Francine's bombshell took every occupant by shock. Mickey recovered first flinging herself in the air and knocking down Francine, both rolling over and over and Mickey, enraged, pounded on Francine. Stan and Fred tried to step in but were unable to separate the two and raised their guns. Ken flung himself at the Fred and knocked the gun from his hand and tried to grab it, as Stan alertly knocked the gun away. He shot a warning shot into the air; aimed a fist to Ken's head and pulled Mickey off Francine.
Francine's brown eyes were blazing at she pointed at Mickey. "Kill her!"
"No!" Ken put himself between the gun and Mickey. "Please, you said you would spare her." He took a tentative step towards Francine and she turned to look at him.
His blue eyes seemed to real her in just like a fish is drawn to the wiggling bait. She waited. Ken took another step and another and reached down to put his hands on each side of her cheek.
Despite herself, Francine found anger turning to desire. Seeking permission in her face, he bent slowly and kissed her, softly at first and then more deeply. Ken knew Mickey's life was on the line but still had to imagine Francine as one of his girlfriends to be able to keep the act up.
Francine found herself melting into his arms. She had not expected this. At first, this was an act of revenge on Mickey and Hans. When she broke the kiss, she looked up at Ken. "You are marvelous, Ken. Ken. I never liked that name. You don't seem like a Ken, or Kenneth." She stroked his face.
Ken wanted to look over at his sister, who was squirming with Stan's arm around her throat. Frank covered her with his gun.
Mickey was not resigned to letting her darling brother become Francine's lover. She knew she could break the grip Stan had on her throat. If she did, and Frank killed her, she knew Ken wouldn't have a chance either.
Francine moved back. "Go say farewell to your sister for now. You and I will need someplace more comfortable." She glanced over at Frank and whispered instructions in his ear. He nodded and left the room.
Ken and Mickey hugged tightly. "I can't let you do this," Mickey whispered. "She's evil."
"If this is the only way to save you, I have to," Ken whispered back, with an extra squeeze.
"I love you, Kenny."
"Then be careful. I need my little sister alive." Ken kissed her on the cheek, stepped back and smiled.
Francine said with a sinister smile. "It's time for us to leave, Ken. Your sister will remain behind to make sure you comply with me. Dr. Knox will give you a tiny shot to relax you. Don't worry. We'll be at my place soon."
Ken flinched, hating shots. He remained as still as possible, keeping Mickey's troubled gaze. Stan was still standing close, gun in hand to remind Ken he needed to obey. The needle bit into his right arm and he began to feel drowsy, his legs starting to feel like jelly. His gaze never left Mickey's face, but after a few minutes he swayed and everything went dark.
Frank moved quickly to keep him from falling as Mickey shouted, "No! Kenny!"
Stan moved to restrain her as Francine followed Dr. Knox and Frank carrying her unconscious brother. The last glimpse Mickey had was the triumphant smile on Francine's face.
TBC