Unexpected Visitor

Claire had finally opened up about what she went through in that island. I was right to ask Sherry for help, I knew she would convince her, and what was the best, she also cheered Claire up. When I went to visit her, her mood was different, she was being the woman I knew, even her sense of humor improved. Well, leaving aside that she was having a nightmare when I arrived, when she woke up she looked confused, so much that she had to touch my cheek to make sure she was back to reality.

My body was about to shake when her hand made contact with my face, I was just recovering from my wet dream about her, and then this happened. All of my skin got goose bumps when I remembered it, and even more because she was touching me for real. The fact I found her murmuring my name didn't help either, her voice was like a moan, and my mind was having weird ideas as to why she was doing that. For a moment, when she put her hand on my face and looked at me, I had a flashback of my dream, when she was nude under me, waiting for me to enter her womanhood. Had I waited a bit more, I would have probably got confused with my fantasy and the real world —just like Claire—, and I'd have done something out of place.

Luckily, it wasn't like that, Claire just had a bad dream. To keep those odd thoughts away, I made use of one best personality traits: sarcastic humor. My comments made her laugh, which was what I wanted, because she was so pale when she woke up. What I didn't expect was the way she responded to my humor.

"Actually, half of my dream was erotic. After having sex, we were attacked by zombies, and that's how you got infected."

I felt as if my heart stopped for a brief moment, I did believe her for a few seconds. I didn't think Claire would joke about the topic —and that was why I thought her sense of humor changed—, only her laugh brought me back to reality. I couldn't help but feel disappointed with the fact it was a joke…and I scolded myself. Worst thing was when she took my hand and thanked me, staring at me. Something in her eyes looked different, they were as attractive as her gaze in my dream, I knew it because, without realizing, I was getting closer to her, as if I intended to kiss her. She removed her hand and I stopped, I hoped she didn't realize what I was doing.

First thing I'd do after going back to Washing would be retaking my casual dates and satisfy my primitive instincts. Almost two months of celibate were messing with my mind.

Claire took her time writing the report, and she was telling while typing. All my suspicions were correct, someone inside TerraSave was involved in the attack, and it was —indeed— CEO Neil Fisher. That was why it was so difficult for Claire to tell the truth, her own boss betrayed her and all her comrades.

I was surprised to know that one of the reasons for Neil Fisher to collaborate in the kidnapping was to revive the F.B.C. It never crossed my mind that some ex worker of said organization would still be loyal to Morgan Lansdale, because not only ex members of the F.B.C. worked for TerraSave, but the B.S.A.A. as well. I was told that all those ex workers who wanted to get into a new organization would have to go through a background check, there was nothing suspicious about him that could lead us to think he was planning something evil.

Well, we can't judge a book by its cover…

Apparently, Fisher wanted a sample of the Uroboros virus to create a chaos and that would be the perfect reason to bring back the F.B.C. The guy wasn't any different from any other mad men who wanted to bring order to the world by destroying its habitants.

According to Claire's founding, all those members of TerraSave were kidnapped due to their previous experiences with outbreaks —as I once thought—. The Overseer was looking for guinea pigs able to control their fear, that was why the direct experiences with bioterrorism, and the virus she injected them, would be the best indicators of it. As to why that woman wanted someone who could control fear, it wasn't clear yet.

"She needed the right person for her main experiment —we were just a filter—, but I could not find any more specification about it."

I asked why Moira was taken too, if that day was her first day at job. Claire said Moira had a really frightening experience when she was younger. I thought she might mean the accident Barry told me about.

"Bioterrorism is not the only horrifying thing that could take us to our limits."

Claire said they managed to meet face to face with the cause of their misery, at the top of a tower, where said woman talked to them through the bracelets. She said the woman was white skinned, long and blond hair, and that she was wearing a white suit. The only thing the Overseer told them was that she had the right to become a god, and there was only one more test, she would share in his brother's fate, and then surpass him. After that, she shot herself in the head.

"Just like that. She had activated the self-destruct mechanism, so we had to escape…and I was the only one who could make it."

I guessed that was the moment when Moira was left behind, Claire still had that sad expression on her face when she remembered it.

"The Overseer also had a bracelet like us, maybe she injected the virus on herself, but I don't know why she would do that. All the answers were buried with her…although I don't think she's gone at all, to be honest."

I agreed with her, my experience had taught me that those parasites were hard to get rid of. They always came back for a second fight.

I had forgot that not only those workers were hijacked, a nine year old girl, named Natalia, was also in the list. I asked Claire if she saw her during her stay in the island.

"It's true…Moira and I met a little girl, she was wearing a bracelet too. We were going to take her with us, but we lost her after Gabe's accident. We didn't see her again, I don't know what could have happen to the girl…"

So, there was a change that there were two survivors left in the island. We should continue the investigation as soon as possible.

"Now I remember there was a radio tower in the island. Moira and I tried to make contact through it but it wouldn't work, even though it did have some energy left. I know it because I was the one who turned it on."

That was important information, I told her, because we could ask Russian government to order all of their ships to spread widely the signal of their communication systems, in case any survivor tried to use the radio tower again.

After Claire finished typing her report, I called Hunnigan to inform her that the file would be sent shortly to the president. I also called Chris and Barry, we would sent them a copy of the file as well. They were incredibly happy to know that Claire had finally break the silence about the incident.

"I'm glad my sister finally spoke up. I bet it wasn't easy for her, TerraSave has been her job for the past years, and that news will jeopardize the organization seriously."

Chris told me after I told him some facts in advancement of the report he would read later.

Things would get difficult for all of the workers in TerraSave when all the information get disclosed to the public, and without someone who could lead them properly during the chaos, the existence of the organization would be in danger.

"TerraSave will go through some hardship , I hope we could handle it until our name is cleared."

She said with a sad face. Waiting for that was like throwing a coin in the air, and Claire had already gone through so much to face that new obstacle. I needed to do something to give her more time.

I was at the lobby of the hospital, waiting for Claire to finish her rehabilitation therapy. It was afternoon, we sent the repot a few hours ago, I doubted Adam had already read it completely, he had a lot to do as a president. I could use that to my favor to convince him of something I had in mind. I took out my cellphone and dialed Hunnigan's number. I heard the ringtone for a few seconds, she was always fast to respond.

—Hunnigan here. What's wrong, Leon? —she asked me through the speaker, my battery was too low for a video call.

—Hi Hunnigan. I would like to speak to the president, could you link us? It is a matter related to Claire Redfield's case —I said.

—Sure, give me a second —I heard a melody, like the one that was played inside elevators of high buildings, so one could not get bored on the way up.

—President Adam Benford —I heard the voice of an old man —. Is that you, Leon? —I answered —. Is there anything new?

—No, actually. I just called to know if you had read the report written by Claire Redfield, entirely —I said.

—I'm right now in my office, in front of my personal computer, with that file open. I haven't finished yet, but I already passed half of the archive. Looks like my initial suspicious were correct.

—Yes, they were. And I want to talk to you about that —I cleared my throat—. I know that you, as the president, have to be clear about any incident that occurs in our country, and I get that you need to reveal all this for that purpose, but I would like you to consider this petition: could you not disclose to the public that the responsible behind the assault was CEO Neil Fisher himself? — I asked.

There was a brief silence , maybe my petition took Adam aback.

—Why should I hide that fact? What kind of basis you have for this, Leon? People could judge for covering the truth —he said in a serious tone.

—It's true Adam, but it is also true that the only solid proof of all this we have, is Claire Redfield's own testimony, we don't have any evidence to prove Neil Fisher's guilt. She said the tower where all the data of the experiments was stored, collapsed. The only way to know if there was something useful left is to find the island and check under the rest of said building, we might find something Claire couldn't —I made a short pause, waiting for Adam to respond —. Think about it Adam, if you can be judge for covering the truth, you could also be judge for reaching conclusions without evidence.

—Are you asking me this because it's about your longtime friend? —I was taken aback by his sudden question, but I could not lie to him.

—TerraSave has done so much for mankind, and Claire has been part of it. If this information gets revealed, just when the organization is at its weakest point, it could disappear, and the world would be left without rescuers like them, it'd be a chaos —sometimes I could not understand why it was hard for me to reply a simple "yes" to certain matters. Adam didn't say anything, he wanted me to respond as he wanted —. I'm asking this as a friend of yours, Adam.

I heard him laugh at the other side.

That bastard.

—You should've started from there, Leon. You know I value your friendship. Besides, you're kind of right, it is risky to reach conclusion without proper evidence. I will consult it with National Security Advisor, Derek C. Simmons and we will inform you of our resolution.

—Thank you, Adam. We'll keep in contact —I said and then ended the call.

That should give TerraSave enough time to reorganize itself, and collaborate with the B.S.A.A. in the investigation. I was sure Claire would use this chance, and we'll get with the location of that island in no time.

I looked at my watch, Claire's session should end soon. She would be happy to know that the president will consider not revealing some details, at least not until we get more evidence.

I lifted my gaze and I saw the intern that treat Claire was coming with her, but she wasn't sit on the wheelchair…she was walking beside him by the arm! Slowly, though.

I headed towards them jogging.

—Claire! Did you walk from the rehabilitation center to here? —I asked her.

—Yes, and I don't feel tired yet. I can believe I improve this fast —she smiled.

—I'm as surprised as you are, Mr. Kennedy, yesterday she seemed to take slow steps in her process, but today she just had a big jump. If she keeps this rhythm, she could get discharger sooner than expected.

—Isn't that great? —Claire asked me, her eyes were glowing in longing.

—Of course it is — I assured her.

—Mr. Kennedy, would you take Miss Redfield back to her room? Take the wheelchair with you, she might need it later.

I nodded and stood beside Claire so she could release the intern's arm and take mine, the guy placed the wheelchair in front of me so I could pull it forwards while walking.

—How is it possible you have improved this much? —I questioned her, once we were inside the elevator. She could still walk on her own.

—The personnel told me it might be due to psychological matter, and, you know? I think they're right. After I talked to Sherry and told the truth, I felt like I took away a heavy weight on my shoulders —that could not let me advance properly—, I guess the results were shown today —she sighed.

—It makes a lot of sense—I affirmed.

We arrived to the room without any burden, she even wanted to keep on walking, but I told her not to rush anything. She agreed and sat on her bed. I took the chair from the desk and sat on it, in front of her.

—Claire, I have good news for you—she raised an eyebrow—. The president is about to finish reading the report you wrote, I called him a few moments ago and he told me he will consider not to reveal all the details of the incident. He won't disclose the fact that Neil Fisher was behind all that, nor his intentions for doing so —Claire's eyes opened wide, as if she could not believe such luck —. This will give TerraSave some time to reorganize itself, recover stability and clear its name when we get all the evidences.

—Is he sure about that? —she inquired, dubiously.

—Yes. Well, he will consult it with the national security advisor, but I'm positive they will decide wisely.

—You mean Derek C. Simmons? —she asked, with a disgusted expression.

—The same one. Why? Is there something wrong with it? —I wanted to know, I found it odd she changed her expression at the sole mention of his name.

—No, nothing —she shook her head—. I'm glad they will consider the option, that time will be like gold for us —she stared at me, as trying to uncover something—.Was it you who asked him for this, personally?

I felt my cheeks burn, a little.

—It is a logic decision, otherwise, he could be judged for reaching conclusions without solid proofs. We only have your testimony —then again, it was difficult for me to answer with simple "yes".

—You did it for me? —she whispered.

My heart beat faster to her question.

Come on, Leon. It won't hurt to be honest for once.

—Yeah. I wasn't joking when I told you I wanted to help you out in anything I can. Besides, I've already told you I can't imagine Claire Redfield doing another job that it's not the one you do now. TerraSave deserves another chance —I said.

Claire smiled, and then she did something I did not expect.

She hugged me, wrapping her arms around my neck. And that wasn't a dream nor an hallucination. It was happening for real.

—I have always considered you a trusted friend and ally, but now I do more than ever. Thank you, for worrying about me all this time, since I was rescued until now —she tighten her grip on me.

Something was different in comparison to that one time she hugged me after waking up, but before she thought I didn't like her gesture —which was quite the opposite—, I placen my hand on her back, and pulled her closer to me.

—What are friends for? —I said, stroking her back softly.

Friends. Yes, we were friends. I needed to remind it myself so I would not start thinking weird ideas. I couldn't help but feel really comfortable like that, feeling the warmth of another person. Claire's warmth. Her gesture was one of the most sincere I've ever received.

Claire pulled herself apart, but we still were invading each other's personal space. I need to do something before I irrational ideas took over me.

—I'm…going to call your brother to tell him this, he will be glad to know it too —I whispered.

—Sure—she reply, smiling shyly.

I stood up and left the room. When I closed the door behind me, I exhaled as if I had held my breath since she asked me if it was me the one who made that petition to the president.

I definitely needed return to my casual dating in Washington.

o-o-o-o-o

I was so happy and excited for my incredible improvement yesterday at my rehabilitation therapy, it was unexpected but really amazing. That could mean that my time at the hospital would be shorten, I wanted to go back home, but more importantly, I wanted to get fully into the investigation. TerraSave needed me more than ever.

That morning, I finally stood on my own, my legs responded completely, even though I still felt them a bit rigid, at least I could stand a lot longer. I was admiring the urban landscape from the great window of my room, I did feel renewed, in many aspects. I owed it to Leon and Sherry, they gave the strength I needed to overcome the situation.

Leon…

I've never felt his support like this before, he not only watched over me while I was unconscious, he also worried about my decision to leave TerraSave due to my fear of seeing it crumbling down. Besides, he himself asked the president to omit some details of the incident, so TerraSave could have time to reestablish. I felt so touched by his action that I couldn't help but hug him, as a token of my gratefulness. However, I felt something different that time, compared to the one hug we shared when I woke up, maybe because he have known each other better since then.

When he hugged me back and pulled me closer to him, I was a bit nervous. I thought it might be because, just then, I realized how well build was his torso, I felt the hardness of his chest on mine, his strong arm holding me, and his hypnotizing male perfume. For the quality of the smell, I guessed it should be from an expensive brand, I didn't think of him as a man with high-priced likes.

Well, he probably had a lot of money to spend, working directly for the president should be a well-paid job.

Unlike us from non-government organizations workers who must wait for authorization of sources, or donations from other companies.

I also remembered the dream I had yesterday morning. Close contact with him was much more comfortable in reality than anything my mind could imagine. In fact, I wondered if his lips would be warm like the ones I dreamt.

Clai…rre

I abruptly opened my eyes —I did not realize I had closed them— when I remembered the wild voice of the living corpse of Leon, his pale and rotten skin, his mold-like green eyes and fleshed face. I shook my head. Leon was right, an attractive face looks hideous when it gets rotten and fleshed.

I hoped I never had to see him like that, I've already lost important people to me because bioterrorism, and I had been the one who ended their suffering.

I would not go through the same again.

Before frustration took over me, I heard someone knocked on the door.

—Come in— I responded without turning back, it should be Leon, as usual.

I heard the door being opened, a few footsteps, and then the sound of the door closing.

—It's been a while, Miss Redfield —a familiar voice of fake cordiality greeted me.

No. It could not be him. Impossible.

I slowly turned to face the visitor, as if I feared my suspicions would come true. When I completely turned, I saw a man past his fourties, tall, brown and back-combed hair, with a circle beard. He was wearing a grey suit, with a long coat, and had a big gold ring on one of his thumbs.

Out of all unexpected visitors, he was the one I least expected.

—Do you remember me, Miss Claire? We met a couple of years ago —he asked.

Of course I did. I never forget a face that made me feel something, and this man's face gave me goosebumps through my entire spine the first time I saw him. Every time I looked him in the eyes, I felt as if he was hiding something, there was something about him that bothered me. It tried to warn Sherry about this man, but I guessed she didn't take my advice seriously, since I've never got a reply from her to my e-mail. I guessed she was so thankful to him because he granted her freedom.

After all, Sherry was training to become an agent under his orders.

The man raised an eyebrow, expecting a response from me.

—I do remember you, Mr. Simmons.

o-o-o-o-o

Hello people! I'm back sooner than later!

First of all, I suppose you've already notice I changed the cover of the fic. Guess what? That is an actual cover of this fic! User StacyAdler from DevianArt made it for me! We reach an agreement, and she will be making a render for each chapter of this story, we'll try that all of them feature Cleon, so please check her profile in DeviantArt page. She is a Cleon fan and has a lot of Cleon arts!

This cover contains spoilers of the future plot 8D

User LeonAndClaireBSAA , also from DeviantArt, will do another fan art of my fic (at least,that's what she told me xD), check her out too!

I'm so happy with the results my story is having. English readers have read the Spanish updates first because they wanted to know more! That means a lot to me.

If you like the story, please favorite and follow it, but more importantly, leave a review, that would help me a lot to continue. And I mean it! I had something planned, but thanks to the review from a reader (and after seeing the cover for the first time *_*) I decided to be more flexible and add some more stuff. So yeah, your reviews are important!

Also, I hope you don't get sad by this, but we're already past the half of this story, maybe another six chapters or seven and that's all, but then again, something new can come up xD.

Thanks for reading and see you later!