Scorpio House
Maxie shook her head repeatedly until her blindfold loosened enough to fall off. Her eyes fell on her purse which lay on the sofa. She murmured something intelligible under the gag that was still in place. If she could only get to her purse and get her phone out, she could call for help.
She thought for a moment. If she tipped the chair over, she'd fall to the floor and it could be much harder to move. The best way would be for her to fall unto the sofa somehow and use her hands or teeth to get to the phone.
With her plan made, Maxie began to push off with her legs lifting herself and the chair off the floor. Inch by inch, hop by hop, she was heading for the sofa.
The Book Nook Bookstore
"I wanted to see you about Robin, I-" Faison began to say as he rose to his feet. His eyes never left Anna's face.
"Exactly," hissed Anna. "We need to talk right now. Privately."
"Of course, my dear," said Faison. He made his excuses to those waiting in line and led Anna to the back of the store. He found an unoccupied stock room and led her inside. To his surprise, Anna locked the door after coming inside.
She looked around the room. Save for full metal shelves on one side and a small table shoved into one corner, it was empty. "As good a place as any."
"Are you doing well?" asked Faison. "In your position, how could you be well. Forgive me."
"I have questions that you will answer to my full satisfaction," said Anna. "You will not evade or deflect."
Faison leaned casually against the wall. "You demand my cooperation, Anna, but give me no incentive."
"I don't need to." Anna took a deep breath and said, "You can do what you want against me but my children and husband are off limits."
"I do not harm children, Anna."
"Like hell!" Anna tensed. "You stole my daughter. You killed my other daughter. You've done your best to ruin my son's life. All unforgivable."
"Other daughter?" asked Faison.
"Why are you pretending you don't know? You planned it all."
"You say that I know everything about what you are accusing me of and I say I do not," said Faison. "Do not rush to judgment, Anna. You may not like the consequences."
Anna persisted. "We have proof that you took Robin to your London townhouse. Her sweater and her locket were found there. An eyewitness described how you tried to force Robin to give you information about me. Don't deny it!"
"How can I deny something I know nothing about."
"I don't believe you," said Anna. Faison's calm exterior was infuriating to her. "You tortured my daughter for information. You deliberately poisoned my son from childhood. I know everything you've done and I am appalled."
"I merely conditioned Andrew's body to recognize certain chemicals and to adapt to them ensuring his survival. I nurtured and enhanced his natural gifts. All I have done was to protect my son and give him a future," said Faison. "I see nothing wrong with my actions."
"How dare you try to justify the childhood you gave him."
"A far better one than either one of us had. You must agree with that," said Faison. "I have kept my promises. All of them. Few can say the same."
Anna was silent. Besides Robert, this man in front of her had the knowledge and the ability to push all her emotional and behavioral buttons. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She had to remain in control.
Faison asked, "You sought me out. Tell me, my love, why are you here? What could you want from me? Something your heroic and romantic Robert can't give you?"
"Leave him out of this," said Anna. "When will you get it through your thick skull that I am not in love with you and never will be. No us. No loving family!"
"That does not change the fact that I am in love with you," said Faison.
Anna noted, "Unrequited love is so cliched. I thought better of you."
"Unrequited? Is that what you think?" asked Faison. He took a step closer. "I know that you are not in love with me and I can accept that."
"Then what's the problem? Why can't you leave me and mine alone?"
"Your denials cannot unmake or undo the tears you've shed for me. You DO love me," said Faison. "And, where lies love, I may yet hope."
"Allow me to define hope for you." With deft movements, Anna retrieved her gun from her purse. The silencer at the tip added to its menacing profile. Faison stepped back as Anna pointed the Glock pistol at him. "I am here for my daughter and my family. For the sake of old times, I'll start at a non-vital spot and move from there. First question - where are you keeping Robin? Answer now!"
Faison straightened. "I do not have the answers you seek, Anna. I would never harm any of your-"
Anna pulled the trigger.
BANG.
One Temple Court
Andrew stirred and stretched. He had been hard at work on analzying an ELQ ledger for the last two hours. He was growing cross-eyed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Dani look up from reading the morning paper. Even Prospero who lay beside his feet whined expecting some attention.
"Come, Pros, let's go for a walk." Andrew stood up.
"Bad idea. Not today, Andrew," said Dani.
"I don't feel a thing, Dani. No impulses. No unexplained tension or stress. No discomfort to report," said Andrew. "I'm not being compelled to see Faison. I just want to stretch my legs."
"We're due at the station in forty minutes. We can walk there. Would that suffice?"
Andrew nodded. "Can I walk around the Galleria before we leave? I can't stay in here another minute."
"I can use the time to update your other security contingents." Dani opened the front door and they trooped out with two more of Dani's team trailing.
Vladivostok, Russia
Peter read the email for the second time before he allowed himself to feel an iota of relief. It read:
No sign of knowledge or unusual activity at home or PCPD. Communication retrieved/destroyed. Awaiting further instructions.
Doctor Peter Sinclair, previously known as Peter Krieg, smiled. He laid back against the tall back of his chair. "She wasn't able to contact anyone. Good. How frustrating that must be for Robin. Too bad."
He thought for a moment before typing a reply. "Remain in area. Continue assignment." He sent the email and promptly deleted emails in in inbox and sent folder. He picked up his cell phone and called Elena. "My dear, please accept my profuse and heartfelt thanks."
Elena laughed on the other end of the line. "For what?"
"The contact you gave. He has done marvelously so far."
"Hmm, I shall pass your thanks to my friend. She's the one who deserves it."
"I needed good news and his report was timely," said Peter.
"Good news? Has something happened? You sound tired, my love."
"I ... I haven't slept well. Jet lag I suppose," said Peter. "You, on the other hand, sound happier than a few days ago. Have all the inspectors and press left?"
"No, but they are lessening day by day. Roger has done a fantastic job assuaging the concerns of the local authorities. Give it a few months and we'll return to our previous state of relative anonymity and total privacy," explained Elena.
"Are you certain? You told me that many questions are being asked."
"That's true but they're not the right questions. Typical bureacrats. A few more inspections more and they're done," said Elena. "Then you can come for a long visit. Yes?"
Peter hesitated for too long.
"They haven't found your suite or any of the sub-cellars. It's completely safe. I promise you."
"It's not that. I have a lot of work right now."
"But we're winding down that project. We agreed that Compound X is ready for commercial production and additional research is no longer necessary. Did I get that wrong?"
"No, no, my sweet. You're absolutely right," said Peter. "One of my clients requested my help on one of their projects. I'll need to stay here for some time."
"How long, Peter? I've been preparing a new location for your lab. Somewhere closer to hand," said Elena.
"That sounds wonderful."
"How long?" repeated Elena.
"One month. That's not very long is it?"
"An eternity."
Hilda came into Peter's office. He motioned for her to stay. "I must go. I'll call you tomorrow. I promise, Elena." He turned the cell phone off. He looked hopefully at Hilda and said, "Any news?"
"Not about Robin," said Hilda. "I am here to inform you that I'm leaving."
"What? Why?"
"You terminated my position."
"I have?"
"You informed me that Greta would be taking over my duties in regards to my charge. Is that not termination?"
Peter rubbed at his chin. "Yes, I did say that but I did not terminate you per se. Our situation is the result of a ... a collective failure."
"Nonetheless, my contract states my specific duties. Since those duties are no longer valid I see no point in remaining," insisted Hilda.
"What can I say to change-"
Hilda held up a hand to stop him. "Please, Doctor. I ... I have tolerated but not agreed with certain restriction and policies. My staying would not be good for either of us."
"But you're the first person Robin has behaved civilly with. You can't leave."
"I'm quite fond of her, too, sir, but I must adhere to my contract. You must be well aware of that."
Peter stood. "Yes, of course. I see that I can't change your mind so I shall simply say thank you for your service, Hilda. I apologize if I have ever been upset with you in the past. It's not personal at all."
"Thank you, sir. To be frank, the only areas I found satisfactory were with Robin. The rest is ... is distasteful."
Peter looked at her sharply. "You will remember the terms of the non-disclosure agreement you signed and the consequences of non-compliance?"
"The agency is quite strict on that point. Anyone violating an NDA is terminated without prejudice. I assure you that I am fully aware of the other consequences," Hilda turned to leave. At the door, she called out. "I shall be leaving the city within the week. Please contact the agency when you have need, doctor. Good bye."
The Book Nook Bookstore
Faison cried out, "Ah! How could you?"
"Robin where is she?" asked Anna as if her aggressive action had no significance whatsoever.
"I don't know!" Faison sagged against the wall. One hand felt the hot warmth of blood trickling out from his thigh. "To convince you I am willing to prove my innocence by ... by extreme means."
"Really, how?" asked Anna.
"Andrew can put me in a trance and you may ask what you will," said Faison. "You can be assured that I must answer truthfully."
"You are not getting near MY son ever again. One more time. Where is Robin?" asked Anna. His lack of an immediate response irked her. Her hand tightened around the gun handle. "Answer the question. It's not hard. You have my daughter. I want her back. You will return her. No conditions. No deals."
"We are at an impasse. I do not have Robin," said Faison. "Would I not use such an advantage if I had it? Why would I even be here? I do not have her, Anna. You have my word! Now please call an ambulance."
"It's just a flesh wound. The next one won't be," said Anna. "I suppose I could believe that you don't have Robin. However, your cousin Peter Krieg or rather Peter Sinclair probably does. Technically you're not lying. Let's try another question. Where's Peter?"
"You know about him? How?" With a bloody hand Faison rubbed at his neck. Pain began to throb behind his eyes. "Ah, a migraine and a bullet. Such an overachiever you are Anna. One more thing I love about you."
BANG.
One Temple Court
Intended to be a mix of stores and small business offices, the Temple Galleria was still in a state of flux. Construction crews were hard at work rehabilitating decades of neglect and mismanagement. Tiffany waved at them while escorting a building codes inspector through the building.
Bobbie hailed Andrew as he and Prospero went past on their first circuit around the first floor. She stood on a short ladder cleaning a small plaque mounted high outside the front door of Jones Adoption Services.
"Good morning, Mrs. Jones," said Andrew.
"It's Bobbie. You've forgotten again."
"I'll try to remember for next time," replied Andrew with a small smile.
A figure hidden behind a large box appeared behind Bobbie. "Hey, Red, where do you want this box?"
"What's marked on the box, Luke?"
"Nothing. Would I be asking if there was a label or something?" asked Luke. He shook the box. Much jangling could be heard. "Sounds like something that may need assembly. A lamp?"
Bobbie's reply was low and tender. "No. It's BJ and Lucas' old toys. I was cleaning out the attic and, well, put them in the children's corner."
Luke lowered the box to look at his sister. He spotted Andrew.
"I don't think you two have met. Andrew, this is my brother Luke. Luke, this is Anna and Robert's son, Andrew," said Bobbie.
Andrew extended a hand and said, "That would Luke Spencer, good to meet you, sir." He realized too late that Luke's hands were full. "Oh, sorry."
"You're the reason for all the security 'round here, aren't you?" asked Luke. "Feels confining to me."
Andrew stiffened. "Security and protection are needed for everyone. This city is not known for law and order is it?"
"It's a dog eat dog world, Einstein," drawled Luke as he put the box down on the floor. "Survival of the fittest."
"Not when the bullies carry guns and opportunists line their pockets at the expense of everyone else. That's unnatural and wrong," said Andrew. He turned to Bobbie. "I have appointments. Before I forget, I'd like to thank you for your support with ... with my sister and her family."
Bobbie smiled. "Your parents and I and Luke here go way back. They've been there for me in the good and the bad. I'm glad I could do something for them. Before you leave, could you tell me where Maxie is? She's not answering her phone and she said she'd be here to tell the foreman to fix my door."
"The door?" asked Andrew.
"It's too narrow. Health regulations that my business has to follow require a handicap accessible door." Bobbie stretched her arms out measuring the width of the doorway. "I need the door widened at least three inches on both sides."
"Hmm, a simple request. Let's see where she is." Andrew took out his IPhone and tapped a request to SIMON to locate Maxie. The display changed and indicated that Maxie was at the Scorpio house. Busy as he was, he did not notice Luke's close study. "She's at Uncle Mac's. Let me call her for you."
Andrew's display showed that the phone was being called but it was not being picked up. He tried one more time. He accessed the family's common calendar and selected Maxie's calendar. He frowned. Her calendar had no mention of being at her family home. In fact, she had three appointments to show units at Temple Court. She should have been here.
"See, she's not answering," said Bobbie. "That's not like her."
"No, it's not," said Andrew.
At that moment, Dani sidled up to Andrew. "Let's get walking to the station. Everyone's coverage schedule is updated."
"Wait a moment. Can you send someone to the Scorpio house to check on Maxie? She's not answering her phone. She's missed appointments here," said Andrew.
"Not like her," said Dani.
"One more try," said Andrew initiating another call to Maxie.
Scorpio House
Maxie panted. Her forehead was beaded with perspiration. Her skin was uncomfortably clammy and cold. Her heart beat thundered in her ears. She was so close. She couldn't stop now.
The tones of Mission Impossible issued from her purse. It was a team member calling her. Dum, dum, de dum.
Maxie groaned. She twisted herself trying once more to get out of the chair. She had to answer the phone. She began to hop harder. The phone stopped ringing.
She paused looking with dismay at the phone. She'd lost track of how long she had been in her current predicament but it had been long enough for her absence to be noticed she was sure. They had to be looking for her by now. She leaned back and tried to relax.
"Uh! Ah!" cried Maxie through her gag as a sharp pain lanced her left side. Pain was not a good sign and never for someone who'd had a heart transplant.
Dum, dum, de dum.
A team member was calling her again. She was a foot away from the couch. Maxie pushed off and began to hop towards the sofa. She winced and groaned on every landing. Vision blurring and mere Inches away, Maxie pushed hard. Perhaps, it was too much force or she had underestimated the distance but the chair landed awkwardly and down she went.
The phone rang again.