Cassadine Castle, Spoon Island
Alfred was dressed immaculately despite the lateness of the hour. Two footmen carried in luggage from the car while Alfred followed Nikolas and Thanos D'Ercy into the main parlor.
"We have not heard anything from Mrs. Cassadine," informed Alfred.
"Good. You've instructed all staff to NOT follow her orders in any way and to inform me immediately if contact is attempted?" asked Nikolas.
"Yes, I have."
"Mr. D'Ercy's room in the guest wing is prepared. If you would follow me …"
"No, Alfred. Thanos is my uncle on the paternal side. He's a true Cassadine." At Alfred's surprised look, Nikolas' lips twitched. "It's a long story and I'll fill you in later. Prepare a permanent suite in the family wing."
"Of course." Alfred looked at Thanos. "How shall we address you, sir?"
"The head of the family is Prince Nikolas. Too many Cassadine males may confuse that issue," said Thanos. "Address and refer to me as Mr. D'Ercy."
"Very good, Mr. D'Ercy." Alfred took a note out of his pocket. "There were several calls for you, sir, from a Mr. Martin de Vries."
Thanos took the note from Alfred. "Thank you. If he calls again, please tell him that I shall return his call as soon as I've had some sleep. I'm too tired to think properly. Our departure was a bit rushed."
"Let me see to your suite, sir. Excuse me," said Alfred before leaving the room.
"That wasn't necessary. You're more a Cassadine than I am," said Nikolas.
"I wasn't raised one. I have my feet in different worlds. It is enough that those who matter know who I truly am," said Thanos.
"I wonder what Mr. de Vries wants," said Nikolas.
"Since his retirement, he no longer concerns himself in any capacity with his family's commercial interests. However, he is an ally I desire to keep happy," said Thanos.
"Maybe it's about the symbol - the necklace."
"Perhaps," said Thanos. "We shall see soon enough."
"So, when do we start?" asked Nikolas with a wide anticipatory smile.
Thanos looked around the parlor as a king surveying his subjects. "Tonight we rest. Tomorrow, we begin our work in earnest."
Cromden Court, Buckinghamshire, England
"I will not be swayed, Augusta. This whim of yours is sheer folly!" ranted the Red King.
Augusta sat in the armchair opposite her husband. She held the picture of Charlotte Devane in her hand. "It's personal. Very much so."
"You would abandon me in my hour of need, my dear?"
"That excuse has lost its appeal with me. You're quite healthy. Hare and Hatter are more than adequate to do your bidding," countered Augusta. "I must do this."
"The past cannot be changed." The Red King added gently, "It can only be left behind."
"You asked me to leave my past behind when we married and I did so. It was the best decision then but now …" Augusta's voice trailed off.
"It was the only way to save you. The only way I could truly protect you," said the Red King. "You must not do this."
"I don't believe it's up to me. Why wait until circumstance and fate force my hand?"
"We wait. We watch. We listen. We do the least to disturb anyone or anything. Yet you want to … to upend not one but several lives," said the Red King. "Imagine your motives well, Augusta. You are in the heat of emotion. You cannot think rationally. Indulge your long loving husband. Do not make a hasty decision driven solely by the dictates of your heart."
"Fine. I will give the matter one day of thinking," said Augusta. "Then I will decide."
"That is all I ask."
Mr. Hatter and Mr. Hare strolled into the room. Hatter cleared his throat before saying, "Pardon the interruption, my king and queen. I came to inform you that your niece is airborne."
Augusta smiled. "Very good. Did she have anything to report?"
"Only that she wanted to speak to you face to face at the earliest opportunity," said Mr. Hatter.
"Very well. Have her taken here straight from the airport," said Augusta.
"Hare, arrange for her cover identity to disappear," said the Red King.
"I was deciding between a motor accident or a fatal hospital visit," replied Mr. Hare.
"Neither. Let the identity be revealed to be an obvious sham but do not make the detection too easy."
"That is not our usual procedure."
"No, Hare, but we are not dealing with our usual type of enemy are we?" asked the Red King. "I desire to study this Faison's methods first hand."
"The data we received is extremely detailed and voluminous," said Augusta. "I nearly feel that I know him like a close friend."
"That may be but the data does not tell me how best to predict behavior and thinking," said the Red King. "Jacques' notes on the Scorpios are incomplete. Intentionally so I believe. However, I sense the enmity that binds all these parties together. Since we are committed to action, I must know more about Cesar Faison first hand."
"Assuming the utter pervasiveness of his Nanny Network within our class, I had thought he already knew about us," said Mr. Hare.
"He may or he may not. None of the data we have can answer that question or others I have," said the Red King. "That makes me … uneasy."
Three sets of startled eyes focused on the king. His admitting to weakness or uncertainty was uncharacteristic.
The king continued, "There must have been a reason why the Nanny Network was aimed so completely upon us. I suspect the answer will not make me feel better. Not at all."
"His mother was a nanny. She was his connection to Anna Devane. It was a world he knew from youth," said Hare "What better environment to use for such an ambitious project?"
"Could it be that simple an explanation?" asked Hatter.
"Gentlemen, the answer is far more direct - Anna Devane," said Augusta. "She is Scorpio's inside source though he would not admit it openly."
"Stop, Augusta!" exclaimed the Red King. "Do not proceed down that path."
Augusta looked at her husband with eyes alight with righteous anger, "You know I am right. And you know what I must do."
"I know no such thing!"
Misters Hatter and Hare looked at each other. Augusta was deliberately winding up the King. This argument must have been brewing before they came into the room. Knowing the course of these kinds of rows in the past, the two men left the room with neither Queen or King taking notice.
Mr. Hare closed the door. "Do you think she will prevail?"
"If you'd ever married, you'd know the answer," said Mr. Hatter.
"Explain."
"The first thing a husband learns is that the wife is always right," replied Mr. Hatter.
"That is ridiculous!"
"Do you see why your unattached status remains unchanged?"
"I am not the deluded one," said Mr. Hare. "The King would not let her go into danger and-"
"This isn't about what the King wants and he knows it," said Mr. Hatter. "Off to home I go, chap. Get some rest yourself."
"Yes. I suspect busy days are in our future," said Mr. Hare with a last look at the closed doors.
Villa Scorpio
Driven deep into the ground, tiny solar lights glowed like a green snake undulating from the front gates to the main residence and barns. The Jaguar's quiet purr merged with the night stillness. Inside the car, Anna felt some of the tension leave her body.
The cars that had lined the driveway were now gone. All the buildings were dark save for a singular light in the upstairs of the Villa. Vincent and Anna were greeted by Lars with news about Constantine.
Lars glanced in the direction of the Big Barn where the Korolevs were quartered. "They don't know anything. We've been holding the news until you came back."
Vincent sighed. "I … I will tell them. Thank you, Lars."
"Earlier, Ivan said he was in more pain. Dani gave him an additional dose of morphine. He's still out," said Lars. "He should sleep through the night."
Vincent nodded. "It is better that way. I'm certain Aunt Ava is still awake." He nodded at Anna then trudged down the other path towards the Big Barn.
Lars walked alongside Anna as she walked towards the loggia doors. "Did the meeting go well?"
"The fish is considering the bait. Set up the hotline as we discussed," said Anna.
"Done. I will assume that Franjo will be making us a visit and manage Therese's security appropriately," said Lars.
Anna stepped through the doors of the darkened loggia. The alert Prospero stood by her waiting for a pat on the head which he duly received. Anna wrinkled her nose at the obvious odor of her temporary animal guest. She made a mental note to make sure Andrew moved Figaro in the morning.
Lars continued with his report. "Anna, Edgar and Alys have been checking the Red List."
"And?"
"All names have been accounted for. All confirmed by multiple sources."
Anna stopped walking taking in what Lars really meant. The Red List contained the names of all their targets. "There goes the compass."
"What was that?" asked Lars.
"Nothing. Never mind." Anna took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Lars guessed what was on Anna's mind. "They were all compromised."
"My mind knows that but I still wish that there had been another way."
"I doubt few could have been deprogrammed. To my mind they were Faison's creatures. The real people died long ago," said Lars.
"If you repeat that often enough, you start believing it."
"It's the only way I can sleep at night," admitted Lars. "Speaking of sleep, may I send Raine, Edgar and Alys to their beds?"
"Oh, gods, yes! I've lost count how many hours Raine's been on Comms," said Anna.
"She hasn't let me or Giles relieve her. The coffee and stimulants wore off an hour ago," groused Lars. "She NEEDS to sleep."
"By all means, send everyone to their beds. Good night, Lars!" Anna was about to walk away when she asked, "Any word on Faison? Activity?"
"Andre relayed that the, um, distraction, has left the premises but Faison hasn't been seen. There are no reports he's left his room."
"That's bad," said Anna.
"Why bad?"
"Because … because it means he's brooding."
"According to your profiles on him, he is not a keen television watcher. He may not know anything yet. And none of his operatives are in any position to contact him," said Lars.
"That is a stretch," said Anna.
"You know him better than anyone else. What do you think he's doing?"
Anna bit her lip then said haltingly, "I … don't … know … exactly. We need to be ready for … anything. He and Robert have one thing in common."
"What?"
"They don't take well to betrayals. It brings out the worse in them. Sooner or later, Faison will counter this move in some way," said Anna. "Has Robert checked in?"
"Just before boarding. Giles and Khamchatta are on airport pick up duty," said Lars. "On his orders, I gave him an update on your meeting with Franjo."
"I take it he wasn't happy."
"He said something about wishing the Concorde was still flying. He was very agitated."
Anna looked at Lars' worried face. "Everything went better than I thought it would. Robert's just being Robert. Tell everyone to stand down. Meeting in the morning. Good night, Lars."
"One last thing, Anna."
"Yes?"
"Sean. He was very insistent on talking to you," said Lars. "He was not pleased by no longer being allowed into C and C and rather curious about everything Russia and DVX."
"I'm sure he's put two and two together and knew our part fit somewhere in the puzzle," said Anna. "Tell Sean I'll see him at the PR office tomorrow. It's about time I made an appearance there."
Lars left with a list of To Dos. Anna went upstairs to check on Andrew before going to bed herself.
She found him rooting through his closet. An evening jacket lay on his bed. Various bits of luggage and boxes littered the floor outside the closet doors. She called out, "Andrew?"
"Mum," came her son's muffled voice.
"What are you doing?"
"My box of bow ties and cummerbunds. It was here before." Pajama-clad Andrew came out of the closet carrying several boxes. He put them on the floor and began to rummage through them.
"I remember. I organized them for you."
"These are the last boxes. They have to be in here."
"Why are you looking for them now? You should be in bed."
"I may need to employ some dye to match Belle's dress," explained Andrew. He opened up the last box and said, "Bother. Not here." He rose to his feet. "Maybe I put it in the vaults."
Sensing her spawn's rising frustration level, she offered, "I'm going into town tomorrow. I can stop by Boarstones for you."
"Yes, Mr. Macleish will have what I need," said Andrew. "Thank you, Mum. I'll consult with him myself."
"I ask that you stay on the grounds, Andrew."
"Another day? Another week?"
"Not a week. Two days. Your father is arriving tomorrow."
"Will you and father finally tell me what is going on?" asked Andrew.
"Going on?"
Andrew moved to his desk and raised his phone in the air. "I do get SIMON's alerts, Mum, despite the team no longer giving me updates or information on ongoing missions. The alerts are cryptic and lack context. For example, the DVX gateway being shutdown and then restored two hours ago."
"It's nothing to worry about. Loose ends that's all."
"Of which there are many," countered Andrew. "Well?"
"You're getting to be more and more like your sister."
"You only have yourself to blame," said Andrew with an easy grin.
"I blame your father completely." Anna tried another tactic. "If I were you, I would be more concerned with the upcoming dance."
Andrew said smugly, "I have completed my research, finished the corsage and have my suit nearly ready. What else is there?"
"How about transportation?"
"My car, of course."
Anna paused as if in thought.
"Is there something wrong with that, Mum?" asked Andrew.
"Have you factored in the paparazzi and press? They lurk around DigiMaze waiting for you."
"It's a school dance. It could not possibly be of any interest to anyone."
"Not the dance. You," said Anna. "No one knows that you're escorting Belle but I guarantee someone will know once you arrive there." Anna picked up the suit from the bed and hung it in the closet. "Does Belle want all that attention?"
"She doesn't like the spotlight," said Andrew frowning at this new information. "I do not believe Sean would like her to be … be associated with me."
"No? Why not?"
"Belle told me her father believes an association would enable potentially dangerous complications. I promised them that I would not include her in any further adventures," said Andrew. "As she is his only daughter and naturally attracts trouble, I can see his side."
Anna's brow arched in amusement, "Naturally?"
"Like a magnet," complained Andrew. "Fortunate for her that she does not lack for rescuers. Thank you for letting me know about this particular angle. I shall give it some thought."
Anna patted Andrew's shoulders. Was it her or did her son seem taller than he seemed last month. "You can do your thinking in bed." She steered him to the bed then left the bedroom.
Lost in thought, Andrew absentmindedly settled into his bed. He was asleep in ten minutes.
The Haunted Star Casino
Luke pushed the dolly piled high with crates into the storage room set aside for the Museum benefit night. He put one of his crates side by side with one that the Donely Devane Agency had deposited inside earlier in the day.
He had studied the markings and shipping tags of a genuine crate prior to making copies. He had carefully selected the crates he was using to make as close a match as possible. Satisfied that his handiwork would pass a close inspection, he added the rest of his crates to the back of the room. He double-checked the numbers on each one and memorized which ones were his.
Most of his deliveries would be made via the Alcazar network. However, a handful would travel with the exhibit to cities where no Alcazar network was in place. Like an avid groupie, he would follow the exhibit, retrieve his cargo in the appropriate places and complete the delivery.
He closed the storage room. "Who would suspect a museum exhibit? It's the perfect hiding place."
With a light step, he clambered topside to the main casino level. It was nearly dawn and his staff was cleaning up after a profitable evening's work. The song playing on the stereo was irresistible - Elvis Presley's A Little Less Conversation. He boogied his way through the tables and staff while singing along to the music.
A little less conversation, a little more action please
All this aggravation ain't satisfactionin' me
A little more bite and a little less bark
A little less fight and a little more spark
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me
Satisfy me baby
Baby close your eyes and listen to the music
Drifting through a summer breeze
It's a groovy night and I can show you how to use it
Come along with me and put your mind at ease
Relaxed and euphoric, Luke left the Star and headed for home and the Q mansion. This one job would put him on easy street for a long time. Things were finally looking up for him.