Kurt smiled wearily at Alistaire. "I'm just going to stretch out and relax until the interview, okay Alistaire?"
"Sure." He smiled. "You've got a while yet."
Kurt slipped in to his room and lay down. He had a hard time relaxing. He was in a great mood.
Everyone's all right, we've got a plan of attack and by this time tomorrow the bulk of it should be over. Braddock's fever's even come down to a reasonable level.
We just have to stay together, watch each other's backs and get through it. Once everyone's back I'll have them stay here and ride it out. Maybe see if I can't get the other Braddock back from the hospital once she's stabilized. Keep her out of harms way.
He stretched out. It felt wonderful. And slowly… he slipped of, bit by bit, to sleep.
Emma swam out of the darkness at him, smiling.
He rolled his eyes.
She pursed her lips in to a pout. "Now Kurt, don't be mad… You made it work to your advantage."
His eyes narrowed and he glared at her. "I made it work to my advantage? That was dumb luck. You set me up."
"And I'm … sorry that it had to happen."
"No your not." He said, laughing. "Obviously not."
She laughed too. "Sincerity isn't my strong suit." She admitted.
He sighed. "That's too bad. I enjoyed … knowing you. For the most part."
She swallowed slightly. "It doesn't have to end Kurt. I represent business interests. We could work together."
"Business interests… Or the Hellfire Club – a group of people who kidnap crippled boys and blackmail people in to murder?"
Emma swallowed. "So… Someone was hurt?"
Kurt stayed calm. "We had a death tonight and another close call."
"I… I am sorry. That never should have happened."
"And… As it turns out… It's my job to arrest people who do things like that." He grinned. "My charter is actually pretty well… All encompassing." He let the grin turn menacing. "I could… freeze your holdings, have you arrested, seize your assets… and I don't even need the argument that you're guilty of some crimes… but if anyone ever asked about it… I have that too."
She swallowed. "I am a very powerful telepath." She warned him. "I don't need to wait for you to sleep to get inside your head. I can be there any time, it's just painful for you. I have been very cordial so far Mister Wagner…"
"And I have enough mutant firepower to level this city and the governmental power to do so without being held accountable." He snapped back. "So don't tempt me Emma…"
She took a long considerate breath.
"What are you going to do?" She asked him.
"I haven't decided yet." He lied. "But I know that I would like nothing more than to take down the Hellfire Club just for kicks at this point."
She swallowed. "They are more … numerous than most people would know."
"And?" He asked.
"And… You could use my help." She ventured.
He laughed and pointed at her while doing so. "Oh, Emma!" He wiped tears from his eyes. "I haven't laughed like that all week. I didn't know you had a sense of humor."
"Then call it a sense of survival." She said. "I…"
He caught her eye.
"I could still be useful." She said at last both defensively and hopefully.
"Are you serious?" He asked.
She nodded. "I helped design your charter." She told him. "I always intended to be close to the person who fills your position. It doesn't matter to me if it's you or not. Make whatever decisions you feel are best, I don't care, but when it comes to economic and business matters … let me be your advisor."
He eyed her carefully. "I don't have anyone in that position yet." He admitted. "But I would want something else in return."
She smiled seductively.
"Not that." He told her sternly. "The Club. Names, addresses, powers, everything."
She nodded. "I'd need… protection." She said softly. "I'd need to disappear. They'll come looking."
Kurt nodded. "I'll get Alistaire on it tomorrow." He said. "Now… I'd like to get some sleep. It's been a long day."
She looked at him carefully. "Kurt… I have to report back tonight. I'm supposed to find out if you're on our side or not… What should I say?"
"What happens if you say no?" He asked.
"Maybe they'll kill you and try to move someone else in to your position." She looked distraught. "And since I put my neck out for you this long… I ma be exiled or forced to resign."
"Then tell them no." He said. "And let them come. I've been busy in the last few days and they'll be surprised at what they're up against now." He smirked. "Plus… Now I'm angry."
She nodded. "I understand." She whispered. "Good night."
And she bowed her head and vanished.
She opened her eyes and looked around her little apartment with a great sigh. Ohhh… I am going to miss this… All of it…
But I had better get packed… And then call Sebastian.
Illyana stood at the altar she had prepared.
Slowly she intoned the sacred words and the images appeared before her in an astral smoke. It was Forge walking through the woods. He had a smaller, shadowy figure next to him but se didn't really come in to focus.
"There you are…" She smiled. "I see you now…"
He was slowly walking out of the woods carrying something in his hand and laughing with his companion.
"Aww… Are you holding hands?" She asked mockingly.
And then they both passed out of view and she was stunned to see the lighthouse.
"No…" She whispered. "Wagner…"
She swallowed and intoned the chant to banish the images. They dissipated like smoke.
She seethed for just a moment. I need to do something… but I need to be…
The phone rang.
She answered it immediately. "Hello?"
She sat up strait.
"Yes, Illyana… The Club and I thought that perhaps you should make your move. If you can put your man in the mutant advisor position then we recommend you do so… and we in turn would have to rethink your position within the Club… and perhaps recommend that you and Emma settle the matter once and for all."
Her eyes lit up. "This is wonderful news Sebastian. Really. I'll see to it shortly."
"See that you do child. See that you do."
And the line went dead.
Well… She thought. It seems that fortune and fate are smiling on me. I can kill two birds with one stone.
She smiled. Tonight… You'll both pay for what you've done. And I swear by the darkest of gods that I will enjoy it!
And tomorrow… It's Emma's turn.
Lucy and Forge walked quietly across the lawn towards the lighthouse.
The moon was high and the stars clear in the night sky.
A slight breeze swept in off the ocean and the waves crashed softly on the rocks.
Forge smiled. "We should tell them what we learned." He said at last.
"Go ahead." She said. "I want to walk around a little more."
"Okay." He said, squeezing her hand affectionately.
She squeezed back and he let go and slipped up the stairs.
She watched him go and looked away before smiling. That was easy… She thought with a sigh. He is really nice.
She sat on the steps and turned curiously as the headlights approached.
She glanced over as the people got out of the car. One of them had a video camera and one of them called out to her. "Is Alistaire Stuart here?"
And from above she head Alistaire answer. "We'll be right down!"
Suddenly the man with the camera had pointed it at her.
"So tell me." The one who called to Alistaire jogged up with a microphone and put it out to her. "Do you know the Mystery Mutant?"
She blinked from the bright light on the camera and smiled. "You mean Kurt." She said. "Kurt Wagner."
"The new Mutant Advisor?" The reporter asked. "What's he got to do with the Mystery Mutant?"
She shook her head. "They're the same guy. He used to wear a disguise to fit in."
The man looked shocked. "Are you getting all this?" He asked the camera guy.
"Damn strait." The man replied.
The reported swallowed. "So who are you dear?"
"Lucy Logan." She looked around, confused for a moment.
"And how do you know Mister Wagner?"
She smiled. "I ummm... live with him."
"So… What can you tell me about the charges that Mister Wagner is a womanizer and cretin?"
"Ummm…" I don't even know where to begin telling them what's wrong with that…She laughed and repeated herself.
"Ummm…"
