Donely Warehouse Docks
The head foreman ran into Sean's office. His slicker was soaking wet. The storm clouds had cleared but rain continued to fall hard.
"Sean, lightning is letting up. We can unload the big one now," said the foreman. "Might get the Feds off your back."
"Okay, Fred, do it but don't take any chances. If that lightning comes back, you drop everything and get back inside," said Sean.
"Will do, boss." Fred left the office.
"Daddy?" said Belle sitting on a couch watching the flat panel TV on the wall.
"Yeah, sweetheart?" Sean glanced at his daughter.
"You need to see this." Belle listened intently to the news. "It's about Robin."
Father and daughter watched in silence and growing dismay. On the screen, they could see Tiffany flitting from one group of people to another in the background. Sean called his wife.
"What's going on, honey?" asked Sean putting on the speakerphone.
"You mean besides people crossing themselves and saying the Rosary under their breath?" asked Tiffany over the phone line. "It's bedlam over here. I managed to drop some bits of information to skew the situation. As far as people know, Robin's come back from the dead for real."
"Mom, the news said Andrew is sick. Is he okay?" asked Belle.
"Frisco told me that they were on Spoon Island. There was an accident. Andrew's sleeping it off," said Tiffany.
A nerve in Sean's forehead began to pulse. "Who outed her? How is she holding up? Tell her to get to the Court and-"
"She outed herself, Sean. Always the surprising one that's our Robin," said Tiffany. "She and Andrew are cocooned upstairs. Safe and tight."
"Good. Listen, honey, I'm going to send Belle home with an escort. I have to stay here for a while longer. Okay?" said Sean.
"Perfect. I'm stuck here, too." A burst of static came on the line. "Gotta go! Tom's about to speak with the press. Later!"
The line ended.
"This is bad, isn't it, Daddy?" asked Belle.
"Not necessarily. It's an opportunity."
"For what? For Robin?"
"For anyone smart enough to see … possibilities." Sean nodded at two guards watching the security monitors. "Get my daughter home. Lock down the Court."
"Yes, Mr. Donely," replied the guard.
Private Room, General Hospital
Frisco paced outside Maxie's room. He turned at hearing Felicia calling his name.
"How is she?" asked his wife.
"Monica did an ablation - shocked her heart. It's returned to its normal rhythm," said Frisco.
"That sounds serious."
"Ablation is pretty routine. Practically outpatient treatment." Frisco followed Felicia into their daughter's room. "She's resting now, honey. She'll be okay. No more chest pains."
Felicia sat on the edge of the bed and gazed down at Maxie. "Why was she out there in the first place?"
"Um, she was with Robin," said Frisco.
"I got that. Why was she, Andrew and Robin on the island during the storm? Why were you?" asked Felicia. "You were supposed to be helping out at the Majestic. Until you disappeared. Out with it."
"The kids needed a bodyguard."
"And your itchy feet just couldn't resist?"
"Yeah."
Felicia pulled the blanket higher up on Maxie. Her voice was soft when she began to speak. "When she was little, Maxie always wanted to hear about our adventures. She's so much like you, Frisco. It scares me."
Frisco grinned. "She held it together out there, honey. Would have been proud of her. Once she hit her stride, she kept her head."
"Training her in our way of life wasn't why we came back, Frisco."
"Well, no, but it's better she knows how to handle herself," said Frisco. "Look at what hoops Anna and Robert are going through to keep their kids safe. Or Sean for Belle. You think I would do less for our only child? Hell no! Anyone after her will have to go through me first."
"Our child is alive because Barbara Jean isn't. Every day she has is a gift."
"I know that, honey. I'd never forget it."
"You don't get it. Maxie is getting her life on track. She's going to school again. She's discovering her talents and her strengths. She's blossoming, Frisco," said Felicia. "I want her to live HER life not ours."
"I want the same for her."
"Do you? We were supposed to fit into her life not the other way around."
"What is that suppose to mean?" asked Frisco.
"She's had a taste of the forbidden fruit - excitement, danger and intrigue. You couldn't resist it. You think she can the more she's exposed to it?" asked Felicia.
"It's a little late to think of that," said Frisco. "She jumped in with both feet. She made the decision before we came to town, remember?"
"You're encouraging her every step of the way," argued Felicia. "Why can't you just … just leave it in the past?"
"N-n-not Dad's fault. I wanted to tag along." Maxie mumbled, "Not about to hitch up with … with the WSB, Mom."
"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" asked Felicia.
"Going to go … dancing tomorrow," said Maxie.
"Had me a little bit worried but I know how tough my girl is," said Frisco moving to the other side of Maxie's bed. "You're going to be in here overnight for observation. I'll take you home tomorrow."
Maxie began to stir. "Robin? Andrew?"
"I'll look in on them later. You need to rest," said Felicia. "I'm going to stay here and see to it that you do. No arguments, Maxie."
"Who's Spock?" asked Maxie.
Felicia glared at her husband. "That's why you went out there? For him?"
"Didn't Mac tell you?" began Frisco.
"Leave Mac out of this," countered Felicia.
"Can someone tell me who he is? I know he's not the one with the pointed ears," said Maxie.
"Might as well be," muttered Felicia. "Sweetheart, he's not important. Go back to sleep." She stroked Maxie's hair and glanced at Frisco. "This is not over. We'll talk later."
"I'm doing my best to be who you want me to be. You have to give me credit for that," said Frisco.
"Six months detox. You couldn't last more than a month," said Felicia.
"We have to be realistic. Normalcy is not for us, honey," said Frisco. "This is our life. There's no changing it." He reached for Felicia's hand. "I can't blame you for wanting to try."
"I don't know why I bother with you sometimes," said Felicia returning Frisco's grip.
GEM HQ, Milton Keynes
What do we have that you want so badly?
The silence that greeted those words stretched and stretched. Anna would have waited out the two younger men if she'd had more time but she was all too aware of her limited window of opportunity. "Let me see. Sean likes to hide his true agenda in any operation. It's sort of become his signature over the years. You are Sean's people. Sean's organization. Sean's tactics. Sean's … weaknesses." Her gaze locked on Chase. "You profess a desire for an alliance. We say no thank you. Instead of using the front door, you lob aerial drones over my fence. We inform you to clear the field where Sinclair is concerned, you dig yourselves in and try to get him for yourselves. The Gems live in the shadows or are supposed to, why then have you been cultivating the WSB and Ms. Townley?"
Chase's eyes widened a fraction of a centimeter but it was enough for Anna to know she was on the right track. A flash of recent observation seemed to add the last piece of the puzzle.
"Sean's tactics work for Sean because he's the least transparent person I know. I can't say the same about you two," said Anna. She walked casually about the room pausing by the window to take in a view or to glance at an open terminal displaying a familiar desktop. "I will admit that we were confused, at first, about the Gems. That was due to lack of information. We could only guess at your true motives."
"You know what we want then?" asked Chase following her progress through the room.
"You don't hide your tracks well enough yet. I guess that comes with experience," said Anna. "Whether by design or not, you created a lot of … noise that masked your agenda. Sean would be proud." She perched herself on the edge of the desk. "Or rather he IS proud. I will be briefing him on this meeting. Soon."
Neither men met her eyes then. She had made another hit she was sure.
"The WSB has very little on your group and even less on what it is you do. With Sean involved, I'm not surprised. However, one thing does surprise me. One tiny thing that is so … so incongruous with your image of modern counterespionage competency," said Anna. "It is so unlike Sean that it just pops out at me. Do you want to know what it is?"
"Wh-wh-what mistake did we make?" asked Arnold.
"Not a mistake. No. It's not even a flaw really. It was so obvious that I had to double check," said Anna.
"Check what? When?" asked Chase.
"Your computers are all the latest models but your desktop is circa Windows 2000. That's ancient. Sean always made sure his teams had the latest and greatest, especially in the office," said Anna. "I've poked my way around agency systems. I know what Interpol's system looks like. Or MI5 or Scotland Yard or the French Securite. Your system is several decades late in the interface and I suppose in functionality, too. And, one more thing I know. I know that computer experts are hoarded by the various agencies like a dragon with its spoils. If you're really good with computers, chances are you're on an agency payroll in some kind of capacity. And if your knowledge is … unique, then you're on the in-house team for sure." Anna gestured at the workstation on the desk. "Given what I saw the receptionist using up front and what's in here, I think it's safe to say that you don't have in-house expertise. You tried to buy one in Tim and now you've got your eye on my son."
Chase stuttered, "N-n-no, not your-"
Anna lay a flat palm against Chase's chest and stared into his eyes. "Robert and I are fair game. It's the nature of our business. We don't take it personally. But our children and grandchild are very personal, very much off limits. Sean or no, touch my family and my face will be the last you ever see. Are we clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Chase.
"By the way, we have all the allies we want and need. They go by the names of Abelard and Scarecrow. You wouldn't want to attract their negative attention either." Anna buttoned her jacket and walked towards the door. "Sorry to intrude on your busy day. I'll let myself out."
The door closed behind Anna and the two men let out their breaths.
"Damn it!" cried out Chase.
"She's better than the stories ever were," muttered Arnold loosening his tie.
"How did she know? Did Sean tell her?" said Chase pacing across the room. "How much of that was bluff? She had to have been bluffing. Right?"
"I don't know anything right now. I feel like I just ran a marathon." Arnold tapped a key on the phone. "Willie, please make sure Ms. Devane finds her way to reception."
"Okay, will do, um, is she still in Chase's office?" asked Willie.
"She just left," answered Arnold.
"Hmm, she's not on the monitors," came Willie's reply.
"Check all the cameras."
"I am," replied Willie. The sounds of rapid clicking could be heard. "I don't see her."
"She's loose in the building?!" yelled Chas.
"Find the lady and escort her out, Willie," said Arnold before cutting the connection. He turned to Chase. "You need to calm down. She got to us. No shame in admitting it."
Chase sat back in his chair. "Never thought I'd say this but I'd rather face Scorpio."
"Ditto." Arnold logged into the computer and began entering commands. "To be on the safe side, I"m locking down the lower levels."
"Now who's paranoid? She's up here somewhere." Chase stood up. "I'll start looking."
"Noise. Transparency. Agendas. So many buzz words." Arnold flipped through various cameras stationed through the building. "She … she could be down below."
"Impossible!"
"I don't think that's a word in the lady's vocabulary," said Arnold. He pressed a key on the phone. "Willie, start a security sweep down below. Discreetly. No need to raise the alarm. Yet."
"Ms. Devane is down there? How, Arn?" asked Willie. "She's got no card, no codes, no biometrics. There's only one way down and she's not getting near it. I promise you that."
"It's a hunch, Willie, just a hunch. Best to be cautious"
"Activating all cameras below," said Willie. "What do we do when we find her?"
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing," said Chase. "Keep us posted. Chase out."
"We need to check in with Sean. I have a lot of questions," said Arnold.
"Don't you get it, Arn? He sent her here as a test. That's it!" said Chase. "My dad told me that Sean would do that sometimes. Test his people's competence. That's what this is. A test."
Arnold shook his head. "I don't think that's all it's about."
"Let's find the lady and ask," said Chase. "You'll see I'm right. Everything she said came from Sean."
"The last thing Sean wants is for us to get too close to the Scorpios. He didn't send her, Chase," said Arnold.
"What else could it be?" asked Chase.
The yacht Aphrodite moored in the marina
Rap. Rap.
Larry Ashton downed his straight vodka before answering the door. "That was faster than I expected."
Cesar Faison took off his dripping trench coat. "I had the wind behind me. Made good time."
"As you've undoubtedly seen, the city is a mess," said Ashton pouring a Scotch on the rocks. "Congratulations."
"The job is incomplete. We have a task of great importance to accomplish," said Faison. "Are we alone?"
Ashton handed the Scotch to Faison. "Yes. I've dismissed the crew for the rest of the week. Here. Get warm. I'll start the engines."
"You anticipate me well. Good." Faison savored his drink. "People do underestimate you. That is a very useful talent."
"I think so. Heading?"
Faison placed a bulging backpack on the couch. "Where else but Spoon Island?"
"Will you join me on the deck? I have some news to brief you on," said Ashton.
"Interesting news?" asked Faison lighting a cigar.
"It's about your boy."
"My favorite topic. Lead on, Ashton. Enlighten me."
The two men headed for the command deck speaking in low tones.
Synaptic Research Laboratory at General Hospital
Half of the laboratory was shrouded in darkness. The dimly lit half contained a hospital bed, an unmoving patient, two stoic guards and several nervous people. Monitor leads were attached from the patient to a series of beeping and whirring machines on a rack standing nearby. In a deep sleep, Andrew lay breathing easily. By the door stood two unsmiling Thuggees. On a bench, Nyssa tapped away on her laptop.
"What do I need to do so you don't mention anything to Mom and Dad?" asked Robin into the display of her IPhone. She and Vincent sat on stools pulled up to the bench.
"There is no cover up big enough to hide this one," came Raine's amused voice over the main channel. She scanned all reports filed in the last twenty-four hours as Shane drove their car towards the city.
In the backseat, Genji was also doing some rapid reading to catch up on news and weather statistics. "From one fire into a bigger one. I love this job!"
"Would have been quieter to take out an advertisement," added Shane. "Dibs on which one will blow a gasket first."
"They're still dark in London. We have time," said Raine.
In CnC, trying to down a late night snack gone tasteless, Edgar grumbled over the video link, "I thought Andrew was a handful."
"I couldn't think of anything else to do, Edgar!" explained Robin. "I had to improvise!"
"Checking in and informing CnC of your … your escapade would have been a good first step," chided Edgar. "At this point, damage control is … is hopeless."
"Resurrections happen every day, right," commented Shane. "Gotta be something in the water."
"Or this is karma for the Bridge," said Genji.
"You two need to chill," hissed Raine.
"Dr. Quartermaine has spread the word internally that Robin's death was part of a criminal investigation of her parents. Most people are buying it," said Vincent.
"They are?" asked Edgar.
Robin sighed. "My parents played dead a lot. I mean a lot. My Lazarus act is completely plausible."
"Your arresting announcement made the news right before another absurb weather report," said Edgar.
"With the weather disaster and everything else going on, I'll be out of the papers by tomorrow. Trust me on this," said Robin.
"We must see the bright side. Robin has her identity back," said Vincent.
Robin brightened. " I do, don't I? Yes!"
"Along with a husband and a baby," said Edgar.
"Nothing a divorce couldn't cure," said Robin. "I wouldn't worry about me, Edgar. We need to focus on Andrew."
"First things first. Shane, ETA to the hospital?" asked Edgar.
"City exit in a minute," replied Shane.
"Nyssa, team status?" asked Edgar.
"Prepping for a fast getaway. I assume Andrew won't be staying long," said Nyssa.
"You assume correctly. Yours and Shane's team will rotate internal coverage. Agent Lowell will handle perimeter surveillance. Robin will be Raine's responsibility," said Edgar. "The rest of your teams will be arriving in ten minutes. Genji, I need you here. Too many electronics misbehaving for my comfort."
"Fine. I'll drop off the love birds and do a quick turn," said Genji.
"I already have a bodyguard, Edgar," said Robin.
"I will feel better knowing you have full coverage. Humor poor put upon Edgar," said Edgar.
Raine snorted.
"May I emphasize that we are all stretched thin. Lars and Dani's teams are stuck at the Majestic. I only have the Russians, half of Nestor's team and a skeleton crew of new recruits. Let us do our best to avoid creating more chaos. Raine, see what you can do about damage control. I hope you haven't lost your touch," said Edgar. "Now, we come to Andrew. Has he regained his … right mind?"
"Negative." Vincent glanced at the hospital bed. "He's under restraints and sedated."
"Is it really necessary to tie him up?" asked Robin. "He won't harm himself."
"Robin, we're doing it for us," said Raine. "Andrew out of control isn't someone we want to face again. He must remain restrained. Those are Anna and Robert's standing orders when Andrew is incapacitated."
"Oh, I got it," said Robin. "Sorry to interrupt."
Vincent continued, "In moments of consciousness, Andrew still asks for Faison."
"He cries for him actually," added Nyssa.
"And his voice?" asked Raine.
"Still the same little boy voice," said Vincent.
"It's Children of the Damned creepy if you ask me," said Nyssa.
"Edgar, were you able to study the video I sent over?" asked Vincent. "Is it an act?"
"No. That is exactly as Andrew was at the age I first knew him - ten years old," said Edgar. "His voice. His manners. Everything. He is not acting. He believes he is that age and asking for his father."
"Patrick and Matt are running tests. There must be a medical reason for his mental state," said Robin. "He did receive a sizable shock on the island. It could have caused a chemical imbalance, triggered an unknown condition."
"Speaking of the island, I want that … that rock back here ASAP," said Edgar. "It is dangerous and-"
"No. It could be needed here," said Robin.
"Why? For what purpose?"
"I … I can't explain. It's not dangerous, Edgar. I know it's not."
"Evidence proves otherwise, Robin."
Robin took a deep breath. "Overreaction is a natural response to the unknown but this rock isn't unknown to me. I know what it's capable of. I know its intent isn't to kill."
"Do you know how to control it?"
"I know to use it for the right reasons. It's just a tool, Edgar, like a gun."
"Or a bomb," said Edgar.
Robin's sarcasm won out over tact. "Isn't it good that I have the means to blow up the bad guys if they come near me?"
"Robin, calma," warned Vincent. "Edgar, sometimes we need to believe without knowing. We need to believe Robin on this."
Robin flashed a grateful smile at Vincent.
"Based on my observation,the rock is inactive. If it remains away from the storm, it is safe," said Vincent.
Edgar sighed. "Then it is on your head, Vincent. Personally. Understand?"
"Understood," replied Vincent. "What are we to do about Andrew?"
Nyssa added, "The next check in with London is in six hours. We need Andrew back to normal by then."
"Can we learn the art of resurrection in six hours? Just saying," chimed in Shane.
"It's going to be a long day," said Nyssa drawing some blinds open. She squinted into the moonlit cityscape below. "At least the storm is lifting. Things are looking up."
The lab lights flickered on and off before cutting out completely. Amber emergency lights came on.
"Or maybe not," said Vincent. He spoke into the main channel. "Raine, you'll have to take the stairs. Generators are out."
"Karma bites," said Genji.
GEM HQ, Milton Keynes
Anna walked briskly down the empty corridor. Her eyes scanned the hallway counting four doors from the far end. As she expected, the fifth door on the right was marked "Storage." She tried the knob. It was unlocked.
"Good thing I still remember the layout." She entered and locked the door behind her. She looked behind a wooden cabinet set up against the wall. She found a grill vent. "Bless you, Sean, and your multiple access points."
She pushed the cabinet aside a few inches. Standing sideways, she twisted and pulled at the grill until it came off with a metallic squeak. A cloud of dust made her cough. She pulled a penlight from her pants pocket and shone it into the small air shaft hidden by the grill. A light cool breeze blew strands of her hair. The sounds of moving gears were faint but unmistakeable.
"Fresh air. The air exchangers are still working. Old technology works and works. Sean always bought the best." She wriggled into the shaft head first. It was a tight squeeze but with a shimmy left and right she managed to fit. "Let's see what the Rabbit's been up to, Alice."
Spoon Island
Leaving Ashton guarding the Aphrodite, Faison made his way to the rear of the castle. He paused on the terrace. He ran the beam of his flashlight around the door frame looking for the security system's control panel.
A masculine voice came from the darkness. "Don't bother. I did the honors."
"Sean, it has been some time since our last face to face meeting," said Faison. "I cannot say that it's good to see you."
Sean reached out and slid the door open. "Let's get out of the rain. After you, Cesar."
"All alone?"
"Naturally," finished Sean. He noticed Faison's backpack. "Moving back in?"
"Unfortunately, the decor is no longer to my taste." Faison face Sean. "Did you want to speak to me? Too lazy to make a proper appointment?"
"Funny the curveballs that life throws at you," said Sean. He used his flashlight to locate a candelabra. "I played a hunch and here you are."
"Your intuition is very finely tuned."
"I like to think it's a sign from a higher power," said Sean. He lit the candelabra with a match stick conveniently nearby. "One has to have faith in something."
"How is your family, Sean? The delightful Tiffany? And your daughter Belle?" asked Faison trying to maneuver for advantage in this most unexpected of meetings.
"They're just fine. Can't say the same for you though," said Sean.
"Temporary setbacks that is all. The game continues as it ever has." Faison took a seat on the couch. "I did not think you would so openly oppose me. That was … different."
"Times change so do tactics," said Sean.
"I am glad to finally know my true adversary. I could not believe Scorpio capable of such deviousness in planning. The audacity of execution had a certain flair for the dramatic that I associate more with you than him. The operative you sent to distract me was exquisite. Where did you ever find her?"
"You've forgotten how well I know your type and taste," countered Sean.
"Is it to be open warfare now between us? Is that why you have sought me out to tell me face to face?"
Sean stood with his feet spread and arms crossed over his chest. "I'm here because I'm an opportunistic son of a bitch and so are you. Let's deal."