Alfred paced the small room, moving from the music box to the secret door and back again in an endless loop. His image was reflected in a large vanity mirror that sat near the door to the bedroom, her bedroom. Alfred's strides became faster as he mulled over the problem before him.
He was positive the woman masquerading as Alexandra Banks was none other than his beloved sister Alexia. If the woman had simply resembled Alexia, Alfred would not have been convinced, but it was more than her looks that had driven him to this point. It was the way she walked, the tilt of her voice, the flashing of her eyes when confronted with the ignorance of an underling.
Alfred stopped suddenly, an idea forming in his mind. What if Umbrella had kidnapped his precious Alexia? It was possible that Alexia had been taken before her project was completed, that would explain the mysterious 'accident' in her lab. They had taken her away from him, held her, and returned her now that her usefulness was at an end.
Alfred slammed his hand into the surface of the vanity. They had done something to her, that's why she didn't remember him and why she was suddenly taking medication for migraines. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the reflection in the mirror. Umbrella had hurt his Alexia and he would make them pay.
Alfred spun around and headed out the door. Before vengeance he must first make his sister remember who she was, then together they could teach Umbrella the folly of their actions.
Alex stepped carefully though the infirmary. Several U.B.C.S. agents were there, likely recuperating from injuries given to them through their own stupidity. She sighed heavily and rapped her knuckles on the door to Dr. Ketchum's office. Seconds later the door was opened by a middle aged man, with thin wire frame glasses, and a kind face. However, Dr. Ketchum was far from kind, the man had a penchant for torture. A hobby Mr. Ashford highly valued and encouraged.
"Ah! Ms. Banks, please come in." Ketchum stepped aside, allowing Alex entry into his small office. "I hope Mr. Ashford is well."
"He's doing well Doctor. He was very satisfied with last night's demonstration."
Ketchum's eyes brightened. If Mr. Ashford was happy with his work than all was well on Rockfort Island. Alex cleared her throat a bit and set two thick files on the desk.
"Mr. Ashford sent these files over. He thought the subjects would be of interest to you."
"Thank you Ms. Banks I'm sure they will." Ketchum pulled the files across the desk and rested his hands on them. "Now Ms. Banks how are you this fine day?"
"I'm well, thank you Dr. Ketchum. The new prescription for my migraines arrived on time, just as I had asked."
"Migraines, yes."
Ketchum cleared his throat, he knew very well the pills were not for migraines. However Alexandra worked for Mr. Ashford, which meant that she was very good at her job. Dr. Ketchum did not dare mention to his benefactor that his assistant was taking a drug notorious for causing memory loss and schizophrenia.
"Is there anything else I can do for you Ms. Banks?"
"Not at the moment Doctor. I really should be getting back to Mr. Ashford."
"Of course, of course." Ketchum got up, coming around the desk, to show her out. "I wouldn't want to be responsible for delaying you in your duties. If you or Mr. Ashford need anything please do not hesitate to ask.
"You can be sure of it Dr. Ketchum."
Alex gave a little wave to the doctor and walked quickly out of the infirmary. She had just reached the bottom of the stairs when several young U.B.C.S. agents came around the corner from the barracks. They held no interest for her, so she stepped off the stairway and headed for the main gates. Just as she was passing them, one of the agents reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Hey there sweet thing." He leaned in close against her back. "You looking for a good time?"
Alex turned slowly. The man allowed her to, repositioning his grip so he still held her arm. The man was about her height, making him no taller than 5'9", and looked rather young, maybe 19 or 20. Alex's eyes turned first to the man's hand on her upper arm then to the man's face.
"If you wish to keep breathing I suggest you remove your hand from my arm." Her tone was cool and clipped.
"Or what, you'll hurt me?" The man laughed and tightened his grip. "What can a pretty thing like you do?"
The edges of Alex's mouth flicked up into a smirk. The man's eyes bulged as Alex's three inch heel crushed into his instep. He released his grip, eyes bulging, as he doubled over. As his head came down, Alex brought her knee up into the agent's nose. The force of the blow drove the man's head back up. Alex interlaced her fingers and brought the double fist down against the side of the man's head. He hit the ground on all fours, blood streaming from his nose and a split lip.
"Let that be a warning as to what a pretty thing like me can do."
Alex spun around to leave when the agent's two buddies stopped her.
"You can't get away with doing that to Matt!" The one growled, stepping in front of her. "I think you need to be taught a lesson as to what a U.B.C.S. agent can do."
"Yea. You tell her James." The second agent was standing only one or two feet behind her. "We aren't going to let you go now, honey."
"Honey?" Alex tilted her head, her eyes growing dark and cold. "I believe you two should rethink this course of action."
The man in front struck first, charging her like bull. Alex ducked the first swing and threw her arm out, striking the man's nose with a flattened palm. She drove her arm up, breaking the man's nose and sending bone splinters into his brain. The agent staggered a few steps and hit the ground. The man behind her watched in silence as his friend lay unmoving on the ground. Alex slowly lowered her arm and turned to face her final attacker.
"Well boy? Are you prepared to give up on this endeavor?"
The last agent answered her question by coming at her in much the same manner as the man on the ground had. Instead of ducking, Alex grabbed the man's wrist and used his own momentum to flip him to the ground. She wrenched his arm behind his back. The man let out a scream of pain as the bones of his arm snapped from the pressure she was forcing on it. A second later she let go of his arm and he hit the ground, still whimpering.
"From what I can see, you three are the worst Umbrella has to offer." Alex flicked a bit of dirt from her navy suit jacket and smoothed her skirt. "Allow this to be a lesson as to what someone with real training can do."
Alex started to turn away when the original starter of this little fracas, Matt, spoke up.
"You'll pay for this bitch, mark my words."
Matt glared at her from under his dark curly brown hair. He was still on his knees, blood still running from his face. Two quick strides brought Alex close enough to strike. Matt gagged as Alex held his Adam's Apple between the first and second knuckles of her index and middle finger.
"I think you three are the ones who have paid for this stupidity, one with his life. Ma…"
"What is going on here?"
Alex winced, she knew that voice only too well. She turned slightly to see Mr. Ashford come striding up to the scene, dressed in his usual military uniform. She had no desire for Mr. Ashford to become involved in this matter, something this insignificant was not worth his time.
"A minor disagreement." Alex released Matt from her grip and turned to fully face her boss. "I think it is resolved now Alfred."
Alex quickly brought her hand up to cover her mouth. Mr. Ashford's eyes widened slightly.
"Ms. Banks, what exactly has transpired here?"
Alex was relieved that Mr. Ashford didn't appear angry with her little slip. She quickly got her thoughts gathered, but, before she could speak Dr. Ketchum came rushing down the stairs.
"Those three attacked Ms. Banks, she was defending herself."
"Is this true?" Alfred asked, pinning her with a penetrating glare.
"Yes sir."
"And you did this to them?"
"Yes sir. I believe one of them is dead."
"Very well. Dr. Ketchum…" Alfred turned turning that gaze to Ketchum. "I trust you will take care of the two remaining agents."
"With pleasure sir."
"Ms. Banks, if you will come with me. I think we need to discuss something in private."
Mr. Ashford turned and Alex followed him out of the yard. It only took a few minutes to return to his office. While Alex stood in the doorway, Mr. Ashford moved around behind his desk and quickly typed something on his computer. A few seconds later the bookcase on her right slide aside to reveal a secret doorway.
"Come along Ms. Banks."
As soon as she stepped through entrance, the bookcase slide back into its proper place. She stared at the now closed entrance for a few seconds before running to catch up with Mr. Ashford.
Alfred opened the door to the Residence and waited for Ms. Banks to step inside. She looked wary but stepped into the foray. Alfred shut the door and headed for the stairway, Ms. Banks only a step or two behind
The episode with the U.B.C.S. agents had surprised him somewhat. He was both proud and broken hearted that his sister had been forced to defend herself in such a manner. Alexia had never been that physical with their enemies, that had been his place. It appeared Umbrella had tried to fashion her into a soldier and the training had stuck.
He reached the hallway to their bedrooms and pushed open the door to Alexia's bedroom. Ms. Banks stepped into the room, looking slightly confused. Alfred followed her, shut the door behind him, and motioned for Ms. Banks to take a seat by the vanity.
"Ms. Banks, what do you remember about your childhood?"
"Sir?" Ms. Banks looked slightly confused at his question. "I'm not sure I understand."
"It's a very simple question." Alfred watched her closely. "What do you remember about your childhood."
"Well to be honest I don't remember very little, there was an accident when I was young…" Ms. Banks touched her forehead lightly, as if trying to remember hurt her in some way. "…a young man…blonde…"
Alfred kneeled down in front of Ms. Banks looking up at her with hope and adoration shining in his eyes. He took her hands, holding them in his own, then took a deep breath and pinned all his hopes on the next word he was about to speak.
"Alexia?"
Ms. Banks froze for a second, hand still touching her temple. Alfred could see something pass over her eyes…recognition. She slowly turned her head to look down at Alfred. She looked at him with those beautiful blue eyes he remembered so well, with an emotion he had not dared hope to see in those eyes again.
"The man with the blonde hair…" Ms. Banks reached out with one hand and gently touched Alfred's cheek. "My brother…Alfred."
Alfred squeezed Alexia's hands, almost to the point of hurting them. Alexia continued to look at him with love, still caressing his cheek.
"You've come back to me Alexia." A few tears ran down his cheeks and he buried his head in her lap. "Please don't leave me again."
"I won't leave you Alfred." Alexia lovingly caressed his hair, smoothing it back from his face as she spoke. "I will never leave you again…"