SLD-97 (Book 2 Chapter 37)

On The Highway

Faison's hands gripped the wheel lightly. Speeding, he barely noticed the passing landscape. His mind was too filled with the past.

We came so close ourselves. Do you ever think of that?

Don't touch me. Okay?

Come sit. We have so much to talk about.

No, we don't have anything to talk about because I love Robert.

There was a time you said you loved me. I'm sure you'll change your mind about Robert.

No, I won't.

The truth is I know you better than you know yourself.

What do you want? What do you want of me?

You know what I want.

BUZZ! BUZZ!

Angry at being yanked from his fantasy, Faison answered his phone. "This better be important!"

Donatella's patient voice came over the line, "Cesar, have you made plans to visit London? To stay at the townhouse?"

"No. Such a place of bad memories," said Faison. "Remind me to sell it. I have more important concerns today. Why are you calling about that?"

"Scotland Yard has just paid a visit to your caretaker," said Donatella.

"Perhaps there was a disturbance in the other units. What do I care?!" asked Faison. "Do not call me on such trivial matters!"

"Very well," said Donatella not the least bit apologetic. "Before I leave you to your mission, may I say that you are not thinking clearly."

Faison sighed. "I cannot stop you. You simply do not like Anna."

"I don't know her well enough to like her or not," said Donatella. "However, I have always abhorred your attitude towards her. You lose all sense of self preservation when she is on your mind."

"Have you ever been in love?"

"In lust numerous times but in love, no."

"When you do, you will understand," said Faison. "My feelings for her have not faded nor has she been supplanted by another though you know I have tried."

"Your years of clarity were too few in my opinion," said Donatella. "If only she had not shot you."

"I had Andrew to raise. I had to be … completely sane then," said Faison. "Now I can be myself. I feel quite free. You see it was fate that it would be Anna who would return me to myself. Is there anything else?"

"Yes. I will be posting your reply message on P.K. Sinclair's guest book for Charlotte's eyes. Are you very sure of this tactic?" asked Donatella.

"Dangling something she desires just out of reach is guaranteed to make her curious. That is what I want," said Faison. "Do it and leave me to my … destiny."

Villa Scorpio

Every chair and sofa was filled in the living room. On the main screen the wedding march had started. The Scorpio men stood waiting at the dais. They watched the view pan about the guests before showing Robin walking down the center aisle.

Matt glanced to the side at his brother who was obviously staring at Robin's radiant image on the screen. "Hey, you all right?"

"They look nearly the same," said Patrick in a low voice.

"But they're not the same," said Matt. "Eve is her own person. Appearances can be deceiving. They could be really different on the inside."

Patrick rocked a sleeping Emma in his arms. "But the drug-"

"Yeah, yeah I know it made Eve into Robin. But, over time, I think a lot of Eve became Robin," said Matt. "There is no way that Eve could have known or been completely Robin."

"Are you saying that Robin wouldn't have given me the time of day?"

"You said it not me," replied Matt.

"Hmm, Eve did say once that I wasn't dangerous enough compared to her past boyfriends," said Patrick.

Noah slung an arm around Patrick shoulder. "It's going to be hard every time you see Robin. You have to accept the situation for what it is. She is not your wife."

"Separate Eve from Robin you mean?" asked Patrick.

"Yes," said Noah. "I didn't know Robin but a lot of people in this room do. They can all tell a difference. You have-"

Patrick bristled. "I've accepted that the woman I love is gone. At this moment in time, the only thing on my mind is Emma and raising her the way Eve would have wanted. I'm curious about Robin. It's human nature. That's all it is."

"Fine," said Noah. "Have you talked to Tom Hardy about having Robin around here in the future?"

"Tom and I have had a few sessions but not about this. What was there to discuss? No one knew if Robin was even alive," said Patrick. "I might get a place at Temple Court. There's enough security and family living there that it could work. And, I'd be closer to the hospital, too. I can't believe you're moving in with Matt."

"I just need a place to stay when I'm not on Doctors Without Borders missions. Matt's got an extra room so it made sense," said Noah.

"It couldn't be because a bunch of your friends and old flames are moving in, too, would it?" asked Matt.

"Of course not. Besides, they're all married off," said Noah. "But it will be … be nice to be able to knock on someone's door if I want company for dinner or the movies. I can't rely on you two because of your schedules."

Both Matt and Patrick nodded but they were unconvinced of their father's true motivations. Time would tell.

"Robin looks wonderful," said Tiffany. "I thought she'd be more … more affected by what happened."

"Those scars are mostly on the inside," said Sean for his wife's ears. "She's going to need you to help her adjust, honey."

"And you, too," said Tiffany.

"She's alive and with family and friends. That's all that matters."

"Well, I'm going to grill Anna privately."

"About what?"

"Robin. The only thing I got was that Robin would be coming home after all."

"And I thought that was good."

"It's fantastic. However, we have to think about Robin," said Tiffany. "What do we know, really know, about her condition? What she needs or wants? How can we help her if we don't know anything?"

"Robin's case is similar to cases of people in captivity over a long period of time and-"

"And I've looked at those already," said Tiffany.

"You have?"

"Of course I have. I may not be on air anymore but my reporter's instincts are still there," said Tiffany. "What do you know that you're not telling me?"

"Nothing."

"I know there's something going on," said Tiffany. "I'm going to lose my patience waiting for you to tell me."

"Haven't I always told you everything?"

"Only after I've lost sleep or nagged you enough."

"Okay, honey, we'll talk. Later," said Sean. He gestured at the scene. "I think Anna's coming down now."

Next to Tiffany, Felicia sat with Maxie. Felicia was puzzled. "How did Frisco get there?"

"He looks the same as the last time he was here," said Maxie.

Felicia laughed. "No, sweetheart. Trust me we are not the same. You'll see."

"I'll believe it when he's around for more than a month, Mom."

"If it takes a month or whenever, we're not going anywhere," said Felicia. She put an arm around her daughter. "All we're asking is that we try to … to keep the fireworks down. Frisco wants to get to know you - the grown up you."

"I said I was willing to give it try. No promises, Mom," replied Maxie. "You're talking with realDad again?"

"I will be. Later," said Felicia. "He hates it when I give him the cold shoulder. Drives him crazy."

"Good to know that." Maxie leaned forward and narrowed her eyes at the image of Anna and Frisco. "Look at that hair! The hair dresser did a great job. I have to give her a bigger tip."

"If I was getting married again, I'd pick a modern style. It looks good," said Tiffany. "I'd have to get Anna's body first or yours, Felicia."

"Trading me in already?" asked Sean.

Tiffany kissed Sean's cheek. "Just keeping my options open, darlin'. I have to keep you on your toes and interested."

"That will not be a problem," said Sean.

On the other sofa, Bobbie nudged Monica. "Which one is Edgar?"

"Bobbie!" exclaimed Monica. "Now is hardly the time."

"I just want to put a face to the gifts he's been sending you," said Bobbie.

"I'm rather curious myself, Monica," said Tracy who leaned on the back of the sofa. "I can't remember everyone on Robert's team."

"A little loving in the afternoon never hurt anyone," said Bobbie.

"We haven't even gone out yet and you've got us hitting the sheets," protested Monica.

Bobbie and Tracy laughed. "YOU went there all by yourself, Monica," said Bobbie.

"It's the new millenium, a lot of things are accelerated," said Tracy. "I seem to remember you were good at that."

Edward who had been listening in on the conversation touched Monica's shoulder. "It's been years, m'dear. It's all right to see someone else."

"I am not saying another word on the subject," said Monica primly.

At that moment, the view panned across the panorama of guests. A line of what was obviously security personnel in dark suits came to view.

Monica pointed at the screen. "He's the first one from the left."

"Very dapper," said Tracy. "That's a good sign."

"I want a close up," said Bobbie.

"He has … nice eyes," said Monica. "And he can be funny."

Bobbie and Tracy exchanged knowing looks.

Anna and Frisco reached the dais. Frisco stepped aside and Robert took his place. Tellingly, Frisco stayed on the dais and stood just to Anna's side. He and Mac were wound tight as bow strings. On the far edge of the screen, the security team dispersed to their pre-assigned positions.

The pastor began, "Dearly beloved …."

Scorpio Ranch

The new Mr and Mrs Scorpio walked down the aisle grinning like mad with joy and relief. As far as weddings went, this one had been drama free.

"Tis done," said Robert holding Anna close.

"For good this time," said Anna.

The guests began to rise and stretch. There was a wonderful luncheon waiting and they were more than ready for that and a bit of dancing.

BANG! BANG!

The wedding guests cowered in their seats as shots rang out. A car running at top speed got closer and closer.

"Anna, get inside," ordered Robert.

"No."

"Bloody hell, you know this can only be one person."

"And we'll face him together," said Anna.

The car stopped with a loud screech.

Beside Robert, Mac said, "Where is a gun when you need one?"

"I won't need one," said Robert with steely resolve.

The car door swung open. Faison exited looking calm and controlled. He said, "I hear congratulations are in order." He made a small bow. "Allow me to extend my good wishes to your union."

"Since this is my wedding day, I'll make ONE exception. You can extend yourself back out where you came from," snarled Robert.

"Not before I give you my gift," said Cesar.

Anna placed a hand on Robert's arm. "Just please leave. Now."

Faison looked Anna up and down in open admiration. "You look lovely, Anna."

Robert flexed his jaw. It was tight. "You heard the lady."

"I will but first allow me to-"

Faison did not finish his sentence as Robert lunged for him. Fingers tightened around Faison's throat. They began to squeeze.

Faison seemed to set his feet on the ground and grabbed hold of Robert's arm. With a twist of the wrist, he had freed himself.

"That was a … a poor welcome, Scorpio," said Faison straightening his tie. "For someone … who's come to … to …."

"To what?" asked Anna. "You can't possibly do anything else."

"I'm here to offer an alliance," said Faison. "You, Robert and me."

This was greeted by open shock.

Mac moved towards Faison. "You are getting out of here if I have to throttle you first."

"You are such a Scorpio," said Faison. "I come in peace on a day of peace and … and joy and all you want is to … to prove how strong and brave you are."

"You don't care about anyone. You just love to stir up trouble," said Mac.

"We want nothing to do with you," said Anna.

Faison lifted up his chin. "We have a mutual enemy that neither of us seem able to finish off - Charlotte Devane. If we combine our efforts, we can deal with her permanently."

"We don't need help to deal with her," said Robert trying to control his temper.

"You will change your mind once you have heard my information," said Faison.

Robert gestured at Mac. Mac opened the car door.

"You have this one warning. Leave."

Faison sighed. His eyes expressed scorn. "Always the western hero. It becomes tedious, Robert."

"We're married. Anna has renounced all deals with you as I have," said Robert. "The only thing left is my dealing with YOU permanently. Just the two of us."

Faison's eyes turned cold. "One day I am sure that WILL come to pass but not today." He took a long breath. "Now, my concern is Andrew."

Anna's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Based on the information I've received, she has pieced together the puzzle of Guardian or she is very close to doing so. I also know that she and Helena have salvaged Peter Sinclair. They have two goals - acquire Guardian and continue production of Compound X," said Faison. "They have begun an offensive against you and you are unaware still. You are losing your touch."

"We know that-" began Robert.

"You know NOTHING! Do you know where they are? What resources they have? What actions are now in play?"

There was no answer.

"I know. I am prepared to provide my information if you agree to an alliance."

"Forget about it!" exclaimed Robert moving toward Faison again.

"Not good enough," said Anna.

Both Robert and Faison turned towards her. Faison smirked.

Robert said "What are you saying?"

"He's right, Robert, an alliance could be useful," said Anna. "But I don't like his terms."

Robert took Anna's arm and led her away. "Are you out of your mind?" he whispered.

"I'm thinking very clearly," said Anna.

"How can you believe anything he says?" asked Robert. "I'm going to toss him out on his ear!"

"After we hear him out first."

"No!"

"He doesn't do anything without a reason."

"Sure he has a reason. He's here to worm his way back into our lives one way or the other."

"He can try but it won't do any good."

"Are you sure of that?"

Anna stepped away. "Oh, you can't be … tell me you can't be jealous."

"He seems to know the magic words to get you to listen to him. All the time!"

"I am thinking as the leader of this team and as a strategic partner in the Club," said Anna. "I'm being objective. You're not!"

"I'm sorry. It IS my wedding day."

She took Robert's hand and pulled him along. "Just remember I'm doing this for us! No more secrets or doubts or misunderstandings."

She led the way to Faison and took his hand in hers. She led the two men down the center aisle and on to the dais. She faced the openly curious guests and declared, "All right, everyone, the luncheon is awaiting you inside the tents set up on the other side of the house. Please everyone go there now. Genji, shut off all monitors please. Dimitri and Dia, can you step in for Robert and I for a while?"

Faison surveyed the dais with cool regard. Robert glowered menacingly. Anna looked at one then the other and shook her head.

"Mac? Alex?" she called out. "Stay please. But don't interrupt. Stay close."

Both Alex and Mac nodded.

Anna spied Andrew and Robin taking first row seats. "You two entertain the guests."

"You're kidding me," said Robin.

"Go on. I'll feel better knowing you two are out of Faison's immediate area," said Anna. "I'll fill you in on the general details later. I promise."

Villa Scorpio - The Barn

Sean ranted at Lars and Dani as they barred his way into Command and Control.

"I know you still have a video feed to the ranch," said Sean. "I want to see what's happening there!"

"Anna has ordered all feeds stopped, Sean," said Lars.

"But you are in touch still? With Edgar? With Salim?" asked Sean.

"Yes," said Dani simply.

"Okay, give me a rundown. Why isn't Faison dead yet?" asked Sean.

"He is in a conference with Anna and Robert," said Lars. "That's all we know."

"We're kept in the dark and getting indigestion. That's just great."

"We will give everyone an update as soon as we know ourselves," said Lars.

"We do care for them as much as you do, Sean," said Dani. "It's out of our hands."

"Let me talk to Edgar then."

"New regulations. We've tightened procedures. Team communication is for team members only," said Lars. "You are not formally a member of the team. I'm sorry, Sean.

"Yeah, so am I." Sean returned to the Villa.

Scorpio Ranch

Anna pulled a chair close to form a triangle of sorts with Faison and Robert on either side of her. "We three are going to behave like civil human beings. We've done it before so I'm sure it's possible. We are going to settle matters between us, all of us, once and for all."

"But why-" began Robert.

"A beautiful and wise woman," said Faison. "I knew you would see the advantage of an alliance."

"We'll talk about that later. First, I want to make sure that we understand the FACTS of our relationships," said Anna. She held up a hand to forestall comments. "We have a lot of history between us. And, now, that … that I'm beginning a new phase of my life, I want to make sure that there are no doubts or misunderstandings."

"I am as always your willing servant," said Faison with a smile.

"Oh, please," groused Robert.

"Robert, we made vows today to have truth and loyalty between us so I'm doing that," said Anna.

Robert nodded. "I understand but you don't-"

"I want it in black and white. Then we won't discuss this again," said Anna.

"Fine."

Anna faced Faison. "Cesar, I said once that I'm not in love with you. Do you accept that?"

"Yes."

Anna took a deep breath and said, "Did we ever have sexual relations in the past, at any time?"

Both Robert and Mac looked startled at the question.

Faison replied. "No but not for lack of temptation, I assure you."

"Do you think that I have any feelings for you now?" asked Anna. "Romantic or sexual feelings?"

"No."

"Would you now hurt me or my children?"

"Of course not," said Faison. "I'm here to protect Andrew. Nothing more."

"Are you in love with me, Cesar?"

"Always," said Faison.

"Are there any deals remaining between the two of us for any reason?"

"None."

"Do you have plans or desires to kidnap me or the children?"

"No. None. If you come to me, Anna, it will be by your own desires."

"Have you conditioned me mentally in any way aside from that which you applied to me to forget Andrew? Do I have any more timebombs in my head?"

"No! I would never harm you like that."

Anna turned to Robert. "Are you satisfied? Are there questions you want to ask?"

Robert rubbed at his face. "No. No more questions. That doesn't mean I trust him."

"That is mutual," said Faison.

"Now, we can get to bargaining," said Anna. "You want an alliance, Cesar, here are MY terms."

Faison sat up in his chair and looked wary and attentive.

"You want to combine information and possibly resources against Charlotte, Helena and Peter," began Anna.

"Only Charlotte."

"Why only her?"

"Because she poses the highest threat and danger."

"I want all three," said Robert.

"Two out of three?" countered Faison. "I shall be honest. I have other motives."

"See?" said Robert looking at Anna.

"He's not the only one with motives," replied Anna.

"Such as?" asked Faison.

"Why be coy?" asked Anna. "You know what I want before I ask for it."

"Can I help it if I know you so well?"

"What's on the table, Anna?" asked Robert.

"Andrew. It all boils down to him," said Anna. "In exchange for a temporary alliance, I want Cesar to remove whatever mechanism, persona, suggestion or construct he's implanted in Andrew. Also, the same for Salim."

"I cannot," said Faison.

"You put it there and you can remove it," said Anna forcefully. "You will."

"It was for HIS own protection!" Faison rose to his feet. He looked at Anna then Robert. "Don't you understand?"

"It's your control mechanism for the rest of his life," said Robert. "What a father!"

"I gave him that which YOU never could, Scorpio!" railed Faison. "Security and protection! I will NOT take that away."

"Explain it, please," said Anna. She lay a hand on Robert's shoulder to calm him.

"Do you think that it is NORMAL for a young boy to be able to affect individuals with such power and ease?" asked Faison. "It took me decades to master what Andrew can do. His abilties have allowed him to exist in relative safety. I did not have to employ too many bodyguards and other outlandish security measures to protect him. He was able to live a normal life."

"Normal is having a THING in his head?" asked Robert.

"He doesn't need it anymore, Cesar," said Anna. "It's doing more harm than good."

"I refuse," said Faison.

There was a sound to the side of the dais. Andrew and Robin clambered up the steps.

"What if I want to BE normal?" asked Andrew.

"How much have you two heard?" asked Mac.

"Nearly everything," said Robin.

Faison smiled at Andrew. "You look very handsome." He reached out and then shoved his hand into his pocket.

"I don't want your … gift. I don't need it. I know I do not," said Andrew. "Please, remove it."

"There is always a cost to anything," said Faison. "When I was growing up, my father trained me rigourously to absorb what he knew. His methods were shall we say irreversible. I did not want that for you, Andrew. I wanted to protect you but leave you free choice."

"I've made my choice. I want it out." Andrew looked at Anna. "Make it part of the deal."

"Are there physical or mental effects on removal, Faison?" asked Robert. "Is that what you mean by costs?"

"Not if you believe that becoming less unique is an advantage," said Faison. "Upon removal, Andrew will retain what innate traits he possesses such as his intellect. However, he will lose the abilities I've implanted via the persona. He will no longer be able to affect people with hypnotism. He will lose THAT powerful protection."

"It's a curse better to be without," declared Andrew.

"Is it? Be honest, my boy, do you not enjoy the certainty that no matter how more powerful the opponent, you possess a potentially unstoppable weapon?" asked Faison. "Do you not rely on the confidence of your mastery of the skill to allow you to tread anywhere and at any time? Such confidence and power are addictive. Going without will be an adjustment."

"I can re-learn it myself if I wanted to."

"True. But it will take time and practice with no guarantee of attaining the level of power and control you have now," said Faison. "I taught you to take advantage of your strengths. This is your greatest strength. To throw it away is foolish."

"I've killed and hurt with it. That is not a strength I want to have."

Faison glared at Robert. "You've made him weak!"

"I taught him the difference between right and wrong. He's a stronger person for it," said Robert.

"Will you do it?" asked Anna. "As part of our deal?"

Faison sat down again. "No one will listen to reason. Yes. I agree."

"And Salim, too," said Robert.

"That is another condition," said Faison. "I have agreed to deprogram Andrew in exchange for an alliance to deal with Charlotte. That is all I have agreed to."

"All right. What do you want in exchange for deprogramming Salim of all conditioning you have ever applied to him?" asked Anna.

Faison considered this question. His gaze fell on Andrew. "One little thing. I want the right to communicate with Andrew openly as we did before."

"No way!" said Robert.

"He has made his choice. I can hardly take him away now!" replied Faison. "I have said and PROVEN that I have no intention to harm him. There is NO reason to forbid contact if Andrew allows it." He looked at Andrew. "If you do, then I shall deprogram Salim."

Andrew did not hesitate. "I allow it. Make Salim well."

Mac shook his head. "You're letting the wolf in with the sheep you know."

Andrew looked at Mac. "Maybe. This is the only choice to make."

Genji checked all the cameras. They were all in working order. Robin was keeping her own set of notes and listening intently to everything.

Alex was checking out Andrew. His deprogramming session had been long and involved. So much so that even Faison was tired. He was taking a cup of coffee while Salim was being made comfortable in the chair. Sensor leads were attached to Salim's wrist.

"He's physically fine," said Alex.

"How do you feel?" asked Anna looking up at her tall son.

"Tired," said Andrew. "The test will be when I sleep without a tranquilizer."

"You feel no difference?"

"I feel less compelled I suppose," said Andrew. "Papa's done what he promised to do."

"Try hypnotizing someone," suggested Alex.

"Good idea. Hypnotize your father to always believe I'm right," said Anna.

"He'll resist."

"Just make the attempt," said Anna.

Andrew stood in front of Robert. He concentrated and began to try to put Robert under a trance or suggestive state. Robert's face remained impassive but his eyes remained bright and aware throughout.

"I'm saying the right words but it's not working," said Andrew.

"At all?"

"I know the steps but I can't … I just can't," said Andrew with some surprise. He glanced at Faison. "He was right."

"About what?" asked Robert.

Andrew looked away then said, "I do miss it."

Further conversation halted as they saw Faison signal that he was ready to begin with Salim. The others arranged themselves on chairs and stools to watch. As the minutes passed, to their untrained eyes, the session seemed nearly identical to Andrew's session. The obvious difference was that Salim was not resisting Faison at all. Faison had had to expend more effort and time to counter Andrew's resistance.

Suddenly, Salim jerked. Faison recoiled and stood back away from the captain. Salim grabbed at his chest. Genji and Heath caught the older man before he collapsed to the floor. His breathing was ragged and his face was pale.

In seconds, Salim lost consciousness. Alex, Genji and Edgar employed CPR. A portable defibrillator was put into service.

With a violent shudder, Salim Puri breathed his last.

Faison drove back to the airport. He was both exhausted and elated. He took a circuitous route and found himself at a hotel. He booked a room. Once inside, he made a call to Donatella.

He leaned back against the headboard. He poured a stream of cheap wine into a plastic cup and drank. He said into the phone,"Congratulate me,"

"You were successful, whatever it was you wanted to do?" asked Donatella.

"Beyond my wildest dreams!" said Faison. "I sought an alliance and emerged with a … a stranglehold on my enemy and extra security for me."

"Hmm, that demands an explanation."

"I have given the information regarding Charlotte that you provided to Anna and Robert. In time, I expect them to move against her."

"She'll know and escape."

"Maybe and maybe not. I do not really care," said Faison. "The alliance was simply a plot to get what I really wanted."

"And that was?"

"To be rid of a potential problem and regain my son. The last was quite fortuitous," said Faison.

"What did you do to Scorpio?"

"Nothing."

"But he IS your problem?"

"Yes, in the long term," said Faison. "Captain Salim Puri knew too much. I trusted him to look after Andrew and keep my secrets. I believe he has failed in both because his allegiance has changed. His usefulness was ended today and no one suspects anything but natural causes."

"No one? Are you sure?"

Faison smirked. "Salim had a known heart condition. The event was quite public. The witnesses all thought I was curing him of the mental suggestions I placed upon him years ago. I was not. He died of natural causes that I triggered. The emotional upheavals afterwards further muddled any future investigation on the matter. One problem solved."

"Andrew was very close to him."

"Andrew was a boy. He's nearly a man now. He needs better teachers," said Faison. "One more thing, Donatella."

"Yes?"

"I have removed the catalyst mechanism from Andrew," said Faison.

"You will have no control over him. He is left exposed. You've violated our rules. Why?"

"Because I want … need to be a part of his life," said Faison. "I will not allow Scorpio to ruin him as he has Anna. Andrew will reach his destiny. Perhaps, not in the way I planned but I know he will."

"You can no longer be sure of that outcome."

"Of course I can."

"How?"

"Do not underestimate the influences of early childhood. Is that not what we have espoused all these decades as being critical to individual development? I raised him to have expectations of himself. Satisfying those expectations and desires will drive him to boldness and ambition. He will seek out influence and power to serve his ends," said Faison. "He has grown with so much at his fingertips. They will not be easy to give up. And something else will work in my favor."

"What is that?"

"My son has begun to care and to love," said Faison. "Thanks to Scorpio and the nature Andrew has inherited from Anna, he will be utterly devoted, loyal and compassionate especially to those he grows to care about. Anyone who loves is vulnerable. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes."

"I want you to add Belle Donely to your watch list," said Faison. "Do nothing. Simply monitor. Let's get to know her."

"Donely? A relation to Sean Donely?"

"His daughter," said Faison. "Sean is another serious problem. He knows too much about my past."

"What do you plan against him?"

"I'm not sure. My past attempts to be rid of him have failed. I must be careful with him," said Faison. "For now, watch his wife and daughter."

"And Scorpio?"

"He is a nobody who was born under a charmed star!" exclaimed Faison.

"But he-"

"Enough talk! Allow me the time to savor my victories today," said Faison. "There is enough time. One day I WILL get everything Scorpio took from me. I will be patient until that day comes."

End of Book 2

Readers, any thoughts, likes, dislikes, rants? Is the story so convoluted that you feel like you should be taking notes? I'm following the soapy structure of having an A Story, B Story and C Story. I admit to tweaking that formula and using up more letters.