21

Thank you so much once again to all of you for reviewing and following the story. I got really excited about this chapter and it just kind of wrote itself so I managed to post earlier than expected!

Jeff had slept for a whole fourteen hours straight but it only felt like four. He came to in a nest of pillows, the sheets taught around him. He sighed, relieved to find he was alone. The events of yesterday still weighed on him heavily and he wanted to sift through them in private. It was hard to explain the confusion after ultimately ending up experiencing two versions of himself simultaneously over these last few weeks. There was the internally scarred Jeff trying to process the minefield of his own deteriorating mental health and the physically damaged Jeff trying to recover from the crash. Now both these Jeff's had converged onto one timeline and he found himself at an impasse. Where did he go from here?

He also couldn't stop the replay of the crew their cries ghosting him, as their hands scrabbled for a purchase hold they would never find on those slick decks as the ship bucked them off like some angry stallion. His heart went out to them and their families who would be waking up struggling to comprehend their own losses this morning. Why could the world be so heartless? And why in this golden age of technology could the human race still not save those in need of rescue? like that crew, his father and his and Kyrano's wives. Jeff just couldn't understand it. If he was in the emergency service sector, he would be investing in state-of-the-art rescue technology development, it was an area that obviously needed stronger funding when so many people in need were being missed. In fact... there was no reason he couldn't become involved in the emergency service sector. He was after all almost a billionaire, maybe there was a way he could support the advancement of the services and not feel so helpless. Hmmm, he was already known for his philanthropy towards the veteran community there was no reason he couldn't branch out. He was a damn good pilot, maybe he could volunteer his services with the local air ambulance? Or he could run a charity gala event or even set up a foundation in his wife and father's memory? No, that seemed like too much of a slow burner. No, he wanted something that would make an immediate but revolutionary change for the better so people like his wife and father were saved in time, not left to perish because the over stretched emergency services were over two hours away. Hmm, well it was something to think about for sure.

His thoughts returned to the tail end of yesterday the only good thing about his memory returning was the blinding thoughts of his children. Five kids! How could he forget five kids! His wonderful (If sometimes troublesome boys). It had been so good to see them yesterday. Alan looked so much younger than he remembered and seeing his face light up was just the pick me up he had needed. Gordon looked like he had literally just dragged himself out of bed, he wasn't a natural riser but he'd conditioned himself pretty well since joining the submarine core, only to then transfer to W.A.S.P. God! He was so proud of him; his career was shaping up to be very promising. Virgil looked to be his usual steadfast and calm self; he couldn't help but notice the protective arm he had around his grandma. It did a lot to put Jeff's mind at ease seeing them but he found he was concerned by his two eldest which usually it wouldn't have even entered his head to worry about them in the same way as he did his two youngest children. Scott and John were well into adulthood now and had both grown into strong, intelligent and resilient young men. That's why Jeff had been surprised to see John look like a coiled spring, Jeff could see the tension pouring from him. Jeff hadn't missed the look of loathing being directed at Scott as he had spoken. Scott looked like he had aged in recent weeks too, dark circles rimmed his eyes and his forehead never creased out of its frown. He guessed that with him gone the burden of the business and farm had fallen heavily on his eldest as he became the default patriarch and Jeff knew how fractious the two eldest could become if Scott was the one decision making. It was a strain neither of them should have had to suffer. Jeff resolved to try and remedy that and soon. He'd had long enough to recuperate after his little downer, it was time he started to face this new life he had been thrown into for better or worse. His children needed him.

He Stretched, realising he was still wearing the torn clothes from yesterday that were bloodstained and sea salt encrusted. His leg was back to throbbing but it was more of a constant dull ache. He's obviously pushed it too much yesterday. He stumbled to the door where he hesitated resting his hand on the handle. He had done a lot of public crying yesterday; he knew it was stupid to feel humiliated but he kind of did. He knew that Tin-tin and Kyrano would never judge him for it and he shouldn't worry that they would think any less of him. He steeled himself a little bit of the old Jeff Tracy bravado slithering back as he slipped out into the hall. Thankfully it was quiet so he headed straight to the bathroom. There he found a note with a fresh bundle of towels and clothes letting him know they had popped to the village to get some supplies. He smiled; it was like Kyrano could read his mind. He was thankful for the alone time. He showered quickly not wanting to add to waste Kyrano's resources any more than he had but enjoying the way the hot water helped soothe his body and mind, the scent of the tangerine soap was refreshing and lifted his spirits somewhat. As he dried and got dressed a mad idea caught him unawares. He had been thinking of the military that had swooped in to help the stricken ship and was thinking wouldn't it be great to have an emergency services alliance on a global scale a bit like some of the military alliances of old such as NATO? Then they could come to each other's assistance, pool their resources to help in the direst of situations where local services failed. It would be an elite specialist outfit with the latest in custom technology similar to some of the designs that Tracy industries already produced. Yes! That could work Jeff thought excitedly! Intrigued by this new pipeline Jeff left the bathroom with none of the earlier trepidation - too wrapped up in his planning. He almost didn't notice the stranger sat drinking tea in the lounge.

Jeff paused in his tracks and tried not to look as wary as he instantly felt. "Who are you?" Jeff asked boldly. The man finished sipping his tea, placing the cup and saucer onto the coffee table with a slow deliberate action which unnerved Jeff. There was something about the way this man held himself, like the dictators and despots of old. A calm disguise that hid the madness inside. This man was dangerous, Jeff could literally feel the malevolence in the air. "Please forgive me, I did not mean to startle you Mr. Tracy I am simply waiting for my brother to return." The pleasantries may have gone some way to placating Jeff's first impressions if it hadn't been for that deep baritone that resonated through Jeff's core long after the stranger had spoken.

"How do you know who I am?" Jeff kept his distance.

"Word spreads fast, its all over the news that you are missing." Jeff decided it was best to play dumb.

"What news?"

"That Jeff Tracy's sons are looking for him. The heirs to your multi-million-pound company."

Jeff pretended to look shocked. He stumbled back deliberately placing on hand on the back of the sofa. "What do you mean? I – I don't have sons!" It wasn't hard to feign panic when he had experienced so much of it in the last week.

The man watched him, calculating Jeff's every move. He cocked his head looking every inch the predator Jeff instinctually knew him to be.

"According to the article you have five sons. Do you remember how you came to be here?" The man stood and started to slowly advance on Jeff.

"No, no that can't be right! I'd know if I had five sons!" Jeff used this fake confusion to back up a few more paces. "I- I don't know. Kyrano said I had an awful fever when he found me, I was delirious, I don't even know how I got here. All I know is your brother saved me and has been aiding my recovery." Jeff was careful not to divulge anything, nothing about the future.

Well this was vexing! Thought the man who called himself the Hood. His spies had informed him that Jeff Tracy had recovered his senses yet here he was terrified at the few small revelations of his life. He was either a very good actor or had suffered yet another mental break. It could happen sometimes; he'd broken enough minds to know. Trouble was it didn't give him a lot to go on. In this state he wouldn't be able to manipulate him as he wanted to.

Jeff was now semi collapsed against the wall with a vacant expression and mutterings of "I have sons…..I'm a father….. how could I not know!"

The hood was stood a handshake apart now. There was the clatter of footsteps and soft chatter as Tin-tin rounded the corner. Kyrano pulled up short at the site of his brother, Shock flittered across his features before quickly being shut down by his usual stoic expression.

"Brother! I did not expect a visit from you." Kyrano bowed politely.

"Uncle! What are you doing here? its been so long!" Tin-tin embraced him seemly unaware of the palpable tension in the room.

"Tin-tin what a lovely surprise! I thought you were still studying in the city, had I known I would have not bothered your father. I know how lonely he gets when you are away." He smiled at her, his face lighting up. He seemed genuinely pleased to see her which was odd with what Jeff had seen so far. He hadn't thought this man was capable of any friendliness.

"I see you have met Mr. Tracy? Would you like some tea?"

"Indeed, I have, I was just asking Mr. Tracy if his sons had managed to locate him yet? And no thank you, Jeff and I have already had tea."

Jeff couldn't communicate to Kyrano without the hood seeing but he did his best to look confused. Kyrano quickly interjected "Mr. Tracy has suffered terrible trauma of late and his leg wound still ails him. Mr. Tracy has not had time to catch up on world news, he has been in recovery. Now if you will excuse us brother Mr. Tracy still needs his rest but I would be happy to take a walk with you.

Well played Kyrano, well played. Too many witnesses for me to unleash my power! I shall have to come back another day and you will regret making me do so! "Of course! My apologies Mr. Tracy, I was not aware you were still so unwell. I will not keep you any longer, do not worry about the walk Kyrano. I can come back another time. Goodbye Tin-Tin you look after your father for me."

"I will uncle, it was lovely to see you if only briefly."

"Indeed. He leant in to embrace her again. Jeff didn't miss the way Kyrano tensed at the close proximity of his brother towards his daughter.

With that the man swooped out of the house. Kyrano hovered in the recess of the hall until he was sure his brother had moved on before carefully shutting the door. He returned to find Jeff in the lounge with Tin-tin fussing over him. "Ah, Kyrano. I'm feeling a bit faint from a headache I think it's the aftereffects of yesterday. Could you help me back to the bedroom? I need to lie down"

"Of course, Mr. Tracy - Tin-tin would you be able to make a start on supper?"

"Yes father."

Kyrano guided Jeff back into bedroom before shutting the door. "I'm so sorry Mr. Tracy. My brother is…. An acquired taste and a dangerous one." Kyrano hung his head in shame.

"So, I gathered. I can't believe you two are related!"

"We are half-brothers."

"I take it Tin-tin's not aware of the whole story?" Jeff had guessed Kyrano was protecting his daughter and with good cause by the looks of it.

"Yes, we came to an agreement long ago that if he left my daughter alone, he could treat me as he pleases." Kyrano looked abashed, he seemed to have shrunk into himself.

"What hold does he have over you Kyrano?" Jeff looked at him concerned. He could see Kyrano was a proud but terrified man underneath. Discussing this was hard for him.

Kyrano sat down in the chair opposite Jeff's bed and wrung his hands in his lap. He looked directly at Jeff. "My finances and my identity. He uses my accounts and identity to defraud others and to disguise his own identity. He effectively gives me a small pension to live off. Tin-tin thinks someone hacked my account and stole my life savings but in truth they haven't gone anywhere they are just under my brothers' control."

"My God Kyrano that's awful! How long has this been going on? Why haven't you gone to the authorities?" Jeff looked appalled.

"Five years, he caught me at my lowest point after I lost Tanusha. I can't go to the authorities Jeff, he is too dangerous to cross and as I said we have an agreement about Tin-tin and I would be in breach of this if I turned on him. No law enforcement has yet been able to catch him. A prison wouldn't hold him either." Kyrano suddenly looked like a very world-weary man with the weight crushing his shoulders.

Jeff put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Kyrano. We will get you out of this somehow. If we work together, we can beat him or at least free you." Jeff's mind was already working on the details.

Kyrano smiled sadly. "I'd understand If you want nothing more to do with me, I know he was after more information about your company Jeff; your technology is something that he wants and when he wants something there is no stopping him."

"Kyrano, I'm not abandoning you; I owe you my life and even if I didn't a blind man could see you're a kind and compassionate man, nothing like that monster! You may be related by blood but that's all I see in my eyes. You've come to be a great friend Kyrano. I won't tolerate you being threatened in this way." Jeff looked resolute.

"Then I am honored to call you my friend. I am at your service from now on."

"As am I Kyrano, As am I" Jeff smiled.