Chapter 10: Intentions

Claire was actually relieved that Chris hadn't made it home yet. Wesker pulled into the driveway and parked the Jaguar. The evening was growing later, the sun had already disappeared behind accumulating clouds, gloomy and grey, but it wouldn't be too much longer before it was dark. She was surprised the STARS Captain was even being courteous enough to drop her off, considering them being seen together could cause problems. But knowing Wesker, Claire was sure he had Chris's schedule down among any others who could potentially spot them.

After her exchange with the informant earlier, Claire had gone to one other location with Wesker and done basically the same thing, although the next informant looked more like a wealthy businessman and talked even less than the hoodlum. And instead of receiving an envelope, she was given an unmarked floppy disk. Wesker didn't say much about it, and so Claire could only wonder what was on it. With the crooked STARS Captain, it couldn't be anything good.

Instead of waiting for her to get out, Wesker got out first and walked around the car and opened her door for her. For a cold-blooded killer, he at least had good manners. The college student stepped out and he pushed the door shut. The temperature had dropped considerably ever since the sun disappeared, and their breaths came out in white puffs. He immediately grabbed her ponytail and she braced, expecting him to pull hard, but he didn't. He merely played with the tresses in his fingers, staring down at her through his shades.

"Chris is off tomorrow. I suggest you take advantage because starting the day after, you and I will be spending a lot more time together. Well into the night, even. So if I were you, I would come up with some convincing excuses for dear big brother."

"Are you serious?" Claire's chest constricted. Chris was already getting suspicious of her. And although she could probably string him along acting like she was going out with some friends, ultimately she would only be able to use it a few times at most. Chris knew that Claire usually chose to spend time with him over her friends when given the chance. "He might not fall for it."

Wesker barely shrugged. "Not my problem. It's up to you to keep your brother nescient, not me. I told you before, so long as Chris remains oblivious and you do as I say, I won't let anything happen to either of you."

"Until I'm no longer useful to you, right? Then you'll get rid of both of us," Claire groused.

The STARS Captain slightly cocked his head, lips barely upcurving. "You really think so lowly of me? I'm quite fond of you, dear heart. And I respect your brother more than you realize. It would hurt me more to dispose of either of you. That is why I am giving you a chance to pay me back for my generosity. Such risks I took for the both of you."

Generosity my ass…

"I'll keep Chris preoccupied."

Something beeped. Wesker withdrew a pager and looked at it. He smirked and said, "I have faith in you, my dear. Chris is on his way home as we speak."

He noticed her glowering at the device. She knew he'd been spying on her and Chris to make sure she stayed quiet and cooperated, but she soon found herself wondering just how much he was watching them…

"You should be grateful for my surveillance of you and Chris. I'm not the only one keeping tabs on you, but it is my influence that keeps the other wolves at bay."

"Gee, thanks."

He smirked after pocketing the pager. Claire barely had time to register him tighten the grip on her hair before he used his leg to buckle one of her knees, using her momentary off balance to shove her against his car. On reflex Claire swung her fist. Wesker caught her arm and twisted just enough in warning, earning him a short cry of pain from her lips. He held her in place, pinned against the car, her blue eyes searing into shades, seeing her reflection.

He slowly leaned his head down. Claire panicked, but with him pressed against her and keeping her arm in a position where he could snap it easily, she was helpless. Her heart rate tripled so fast, she became lightheaded.

"I'm looking forward to getting up to no good with you, dear heart," he whispered in her ear. "Behave until then, my lovely Claire."

The younger Redfield held her breath, heart pounding in her ears, trembling, desperately ignoring the heat pooling in her legs. She hissed, annoyed over her body betraying her more so than him, swallowing every biological reaction.

She glared at him, trying to wriggle free but it was no use. "Yours? You're fucking delusional."

His velvety chuckle rumbled in her ears and he pulled back just enough to where their noses were inches apart. "Am I? Your life is at my disposal." To make a point, he bent her trapped arm and she muffled a cry. "...and you better be grateful I find you...useful, in more ways than one."

Wesker kissed her temple. It did terrible, wonderful things to her insides. She was relieved when he let her go, nerves afire. With shaky breaths, she flexed the arm he had held hostage, glaring at him. He was unfazed, smug smirk still in place as he stepped out of her way. Claire, still completely overtaken by mixed, confusing feelings, slipped by him and stomped towards the front door of Chris's house.

"Oh, and dear heart?" Claire froze, looking over her shoulder at him. He had already opened the driver's side door of his car. "Do remember to wash your sutures tonight...we wouldn't want big brother getting worried, do we?"

She didn't answer him and turned away, unlocking the door, as if the house was a safe haven she could escape to.

The Jaguar started up and pulled out of the driveway, driving off towards downtown. Claire almost collapsed once she got inside, her flesh burning where he had touched.

The younger Redfield sat on the couch, bent over, head in her hands. She was so screwed! In a way, Wesker had admitted what she had suspected all along. He wanted her. And if Claire couldn't get a grip on herself, she wasn't sure she would be able to stop it. She no longer cared what he wanted to use her for as far as his schemes went. She now had a much bigger problem on her hands. The college student absolutely refused to admit that she was attracted to him. Trying to fight it was like attempting to stop an avalanche with your bare hands - it simply wasn't going to work.

"Claire! There ya are, thank god."

She snapped out of her thoughts, head whipping up. Chris was standing over her, concern etched into his tired face. Claire hadn't even heard the truck pull in, too busy thinking about Wesker and what could possibly happen if she wasn't careful.

Claire quickly buried all of her uncertainties and fears, smiling brightly and standing. "Chris, hey! How was work? I missed you today, Bro."

"Where were you? I came home at lunch to see you and you were gone! There was no note, you didn't call. I was worried all day!"

Her older brother wasn't happy at all. He was more worried than angry, but both had taken a toll on him already, and he was about to blow. Claire was surprised that Chris even came home on his break, but then realized that Jill being off today may have caused him to break from his usual lunch habits.

"Oh, uh, sorry. I went to town."

"How, without the truck?"

"Taxi," she blurted.

Chris didn't believe her. She could tell by the way he looked at her. He didn't move, didn't bother taking off his service weapon or utility belt of his STARS uniform. "Claire, what the hell is going on? You didn't look good when I came in just now, you've been acting really weird for the past few days. You know you can tell me anything."

Oh god please Chris, don't do this…please don't sabotage me...

Claire had to come up with a convincing story now. Their lives were on the line, and Chris had no clue.

"Dammit Claire, did something happen? Tell me! Does that guy in the BMW have something to do with it?"

It hit her. Just like that. Her heart nearly burst from relief. She held up her hands, smiling. "Well, he does, actually."

Chris looked panicked despite her reassuring smile. "What did he do? Do I need to kick his ass? What happened?!"

She produced a fake giggle, waving him off, in full on actress mode now. "No! No, you have it all wrong, big brother. I'm babysitting for him! He has a daughter. Sherry. She's so adorable. That's what I've been up to. He's paying good money for it."

Her brother calmed down a bit, but still wasn't completely convinced. "Well…why did you look so upset when I came in? And why didn't you just come out and tell me sooner?"

She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "I am a little upset…I promised him I would babysit some more, possibly during hours while you're home where I can't spend time with you. But he and his wife are really busy with work and need help."

Chris was puzzled, but he was considerably less upset and suspicious, which is what she needed. As long as Chris bought her story, he would be safe…for now. "Why didn't you just tell me?"

Claire shrugged, frowning. "I guess I just thought since you didn't know him, you'd pull your "protective big brother" crap and I didn't really feel like dealing with it. Sorry. I guess I made it worse that way."

The older Redfield sibling sighed in relief and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well…you ain't wrong. Jesus, I was starting to think you got into some deep trouble or something. Sorry, Sis. I'm glad everything is fine."

Her gut wrenched and it took all in her power to hold back burning tears. She smiled. "I'm sorry too, Bro. Didn't mean to worry you."

"So, how do you know him? What's his name?"

Claire knew her brother. He probably already knew William's name at least by now, probably got his license plate from the other day and ran a scan. It was exactly shit like this that made dating so hard for her. Regardless, she figured she better tell him the truth of William's name anyway.

"William. He's…a friend of a friend."

Chris smiled, opening his arms. Claire went right in, needing a hug from her brother. She hugged him tighter, even if he didn't realize it.

"Good for you, Claire. Always nice to make some extra money on the side, and I know you get bored sitting around the house all day. If you have to go babysit a few times in the evening, it's all good. We still have plenty of time to hang out."

"Thanks for understanding, Chris."

She frowned, her face hidden in his shoulder. Chris…please forgive me…

And to think she almost abandoned her post to go get a hot latte out of boredom! She almost missed this. Ada took a moment to recover from what she just heard and witnessed after Albert drove off and Claire retreated inside her house.

The agent knew that the Redfield girl had left this morning to obey her summons from the Devil. She knew it would be better to hang back, as Albert already knew she was spying on the Redfields and would know if she followed Claire around with him.

In hindsight, Ada realized she probably should've warned Claire of her brother's growing suspicion, considering the phone call she intercepted where Chris informed his partner he looked up William's information and asked a neighbor to keep watch. With Wesker's spies lurking around and the older Redfield on his way home, it was best to stay put. Claire was on her own for now.

She seems pretty resourceful and should be able to handle it...

Her being able to handle Albert, however, was a completely different challenge.

Ada knew Albert must've liked Claire in some way. The risks he took to keep her alive and under the radar of Sergei and Umbrella and how he toyed with her made that clear. She wasn't just one of the dime a dozen pawns that Wesker used and threw away. She was different to him - special. And Ada had been trying to figure out why until just a few minutes ago.

With his exceptional good looks, charm, and silver tongue, Albert Wesker could have any woman he wanted. But he didn't work that way. Most of the time, he was focused on his research and work for Umbrella, as well as his nefarious crimes behind their back. He never bothered with easy women, especially the female researchers that constantly swooned over him. Albert preferred a challenge.

He tended to be drawn to women who were intelligent, defiant, dangerous, and temperamental. Claire certainly fit the bill. But even then, Wesker only tended to use them before moving on. If Ada recalled correctly, the last woman he genuinely cared about walked out on him (ahh the irony), and, according to William, it did something to him.

Wesker was used to being used and betrayed and backstabbed, just like Ada was. It didn't faze him. But where Ada had used those experiences to adapt and improve to protect herself, Albert had evolved in a much more menacing way.

Albert's capacity for attachment and loyalty was fragile at best. A rarity that oftentimes required conditions. Only the Birkin family seemed to have that fortune unreservedly, although Ada knew that Annette's was only to an extent. It was probably a good thing that William didn't realize how dangerous a weapon he had loyal to him - or maybe he did and was just glad to have him on his side. Perhaps that was why William was just as dangerous and ambitious, knowing Albert had his back.

It had been some years since the last woman Wesker pursued came and went. Claire was his new obsession now, if what Ada heard and saw was anything to go by. This wasn't just about sex though. There was something deeper Albert was drawn to. Ada was willing to bet that he was beginning to develop some sort of attachment to her. Perhaps the rarest phenomenon of all.

Things were getting interesting indeed...and downright dangerous for Claire.

The senior staff chip on his ID bracelet blinked and with a chime the laboratory door slid open. Wesker checked his watch, rolling his neck and stifling a yawn. Other researchers walked by, some giving him a wide berth. NEST seemed to be a little disorganized this evening. He noticed several researchers running to and fro, arms full of files, and the intercom called for more people than usual.

He held a large styrofoam cup in one hand, ignoring the burn from the warm contents within. He wore a lab coat, needed if he was going to work alongside William for a few hours tonight. Wesker admitted to himself that tonight was probably not the best night for him, still processing the updates he received from the informants as well as being quite distracted over a certain Redfield. Normally, he hated distractions, but Wesker found himself not minding so much on this one in particular - not when the benefits of it looked so promising.

There was something about Claire Redfield that drew him in, addicting and alluring. She wasn't just some disposable pawn like the others. No. She deserved to be put on a mantle. He wasn't a man that usually allowed his more carnal desires to get the best of him, but Claire was a special exception. From an analytical standpoint, it made sense. She was young, fertile, and beautiful. Perfect for attracting potential mates. Furthermore, she was nothing like the countless chaff that filled the world, awaiting their inevitable winnowing. She was fierce, clever and quite...captivating. The stir in his groin being around her wasn't strictly biological or venereal, but also of genuine interest, which surprisingly bewildered him.

Best of all, her reactions to him told him it wasn't one-sided and if he played his cards just right, he would get to have her all to himself. And Wesker was a master at card playing…and waiting for the perfect opportunity.

After stepping through the decontamination chamber, he arrived to William's laboratory. His special chip allowed him access, and the door slid open without a fuss. Wesker reluctantly put all thoughts of Claire aside and scanned the room for his partner and Chief of Research.

"Achooo!"

The STARS Captain sighed, stepping over to one of the research stations to the left. He found Dr. Birkin hunched over the table, scribbling notes, a tissue sticking from one nostril. He looked up, immediately grabbing a pistol and aiming. He relaxed upon realizing it was Wesker.

"Put that down before you hurt yourself," Wesker commented drily.

"Hey, Albert! Sorry, been a little - achoooooooo! - ugh…just a little paranoid today." His voice was strained from congested sinuses.

Wesker padded over to him and presented the large styrofoam cup. "A little?"

His partner lit up like a delighted child and snatched the cup. "Aw, Al! You shouldn't have! How did you know I was sick?"

"Annette informed me."

William loved apple cider when he had a cold. One phone call from Will's wife apprising him of tonight's proceedings, and Wesker knew what would cheer him up. After all, the less miserable William was, the less likely he would complain like a sick, whiny kid - and the less likely that Wesker would get a headache.

The Golgotha creator took a deep gulp of apple cider and sighed, as though the contents of the cup came from heaven. "I should hug you!"

"I'll break your arm."

William snickered and turned back to his notes on the table, sprawled out next to a sterilized container that encased a dead G-Embryo roughly the size of a cat.

"What is transpiring out there?" Wesker inquired. "NEST is in disarray and everyone seems a little flustered."

"Huh? Oh…Well, Annette is gone and I've locked myself up here to finish these experiments and so I let Cartwright be in charge. Guess he isn't running things all that swimmingly."

"Shocker."

"That's okay, if he screws it up, he won't see it coming," William joked, and patted the G-Embryo's box nearby. "Isn't that right, spawn of Dr. Randall?"

His laughter soon turned into a sneezing fit. Wesker stepped back as his best friend blew his nose on some more tissue paper, scowling and sniffling.

"Ugh, I swear my next creation after G is finished is gonna be a cure for the common cold."

He sat his apple cider down on the table and walked over to the small trash bin to throw away his snotty tissues. But as he returned to his previous spot, a spontaneous sneeze ejected from his nose right onto Wesker's sleeve. Will winced, expecting a punch and quickly got out of range.

"Sorry…"

Wesker grimaced, grabbing a nearby sanitized towelette and wiped his arm. "Seems like a step back from revolutionary bioweapons, wouldn't you agree?"

William scoffed. "I don't care. I hate being sick! You're never sick, I'm so jealous. I've known you since we were kids and never once have I seen you have even one cold. What is your secret?!"

Wesker shrugged. "Good genes, I presume. And maybe the fact that I actually eat right and exercise. How often do I advise you to take care of yourself and you don't listen to me? Between you and Sherry, it's a nightmare making sure you're even eating at all."

"Feh…I only exercise the one thing that matters." And pointed to his head. "My brain! You know how much I hate cardio. If you ever see me running, you better keep up because it means something's chasing me…probably an angry, escaped BOW at this rate."

Wesker half-rolled his eyes and shook his head. He took his sunglasses off and slid them into his breast pocket.

William slurped more of his apple cider. "You only seem to get headaches, bud."

Wesker glared at his partner. "That's because you are my personal headache."

The Golgotha creator smirked. "Aw…I love you too, Al." He knew there were other reasons that Wesker got headaches, but didn't say anything. Will turned to his experiment and sat his drink down. "Well anyway, guess we should begin."

Wesker examined the lab table. There were notes, documents, laboratory utensils, tissues, and pens all over the place. William was usually clean, but his organization skills were chaotic to all except to those who understood how he worked. However, when he was sick, he turned into a haphazard nightmare. The bane of Annette's existence. And since she wasn't here, Wesker would have to take the full brunt of it.

Well played, Anne...

"You're contaminating your work area, Will. You know how much this irritates me."

William snorted and went to the nearby sink to wash his hands. "Says the guy who comes in here half the time covered in someone else's blood. At least all of these germs are mine."

"I'll have you know, I did not kill a single person today."

"Oh my god, are you okay?" He gasped. "Maybe you're sick, too!"

"Very funny." Wesker slapped William's hand away when he made a show of pretending to check his friend's temperature. Anyone else would have had their hand fractured.

Wesker put latex gloves on and helped William clean and organize their work station. He purposely got overzealous with the disinfectant spray, making sure to douse William right in the face. The Chief of Research hacked and waved his hands.

"You did that on purpose, you dick!"

Will yanked up his apple cider and sheltered it from the purge. After Wesker was satisfied, the two partners started their venture into dissecting the dead G-Embryo. They chatted while working, able to multitask easily since they were such a well-rehearsed team. Wesker ignored William's sneezing and coughs and little breaks to blow his nose as the evening grew later.

"You know...there was something I was supposed to tell you...but it slipped my mind. I think it was important too."

Wesker watched through the microscope at the still quite active G cells. "Something slipped your mind? I'm shocked," Wesker deadpanned.

He didn't have to look to know that William cast him a glare. He slurped his apple cider purposely loud to get under Wesker's skin. It worked and he looked up from the microscope to shoot him daggers with his eyes.

Will was unfazed, presenting a charming smile. "So...did you get what you needed from the informants?"

"I did, actually. Won't be long before I have Roth and his conspirators where I want them."

William used his foot to swivel his chair side to side in boredom. "I still don't get Claire's purpose. How's she holding up anyway?"

Wesker smirked. "And that is why I am the criminal mastermind and not you, dear William." He ignored Birkin as he rolled his eyes. "Claire is doing just fine. I'll soon have her where I want also."

The STARS Captain wrote down some notes and then was curious of his friend's silence. One look and he knew exactly what William was thinking. He frowned, but it was too late.

"I knew it! You have a thing for her! It's why she's still alive. And why you've been playing with her. You haven't been this obsessed with the opposite sex since-"

Wesker shot him a warning glare that would have made most men die of fright.

William froze, mouth open. He swallowed awkwardly and made himself a bit smaller, clearing his throat. "Right...we do not speak of her…"

"Claire is just a pawn, William. Nothing more. Don't read too much into it," Wesker growled.

"Whatever, Al, you can't bullshit me. Even your precious goddaughter was raving nonstop about your "pretty new girlfriend" earlier. Maybe you just haven't realized it yet. If you just wanted to get into her pants, you would've done it already. Which, I wouldn't blame you, because she is damn fine! Good genes and breeding, as I'm sure you've noticed. I'm quite curious what I could find out with just a little blood sample to -"

William ducked, barely evading a petri dish that shattered behind his head. A wide grin broke on his face and he sniggered. "Damn! Alright...touchy…Really though, don't tell Anne I said that. Forget I said anything about Claire being attractive, actually. I wouldn't live past it if you did, and I still need to perfect the G-Virus...and Sherry still needs me...occasionally."

Wesker pinched his nose, swallowing his irritation. "Speaking of Sherry, do you know how upset she was when you didn't come pick her up? I swear, Will, if you make me have to explain to her one more time why you're too busy to come get her, I will slam your head into a wall."

It was both something that needed to be said and a convenient way to change the subject at hand. And his partner knew it. This time William became annoyed.

"Hey, you know how Spencer is. Jesus, Al, they've been down my neck since the beginning of the month, and now they're changing all these policies?! Something ain't right, and I know you see it as well. Why the hell do you think I've upped the security down here?" He paused to sneeze and blow his nose. "Ugh…it's not like I meant to upset her, but Spencer's got his goddamn fingers around my neck. I feel like I can't breathe sometimes."

Wesker frowned, relaxing. William had been slowly growing paranoid over the past couple of weeks, the stress taking a toll on him between finishing the G-Virus and meeting Spencer's demands. Consequently, his old friend had become more apprehensive, hurting his usual ambitious and dauntless demeanor. He was subject to phases of paranoia, it certainly wasn't the first time. But Wesker needed William back to normal (by his standards) if they were ever going to succeed in their plans.

"You let me handle Spencer," he stated. "You just keep doing what we discussed. It will pay off in the end. Be patient."

William shifted uncomfortably, taking a sip of his now cold apple cider. "I hope you're right. With the way Spencer's running things, I fear our plan on getting me onto the executive board won't come to fruition."

"The entirety that I do behind Umbrella's back is for us. There will come a day where you will get what you rightly deserve and gladly watch that wretch die at our feet. I'll make sure of it."

The Golgotha creator smiled weakly, not looking at him. "Ah, the ambitions of our younger days. Taking over the world, exacting justice how we see fit, rewriting history, shaping the future." He sighed. "Seems impossible now."

"Not impossible. Umbrella is just the stepping stone. Think of it as our dear mentor, James Marcus, only a bit more complicated. I promised you after he was gone you would rise to the top. And here you are...the leader of NEST, Chief of Research, Umbrella's cream of the crop. Keep the image up, and once our research is complete, Umbrella will be our little puppet. Their rival company, the one Ada works for, will be the key."

"And what of Roth? You say he's collaborating with more than just the Ashfords. I mean...Alexander and Alexia have been gone for a while, but their goons are still snooping around. We both know that dumbass Alfred isn't gathering research data. Who else could Roth be working for if not the Organization? What if he sells them my stolen research?"

"You don't need to worry yourself over Roth. He'll be dead soon enough."

The phone rang nearby. Wesker stood up, checking the clock. It was nearly time for him to take his leave anyway. He went for the phone while his best friend mused over their discussion.

"Our time is coming, my friend. Until then, you just focus on completing the Golgotha to perfection. You know I won't let anything happen to you, Anne, or Sherry."

"Thanks, brother."

He answered the phone. "Dr. Birkin's ward, this is Dr. Wesker speaking."

"Albert, why do you do this to me? You know I detest playing phone tag."

He instantly recognized the silky voice. Wesker narrowed his eyes at William. The realization dawned on his partner's face and he smiled sheepishly, rubbing the light scruff on his chin.

"Oh yeah…now I remember...Alex called…"

Wesker sighed. "I apologize, dear sister. You know how William can have a one-track mind."

"Hey!"

Alex chuckled on the other side. "You boys getting up to no good in that dreary little town? Hun, I've got some news for you...per that favor you requested a few days ago."

"Always looking out for me, aren't you?"

In his peripheral vision, he saw William get up and stomp away. Wesker ignored it and focused on his sister.

"Someone's got to," she quipped. "Met your "comrade" the other day. One Nikolai Zinoviev. He'll be arriving in Raccoon City tonight per a request from Colonel Sergei. He's got your package. I hope you can trust him. He seems pretty chummy with our pesky Colonel."

"And here I was hoping you would bring it to me in person. It is almost Christmas, you know."

"I hate the cold, Albert, you know that." She paused long enough to cover a deep cough. But...I might make an exception just for you. Unless, of course, our dear Lord Spencer decides to cut my vacation short. I do have a lot of work to catch up on in the UID."

Before he could say anything, the line clicked and a familiar voice joined their little chat. "In my defense, I have a cold and had a long ass day, okay? Don't listen to him!"

"William, darling!" Alex exclaimed. "You do sound a little stuffy. Take some medicine and rest, hun."

"Rest is for the dead...unless they're the undead, which I've had to deal with a few times down here. And let me tell ya, they are -"

"Will, hang up the phone," Wesker ordered.

"Fine...catch ya later, Alex. Sorry, he's a little moody tonight."

William cut out. Wesker sighed, rubbing his eyes, phone still to his ear. He felt a headache starting to form. "Never mind him."

"I swear you two act like old marrieds."

"Not funny."

Alex's soft laugh was like the purr of a cat. "Get some rest, little brother. I'll talk to you soon."

"Alright, Master of Unlocking, we don't have all night here. We got a play to catch, remember?"

"Shush, Christopher." Jill's face remained hidden behind the menu.

"We both know you're gonna get the number four. You do it every time!"

Claire stifled a giggle as Chris gave Jill a look and tossed his hands, mumbling something about his partner not being the Master of Dinner Decisions. To anyone who didn't know any better, it would look like the two Alpha STARS teammates were a harmonized couple. They certainly had the bickering and bantering down.

The day had been a nice, peaceful one. Claire was able to breathe, having pushed back all of her worries to the back of her mind. She and Chris hung out all day and Jill joined them later after her shift at the RPD. They decided to go out and eat and then go watch a Christmas play at the theater.

Jill finally placed her order with the patiently waiting waitress (it was indeed the number four) and the three visited while they waited for their food to cook. The steakhouse was crowded for dinner time. Outside it was dark and trying to snow a little.

"So, anything interesting happen at work today?" Chris asked his partner.

Jill thought about it for a minute, sipping on her water. "Not really. Mostly paperwork today, which I guess is a good thing, although boring as all hell. Barry showed off his new Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum he bought from the gun convention and did weapon maintenance most of the day. Brad and Richard worked on the computers. I'm just glad that you and Joseph weren't working because Wesker was in a mood all day and probably would've murdered you guys. I swear Forest almost got it."

"Oh, thank god I was off. I hate when he's like that. Was it from one of those light migraines or something?"

Jill checked to see if her utensils were clean. "Think so."

Claire looked between them, suddenly interested but played it cool. "Light...migraines? What's that?"

"He's got...uhh, what's it called again, Jill?"

"Photophobia. Light sensitivity. He sometimes suffers migraines from it." She then stared directly at Claire, trying not to grin. "It's because he's got those beautiful light blue eyes."

Chris gawked at his partner, a mix of horror, disgust, and annoyance (did Claire detect some jealousy and hurt there?) on his boyish face. Jill remained straight-faced, barely holding it together, as if knowing the remark would rile Chris up.

I mean...she's not wrong...Claire sat up straighter suddenly, horrified that she even thought that. But so not the point, Jill! Please, joking aside, just fall for my oaf of a brother instead. It'll be a lot safer, trust me...

"Oh," Claire said tactfully, and decided to log the quite valuable tidbit of information away for future use. "That explains the sunglasses all the time."

Chris laughed. "Yeah. Pretty much."

"So Claire, Chris told me you took a babysitting job?" Jill asked.

Claire nodded, wishing she wouldn't have asked and answered vaguely. "Yeah. It's good pay."

"You sometimes babysit Moira and Polly, right?"

"Yeah, used to a lot more before I moved off to college."

The younger Redfield's eyes caught something behind Jill's head. A familiar person that made her heart leap. Ada paused for only a moment to make sure Claire had seen her and covertly dipped her head, beckoning her.

"I...have to go to the restroom...sorry. Excuse me," Claire said with an apologetic smile.

"Hurry back before the food comes or it'll get cold," her brother called at her back.

She padded past a few tables and turned a corner, following a wooden room divider and a large saltwater tank and completely bypassing the restrooms. She spotted Ada walking out the entrance door, dressed in really nice clothes and a stylish white coat.

She followed the agent around to the side of the restaurant where it was darker. Claire hadn't brought her coat, and so the cold was immediately biting. She held herself and peered at Ada expectantly.

"I'll make this quick before you turn into a Clairesicle," Ada greeted. "I apologize for my poor timing but I needed to speak with you."

"O-Okay...what is it? Did you find something out?"

The Eurasian beauty thinned her lips. "Well, yes and no. Listen...your brother is getting suspicious and asked a neighbor to keep watch for anything strange. This neighbor may end up having an "accident" if Albert finds out. Just so you're warned."

Claire wondered who it could be. "Okay, but I think I may have gotten him settled. I told him that I'm babysitting for William."

Ada smiled. "Clever girl! Still, best stay alert and be careful. You're far from out of this mess."

"Do you know Wesker's intentions for me?"

The agent coughed and cleared her throat awkwardly, something Claire picked up right away because this woman was always so graceful and precise. She frowned. "Oh I know of something he's intending..."

The younger Redfield didn't like the sound of that. "W-What do you mean?"

Ada sighed. "Look...I saw and heard what happened when he dropped you off yesterday. Things just got a lot more complicated, Claire."

Claire's cheeks burned, her chest constricting. She didn't even care about her shivering anymore. This wasn't something she was ready to discuss…

"He's crazy. Nothing's gonna happen between us...not like that."

The small smile Ada gave Claire was piteous. "Albert always gets what he wants."

Claire scowled. "Not this time."

Ada's smile grew a bit more, her admiration growing proportionately to her worry. "Bold words, honey. But you have no idea how manipulative and persuasive he can really be." She ignored Claire's sour stare. "Point is...if he gets his claws in you, he'll never let you go. Not unless he bleeds you dry. So whatever he's using you for, we need to figure it out and fast. Has he said anything to you? Made you do anything while out with him?"

Claire thought it over while rubbing her arms, chilled by the bitter wind. "Uh...he hasn't really said anything. He made me meet with two informants for him. One gave me an envelope and another gave me a floppy disk. They didn't say much. One of them told me that if Wesker was going to "hit them" he better do it soon. And Wesker only said something about maybe cutting off the head of more than one snake."

Ada tapped her expensive looking wallet against her thigh as she thought. "I wonder if this has anything to do with Finley and Crawford…"

That jogged the younger Redfield's memory. "Wesker did say he killed a Crawford...I overheard it when he killed that Finley guy."

"Did you overhear any other names?"

Claire chewed on her lip. There was another name...what was it? "Yeah...uhh...Rah...Roth! I forgot the first name."

Ada sighed. "Aaron Roth. Yikes."

Her gut twisted. "That bad?"

"Well, he's not exactly a nice guy, but if Albert's going after him, he's got something else up his sleeve."

"And that is?" Claire asked, apprehensive.

Ada gave a wry smile to her shivering form. "No idea." She then dipped her head towards the entrance behind them. "You better get back inside before you catch a cold. They'll be missing you shortly anyways. I'll dig around some more and see what I can find out."

Claire nodded. "A-Alright, thanks."

Hugging herself, the college student turned and strode back to the restaurant's entrance. Ada hollered at her back and Claire paused. She looked over her shoulder at the agent, nestled in the darkness at the side of the building.

Ada considered her words for a moment. "Watch yourself."

The younger Redfield nodded and returned to her pleasant company back within the warmth of the bustling steakhouse. She didn't know the agent very well, but she had a feeling she wasn't referring to her involvement in Wesker's ploy against Aaron Roth...

A/N: I know this story has been slow-paced (it is a slow burn though...) but I promise, starting next chapter, we are gonna start diving into the bigger part of the plot (not to mention incoming Wesker/Claire goodness), and I sure hope you guys like it! ;)

So, we got to see, err, hear a little bit from Alex in this chapter. She might come back later...More familiar RE characters are coming, but who? (hint: one was mentioned in the chapter) :3

I do love writing the Wesker and William scenes just as much as the Wesker/Claire scenes. I headcanon them as best friends (and you cannot change my mind Capcom! :p) there is so much dynamic waiting to be explored with their characters that Capcom completely failed to take advantage of. All the better for me, I guess lol.

Stay tuned to see what trouble Claire gets into next, both in the way of Wesker's scheme and something much...steamier. Also stay tuned for more William eccentricity. xD