Chapter 7

Chapter 4


The tension between the four people was immense as they made their way to the massive doors of the estate. The doors sprung open and a lone figure came charging out, unceremoniously throwing herself into Logan's arms.

"Logan! It's been so long since we've seen you!" she practically screamed.

Logan, looking somewhat shell-shocked, returned her embrace awkwardly.

"Aunt Wendy, it's nice to see you again," he said, trying not to grimace.

Max observed this scene with suppressed amusement, to her left, Caitlin rolled her eyes, and behind her, Zack stood, his face a mask of practiced Manticore calm. Logan pried himself from his aunt's grasp and turned to Max.

"Max, this is my Aunt Wendy. Aunt Wendy, this is my business partner Max."

Aunt Wendy glanced between the two, her eyes sparkled knowingly.

"Business partner? From the way you described her, Logan, I thought you were much more!" her voice held an element of mocking and spite as she gazed at Max. As her eyes rested on Max face, they hardened, but Max meet her stare evenly. Caitlin decided to ease the tension.

"Mother, I'm sure Max and Logan are tired, lets go inside" she said.

"Yes of course"

As Logan's Aunt led them through the extensive maze of ornate hallways, Max made her way to her brother's side. He glanced at her briefly, but his face unreadable. He held up his hand and quickly drew a 'X' on his wrist. At Manticore, this had been the sign for 'no time' and had been most commonly used when one of them had fallen and another wanted to go back for them. Max understood the signal and moved away quickly.



Caitlin frowned. She had witness the exchange between Max and Zack, and this only heightened her belief that there was more to the two of them than meets the eye.

Was she a fool? She was falling for Sam. Hell, she was already head over heals in love with him. He was so different from any man she'd ever meet. So tough and harsh, but sometimes she caught him looking at her with such a gentle gaze that her heart would melt. Now this mysterious "sister" had appeared and called him Zack. And Sam, if that was his real name, had changed again, becoming more like a commanding officer then a boyfriend.

Before Caitlin could continue her dark thoughts, her mother stopped in front of the guestrooms and turned to face the four tension-filled people.

"Max, I'm sorry I thought you and Logan were together," her voice hardened. "I didn't have time to prepare the other guestroom. Do you mind sharing the double apartment with Sam?"

Max repressed a smile and shook her head. "That will be fine Mrs. Cale."

Caitlin decided to see if she could shed some light on the situation.

"Max and Sam are brother and sister," she informed her mother.

Mrs. Cale eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Really? Amazing. Isn't it a small world."

Max and Zack were growing increasingly uncomfortable with the line of questioning, and they both tried to avoid the perplexed gazes of both Caitlin and her mother.

Once again, Logan came to their aid, stepping between his relatives and the two X-5s.

"Aunt Wendy, both Max and I are really tired," he lied, knowing perfectly well that Max didn't need any sleep.

Max was quick to agree. "Yeah I'm really tired. Could I have a nap before we start talking business?" she said as she quickly moved out of Caitlin piercing gaze.


"Yes of course. Sam could you show Max around the guest apartment? Logan, your Uncle is dying to see you. You two will be all right, won't you?"

"We'll be fine," they said in perfect unison.


As soon as the Cale family members were out of the room, Max turned to Zack.

"What's going on? Who have you found? What's the dealio with you and Logan's cousin?" Her questions were fired out in rapid succession.

"I've found Jondy," he said, his face was beaming with a radiant smile: the first real smile Max had ever seen on his face.

"Jondy?" Max gasped, her eyes filling with tears. "You've found her!" She grasped Zack's shoulder, "Where is she? "

"After she escaped, a rich businessman, by the name of Michael Jones, adopted her. Apparently, she's had a good life. Jones used a lot resources to find us. She shouldn't have told him. Trust is a weakness," he added bitterly.

Max recognized the name Jondy's adopted father as the name of the man who wanted to buy a part of Cale technologies. "How do we contact her?" she asked eagerly.

"She will be coming with Jones in two days when he comes to discuss the takeover with Caitlin's mother."

"So what's the dealio with you two anyway?"

Before Zack could reply, Caitlin walked into the room unannounced.

"Mother wants you to meet father, Max," she said.

"We're coming," Zack said softly.