Chapter 12: Complicit

Claire couldn't believe this was happening. After two days of "late night babysitting" preparing for this…mission, she was about to actually undergo it. She was kinda freaking out deep down, but her Redfield nerve and composure never broke a sweat on the outside.

She lingered, eyes firmly set on the double glass doors and the welcoming signs, faint traces of snow dancing around her. Would she be able to do this?

"Losing your nerve already? Pity. Thought you redheads had more spunk than this..."

Wesker's velvety voice crept through the tiny headphone hidden in her right ear. It wasn't the only thing he attached to her. There was a video camera, the smallest and most advanced she had ever seen, and some kind of tracker, like he needed another way to keep her under his thumb. All to "help" her during this important task at hand that he so generously gave to her. And by generously, there were implications if she didn't go through with this, that Chris would have a bad "accident".

"The only nerve I'm about to lose is my last one with you," she muttered, careful to not talk too loud as a few people slipped by her to enter the building, eager to get out of the dark evening's cold. "I'm ready when you are."

Wesker's low laugh through the earpiece made her shiver more than the icy wind blowing the snowflakes around. "I'm always ready, Claire. You should know that by now."

"Whatever." Ignoring the dark implications behind his words.

"I have the utmost faith in you, my dear. Do not disappoint me. You know the consequences."

The younger Redfield took a deep breath. This was it. She would do this…she had to, for Chris.

She headed up the concrete steps and entered Raccoon University, bypassing the positive and welcoming signs advertising "Exclusive Open House for Umbrella's Future Leaders!"

Claire immediately took notice of all the college students her age and even some older people here. The large, fancy lobby was decorated up for the occasion. There were balloons, finger foods and drinks, more signs and several tables for information on Umbrella programs, internships, scholarships, and grants. Distracted by all the dress up and people, Claire paused to get her bearings, only for someone to bump into her.

"Oh…sorry," a girl around her age mumbled, wearing a green jacket and looking of Japanese descent. She smiled apologetically and readjusted her backpack strap. Claire noticed right away she seemed a little spacey, but didn't think much on it.

"All good," she replied and allowed the girl to pass. Claire watched her walk over to the corner by some of the many leather lounge chairs and tables, sitting with a girl in a yellow hoodie with a long braid and glasses.

"Hello everyone, and welcome to Umbrella's Open House!" The voice immediately drew Claire's attention and she turned towards the front desk of the lobby, where three men stood in suits. She immediately recognized them from the research and planning she had gone through for the past two days in order to do this assignment. The man speaking was Greg Mueller, a professor here at the university that also worked for Umbrella. On his right stood another professor and Umbrella researcher, Simon Lowery. The man on the left was well-known Umbrella researcher and medical doctor, Nathanial Bard.

"We hope you are enjoying the delicious food and beverages catered to us by our local favorite restaurant, Grill 13," Mueller continued. "And of course, staying warm from good 'ol RC snow. Now, before we begin with tonight's exciting tour of our historical university, introductions are in order! I'm Dr. Greg Mueller, head of the Research and Lab department of the University and I teach several courses. With me is my colleague and good friend, Dr. Simon Lowery. He's essential to my team here and makes sure that everything runs smoothly and you have him to thank for some amazing programs to help you on your journey to a brighter future here. Last, but certainly not least, our special guest tonight is the revered Dr. Nathanial Bard of Spencer Memorial Hospital, whose achievements are nothing short of ground-breaking, and he will help you get started on which of Umbrella's programs will serve you best. I'm going to hand the mic to Simon now."

Lowery looked to be the younger of the three and wasn't shy when he took the mic from his colleague. "Thanks Greg. Hello everyone! You know, this is the third year Greg and I have helmed this open house in search of bright pupils with a future at Umbrella Corporation. We have fun every year, and it's always great meeting every single one of you. Now take your time, visit, mingle, get to know each other, make yourself at home and help yourselves to all this delicious food - I personally recommend the smoked sausages, they're my favorite! - and please check out each booth we have set up for more information on what programs Umbrella has to offer for you, and we will go into depth later on after the tour. Dr. Bard, would you like to say anything?"

"Of course," he said and snatched the mic with a wide, fake grin. "There's something for everyone here. You absolutely will not leave empty handed. Umbrella cares about each and every one of your futures, and we are here to help. It's my personal mission to make sure every individual will get the help and information they need to ensure a prosperous future. You have my word! Welcome to Umbrella's open house!"

The three men put up the microphone and split up to join the chatting groups of visitors. Claire kept her cool, getting herself a cup of spiced cider and checking out the information booths just like everyone else.

She could certainly understand why Wesker was using her in this infiltration. There was no doubt she blended right in with the crowd of college ready young adults. She could tell by overhearing bits of conversations that many were already students here at the university while others were newcomers.

The hardest part was waiting. She couldn't get to the next step of the plan if they didn't go on the tour around the university. So the younger Redfield put on a charming smile and worked the crowd, pretending to be one of them, fishing for information as she waited.

"Such a charmer you are, dear heart. But be careful of whom you charm. Some snakes are immune to the flute."

"Like you?" Claire whispered.

"I'm impervious to the charms of nearly everyone. Most people are just so predictable and boring. Thankfully, you are not 'most people'..."

Is he really flirting with me over the radio or am I just hearing things? Claire sighed. As if she didn't have enough on her plate at the moment!

"Oh! Tell her to sneak some shrimp into Nate's food. I wanna see the dickhole swell up like a balloon and choke."

She stood corrected, instantly, after William talked smack on the other side. But his big mouth didn't get to say anything else before a loud yelp rang her eardrum and all became quiet again.

Claire shook her head, but soon a tall figure slipped around from behind her and greeted her with a smile that was more lecherous than cordial.

"Good evening! Dr. Nathanial Bard, how are you, Miss?"

He extended his hand. Claire panicked for a moment because she never came up with a fake identity even after Wesker's insistence upon it. He had said the chances of her being approached were slim, but not impossible.

"Do not give him your real name. You'll want to drop conversation with him as quickly and as inconspicuously as possible."

As Bard frowned, the name finally hit her and Claire eased a fake smile that looked natural. "Elza. Elza Walker. Nice to meet you, Dr. Bard." She took his hand and shook it, internally gagging.

His eyebrows rose high. "That is such a pretty and unique name. You from Raccoon City?"

"No, sir. In town visiting family. I was thinking about transferring to Raccoon University and a friend told me about the open house. Figured I'd give it a try and see."

She could feel his eyes skim over her, not near as clandestine as Wesker was, and, dare she admit, not near as tantalizing as him either. Claire squeezed the cup of hot spiced cider in her hand, restraining herself from splashing it in his face.

Bard's smile widened. "Well, I think you're in luck, my dear!"

The younger Redfield didn't realize how much she secretly liked Wesker's pet names for her until it came from someone else's tongue. She internally shook her head. Now was not the time to start having the warm fuzzies for that asshole. Claire could hardly believe she was even thinking in this direction. Had to be the stress of going undercover while quite literally having Wesker breathe down her neck...yes, that was it. It had to be.

Get it together!

"There's a program for everyone! Umbrella Corporation wants you to succeed! Grants, scholarships! Umbrella will even pay for everything for you to transfer. There is no shortage of bursaries here. What kind of field are you looking to get into?"

Bard leaned in closer, suave and friendly. It would've fooled anyone else, but not Claire. This man was digging for something. She could only hope that he was being a lecher and wasn't seeing through to her true motives.

"You're stalling. Get out of there."

Wesker sounded annoyed, but she couldn't determine why. It wasn't as though she had messed up the mission...yet.

"You know, I'm still on the fence," Claire made up, slowly backing away.

Bard chuckled. "One of those, huh? No worries. When I was your age, I didn't have a clue either. But do not fret, Miss Walker, my colleagues and I are here to help. There's no need to decide right now. After the tour, we can sit down and talk it over. We can still find something right for you even if you haven't decided on a major."

"Oh, the tour...right," Claire faked ditzyness. "I better go to the little girl's room before it starts!"

She beelined for the restrooms just to the side of the information center in the lobby, even as the doctor told her directions. She sat her cup down on a table as she passed by, glancing over her shoulder. She spotted Dr. Bard motioning her way to the younger Dr. Lowery, the two men speaking quietly.

There were a few other girls in the restroom. One student flushed a toilet and came out, washing her hands and leaving quietly. A couple fixed their makeup while gossiping. Since Claire didn't need to go, and wasn't about to while Wesker was able to see everything, she pretended to check her face over too. She fluffed her hair, left down in long waves for the occasion.

"Worried about looking good enough for me, Claire? Don't be. You still have work to do, and it doesn't matter to me what your hair looks like while doing it. Just do it." Wesker mocked. The biting humor in his admonishment was hard to miss.

"Geez, you really need to be nicer if you want to get laid, buddy!" William muttered in the distance. "OW! Fuck…"

Despite the wheeze of pain and cursing, distant chuckling sieved through the earbud. But Claire ignored it, instead nearly bristling and turned on the tap to wash her hands as the girls left back out to the lobby.

"I am doing it, asshole. Even with lecherous old men hitting on me, which wasn't a part of the plan, by the way! No need to be so pushy. If you want me to go under cover here and make it believable, then let me handle it. It'll get done, stop riding my ass!"

There was a moment of silence before William snorted loudly in the back, laughing. "That's what she said!" He cackled loudly in amusement. "Man, I like her more and more every day...the girl has balls."

Wesker's laughter was quieter, colder. "If you insist, dear heart. I'm just offering my humble assistance to make things go over smoothly. Just get the job done and we're fine."

Humble, my ass! Claire thought sourly.

The Redfield sister heard them announcing the tour. She quickly dried her hands and exited the restroom, melding herself into the back of the group. This would be the slowest process, she knew, but kept her wits about her even as she only half-listened to the doctors as they rattled off trivia and history over the university.

They took the upper floors first, pointing out classrooms that covered the liberal arts and the professors who taught them. Dr. Mueller told them the history of the iconic bell tower.

"Jesus, Greg, you're putting me to sleep over here, put some life into it!" William huffed. "You seriously make me want to shoot myself."

At least Lowery had a bit more spunk and spirit as he raved about the college's sports teams, particularly the football team, the Raccoon Sharks. Which Claire never understood why they chose "sharks" and not, well, "raccoons" for obvious reasons. But hey, at least the sharks were colored up like raccoons.

They returned to the first floor and continued the tour. There was the fancy cafeteria, the huge library, and more classrooms. The doctors talked about more of the programs and classes, semester activities, and the following herd asked questions in return.

They left the main establishment to take a walkway to a neighboring building. It was still lightly snowing, but the walkway was covered. It was also illuminated by soft, yellow lights. Claire could hear the Circular River rushing nearby, as the institution was built along its path.

This was the building she had been waiting on. It was essentially its own facility, running classrooms, laboratories, and other departments, doubling as a school and a research center for Umbrella.

Claire used to not think anything of it, even admired how much Umbrella helped out the city between their programs at the university and hospitals, as well as their charities and large scale employment. Now, the deeper she went down this rabbit hole being dragged by Wesker's leash, she started to wonder what was really going on.

Men like Albert Wesker, William Birkin, and Sergei Vladimir were not the type to work for "good guys". Even the three doctors Mueller, Lowery, and Bard were all hiding something, that much was certainly clear.

So, what was Umbrella hiding? What were they hiding that required the Captain of the elite S.T.A.R.S. force and the Police Chief to control the city? That required them to murder people once they knew too much? And what about that top-secret underground Umbrella facility that William reigned over?

Claire had a flashback of Wesker pulling the trigger on Finley's head, the blood spraying across fresh snow; how his fate was completely covered up with no one to question or oppose it. She recalled watching the news just the other day reporting on how his body was discovered and ruled a suicide in his car.

What happened to Mr. Finley back there will never be brought to light. He died in a car crash, you see. Committed suicide, or simply disappeared. His fate is whatever I decide to make it. You and your brother are no different, same with all the others who thought they could expose me. Wesker's voice echoed in the back of her head from that fateful day.

Maybe Umbrella were still the good guys. Maybe Wesker, Irons, William, and Sergei were the infestation of corruption, growing and taking control, like weeds strangling a fruit tree from its roots. Yeah, surely that was it.

But deep down, she didn't believe herself.

Once they were inside Dr. Mueller's state-of-the-art laboratory that connected to a classroom laboratory through two automatic sliding doors, the professor slash researcher began boasting with a lot more pride and spirit than his lecture on the university's trivia earlier. He showed off some equipment in his place between Lowery and Bard.

Again, Claire only half-listened, her eyes scanning the area for her objective.

"In short, there is no other research department like this in the country. My laboratory is vital to Umbrella's key studies on disease prevention and cures."

"C'mon Greg, you're a glorified babysitter with a sandbox! Mine's way better!" William hollered, sounding like his mouth was full. Coffee break between two sessions of unethical lab work, she supposed. Just another day at the office, between blackmailing and killing people. Nothing to write home about.

Wesker sighed. "If you wish to do a dick measuring contest with someone, at least choose some actual competition."

"My dick's bigger than all three of theirs. I got pics to prove it. Don't ask. I have my sources. Courtesy from their parties with the senator. I will nail those dick pics to their corpses when we're done with them too."

And yet I wondered how these two are best friends…silly me.

"Claire, as soon as they leave the laboratory, the power failure will engage. Be ready. The laboratory's backup power will switch on, but the security systems will remain down."

"Got it."

Still, William's words hung her up. There was nothing stated in all the planning that anyone would be killed...but what if she was setting it up for these three men to die? No, she specifically remembered Wesker wanting to gain control over them. They were useless to him dead. But that didn't mean their value to him didn't have an expiration date…

Claire shook out the thoughts and trailed after the rest of the group once more. The double doors to the neighboring classroom laboratory slid open and the mass of people passed through, the doctors taking turns to address their followers. Some of the crowd whispered amongst themselves, but they were mostly quiet.

As the last few went through the doorway, Claire purposely slowed herself down to where the door slid shut inches from her. The power instantly went out. Total darkness and stillness swallowed her for only a moment before the laboratory's backup power switched on. But just as planned, the double doors were locked, glowing red above.

She barely heard the mumblings of surprise on the other side before turning and speeding towards the main computer in the back, located near a single locked electronic door with a sign that stated, "Authorized personnel only!"

Claire reached inside her parka pocket and pulled out the computer disk. The same, unmarked one she got the other day when Wesker was using her to fetch from his informants. She pushed it into the drive, fingers itching to get this over with.

"You have just under four minutes, Miss Redfield. Don't drop the ball now."

She ignored him and typed away, putting in the passwords and entries she had memorized from the planning process of this infiltration.

The spyware program uploaded onto the mainframe in a timely fashion. What took a bit longer was it copying information back onto the disk, whatever that was. While it processed, the younger Redfield moved to a nearby set of drawers.

"You sure it's the bottom one?"

"That is what my source informed me."

"They better be right."

Claire retrieved her lockpick from her pants pocket, the one gifted to her from Jill, the same one she used to break into Wesker's house. She carefully worked the lock, listening, feeling, remaining focused. It finally gave and she pulled the drawer open. Inside was what she was looking for.

"Looks like the "master of unlocking" taught you well. Shocker. Guess you stumbling into my affairs paid off in the end, in more than one way... "

The sealed yellow envelope inside looked harmless enough. But the label printed on it in red ink chilled her to the bone. Requested research for THANATOS PROJECT.

The name sounded ominous to her, and she couldn't help the shiver running down her spine. She had a bad feeling about this.

Claire retrieved it from the drawer, looking it over. It was heavy, full of papers and what felt like maybe a USB drive. There was a white sticker in the bottom right hand corner that read, "Paid in full. - AR."

Those initials had to be Aaron Roth. If only Wesker wasn't spying on her and she had the time...she would've ripped into the envelope to see what they were all hiding.

She slid the drawer shut and returned to the computer. The disk was ready to be removed. She took it back and returned it to her pocket. Taking a step back, she looked it over once more. Everything was in place and didn't look disturbed.

"Finished in a timely fashion. I'm impressed. You're certainly talented in more ways than one. I'm almost tempted to hire you again, dear heart. I'm sure I could find some use for you..."

"You didn't hire me, asshole, you blackmailed me."

"Semantics. What matters is a satisfying outcome...wouldn't you agree?" Wesker purred in her ear.

Oh God. Was it just her or was there a double entendre somewhere in there? Sweat broke out on Claire's forehead even though she had managed to keep her cool until now, but Wesker making ambiguous remarks was getting to her. Nervously (and not just a little bit annoyed with herself), she discreetly wiped her sweaty bangs from her forehead.

Let's get this over with, she admonished herself. The sooner her dealings with the corrupt STARS Captain were over, the better.

The college student stuffed the envelope inside her jacket and under her arm since it was too big to put in a pocket. She hurried over to the double doors, knowing time was almost up. If it all went according to plan, the doctors and their party would still be in the dark locked in the next room. The backup power in this area would be cut off and the doors would open just long enough to allow her back with the others before all power returned.

When the lights went out, Claire barely heard the doors skim apart, courtesy of whoever was controlling the university's power system. She stepped over the threshold into the classroom, moving further in, careful not to run into anything. This particular laboratory for regular classes had large windows on the opposite side, but it was so dark outside, it barely helped light anything.

But soon it didn't matter. The power returned in an instant, back to normal, as though it had never been touched. Claire wasn't far from the group and quietly joined them as everyone got their bearings, blinking to adjust to the sudden bright lights. Startled voices talked over each other.

"Everyone, everyone, settle down. Everything is fine!" Mueller announced. "Just a small power failure. Let's return to the lobby and I will have someone look into it!"

Relieved, Claire followed along as Mueller and Bard escorted everyone out of the classroom while Lowery remained behind by the door checking on the visitors. That was normal and understandable enough until his brown eyes pierced her. Watchful. Suspicious. She kept her composure, offering him an innocent smile as she slipped by him and out the door. He didn't say anything, but Claire felt his eyes on her back until she caught up with the others, heart slightly racing.

Surely, he wasn't onto her. There could be no way.

"Think he's onto me," Claire whispered as voices boomed through the massive hallways, the herd migrating back to the lobby.

"Irrelevant," Wesker answered. "As soon as you return to the lobby, make your leave. Without notice, preferably."

"Don't worry, Claire. Lowery's a nerdy bag of stress and paranoia. Nothing to fear there," William added.

"Like you?" Wesker mocked.

"You know, I'm half-tempted to empty one of my petri dishes into your coffee next time you're not looking. Don't push your luck, jerk. Annette always says you wouldn't like me angry. And you know how Anne's always right. Even she says so!"

Amused chuckling was all he got as a reply from Wesker.

Claire rolled her eyes at their continuous banter. God, she swore these two were like old marrieds.

Once they all filed into the lobby, most visitors either took a seat or went and got more food. She soon noticed a couple heading for the front doors, sliding on their coats, and took advantage, inconspicuously joining them.

"Hold on, please, you three," Bard hollered, making the trio pause and look. "Before you leave, let us make sure everyone is accounted for from the power outage. A small safety regulation we must abide by."

Claire inwardly groaned and moved away from the doors with the others. Bard and Mueller finished speaking together in a hushed huddle and went opposite ways.

"What are you doing?" Wesker asked.

"You said to leave without being noticed. Did you not hear him?"

"Then find another way out. Do it quickly."

Claire ground her jaw but didn't answer. She looked around, thinking of a way she could escape. More university workers were showing up now from other hallways, probably disturbed by the power failure. Lowery had yet to return.

She watched Dr. Bard set a plate of food down on an empty table and left it to go introduce himself to another pretty face, using the same charm he had used on her.

Apparently, the prick was only interested in helping students he found attractive. The girl obviously looked uncomfortable but smiled to be nice, and that didn't sit well with her one bit.

But since kicking him where it counted would cause a scene, the younger Redfield soon found herself scheming up something better.

Casually, she went over to the buffet of refreshments, picking up a plate and grabbing a few random foods. She sat down at a table close to Bard's plate, eyes scanning. People were talking or reading while they ate. She de-shelled one cold shrimp and broke it up into chunks.

She had only a tiny window of opportunity here, and it all determined on the selections of food on his plate. Pulse racing but outwardly composed, she discreetly took a stroll over to his plate. From afar she analyzed what was on it, and what would best conceal her ticket to freedom.

"HOLY SHIT, SHE'S GONNA DO IT! I LOVE THIS GIRL!" William squealed in delight.

She winced, retracting the urge to rub her eardrum. Her deft hands quickly stuffed the pieces of shrimp into a club sandwich triangle. It was pressed back into place with the toothpick and then she was off, glancing around to make sure she hadn't been caught. Everything went on as normal. Claire got some more spiced cider and returned to her seat to wait.

"Don't tell Anne, but If I wasn't already married..." William softly laughed in her ear. She could tell he was trying to whisper, but the eccentric, mad scientist didn't realize he was louder than he thought. "She's a keeper, Al. Don't screw this up!"

Screw what up? Keep me...for what exactly? Stop giving him any ideas, William! God, this is really getting out of hand...

Claire facepalmed as she started to feel hot under her collar and blamed the thrill of committing a heist under everybody's noses for it.

The Redfield sister didn't have much time to dwell on it before she spotted Dr. Lowery emerging into the lobby. She instinctively made herself smaller as he marched across the room, going straight to Dr. Mueller.

He pulled the older man aside, whispering urgently. Claire started sweating in serious now. Especially when their eyes scanned the full lobby until Lowery pointed her out.

"Shit," she hissed under her breath. She pretended not to notice them, her nerves beginning to rattle a little. She reluctantly called for help. "Wesker…"

"What is it?" Claire wasn't sure if it was just her hearing things, but he actually sounded a little concerned.

And then she was saved. Not by the bell but by commotion. People shouted and pointed, some moving in closer to watch or help as an individual choked. Dr. Bard was turning red, red like the shellfish he had just unknowingly consumed. Mueller raced across the lobby for him, Lowery right behind him after giving her one glance.

Claire took her chance. She sprinted for the doors and was out, taking the concrete steps two at a time and bolting across the front courtyard through the snow flurries with only the college ground lights to guide her.

When she made it through the opened gates and took a sharp turn on the sidewalk, she collided straight into another person and nearly lost her footing. She dropped the enveloped stashed inside her coat.

"Sorry, Miss. I should've been watching where I was going," the young man said with a charming smile, stooping to pick up the envelope for her.

He slightly flinched when he picked it up and noticed the label, as though he recognized it. But it was gone in an instant and he presented it to her with a warm smile and twinkling green eyes.

"What the hell is he doing there?!" William demanded.

Wesker ignored him and promptly spoke to Claire. "Take it and leave, do not engage in conversation with him, Claire. That is an order."

"Leave?! This may be our only opportunity to kill the bastard!"

"Are you okay, Miss? Do you need help?" the man asked.

She silently obeyed Wesker, snatching the yellow envelope back and hurrying past him. The redhead didn't look over her shoulder, but she could feel the man watching her until she turned down the next block.

Panting, the icy wind cutting her throat, she finally slowed to a walk, heading for her next destination. Traffic rolled by her, beams of headlights stretching down the streets and making the falling snowflakes sparkle. There weren't many other pedestrians out walking the streets, but she did spot many inside buildings shopping or having a coffee.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"Aaron Roth," Wesker answered nonchalantly. "He's not someone you should involve yourself with."

"Oh, but I should involve myself with you?"

Wesker chuckled mockingly. "Wishful thinking, Claire? I'm flattered. Then again, I've been known to have that effect on redheads...must be genetic."

Claire bit her tongue. She pulled her parka hood over her head, bundling up from the cold. After passing by the empty elementary school, she cut across the parking lot to the bus barn next door.

Her ride would arrive here to pick her up. Unfortunately, Claire wouldn't be going home just yet. She had to meet Wesker in person first. She just hoped that Chris wasn't getting worried...or worse, suspicious.

The bus barn was a large depot and mechanic shop for all the schools' buses. Rows and rows of parked long, yellow buses slept quietly. It was dreary and quiet, with snow falling lightly all around. A person could easily get spooked by themselves here, as though they were trapped amongst sleeping giants.

"There's been a change in plans," Wesker announced. "My main liaison will not be picking you up. Instead the collaborator that worked the power outages at the university will. He should be there shortly."

"Okay," Claire mumbled through chattering teeth.

"I'm going to sign off for now, dear heart. Well done. See you soon."

She was relieved for the silence. Claire waited with her hands in her pockets, back against a cold bus, shivering, watching the snowflakes swirl around. The lights of Raccoon City at night were beautiful to look at, some of the skyscrapers in the distance were lit up in Christmas colors. The younger Redfield was so lost in observing the serene scenery around her that she did not hear the pair of feet that had slowly walked closer to her.

"Found you!"

The voice startled her and she pushed away from the bus, whirling to confront them. Shocked, she didn't say anything as Lowery cautiously approached, encased in shadow from a looming bus nearby, and sounding a little out of breath.

"The hell?" Claire hissed. "What do you want?" She reached for her knife in her pocket.

As Lowery stepped into the light, speckles of snow in his brown hair, she noticed the gun pointed at her chest.

"Lucky shot!" Chris whined.

Jill laughed, moving around the pool table to take her next move. "Suck it up, buttercup! You're about to lose to a girl!"

"It's these beers. They threw me off my groove."

Jack's Bar was crowded tonight. The bar was full and so were most of the tables. Music played on the radio, but it could barely be heard from all the talking and laughter bouncing around. The bar-and-grill was decorated up with Christmas decor and lights, looking quite festive and bright.

His partner made the winning shot that cost him this game of pool. She won the last time they were here too.

"Whoo!" Jill exclaimed, arms shooting in the air and grinning at him. "You know what that means, partner!"

"Yeah, yeah," Chris grumbled, fishing for his wallet. He looked around him and then spotted the familiar face he was seeking. "Hey, Cindy! C'mere!"

The favorite waitress of J's came over, an empty tray under her arm. The young, pretty blonde smiled and giggled. "Let me guess, lose again, Chris?"

"Hey, I've won before, okay?!"

"A Mai Tai then?"

"Yeah," Chris answered, giving her a $10 bill. "Here's for another plus tip...because I know Miss Sharpshooter here's gonna want seconds."

"Why wouldn't I when your pouty ass is buying?" Jill snickered.

They made faces at each other, and then Chris spotted the rest of their party arriving. "Oh, bring the drinks to our usual table, the guys are finally here."

Cindy nodded. "Will do. You want your usual?"

"Yeah, add it to my tab."

Chris and Jill joined the others at their usual table. The STARS teams came here often to wind down and have fun, different mixes of teammates each time from differing schedules. Hell, even the Captains came once in a while.

Wesker was a pro at pool, too. And Jill had been on his team a few times. She said he taught her tricks...something about math and trajectory or some shit. Who does that? Didn't people just point and shoot at the balls with their cue sticks?

The gang tonight consisted of Chris, Jill, Barry, Joseph, Forest, and Richard. Tagging along with Barry was Robert Kendo, which wasn't uncommon. They ordered their food and drinks, a perfect view of the hockey game playing on the hanging box TV. While waiting, the group of friends and colleagues joked and small-talked.

"So, Kendo, how's that new assault shotgun model coming along?" Richard asked.

Kendo cracked a grin as he took a swig of beer. "You ask me that every damn time you see me, Rich. Look, I'll personally call ya when I make a breakthrough, alright?"

"You better! I'm excited!"

"Coulda fooled me!"

Cindy and her friend and co-worker soon brought their food and drinks. Chris could never remember the young lad's name...Bill? No...Will. It made him think of William Birkin again...the mysterious man that Claire was babysitting for. The past couple of nights she had stayed out late babysitting, and it seemed as though tonight would be the same. He just hoped that's what she was really doing…

"Cindy, babe, could you please turn the station? I cannot stand these damn Christmas tunes anymore!" Forest complained.

"Aw, c'mon, Forest. Get into the holiday spirit!" Cindy exclaimed. "Don't be a grinch!"

"Don't insult the Grinch like that," Joseph joked.

Cindy gave him a look. "Don't be a meanie, Joe."

"Eh, he's just jealous of my hair, Cin. That's why he fucking hides his under that stupid bandana all the time."

"You wish."

Cindy casually shook her head, used to their antics, and left them to their meals. The gang discussed their plans for the upcoming holiday, after work of course. Most of the STARS team had family here to celebrate with. If Chris remembered correctly, only he (other than Claire), Jill, and Captain Wesker didn't have any family.

Soon, they got on the topic of gifts.

"I finally found Claire's Christmas gift. She's gonna love it. I picked it up the other day. She'll never find it!"

Jill laughed beside him. "That's because it's at my house!"

"Your house is the safest place! She's a sneaky little brat and will find it!"

"Speaking of which," Barry interrupted, dipping a couple fries into his ketchup. "I figured you wouldn't be coming tonight because Claire's in town. She make you come out?"

"Probably," Richard snorted. "I'd need a break from him too."

"Nah, she's been babysitting for someone. Last few days she's had to babysit well into the night."

Joseph snickered. "That's what I'd say too if I was messing around with a guy I didn't want my big brother to know about."

Chris shot his colleague a glare that almost dropped him dead. Joseph stuffed his mouth with a big bite of hamburger.

Kendo cleared his throat, pushing his empty beer bottle up to the middle of the table. "Oh! That reminds me, Chris. Did Claire get into trouble?"

"Huh? No, why?"

"I was on the other side of town yesterday evening picking up Emma's medicine and I saw her with the Captain. He opened his car door for her and she got in."

"Which Captain? Enrico? Or Wesker?" Richard asked curiously.

"Yeah, cuz that determines how much trouble she must've been in," Forest teased.

Kendo half-rolled his eyes, sighing. "THE Captain, ya idiots. Wesker. I saw her with Wesker. She got into his car and they drove off."

"See? I told you there was a guy she didn't want you to know about!" Joseph laughed. "They must've hit it off after she went down to the station to give him a piece of her mind. Bet now she's giving him a piece of something better!" Barry slugged him hard in the arm. "Ow!"

This was new information to Chris. He sat there, dumbfounded, at a loss for words as his mind processed exactly what Robert had said. "She didn't get in trouble...that I know of. Wesker would've called me, for sure."

Barry frowned. "For sure…But then why else would Claire be with him?"

"Chris, buddy, I love you, but let's be honest here, they're probably doing the nasty."

"Jesus, Forest," Jill growled, facepalming. "Don't be starting those kinds of rumors."

"Where there's smoke, there's fire, s'all I'm sayin'."

Chris glared at Forest. "Between you and Joseph, I'm gonna shove those beer bottles so far up your backdoor you two won't be walking straight. Ever. Again."

"Sorry," Kendo interrupted. "I didn't mean to get everyone so riled up. I was just curious. Looked harmless to me."

"Dumb and Dumber here like to start shit," Barry explained, glaring at Joseph and Forest. "I'm sure it was harmless. It is Wesker, after all. Maybe she just needed a ride."

"Or maybe he offered her one," Jill added. "He's quite the gentleman."

"Gentleman?!" Forest scoffed. "The guy's a hard ass and a dick to us most of the time!"

"I mean, yeah, he kinda has to be. He's our boss. But really, he isn't that bad to most of us. You two just get on his nerves all the time," Richard admitted.

"Hey, who's side are you on, Aiken?"

"I'm j-just s-stating the facts!"

"Alright, alright, knock it off, all of you," Jill ordered in her "mom voice".

"It's all harmless joking," Joseph defended. "And Chris knows it, right bud? I mean, how often do I joke what if Wesker is actually a sociopathic supervillain on a quest for power? Of course he isn't...but I sometimes wonder!"

Chris shook his head. Joseph and Forest were frustrating at times with their nonstop jokes, but he knew it was never mean-spirited. They all ribbed each other all the time; it was their clique's twisted way of showing they cared about each other.

"You and your weird conspiracies, Joe...But really, let's just drop the subject, okay? I don't care why Claire was with Wesker," he lied. "Because I know it doesn't mean anything. Got it?"

"Got it," they all agreed.

"Good. Now can we all please get along, drink some beer, and talk about something pleasant? Like the weather or something?"

They all looked to the front of the bar, where the windows were. Snow fell just outside, looking to have picked up since they arrived at the bar.

"Oh yeah, pleasant RC snow...love it," Jill quipped dryly.

Chris scowled, rubbing the back of his neck. He had even more worries on his mind now, thanks to their earlier discussion. And no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't push them away.

His overreacting, protective brotherly instincts had continued to gnaw at him, making him wonder about the integrity of this "babysitting job". Claire had never given him a reason to doubt her, but still he worried.

There was something going on with Claire. She was definitely hiding something, and his innate detective instincts kept putting together the clues, all starting over a week ago. Some kind of worry or panic she hid from that jog on the mountain hiking trails, her quiet, wandering thoughts, some questionable explanations, the injuries she hid on her hand and ankle...and then this Wiliam Birkin came out of nowhere with a babysitting job for her. "A friend of a friend."

And now she was with Wesker on the other side of town when she was supposed to be babysitting? That set off a whole wave of bad thoughts and red flags in his mind.

No, he told himself firmly. It's Wesker. There has to be a logical explanation! I bet it's all harmless and I'm worried for nothing.

Captain Wesker may have been a hard ass at times, and he and Chris bumped heads occasionally, but they respected each other and got along great most of the time. He was one of the best men he knew. A damn good leader and boss, too. After his big screw up in the Air Force, not many were willing to give Chris a chance, and Wesker did.

There was absolutely no reason to worry about Claire being with him. If anything, it should have relieved him...knowing his little sister was in good hands. Wesker would take care of her.

But deep down inside, something small, some miniscule but insistent doubt ate at him. A growing part of him was questioning whether everything was as innocent as it seemed...

A/N: I'm sorry for the bit longer wait on this chapter! Life has been hectic this past month, as I'm sure all of you know and understand. My depression has come back and I've been fighting it between working long hours and being drained physically/emotionally. But getting better! And as such, I hope this chapter being longer makes it up for the wait! :)

Claire has really got herself in a pickle now! And Chris's suspicion continues to grow! Oh, but just wait til next chapter, y'all will be in for a big treat! ;)

Big thanks and hugs to my beta reader and super good friend Ravenlaughter for the help on this chapter! I also love and appreciate all of you readers keeping up with this story. I appreciate all follows/faves and reviews! Please stay healthy and safe out there! ^.^