Disclaimer: See prologue.
Children of fear- Part One
"Oh wow, it's so pretty and so big!" Gracie squealed turning in circles, trying to take in the entire ball room they stood in.
Logan smiled at Gracie's delight and pulled Max closer to him.
She looked up at him "what's wrong?"
He shook his head and looked around at the familiar faces of the rich and famous people he'd known since he was small "why do you think anything's wrong?"
She smirked "because your going all possessive, not that I mind its just that you only do that when there's something wrong or your upset."
He frowned "I do?"
She laughed and kissed him lightly on the lips "yeah, you do. Now fess up, what's wrong?"
He sighed and looked down at her "you know me to well. I guess seeing all these people who I've known my whole life and hated my whole life has triggered all the memories of why I usually avoid these things like the bubonic plague. I feel guilty for putting you and Gracie through this to."
Max shook her head and rested her hand over his hand on her hip "first off I don't know to well and second I don't remember me or Gracie ever objecting to come. This isn't really my scene but its got its perks" she told him snagging a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
"Logan!"
He groaned and held Max against him more tightly "brace yourself" he whispered to her.
Marian toddled over in her ridiculously high stiletto heels "Logan I thought that was you! Congratulations are in order from what I hear!"
Logan smiled at her and kissed her cheek "Marian, lovely as always"
She smiled swatted him lightly on the shoulder "always were a charmer"
Max raised an eyebrow and glanced from Logan to the blond, Marian. She felt Gracie move closer to her and wrap an arm around her leg.
Logan felt her as well and smiled reassuringly down at her then back at Marian "Marian this is Max Guevara, Max this is Marian Crest"
Marian turned and smiled at Max kissing her lightly on the cheek "welcome Max, Logan always has had good taste in woman"
Max resisted the urge to roll her eyes and smiled at Marian.
Marian turned her gaze to Gracie "and who's this little angel?"
Gracie stared up at her, analyzing the woman then smiled at her "Gracie Eva Cale."
Logan squeezed Gracie's hand "Gracie's our daughter."
Marian smiled and nodded happily "I must introduce you to my little girl, she's also adopted and about Gracie's age. In fact why don't I take Max and Gracie over to meet Sarah? Simon told me he wishes to see you on some work matters, he's in the dining room with your uncle."
Logan inwardly cringed. And noticed Marian presumed Gracie was adopted, he didn't contradict her.
Max smiled at Marian "Gracie and I would love to" she squeezed Logan's hand and let go.
He looked into her eyes silently asking if she could handle Marian and her clique. Max smirked "go on, Gracie and I'll be fine!"
Gracie nodded her consent and let go of Logan's hand "love you daddy" she told him taking Max's hand.
Logan smiled "love you to Gracie."
Marian waved and led Max and Gracie toward her table.
Logan groaned and headed towards the two men he hated most in the world, other than Donald Lydecker.
***
Sarah watched as Marian spoke to Max and Gracie leading them towards the table. Sarah slipped out of her chair ignoring the clones and ran into the well-dressed crowd heading toward the hallway. She managed to get to the door with out anyone noticing her and slipped out with a group of people.
Sarah broke away from the guests and tried to look as inconspicuous as possible. She watched Logan disappear into the dining room and made a split second decision to follow.
So what if she was caught. The man Marian insisted she call daddy didn't give a damn what Sarah did as long as she pretended he spent long quality hours with her. Image was everything to Simon Crest and playing happy family's was what brought in the cash.
Sarah opened the door as quietly as possible and slipped inside.
"Logan, so happy you could join us. Do take a seat" Simon announced swilling the last few millimeters of scotch around in his fine crystal glass and swallowing it back.
Jonas Cale sighed and nodded towards Logan "good to see you my boy, sit!"
Logan glanced between them then settled in a leather chair stiffly "what do want to see me about?"
Simon turned to look out of the window still clutching the fragile glass "I heard you've suddenly got a six year old daughter, am I correct?"
Logan's jaw tightened "why?"
Simon smirked and turned back to the two men "because so do I"
Sarah crouched down behind a large pot plant and listened intently to the conversation swiftly heading towards her being the main subject.
"Marian insisted we got her. What I want to know is what these two children have in common." Simon said quietly.
Logan frowned "what do you mean?"
The man laughed "oh Logan, I know you know. You have a knack for finding hidden conspiracies whether you want to or not. Now tell me, who are Sarah and Gracie?"
Jonas glanced over at his nephew "come on Logan. I'm sure Simon will be willing to pay you a tidy sum for the information."
Sarah's eyes widened and focussed completely on Logan's blank face.
"All I know is that Gracie is a blessing to me. No one, and I mean no one will take her from Me." he said harshly, getting up from his chair "sorry to waste your time Crest but Gracie is a normal six year old child. I wouldn't know about Sarah. Not everybody you meet has a hidden agenda Simon."
Simon smiled coldly and poured him self another scotch "what about you Logan?" he asked not looking up.
Logan glared at him "what ever do you mean?"
He turned and opened the door. His eyes met with Sarah's.
She gazed up at him, waiting for him to reveal her hiding place.
"Good night gentlemen, my daughter and date are waiting for me," he said winking at Sarah and slipping out of the room silently.
Jonas leaned back in his chair "he knows something."
The crystal glass was set down on Crest's large mahogany desk gently "of course he does, the question is, how do we get the information?"
TBC . . .
AN/ I know this was short, I'll try to make the next part longer