Chapter 7: Motivation

"I got the picture," Jeremy heard from the other end of the call. "How would you like me to proceed?" the Company spy watching Sara as she sat with her three month old son in her arms in front of Michael's tombstone asked.

"Are you sure you can clearly tell who is in it?" Jeremy asked in return.

"Yes sir, I am positive," he answered.

"Perfect. Email me a copy of it ASAP."

It had been months since Michael had requested more time to think, and with each week that passed by, Jeremy Krantz became more and more impatient. Of course, he couldn't deny Michael the time he had requested, for Michael would in return refuse to ever work for the company if any harm came to his family. Yes, now that his son was born, Jeremy had some new leverage.

"Good morning Mr. Scofield. Hope you slept nicely. Any progress with the decision making?" Jeremy asked as he had done every day for the past three months. Every morning, Jeremy would bring Michael his breakfast and repeat the same three lines; the exact same way, morning after morning. And in return every day, Michael would give the same curt response.

"No, sir. Still need more time to think, if that's all right with you," Michael answered shortly without looking up from the newspaper that came each morning on his breakfast tray.

Jeremy smirked. Each morning previous to this one, Jeremy had delivered the same response to this request, claiming that yes, more time would be given. But today, Jeremy had a different plan. He was no longer going to continue being the easy going 'boss' he had been in these past months, simply because he no longer need to. Yes, now he had leverage.

"Why yes, Michael. Of course you can have more time," Jeremy started, "but I don't think you will like the outcomes if you decide to take this 'extra time' to make your decision." It was then that Michael finally looked up from the paper with a scowl present on his face.

"What exactly do you mean Jeremy? I'm not sure I'm following," Michael responded.

"Well you see, Michael, I am a patient man, but even the most patient men have their breaking points. See, I believe that I have given you ample time to make this decision. So in order to speed up the process, I have found a new way to keep you, how should I put this, properly motivated." It was then that Jeremy reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the picture his guard had taken of Sara and Mikey in the cemetery. He put the picture face down in front of Michael.

"Go on," he said. "Turn it over and look at it. I guarantee you want to."

Michael, still scowling, picked up the picture. Upon turning it over, his features immediately softened. He traced over the faces of his wife and son with his fingers as he memorized the picture with love and adoration in his eyes. He had a son. And his son was perfect. And god, Sara was even more beautiful than he could've remembered. While they both looked happy, he could see the sadness in Sara's eyes. It was then that he realized where they were sitting. They were in front of his tombstone. Suddenly the happiness in love shown on Michael's face disappeared. It was then that Jeremy's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Now isn't that just the perfect family picture. All that's missing is Daddy," he started as Michael glared at him. "In case you were wondering, his name is Michael James Scofield II, which is fitting because he looks like your double. Sara has taken to calling him Mikey, while his godfather leans toward Little Mike. Oh, his godfather is Lincoln, did I forget to mention that? Ah yes, young Michael has many nicknames. Your nephew, LJ is it? Well LJ has taken to calling him 'MJ'. Isn't that just adorable?" Jeremy finished with a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

"What are you trying to prove here?!" Michael demanded angrily.

"I'm trying to prove that my kindness should not be taken advantage of and should not be mistaken as weakness!" Jeremy retorted with just as much anger.

Michael couldn't speak. He couldn't breathe. He had a son, and yet if he didn't agree to do the one thing he had always sworn to never do, his son, his precious gift, could be ripped away from Sara. His glare finally softened.

"What do you want from me?" Michael asked defeated.

"I think we both know the answer to that question, Mr. Scofield. The true question is what are you willing to do to give me what I want? And what am I willing to do to make sure you do what I want?" Jeremy asked. He liked these circumstances much better. He finally felt in control. His father would be so proud, he knew it.

"So Mr. Scofield," Jeremy started once again, "what's it gonna be? Time's a-wasting," he finished with a smirk.

They sat in silence for several minutes. Michael knew what he had to do, but couldn't bring himself to say it. He knew what he must do, as much as it killed him. The Company was for everything he was against. Hell, he lost his family and nearly lost his life because of them! His brother was almost executed for a crime they had framed him for! For God's sake, they let him believe Sara was dead for weeks! He had lost everything because of the Company, and now? He was going to help them build themselves back up from the ground, after everything they went through to destroy them. He never thought the next words he said would truly come out of his mouth.

"Okay," Michael finally concluded. "I'll work for you."

"Ah, I'm glad you've finally seen the light. I cannot wait to get started. Your potential astonishes me," Jeremy finished with a smile.

"Not so fast. I have a few demands of my own," Michael began. "First, I want Sara and Lincoln's names cleared of all charges. I don't care how you do it, but get it done. I want them to be able to return to the US if they so desire. Next, I want your word that no harm will come to any member of my family. And finally, I want pictures every month of my wife and son to prove that they are alive and well," Michael finished. If he was never going to get a chance to meet his son, he wanted to at least get to see him grow up, even if only through pictures.

"Done, done, and done," Jeremy said with an eager smile. "I cannot wait to begin our work. Oh but in return, as I am about to become the head of an extremely powerful corporation, people cannot know my true name. I insist that you now refer to me as the General," Jeremy ended before turning to leave the room. Before walking through the door, he turned to Michael one last time. "I'm glad you have made the right decision. Your work starts first thing tomorrow," he said before finally walking out the doors.

Michael picked up his glass of water and threw it against the wall as he screamed in frustration. He couldn't believe this was his life now.

So there you have chapter 7! My update speed will be slowing down for a while, as I'm heading back to school. I'll update as frequently as possible, and write as often as I can! Hope there are still at least one or two people still reading. Feedback is always welcome and wanted. Read & review! :)