Majestic Theater
As soon as the runway show ended, Anna made a beeline for the box where she had spotted Robert. He had been smiling but his features were strained. What had happened between him and Sean to make them both look so drained and worried? She reached the box as Robert was giving instructions to Lars, Raine and Alys.
"Disaster emergency protocols are a go," said Robert. "Let's prep for housing everyone here tonight and probably tomorrow. Set up some land lines for the city officials to use. I doubt cellular service will remain available with this storm picking up." He stopped when he saw Anna. "Hey, you were great!"
"Just glad it's over," said Anna. "What's going on?"
"Mother of all storms right above us and not letting up," said Robert. "Our primary responsibilities beside security is power, medical, communications and looking after our guests. I do NOT want our guests here in the auditorium getting into the radio station and access to backstage should be restricted. Raine, you and your team have comms. Lars, you've got power and security. Shane will augment your end when he gets here. Alys, I'd like you to serve as liaison between us and the civvies. Use your official Trident employee cover. You know the drill. Anna, anything to add?"
"Leave the designers and models to Maxie, Frisco and Felicia. Trust me. You do not want to be dealing with them," said Anna. "Alys, work with Felicia and Frisco on that end."
"One more thing. Anna and I have to stay low profile on this. Drop the Trident Media name instead of ours as needed," said Robert. "We're going to be in a close door session for I have no idea how long. Handle things as you see fit."
Alys, Raine and Lars scattered to their tasks.
"Ready to meet the Queen?" asked Robert playfully.
"First things first. What happened between you and Sean? I know something happened. You both look shattered," said Anna.
"We had words. More words," said Robert. "We both lost it."
"There had to be something more."
"He tried to talk me down from pursuing Faison to the end. Advised me to enjoy life now and leave the past to the past. You know those are the two worst things to tell me to do. I can't live in the present knowing that there are loose ends from the past. Loose ends that could still harm everyone I care about. It's not negotiable, Anna," said Robert. "He said he was all right about being kept in the dark but I don't believe him. He didn't buy the we're-keeping-you-safe-for-your-own-good excuse either."
"He knows how dangerous Faison can be if pushed," said Anna. "Given our history with him, I can see Sean's point."
"He said that I was dragging you down with me. That when … if things go south, people would get hurt," said Robert. "That got me thinking. He has a point."
Anna wound her arms around Robert's waist and drew closer to him. "I've got your back. Always. I'll do whatever it takes to protect our family and so will you. We knew the risks going in."
"Knowing the risks and having to face the realities of the plan are two vastly different things," said Robert. "All the years of planning and when it's finally happening, why do my guts feel like jello all the time?"
"Because the stakes have never been higher. For either of us," said Anna. "We're only human."
"There was something else that got me wondering. Sean said that we were bumbling into things we had no business messing with. That leads me think that he knows more, a lot more, than what he's told us so far," said Robert. "But how could he? We've been so careful about what we tell people and when. Where did we slip?"
"He's very good, the best, at connecting the dots and making good guesses," said Anna.
"I didn't get the feeling he was guessing or fishing for information," said Robert. "He KNOWS something and he's deliberately keeping it to himself."
"Sean always has a good reason for-"
"I thought the days of … of secrets between the three of us was over," said Robert.
"We're the ones keeping the secrets from HIM, Robert," said Anna. "I believe that whatever information he does have isn't that relevant at the moment. I'm sure that Sean wouldn't hesitate to tell us what he knows if we needed to know about it."
"Who's he to decide what we need to know and we don't? If he has information, he should just tell us and let us decide what's important and what's not."
"Meaning you decide what's good and what's bad."
"Why not? It's my plan, my rules of the game," said Robert. "You want to play in MY sandbox, then you play by MY rules."
Anna shook her head. "Listen to yourself, Robert. No wonder you and Sean butted heads."
Robert pulled away from Anna and slumped into a chair. "It's not only Sean."
Anna took a seat by him. "Oh, gods, who else?"
"Connie. She's connected the dots pretty well, too. She said I'd built a private bespoke spy agency," said Robert.
"Not far from the truth."
"She's terrified that we'll turn against the Bureau. She's scared to death of me or rather what I've become," said Robert.
"And her loyalty?"
"That's always been with the Bureau. She doesn't trust me anymore. I could feel it," said Robert. "She said she'd support us internally but no more special favors." From his pocket, Robert took out the envelope he received from Connie. "Here's the last favor - what the Bureau has on the Gem Group as promised."
Anna felt the lightness of the envelope. "It doesn't seem much. I'll go through it later." She touched Robert's face. "Arguing with friends and losing them. You've had a hard night while I played dress up."
Robert leaned into her touch. "As long as I have you in my corner and our family is safe, I'll be fine. I can keep going."
"Being Abelard is harder on you than I thought it would be," said Anna.
"Double ditto. I don't like the decisions I have to make even though I know it's the only course to follow. I hate it still," said Robert. "I'm fighting everyone AND myself."
"Even if we wanted to stop, we can't."
"Far too late for second and third thoughts."
"The sooner we end things, the better then."
"Agreed. Winning is our only option." Robert rose to his feet and offered his hand. "Shall we go meet the Queen?"
Anna straightened Robert's collar. "I hope she has good news."
"It has to be important that she's here. I got the impression that the King doesn't like to let her wander out of his sight," said Robert.
"Hmm, a possessive streak," murmured Anna. "Sounds very alpha male."
Robert looked down at Anna's upturned face. "Hey, when you got a good thing, you hold on to it,"
Anna's lips quirked into a coy smile. "That goes both ways."
Villa Scorpio
The television sat on the kitchen counter set to the local news. All the lights in the kitchen and loggia were on in defiance of the storm battering the property. The pungent aroma of fresh-brewed dark roast coffee mingled with the mouth-watering scent of pepperoni pizza.
On the screen, Susan Quincy paused listening to her headset. "What happened? But the rain isn't heavy and-"
Robin watched in fascination as Belle and Andrew took care of Emma with an assurance and joy she felt lacking in herself. Hadn't she babysat BJ, Lucas, Maxie and Georgie from infancy? Why then did every cute gurgle and laugh made her grit her teeth or bite her lip? Why did the thought of holding Emma close against her made her arms tremble?
"To the viewing public, I've just been informed that our forecast has changed … dramatically. Citizens are urged to stay inside and stay off major public streets and highways. Rainfall has decreased but the storm overall has gained strength. High winds up to … up to 80 miles an hour are projected. Lightning continues to be a severe problem," said the announcer.
Robin wiped the perspiration from her forehead. "Hormones. That must be it."
"What, Robin?" asked Andrew.
"Nothing. Just hot in here," said Robin.
"The air conditioning isn't considered high priority on the generator list. Sorry. Let me open a window. A cool wind may help." Andrew proceeded to open the nearest window.
"Never mind. I'll head back to the cottage," said Robin. "I'm getting sleepy anyway."
"I'll walk you there," said Andrew.
"I don't need another minder at home of all places."
"Orders and Mum," said Andrew as if the three words answered all possible questions.
"Harbor officials are reporting extreme tides caused by wind effects. North docks owned by Morgan Shipping have sustained severe structural damage and will be closed indefinitely. Several international vessels, such as the ELQ Venture, have left the harbor heading for calmer waters. This just in. Popular casino the Haunted Star has been confirmed sunk."
KA-RA-BOOM! KA-RA-BOOM!
They all jumped in surprise. Emma began to wail.
"That was bad," said Belle holding the baby. "I think Emma will feel better if she doesn't hear that again. To the lair?"
"Agreed," said Andrew. "Let me get the umbrella."
She held Emma towards Robin. "Hold her please. I have to get her bottles and stuff together."
"Ah … well … I …" stammered Robin as she found herself presented with Emma. Her traitorous arms held themselves out on their own volition. Emma grew quiet as she stared up at Robin who was doing some staring herself.
Belle checked the contents of Emma's combination getaway and diaper bag. "She's not fussing. She must like you, Robin." She gasped. "Oh, I … I forgot."
"Ready, Belle?" Andrew was stopped short by the sight of his sister holding Emma. "Maybe she remembers."
"At her age?" asked Belle. "They do look alike but -"
"She's beautiful," said Robin as Emma's tiny fingers curled around her index finger. "Perfect."
Andrew grinned, "Of course she is. A natural beauty. I think she'll grow up to look like Eve."
"She could take up after her father. Patrick can be an ass but he's … he's good looking," said Robin.
That remark attracted curious looks from both Belle and Andrew.
KA-RA-BOOM!
Before Emma could begin to cry, Robin began to rock her gently. Emma's eyes began to droop then close. Belle and Andrew watched Robin pace a few times back and forth humming softly.
KA-RA-BOOM!
"Dock side businesses are urged to close down immediately. Flooding continues to be a concern. All citizens should stay at home. This is a very dangerous storm. Stay inside, people, please," said Susan. "We are receiving scattered reports and citizen videos of looting and break-ins at drug stores, appliance stores and fast food restaurants. All marinas are reporting numerous damaged vessels and equipment."
"You're a natural mother, Robin, like Mum is," said Andrew.
Robin stopped still. She looked at Andrew then Belle as if realizing they were there with her. She took a deep breath and said, "Um, I … You'd best get her away … to the Lair I mean. She's asleep." Robin tenderly gave Emma to Belle before walking briskly away.
"Robin, I didn't mean-" began Andrew.
"No harm. No foul. Good night!" Robin called out.
"I am an idiot. I need to watch what I say," said Andrew.
"We all do," said Belle.
"A residential fire in the Asian Quarter has been updated to a four alarm blaze as it has spread to neighboring residences and possibly to the warehouse district," said Susan. "Businessman Suki Kwon is leading efforts to relocate endangered families, augment the volunteer fire brigade and create a fire break to slow the progression of the fire in hopes of saving the valuable warehouse section. Eva Gomez is on site with a report. Eva?"
Majestic Theater
Several television sets have been arranged in the auditorium to allow those attendees stranded at the theater to get news and information. Clumps of people were huddled around the televisions. The upper boxes had been changed into impromptu medical areas and semi-private offices where the public officials in attendance could conduct some of their work during the emergency.
"Susan, I'm here at the Majestic Theater with deputy mayor Larry Gunderson. Sir, what do you have for us so far?" asked Eva.
"First, I would like to assure our citizens that all city government resources and officials are in touch and cooperating at unprecedented levels during this crisis. We were caught by surprise but not unprepared," said Gunderson. "Second, I would like to extend our gratitude to the Trident Media group for their quick thinking and assistance in keeping all who were here tonight safe and for providing the critical resources of power and communications. City Hall is currently out of power as is many sections of our city. I have made here, the theater, our temporary City Hall. And-"
"You have, sir?" asked Eva.
Gunderson cleared his throat before proceeding to say, "Yes. In the absence of Mayor Floyd, I have assumed full emergency powers."
"He's missing?" asked Eva.
"We have been unable to contact or locate him in the last two hours. Given the severity of our situation, I and the city council members here present decided that … that a transfer of power and authority was necessary. I stress that this is a temporary condition," said Gunderson. "The appropriate departments have been informed of the mayor's, um, absence."
"If you can't contact him or find him, he's missing, sir," said the reporter.
Gunderson bristled, "I'm sure that Mayor Floyd has a very good reason for not being available. We have more pressing issues to deal with. I do appreciate the work that your station and all reporting stations have been doing in getting the RIGHT information out there to our citizens. Keep it up!" With that, the deputy mayor sailed out of the camera frame.
In the bowels of the theater, Lars' team scoured the storage rooms located near the lead lined room. They passed the two massive 50s era generators that his team had put into active service. They had tested the behemoths during the theater renovation but it was only now that their capabilities would be used to the fullest extent.
Lars swung the flashlight aiming the beam through slats in the doors. During the use of the theater as a federal building, storage lockers had been hastily constructed in the basement. These were alcoves cut into the bare rock face and then covered by wood walls with locked slatted door. They had been meant to be temporary but they were well constructed that they had lasted the passing of time.
In the fourth locker, he found what he was looking for. He instructed his team to get working. "Here they are. Cut the locks. Send up the blankets and other supplies you think will be useful upstairs to Alys. She's coordinating supply distribution."
"These will be soiled, dirty," said one of his team members.
Lars peered through the slats into the locker. "They look like army issue wool blankets individually wrapped. Besides, we do not have a choice. I know I saw three small generators in another locker. Find them and give them to Giles at the tunnel entrance. The generators should help the lighting conditions. I have to get upstairs."
"We are using the catacombs?"
"Suki has asked for our help. Giles suggested that Suki bring his people into the tunnels. WIth the fires, they are safer than their homes right now," said Lars. "Giles, Mac and Dianara are preparing the tunnels before they arrive. Not ideal but it's the only place large enough to keep that many people out of the storm. Any more questions?"
"No, sir," said the team member.
"I want you to remove all the wood walls you can down here. Then use them to cover the lobby windows from the inside. If they shatter, we may minimize civilian injuries," said Lars before leaving.
DigiMaze Electronics
Shane emptied the contents of the research and custom development safes into metal boxes. As each one was filled, one on his team marked the box, locked it and sprinted down to the lobby. The last safe was in Andrew's private laboratory. He would be the only one emptying it. Andrew's lab had the most experimental items in its safe. With deft precision, he transferred the vault contents into his backpack and a large metal trunk.
CRASH!
The sound of breaking glass came from the lobby. It was followed by the shrill deafening siren of the alarm. Shane jogged down the hallway towards the stairs.
On the first floor, his team stood over a dozen looters who were either lying motionless or writhing in agony on the lobby floor. Various weapons from baseball bats to long knives lay in a small pile. Shane took in the situation immediately.
"Sit rep!" yelled Shane.
"Looters came at the windows with metal chairs and crowbars, Shane," said one of Shane's operatives. "Neutralized in the most … humane manner."
"Leave these gentlemen out in the storm. Close the steel shutters and doors behind us! Everyone to the theater! Move, move, move!"
As Shane raced next door beside the rest of his team, he could see more looters eyeing the Megaplex area. Most of the businesses were closed but the steel shutters that should have been covering their front windows were not drawn down. Just then two police squad cars strobe lights turning drove over the curb and parked in front of the Megaplex. Most of the looters ran off into the rain but a few loitered across the street. Shane didn't like the look of them. They reminded him of a pack of hyenas trailing a newborn calf. They would pounce once they saw an opening. It was only a matter of time.
eneral Hospital Emergency Room
KA-RA-BOOM!
"Deputy Mayor Gunderson has declared a full state of emergency and appealed to state and federal officials for support," said Susan Quincy on all the television monitors. "Fires in the Asian Quarter are now under control however the damage is so extensive that many residents have been forced to abandon their homes. PCPD has deputized neighborhood watch commanders for the duration of the emergency. Report a crime to your local deputy if you can. All highways have been closed by the Sheriff's department. Several fires have been reported on board ships anchored in the harbor. The Coast Guard is dispatching rescue and fire ships to the harbor. Weather conditions are … worsening. Please stay home and stay safe."
The waiting room was cheek to jowl with people with injuries and those seeking safer accommodations. PCPD officers were busy removing the shelter seekers and busing them to the nearest qualified shelter.
A voice broke out near the admission area. "I'm telling you I need some medicines! Just give me some!" This was followed by a loud thump as a fist hit the countertop.
"All right. I understand you're frustrated. Please be patient and-" began Audrey as she confronted the angry man.
The man shoved Audrey away. "Get away, bitch!"
Tom's voice thundered down the hallway. "DON'T YOU TOUCH HER! GET AWAY NOW!" He came running up to the man and grabbed the man's shirt positioning himself between the deranged man and his mother. "You want to pick on someone your own size? Someone who can fight back!"
"Tom! Tom! Stop! I'm all right," said Audrey.
To the side, a shocked Tommy watched his father behave in a way he had never thought possible.
Tom didn't seem aware of his surroundings as he pushed the man hard against the wall. The man's head knocked against the wall a few times. "Think twice before you do something like this again! Do you hear me?"
Heavy strong arms pulled Tom away from the patient. It was part-time orderly and janitor Toussaint Dubois. "I got this, Tom. Let go now. I know him."
Tom's fingers flexed before releasing the man's shirt. "Get him secure. His eyes are dilated. Probably an overdose or … or negative Fly reaction."
Audrey's eyes widened as she studied the man. It was her first time coming face to face with a Fly patient.
"This is a friend of mine. He's a mechanic." Dubois shook his head. "This isn't like him. Not at all."
"Put him in the secure ward with the other suspected drug overdose cases," ordered Tom. He gulped a few lungfuls of air to calm himself down. He spotted his son. "Tommy? You okay?"
Tommy nodded. "Just never saw you like … that angry ever."
"That was stupid of me. I'm supposed to be setting an example," said Tom.
"You snapped. It was awesome."
Audrey said softly to her grandson, "No, it's not. Your father has spent years controlling his temper." She touched her son's arm. "I am so proud of the man he IS and not the man he could have been." She drifted off to see to a patient.
"What did Gran mean by the man you could have been, Dad?" asked Tommy.
Tom sighed. "Few people have seen me lose it completely. It's not a pretty sight."
"I really want to know," said Tommy.
"I'll tell you but do me a favor. Don't bring up the subject again to Mom. It's not really pleasant for her. We can talk more about this later."
"Boy, talk about teasing my curiosity," said Tommy with a mischievous grin.
"It's just old, old family history, son. Not something to gossip about," said Tom. "Since you're staying, get to work!"
"Aye, aye, mon doctor!"
"ER Prep Stat! Incoming ambulance. Injured firefighters!" came Epiphany's voice over the public address system.
Majestic Theater Backstage
"Miss Jones!" bellowed Marcello di Capaldi.
Maxie chewed on her pen as she studied her clipboard on which was the list of dressing room assignments. She rushed to the designer's room. "Yes? What do you need now?"
"I need a larger room with a king-sized bed." He dangled a full water bottle. "Take this poison away. I drink only Evian. When will my dinner be served?"
Maxie pointed at an untouched dinner tray. "Your dinner is right here."
"That? That is … is not fit for my dog's dog," said Marcello.
Maxie snapped. "There are people out there who have lost their homes. You are dry and fed with a roof over your head. You WILL be grateful."
"How dare you speak to me like-"
"And, secondly, this is the biggest dressing room we have. Katherine Delafield herself stayed in this room without a single complaint," said Maxie. "This is it or get out in the rain. I'm sure your suite at the Metro Court is far more comfortable if you could get to it."
Marcello sniffed. "I will never come to this horrible rude country again."
"Thank you!" Maxie turned on her heel and stalked out of the dressing room area where the designers were assigned one room each. She had already broken up a cat fight between two rival designers and soothed the creative spirits of the others. She'd had enough of all the pettiness and superficial drama. She walked towards her parents who was helping assistants and models set up folding cots.
"I'm quitting!" declared Maxie.
"What are you quitting?" asked Felicia.
"Crimson. I have never met more vapid, shallow people than THEM!" Maxie pointed towards the dressing room. "I love fashion not prima donna divas! Dia couldn't wait to get out of here and down into the catacombs. Why did I ever think this was a good career choice?"
Felicia glanced at Frisco. "Actually, it's your father's fault."
"Me?" asked Frisco.
"Don't you remember buying the cutest baby clothes for Maxie? Bonnets, onesies, little dresses, socks even hair ribbons."
"That wasn't my fault. Everything looked good on her," said Frisco. "I'd put the bonnet on her and she'd give me a smile. She was adorable."
"You never bought me such nice things," said Felicia.
"I didn't?"
"No." Felicia turned to Maxie. "So you see it was your father that turned you down the path of glitter, nylon and taffeta."
"Thanks, Dad," said Maxie with an amused smile. "Fashion's been good to me but I'm bored with it. I need a new challenge."
"Any ideas?" asked Felicia.
Frisco grinned like an idiot.
"I like media stuff. I'm going to ask Tiffany about changing my major to mass communications," said Maxie. "I like being in front of the camera. It's exciting."
Felicia beamed. "You've got your father's charisma. Might as well use it."
"Miss Jones! I need you!" came another voice from the dressing room area.
"Oh, Lord, give me strength," said Maxie as she scurried away.
Felicia looked at her husband, "What are you smiling at?"
"Maxie called me Dad. Not RealDad," said Frisco simply. "I'm a Dad."
Felicia planted a quick peck on his cheek. "Congratulations and I told you so."
Sean came over and asked, "Have you seen Tiffany?"
"She was headed up to the radio station," said Felicia.
Sean's annoyance was plain. "Why the hell for? I told her to stay put while the car got here."
Frisco began to say, "You're leaving? It's dangerous out-"
"I do have my own people, Frisco. I don't have to rely on Robert for anything."
Frisco stepped back. "Whoa there! Don't kill the messenger."
Sean made an effort to calm himself down. "Sorry. I'm really tired. I just want to relax and sleep in my own bed."
"Visibility is down to a few feet," said Felicia.
"Fortunately, the Court is walking distance. I've got a convoy of three trucks. One to take Ambassador Coughlin and Connie to the Metro Court and two for Tif and I. We'll be fine, Princess," said Sean. "Can you get Tiffany for me, please?"
"On one condition. You take a rest right here." Felicia left a near run.
"It's a deal," said Sean sitting down on an empty stool.
"I'm sorry to upset you. I didn't mean to imply anything," said Frisco.
"It's been a long, endless night. I can't think straight in this madhouse. Getting old is no fun."
"Tell me about it. My backaches have backaches," said Frisco relieved that Sean's annoyance was fading.
"You're a spring chicken compared to me," said Sean.
"You still got a lot of years left in you, Sean," said Frisco.
"The harder you live, the faster you lose everything," said Sean. "Gabriel said that to me. At the time, I thought he was exaggerating. He wasn't."
"Gabriel? Someone I know?" asked Frisco.
"Before your time. He was a good man. Too good for our line of work," said Sean.
"It's a demotion for you to play taxi driver, oh famed ex-WSB honcho."
"It's a courtesy nothing more. My people will be escorting the WSB car and assist if needed. Don't read too much into everything," said Sean.
"Professional hazard."
"Try to be less professional. It'll make for an easier life," said Sean standing up as Tiffany and Felicia drew near.
"I'm sorry, honey. Raine had a question and it was easier to show her upstairs," said Tiffany.
"Let's just get out of here. I need sleep. Lots of it." Sean took his wife's arm and they walked away.
Felicia frowned. "I've never seen Sean so exhausted."
"That wasn't exhaustion."
"No?"
"That was a man with something serious on his mind and doing his best to hide it," said Frisco.
"Your paranoia is overboard."
"I can't help what I'm feeling. I KNOW something is going on. I KNOW that Anna, Robert and Sean are doing everything they can to keep me out of it," said Frisco.
"Because it's for your own good. And, maybe, if you keep to your six month schedule like a good boy, they'll tell you all about it," said Felicia. "I care about our friends as much as you do. But they have their own lives as we do."
"But-"
"No buts. Maxie is finally coming around. This is your chance, Frisco. You promised me this would be OUR time, for OUR family," said Felicia. "Should I hold you to that or not?"
"Of course you should. It's the most important thing to me."
"That's not the way you're acting," said Felicia. "You HAVE to change, Frisco. You know that. Just do it."
The back door opened revealing Carl and Rolf Zekker raincoats dripping pushing several trolleys marked with the Zekkers Bakery logo. Frisco and Felicia ran to help.
"That is all from my shop. The power is out," said Carl.
"We have enough supplies to make breakfast in the kitchens here with the caterer to help," added Rolf.
"You've gone above and beyond. I'll make sure we have supplies on hand for several days," said Felicia. "The roads should be opened up tomorrow morning."
"Days?" asked Rolf.
"Something tells me the city is going to take a while to recover," said Frisco. "It's best to prepare for the worst."
"It's a storm not Hurricane Katrina. Stop being a doom and gloom Cassandra," chided Felicia as she helped the Zekkers put finger sandwiches and pastries on several trays.
"Change is in the air. Can't you feel it? Everyone is doing their own thing for their own reasons," said Frisco.
"That's called getting on with life. Life happens as Anna says," said Felicia. "Change doesn't have to be bad all the time. It's in the way you look at it."
"Well, what I see so far, I don't like."
"Then focus on something else like helping over here," said Felicia. "The models look ready to charge us."
"Robert's shorthanded and backstage security is my beat. I'll take a walk around and check things out," said Frisco. "God forbid something happen to the divas around here. Maxie wouldn't like that."
"She's got you wrapped around her little finger. It's cute," said Felicia with a grin on her face.
"Since day one like her mother." Frisco gave Felicia a quick kiss before starting his beat.
KA-RA-BOOM!