SLD-161 (Book 4 Chapter 32)

Devane Donely Public Relations

Sean got off the fourth floor elevator of the ELQ building. He greeted by name many of the agency's employees. His secretary Faith approached him.

"She wants to see you first thing," said Faith.

"Who does?" asked Sean.

"Mrs. Scorpio," replied Faith. "She also wants a full update on the Black Pearls exhibit."

Sean nodded. "I want one, too. It's coming up fast. Call a status meeting in an hour. Use the big conference room."

Faith rushed off to set up the large conference room. Sean's genial mask was replaced by a weary and wary one as he entered Anna's office.

"What a day for a surprise appearance, Anna," remarked Sean. "What can I do for you?"

"You have to die," said Anna sitting behind a sleek desk of glass and wood.

Kelly's Diner on the docks

Frisco and Robert entered and took a table in the far corner. Frisco waited until their coffees and toast had arrived before getting down to business.

"You and Anna go overboard on the Villa security. I don't buy the Faison may be in town excuse by the way," said Frisco. "Now you drag me away from one of Nestor's delicious breakfasts on the pretense of going to the Majestic." He looked around the diner. "This doesn't look like the theater to me. What's going on, Robert?"

"We'll are going to the theater. This is a detour," said Robert. "How's your six month work detox going?"

"It's not but you already know that," said Friso. "I keep trying and-"

"Good."

"Good? Can you repeat that to Felicia?"

"I need your help on something."

"Absolutely. Whatever you need."

Robert buttered his toast and appeared to be as calm as someone discussing the weather. "This stays private. Really private. Just you and me. Not Felicia. Not Anna. No one else."

Frisco's answer was hesitant. "Whoa, Nelly. Is this old business?"

"Old, new, it's all kinda melding together." Robert took a sip of his coffee. "I need someone I can trust and, more importantly, someone whose motivations I have complete faith in. You're a straight arrow, Frisco. Your tactics may be questionable sometimes but I know your heart is always in the right place. Your instincts aren't bad either. Unlike me, you never gave in to the darker nature of our work. You dabbled but that's as far as it got for you."

"Are we talking black ops here? I'm a little rusty on that stuff."

"No, not that. I would describe is as black magic though."

"Magic?"

Robert shook his head. "Never mind. I'm still a little jet lagged but I gotta get this started. Action is required."

Frisco nibbled on his toast. "It may help if I knew a tiny bit more."

"It's our mutual friend Sean Donely. I think he's involved in something that's less than legit. You know he's attracted to that sort of thing now and again," said Robert. "I need your help to find out what it is, keep tabs on Sean and generally-"

"It's the Gem group. It has to be."

Robert's eyes narrowed. "Why would you say that?"

"I saw Sean and Chase having an intense conversation during the fundraiser. Sean said that he was tired and didn't want to talk about old times with Chase. I didn't buy it. Sean was stressed to the max. He doesn't hide that very well anymore," said Frisco.

"That's still not evidence of anything."

"Before I left, Connie assigned me to bodyguard duty for Chase while he was in town. He rubbed me the wrong way from the start. I don't have absolute proof that connects him to Tim's death but I know there's a connection there. I feel it," said Frisco. "And where do the Gems get their funding? Not from the WSB. I checked all the shadow accounts. I don't have proof but any time I think about them I get that funny feeling on my neck. Sean and the Gems seem like a natural fit to me."

Robert murmured, "From the mouth of babes."

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Robert cleared his throat. "Sean and I aren't on the best terms right now. I don't see that changing anytime soon. So, I need you to keep tabs on him discreetly. I want to know where he goes, who he meets, the works."

"Surveillance. Check," said Frisco.

"Not just that. I want to know what he's been up to since … since he moved back here," said Robert.

"And the Gems? Connie switched me to systems audit before I had a chance to complete my investigation to Tim's death. That doesn't sit well with me."

"Me either."

"That stuff we found on Tim's boat points to the Gems. Tim was designing some kind of system for them but he didn't deliver it. They killed him for it. I know that's what happened, Robert."

"Tim found something that made him decide not to cooperate with what he knew to be a shadowy branch of the Bureau. Why turn your back on your own?"

"I would if I found out that they weren't really on my side."

"Exactly," said Robert.

"If Sean is involved with them, do you think he's calling the shots?" asked Frisco.

"That's a very good question," said Robert. "That's what you're going to help me find out. Among other things."

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Sean shut the door behind him. "Woke up on the wrong side of bed?"

"I've slept an hour if that." Anna gestured to the room. "I've swept it. It's safe. We need to talk. Really talk."

"Go on," said Sean. He locked the door before seating himself in a red leather wing chair that would not have been out of place at a modern art exhibit. "Remember, just between the two of us."

Anna nodded. "I went there. I had to see with my own eyes what … if what you told me could be true … about Minerva."

Sean's sat straighter in the chair. He had to keep all his wits about him if he was to keep this conversation from veering off to murky and definitely dangerous tangents.

"They're ambitious and ruthless," said Anna. "I told them you knew I was there. Implied that you had sent me."

"What else? Feelings? Impressions?"

"It was like deja vu being there. I remembered everything so clearly. Things that I had put away never to be thought of again."

"But once remembered again, it's impossible to put it back in the box. I know the feeling," said Sean. "The Gems are close but Minerva is out of their reach now that Compound X is outlawed. The supply is gone or will be soon enough. Sinclair isn't about to help them from beyond the grave either."

"The recipe can be reverse engineered. That's what they've been doing. Trial and error but still the attempt is being made," said Anna. "Their head scientist is singular in her determination. They will be able to recreate X eventually."

"Compound X only enables the imprint of a new personality. Compound A is the holy grail, the safe and permanent amnesia drug. Without A, X is not the full answer. The Gems won't be able to fill in the blanks. They don't have all the missing pieces," said Sean.

"But I do have the missing pieces - Robin, Eve and Emma," said Anna.

"And they don't know that. They'll never know that," insisted Sean. "They're single-minded. They want to push the envelope and prove themselves. So did we at that age. I know that if I put obstacles at certain places at the right time, then I can nullify their efforts. I know how frustrated they are already. If I amplify the pressure a bit, they'll hit the wall. Hard."

"Thereby realizing the futility of their project?"

"Yes."

"What if they don't see it that way? What if they keep on doing what they're doing?"

"The won't, Anna," Sean insisted. "This is a private project for them. Their funding isn't bottomless. Sure, they're motivated right now but that will change. Robin and Emma will be safe."

"I'm not so sure anymore," said Anna.

"Like you said the Gems are reverse engineering Compound X. That means that whatever knowledge Robin knows will be replicated on the Gems' end. Besides, they don't even know her role in Sinclair's operation," said Sean. "They can't find or prove a connection to Eve and Emma. So, Emma is safe, too. There's nothing to worry about. My plan will work."

Anna bit her lower lip. "I'm going to tell you something about Robin's involvement in Sinclair's drug empire. Then you can try to tell me to be less paranoid."

Anna proceeded to tell Sean about Robin's latest revelation about her years in captivity. Within fifteen minutes Sean was pale and pouring himself some cold water.

Kelly's Diner on the docks

Frisco shrugged his coat on. "Is there something specific you're looking for?"

"If something makes you feel twitchy, I want to know about it," said Robert. He removed a small business card from his jacket pocket. "On this card is a phone number. Leave me a message if you have something or want to meet up. Here's something to use for your expenses." He slid the business card and credit card across the table with one finger.

Frisco took the cards. "Really old school here."

"I've developed a recent allergy to modern technology," said Robert.

"And you really don't want Anna to know about this."

"She's got a full plate what with securing both Robin and Andrew now," said Robert. "I don't want to worry her. This thing with Sean may be nothing."

"You wouldn't have asked for my help if it was nothing."

Robert put some bills on the table. He could not meet Frisco's all too knowing eyes.

The two men left the diner and began walking along the docks. Workmen and dock workers buzzed around them cleaning up and carrying out repairs.

"Satisfy my curiosity. Why was Chase and his friend at the fundraiser?" asked Frisco.

"I wanted to personally set them straight about bothering my family in future," said Robert.

"If the message doesn't sink in, then we can rule out Sean running the organization," said Frisco.

"I don't want to rule out anything. All possibilities are on the table, Frisco. Everything."

"And when I find whatever it is that's going on with Sean, what then?" asked Frisco.

Robert suddenly found the ground quite fascinating. "Let's not rush ahead. Focus on the immediate task."

"I meant that when we help Sean, I want to be in on the operation," said Frisco. "I owe something to Tim."

"You'll be in the thick of it I'm sure," said Robert. "We all will be."

"Perfect. Just perfect." Frisco grinned. "This feels like old times. Knowing Sean, he's probably doing it for the excitement and challenge like before with the Aztek treasure. Remember?"

"I remember it was me or him on the lift tram. Kill or be killed. He led Anna to believe I was dead. That was cruel," said Robert.

"Sean thought he'd really killed you. He was a broken man afterwards. I saw him, his face," said Frisco. "The Gems are blackmailing him with something. It has to be that."

"Maybe and maybe not. Sometimes, history repeats itself," said Robert looking out across the river. "Sean could be up to some very old tricks or something entirely new."

Frisco began to softly sing a catchy tune, "The word is about. There's something evolving. Whatever may come, the world keeps revolving. They say the next big thing is here that the revolution's near, but to me it seems quite clear that it's all just a little bit of history repeating."

Robin's Laboratory, Villa Scorpio

At a knock at the door, Robin looked up from the microscope. She said, "Come in."

Patrick looked around with interest as he stepped inside. "More new equipment I see."

"I think Mom wants to cut off any reason for me leaving the villa," said Robin.

"I've got something here that could be an excuse to get out." Patrick put a bulging envelope on the lab bench. "I'm getting a flight to Brazil tomorrow evening. Look this over and sign it."

Robin opened the envelope and unfolded the document inside. It was divorce papers. She scanned through the document. While she read, Patrick avoided looking at her. Instead he moved about the lab studying the various bits of equipment.

"I don't want any kind of custody but I suppose that would look strange," said Robin.

"Yeah. It would. Shared custody is the best for now," said Patrick.

"Well, when you remarry Emma will have a new mom," said Robin.

"You know I wouldn't mind if you … you acted as her mother when she's older."

"I know that I should for her sake but, to be honest, I don't know if I could. It would be wrong to fake feelings that I don't have," said Robin as she signed her name on the last page. "There. Robin Scorpio-Drake. The first and last time I ever write that."

"I respect your feelings. You need to put the past behind you in order to move on," said Patrick. "But I want to give Emma the best future possible. That means having both her parents in her life whether I like it or not. That's simply the way it has to be."

"I'll do something when it comes time. I don't know what yet but I won't turn her away or deny that she's mine. That I can promise." Robin folded the papers and inserted them into the envelope. "Maybe I can be the, uh, fun auntie type or something."

"Okay, that should work," said Patrick. He picked up the envelope. "I'll mail this to my lawyer." He looked around the lab. "Um, Matt told me what you were doing. Good luck. It's important work."

"It keeps me occupied," said Robin.

"Busy is good. Gives you less time to think."

"Or to be indecisive and generally be confusing to everyone else. I know I'm hot and cold. I'm like that with everything and everyone but I'm settling down and getting my temper under control. Our first meething could have gone better."

"You don't lead an ordinary life. No one in this family does," said Patrick. "After what you've gone through you're entitled to do and be whatever you want."

"Entitled doesn't mean I make other people's lives difficult, especially an innocent child's," said Robin. "When you get back maybe we can try to be friends. A child shouldn't have parents who are at war with each other."

"My turn to be honest. I don't know if that's possible," said Patrick. "For my sanity, I need a lot of distance from you. Acquaintances is fine but friendship is too close. Sorry."

Robin nodded. "I understand. I wish things had happened differently. That Eve was still here."

"You could have lived with her around?" asked Patrick.

"Well, I would have had to be restrained around her at least for the first year but after that I like to think that I would have learned to be civil," said Robin. "I don't blame her for what happened. Not really."

"I think you two would have liked each other. Eve would have felt better being forgiven," said Patrick.

"Pretending to be me was an act of desperation. She'd just lost both her parents. When that happens, you're never the same. You do things that you'd never thought you'd do," said Robin. "There's no recovery from that kind of loss. You're changed forever."

"It looks like you're adjusting and moving on," said Patrick.

"Baby steps one day at a time."

"I'm happy for you," said Patrick.

"Safe trip and see you in three weeks."

"Closer to four. Dad says the number of surgery cases is piling up waiting for me," said Patrick.

"They're getting the best," said Robin.

Patrick shook his head. "Unbelievable."

"What?" asked Robin.

"You said that exactly the way Eve used to. The look in the eyes isn't full of love and mocking adoration and the voice is a shade lower but the way you said it was the same."

"I did mean every word. I do respect your professional skills," said Robin.

"I'll think about the friendship thing while I'm away. No promises."

"None expected." Robin smiled.

Patrick sauntered out of the lab conscious of Robin's eyes on his back. As the door shut, Robin shook her entire body.

"Ugh! Don't even think about it. It's hormones playing with your mind!" Robin closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. "Never, never in a million years would I fall for someone like Patrick Drake. I'm not that much of a masochist!"

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Sean took a deep breath then said, "Robin's return means that my plan has to be moved forward."

"That's why I'm here. When will it be?" asked Anna.

"The last night of the exhibit. That's the best time," said Sean.

"Accident? Gun shot? Poison? What do I need?" asked Anna.

Sean shook his head. "Not you. Your role is the very credible witness. You can't lie about what you see."

"Then who will do the honors?"

"Someone who has nothing to lose. Not anymore," said Sean. "You'll see everything and you'll lead Robert to Mr. X. Everything will be neat as can be."

"Lead how?"

"Your eyewitness report and probable testimony have to be water tight. To that end I've made sure that Mr. X is someone you know," said Sean.

"Who is he?" asked Anna.

"Like you he'll play his role and do it well," said Sean. "He might even enjoy it. He's wanted me dead for a long time."

Venturi Compound

Franjo Curic tapped quietly on the keyboard responding to messages and perusing some boards and sites that he consulted regularly. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Dino Venturi comforting Arielle Ashton. Arielle had received the news of Charlotte's death badly. Her sobs and wails had echoed through the house last night. Now, his ears burned each time he heard the word Scorpio. It was more than a word. It was a curse.

"I want them dead. Both of them," said Arielle leaning closer to the speakerphone. "I don't care what it takes or what it costs."

"I share your … grief and outrage, Arielle," said Helena over the speakerphone. "I couldn't believe the Scorpios were capable of such duplicity. We came to the meeting in good faith after all."

"I want an assassination. Right now!" yelled Arielle.

"Any attempt would fail. They are on guard safe in their fortress," said Helena. "We must wait for the right time."

"I am sick of waiting! They killed Etienne, Elena and Charlotte and they haven't paid. Not once! They even have their daughter back from the dead!" ranted Arielle.

Helena chuckled. "With the person I am alleged to have had murdered verified to be alive, I may clear my name readily enough. What an unexpected gift."

"You see! They NEVER pay!" exclaimed Arielle. "I want the Scorpios to hurt like I am!"

"And if I take action, will that placate you until we ARE ready?" asked Helena carefully enunciating each word.

"Who will it be?"

"Someone close. Someone within their family circle. No one else would do," said Helena.

"Then I agree," said Arielle. "Do it and I'll exercise patience for as long as you want."

"Consider it done, my dear," replied Helena. "On to our other business."

"Fly production from my facilities here is on schedule despite the disaster," said Dino.

"How efficient," said Helena.

"When people are motivated and treated fairly, they get results," said Dino. "I have the labor and distribution stateside but I'm relying on you, Helena, to provide Compound X as needed and on time. Are you set to do that?"

The sounds of papers being shuffled came over the phone line. "I am. I have identified sources for all the necessary components. Our new production site is producing. My new import and export company will begin taking orders in days. I have reliable and discreet transportation to the states however customs is your area."

"I have four New Jersey ports that can accept any delivery I want. I'll send you the list. Guaranteed no problems," said Dino. "How soon can I expect a shipment?"

"You just received the last batch from the Mersin facility," said Helena.

"Demand is skyrocketing. Manufacturing has to be full out. The Mersin shipment goes into Fly production tomorrow and on both coasts within two weeks," said Dino. "Fly is the safe high and everyone is going to want it as soon as it hits the West coast."

"I am impressed, Dino," said Helena in honeyed tones.

"My organization is young and hungry. We have a lot to prove still," said Dino.

"Very good. I shall not entertain other American distributors then," said Helena. "Once Fly reaches critical mass, there will be international demand. Charlotte was to handle international distributors. I assumed, Arielle, that you would want to take over?"

"Absolutely. I need to keep busy," said Arielle.

"I would also prefer that you handle the corporate financial functions of our little enterprise," said Helena.

"You would let me?" asked an astonished Arielle.

"Charlotte and I discussed your progress. You have shown me that you have the necessary qualities to take on the job," said Helena. "If something were to happen to me, I want to know that the company is in safe hands. I do trust you, Arielle, as I did Charlotte."

Arielle grinned. "Thank you, Helena. I won't disappoint you."

"Of course not," said Helena.

"Ashton wasn't the best husband but he did teach me about creative high finance," said Arielle. "I'll leave for Geneva in the morning and review the accounts."

"That would be ideal. Please do not hesitate to make any changes to the account that you deem necessary," said Helena. "By the way, how is Ashton?

"Wasn't he your business partner?" asked Dino.

"That was a very, very long time ago. I haven't kept up," said Helena.

"The Quartermaines are going to rip him into shreds if the lawsuit on ELQ family shares ever reaches trial," said Arielle.

"I would have thought he'd steer clear of the Quartermaines," said Helena. "ELQ remains a growing, international conglomerate. That comes with influence and power."

"He couldn't resist buying up the stock that Sonny Corinthos was selling and then reselling at double the value," said Arielle.

"Larry always had an eye for genuine opportunities," said Helena.

Dino smiled wolfishly, "Sonny is bleeding money every second. The disaster is my kind of early Christmas gift to me. He's going to lose everything and I'll swoop in and pick up the pieces. That reminds me. Franjo?"

Franjo stood up and walked to stand behind Dino. "Yes?"

"Tomorrow, pay a visit to Luke. Tell him he has one day to return my advance money and reimburse me in full for my cargo at the bottom of the river," said Dino.

"Luke is working for you? How interesting," mused Helena.

"He's well connected and helpful," said Dino.

"He is unpredictable. Don't threaten his family until and unless you are prepared to carry out your threat immediately. He does not react well to his family being in danger," said Helena.

"Thank you for the warning, Helena. I'll be careful," said Dino.

"Our backs are to the wall. We must protect each other," said Helena. "These are the times when one finds one's true friends."

"I couldn't agree more," said Dino.

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"Faison? Is he Mr. X?" asked Anna.

"Nope. Not even close," said Sean. "You and Robert are as obsessed with him as he is with you two. That's not healthy."

"He's enemy number one as far as Robert's concerned."

"What about you?"

"I want him out of our lives. I'll be happy with that."

"Really?"

"Truly."

"A case of the devil you know?" asked Sean.

"Something like that," said Anna. "You've had your chances to take him out. Why haven't you done it?"

"His death would create a vacuum. I'm more afraid of what would replace him than I am of him," said Sean.

"The Committee?" asked Anna.

"No. Not them. Since we're baring our souls here, I might as well admit to something I've always suspected."

"What?"

"I don't believe Faison is as isolated or alone as he seems," said Sean. "To survive for as long as he has, he has to have someone or something watching his back or looking out for his interests."

"The Cartel is still operating. In the shadows but still out there," said Anna.

"Helena, Ashton and Faison make unlikely allies but they do respect each other. Sometimes that's the most important ingredient," said Sean. "But I don't think the Cartel is Faison's fallback."

"Why not? They've worked together for decades. On some level, they must trust each other," said Anna.

"Because the Cartel is too … too obvious. When it comes to the Game, Faison is NEVER obvious. The Cartel evolved to work through third parties - the DVX, the Cassadine companies or Harlan Barrett's canneries. The Kriegs have always made their board moves in their own right - no hiding behind others. It's not the Cartel."

"Then who or what?"

"I don't know. It's just a feeling. One thing I am sure of." Sean looked hard at Anna. "Whatever or whoever it is, it knows the most important things to Faison - you and Andrew. You two are his Achilles' heel and his shield."

"Hardly his shield," scoffed Anna.

"Because of you he has the will to live, the desire to conquer his enemies, the need to reach for his destiny," said Sean. "A son killing his father makes for a good myth but not realistic in this scenario."

Anna swallowed. "I … I don't … I can't pull the trigger. I've tried. I've said I could. But I know I couldn't. Robert knows I can't do the job. There's a part of me that will always want to give Faison a chance."

"You've always had a soft spot for him. Why?"

"It's not love, Sean. It's pity and compassion."

"So it falls to Robert. He's not … not ruthless enough."

"He's changed too, Sean, or haven't you noticed," said Anna. "I won't stop him. Not this time."

"Robert will need the best weapon against Faison - you. Will he realize it and turn you into that weapon?"

"He won't use me that way or anyone in our family. If he did, it would destroy him," declared Ann. "Anyway, he doesn't need me to handle Faison."

Sean shrugged. "We all see what we want to see."

"Robert is taking away Faison's allies and power base bit by bit. He'll have all the leverage he needs eventually," said Anna. "And even if he doesn't, Robert is set on a course. You know what he's like once he's fully committed. He'll get it done."

"Robert will be able to neutralize Faison but he won't be able to finish him off. Robert believes he can but I don't," Sean insisted. "I turned you into the best lure possible and you reeled Faison in as designed. It all started with you and it can only end with you. The sooner you accept that the better."

"What worked before won't work anymore. I don't have the hold over Faison that I used to have. I don't want to have it," said Anna. "That person, that Davnee, is gone. Will stay gone forever."

"Of course Davnee won't work. The situation has changed. Faison's a different man."

"Yes, certifiably insane." Anna stood up and paced beside her desk. "I was never a weapon. A weapon has to be chosen, loaded and aimed. I was a trap of your design, the bullet in the gun aimed at the target. If anyone was the weapon, it was you."

"This gun is obsolete. We need a newer model. It's your turn. Take my place. You're the only one who can." Sean's expression was sad and so were his eyes. "One day Robert will figure things out. He'll know what he needs, who he needs. He will turn you into a weapon and, God help you, you're going to have to let him."

"I'd have to be out of my mind first. Why would I let him?"

"Because his choice will be between you and Andrew. What choice would you want him to make? Better start thinking about what bullet you'll be needing." Sean headed for the door. "Come on, we can't be late for our status meeting."

"Before you depart, I want your crystal ball." Anna trailed Sean to the conference room. "I'm not doing anything until you hand it over."

"Mine is getting cloudy," said Sean. "Make your own. Connect the dots. See the big picture. It's there. You just have to see it."

"How? By standing on my head while rubbing my belly counterclockwise?" asked Anna.

Sean chuckled. "Whatever it takes, Anna, whatever it takes."

To be continued in

Shards of Light and Darkness Book 5

Author's Note: Hmm, talk about picking sides on the spy playground. Anyone have any predictions on how things will go down? Who will Helena target and will she succeed? Will Sean go though with his disappearing act? Will Anna's resolve buckle? Will Robert do the unexpected? What will the Gems do with Charlotte's parting gift?

So many books and chapters leading to this one's ending. Constructive criticism is welcome. A character behaving out of character within the story? Something not clear? An illogical plot? Comment away!