CHAPTER 3: DILEMMAS
"Seriously?!" That was Marcie's response to Franklin telling her about Melanie's impending return. "She knows we're dating now, right?"
"I tried to tell her," Franklin replied, "but I couldn't get a word in. It's almost like how Peppermint Patty is with everyone else."
"True, but still, she will find out once she's here. You'll have to let her know."
"I know and I will. Enough time has passed and since we've been dating, I don't have those feelings for her like I did before anymore. But at the same time-"
"You don't want to hurt her, either. Right?" Franklin nodded. "I get it, honey. That's what made me fall in love with you from the beginning, and what I liked about you even before we started dating. You're similar to Charles with your kindness and good heart. You made me feel great again after Hans moved back to Germany. And if needed, I will be there with you for support."
"Thank you, Marcie. You really are a great girlfriend." The two of them kissed each other. "Anyway, enough about my old girlfriend for the time being. We will deal with that once she arrives. How is belly dance class going?"
"Pretty well, actually. My mother seems to enjoy it even more than I do, and I'm having fun. She actually did a dance for my father, making him blush all over. I had a good laugh at that."
"I'm still waiting on my show from you, Ms. Carlin." Franklin smirked at his girlfriend.
"Well, once we deal with Melanie and sort that out, I promise, you will get a private show with me, baby. And I guarantee you will enjoy it!" She kissed Franklin again and laid in his lap as they watched TV together. Franklin would worry about Melanie later. And with Marcie backing him up, he knew no matter the outcome, she would be there for support.
Later, at the Scorpion's mansion, Hanks was talking to the Scorpion, who had his mask on to hide his identity. Hanks was worried that Hendrix was hiding some vital information from him and that she was on to him. She never revealed that she was, but he had a feeling that she was keeping something from him.
"What do you think it would be?" asked the Scorpion.
"I don't know," said Hanks. "But both she AND Boyd haven't been as talkative about the case. I wonder if they know about our dealings."
"They haven't said anything about it, have they?"
"No, they haven't. They haven't let on if they were on to me, or anything. But, they haven't been as pursuing of the case as they have been, either."
"They may have found one or both of the girls. And if they are on to you about anything, they might not be telling you about it. I could be wrong."
"Well, they haven't indicated that they found either one of them."
"Maybe you should do some undercover spying, so to speak."
"I may have to, just to see if they're keeping anything from me. I'll let you know if I find out anything, good or bad."
"Okay, Hanks. You better leave. They may get even more suspicious if you're gone too long." And Hanks left the mansion. At that moment, Brody and Butch walked in.
"Hanks may reveal where we are, guys," the Scorpion said to his henchmen. "Do not do anything yet, but wait for my word. Got it?"
"Understand clear, boss," said Brody.
"Yes, boss," added Butch.
"Okay. Continue to search for Sam's girl, and the Holt girl, as well. We may be narrowing closer on both of their whereabouts. I want Hanks to lead us to them first, and ONLY AFTERWARDS we will deal with him."
"Sure thing," said Brody. And both of them left his office. The Scorpion sat down and took off his mask once he was alone. He looked out the window. Even though both Brody and Butch knew what he looked like, being one of only a handful of people who knew the Scorpion's identity, he still didn't like people looking at his face. What very few people didn't know was that the Scorpion had suffered a debilitating accident that left his face horribly scarred. That was why when he didn't have a mask or a covering over his face, he usually sat in the shadows so no one could directly look at him and his scarred face. Plus, he was a recluse and only worked from his mansion when he did do legitimate work, or illegal work, as well. No one in the legit work force that worked with him knew he was the Scorpion, as he kept that side of him to himself. Only the guards that were on his payroll knew that and was sworn to secrecy. Not even Hanks, who was being a double agent of sorts, knew what his true identity was. As he stared out his window, he sighed deeply.
"I just wish I could go out and not worry about people looking at my deformity," he lamented to himself. "Maybe one day, they can correct my scars and give me a new face."
NEXT CHAPTER: MYTH OR REALITY?
