Chapter 20: Trust Me
Warning: This chapter is long. Also, there's smut in here somewhere. ;P Okay, have fun now!
She held her breath. This was it. One misstep and the whole thing would collapse. She had come too far to allow that to happen…
Ada placed the q-tip vertically on the roof of cotton balls, gently pushing it down to secure it among the others. She freed a breath of relief and leaned back to enjoy her handiwork: a little hut made of cotton balls, tongue depressors, q-tips, and tape.
I might actually consider getting into arts and crafts more if I don't die of boredom first!
Yes, she was still locked in this stuffy patient room. After Sergei left, Ada considered taking a little beauty nap, but was too restless after their parley. So, the double agent spent her time flipping through magazines and doodling on people's faces until she got so bored that building a hut made of medical items sounded entertaining.
That was after one bathroom break allowance earlier. At least Ada was able to get a sense of time. If she had to guess, it was mid-afternoon or so now. It looked as though at this rate she would be spending her Christmas building a whole village of cotton ball huts. That's if the Colonel hadn't wrapped this all up by then.
Ada was pulled out of her thoughts by soft raps on the door. Hmm, another restroom break, perhaps? The knocking was too soft to be Sergei.
She still braced for it when the door opened, but whenever Aaron Roth stepped inside, she relaxed, a coy smile gracing her lips.
"Aw, look who it is! It's been a while, Aaron."
Roth didn't greet her with his usual charming smile. It had been several months since they had spoken directly.
He hesitated near the door. "Yeah…it has."
Ada leaned back in her chair, legs and arms crossed, challenging him with a confident, twinkling gaze. "We both know you aren't here to catch up. What do you want?"
"I didn't know you were working with Wesker."
The double agent shrugged. "Maybe I am, maybe not. And what about you? Working for Sergei?"
The information broker snorted a quiet laugh. "Maybe."
"That scared to face one devil that you made a deal with another?"
He scowled and sat down on a stool across the room from her. "The Colonel didn't give me much of a choice."
"Well, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place, then."
"That is the biggest understatement of the fucking century." Roth sighed, running his fingers through his brown locks. "I despise this town. I used my moles to handle all business here to avoid him. Unfortunately, I had no choice this time because of a prominent client."
"Sounds like you have no one to blame but yourself, Aaron. I mean, what did you expect purchasing research stolen from William of all people?"
"Trust me, had I known, I wouldn't have touched it. It's established throughout my network that Birkin is off limits because of Wesker's protection. Besides, Wesker has been after me for years as it is. I certainly wasn't trying to put myself in his crosshairs on purpose. When I was informed of Crawford and Finley's deaths, my sources claimed it was Sergei. It was only after Lowery disappeared that my suspicions told me differently."
"And confirmed after your 'partner' came to you with a noodle arm, right?"
Roth weakly chuckled. "You can say that. My…associate has learned the hard way that his status and connections mean nothing here. I tried to warn him."
Ada shrugged. "A broken arm is nothing when it comes to Albert. He got off easy. Very easy."
Roth nodded quietly in agreement. "That Redfield girl…she broke Stephan's nose this morning when we confronted her."
Ada wanted to pry, worried about Claire, but kept up her unconcerned appearance, smiling wryly. "Good for her."
"She's interesting, this Claire. How did she get involved with Wesker?"
Roth being interested in someone was never a good thing. Ada held his gaze. "She's no one important. A pawn of Albert's. Wrong place, wrong time sort of deal. I wouldn't worry about her."
Except Ada knew that the man before her was a little too clever for that.
"She is important. In all of this, but, foremost, she's important to him. Initially, I thought Wesker killing Stephan's men to save her at Bard's party was a coincidence, maybe even a red herring. But soon I started noticing other anomalies to his behavior. Then there are the apparent similarities between Claire and Anezka. Her reaction this morning confirmed the nature of their relationship for me."
"The 'nature' of their relationship doesn't matter. He's still using her. There's nothing there, whether the girl thinks there is or not. You're grasping at straws."
"Maybe I am."
Claire was the reason he was here…Ada needed to find out what that reason was. So, she decided to call him out on his bullshit.
"Why are you really here, Aaron? Why so interested in Claire?"
She barely caught it, but the information broker squirmed in his seat. "Sergei has promised us a reduced punishment and a second chance if we help him take down Wesker."
"No surprise there. And do you trust him?"
"Of course not!" Roth scowled, clenching his fists on his knees. "But it's not like I have many choices here. Ada, I…no matter what, I'm fucked. I've thought through all the possibilities and nothing. I'm trapped between two evils here!"
"You're certainly betting on the wrong horse with the Colonel, Aaron, and you know it."
"You're in trouble, too. We can help each other. And I think I can use Ms. Redfield in our favor."
Ada bristled under her skin. Deflecting and downplaying weren't working. Time to change tactics. "Listen to me…you touch her, and you'll get much more than a broken arm. Leave. Her. Out. Of. This."
Roth was silent for a long moment, jaw ticking. "Stephan has already sold me out. He's hellbent on getting payback on Claire and Wesker and will do anything Sergei says. He's even convinced him of Claire's true relationship with Wesker. As such, Sergei's men are on their way as we speak to pick her up. There's no leaving her out of this now."
Dammit! Ada glared at Roth. "And how did Bennett know about their relationship?"
Roth shrugged. "Well, there's been talk, but I had discussed my suspicions with Stephan before he double-crossed me. He got corroboration from Dr. Bard for the Colonel. Now Sergei plans on detaining Claire in the off chance he could use her against Wesker. In the end, she'll be disposed of. It's out of my hands…unless there is something I can do - in exchange for my freedom, of course."
This was making her sick. It took all of Ada's self-control to not teach Roth a lesson, but that would only make things worse currently. He would surely get his soon, though. After all, he was nothing but a coyote in a den of wolves.
"You haven't changed, Aaron."
"I want to barter with Wesker using Claire."
Ada scoffed, "That's laughable. Albert doesn't barter. You know that."
"Then what do you suggest I do? I'm not letting the Colonel take me out like trash, and I'm certainly not going to allow Wesker to take over all that I've built!"
"Those are your choices. Either be executed by Sergei or have Albert as an overlord. At least you're alive in one scenario. But I understand, you're a proud man, Aaron. Think it through carefully, because you know what? It doesn't matter. Albert will get your network - with or without you. I bet he's banking on Sergei disposing of you. Certainly makes things easier for him."
She held Roth's sharp gaze with a derisive glare. It took time, but the information broker succumbed, looking away with a pained groan. "How then?"
"You get Claire out of here. You take her to Albert. You use her as a peace offering. That is your best bet. You cannot barter with the Devil, Aaron…but you can appease him."
Roth looked conflicted, troubled. Scared. Ada took joy in that. To see him squirm. It was a good sign. Claire would soon be safe…ish, and Albert would have him under his boot.
Roth turning against Sergei would be unexpected. After all, Albert was Roth's nightmare incarnate. His personal boogeyman. It would surely help turn the tide in this game of wits and power.
Another series of raps on the door broke the tension. One of Roth's men peeked his head inside. "Sir…they're back. They have the girl."
Roth acknowledged with a small nod. He slowly stood up with a sigh. The gears in his crafty brain were already churning through all they had discussed. He looked at her one last time.
"And if I don't?"
"You're the one who's been avoiding him this entire time. You tell me."
Without another word, Roth left. Ada frowned, turning back to her little cotton ball hut. It may have seemed risky relying on a cornered man, but the trick was knowing men. What drove them and how they thought. To Ada, it was easy. To Albert, it was natural.
Roth may have had the same gift, may have had a talent for trading information, but he was still just like the very men he assessed and brokered. He would do anything to keep himself alive. To Albert, these were the easiest of men to control.
Claire lost track of time. The patient room she was stuffed into was as plain and typical as they come. There were no windows, no vents, no way to escape. The mercenaries patted her down before shoving her in here, but the idiots didn't check one place. Her boot. Her knife may have been gone now, but she had a small folding pocket knife as backup. It took time to dig it out and cut her bindings, but, once free, she took out her anger and frustration by completely wrecking the room.
She searched for anything else that could be used as a weapon, but unless she was going to hold someone hostage with a tongue depressor to their throat, she was shit out of luck.
Not like she had a lot of luck in all of this to begin with.
The younger Redfield weighed her options. Should she attack the first person who opened that door? Her little pocket knife couldn't do much. She'd likely end up getting herself killed. Still, Claire couldn't stand the thought of conforming to them.
She sat in silence in the aftermath of her tantrum, nearly in tears realizing this was probably the end. She would never see Chris again. She couldn't bear the thought of Chris spending the rest of his days wondering what happened to her, if they didn't end up killing him as well.
She hated Wesker for this. Mostly, she hated herself. She had been warned in so many different ways, yet couldn't keep herself from playing with fire, and it had ended up consuming her. Wesker's fire was a brand, scorched onto her very soul, and she felt she would forever feel its burn.
The door swung open. Claire didn't move. Didn't care. Didn't listen when they spoke until they grabbed her by the arms and yanked her to her feet. Claire gripped the pocket knife harder, so small her hand concealed it, and shanked the nearest guy in the arm that held her in place.
"Son of a -!" The mercenary let her go, but that didn't mean she was free. The other two got her under control. The injured mercenary pulled the knife out, blood dripping to the floor. "You bitch!"
"What else you got up your sleeve, huh? Do we need to do a complete strip down?" the mercenary restraining her snickered in her ear.
"Knock it off."
Claire recognized the voice, saw him come through the open door. Aaron Roth.
"She had a hidden pocket knife, boss. We were only-"
"I don't care. Bind her hands. It's time to leave."
"Yessir," the men quickly answered.
After they bound her wrists behind her back - again, they forced her along behind Roth. Sergei wasn't waiting far in the corridor with Bennett at his side.
"Trouble, Mr. Roth?" Sergei asked, half-amused and half-serious.
"Nothing we cannot handle."
"We'll see about that. My men have already retrieved Ms. Wong and have taken her back to the estate. Time is not on our side. Do not fail me."
"Understood, Colonel. I will keep her in a safe location until you're ready for her."
Sergei started to leave, but paused near Claire. "I adore your spirit, tigritsa! Just as I am sure Wesker does. There are few who possess your nerve and radiance. It would be a shame to have to snuff it out. This is your last chance to turn in your 'lover'. Trust me, he would never return the loyalty to you that you have given to him."
Even if she had something to give him, she wouldn't. She didn't exactly know why either. She glared up at him, unafraid. "Fuck you."
The giant Russian didn't grow angry, didn't retaliate. He only chuckled, turned, and walked away.
"I cannot wait to fix that mouth of yours."
Her glare only switched to Bennett as he came closer. There was more to his hateful leer that made her stomach twist in disgust. "Kinda how I fixed your face? You look a lot better, but there's room for improvement."
He slapped her across the face. It was so expected it made her laugh, ignoring the sting.
"What the hell, Stephan?" Roth snapped.
"Is that all you got?" Claire goaded with another laugh. "You slap just like the bitch you are."
The bastard punched her in the stomach next, knocking the air clean out of her. The mercenaries nearly dropped her. Claire coughed, trying to regain her breath.
"Enough!" Roth ordered, shoving Stephan away from her.
"Why?" Bennett rounded on his partner. "I've made my deal with the Colonel, Aaron. After this is all over, she's going back to Sheena Island with me. My new little toy." He passed her a sadistic smirk. "Maybe I'll mount her head in my trophy room after I'm done with her."
"Is that so?" Roth scoffed. "And what kind of dirty secrets of ours did you sell out to the Colonel to get that right?"
Claire spat on Bennett's shoes, laughing, extremely light-headed all of a sudden. "He's gonna fucking kill you."
"What did you say?" Bennett growled.
"He's going to fucking kill you!" she repeated louder, looking him dead in the eye. "And I'm going to enjoy it."
The men grew deathly quiet. The way her threat was spat in half-manic mirth dropped a thick blanket of apprehension in the hallway. No name needed. Bennett could've easily deflected such a threat with the reality of how little chance left there was of that actually happening…but he didn't.
Bennett waved them off with a low snarl. "Get her outta here, Aaron. I'll be by later."
"I'm sure you will," Roth muttered to his back and turned to her. "Are you alright?"
"Fuck you, too."
Roth sighed, nodding, as if he expected such a response from her. He gestured to his closest agent. "Bag her head. Time to move out."
She saw him long enough to check his watch, tugging his collar with a frown, before the bag blinded her.
She listened for anything that could give her a clue on where they were taking her this time. Her captors remained mostly quiet, only intermittently exchanging hushed words. It didn't seem like they were driving long before Claire felt the vehicle pull over and stop. Doors opened, men got out. She was tugged from her seat and swiftly shoved into another. She barely had enough time to voice her displeasure before the car door slammed shut. Then they were moving again.
What the hell is going on?
The bag was plucked from her head. Surprised, her eyes darted around her fresh surroundings. She was in the passenger seat of a car. Roth was driving. Strangest of all…they were alone.
It was nearly dark, the last dull orange glow of daylight dying behind the skyline of Raccoon City, almost making the city appear on fire. Claire wriggled her wrists to try and break free. If it was just Roth, she could take him.
"Hey, relax! I'm on your side."
Claire laughed. "The hell you are! Let me go or so help me I'll run this car off the fucking road!"
"I'm taking you to Wesker."
She stilled, unsure if she'd heard him correctly. Roth glanced at her long enough to make sure she had calmed down before his eyes went back to the road.
"Why?"
He half-snorted a pained laugh. "My only choice."
Claire didn't know this man from Adam, but something in his body language, the strain in his voice, she knew he was telling the truth. It was fear that told on him.
"You're afraid."
He squeezed the steering wheel. "For good reason. You might be witnessing yet another murder by his hands tonight."
"Then why take the risk? Didn't you make a deal with Sergei?"
"No matter what I do, I'm a dead man. Sergei's deals mean nothing. He'll kill me once this is over. Wesker will kill me too, but maybe…" He sighed. "Maybe I can buy myself a little more time with him."
"How?"
"You, hopefully. A peace offering. Make myself useful to him. In any way."
Claire scrunched her face, disgusted. "Wow. That's pathetic."
Roth laughed. "Indeed. But I'm not about to roll over dead and give him my life's work just like that. I have to try something. If I'm alive, it's still mine. If I'm alive, I still have a shred of control."
"What is it that he wants from you?" Claire dared to ask.
"The most dangerous weapon of all. Knowledge. Secrets. Information. The kind in Wesker's hands that could destroy lives, or whole nations for that matter. The kind that will make him indomitable."
Chills ran up her arms and spine. What the hell was she involved with? How far did this rabbit hole go? Wesker was more than a corrupt law enforcement captain. She'd recently learned this twisted conspiracy had something to do with the Umbrella Corporation, or at least some kind of underbelly of it. But this…this sounded…inconceivable.
Claire shook her head. "You make it sound like he wants to take over the world." She half-laughed at the absurdity. Wesker was no comic-book supervillain. That was fantasy. Fiction. This was reality.
Roth's pained, twisted smile made her nauseous. "Hard to say what he wants, exactly, but whatever it is, he won't stop until he gets it. No matter who gets in his way." He glanced at her, some kind of strange admiration breaking his apprehension only briefly. "It's too late for you. You know that, right?"
Claire ignored the weight of his words that made her insides blench.
"I don't know how you came to be involved with him, particularly in that way, but I guess it doesn't matter. Just take my advice…whatever he tells you, well…he doesn't mean it. He tells people what they want to hear. He figures people out and then he uses them. You're no different. I'm no different."
He turned off the main highway, the car slinging chunks of snow and mud as it hit a dirt road. It was then Claire realized exactly where they were: The Arklay Hiking Trails. The same place where this all began for her!
Roth stopped the car in the middle of the parking lot. Claire couldn't breathe. There he was! She couldn't believe it. Tiny flurries of snow fluttered around him in the wake of nightfall, in between glowing headlight beams.
Wesker waited, no shades, glaring straight into their car, breaths coming out in wisps of white. He wore a black blazer and underneath it, not his STARS uniform, but slacks and a dark blue turtleneck.
Even with Roth's warning still buzzing in her ears, she was relieved to see him. She knew she shouldn't be, but she was. Get me out of this car!
Beside her, the information broker inhaled and exhaled deeply. He seemed to be contemplating his entire life in that moment, appearing ill, staring through the windshield as though Death awaited him with scythe raised.
"Time to meet your master. Don't keep him waiting."
Her provoking worked. He glared at her. "Every man has a master…even Wesker. His is hatred, and if you aren't careful, his master will devour you."
She defiantly held his gaze, but Roth sighed and looked back to the waiting figure outside. He pulled the door handle to get out. "He sure doesn't like me talking to you."
She had barely heard him before the door slammed shut. Roth walked around to her side and helped her out of the car. He untied her hands. As soon as they were free, Claire flung them forward. She rubbed her wrists, whirling to face Roth one last time, that same curious gaze still unsettling her.
"I meant everything I said…Good luck, Claire."
They were nothing alike, yet Claire could see how similar their situations were in the context of it all. Roth saving her may have been purely out of self-preservation and greed, but Claire was glad it got her away from Sergei.
Wesker's death stare left Roth as soon as Claire got away from him. His gaze softened to her, remaining on her until she was by his side.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Yeah," she murmured. "I'm fine."
"Did he hurt you?"
"No. Bennett did, but Roth…" she glanced at him across the way. "He tried to stop it."
"Don't take up for him, dear heart. He isn't worth it. Get in the car."
"What are you going to do?"
Wesker had already turned away from her, but his predatory glare towards Roth broke under her question and he focused on her again.
"You'll catch a cold, my dear," he said, wrapping one arm around her waist, lips grazing her temple. "I won't be long. He will get what's coming to him. Now get in the car."
Claire wasn't sure if it was to reassure her or make a point, but Wesker pecked her on the head and gently pushed her towards his car.
She had a bad feeling about this. Wesker had killed one man out here in front of her already. She went over to the idling Jaguar's passenger door and got inside. Oh, toasty! She didn't realize how cold she was. She leaned into the warm air coming from the vents, the heated leather seat also warming her. It helped melt the sharp icicles of unease that had come over her.
Only, it quickly returned as she watched Wesker and Roth approach each other in the middle. Without looking away, Claire used her finger to press the button on the door, rolling the window down a crack.
There were few things more satisfying to him than this. Cornered prey cowering before him. Roth was a dignified prey. He didn't openly cower like most. To Wesker, that made it even better because it gave him a chance to break that dignity personally.
"Wesker," Roth greeted. Not quite submissive, but there was still time. "No Birkin, huh? I'm surprised."
"They say good things come to those who wait," Wesker sneered. "And I've been waiting for this for a long time."
"You have to admit…I played a pretty good game against you."
"You did if you consider cowardice a rule."
Roth shrugged. "There are no rules when it comes to protecting what's yours."
"And yet you still lost."
Roth gnashed his jaw. Good. Resistance. Something else Wesker would break shortly. "I only lost because of Sergei."
"Are you certain of that?" When he looked unsure, Wesker decided to shove the knife in a little deeper. "I set up Crawford and Finley. I discovered Crawford's main contact. The one you deal with. And guess who he answers to now? It was only a matter of time before I got to you."
The way Roth's face twisted in repugnance was a treat.
"Crawford's idiotic mistake of selling William's research worked in my favor in the end. I found out you were in town personally, not operating behind a mole as you usually do. Even better, your little business endeavor throughout the city allowed me to kill multiple birds with one stone. So, thank you for that."
"But there are still two birds left…aren't there?"
"They are next, I assure you. Did you bring back what you stole?"
Roth shook his head. "Sergei confiscated it."
"Of course he did. Only you and I both know you kept the salient piece to yourself." Wesker stated smugly. "Dr. Henry had a special request, didn't she? Information on the newly conceived T-ALOS project."
"How do you know about that?"
Wesker's dark smirk grew. After all, Roth was shaking now, and it wasn't from the cold. "That's irrelevant. Where is it?"
"I-I don't have it on me. I had Bennett put it in a safe place. I can get it to you, I swear."
"Bennett." Wesker spat the name more than said it - then shrugged. "Well, considering I have much planned with your partner, I suppose we're done here."
It only took one step towards the information broker for him to crack.
Roth panicked, arms extending out in front of him, backing away. "No, wait! Th-The girl! I brought her as a peace offering. I didn't have to do that, right? I could've left her to Sergei. That's why I called you!"
"A propitiatory indemnity is what it is. One that holds no merit. She was mine to begin with, and you took her, therefore you must suffer the consequences."
"Sergei took her. I brought her back!"
He snatched the information broker by the throat. Roth clawed at his arm, struggling, begging.
"I'm more useful to you alive! You're making a mistake!"
"I highly doubt that."
"It's my system! I know the contacts! I work with them daily. They trust me! I know their deepest, darkest secrets! Let me do the grunt work and deal with them! I answer to you, I swear it! I-If I die, you risk losing many of them. It will take you longer to get information!"
So predictable. "Hmm. Go on."
"Anything you want…I'll get it for you. I'll be your eyes and ears. My moles will be, too."
Wesker considered it while keeping his fingers clenched around Roth's throat. "Well, you do make a point, Roth. Let me think it over."
"S-Sure!"
Wesker squeezed hard. Roth's airway was shut off. His prey choked, retching words while trying to fight. Futile. One kick to his leg buckled him, and Wesker forced him to his knees. He held him in place, kneeled before him, until his struggling ceased.
Wesker smirked wickedly as Roth grew weaker, life draining from his eyes. However, just before he snuffed him completely out of existence, he released him.
Roth gasped for precious air, collapsing to the snow. He coughed, straining to swallow mouthfuls of icy air to shriveled lungs. Wesker watched him, amused, as the information broker shuddered and gasped.
The STARS Captain lifted his boot and stepped on Roth's head, pinning him to the ground.
"I'm finished thinking it over, I suppose," Wesker sighed drolly. "I accept your humble terms of giving me complete dominion over you. Do you accept in return?"
"Yes!"
Wesker removed his boot and stepped back, allowing Roth to stand, hoarse breaths heaving from his chest. He put his hands on his knees, moaning, white as a ghost. Typical of a man who just came centimeters from death.
"Get in contact with Alex. She'll be your main liaison through me. And fetch me the information on T-ALOS."
Roth winced. "No. Please. Not Alex."
"Talking back already?" Wesker shook his head. "Do it. You will help me set up Sergei. You will bring me your partner on a silver platter. Do you understand me?"
"Yes."
"I'm looking forward to many…fruitful years together, Roth," Wesker sneered. "See you soon."
The information broker nodded, dazed, sick, in shock. He turned and shambled away to his car, anxious to leave.
Wesker returned to his Jaguar, pleased. There was always a satisfying rush after the kill. There was always something better in the "almost-kill". In the moment when he condemns a pawn to his control.
But Aaron Roth was no pawn. Wesker had just captured a rook.
People were so easy to rule.
Claire listened, ignoring the pounding of her heart in her ears. The cold air seeped through the cracked window. She couldn't completely understand what they were saying, only hearing words and bits.
But then out of nowhere the tense discussion took quite a turn. Roth panicked. She heard him mention her, and then Wesker seized him by the throat.
She held her breath, still straining to hear. Roth begged. Something about being useful. Anything Wesker wanted, but the corrupt STARS Captain didn't let him go.
Then her heart plummeted to her stomach like a ton of bricks.
"Holy shit," she whispered, stunned.
Wesker was choking him. One hand. Had forced him to his knees. His victim struggled, gurgling and flopping like an animal in a trap.
Claire's throat was bone dry. She couldn't breathe. Her hand went for the door handle. What should she do?
Roth was a bad man, she knew that much. He only saved her to save himself. But she still struggled with her own morality watching her power-hungry lover slowly kill him.
Her brain refreshed her memory of Finley in the woods, not too far from where she was now. Only two weeks before. Two weeks. It had been so fast. Pow! His head exploding, blood everywhere. A second and it was over. The same thing happened with Bennett's men at the party. Killed in seconds by Wesker's hands. They barely knew what hit them.
This was different. This was slow, agonizing. Intentionally so. Wesker wanted Roth to suffer…and was enjoying it. That's what made it so hard to watch.
Just when Claire thought she would spectate another man's murder as Roth had prophesized, Wesker let him go. She gulped a shaky breath, confused, relieved. It was strange. She didn't feel sorry for Roth. He deserved it. Every man that had broken into her sanctuary deserved it…
Claire sickly thought about Bennett. Would she take joy in watching Wesker kill him? Would that make her a bad person if she did?
She couldn't hear what was said next. Wesker ground his boot into Roth's skull, shoving him deeper into the snow and mud as his body convulsed from nearly dying. Whatever Wesker said, it was a threat.
Roth was able to stand...barely. He was weak and wobbly. Pale, too. Like he would throw up any moment…much like how she felt currently.
It was over. Roth hobbled back to the car. Claire rolled the window up as Wesker got into the driver's seat.
She gaped at him, unable to decide if she was horrified or not. She was undoubtedly shocked, not because of Wesker's actions, she knew better, but because she finally realized this was what she was in bed with.
"I...I thought you were gonna kill him," she mumbled. There was a poisonous air around him, as though he was high on power and the fumes intoxicated her.
He looked at her, an arrogant smirk plastered on his face, those steel blue eyes gripping her. "People are easy to kill, Claire. They are even easier to control. For most, all you have to do is give them a little taste of annihilation and they will sell you their soul, just so they can breathe a little while longer."
He reached over, Claire holding her breath, and moved a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"The remnant, you determine what's most important to them. You exploit their fears, dirty secrets, greed, love - then they are yours indefinitely."
Claire was lost in her own thoughts, her own feelings, the entire trip to NEST. A rampaging maelstrom eddied and twisted inside her, still amped on adrenaline, still dismayed by what she had gone through and witnessed…still relieved she was back with him instead, despite it all.
Wesker let her be, not saying a single word even as he opened the door for her and they started the descent into the underground facility. Even walking by his side through glaring white hallways, he said nothing.
Back here again. Scientists in lab coats zipped by in a hurry. They steered clear of Wesker. Their stares ate at her for some reason. Most avoided even looking at her, but the ones who did got under her skin. Like she was an outsider who didn't belong here, like she was an intruder to their world. They were right, but it wasn't as though she had chosen this.
They went to Wesker's room first. He said something about making a few phone calls. Claire only half-listened, barely acknowledging him. She raced to the bathroom, feeling sick. She splashed water on her face and took deep, slow breaths. Her mind recalled the events of the past two weeks in every little detail.
She couldn't make sense of any of it. Mostly, she couldn't make sense of her feelings, like she was a stranger in her own body. When she returned to the main room, Wesker was typing vigorously on a laptop with a cordless phone propped between his ear and shoulder.
Normally, Claire would be eavesdropping, trying to figure out more of this conspiracy, trying to understand exactly what her captor was plotting. But…she didn't care right now. She was ready to go home…she was ready for this nightmare to be over. Ready to be able to breathe again.
She stood off to the side, arms crossed, not wanting to sit down, especially on that couch. The one she was on the first time she had sex with Wesker.
That happened barely a week ago, and yet it felt like ages. Three times she had laid with her brother's boss in the course of a week. Still, she couldn't comprehend their personal relationship. She wondered if she was suffering from some form of Stockholm Syndrome.
She jumped when Wesker's hands squeezed her shoulders. She almost pulled away, but relaxed when he started gently massaging her shoulders and neck. "So conflicted," he said into her ear. "You know, these feelings are typical for what you've been through. Society has made that customary with their apocryphal ideals of morality. Right and wrong. Good and bad. It's a form of mass proselytization. It's easier to control people if they all think the same."
Claire snorted a weak laugh. The way this man thought, she just couldn't understand it.
"You laugh, but it's true," he continued, releasing her and stepping around to face her. "You still see the world with society's blinders. I see it clearly. I have no blinders. You think my world operates in the shadow of yours, but I assure you, they are one and the same." He stroked her face, brushing his knuckles down her temple and cheek. "I will rip your blinders away. So you can see the world for what it truly is…and be in control of your own moral code."
Claire glared at him. "Why go through all that trouble when you're just using me? You said it yourself, find out what's most important to someone and use it against them."
She wasn't surprised to see his lips quirk or the characteristic cock of his head he often did when he was amused. "Well, if I recall, my dear, I admitted to complicating this affair just hours ago. If you believe I kept Chris alive to use against you, then you're misguided. I did utilize him against you in the beginning, but now it's different. I spared him and have gone out of my way to keep him out of this solely for you."
"For me? Or for you? To gain my affection?"
He shrugged. "Both, obviously. Moreover, in regards to why I would go through the trouble if I was just using you…I wouldn't. I wouldn't waste my time if I viewed you as disposable. I wouldn't have bothered saving you or risking my plans, either. My fault in complicating these matters stems from the fact that I am quite fond of you, dear heart."
Thinking it over, she felt he had to be telling the truth, at least to some degree, but Claire was still conflicted, despite the comfort she felt in his words. Roth was right. Wesker had a silver tongue. She had known that for a while now. He knew exactly what to say and how to say it to anyone, a manipulator through and through.
Claire shook her head. "I don't know what's bullshit and what's not with you."
She moved away, but Wesker caught her around the waist and pulled her back to him. "Don't be so hyperbolic. You admitted yourself that you trust me. Otherwise you wouldn't have gone through so much effort to warn me."
"I do trust you," Claire confessed. He kept her locked in place with his arm still secured around her waist. "Doesn't mean I don't have misgivings over it though."
For good reason.
"I wouldn't expect anything less of you, my dear, given what you've learned about me and how I operate. You're bright, after all. Certainly bright enough to discern how differently I treat you from the rest…"
Claire sighed. Yep. He always knew what to say. Still, he made a point. She couldn't deny that and so didn't refute it. Besides, she was physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. She felt a little better, but those misgivings remained with only a little dirt kicked over them.
"Please take me home."
"I cannot do that. Not until I've dealt with Sergei and Bennett."
"But Chris -"
"Assumes you are at William's," he interjected. "I've got eyes on him. No need to fret, dear heart."
"Then what am I supposed to do until then?" Claire asked, not bothering trying to break Wesker's hold on her. She knew it was pointless.
"You will stay with William. That way you aren't entirely lying to Chris about tonight."
Because that would make up for the rest of the lies she told her brother since this started?
His playful, charming smile that he seemed to save solely for her had to be a curse. It bewitched her, like some kind of possession ensnaring her soul piece by piece. She wasn't sure what would happen once he obtained all the pieces.
"While you take over the world or whatever it is that you're trying to do?" she quipped sarcastically. Okay, maybe she was digging a little.
Wesker chuckled. "An absurd exaggeration. Besides, 'taking over the world' is a highly overrated stratagem. Mine would be more like a purge."
He had said it like a joke, but Claire had a feeling he meant it.
"Instead, I will be punishing those who have harmed you. Then you may go home."
"Promise?"
"Cross my heart," he whispered into her ear, and then kissed her.
What heart? was all her brain could ponder in the heat of that kiss.
Despite such a thought, all of her uncertainty and stress seemingly burned away in a fiery breeze, like embers on the wind. She leaned into him, wanting the world to melt away. Forgotten in just a few fervent inhales.
But just as Wesker hooked onto her hips, just as she wrapped her arms eagerly around his neck, he reluctantly pulled back. A frustrated grimace bared her way.
Claire was taken aback by his glare. "I hate you."
Confused and miffed, she sharply returned his glare, acutely aware that his hand had slipped up and grabbed a fistful of her hair.
What the hell was his problem all of a sudden?
"You have pull over my self-control. Something I've never had issue with before. It's infuriating."
If he expected her to apologize for it then he had another thing coming.
"Sounds like a personal problem. And you know what? I hate you, too."
Wesker squeezed her hair, tempted to tug. Claire braced for it, unyielding. Her challenging gaze didn't exactly subdue him, but it did humor him enough to free her hair. His other hand unhooked from her hip, gliding up her curves. His hands rested on her shoulders now, although from what she saw earlier, Claire was a little uneasy with his hands being anywhere near her throat.
"Then it is unfortunate that we do not have the time to rectify such sentiments," he said in a way that made her lower belly kindle. He squeezed her shoulders and stepped away.
"Come along, dear heart," he instructed as he headed for the door.
"No."
That stopped him dead in his tracks. He turned around just as fast.
What the hell are you doing?! Now was not the time to test Wesker's forbearance. She had no idea why she blurted the word, but now felt the pressure as he returned to her.
"Surely, I misheard you," he proposed, giving her a chance to change her answer.
It only emboldened her for some reason.
"You don't like no, do you?" she challenged. Of course he didn't. He was exactly that kind of man. The entirety of how she knew him revolved around the fact that Wesker refused to let anyone rule him. No was a powerful word. It was a controlling word.
"I was never fond of it," he replied, agitated. Although Claire felt he was holding back much of it.
"Not surprised."
He smirked. Claire didn't know what to think of that, like he had figured out her game. Her game even she was still figuring out.
"If you want to tell me no, dear heart, I accept without any objections."
What the…
"After all, I am only looking out for your best interests by resolving this in a timely fashion, so you can return home sooner. Truth be told, I couldn't care less about giving you back. By telling me no, you are essentially telling me that you are in no hurry to leave my side."
Claire flushed, both from his words and from agitation. She barely had time to register the proverbial corner he had just steered her into before Wesker picked her up in one swift, fluid motion like she weighed nothing. She squeaked in alarm, one moment on her feet, the next looking like a bride about to be carried off.
"Am I wrong?"
Asshole!
Wesker sure had a knack for turning things back to his advantage. Just like the first time in this room...No matter what she said now, he would triumph. If she denied it, they would leave, she would return home sooner, but then her "no" would be overruled by him, he would claim to be right in looking out for her. If she didn't deny it, the inevitable would happen, and would reinforce her obsessed lover that he was entitled to her longer. Either way, it was dangerous.
Even so, maybe she liked the idea of having some kind of pull over him. Maybe that was why she said no. Maybe that was her game here. Still, Claire was smart with her answer, doing to him as he often did to her.
"Maybe…maybe not. Maybe I just felt like challenging you."
"You should know by now what happens to those who challenge me," he said with a low chuckle.
"Remind me then." Another challenge. Because she was too stubborn for her own good.
And Wesker knew that.
Mostly, she wanted to see if she really did have some kind of pull over him.
Next thing she knew, in the midst of vehement kissing, she was tossed onto his bed. It was quite similar to when he brought her to his house after Bard's Christmas party nearly two days prior, as though she was consumed by a fever, burning her skin, scorching her nerves, boiling her blood. It drove her mad, a possession so primal nothing else mattered but them, their union.
Wesker grabbed her legs and pulled her down to the foot of the bed where he stood, dropping them so they hung over the edge. The next moment he had her pinned, their tongues fighting for dominance, his hands skimming up under her shirt. Claire locked her arms around his neck, raised her hips straight up into his.
His hands were searing. He caused this fever within her. By how he moved, how he responded, she caused him the same fever, too. Apparent in how they stripped their shirts, apparent in how Claire kicked off her pants.
Wesker stopped just long enough to caress the light bruising on Claire's ribs, goosebumps forming under his touch, his eyes burning with silent fury. It shouldn't have turned her on, but god, it did.
The room filled with their sighs and Claire's moans as his fingers pushed aside her panties, as he left a trail of rough kisses down her neck and collarbone, only stopping to suck on one breast. He wouldn't let her up enough to be able to reach for his crotch, so she clawed needily up his toned abs, strong arms, even his chiseled back, whining softly. She was already plenty wet but his fingers played with her anyway.
Her aroused moans underneath him must've finally got to him because he broke away from sucking on her shoulder with a stifled growl, one hand clasped onto her hip, and it wasn't but a couple torrid pants later that he buried his quite hard dick completely inside her.
Claire gasped at the sudden invasion, but her body eagerly adjusted, so eagerly, in fact, that she raised her hips into him to allow him deeper access. Wesker surely didn't waste it. Pinning her down by her hair, he claimed her mouth again as he rocked into her. Each strong thrust felt like a burning spear piercing her and she welcomed every second of it. The tingling euphoria took over her brain, like an addicting drug, and she begged him not to stop.
As the heat built up pressure within her, like an oncoming volcanic eruption, Claire moaned louder at each stroke Wesker pushed into her, and she rocked her hips to his fervid rhythm. He let her hair go to take control of her hips, allowing her to wrap her arms around his neck instead of digging her nails into his back. She kissed his neck, his collarbone, finally biting down on one pec as she came with a loud moan, ecstasy flooding her body, her head spinning. Her pulsating canal constricted around his throbbing cock, and after two final powerful, deep thrusts Wesker came hard inside her, thick, warm spurts of cum filling her as she recovered beneath him.
They stayed entwined for a few minutes, coming down from their high, catching their breaths. Claire could hear her heart racing, but she squeezed her arms around his back tighter, his face buried in her hair. She could hear his heart beating, just like hers. Of course he always had a heart, otherwise he wouldn't be alive. It was a strong and fit heart, like the rest of him. But to hear it in this way, in this moment, Claire could only wonder how and why it came to be so defective.
"What's on your mind, dear heart?" he asked as he pulled out of her and re-dressed.
"N-Nothing," she said as she reached for her discarded clothes.
"There's no point with such evasions. I know you."
Indeed, he did. Too well at this point. Claire wasn't about to ask him about his heart when he wouldn't see it like she did. Instead, she popped up with the first thing that came to her mind to avoid it.
"Do you still hate me?"
She stood up now that she was dressed, ignoring the pleasurable ache between her thighs, fixing her hair, not taking her eyes off of him. Wesker peered at her with playful curiosity. His eyes, she was aware, would always have a magnetic spell over her.
Wesker picked up her scarf from the bed and wrapped it around her neck for her. "I do not hate you. I hate what you do to me. Although, I suppose I enjoy it just the same."
Did she just hear right? Claire couldn't believe what he just admitted to her! This man, driven by hatred, did not hate her. Which was something both profound and oddly touching.
He played with her scarf, about to say something more, Claire hanging on what it could be, but the phone rang in the other room.
Wesker sighed, checking his watch. "Time to leave. I must finish this."
She nodded, suddenly depressed. "Yeah…"
Claire followed him out of the bedroom, stopping him at the door with her own confession before they could leave his quarters. "For what it's worth…Albert…I don't hate you either - at least not in the way that I should."
His hand hovered over the doorknob before he finally looked at her, and she couldn't decide if his new, strange expression was one of affection or regret...or both. "One day you will."
Claire was back to reeling in her own thoughts while traversing NEST to William's laboratory. Although her romp with Wesker in his bedroom helped relieve her stress from what she'd been through today, she was still conflicted and full of questions.
She was lost in this new area, so many hallways and doors, but Wesker obviously knew where he was going so stuck close to him. She wondered how big this underground facility actually was. There were multiple levels, as they passed by a massive vertical shaft with countless lights. She couldn't see to the top or bottom of the chamber.
The city's got to know about this…right?
They were nearing the end of a bright-lit white passageway where two armed guards were posted. Wesker came to a halt. She looked up at him, knowing it couldn't have been the guards that made him stop. They were guarding one of those high-tech automatic doors that only opened with those chipped wristbands, like most doors in this place. This door was a level three. Within her visits to NEST, Claire was able to deduce the higher the level, the more restricted it was. Most workers traversing this place tended to have a level two, but she had seen level threes as well. Claire peeked at Wesker's ID Wristband. It was level four. The only other people she had noticed with that level were William and Annette.
Wesker seemed to be contemplating something, sharp, intelligent eyes on the door ahead. Claire couldn't help but feel that maybe he was a little conflicted now, but maybe she was misreading from her own frazzled feelings.
"Listen to me, Claire. No matter what William asks you after I leave, do not answer him. Tell him I threatened you to keep quiet. He cannot know what I am doing. Understood?"
Claire was surprised. Why would Wesker keep all of this from William? Weren't they partners? Best friends? Like brothers? A bad feeling settled in her stomach.
If Wesker would go behind William's back of all people, what did that mean for her?
She barely nodded, feeling even more depressed than before. "I understand." But honestly, she didn't.
"Good," he said indifferently and walked ahead. She trailed behind him.
"Sir!" One guard said.
"Good evening, Dr. Wesker," greeted the other.
A doctor of what, exactly? Claire wondered again, recalling Sherry telling her that Wesker and William were "two of the best doctors for Umbrella".
The door automatically slid open after chiming to Wesker's bracelet. Claire stayed close, the door shutting right behind her as they entered the large laboratory. Claire took a quick look around. There were computers and lab equipment everywhere. There were rooms behind walls of glass. In one of them, there was a man walking around in a hazmat suit. Another person in a hazmat suit stopped just outside and got doused with sanitizer before entering the same room.
Annette wasn't far away, ordering a couple of researchers around, but soon caught sight of Wesker and Claire. She moved towards them, flats clicking loudly on the spotless floor, brows furrowing in indignation.
"Jesus Albert, what are you thinking? She can't be here!"
Claire let it roll over her. Annette had a point. This did not look like a place for a civilian.
"I'm thinking I do not have the time to waste with you, Anne. Where's Will?"
"In the back biolab," she huffed. "This better be important. We're at the brink of a substantial breakthrough…no thanks to your absences of late."
"Missing me in the lab that much, Anne? Don't tell Will. He'll be jealous."
Annette's nostrils flared as she inhaled deeply, composing herself. She dropped her hands in exasperation, half-rolling her eyes, and went back to her station. Claire followed Wesker through a corridor that led to another electronic door. This one was level four. The first she had seen. She read the title. Administrator? It chimed to Wesker's wristband like before and they entered a medium-sized laboratory that was even more advanced than the one they just came from. Quieter, too.
"Oh! Hi, Claire! Hi, Uncle Albert!"
Hearing Sherry's voice swiftly disbanded much of Claire's convoluted feelings and worries. The little girl bounded over from a connected room that was set up like a comfortable den. She practically tackled Claire in a hug. Grinning, Claire hugged her back.
"Hello, Sherry! How are you, sweetie?"
"Oh, I'm good. Just studying," she answered politely. She went right up to Wesker and hugged him, despite his attention being aimed towards another door in the back.
Sherry had no fear of Wesker, unlike most men, and for some reason that made Claire smile. Soon, William entered from the back room, but they weren't greeted by the eccentric researcher's typical shit-eating grin or wisecracks. He looked tired as usual, but mostly his expression was that of guarded anticipation, aimed at his partner.
Then Claire felt something between Wesker and William she'd never felt before. Tension.
What the hell was taking Al so long?
William checked his watch again, rapidly tapping the pen on his notes as he waited for the computer to run diagnostics on the cooled embryos. He jotted down some quick equations in case the scans came out similar to the last batch.
Albert had called him earlier today informing him that Roth had taken Claire as suspected, and that he would take care of the bastard once he called him for negotiations. The email from Albert he recently received was sent from his personal quarters here in NEST. Which meant Roth had met his end tonight. William was relieved. One less threat to worry about, and his research would be safe.
Still, William wondered what was taking his partner so long to get here from his room. They had a lot to discuss now that Roth was dead.
Then he was alerted that someone had entered his lab. Surely, that was Al. Or perhaps it was Anne coming to bother him again. William left the computer be. The tests would continue for nearly another hour and would continue to record and log any changes.
When Will stepped out from the testing room back into the center of the biolab, he spotted Al and he wasn't alone. Claire was with him.
Of course. Now it makes sense. Silly me. His partner was clearly obsessed with the girl at this point.
Sherry had already greeted them, staring up at Claire and Albert as though she idolized them. William gave his daughter a pat on the shoulder after registering his partner's distinct look of business. Something must've happened.
"Sherry, honey, why don't you go back to your studies? The grown-ups need to talk."
"Okay, Daddy," Sherry answered, although she was clearly disappointed.
Claire watched his daughter return to the attached room alone with a frown, but remained at Albert's side. The redhead looked like she had been through a lot. Which could only mean that Roth and his associate were wiped from existence painfully, as possessive as Al was of her.
"So how'd it go? How did you kill the bastard? Did you get my research back? What about Ada?"
William immediately felt Albert's mood change, could sense what was coming before he even spoke. Deflection. Evasion. Even detachment…towards him. What the hell?
"There's been a change of plans, Will. I've made a deal with Roth and now I must go effectuate it. Claire will stay here with you. Make sure you take care of her."
Albert might as well have punched him in the gut. William was taken aback, gawking at his partner, his brain stumbling on if he actually heard him correctly. His chest though. God, it suddenly hurt, as though someone had driven a sickle between his upper ribs.
"You shouldn't disillusion yourself, my boy. You're better than that. Albert doesn't care about you. He only uses you. It's his nature. Don't feel bad for doing this." Spencer's voice rang in his head.
"What?! You didn't kill him? Y-You're working with him?!"
This was not what they had planned together or agreed to. Albert had just undermined him, just went behind his back. In all their years together, there were times they had overturned each other or their plans, but never to this extent. Not in a way that would hurt the other.
William felt sick to his stomach. The feeling in his chest hurt more than any physical wound he had ever received. Jesus, was Spencer right? Were Annette and Sergei right? Anyone who had ever told him that Albert was only using him right? His deepest, darkest fears seized in his chest. No…no, no, no, no. It just couldn't be true. There had to be an explanation.
You keep secrets from him, too. You're just as bad…
That wasn't the same though! Sure, William knew Albert's true past…about his parents, about his childhood, the Wesker Children eugenics. He knew about the Prototype Virus…the one Spencer trusted William himself to perfect just for Albert. He even knew the truth about Anezka now. But William kept all those things from Albert to protect him…right?
Albert's brows furrowed at Will's outburst, as though he had overreacted to his news. No. He probably saw right through William's angry front to the conflictions inside. "Contain yourself, Will. I will be back shortly."
"What, 'the grown-ups need to talk', Al?" William snarked.
Albert snatched William up by his shirt collar, threatening to lift him right off the floor like nothing. "William…" A warning.
"It was the one thing I asked of you in this whole fucking thing," Will snapped. "You know why I want him dead! He stole my research years ago, you know which one, and sold it to Alexia. He's a leftover spy for the Ashfords. You can have his damn network. I just want him dead!"
Albert sighed, frowning. He dropped William and turned away. "I'm afraid I cannot do that right now, old friend."
Will fixed his collar with a grimace. "You ain't afraid of anything, Albert. You're just going to get your way like you always do." He looked at Claire, who was quite uncomfortable stuck in the middle of this. "Just like with her."
Albert left without another word. William felt better for having gotten the last word. He and Claire exchanged glum looks. He wanted to hound her with questions next, but knew better.
Honestly, William didn't feel any better after getting the last word. He still felt…gutted.
He lowered his eyes from her, clearing his throat. "Sherry! Keep Claire company…Daddy's got to…work." Yeah…work…
But when he returned to the testing room alone, shambling over to the computer still running scans, notes open and ready, he could not find solace in his own work as he usually did.
The den area looked like it came from a normal house, if one ignored the lack of a wall that led straight into a sophisticated laboratory. There was a daybed and a couple of sofas with a table, even a small kitchenette area and a restroom.
Claire sat with Sherry on a sofa. The girl had tried to finish her studying, but after Wesker left and her father retreated into the back room, the girl had excitedly gotten distracted with Claire.
The younger Redfield was thankful for her own distraction with Sherry, after all she had been through today. They talked about a variety of topics, and Claire made sure to give Sherry her complete undivided attention since she seemed to crave such interaction. Still, the way Wesker and William left things bothered her and she eventually caved.
"And he told me I was weird for not liking pizza! Is it really such a big deal if you don't like pizza?"
Claire smiled softly. "I'm not a fan of pizza, either. I'm more of a burger gal myself." She paused, thinking her words over carefully. "Say Sherry…was that normal? Between Albert and your dad, I mean. Do they fight like that often?"
Sherry glanced over to where they had argued nearly an hour ago, and shrugged almost like it wasn't a big deal. "They bicker like a mommy and daddy do a lot. But…Daddy did seem extra upset this time…" She chewed at her lip for a moment before adding quickly, "I'm sure they'll make up."
Sherry goes through enough as it is. Don't give her something else to stress about!
Claire beamed. "Of course they will!" She petted Sherry's head in reassurance.
The young girl's short blonde hair was so soft. Her smile was the sweetest. There was no denying this strange, fateful bond between them. A little sister or a daughter-like bond that Claire couldn't quite explain.
"Hey, you wanna play a game? There's a deck of cards here somewhere."
"Sure."
The girl got up to search for the cards in one of the drawers in the kitchenette area. Claire smiled at her back as she bounced happily around.
"I can tell you like Uncle Albert a lot more now than when we first met!"
Claire blushed, about to deny it on the spot, but stopped herself. Sherry had good instincts. She shouldn't discourage that.
"Yeah…I suppose I do."
"You even smell sorta like him now!"
Claire's eyes widened watching Sherry innocently dig through a drawer. On reflex, Claire brushed herself off, as if that would purify her.
Sherry found the cards and skipped back to the couch, plopping down right next to Claire. Just as she started shuffling the deck, the young girl looked up at her with a starry gaze and bright smile.
"Uncle Albert's so in love with you! I think he wants to marry you!"
Okay, maybe the girl's instincts weren't that great. But before Claire could refute it, the electronic door chimed and opened. Voices echoed into the lab.
Was Wesker back already?
"He should be out in a moment. It's not like you to show up like this out of the blue. Is everything alright?" That was Annette.
When Annette came into view she had a woman with her. Sherry gasped beside her, and quite frankly, Claire didn't blame her. The woman was gorgeous. She looked like a model or a celebrity, dressed in a nearly all white suit and heels. She had short blonde hair and light blue eyes. Her face was porcelain perfect, red lipstick matching her nails and expensive diamond earrings.
The way Annette had addressed her made it sound like the woman was a superior of sorts.
"Nothing to worry about, Annie! Just in to visit. It is Christmas after all," the woman replied in a silky smooth voice.
"Who is she?" Claire whispered.
"That's Alex!" Sherry answered in hushed awe. "She's Uncle Albert's sister!"
Oh, great…
Of course she was. She could see the resemblance now…
Sherry got up and scampered over to the women just as Annette replied, "Right…"
"Hello, Aunt Alex! You look so beautiful!"
Alex smiled at the girl. "Oh my, look how much you've grown! Come here, darling!"
"Sherry, sweetie, don't bother Alex so much, alright? She's here to speak with your father."
"She's fine, Annie."
Claire emerged as well, wanting to get a better look. Annette was about to leave and caught sight of her. The look she gave Claire was a strange one, and she hesitated, glancing at Alex, and then shook her head and left. That's when Claire noticed the strange guards now at the door, dressed all in black, the letters U.S.S on their chests. They must've been with Alex.
Definitely someone higher up for sure.
Alex noticed Claire after Sherry stepped back, still beaming up at the woman. Her blue eyes were shrewd, crafty, they even had the same darkness to them that her brother's did. Her smirk was quite similar to his as well. The older woman approached her, heels clicking on the tiled floor. She was a tall, slim woman. Despite her air of importance and superiority, Claire wasn't fazed.
"Well now. Aren't you a lovely little thing? No wonder my brother has his claws hooked deep in you."
She knew who she was?
Alex must've read her mind, eyes twinkling. "Albert speaks highly of you, darling. He doesn't do that often, so you must be quite special."
Claire wasn't sure how to answer to that, her heart doing a weird flip learning that Wesker bragged about her to his sister. She could only imagine how much he had shared…
"Forgive me, where are my manners?" Wesker's sister purred. "I'm Alex Wesker. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Claire." The older woman offered her hand with a professional smile tinged with guile and cunning. She put up a suave, amiable front, but Claire sensed devil horns holding up her halo. She was just like her brother…
Claire gave her a strong handshake, not missing a beat. "If you're anything like your brother then I'm afraid the feeling isn't mutual."
Alex smirked, delighted. "Darling, if you think my brother is bad, you haven't seen anything yet. I'm superior to everyone here." She squeezed Claire's hand tighter. "Be grateful Albert thinks you are worthy of his affection."
Claire glared at her, but was interrupted by another voice. William. He had snuck up on them. "Careful, Alex. Al's quite possessive of her."
"I know," Alex answered without looking away from Claire. "I can see why."
She pulled her hand away, finally turning to Birkin as the chief researcher approached. William still looked upset from when Wesker left, even disoriented.
"Will, darling, we need to talk."
"Yeah…we do. This way."
The look Alex gave Claire before following after William wasn't as spiteful as she had expected. More so, it was of mischievous curiosity. Alex waved them off with her fingers and accompanied William into the back room. Claire exchanged an unsure look with Sherry.
She had just met Albert's sister…but Claire had a gnawing feeling in her chest that it would be far from the last time they would bid their adieus.
The back testing room was quiet, a little disorganized. He hadn't got much work done after his quarrel with Albert. Ok, more like no work done…William shut the door behind them after holding it open for his best friend's "sister". Alex looked around curiously, but soon her gaze went straight to the surveillance footage in the corner, showing Claire and Sherry back in the lounge.
"She's young…like Anna was. Has the same fire in her, too. Rebellious, steadfast, sassy." Alex turned to look at him with a half-smile. "I like her already."
William, still upset, crossed his arms and moved closer, sniffling and nodding. "Oh yeah…yeah Al really likes her, too. Can't keep his damn hands off of her, among other things...You think he'll knock her up and have her running for the hills like Anna or am I overthinking here?"
Alex frowned. "My, my, you're in quite a mood, hun! Fine, I did promise an explanation. Although I did have my hopes set on catching up a little first."
William rubbed his arms. "Sorry, I'm just…well, it's been a bad day." He decided to keep what happened to himself. Alex may have been his close friend and ally, but she would likely defend Albert over him. Besides, they had a more pressing matter to discuss.
"What Spencer said was true. Anezka…got pregnant. Spencer found out and summoned her. He tried to bribe her. Money, her dream position, a nice transfer…all so he could get his hands on that baby, to continue the eugenics project with Albert's genetics since he himself cannot control his prized specimen."
"But…she didn't take it. She fled. Where? How?"
Alex sighed, leaning up against a table, taking a moment to consider her words, her eyes watching Claire once more. "I helped her."
Will grunted, treading closer. "What? You?!"
She laughed softly. "Don't act so surprised." Then frowned. "I hated her. I wanted rid of her…but at the same time, I wanted her to be free. I saw myself in her. I couldn't allow Spencer to have something of Albert's. In a way, Anna stole what was supposed to be mine…my birthright, and I felt I had to save her…save her unborn."
"Where did she go?"
"Sorry, darling…I don't know. And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you." Her expression was one of resolution, although a sad one. "I did it to protect Albert and I stand by it to this day. I protected them as well. I don't even know if she had a boy or a girl, but it doesn't matter. That child should've been mine."
Alex coughed. William fidgeted as she had a small fit until she withdrew an inhaler and puffed. She groaned, clenching the inhaler in her pale fingers, glaring down at it with malice. "This damned disease! Both my savior and my curse." She closed her eyes tight. William had never seen her break her well-fortified composure. "I was just like Albert. I had the synthetic memories and all the conditioning. I thought my life was something it wasn't. I thought I was in control, that my choices were mine. Then I got sick and I learned the truth. Spencer was going to use me as…" she hissed, desperate to throw the inhaler but couldn't do it. She relied on it to breathe, to live. "I'm so much more than his breeding bitch!" She took a deep breath, almost having another fit, and calmed herself. "I was the star of that project, but I guess Spencer found another use for me as his right hand only after I was of no use to him via propagation. Even the Prototype Virus didn't cure me."
"You're lucky it didn't kill you like the rest," William declared.
"I wouldn't say lucky…but I suppose you're right." Again, Alex's eyes flicked to the surveillance cameras to watch Claire. "I'm better off where I am today than twenty years ago, when I was enlightened to the truth. Though, I have to admit, part of me often wonders what Albert and I could've created towards a superior human race."
She had meant it in both a scientific and personal manner. Her love for Albert was a complicated, twisted one. Mostly as a sister, but she still clung to what Spencer had drilled into her head for all those years. His influence, control, and indoctrination weren't forces that one could be completely cleansed of. William could only imagine her internal struggles, and yet she was one of the strongest people he knew.
It ate at him some days…that he couldn't tell Albert the truth. But Alex told him years ago what it would do to him, and he knew she was right. It would destroy him if he found out his life was a lie, that he wasn't as in control as he thought he was. The puppet-master finding out he was a puppet never ended well…for anyone. It was the only way to keep him safe…for now.
William and Alex both knew that Albert's mind continually was breaking down the implanted memories and brainwashing. The severe headaches he was plagued with forewarned it was only a matter of time before he'd figure it out on his own. Spencer may have successfully created and molded Albert to his vision, but then underestimated him and now had a monster he couldn't control. There was no way to stabilize what they had done to Albert's mind as a child without risking exposure. Now the Lord had entrusted William to enhance the Prototype Virus to gain complete control over his prized asset before any of that happened…
Alex knew about Spencer's plan with the Prototype Virus and was helping William prevent it, although he wasn't sure if she had known about Lord Spencer's recent proposition for him and dared not bring it up…
"We should at least tell Albert the truth about Anna. He deserves to know," William suggested.
Alex shot him a glare, standing up straight. "And how do you suppose that will play out? Do you think Albert will just accept it and let it go? No. He'll dig and possibly find out more than he should and I can't have that. I'm protecting him. I'm protecting Anna. Mostly, I'm protecting Albert's offspring. No good would come of it."
"What about Claire?"
Alex glanced up at the surveillance video again. "It's serious. Albert isn't going to let this one go. We cannot let Spencer find out about her, or it will be Anna all over again."
William slowly nodded, lowering his eyes. Alex walked over to him, cupping his face in her hands, her blue eyes concerned, his heart banging around in his ribcage at her closeness.
"You're so down, darling! I don't like seeing you this way! Talk to me."
He couldn't tell her his worries over Albert, so he deflected with another regret that always ate at him. "I just…hate that we can't tell him the truth."
Alex sighed. "We will. One day. Just stabilize the Prototype Virus. Then we will destroy Spencer and tell him everything."
The thing about "one day" though was that one day it would be too late…
A/N: Phewwwww. That was the longest chapter yet! And so much going on within it! It was nice to finally introduce Alex into the fray, I've been wanting to try my hand at writing her for some time now hehe! Only a handful of chapters remain, how will it all play out? ;)
I want to thank all of you lovely readers for your continued support of this story! It means so much! Until next time, take care and be kind!