your boyfriend, especially given your history with the dude."

"W-What?" Ema spluttered, her eyes widening. "That's not what I—"

"I cannot say that does not sting, Fräulein," Klavier said with a straight face, his insides cracking with laughter at the horrified look on her bemused face. "But I am well aware of the female force and their penchant for multiple boyfriends. As long as I remain number one, I am willing to—"

"SHUT UP!" she exploded, stomping her foot. "YOU'RE A PAIR OF DIRTY-MINDED FREAKS WHO NEED TO HAVE THEIR—"

Her shouting was drowned out by their howls of laughter. Klavier drew her in for a hug and dropped a kiss on her cheek. "Forgive us," he chuckled into her pouting face. "You are far too delightful to tease for your own good, Ema."

"Undisciplined fops."

He laughed again, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her eyes and regarded her silently. In their hurry, neither of them had dressed properly and the night's activities had left them both unkempt. Seeing the remaining bruises on her milky skin reminded him of the suffering she'd had to endure – she should have been resting in bed, not running about the way she had and Klavier made a promise to himself: as soon as the day was done, Ema would rest. Even if it meant dragging her out of the country for a while.

In fact, he thought, an idea forming in his mind, I think that is exactly what she needs.

"You take care of yourself," he instructed her before dropping his mouth to hers in a soft, lingering kiss. He half-expected her to pull away from him but she only sighed against his lips and nodded. Her eyes smiled even as her mouth twisted in a light scowl and she pushed at him.

"Get out of here."

Klavier winked at her from the door but she was already giving Raoul all the daggers she could and he exited, knowing his friend would keep her adequately preoccupied.

The walk to David's room was relatively short and on reaching it and opening the door, he saw the younger Rainsford on the phone.

"—tell you over and over, do I?" he was saying harshly.

Klavier shut the door behind him audibly and David spun around, his face contorted into fury and then, barking a few more orders, he slammed his phone shut.

"Thanks for coming," David said briskly, running a hand through his hair.

"What is the matter?" Klavier asked, frowning at the unsettled expression on the other's face. "Has nobody told you—?"

"They have," David said impatiently. "And that got me thinking – Lana isn't safe. We need to do something about her."

Klavier's eyebrows shot up as a tremor of surprise went through him. "You know about Lana?"

"Yeah. Gale told me." Klavier was taken aback by how smoothly the information flowed from him – as if he were relaying the weather news. "I know she was careful but I don't feel right leaving her out there like that. You—"

"Wait a moment," Klavier said, shaking his head. "Why did Gale tell you about Lana?"

David paused hesitantly. "She wants me to make sure nothing happens to Simon." He took a deep breath. "So she had to tell me why."

"And will you make sure of that?"

The older man scowled. "What kind of man do you take me for?" he snapped. "Of course I will."

Klavier silently scrutinised the other's expression. Beneath the indignation, he saw something else, something that he knew was there even if he hadn't shown it: envy and sadness. But, even though he knew David had wanted that with Gale, Klavier couldn't doubt his intentions. No matter his ill-temper and unorthodox methods of showing it, David still loved Gale and he would do anything to protect her daughter.

"I apologise," Klavier murmured, inclining a head.

The scathing reply he'd expected never came – David looked forlorn now and a weariness sank into his face that Klavier hadn't seen up until now. It was as if the troubles of his life had finally crashed around him, now, at the very end of this struggle with his brother. He lowered himself into a chair, shaking his head, and a long ragged breath escaped him.

"I don't blame you for asking me that," he said in a hollow voice. "I… He has her in a way that I never did."

Klavier couldn't disagree with that so slipped his hands into his pockets and remained silent.

"I should hate him," he continued, his eyes fixed on the ground. "For… For having what I wanted."

"But you don't?" Klavier guessed

A shake of the head. "He's…" A pause. "He's what she wants. He's treated her better… He could make her laugh when I couldn't. I know what he did towards the end was…" he swallowed painfully, "…but… I know." He looked at Klavier. "I know what it's like to love her."

The ghostly look in David's eyes were alien to Klavier yet he understood it without an explanation or a word – without the mask of arrogance to shield him, David was more wrecked inside than any of them.

"He didn't stand a chance. Not with her working against him. None of us did."

Klavier still said nothing.

"When Rafael found us, he gave Simon a chance to join him," David muttered almost as if he was talking to himself now. "Simon could have told Rafe where to find me…"

"But he didn't."

"No, he didn't. He warned me," David said, his voice dropping in volume. "And when I left, he followed me. He didn't have to but he did." He shook his head as a sharp laugh escaped him. "He's done nothing wrong. How can I hate him? He's… he's my friend."

Klavier hadn't been expecting it but for some reason, he felt not the slightest bit surprised by David's admission. It didn't take long for him to accept the truth behind it – despite initially believing their feelings to be irrevocably turned to hatred, David and Simon shared an intricate history together. Klavier knew how backstabbing and unreliable men were within criminal circles but he'd also seen the intense loyalty they harboured and the value placed on that kind of allegiance. Gale's presence and their conflicting emotions had led only to a blind refusal to see anything beyond the threat they posed to one another. Yet now, when the choices were made and their hatred no longer mattered, the shroud of enmity was being torn to pieces by the one thing they had in common – their love for Gale and their need for revenge.

With his rising respect for David, Klavier settled into a seat opposite him, resting his arms on his legs and leaning forward.

"I don't hate him," David said hoarsely. "I've never hated him."

Klavier nodded.

"I hate myself."

The prosecutor didn't need to ask why – he was sure he knew the answer to that already.

"I hate myself for getting involved with her when I knew what my life was like," David said, his voice deepening with emotion. "He always told me I was wrong. He warned me but I didn't listen. I was selfish."

It wasn't difficult to see where the conversation was going and Klavier was not willing to let David take on another burden. "No," he said, shaking his head and sitting back. "I know that you blame yourself for her death but you are not responsible."

David let out another sharp laugh. "I'm the reason for her death."

"Nein," Klavier said firmly. "Your brother is."

David didn't look up.

"Rafael is the reason for everything that has happened to you, to Gale and Simon. He is responsible for the death of my friend and for almost murdering another." Klavier felt his anger rise with every word. "He has destroyed so many lives and so many hopes and dreams. He has left countless bereft of their loved ones. He has swindled, murdered and Gott knows what else!" Klavier was on his feet now, rage making him restless. "Look at yourself, David!" he said, pointing at him violently. "He is so fallen that he has even tried to murder you – his own brother!"

David was staring at Klavier now, a stony expression freezing his face.

"Do not allow him to conquer your mind!" Klavier commanded. "Today is your turn to win. It is your turn to look him in the eye and smile with victory and you must do it with conviction! For all the people that he has hurt and for all the injustice he has done to you." He exhaled deeply. "He is the killer, David. Not you."

In the short moment that followed his outburst, Klavier watched the older Rainsford steadily rise to his full height and with a new kind of glint in his eye, the last vestige of sadness and guilt fell away. He nodded, grim determination on his lips and then he cocked his head to the side in an unexpected smile.

"You've got a good heart, kid," he said in an approving tone. "Don't ever lose it." He was saved from having to think of reply when David flicked his phone open and stared at him expectantly. "I want to move Lana somewhere safe. My security will have her – and Drake – moved somewhere safe. I just need legal permission."

Klavier took a deep breath – just enough to give him the time he needed to adjust to the turn in the conversation – and he nodded. "You will have to provide us with her whereabouts, of course."

David nodded curtly. "I'll call my men now."

Klavier couldn't help himself. "When you say your men—"

"Don't be stupid, boy," the man barked, his harsh persona back in place. "I wouldn't trust Lana's safety in the hands of anyone except honest people. They've passed the highest criminal checks in my company."

Klavier nodded and glanced at his watch. "I have to go prepare. Somebody will be by to tell you when it begins."

David laughed then, a truly amused laugh. "The stage is set, huh?"

"Ja," Klavier said, his own mouth curling into a smile.

"Rock-stars and their dramatics," David said, shaking his head. "You have to turn everything into a damn show, don't you?"

Klavier smirked, walking backwards to the exit. "It is not every day we find the opportunity to execute a criminal with such… flair."

"I believe you," David answered with another laugh. "I look forward to it."

"So do I, David," said Klavier, pausing at the door. "So do I."