Hotel Sovietsky's Green Bar in Moscow
It was a half hour after eight. The bar was not busy but far from empty. Cesar Faison put his drink down and left. He was neither sad nor happy. He punched at the elevator buttons. He stepped into the ornate elevator ignoring his reflection in the elevator's walls. If he'd looked, he would have seen burning eyes and a crooked, tense mouth.
Faison entered his lavish suite and went directly to the bedroom. On the bed, were the remnants of his early evening activities - newspaper clippings from London, Vienna, Paris and Moscow. He turned the television on to the international edition of CNN and looked surprised for a mere moment at seeing Anna's face on the screen.
He sighed. "It's Doctor Marick. Not my Anna." He sat down on the edge of the bed. "When will you stop this … this foolish love of yours?"
He stayed silent. He knew the answer. Never.
He removed his jacket and tie as he listened to Alexandra Devane Marick, Anna's twin, being interviewed in her capacity as director of the Andrassy Foundation by none other than Jackie Templeton.
Cool and confident, Alex Marick exuded intelligence with every syllable. "The Andrassy Foundation is working closely with Doctor Lara Larchenko of the Foundation as well as European governments and several intelligence agencies to assure that those patients who were evacuated out are being given the best care possible while the investigation is ongoing."
Jackie's voice said, "And, Doctor Marick, what of … of those who were left behind and forgotten?"
"We cannot get or find justice for them. We can only work towards finding peace for their spirits and what descendants they have," said Alex. "We are currently receiving many hundreds of inquiries based on the names of past and current patients that we have posted on our website. Through this process we are slowly but surely identifying everyone we can. As Countess Andrassy, I can assure you that the Andrassy Foundation is fully committed in our task of curation and supporting the ongoing investigation. Those responsible will be found I'm certain."
"The investigation continues to identify and locate the masterminds of this heinous operation," said Jackie. "An hour ago, Interpol posted a global arrest bulletin for Doctor Peter Sinclair - the man believed to be the creator of what is now being called the Mind Destroyer - a drug formula named Compound X." A grainy picture of Peter was flashed on the page. "If you have any information on this man, please call the number below. Or you may also contact the Andrassy Foundation and Interpol directly. This Is Jackie Templeton. My program tomorrow will shed further light on the items found inside the now infamous Heritage Foundation."
Faison stared at the screen. He hissed, "What have you DONE?"
Frantically, he patted at his coat pockets for his phone. He entered a number committed to memory and only to memory. It was answered after one ring. "Donatella? Where is Peter?"
A tired voice replied, "Isn't he there at your meeting?"
"Would I be asking if he was?" asked Faison. "Have you seen the news?"
"Unfortunately yes," said Donatella. Her voice was sounding more alert by the second. "I am preparing to relocate within the week."
"A wise move but it may be unnecessary, dear cousin."
"I shall not stay here waiting for the proverbial guillotine to fall on my throat."
Faison's voice softened. "But you hate change. I'm sorry."
"We do what we must," said Donatella. "I've written Peter off. He is no longer family to me."
"As have I," said Faison.
"How could he have been so careless as to be caught like this? How?"
"It was not him entirely. It is Anna and Robert and all their little friends. It must be. The involvement of Doctor Marick confirms that. They can be resourceful and relentless when roused," said Faison. "This elegant cover up of a cover up is all Anna's work. I can feel it. It deflects all the attention off their operation and gives the credit to others who cannot refuse it. The end does justify the means."
"I do not like this … this connection with them."
"While my son lives it is inevitable."
"What will happen when the boy fully understands? When he awakens, as you have, will he accept it or not?"
"I'm certain he will refuse. He is fighting for his own identity already. His parents will be applying all their considerable resources to the problem very soon I expect."
"Then why, Cesar, did you … you attempt to-"
"I had no choice! The course is set. He is MY son, my heir. Don't EVER forget that!" said Faison pacing. "Anna may be lost to me for now but our son is a different matter. While I await the day that Andrew comes to me willingly AS my son, I must prepare the way. To that end, I have taken full control of the DVX. Finally."
"You … you had the coins all this time?" asked Donatella in a small voice.
"Of course I did. After settling with Ramondo, I made it my mission to acquire them and use them to eliminate those who betrayed me to Scorpio," said Faison. "It has taken years and much sacrifice but I am close to my goals. As your reseach indicated, cousin, there was a traitor in the nest but no longer. The associates of Hans Reinhardt are being rounded up right now." He snorted. "They came very close to having me killed but they did not succeed. Now, I am in full charge symbolically and literally. The way it should have always been."
"Is there something you'd like me to do? My packing is very light. I have everything digitized. I could move today if I had to," said Donatella.
"How efficient of you."
"Thank you. Being organized and prepared makes things simpler."
"When you are finished moving, I wish you to find Peter then tell me where he is."
"And?"
"I haven't decided on a final solution but there must be one." Faison looked at the newspapers on his bed. "How much do you know of his research, his work, his associates?"
"Only what I have since learned from the papers. We were not supposed to have much contact, remember the rules?" teased Donatella.
"Yes. They can be a problem but they have kept us safe for generations," said Faison. "I thought I knew what he was up to but I was missing some vital information."
"Such as?"
"That he has held captive Robin Scorpio, the real one, for years."
"How is that possible? I just read her obituary."
"A cleverly devised, trained and molded double. He fooled me too but that will be the last time. Find and report on all of Peter's activities since his new life began."
"I will need a few days."
"Fine. I will remain in Moscow for the rest of the week. I wish to visit some past acquaintances."
"They will be happy to see you."
"Hardly. They thought me a fool all this time. Sometimes, the fool is the smartest one in the room."
Scorpio Ranch, Australia
Two figures lay close side by side on the bed. Under the covers, their bodies and hands carried out a different conversation than the one they were actually having. Robert propped himself on an elbow while playing with Anna's loose hair. It was something he'd never get tired of doing.
"Shopping for night clothes tomorrow. We left Vladivostok in such a hurry I just stuffed our clothes all together in one bag," said Anna. She fussed with the duvet. The air was chilly in their bedroom. The pajama top was scant covering.
"You have everything you need right here," crooned Robert running his free hand from her shoulder to the hem of her top where it grazed her thigh. "One size fits all."
"My birthday suit won't serve outside of this room."
"It better not."
"A robe in my size, too," said Anna. "Where is the nearest store?"
"About thirty miles away as the crow flies." Robert's hand wandered lower. "Your legs are cold."
"You have the bottoms," murmured Anna. "I wish you'd sent someone else, Robert."
"Vincent's the only one who knows the hotel. He and Genji will be fine," responded Robert. "Not much they couldn't handle on their own."
"I wasn't worried about that."
Robert's leg twined through hers bringing their bodies even closer. "Then what IS on your mind?"
"Robin. Vincent is her … her security blanket."
"She doesn't like him out of her sight, does she?" asked Robert.
"She doesn't say much about their past history either," said Anna. Her feet rubbed against his. "I just wish I knew more about him beyond what's in the files. Why does Robin trust him so implicitly? More curious, why do you like him? You've never approved of any of Robin's boyfriends. I remember how you were when she first started dating."
"I wasn't prepared for it. Overnight, she turned into … into a social butterfly with a full dance card. Let's see there was … was Rowdy, Craig, Roger. Does Craig qualify as a boyfriend?" asked Robert. "You're warming up nicely."
"Be serious, Robert," said Anna loosening the top button of her top. "Tell me about Vincent."
"Nothing I say to prop up his good character is going to count with you not where Robin's happiness is concerned. Get to know him yourself and find out," said Robert. His questing fingers found no further obstacles like underwear. "He's not the flashy sort but definitely one to have on our side. You'll see."
"You sound very confident of him." Another button came undone.
"I trust him. I don't say that about too many people."
Anna rolled and sat straddling Robert. She looked at him. "No you don't. Fess up. What did he do to merit your high opinion? Save your life?"
"Took one for the team. One day ask him about a confused penguin, a lovesick sled dog named Naki and yours truly," said Robert.
Anna began to giggle harder and harder. She said in between breaths, "Why don't YOU tell me? I could use a bedtime story."
Robert undid the last remaining button. "Do you know how fast a penguin can waddle when they have to? Do you? Think chickens on ice in tuxedoes."
"Were … were you chasing after them?" Anna arched letting the top slip off her shoulders.
"You know how I get when I have an objective in mind," said Robert. His hands closed around two more immediate objectives.
"Y-y-your powers of … of concentration … are amazing," gasped Anna.
"Just amazing?" murmured Robert.
"There sh-should always be room … for improvement." Anna kissed her lover deeply pushing him back against his pillow.
THUMP!
Anna looked up, "Did you hear something?"
"Th-this sort of thing is … is going to do me in one day," said Robert. "Just the bed, luv."
THUD!
"That wasn't the bed," said Anna rising and looking around for her too-large robe.
They rushed downstairs. Burdened by a backpack, a sling bag and two large wheeled suitcases, Edgar came in, dumped said luggage unceremoniously on the floor next to some suitcases and headed straight for the stairs.
"Never again!" exclaimed Edgar passing Anna and Robert with a weary expression on his face. "See you all TOMORROW!"
Robert called to him. "Same room as before, Edgar!"
"Good night!" added Anna.
Andrew came in next also laden down with luggage. He said not a word but merely dropped his bags on the floor atop Edgar's pile, gave his mother a peck on the cheek, nodded to his father then returned outside. He held the door open for Holly who stepped inside also carrying bags herself.
"Hello! I didn't think I'd miss Australia but I do," said Holly.
Robert took her bags. "We were expecting you earlier today."
Anna eyed the bags and compared the number to the solitary bag that Andrew, Holly and Edgar had each left their party in Tokyo with. "I take it there was a detour."
Holly grinned at Anna. "How could I pass up Hong Kong? I may never be in this area again."
Understanding dawned on Robert as he held the door open for Andrew carrying in the last of the luggage. "Any more baubles and trinkets, son?"
Andrew shook his head. "I've learned quite a bit about haggling from-"
"Oh, Andrew, they expect to bargain. To not bargain would be insulting. In the end, everyone gets the price they wanted all along," said Holly. "Poor Edgar. He simply could not relax." She looked at her watch. "I have to call home."
"Yes, of course, c'mon I'll take you to your room," said Anna.
"We'll just leave this down here, all right?" asked Robert not relishing the thought of bringing up the mountain of luggage piece by piece.
"Sure, Robert, thank you. Night!" called out Holly. She and Anna's voices receded as they ascended the stairs. "I've got some new ideas for a photo show. I can't wait to tell Richard."
After they'd arranged the six pieces of luggage in an out of the way spot, the two Scorpio men trooped into the kitchen for some much-needed refreshment.
"Other than wearing out Edgar, how was it?" asked Robert rinsing some glasses in the sink and washing his hands at the same time. "Get the juice will you."
"Relaxing until we hit land then it became a shopping marathon," said Andrew. From the freezer, he pulled out a large pizza carton then put the pitcher of juice on the counter. "I mean that in a good way."
"No signs of pursuit or notice?"
Andrew put the pizza into the oven. "No. I made for dense places - Manila, Hong Kong - the better to be lost among the masses."
"Good idea," said Robert. He filled their glasses. "Your old bedroom's all ready. Go straight to sleep."
"I want to check in and-"
"No. We're on vacation and on radio silence from the office."
"But-"
"No buts. We have this … this idyll of peace and tranquility. Let's enjoy it."
"While it lasts," muttered Andrew.
"What was that?"
"Nothing that can't keep," said Andrew. "How's Robin?"
"Awake," said Robin padding into the room. Like Anna, she wore an old robe of Robert's and its hem dragged on the floor like a long cape. "What's cooking?"
"Large pepperoni with extra cheese," said Andrew. "Sorry to wake you up with the noise."
"Couldn't sleep." Robin opened a cabinet and began to take out some plates. "Anyone heard from Uncle Mac and Dianara?"
"I don't think we need to worry about them," said Robert. "They'll probably be here in a few days. Try to get some rest, Robin."
"I will once the pick up is done and they're on their way back."
"We won't hear from them for another seven hours at least."
"Them?" asked Andrew putting a pair of stools by the island counter in the middle of the kitchen.
Anna came in, gave her son another kiss then sat on a stool next to Robin. "We're all a bit too keen to sleep." She looked at Robin then Andrew and sighed with obvious contentment. "I am unbelievably happy we're all together now."
"Would you say you were delirious with joy?" asked Robert with a knowing twinkle in his eye.
"Happiness is very energizing I find." She glanced at Robert. "I doubt I'll get a wink at all tonight."
"Me either. Pass the juice please. Can never get too much of my vitamins," said Robert. He cleared his throat. "For your information, Andrew, Genji and Vincent are flying back to Vladivostok to deliver our - Robin's part of a mutual exchange. Your sister has handed over what she has. Peter Sinclair and Charlotte Devane will turn in what Robin wants."
At the mention of Charlotte's name, Andrew stiffened. "What good can come of this? She's not one to trust is she?"
Robert said no and Robin said yes.
"In this instance, I'm willing to take a risk, a calculated one," said Robin.
"Only two men? No backup?" asked Andrew.
"Stealth mission. They're watching us. I don't want to show more of our people than I have to," said Anna. She groaned. "Stop with the shoptalk. We're supposed to be on a family vacation."
"Right you are, luv!" grinned Robert. "While we're waiting for sustenance, let's talk about … girlfriends and boyfriends?"
"That leaves me out," said Andrew.
"The last boyfriend I remember was Roger. Roger with his own band. I've heard about Stone and Morgan," said Robert. "What about Paris, Robin?"
Robin laughed setting herself on a stool. "Fishing for more information on VIncent isn't going to work, Dad."
"He told me how you met. You had a gun on him as I recall," said Robert.
"You did?" asked Anna looking at Robin.
"It must be a Devane thing to point guns AT people you like," said Robert.
"It wasn't like that, Dad!" said Robin becoming more flustered. "I just had to be sure what he was. You know mobster, police, spy or whatever."
"Our family's version of plant, animal or mineral," said Andrew as he looked through cabinets for the pizza cutter.
Robin proceeded to tell them about her first meeting with Vincent. Soon enough they were munching on pizza while listening avidly to Robin's version of the story.