The Hope Diamond Scandal chapter two: The Future Before Us.

Note: The first time this was written was by The Fourth Mind. She didn't save it to a disk. It's being retyped like all chapters to make sure the story is correct. Thanks.

"Will you be going out again tonight, Mr. Quinn?"

"Yes, James. Later." I answered, shrugging on my rob. Skulking around at night has always been a favorite activity of mine. Even on nights when no prize is gained.

In the many years I've been doing this, I've come across several others while working. But no one like this Shadow. So dark. Well. One other comes to mind. Ha..ha...my dear, sweet Morgana. The one time I've ever come close to getting caught. And by a beautiful, Native American princess. I know she allowed me to escape, but why? She had nothing to gain by setting me free. Nor nothing lose by letting me escape.

This Shadow. She's not one to be trusted. She has other plans. Ones that match my own. Steal it together, lift it from the other. She doesn't know I know her plans. My own extend farther. Help steal it, then instead of taking it from her there, follow her and take it then.

"Mr. Quinn, who are you talking to?"

"Thinking out loud, James. No worries."

"Yes, Sir. If you need anything..."

Later on that night

"You should watch your own shadows, Shadow."

"Any closer and your head would be laying by your feet." The woman's smooth voice replied.

"I see our relationship means nothing to you."

"The only reason I haven't killed you is because you serve a purpose."

"You think you're using me." I stated. "My sweet, we are using each other. Now, before we make this a repeat of last night, let's get our diamond." With that I left her there to follow. When she caught up, I had already lowered the rope into the ceiling through a whole I had created earlier in the week. "Coming?" I watched her as she took hold of the rope.

Thursday morning 7:45

It was a peaceful morning. Birds cooing. Cool air blowing over my skin and through my hair. And the sound of cars. I hate the sound they make. Like monsters that have no care for life itself. I hate being in this big of a city. 'Jeez, Alex, why'd you have to come the San Francisco? Duh, Morgana, the Hope Diamond. Which just happens to be making a stop here while on its nationwide tour.'

Well, he won't get away tonight. I have a feeling he will hit. I have to be ready. Find a place at the museum or nearby where I can lay low. Won't be hard to find him. Still wearing black outfits and no mask. Brave and stupid.

Now that I look back on it, why didn't I turn him in like the others? I feel nothing for him. He's just another thief. A mutant thief. But still a thief. Well, this time he's going in. I don't care how hard he looks at me with those green eyes. Enough about the past. The future's in front of us. Now to find a vantage point.

Thursday 12:00 noon. At a small café on the west side of San Francisco.

"Come, Illya, let us stop and have lunch."

"Fine, Sean." The Russian woman commented giving in, her accent setting heavy in the air.

He pulled the motorcycle over, and parked along the street side walk. They young woman behind him climbed off and took a seat at a nearby table. When he joined her, a waiter brought two menus. "Can I get your drinks first?" he asked kindly.

"I'll have...you don't have any Vodka?" Sean asked out of curiosity.

"No." the waiter replied confused.

"Fine...I'll just have water."

"And you, miss?" He wrote down Sean's request.

"I'll have water with lemon, please."

"I'll have those for you shortly." he walked off.

"Did you see the way he looked at you?" Sean asked not looking you from his menu.

"Don't worry about it." Illya stated back.

"But he shouldn't look at you like you're some kind of side show freak!" his voice raising a little.

"I said drop it."

"But..." "No, I've told you before. People can stare all they want. I'm not worried about what they think and neither should you." she stated flatly.

Sean took in the view of his blonde hair, blue eyed, white fur partner. So what if her ears resembled that of a cat or that there was a long, fluffy tail to go along with the assembly. He thought she was beautiful, in appearance and character. He hated when people judged her unfairly. "Okay, okay, I give. You win."

She gave an endearing and understanding smile. He took the way people looked at him a little more personal. The only true difference was he had almost raspberry skin, pointy ears, and sharp canines. No where near as noticeable as her own physical physique.

"Here come our drinks."

The waiter placed them down, took their orders, then left, shortly bringing the meals to them. They ate mostly in silence.

"So you think she'll strike tonight, why?" he asked taking another bite of his sandwich.

"Because, she expects us to come in later in the week. She'll have no idea that we're here this early. She'll want it as soon as she can get it." she took a sip of her drink. "Besides, she thinks she'll fool us."

"Which museum?"

"The only one with enough updated security systems. The Museum of Historical Art."

"We finish eating, then I say we find a place the hunker down until tonight." he smiled. "Have the cards with you?"

End chapter two.