Nothing In This World (Bodyguard 1992)

by Corey Gould

It's a retelling of 1992's Bodyguard, with a dystopian component added. Aside from the love/lifestyle element, the story is self-contained and takes on a Hunger Games character; from a different perspective. It contains elements of comedy and tragedy. The threat to Rachel increases. The main characters differ in essence from those in the movie. The scene of the action is now UK.

1. Queen of the Night

««« Note »»»

# The story is based on The Bodyguard (1992) and is therefore labeled fanfiction. I'm editing the screenplay here (including scenes not in the movie) and have no rights to it, including the original characters. I only own the authorship rights to the parts of the story that I added. The scenes I include here are events that I have customized.

# I'm not a native English speaker, but I want to improve my language skills while working on the story.

# I'm taking different approaches and am unsure of the effect on the reader, so I am willing to make changes.

# Is it good to separate literal speech between American and British English? I consider the item more appropriate for movies. Instead, I will only include typical British words in the verbatim speech. This is of course not optimal, but this is a site with significantly more US visitors. Nonetheless, Britons are also coming and in some scenes the contradiction between the US and the UK is significant.

# The characters have changed a lot, there are clear differences to the movie here and in the overall story.

# A few words are made up. But the most unknown words (to one or the other) exist in the Merriam-Webster.

# I got confused with the structuring, which is why I lost a lot of time. The first chapter now stays the same, except to fix bugs. Or if anyone can suggest a good idea. Otherwise I will now attach the second chapter.

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Prolog

There is not much room to lose control down the line. The vocalist always has it in the back of her mind. Rachel has to hold on to what she has accomplished. So, when crowds press too close to the Queen of the Night, sending shivers down her spine, she tries to stay focused. But there is no one to stop her now. When Rachel Marron arrives at the charity event, she causes as much chaos as security can handle. Her popularity with the media has turned the spotlight into a trap. She may have money and an education, but someway, Rachel still appears like a kid in a fairy tale. People she has never seen twice are joining in now and asking questions she does not want to answer. The sultry air that evening did not aid in calming the agitated minds. The jostling and screaming crowd overwhelms the security staff. Hands reach out to touch the Queen of the Night, but she remains unattainable and glorious. So many devotees contribute with flowers or bantam-sized gifts. The pack is keen. An impromptu chorus in the audience keeps shouting: «Rachel! Rachel! Rachel!»

Overwhelming how alacritous people fall under her spell. In particular, since she lost track of who she is in her feelings. But for some reason, they love her anyway. They are all puzzled about why their lives suffer so empty. Leastways, until Rachel gets within touching reach of them. Even now, she is aware that everything in this world is transient. Even the things related to permanence, like the sun and the stars, are not from eternity. Sometime in what is to come, they will disappear. What remains when the inmost is gone? For a while, one still remembers the former splendor of the star. But why should anyone show interest in a soul so wounded and extended in its pain to its core?

Marc Jordan, her companion, smiles and greets the audience. He appears fresh and aloof, even though he has eyes for the crowd and media. But this couple is anything but ordinary. Marc works his ass off to keep Rachel under control and maintain the mystique of their private lives.

Those unfamiliar with the contemporary music scene may form the wrong impression. Marc may have achieved greater fame than being the face that appears to come in style alongside Rachel. At least, that is what the words of others suggest. Marc knows to dress up for success. He may appear to be flawless in a double-breasted suit. Smiling and waving, he stands next to Rachel. She wears shimmering silks. The picture finds its synergy in fine jewelry in a modern style. Golden chokers and diamond-encrusted pendants. The King and Queen of PopArts or Majesties of the bashments. His lean body has garnered Marc the admiration of other celebrities. Marc Jordan may appear more often in interviews or magazines because Rachel puts a spotlight on him. It has been quite some time now, and it will be almost (unnecessary to discuss it) to continue to do so in the future.

They both enjoy the worship. Of course, Rachel still finds it thrilling. No matter how famous she becomes, she will admit that part of her misses being ordinary.

Blinding flashes paint a hazy depiction of what lies ahead at the highest levels of security. One glimpse of the glittering array of guests at the entrance! Another glance at the crowd. There are lights everywhere. Everyone moves with purpose toward a vast center of convivial attention. Arms stretch upward, fingers pointing skyward as if greeting some angels.

By the narrowest of margins, media representatives are less intrusive than fans. Microphones and cameras encircle the famous singer. Some smile; some chuckle; others stare wide-eyed, hanging on to every word and move. These are journalists trying to write headlines. A sky-high promoted and anticipated Lollapalooza draws on with great excitement and suspense. This nocturne event promises to be a successful barn burner.

At the heart of it all, there is a brief moment where the collective flow slows down. Rachel pauses in front of an image of herself. She is posing between men holding spears and women wearing crowns. That was one of the items that popped up in some tabloid magazines after the Golden Globe last year. A bidding war began over which fan would purchase such a piece of history, later with whom else among them.

The entourage follows Rachel on a taster track and surrounds the pop star. And Ashley, the seven-year-aged daughter, is not at ease. The overwhelming majority of the wowed audience rarely sees the object of their devotion. Everyone can stare at Rachel and wish her good luck and success. Yet something makes her pause before going forward again. Something nags at her. The voices and faces become more insistent all of a sudden. Not able to escape them, she stares at them in awe. Rachel focuses her gaze around the sea of eyes. She closes her own eyes for a moment, seeking relief.

The pop star thinks about Nicki. She has not seen her sister for a while. If there is any silver lining to her current situation, it might be that she is bonding with her sister. In particular, after spending so much time apart. But the relationship between the sibs is critical.

While Rachel greets them with emotion, she reciprocates their feelings toward her. Ashley entwines herself with her mother. Their family bonds, even this little personal connection, are vital to their mental well-being. She gazes, losing her heart, at her daughter. The little lass eyes light up with joy. The adventure was about to begin. Many do not understand what their public personas are like in truth. No one can put himself in the shoes of another. No one understands Rachel without living her life. Ashley champs at the little hugs and squeezes her mom heartfelt. In social media posts, fans call this first public kiss: "happy-go-lucky."

By the way, various entourage members of the famous singer accept a few gifts. That is little more a gesture to our Queen of the Night than anything else. A security guard receives one of these gifts. In no time, it passes into the hands of the speechless manager of the Queen. No one else can notice. Bill Devaney grabs the black doll, not expecting it, and scans the inscription: Rachel, we love you.

Belittled tokens of affection from fans get lost amid the hustle and bustle of the dressing room. Flowers, greeting cards, and other presents piled hit or miss on a corner table. A team of helpers unloads all that crap. Things that strayed across various chairs in a cramped space are no longer of interest. Those people, however, leave nothing behind. Among the items discovered in the garbage is the same half-sized doll meant to represent Rachel. But this is unrecognizable unless someone points it out. If anyone does see the dolly, they might never mention it; it is unbelievable that this could be the Queen of the Night.

Inside the building, some things are unusual for Rachel. At least, it never was before she was in the US. «Everything is full of soldiers here!» is to hear what the Queen of the Night says. She turns to Marc, a little worried. «I do not know why!» he retorts perforce. «The Prime Minister is coming!» Bill Devaney overheard the exchange of words between the two. «Extra because of you. He wants to hear you sing for the first time since you returned.»

Ashley is now in the arms of Octavia, Rachel's personal assistant. «Caution! It's hot and greasy!» booms a voice. Some people startle and jump aside to open a path for two soldiers making their way through, crowd-crashing. While the female officer wears an emerald gray beret, the male officer pulls a military cap low over his face. «I didn't think that would work, Major.» The woman is enjoying the spectacle. «Oh, yes! Before, I shouted, 'Careful! Woman with child!' Didn't interest any of these antisocial ballast existences.»

The two soldiers are not far from the star of tonight. Rachel can hear them but only catch sight of their backs. «Who is actually supposed to perform that Gabriel Morgan is coming for that?» The woman wants to know. The major doesn't care that much, cold, he states, to Rachel's annoyance, «Some kind of rapper!» The singer's facial expression fast becomes threatening, and she presses her lips together.

At that very moment, the major turns around. Rachel still can't see his face because of the cap. The soldier notices her. Nothing suggests that he recognizes her as a famous singer. As for his look, which she lynx-eyed him, there is no doubt. The soldier knows Rachel is looking at him. Fast, he turns around. The Major looks in the opposite direction. Mayhaps he is checking what Rachel could spot behind him with so much attention. But there isn't much to see, the wall, decoration, and an almost closed double door. He turns his attention to Rachel again. Like mad, he checks her actions and turns his back on her again to chat with the other officer.

The Major continues and explains, «By the way, be a sweetie second lieutenant and make sure those 'MC Serenader & the fury bruvs from the endz' get to the stage door in time.» The woman giggles in a mean manner, «I'll be happy to do it for you!» Rachel begins to move her lower jaw in annoyance.

«Thanks, that's why you're my favorite second lieutenant!» The Major ripostes. But the woman is not impressed, «Sir, I'm the only second lieutenant in your command!» The Major now eagle eyes her in surprise and returns in a playful mood, «But that doesn't mean I like you any less.»

«Where do you want to go?» The Major yells at a terrified man who tries to enter the door adjacent to the troops.

«Firing Squad or Hanging?» Loud-voiced, the female soldier tackles him with a few words. Some surrounding guests turn to the conversation and accompany it with irritated looks. «To ... the ... toilets!» The interviewee stutters. The Major first considers the answer with a mean laugh. «Toilets? Someone made a nasty joke about you. Here are the executions.» When the man, distraught, ducks away, the two military officers begin to carol in unison and soft-voiced: «Always look on the bright side of life!»Then they continue to whistle the music together.

Rachel and Marc glare at each other in irritation and turn back to the military officers. A double door opens; the bomb disposal squad has completed its last check and leaves the room.

The Major addresses those who are waiting in a loud voice. «Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention! To the crucifixions this way!» He points to the now-opened door while the second lieutenant grins with malicious intentions again. «Out of the door. The line on the left. One cross each.»

It's a good thing as ushers take control as the Major strikes terror into the pack. Rachel has generally felt a bit alien since her return. People don't react warring toward soldiers, but somehow, like startled chickens, they do. Even as Rachel dismisses the Squaddie's comments as macabre, it seems to spook Londoners around her. It wasn't like that in the past.

Rachel catches a glimpse of the Major's face as she walks by. Because he's on a little pedestal, she can unwrap a little of his face from behind his peaked cap.

While the countenance continues to fall in shadow by his cap, something irritates the singer that strikes Rachel as odd. Her expression may be in excess irritated because the Major implies in a gruff voice: «What are you looking at?» He chastises her in a nippy tone, «Are you looking for trouble?» As Rachel turns strong away, the soldier starts to move his jaw back and forth.

«What's going on here?» Rachel turns with might and main to Marc. «The military acts like they've taken over. That soldier barked at me like he was going to bite me.» Mark worries about how the media will interpret Rachel's concerned behavior. After all, there's a chance they'll think they're both arguing. He smiles and puts his arm around Rachel. «There are people who believe that too!» Marc whispers to the singer. But Ashley interrupts him. «My mommy can walk alone!» She is furious with him.

But the little face is already brightening up with joy. «Grandfather!» A man in a Royal Navy uniform walks conscious-wise towards them. Ashley wants his arm immediately. Vice Admiral Marron explains in a flash, even as he meets Rachel. «There was an attack in Liverpool. The Secretary of Defense at close range escaped.»

«Is that the reason for the military here?» Rachel inquires as she affords a view around. The pop sensation now ogles this mean Squaddie strolling through the hall, alone this time. Carl Marron follows his daughter's gaze, «I have to talk to him for a moment!» And he turns away, still carrying Ashley in his arms.

«Major!» He stops the Squaddie not far from the others. Carl Marron smiles as he announces, «Guess who's performing today.» But he only gets the derogatory answer, forced out with a nasty undertone. «MC Ghetto Blaster performs its intonation. You think I'm looking forward to it?» The vice admiral is perplexed and eyes Rachel, who appears to have overheard everything. The vice admiral tries it the other way now, «May I introduce you to my daughter?» The Major shakes Ashley's hand and takes it for granted: «Nice to meet you!» Ashley grins and gets hold of his hand. Her grandfather, on the other hand, reacts, «Nonsense, Major! That's my granddaughter. You may realize Missis Marron can no longer have such a young daughter.» Rachel irritates by the Major's cheeky reply to the Vice Admiral.

The Major gives air to the words, «Sir, to be honest. That's exactly why I started asking myself uncomfortable questions.»

But a radio call leads the Major backstage. A little later comes the moment for Rachel to prepare for her performance.

Tensions flare when the helping team begins dismantling pieces of furniture that form the perimeter of the sitting area. We talk about a range of expensive-looking sofas, some ottomans, and small coffee tables. The cleaning staff put garbage in bags. When a sudden detonation devastates the room, the Babylonian babble of voices prevails.

The explosive detonated in the distance. Right before the magnificent adagio finale of the onstage performance from Rachel. More explosions occur during other downtown festivities. London Town, Albertopolis, and others. The crime trends are comparable. Shock and panic give way to screams out of fear rather than pain. Other than the noise, there is no genuine danger. Shrapnel rains through the air and hits the chauffeur of the vocalist. Thank heavens, he is a little bruised but shaken by the blast. Nobody has suffered significant harm. Therefore there is no reason to feel afraid. It was like a stroke of luck; once a few puffs of smoke cleared, everyone realized they were all still alive.

Chapter 1—Queen of the Night

Nobody had ever mentioned how loud silence sounds. Neighter how it fills the air like a heavy fog hanging in the wind. On this sunny day towards the end of June, the bright light shines through the few clouds in the sky. The wayfarer tends to hear everything and nil at one and the same time. He experiences both: Overwhelmed and comforted by the silence. His thoughts wander, and he becomes aware of a deep inner peace. A fresh sea breeze diffuses a peaceful atmosphere. The surrounding high walls of property and gates keep everything safe and secure. That is how it is right now. Lush and colorful gardens are everywhere, and the lawns are master-like trimmed. Looks like a perfect day to walk along the beach or sit and enjoy the view.

But that is not what the sun-haired man means while he stands in front of the gate. At first, he grimaces as he inspects the mechanism that opens the main portcullis facing the street.

The man stands like a sentinel. With arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He observes the sights with a careful eye. Listens to the sounds of his surroundings same time. So it becomes evident that he finds the beauty and tranquility of the setting relaxing.

That moment of deep contemplation, then he turns his eyes to the gate. All clear that he knows his destination. The wanderer places his index finger on his lower lip in awe. He wonders from which distant planet this strange technology could have come. His emotions give way to a grin that attempts to express the most brutal mockery.

The outsider reaches between the bars from the street side and removes a part of the cover from the engine. He pulls a combat knife from his belt at his back, hitherto hidden from a long shirt worn open instead of a jacket. The gate mechanism activates when he uses the metal blade to bypass the flow of electricity. It must click twice. A rattling sounds right now. The gate shakes and opens more or less until the visitor breaks contact. So he gains access to the property, accompanied by two gray wolves. Thereupon he closes the gate again.

It is as if this wanderer has a special relationship with the animals and is close to them. He continues on his path up in a breeze. He reaches a eudaimonic state, which disappears again like greased lightning. He pauses for a moment and returns his gaze to the gate. The man reflects on the level of security before proceeding to a small area.

As he wanders through the estate, the visitor can't refrain from marveling at the beauty and simplicity of this mansion. The property transforms into an idyllic haven of tranquility. That makes it hard to believe we are still in turbulent London. Yeah, London in the UK we are talking about, not Ontario or Kentucky.

Almost appears like Sleeping Beauty castle right now, given how slumbering it is. As he approaches the busy main building, it becomes clear, as it often does, that tranquility can be deceiving.

At some point, at least one gardener looks at him. Without a doubt, because of the two enormous animals. The gardener thinks these are malamutes. They surround the visitor like loyal companions but inspire little trust in the worker. He has never seen dogs with such long legs and wonders if they are wolves. The fella examines their body language to determine that they were well fed. The wolves approach him sky-high.

«Greetings, hardworking proletarian! Dáithí Ó Conaill is my name. Rachel Marron, can I find her where?»

The visitor approaches the gardener with great enthusiasm. His voice echoes and penetrates the silence of a tiny forest but does not change the expression on the other person's face.

«You are by all odds a Northerner,» replies the still-puzzled gardener.

«Rachel Marron is in the main structure. By and large, follow the wide path.» The gardener explains in apprehension because of the two predators.

A little black girl plays among the trees, her long, wavy locks cascading down her back. She is full of curiosity and, as it is easy to guess, has a passion for exploration. The child lays his eyes on the visitor in surprise and seems intrigued by the unknown. Her glowing face defines the thirst for a quest. His aura is benevolence. The girl can't stop laughing at the outsider's presence. The girl knows that here, in this place, she is safe and can explore to her heart's content. Her glowing face is a testament to her spirit of adventure. As she lets her gaze drift toward the wolves, the shy girl responds with a smile. John Doe eyes the girl and asks, «Hey, little one, who are you?»

«My name is Ashley,» she explains, with good manners.

«Do you live around here?» He wishes to know and understand more.

«My mom and me, and who are you?» forsooth, she responds.

«Seamus Twomey, I am your mother's nephew,» he utters while eyeballs dart in all directions.

Ashley examines him with a touch of suspicion. Now she grins and inquires, «Is that true?»

«I'm your cousin, little chocolate maid,» tells the visitor. Ashley's eyes widen in surprise, and her mouth forms an 'o' in disbelief. She can not believe it. In truth, the visitant is her cousin? She has never seen him before. The man appears so different from the people she, as a rule, saws in her family.

The girl asks, full of amusement: «Why have I not seen you before? What brings you out this way?»

In response, the visitor filled up with sadness. «You might be the one I can speak to about this,» he begins, reciting his story.

«You know, little belle? It was so embarrassing for our clan because I aspect so different. That is why they kept me confined in an iron mask for years.» The worried drop-in keeps reporting in an anxious voice. «I resided in the basement of our grandparents' home in Dover.» Ashley peers sideways at her new companion. Her cousin appears harmless down on the ground.

So she inquires, «Do you know who my grandparents are?»

He states, «Sure, Vice Admiral Carl Marron, our granny's name is Lois.»

Ashley widens her eyes, and her mouth stays open in shock. «You know them!»

A stunned Ashley hypes up to hear his story and realizes how lucky she is to have him as part of her family. The mysterious individual persists in expressing his narrative. Ashley pays intent attention to every word he utters. As time passes, the respect of the girl for her relative increases. Despite all the pain he has gone through, he still attempts to do the right thing. From this moment on, Ashley believes she has a friendship that will never fail.

He invites, «Would you like to ride one of the wolves?» As the young lassie's eyes sparkle with anticipation, he already knows the answer.

To a great extent skeptical, Ashley put through the wringer: «Is that possible?»

He soothes her, phrasing: «They are pretty tame! Leastwise, so long as I want them to be, little one.» Ashley nods, her eyes wide with amazement. Except in fairy tales, she has never seen or heard of a tame beast before that can be used to ride. The girl admires her alleged relative, who has conquered both: the wolves and his situation.

Ashley understands that despite the hardships of life, it is still possible to find hope and courage. As if approaching over thin ice, she gets closer to the wolves. Though both predators give her a curious glance, they show no aggressive behavior.

Much like a husky, from time to time, outlying color isn't always working to its advantage. Wolf's appearance scares Ashley. Not much! Because her cousin stands by. But yes, to a certain extent, it does. The grains on their faces give them a dangerous expression. There are all these fairy tales about atrocious wolves. But above all, the wolves look a lot bigger for a seven-year-old. The full-grown gets scared too.

The caller nestles the child on the back of one of the majestic wolves. Her cousin gives Ashley some warning words. «Always keep the wolf by the hair in the neck.» Without haste, move the wolves into line as the visitor passes by.

The little kid queries, «Do you see the other girl on the wolf?»

It is not clear to the visitor; he steps back and inquires, «What other girl?»

«Do you see how she follows in my footsteps?» The child points to her own shadow. «She follows me everywhere.»

The young man worries for her. «Is it normal that you are alone?»

«Yeah!» she agrees with a disappointed nod. Ashley then urges, with cheerful hope, «Would you stay with us?»

«No, I'm passing through,» he trailed off; with a laugh. «I have a meeting here with someone.»

«Who are you going to see? My mom?» Ashley put forward with hope.

The visitor remains immobilized at first. But he explains further, «Well, this will not be easy to prevent!» He is now curious about this astonishing little lady.

«My mom will like you,» she declares in a moony mood.

He laughs like a fake: «I doubt that!»

Ashley is a bit confused. But what did he mean by that? It sounds ominous. Instead, she delves into his life, «What is the name of the place where you live?»

Hesitated, the wanderer returns, «The City of Westminster. Have you heard?» His voice trails off.

«That is where the King lives!» she mentions with pride.

«Yes, I can see the palace from my house,» he notes.

The girl's voice bobs and weaves with interest as she wonders, «Do you have a nice place to live?»

The visitor considers her question for a moment. Before nodding in agreement and replying. «I suppose you could say that!»

Ashley swears she notices the faintest glimmer of a grin on his face. Yet his voice remains as level and even as ever: «I am sure that is true. I am quite content with it.»

The outsider talks about the park. Located right in front of the building he lives. Several consulates and embassies have made the area their residence. There is a second park nearby, which he calls King's Garden. «… A little further is a third park, bigger than King's Garden. Everything is close to me.» He talks about the many children who flock to its playground.

The question sits on the tip of her tongue: «Are there many children? I have no one to play with. No one to look after me. I'm often alone. There is only my mom. But she is busy all time. And if not? There are others! They take away my mom from me.» These words, Ashley spokes out with a hint of sadness and resignation.

Fate is heavy on her little shoulders. The stranger observes the child bottomless worried. Someone always tells her to sit down. Or that they can't spare time with her. She avers sad, «No need for me to even try.» Ashley, out of the blue, asks in a happy manner, «Do you want me to take you to meet my mom? I'm so feverish to show her I've tamed the wolf with this flutter!»

Following right on cue, he asks, «Where is our grandsire? Is he with my aunt?»

She grins from ear to ear and says, «Sure!»

«Well, let's go there!» His beaming smile conveys his anticipation. Then he adds, «I'm curious to see how your mother will react to me. It's conceivable she doesn't remember me if she hasn't told you about me.»

Excitement and anticipation fill her as she responds with big-time enthusiasm. «If you're kind and nice to her, she'll return the favor to you!»

«I bet she has done it a number of times on this one and that one.» He mocks, his cheesy smirk almost Cheshire cat-like. «All right! I know how to act in front of her!»

Ashley walks toward her destination, her heart in the right place. She experiences a strange feeling caused by his instinctive reaction. But the girl is through and through in the dark about what the stranger intends with his words. She knows her mother is somewhere in the mansion. This awareness triggers a deep longing for her mom's presence.

As Ashley and the wolves inch toward the majestic mansion, the limousine driver stops to wash it. His surprise plains to see as he surveyed them. «So Ashley, who is your running mate here?» He demands. The chauffeur's right hand protects a bandage. His countenance shifts from confused to distrustful.

Her view on the wolf, Ashley declares, «My cousin.»

Henry Dupres caught off guard. He looks in awe at the strange man standing before him.

The man turns to the driver and inquires, «My name is Joe Cahill, and can I ask what happened to that arm of yours?»

A moment of silence passes before the young black man responds. «A doll!» He explains with double meaning and an air of mystery when his voice fades away. Henry remains silent for quite a while now as he attempts to make sense of the bizarre circumstances. He asks the girl, «Does your mother have siblings?»

«A sister!» Ashley exclaims in a sudden surge of enthusiasm.

Yet Henry is not content to let the conversation drift away. He needs more answers to confirm his suspicions. His tone is careful as he continues, «And… does your aunt look more like your mother or more… like your cousin?»

«What does it matter? I have never seen her. I know she lives in France, married to a white crapaud,» says the little girl.

«How did you learn that word?» Henry flabbergasts.

Ashley responds without attaching much importance to the matter, «From mom!»

Henry is willing to use all his knowledge of French to get to the bottom of this matter once and for all and says stuttering, «Parlez-vous… français?»

The visitor amuses, «Bien sur sieur. Extrêmement bien, en fait, comme ma langue maternelle. Et où as-tu appris le français?» Ashley beams at assumed kin.

Meanwhile, Henry appears marooned, «Sorry, I don't understand. Those two words are all I can say in French.»

Neither can think about the obvious! Why did the stranger introduce himself with an Irish name? With Ashley, that's clear! She doesn't care at all and wants to believe that her cousin will always be there for her from now on. Henry, however, thinks too complicated. He ponders whether his boss's sister could have a blond child with blue eyes because she married a white man. Henry doesn't know Ashley's aunt. He doesn't know that Nicki isn't that much older than Rachel.

The main structure has clear architectural elements of a Spanish alcazar. There is no similar building in the entire neighborhood. It may seem out of place in England, but it blends without offense into the garden landscape on this brilliant summer's day. They make it to their destination, the grand entrance, where they welcome the housekeeper, Emma. Ashley takes the opportunity to ask her about her mother. But Emma takes a step back, hits like a ton of bricks, and the skivvy sees the wolves advancing her way. Emma gets caught off guard when she finds Ashley has tame these wild beasts. It's something Emmy has never seen before in all her being. She fills up with awe at the sight of the majestic beasts, her eyes wide and her heart pounding. Unanticipated though his arrival may is, the visitor declares his name with assurance. «My name is Billy McKee. I am here to meet with Ashley's grandpa,» certitude he says.

As Ashley and the visitor round the corner, a group of skilled workers is there with a zest for action. Right now uploading their painting tools. They cast a curious coup d'oeil at the stranger as if they had recognized him from somewhere. A sudden realization washes over them, and their eyes widen at the alteration.

Emma steps in. She's a kind-hearted woman of many years with a mother nature that the whole neighborhood admires. «Ah, don't worry about it,» she says, her warm smile beaming through the room. «I'm sure father and daughter are off at rehearsals right now.»

The woman convinces herself that the visitor and Ashley have known each other for some time. What is recognizable by their close bond, Emma thinks.

«To be quite honest, Mr. McKee, I have no idea where Vice Admiral Marron is. Did he inform you that he was coming here?» She questions the guest.

«Yes! The Vice Admiral had conveyed to Mr. Devaney that my attendance this afternoon was to expected.» The visitor answers with an emphatic tone in his voice.

She mentioned his name a little unwilling and hesitant, then added: «Oh! Sir, your appellative—is it of Scottish origin?»

He smiles in pride and replies, «I'm not a Jock! I'm a Fenian, ma'am!»

Confused, Emma says, «I thought the Irish all had red hair.»

But the stranger replies as if he were familiar with diplomatic manners, «No, Ma'am, that's a common misconception!»

Ashley remains in the great room with the stranger. It is clear that the room had not been set up for use for quite some time. Thin sheets shrouded the furniture. The walls were still covered with wet paint. With a distinct odor of lacquer in the air, the overpowering malodor dampens their sense of well-being. «What a niff!» Ashley remarks in disgust.

Also, the visitor put his eyes out of place in the otherwise forgotten space. He moves from corner to corner, scrutinizing every surface and object in the room. The stranger notices the sign that says, Fresh Painted. That doesn't stop him from touching the wall with a finger and examining his fingertip with a smile. Ashley transfixes by the antic grownup, watching him as he moves around. She catches her breath in surprise as he declares, «Indeed! I thought they put up the sign to pull a buffoonery on hoi polloi!»

She watches, expecting that he will do something wrong. He proceeds to clean his finger on one of the sheets. Ashley grins in delight. The visitor can only respond by saying, «Shhhh! You don't see that!»

He turns to the girl in a serious, almost clandestine manner. Then he inquires, «Do you know what the war flag of Germ-Mania looks like?»

She denies it with a shake of her head in anticipation. He then elucidates, «It's an invisible rainbow on the white ground.»

Ashley finds it amusing enough, but it is evident that she isn't plain privy to the witticism.

Ashley is wide-awake with the forgotten and neglected objects of the past. Boxes of knickknacks and items! Long since forgotten, now awaits their stories to become aware of and unearthed. There is no mistaking the minor's enthusiasm as she full-blast reviews each article. Despite the dust and dirt, Ashley is content to spend time exploring; with some company. It's as if she's looking for something, a treasure. She moves from box to box, stopping once in a while. The girl admires an old keepsake or trinket that catches her eye.

Ashley stares in awe at that mysterious thing; she has never seen anything like that. Astounded, she hands him a black plastic box. «Do you have any idea what this is?» His eyes light up in bewilderment as he reaches out to take it like a raw egg. She watches the stranger maneuver it with ease. Each gentle move is precise and calculated. It appears like something from a bygone era for Ashley. Her companion smiles in agreement.

«Crikey! It's been a while since I've seen something like this—it's an old VHS video cassette,» he informed her. He removes the tape from its plastic case with attention and care, as if it had mystical power.

Ashley asks, her brow furrowing in confusion, «But what can you do with it?»

The girl is not used to the concept of the technology of the past.

«You see that?» he asks, pointing to the old cassette. The girl nods, her eyes widening in surprise when he opens it to reveal the film inside. «You used to record flicks on it and watch them again,» he explains. She frowns, thinking he's pulling her leg.

Ashley wrinkles her nose in disbelief. «You're kidding me? How can this work?» she asks, a trace of skepticism in her voice.

He sounds, «Before, you could even store your video games on slides!»

The little girl snickers, chuckling aloud. Ashley shakes her head in disbelief at her cousin's ridiculous suggestion. «That's rubbish!» She is sure that he is making a colossal jest. The stranger burst into a wide grin, pushing aside a stray wave of hair that had fallen across her face. «Nobody can talk you into the deep end of absurdity, right?» he questions in an all-knowing voice.

The outsider glares. Gazing around the room with curious eyes. Ashley, watching him. It takes a few moments to marvel at the room before them. The sound of musical instruments under your breath floats through the air, along with Rachel Marron's powerful voice. A sound that gives colors the room in a new way. Who could have guessed that sung emotion could have the same effect as a ray of sunshine that touches the heart of a sad room on a rainy day? The name of that number-one hit: I Have Nothing.

The curious girl keeps an eye on her new friend as he watches her mom on the screen. Ashley believes that he is paying close attention to her mother. She smiles with pride. The girl doesn't realize that the brooding appearance on the visitor's face suggests something else. He is thinking of something different from what she is assuming. «Strange folk!» he murmurs to himself. «They cover everything in sheets, yet the screens remain open.» Muses the stranger, a quizzical expression appearing on his face.

«That is my mom!» Ashley is beaming with pride as she asks the visitor, «Are you a fan of her music?»

But he answered dismissive, «I don't like rap music!»

Ashley stares at him, down the line befuddled, before she bursts into laughter. Shy, she clarifies, «If you tell her, you'll have to go back to the basement. Marc does rap music.» The visitor shrugs his shoulders; he has no idea who she might be referring to.

Professional painters, decorators, and designers come and go. They can offer the wolves an irritated stare and hotfoot it on, unable to comprehend why Ashley lacks fear in the presence of the animals.

«Do you and your mom want to move away from here?» The visitor cross-examines, to which Ashley elucidates straight, «No! We still move in. We painted everything.»

His steady steps carry him further into the depths of the house. Wolves and Ashley follow him, tethered to the visitor, persistent shadows of his passing. Upon exploration, the house transitions from a quiet, peaceful place to a chaotic one. That is far less mesmerizing.

They traverse into a great room with a beautiful view of the tranquil back garden and sparkling pool. No single window in sight but instead an entire wall of exquisite glass. Trophies, awards, and other Rachel Marron memorabilia fill the shelves. Walls swathed in gold and platinum discs. Otherwise, it's adorned with photographs of her getting prizes or laughing with Ashley. The visitor steps back in awe at the beauty of the hall. It stands as a memorial to the success of Rachel Marron. The room's metallic glow is captivating. It's clear that here, in this place of tribute, someone tries to stop a star from dying.

Ashley speaks about her mother's career. She talks with a child's view of the world. What else is expected? About the dizzying heights of international stardom that her mother has reached. Then there's the issue of keeping up with fan expectations. But most of all, Ashley sees her mother as the epitome of a powerful woman. She is not scared to dream big and live her life to the fullest potential.

Rachel's singing voice grows with an unyielding sound. Meanwhile, the visitor approaches the euphony, followed by his usual shadows. Music fills the air. Inside a large hall, it is both cozy and overcrowded. Many people are scurrying around, taking seats at the bar, or talking en passant others. You don't need a keen eye to recognize the props and video equipment strewn across the room. Equal as there is a wall of digital technology and an impressive screening department. There is a general sense of disorganized clutter and choreographed chaos. A loud sound pierces the visitor's ears, and he wrinkles his nose to express his displeasure with the loudness. There is a designated, ample seating area. Meanwhile, dancers prepare for the next performance.

But the center of that mare's nest, as it appears to the intruder, is Rachel. The Queen of the Night grabs everyone's attention and mesmerizes with a captivating voice. The sound of her soul breathing moves through her body and out into the atmosphere, where it now pours into those around her. Rachel's singing lifts her spirits. Her voice is enchanting, and it's clear that she's been singing like this since she was a child. She's been training her voice. But the pop star also has an innate understanding of and sensitivity to music. The visitors can sense it as she wraps up her song, greeted by thunderous applause.

Since the beginning of her singing routine, Rachel has elated different faces. With grace, she shifts across the room. Striking the right notes in the right way makes it appear each chord has a life of its own. Her bronze-dyed hair bounces as Rachel lissome across the room. The singer's voice soars into the air, bringing both joy and pain. That captures all their interest. Her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and anticipation, giving off a vibrancy only she can experience.

The dancers break into a united choreography in the middle of the room. Cameras reveal the terpsichoreans in a high-energy dance. The audience applauds and continues to pay tribute louder. Sunshine casts a silhouette of them against the glass wall at the far end of the room. Rory, Rachel's choreographer, comes out of the glass door. He says, «That was the most beautiful part of the dance I had ever seen all evening.»

The camera goes behind him and shows Rory standing in the middle of the room with his arms raised. The audience applauds again, and the camera captures this image from the others. The cameraman steps backward to the other end of the room and repeats the same thing. He takes a photo of every performing artist dressed in flowing, sexy paraphernalia and heels. The camera pans to Rachel. She stands in the middle of the hall with an older man dressed in a Royal Navy uniform. The woman is wearing a long, black veil, and her hair is open. The camera pans to show her smiling.

The stranger looks in from the outside and observes what is not yet finalized with interest. A bewildered individual approaches the visitor again. Even Ashley, in particular, has no idea who he is. Try for the best while hoping for the sky. The surprised person gawks at the wolves and asks, «Can I help you?»

The young man elaborates, «Yes, I've come to see Vice Admiral Marron. Could you please inform him that Jimmy Steele has arrived?»

When Ashley sees the well-being of her new friend, somebody in the back of the room takes the opportunity to talk to the dashing man in a Navy uniform.

The conversation shifts to the dazzling Rachel Marron, who will participate. In fact, the singer seems more captivated by the thought of the choreography and soundscape. She expresses her doubts in relation to her father's concerns. Then the pop star tells him, «Papa, I'm not sure if it's worth all this bother!»

Sy Spector, the chief of public relations, is on the phone haggling over a lucrative contract with someone on the other end of the line. Meanwhile, Bill Devaney stands by the vice admiral's side, wordless but damn serious.

The energetic, graceful movements on stage come to a dramatic, sudden halt. The entire audience feels overwhelmed. They become astounded by the incredible force and abilities demonstrated during the performance. All dancers stand still in their final poses. An almost unspoken moment of veneration passes over the audience as if they want the presentation to last forever. The chaos on the stage transitions to stillness, and the audience stands in awed silence, not daring to move for fear of missing every resole moment. After a few seconds, the applause begins, rising to a roar from Rachel's front sofa section. Doubtless louder than the rest of the crowd.

«Yes, Rachel, it is! But where could he have gone?» expresses the vice admiral in a concerned tone. «It's completely out of character for him to be late. Mayhaps I should contact him?» He spoke to himself.

«We want to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the playback!» Proclaims the director, loud and energetic, from somewhere in the room.

«Come here, Rory!» Rachel exclaims from the sofa without delay. The choreographer bounds onto the couch and vanishes from sight. One can hear the sounds of kissing and laughter.

The dancers gathered around the big screen. The anticipation is palpable and almost tangible. Rachel smiles. She exclaims with big emotions, not forgetting to radiate dignity, «This is going to be fantastic, sugar!»

Everybody waits in excitement as they watch the video rewind as if they know a special surprise is coming. As if on cue, the audience bursts into a cheer and a round of applause as they appreciate the artistry of the preceding performance. Rachel smirks and laughs, «I like the ending. How did you like the number, Marc? Do you think it served us well?» Rachel turns to the visiting American pop star, Ivy Reed, and inquires, «What would you say about our performance here? We should mayhaps look into revamping the duet arrangement, don't you think?»

The director chimes in with his two cents: «Rachel, do you think we should start from scratch or make some tweaks to the ending?»

Marc answered Rachel's query, «It was great, Rory.»

In strong belief, Rachel responds to the director: «I'm determined to see the project through. Tony seemed to have enjoyed it after all.»

«Yes, we must!» Ivy declares late. Tony, the strong man, offers a noncommittal shrug of his shoulders in response.

«Don't fret over it, Rory!» Rachel laughs. «Tony, of course, has no eye for great art.» To Rachel's roaring applause, the pinned girl advances, and she elbows Devaney a little to the side.

The designer smirks with approval and implores, «What do you think of that, Rachel?»

Rachel reacts, overjoyed, while Tony stands back and watches with admiration. «That is beautiful!» Rachel cheers.

The man, who talked to the stranger and Ashley outside, drew nearer to Vice Admiral Marron. «There's a Jimmy Steel here to see you, sir!»

Carl Marron stays silent for a while before he testifies in a horrified tone, «Jimmy Steel! That terrorist?»

By the skin of one's teeth, the messenger dares and adds, «Together with Ashley.»

Those present share Rachel's concern. She goes frightened forwards to her father, who, in the meantime, doesn't insinuate he's worried anymore.

Vice Admiral Marron ignores his daughter and dials a phone number. «Major Farmer, have you defected to the Irish Republican Army?» he inquires.

«Aye, aye, sir!» A voice responds from the phone tab.

«It's aye; we are not pirates. All right! Come in now!» The Vice Admiral exclaims in relief.

Ashley, the first to enter the room, astounds with her unusual gait. Because a solid room divider hides everything below, only her head is visible. When recognizing the young girl riding atop one of the two wolves. Rabblement in the area behaves overfilled with fear and dread. Some react by jumping onto furniture to protect themselves from enormous wolves weighing at least 180 pounds each. Of course, even trying is absurd. Despite no longer acting as Ashley's elder brother, the man takes on a new role as a soldier. Rachel finds it bumptious, in particular when donning civilian clothing.

«It's Jasper Rothko!» Someone exclaims in surprise. The Major ignores that.

«I want to create the right theatrical effect, sir,» explains Frank Farmer. Instead of a military salute, he shakes hands with the vice admiral.

Meanwhile, Bill Devaney turns to his paralyzed star. «Rachel, Frank Farmer is here.» Paralyzes may, but no longer out of concern for Ashley. This has long since fallen from her when her father's behavior gave her reason. Even the wolves do not have her attention at the moment. If they had been dangerous, they had a long time to show this. She looks at the stranger, who determines with her father and ignores everyone else, apart from Ashley.

The songstress attempts to get wind of him, wondering if this is the same Major she met the night before. Rachel is still uncertain. While his size may have a role, these two Soldiers behave like chalk and cheese.

The Pop idol sits down again, majestic and dignified. Besides, she lets herself give the stranger a smile. Devaney rushes Rachel away from this pose: «Rachel, raise your butt out of there and meet this man.»

Finally, she rises from the sofa. Not beautiful, not ugly. But appealing because she is immediately drop-dead gorgeous. A Superstar!

«Well, I'm up,» the Queen says. Rachel and Frank eyeballed one another across the room. Her eyes are a dark ocean, and the Major fears for a moment that he will lose himself in them. Is that her badass bedroom look? The light reflected in her eyes sparkles joie de vivre. Frank comes forward. Rachel offers her hand, and they shake. She looks him up and down, the star coquet and the stranger reserved. «Major Farmer!» She says to accompany her hand presented, again with the smile for the stranger.

He replies with the words, «Vocalist Marron!» Rachel wonders what that supposes to be. His reaction irritates her. The pop star is not used to something like that. The singer almost gains the funny feeling that he wants to run away in front of her. Does he make fun of her? Or is he nervous in her presence?

«How did you end up here, Major Farmer?» interrogates the Admiral as he attempts to discern the purpose of the Farmer's intrusion.

«Sir, I entered the premises. I have something to tell you! You won't believe it! This place here looks like a circus, like Monty Python's Flying Circus, to say it exactly as it is. What a bunch of clowns must live here! Of course, except for that sweet little bundle of joy!» The Major refers to Ashley, and she adores him. Rachel doesn't like witnessing this.

«I entered the site five times, pretending to be an Irish terrorist. In the company of this young lass, without her knowledge. Voilà, I am here! With your grandchild by my side.» Farmer adds, pulling out his military-grade combat knife for dramatic effect. Gulps of surprise echo around the room. Everyone's attention focused on the strange man and his formidable weapon. «Imagine,» he puts out with a smirk, «I even pretended to be the little girl's relative in order to gain entry. That fool's security is bloody lax and likely penetrated. They have here no concept of what real security is.»

The stranger sheaths his knife and stares at the vice admiral, his brow furrowed in thought. «I'd never noticed it before, but now that I've seen it, I can't take my eyes off it. That mysterious gate down the road, sir, I haven't seen such shit like that before, and mayhaps I'll show it to you later.»

Ashley climbs off the wolf's back. Taking advantage of her mother's astonishment, she resumes her wordy rant about her day. Too psyched when related to having found her cousin. Rachel's astonishment is palpable when she waits for Ashley to explain further. Though the singer hasn't the foggiest idea what the tiny one is talking about. The mother believes her daughter is so enticed by the animals around her. All the words she articulates seem unclear, and a halt to the mystery is out of sight. She looks around at the wolves, noting their relaxed demeanor toward her daughter. Ashley stares back at the wolves, her eyes gleaming with a shy but welcoming light. The girl smiles when she notices the wolves staring at her out of curiosity. The mother patted her daughter on the head with care. Rachel kneeled for a moment. In a sweet manner, she brushed Ashley's cheek as if caressing the skin of the little one. As if that put her into place to make sense of the child's phrasing. In response, Ashley smiles and, for a moment, rests her head in her mother's hand as if that is all the confirmation she needs.

Rachel feels confused about that moment. Ashley's presence comforts the bodacious Queen of the Night. The mother gives the stranger a quick and incredulous look for all those expressions from Ashley, assuming she is referring to him. She immediately dismissed the ludicrous thought. Rachel stands to attention as the animals start to move closer. The movements come out of the blue. She wasn't prepared for this. Despite the unexpected surprise, Rachel remains calm and observant in her outward appearance. Instinctively, she puts her arm around Ashely to protect her from harm. Adventure is the champagne of life, as it is always said.

«Geri! Freki over here!» Recognizing Rachel's altercation and the major commands, the predators obeyed without conditions. Rachel is still struggling with a type of fatigue. Exhausted mind and body from the journey. As the wolves get closer, she feels her voyage affects her heavy limbs. The slight fog that has come over her senses since returning from New York to London two days ago. Her tour had felt almost like a blur. Rachel is still coming to terms with being back in England. With her exhaustion hindering her movement, awareness increases for Rachel. Allowing her to understand how vulnerable she and Ashley are in this situation. She feels a sense of weakness creeping up as the singer tries to keep the wolves at bay. Thoughts of what could happen to her daughter if Rachel were too slow to react; send a shiver deep down her spine. Yet she remains still. The singer knows that her burnout and frazzling are not the results of trying to protect her daughter. More a symptom of something bigger, something she suspects has to do with harmful substances. Although Rachel feels uneasy. She knows her eyes have taken on the same curious glimmer as Ashley's. Not only because of those two epic hunters but also because of the stranger, despite all the feelings of irritation he provokes.

Rachel turns to face him, intrigued, and meets an intense glare from his glinting blue eyes as if to challenge her. The singer remains firm. She furrows her brow, unsure about what she feels. Mayhaps one of her emotions can lead to potential answers and reveal more about the mysterious situation. Rachel can feel her temperature rise. Before she can react, Devaney speaks his words with some sharpness. «Did you hear that, Rachel?»

Devaney's eliciting, laden with an accusation, distracts the renowned celebrity from her daughter.

Rachel contemplates his words. She raises her scrutinizing stare at the stranger. At last replies, her voice unwavering, «No way, Bill!»

She finds her way back into the situation, and the singer is now reminded of the stranger's report by her manager. She is furious at her father's eventual guest.

Rachel gives the stranger a dueling look, and her pupils narrow to some extent. «Let me make myself clear, Bill,» her calm but frosty voice begins. «After listening to—what a bunch of clowns here lives—in my own house, I must have lost touch.»

With those bold words, Rachel meets firm the stranger's gaze. Her arms fold across her chest as a show of her determination. In the background of her mind, Rachel can feel her earlier uneasiness resurfacing. But in sort out, she forces it aside.

It's time for her to show him that he deals with a strong-willed woman. Especially since his lighthearted demeanor suggests to Rachel that he doesn't place her importance. Rachel is tense and uneasy with the stranger. She has to decide if she should create a scene in view of her father. Or is it better to play nice to avoid conflict?

The Popstar scowls as though she doesn't want her father to notice how toned she is. Rachel continues to fight her emotions, her cheeks hot and her chin held high, almost incendiary. Her righteous, outrage-filled expression demonstrates her full fury. She attempts to concentrate on the problem at hand. When she tastes to be kind, Rachel feels a strange pull towards the soldier as Ashley runs to him. She vacillates between her little attraction to him due to her daughter's behavior and her feeling of a block emanating from him. Any kindness is so unlikely. It's an unspoken thought that someone inside her home is not respecting her.

Major Farmer looks at Rachel. Later clarifies, «You seem quite materialistic!»

Rachel casts an angry twinkle across her face at the strange visitor, who now stands behind her father like a rascal with an air that it wasn't me. There, he tries, in despair, not to laugh aloud. He mocks her once more.

Rachel stands a bit taller, and her voice assumes a strong authority. Her eyes blaze as she addresses her father. «Papa, you must remind this squaddie of the proper behavior. He cannot use inappropriate language inside my home or around my daughter.»

She tries to keep her composure, but the mix of emotions she feels is difficult to bear. Rachel attempts to remain her usual polite and respectful self. Even though her anger is now boiling up inside of her.

Her father smiles, and in a devil-may-care manner, he declares, «Don't take it on yourself, Rachel! The Major threats almost everyone like shit!» Both mother and daughter widen their eyes in shock, but Ashley cannot hold it in any longer. She lets out a loud laugh and sparks a little joy around. She also does so because her supposed cousin seems to declare her the only exception. Bill Devaney also noted it immediately. Besides the Admiral's jesting comment, Rachel's expression betrays her annoyance. She glares at her father, unwilling to show the stranger any more deference than he already has.

«Except for little children, to all appearances.» Devaney notes with amusement. Rachel ignores his comment and moves toward the Major. Stand aside from him and let him feel her presence. Your Majesty looks for threatening propinquity as the soldier recognizes.

«She's also territorial!» The stranger comments with a babble. «Listen,» the Major says with mock horror to Devaney. «I'm a British military officer, and I do not think it would be right to cause any sort of trauma to children.»

Sy Spector sits somewhere between helplessness and astonishment. He objects, «But, is this behavior acceptable towards women?»

Rachel strides in front of the Major. Her face radiates rage, and she waits to hear his response.

«At least it doesn't bother me,» explains the stranger with a big-time expression. This comment makes Marc Jordan laugh and echoes his eudaemonia through the hall. Rachel does not find any of this funny. She glares at them all in turn before rolling her eyes and walking away a few yards.

Frank Farmer keeps glancing at Ashley and asks Rachel. «And why are you planning to raise your daughter in a singularity?»

She gives him a probing look. One of that sort: Mind your own business. The malcontented Rachel responds with a thick layer of dignified poise. «You'll have to leave that to me! I may not equip enough to keep her out of every danger, but she will learn to recognize them and make the best decisions for herself.» Rachel counters.

«It was not more than a flashing thought that popped into my head when I saw Ashley mistake her own shadow for another human being,» Frank recalls. Regardless of how much it bothers Rachel, she has to admit that it is a stark reminder of how deep his concerns are for the child and what it means. On further inspection, Rachel had been the one he had spotted, not Ashley. «The fact that she accepted me with heart and soul as her cousin suggests to me that she has some sort of difficulty in social-interacting.»

The mother is aware that Ashley is dragging her feet in social activities. But it's the first time she has had to deal with it in public. Should she admit it in front of this beast of all people? Never! Rachel doesn't mean that at all, «You're so bold! Above all, I adore my daughter and will do everything to ensure she has a bright future. I'm sure she is already making her own decisions.»

Major Farmer smiles as his gaze rests on Ashley once more. The girl can't differentiate why her mother and her supposed cousin are fighting. «Indeed, I haven't the least doubt about it!» the Major declares.

Rachel insists, «She has a wonderful nanny.»

The Major retorts, «That is no substitute for playing with children her age.»

He turns with mildness to Ashley. The Squaddie continues soft-voiced to the girl: «Little one! I'm sure you understand why your mother and I talk about these things in your presence. We both love you so much and want nothing more than for you to be happy and safe. We're right now debating which is the best way to do it. And as is usual with debates, there are different opinions. That will say my opinion and the wrong ones.»

Rachel doesn't know what annoys her more, what he says or that he can put a smile on Ashley. The young lady nods. Words seem abundant, but with hungry eyes, she devours everything he gives out. The girl agrees with will and heart, whatever he has told her mother thus far. That's what Rachel least expected at that moment — for the Major to show such a gentle and loving demeanor for her daughter. In spite of the constant arguments between Rachel and Major, it is clear he cares for Ashley. His behavior confused Rachel, but it took the tension out of the little girl.

Taking a deep breath, Rachel pondered for a moment. Now unsure of what move to make next. Finally, she musters up the courage and asks Major Farmer, in full zeal, «Do you have any children, Major?»

His response sounds sharp and concise: «Not that I'm aware of,» he confesses, his voice tinged with indifference.

Rachel felt her blood pressure rise. Her words were full of anger and a hint of pain as she spat, «But you presume to want to teach me?» The Major nodded with care. Rachel can see the understanding in his eyes and reflects that every cloud has a silver lining. But she worms out, «You don't know what it feels like to be papa or mom, or the responsibility that comes with that role!»

Nothing indicates that her words reach the Major. He remains undaunted and optimistic and replies, «I'll open the way because your daughter is wasting away here.»

His words stung Rachel, and she felt a wave of rage rush over her. In a sarcastic voice, she asks him, «Are you a psychologist?» In frustration, she asks herself why she is even having this conversation in the first place.

The Queen no doubt tries to find a way out of the situation and away from him, but it seems impossible. The legendary musician sneers at the concept that guy could oversee anything so significant. The woman watches the entire scenario with an amused yet scornful grin. Rachel looked him dead in the eye, waiting for a response.

«As a matter of fact, yes!» The Major smiles, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. Rachel felt unsettled, and her expression changed.

The vice admiral stands without any relaxation of attention. Then he glances toward Rachel with a stern look in his eye. Inchmeal, a drop of sweat trickles down his neck. Carl Marron declares, «Rachel, Major Farmer studied psychology in Oxford.»

Rachel's eyes widen in surprise, and she is speechless at this epiphany. She no longer appears fairy-like. But Rachel bears several resemblances to a wicked wolf now. Far more impious than those two wolves of the soldier in civilian clothes. In her oblivion, she wonders if the day conspired against her. No one expected this out-of-the-ordinary news, and Rachel appears to have let her guard down.

She responds with a slight smirk on her face repeating with respect (what it looks like) but with a note of sarcasm in her voice. «In Oxford!»

Her eyebrows raised a bit, and her head shook by a whisker. Silence hangs in the air like a dead man. It appears as though the Nightqueen is expressing approval while at the same time ridiculing what is being said. Clever at attaining one's ends by indirect means. She surveys the room. It appears as if there is a nonverbal understanding sweeping among the people. In what seems to be a regal ritual, all support the high-queenly potentate in unity with a clandestine giggle. Almost as if on cue! A lot different from the usual argle-bargle. Full of arrogance, Rachel has an unaware urge to smirk but senses the strain in the atmosphere. Everyone but Bill Devaney and vice admiral Marron, who don't condone his daughter's conduct, are on Rachel's side. Her enthusiasm dissipates when Ashley, too, appears disapproving. The little one ponders if her cousin hasn't suffered enough, with the years spent incarcerated in the basement of her grandpa's.

Rachel feels a wide array of emotions. There is insecurity! Need for someone to stand by her side and present herself as red-blooded in front of the incandescent Major Farmer. Instead, there is only solitude, despite all the numerous cortèges, ineffable in their momentary being.

She was never in this kind of situation for a long time, and the pressure got to her. Not since she's been a successful pop star; that anyone in public behaved in a way other than what the Queen of the Night might expect. In particular, not from a man. Not even a white man. It's like she's sped back to before stardom, or worse, to her school days as a teenager. Memories that, to her nefarious chagrin, threaten to erupt again and fill her with bitterness. All the emotions threaten to come up and overtake her, but she knows she has to maintain her coolness and not let them show. Taking a deep breath and attempting to compose herself, Rachel forces a smirk on her face. She exclaims, «How noble!» With a tinge of sardonicism in her voice. She is trying to show her composure at the moment. So unpleasant it is, she makes it clear that the situation will not ruin the day for her.

The Major turns at her with a mischievous smirk as he jeers, «I'm bloody well connected!»

Without losing time, Rachel dismisses the Major's attempted bravado. Realizing it's no more than a pathetic attempt to demonstrate strength against the Queen. She did not dare respond to his comment, instead looking away and trying to ignore him. Her expression bears an unspoken message: I'm the Queen here! Don't forget that.

With an Eleutheromanic desire for being, she throws off the shackles that the must of everyday monotony imposes on her. In spite of the fact that Rachel looks not the least bit unlike the outsider at the entryway previously.

Admiral Marron intervenes, in a hurry, defusing the conflict between Farmer and his daughter. Attempting to calm the situation, he breaks the tense silence in a deft manner. Then clarifies the reasoning behind Farmer's remarks. Distilling the words into understandable terms for everyone present, in silence and with a hint of trepidation.

Ashley makes her way reluctant and remains modest toward Farmer. Her gaze fixed on the ground with shyness. The girl reacts with a hesitant smile. Finally, she looks up and asks in surreptitiousness if he would take her into his arms. She seems almost fragile at this moment. Rachel watches this exchange with a degree of interest. In actual fact, there is even a hint of admiration. But, mixed with a twinge of sorrow.

«It still seems so hard to fathom, Papa. How could someone think of him as my nephew? Gazing at him now, one can only guess he must be at least as old as me.» She gives Major Farmer a gentle look with a change of heart.

At this point, by the way, Frank Farmer babbles on without thinking and shocks everyone in the room. «No, I'm only 32 years old!»

He blurted it out to everyone's bewilderment. Vice Admiral Marron offers an audible chuckle as if he expects this from Farmer. Rachel sights away, accentuating a subtle expression as the opposite of a gentle look.

She appears almost humiliated and embarrassed. Rachel averts her slight gaze ever before focusing back on Farmer.

«What age do you think I am?» She requests, her amiable smile fading in the sudden realization of the implications of his words. Farmer shrugs, a nervous smile appearing on his face.

«I do not know!» His grin lingers in the air as Rachel's eyes narrow in disdain. She looks around the room to gauge the reactions of the others, and it increases her awkwardness in the situation.

Rachel's patience wears thin, and she can sense the other occupants in the hall watching her.

«All right, also guess!» Rachel challenges him.

«I'm terrible at guessing the age of hyperpigmented women. I always think they're younger,» he admits without sorrow.

Rachel shrinks her eyes and gives him a withering glare. With a hint of steel in her harsh voice, she interrogates, «What exactly did you say?»

Shock reverberates throughout the room as some bystanders keep their breath.

Vice Admiral Marron conceals his face and declares, «This is going to be a cataclysm!»

Frank Farmer appears perplexed, unable to make sense of the situation. «That is my opinion! It's incredible how these women look more youthful than their ages suggest. I don't understand why that remark you heard bothers you so much. It appears to me that this reaction is out of the ordinary. A storm in a teacup, I mean! You don't think so?»

The reality of her situation dawns on her as the Major's slow words sink in. The visitor does this on purpose. Or was he never taught any better? Rachel has a sensation of a chill running down her spine, growls, and snorts in trouble. «Could you please clarify for me what it was you said before?»

He makes a feeble attempt to explain himself, attempting to recall his words, «You mean that I'm not good at guessing?» His voice trails off.

The silent Vice Admiral observes the conversation, his face expressionless. Rachel takes a few deep breaths, her eyes blazing in ill will. Rachel looks around the room, searching for self-control. Finally, she breaks the uncomfortable silence. «No, after that! The middle part!» She continues in hushed tones, her voice fiery and evil, only with difficulty audible to the others in the room.

Major Farmer is ready to give a speech when he spots the Vice Admiral with care shaking his head. Rachel takes a deep breath, her chest heaving with pent-up anger. She stares up at the major with eyes that are both powerful and firm, ready to fight.

Admiral Marron remains stoic; his face gives no indication of his feelings. Of course, Rachel paid attention to this. Major Farmer's expression turns regretful. «I forgot about that,» he murmurs.

Rachel chooses to wrap up the conversation and returns to discussing the previous topic. In the meantime, Marc and Ivy have both surged to their feet to get a better glimpse of Major Farmer.

Ivy gives the man a sly yet appreciative smile. Rachel, on the other hand, decides to give him another chance. «What age do you think I am? Approximately twenty-five?» her voice elevates.

The Queen of London's Nights even suggests a cromulent answer acceptable to her.

The Major's eyes widen in surprise. «Well, I'm not exaggerating that much,» Major Farmer admits in a sheepish manner. «I was thinking more like thirty-five.»

With that, an angry Rachel snorts once more while Marc and Ivy exchange a few silent grins. Frank Farmer looks at her, ill at ease. He casts a suspicious glance at the Vice Admiral, who points downward. Rachel shakes her head with a countenance of disbelief. Her gaze never leaves Major Farmer's face. Frank nods and raises his eyebrows, feeling a little embarrassed. He acts as if nothing happened.

Rachel aims to gaze at him to unearth what he has committed to. Despite his attempt at discretion, the bystanders can hear him presume, «It must be the lifestyle.»

Carl Marron scowls at the military officer's comment, and Rachel's face turns even darker in anger.

Rachel exclaims her inkling with ill at him: «I bet he does it on purpose!»

Major Farmer has difficulty apologizing. «I'm glad I did not promulgate 38 as I thought.» He guffaws at the Vice Admiral, who scolds at first without sound. Rachel glares at her public relations counselor, Bill Devaney, and her father with a baleful look.

An innocent-looking Major Farmer blossoms without a sparkle of guilt. «Major!» Admiral Marron delivers a warning.

The person addressed ignores and inquires, «Admiral?»

Rachel's father becomes little by little insistent: «Major!»

To which the latter replies, «Admiral!»

«Major!» he utters again.

Farmer echoes Admiral Marron's encouraging gesture: «Admiral!»

Vice Admiral Marron turns back to his daughter, attempting to prevent contact between Rachel and the Major. But Farmer doesn't appear interested in them anymore. He looks around, standing with his back to them. An amused Ashley plays with the Major's face. She moves his cheeks and chuckles.

Ivy Reed takes the opportunity to join Farmer and Ashley. She appears similar to Rachel in her delicate-looking, albeit bathing beauty. Only a little smaller in size. She wears her dyed blond hair long and straight or in various and different ways in well-braided braids. Meanwhile, the Vice Admiral and his daughter are talking.

«It's incredible,» Ivy declares, gazing at Major Farmer. «You look like Jasper Rothko.»

But the guest doesn't understand what to make of that. Farmer snorts, glancing in a blink of an eye at Ivy. «I've heard that several times now.»

Ivy smirks, amused. But Ashley glares at her, not amused that the Major gives attention to that woman. She grabs his chin and turns his head away from Ivy and towards herself. Accompanied by a reproachful gaze.

Ivy teases him. She sounds cheerful, «You don't even know who that is!»

Ashley has already raised a hand as a warning that she's about to smack Ivy. Major Farmer inches in and declares, «You know what?»

As he approaches, keeping his volume low, he says, «I don't give a shit!» Ashley lowers her hand while she laughs. From that moment on, the major refocuses all attention on the conversation between the father and daughter. He starts pretending to not be listening, but he pays consideration the entire time. Not the Admiral nor Rachel have ever been aware of that actionism performed by the squaddie.

Ashley still doesn't look comfortable in Ivy's presence. It's as if the half-size princess still senses a pea under her mattress. Except that the pea is Ivy. She and Ivy exchange glances. Adamant the little one behaves. While the American seems confused. The New Yorker winks while playing at the Major. But that goes rushing when Ashley gets control of Frank Farmer and downgrades Ivy to her role as a silent spectator.

The Vice Admiral senses unease in the air and steps in to save the situation. «Let's drop it,» resigns Carl Marron, waving his hand.

Rachel nods, hardly concealing her relief at her father getting the conversation back on track. «Rachel, I hope you realize the Major has ruined your security program. Consider Ashley as well,» he points out with concern. She looks over at Ashley and the Major. Rachel sees his dedication, and it's plain as day, but she's still doubtful.

«Papa, Tony does an excellent job,» she proclaims to back up her defense. Rachel purblind holds out her support for Tony. However, it's not enough for Frank Farmer because he releases a short mocking sound. The soldier doesn't dispel Rachel's attempt to lighten the situation. Ashley and the Major exchange glares at each other with an expression of amusement on their faces.

The others give the Major a provoking look. It is unmistakable that there is disapproval of his interruption of the conversation. Turn their attention back to the Vice Admiral and his daughter. The pop star focuses on Farmer, her disturbed eyes widening with intensity. She now monitors the stranger's posture with care.

Rachel continues to stare at the Major, now from a short distance. She watches him as she speaks, her menacing eyes drilling into him.

«We've got the fences, the alarms, and all relate to the subject. That's enough. I'm at ease here.» Rachel expresses self-assured and calmness. The Major listens without interrupting, weighing the severity of the situation. Rachel notices it a little.

Each and everyone thinks they heard Major Farmer utter something disparaging, «What a moron!»

Now followed by a mocking snort that he tries to suppress. The situation seems to have a solid state, with a deafening silence from anyone at the gathering. Everyone turns to seize at Major Farmer shocked at the new interruption. Rachel becomes more furious. She tightens her jaw and speaks strong speeches, «Did you say anything, squaddie?» She asks in a dangerous tone.

Startled, Farmer turns to meet Rachel's glare head-on. He denies it. «No! Why?» The vice admiral stares on but is still unconvinced.

Rachel looks ready to lash out. Her rage is easy to see written on her face. No doubt she's still beautiful. The Popstar glares upset at her father, who refuses to address the Major. She knows she will end up taking charge and confronting the squaddie. All eyes appear glued to this exchange as the singer resists, silencing the hall in deeper tenseness.

«Major, we're pretty sure you tried to give us to understand something!» Rachel demands, her voice ringing with authority.

«No, ma'am… I didn't express anything!» Farmer says. Peeved, Rachel glares at her father, who still doesn't appear to want to engage with the Major.

Rachel responds with a loud and clear voice to ensure he hears her. «Oh, it's ma'am now?» She pretends surprised.

Even though she uttered it with sarcasm, a coldness lingers in her voice that does not bode well for the Major. «Can you repeat what you called me?» She refuses to back down and is ready to confront the Major. «Wasn't it a moron?» Her sharp tone implies that he is digging himself into a deeper hole. The rest of the hall went quiet. Those in attendance held their breath, wondering what would happen next.

«How dare you?» He looks at her, irritated. His expression is now a mixture of shock and disbelief. «I mentioned Marron; that's your last name, I'm right?»

Rachel didn't rate this response. The Major's bold statement only adds fuel to the fire. Rachel's unforgiving eyes narrow at him, indicating she doesn't let this go without fighting. The pop star finds herself almost able to contain her contempt for the stranger. It's hard to believe that he behaves without shame in his lies. Rachel gazes at the Major with an expression filled with disdain. She can't believe the audacity of the soldier and how bloody murder he lied to all present. Ashley should know better; Ivy is the next-closest person to that squaddie after Rachel's daughter. But indeed, Rachel sees little chance that her daughter would back her up either. The little girl pays more attention to keeping the New Yorker at bay. Rachel's fearful eyes keep drifting to Ashley. There is a worried expression on the girl's face during her conversation with the Major. Rachel believes that her daughter is looking for help from the Major. But he is currently busy with the British singer.

The hall waits in anticipation of their Queen's response. The majesty of the London Nights surprised them. There is a glint of determination in her pained eyes, characterized by a chatoyant sparkle. Rachel shifts her modest body weight from one foot to the other before expressing in a low and menacing voice,

«You're a knob!» Each of her words carries an undertone of hate. Her voice radiates through the hall. Many onlookers nod in agreement as if waiting for their Queen to proclaim her decision.

Vice Admiral Carl Marron expressed stern support for his daughter. «Major, you came out with moron!»

He feeds up with the disrespect that the soldier has shown his daughter.

Rachel looks over to Ashley, impressed by the call to action that the child made. The little one fears a foreign invasion of what she claims is her territory. The lass cups her hands over her mouth as if to whisper something. Nobody has ever seen that timorous child behave like she did today with the squaddie. The atmosphere is fragile, and the issues at hand get addressed. The New Yorker still seethes without voice. But not for long! Ashley becomes the only person in the hall who seems pleased with the Major. After he further supports her with that astronomic Ivy problem.

«That wasn't referring to your daughter, sir, but to that one here!» He motions his head by that taradiddle to the now-outraged Ivy Reed. The New Yorker loses her words, and Frank puts his finger on her.

Rachel senses a relief sparkling from Ashley, who finally feels secure in her Squaddie's hands. She chuckles as they watch Ivy take a few steps backward while trying to recover from the situation. The girl bursts out in contagious laughter like the sun coming out of the clouds after a rainfall. The most intense emotion anyone has seen from her in a damn long time.

«You have no idea who I am, either,» Ivy replies in an upset tone, facing Frank without compromise and like the boss of a street gang.

Frank Farmer takes a step closer to her. He speaks in a reptilian way yet bouldered voice, «You know what?» ...

As he continues, the last part of his sentence gets obscured by Ashley's heard-broken laughter, which lifts the hall out of gravity. She alternates between covering her giggles with her hands and rubbing her stomach as she laughs at the situation. Ivy is still bowled over. The tension in the air lightens when Rachel, without wanting it, reacts amused to the contagious laughter of her daughter.

As most mothers would be, an unhappy Rachel thinks about how the Major, with no effort, wrapped her daughter around his finger with only one strike. She can't explain it any other way than that her daughter's sympathy grew because of his marked deviation from norms. It's the fact that he is so unlike other adults that the child knows. With the tension in the air easing, it feels pretty impossible for anyone to stay angry for a long.

Rachel determines to take her vengeance in a more humoresque direction. Her mind soon forms a new plan of action. One with a comical twist to get a laugh from her daughter too. As if to give reasons for her point, she turns to the Major with a mysterious smile. «You don't look like a bodyguard!» She argues good-natured with a facial expression and an exaggerated hand gesture for extra effect. The Pop Star tries to ridicule him by using all her acting skills. Already she celebrates her quick wit. Ivy can't help but giggle at their exchange of words, looking between them with an amused expression that shows she appreciates the joke. Rachel enjoys this new role, and Ashley follows all this with rapture. The conversation between Rachel and Frank appears broad in the beam from some unseen root of unknown energy.

There is this sense in the air that their verbal exchanges enjoy certain electricity. The amused Major raises an eyebrow. He summons, «What did you expect?»

Rachel gives him a mischievous smirk and mocks, «I don't know; a tough guy, perchance?» She speaks with a teasing shrug and wide-eyed defiance and mockery. With newfound confidence and energy, the singer faces him with a renewed effort. She determines that this show will be the one to win her daughter back.

Ashley watches in awe as if the energy between the stranger and her mother has some mystical quality that she can't quite grasp. Frank grins at this answer, and Rachel feels pride as she sees her daughter enjoying the show. But the mother, who takes pride in her quick wit, had hoped for a small laugh from her daughter. But instead, Ashley looks at Farmer with fascination, as if she doesn't expect the show to end. Rachel perceives herself as a protective mother, and something inside her tells her that the Major would agree with her. She can't help but spin a tale at her own whims.

Ashley had seen this emergence of new personalities along with her mom several times before in her life. They were all nothing more than a blur in her memories since those people were, to express it in simple words, strangers to her.

Not like this stranger here, whom she believes is her cousin. However, now that it is in her mind, it is coming to life. A fascinated young girl obeys the interaction between her mother and the stranger. For Rachel and Ashley, it's clear that, for most of these new personalities, the child is only a necessary evil. The opportunity to crown themselves with the mother.

The girl is young but isn't stupid and understands that too. So sure as eggs are eggs, the little girl knows that Rachel would do anything for her. Even if it meant cutting out some people closest to her. And now Rachel asks herself about that. The lionized vocalist realizes how much has, in principle, changed in all these years of stardom. If you ask Rachel, she will call her daughter the source of pride and joy. With this newfound understanding, the mother smiles, amused by the strange course their lives have taken. But still with a weight upon her heart.

Rachel confronts the emptiness lingering in her mind, despite her success and macroscopic love for her daughter. As the days passed, she tried to push this impression away. Ignoring it at first. But the chasm only deepened. Later, she buried it in her hard work and hustle, but that wasn't enough.

Rachel found herself growing dependent on narcotics to get through her days. At last, the singer had to confront what she had denied many times and often in interviews: that her path to greatness had come at too great a price. Although she has tried to downplay the clash that the substances cause in her life.

Now, she must admit that addiction can be a powerful force that no amount of success or love can make. Rachel became aware of this fact as she watched others around her stumble. A similar path of destruction to hers. No amount of hard work could alleviate her inner suffering. With a heavy heart, Rachel runs to the realization that this is not the life she expects to be living. However, deep down, she is aware of where it all began. Or about the truth she has denied in her interviews, night and day.

Rachel is aware of the influence her habits are having on her daughter's life. But she is unable to change the other aspects of her nature. Ashley is the steadiest thing in her life, at least giving Rachel an anchor in the tumultuous sea of addiction-fueled chaos. This creates an even bigger problem for her in an already difficult situation. She must protect her little girl from her mother's habits without shutting Ashley out of her life. An egg dance that she believes she can master with the help of drugs. But never before has the mother been able to empathize as she does now, with great effort. She wobbles when she considers Ashley's galvanizing interest in this strange squaddie. It's plain to Rachel that he gives her daughter all the attention and even pushes Ivy back. At the same time, it takes effort on his part to even exchange a few words with the mother. This soldier's actions, his fantastic contact with Ashley, do not extend to Rachel. It hurts her beyond words that she's barred from her daughter's life by a stranger. It's an egregious, never-to-be-forgotten experience. The same Ashley deals with it when a stranger withholds her mother from her.

Unaware of Rachel's internal strife behind her new facade, Major Farmer responds without any interest. «I'm not coming; I'm issuing orders. I'll send you big and strong men to protect you when the time comes.»

He shows no consideration of Rachel's internal strife behind her new facade. She forces a smile as she responds, «That's great! How about some good-looking marines?»

His words, though kind, aren't quite reassuring.

«Good-Looking? That becomes a problem, ma'am! We talk about Marines, not the SRR. You know?» He placates. «One quick call to Crawley. I get Section 13 there to protect you. They'll bring you, Marines, from Dover.» He shrugs, one hand in his pocket, uninterested. The Squaddie continues, «That's fine with me. I have other things to do.»

Rachel will never forget his nonchalant shrug as he continued his statements. She knows that he won't take time to come to her protection. But that lack of interest is a testament to the situation at hand. His comment suggests disinterest, and she felt small and insignificant in the light of it. She knows that sentiment but didn't expect to experience it again, not while she climbs to the peak of her career. Sure, the Major is right; it can be disrespectful, but mayhaps it's pragmatic. However, Rachel, without exaggeration, at a loss as to how to understand this soldier, chooses to assume the former.

The Popstar clenches her fist in rage. Her knuckles turn white almost as much as his. «This is unbelievable. When I attempt to insult him, he takes it as a compliment.»

She cannot understand how someone who is so inconsiderate can exist in a position of authority in the government. And Frank Farmer would, in a certain way, laugh at that naivety if he could read her mind. The Squaddie continues to act uninterested if he didn't care what Rachel is expressing. An eschewing happening that's hurt. It irritates her to no end that she feels belittled or inconsequential. Rachel turns to look at the soldier, still lacking trust in his attitude.

«However, all Marines are gay,» Farmer muses, as if thinking to himself. Rachel looks at Farmer in a curious manner, wondering why he would make such a statement out of the blue. She is still perplexed and saddened. Rachel wonders if he is so disconnected from other people that he may think without regard for the sensibilities of others. That shows him in a different light than before. Can that solipsist only have compassion for children? That doesn't make any sense. The situation is anything but funny to her. It's causing her to feel out of place in a strange manner. Even though the comment that came up will pass without further consideration.

«Major?» the Vice Admiral cautions him once more.

Frank Farmer inquires, with no intention of causing harm or offense, «Admiral?»

«Major!» Carl Marron's remark is bold and assertive.

«Vice Admiral!» Major Farmer reacts the same way.

«Major!» The Admiral let out his voice, indicating his annoyance.

«Vice Admiral!» Farmer adds his voice to the chorus.

«Stop making Marines-related jokes!» decrees the Admiral.

«Would you prefer the Royal Navy, Sir?» Farmer babbles.

Rachel stares in amazement as the argument between the Admiral and Major Farmer continues. The verbal encounter is a pretty stunning display of power. Even the Admiral reprimands the exuberant Major while he resisted any directives and regulations given to him today. This is an exchange Rachel isn't used to seeing in the military. She expects respect, not only consequences for disobeying orders. As the argument ended in a stalemate, Rachel interjects into the conversation, asking, «Papa, why are you letting a Major do this?»

But the Vice Admiral soon responds. «Because this Major is the head of Section 13 in London. Not any ordinary Major.» He stares at Farmer.

The Admiral considers the matter resolved and returns his attention to the visitor. «Major, the Marines aren't all gay; you're trying to offend them,»

With a sigh, Farmer responds, «Aye, aye, sir! But…» He looks rare to deepen in thought. «Sir, why do Marines always say—What an ass—whenever they see me?» the Major asks with childish naivety.

«He said ass!» Ashley laughs, but Rachel rolls her dark eyes in dismay.

«I understand why, but you're misunderstanding something,» an enraged Ivy Reed exclaims, «Of course; what's your name again?»

The Vice Admiral smiles, and the Major responds with a mischievous smirk, «Major is enough!»

«What an ass!» Rachel exclaims, getting angry, finally eliciting her daughter's long-awaited laugh. Farmer rolls his life-affirming eyes in dismay in the same token the singer did before. «Now she's starting to do it too!»

Rachel grunts in rage between her teeth, «Why are you being such an asshole? So you can understand it too?»

As if it were an insignificant incidental, Vice Admiral Marron remarks to his daughter, «Your mother likes him.»

Rachel thinks she misheard, «My mother… what? What did you come up with?»

Her father nods to confirm an uncomfortable fact: «And she likes him a lot! I bet you'll get a chance to see that! Then you'll know why. If I tell you, you won't believe it!»

Rachel's mind wanders back to the conversation she had only moments ago, surprised by the answer and almost speechless. The Queen of the Night startles right now when she remembers that her daughter is watching their conversation. Rachel can't believe that she got caught in an unnecessary situation. Her daughter gives the impression that she understands the answer and shows no signs of confusion. With an expression that is hard to read, Rachel's father tells his daughter,

«By the way, your mother likes the Major because he's charming and well brought up.» Rachel can only look bewildered at her father. She can't get a word out. The vocalist gives birth to the impression that she's sitting in the picture palace watching a movie she didn't want to see.

As he seems to leave, Farmer turns back to the Admiral. He brings to words, «I'm going outside now, Sir. Do you want me to wait for you, or should I leave?»

Rachel, outraged, reacts in place of her father with an indisputable defenestration. «It's better if you leave now, Major, and leave my property,» she responds ice-cold but casts a nervous glance at Ashley, who looks unhappy.

Devaney interjects, «I understand the gravity of the situation, and I assumed that you explain it to the Queen of the Night.» He enunciates the Major.

Turning to Rachel, the Admiral continues in a much softer tone. «You must consider this before making a decision. It would affect more than yourself.» While she considers his words, Rachel looks over at her daughter.

Major Farmer stands still, unsure how to proceed. He is so surprised that he doesn't know how to respond. Frank continues to look around, and it is as if the Major is searching for something that might make all this miscommunication pass off. «Who?» he asks in disbelief, unsure who Bill is pointing out to him.

Bill, who can't believe his ears, points to Rachel with both hands, shouting in disbelief, «The Queen of the Night!»

Major Farmer ponders the situation with a look of apprehension and asks, «Is that politically correct now?»

Rachel Marron, cloaked in the bright starlight of fame, is an icon of the modern age. «Rachel Marron is one of the most famous people in the Anglo-Saxon world. She dominated the charts. Rachel had the most popular song in many countries at the time. She comes on track to receive an Oscar nomination soon,» Devaney formulates conceptless. Bill, exasperates with Major Farmer's ignorance, exclaims, «My God, man, where have you been?»

Major Farmer resigns to his fate and responds in simple terms. «With all due respect, I'm fighting wars to give the Queen of the Night a chance to pick up her awards. We soldiers haven't heard from her.» Rachel is so stunned by Major Farmer's proclamation that she doesn't know how to respond.

This man knows damn well who I am! So she thinks to herself and grips him with her eyes.

Rachel is sure he is only belittling her, and she has like a defense, not more than to remain silent. Any utterance that he is lying would never be more than a simple assertion. Even if she knows he is lying, the others do not know. Frustration and hurt envelop her like a wave. Rachel can tell Farmer's distaste for her is personal, and he is not a fan of the Queen of the Night. But should she care somehow? Doubtless not, if it were not for her daughter. The singer also knows the military officer is lying about the claim: soldiers do not know her. The artist has thus far participated in veteran events and has in mind to do so again in the long run. She wants to argue, but her heart and mind fill with vagueness. In principle, Rachel realizes nothing she could react with would make a difference.

It is a silent battle between two people on different sides. The Queen of the Night knows that fighting a losing battle is pointless. No matter how tough she acts or puts it into words. She has to remain strong and continue facing the challenges of her difficult situation.

Rachel looks him in the glinting eyes, trying to make sense of the status quo. The songster can tell he is not accepting of her, but why? How does she handle this, and what is his problem with her? He now looks at her enigmatic, as if she were a fascinating book. When he opens the next page, Rachel can feel that.

Bill is as disturbed by Frank Farmer's response as he is by Rachel Marron's sudden weakness. The manager of the Popstar is at a loss for words: «During the West End riots, police used her music to calm the crowd.»

Devaney remembers and looks more disturbed when the Major responds with rude behavior. «At the bloody plebeians?» He grins, quick-witted. «What song did they play? I guess it was: I have nothing!»

Rachel, trapped in a quirky monotony of upset and misunderstood, realizes her daughter is laughing. That's not because she understands the joke but because she sympathizes with the Major. Her heart sinks, and she perceives how a blur of jealousy beleaguers her. Frank Farmer's influence carries more weight than Rachel's in this instance.

Marc Jordan is the only other one to share the joke. Rachel means with frustration, «Look who has the same sense of humor!» She chimes in with a strained voice. «I'm in the company of kindred spirits.»

«There might be something to it, Rachel,» scoffs Mark Jordan. «But that's why we're sexy!»

He doesn't expect Rachel's reaction, «Marc, if the Major leaves now, please ensure your sexy body goes with him.»

Carl Marron tries to divert her daughter's attention from the previous distasteful episode. The Vice-Admiral turns on the Squaddie and begs, «Would you, Major Farmer, explain the gravity of the situation to my daughter?»

But Frank counters by drawing clear limits, «No way, Sir! I'll leave it to you because I don't have that many crayons. It's also not my job as Section 13's head. If the doll collector is still perplexed about why she is in danger.»

Rachel looks at him, completely thrown by his words. «Doll collector? I don't have a doll collection.»

That arcane and piercing gaze returns as the mysterious figure asks Rachel, «Why did your chauffeur bandage his hand?»

Rachel sighs and responds with a problematical manner of askance. «He set fire to it.» Her reply met his glare, that one who takes shape to see through Rachel's hurt glance to the core of her soul. Rachel can sense that he knows more secrets than the Squaddie is willing to tell, but she still tries to catch on to what is in progress.

Before Rachel can even open her mouth to inquire, Frank Farmer turns to the Vice-Admiral. At least to Bill. Frank exclaims in a cold, emotionless voice, «She's got no idea what this is about?»

Admiral Marron shakes his head and clucks his tongue, signaling the end of his opposition. Bill looks away, shame burning his ears. Rachel stands there wide-eyed, wondering what she could have done wrong. He turns to look at Vice-Admiral Marron and then at Bill. «Didn't you ever tell her?» Rachel is unable to contain her confusion with the situation any longer. The stranger looks back and forth between Vice Admiral Marron and Bill. Rachel becomes even more uneasy. Her father and the executive are silent and embarrassed. The singer can tell the Major is thinking something along these lines. «I've always wondered why she is so inept at using her brain. Now I know why! She lives in an idiotic neighborhood.» He declares so.

Rachel almost recognizes a little pity in him for her, but at least he comes off as worried. His words seem like a whisper, nothing more. So he comments, «Well, that explains a lot.»

Although his words have some semblance of truth, they become assertive enough that Rachel can detect some mystery of a hidden agenda. Vice-Admiral Marron gives a rueful smirk, and even Bill looks ashamed at this comment. Rachel still has no clue what is going on.

To the surprise of those present, Vice-Admiral Marron and Bill remain silent. Rachel stares at them and tries to figure out why they do not object to the Major's comment. Even though the statement came in a torrent of words, it poured out with a hint of condemnation and sarcasm. She is still unsure of the cause of their silence. Rachel is willing to believe that the Major's words intended to serve as a strange apology for what had happened. Her musings lead to an unexpected result: guilt, a sensation that has far more impact than the Major's words.

Ashley, sitting in silence observing the situation, interrupts the standoff. She manages to bring the meeting to a close as she turns to the Major. She tells him, «Could you please be kinder to my mom? Otherwise, they'll lock you in Grandpa's basement again. I don't want that.»

Led by Frank Farmer's beaming face, the whole bunch in the room stares at the girl aboveboard as their minds try to process her words.

Rachel's restless eyes bore through the Major. She turns towards the soldier and inquires, «What exactly do you mean? What did no one tell me?» She looks at her executive, Bill Devaney, and her father as if waiting for a response from one of them.

The Admiral directs his attention back to the officer whit the wolves. «Could you explain it to her, please?»

The Major is aware of his responsibilities. «Sir, I could, but I don't suppose I should. You're her father, and my responsibility is to ensure her safety.»

Rachel looks a little uneasy. She doesn't know how to react as the two workmen who had unloaded the painting supplies a few minutes ago come back into the room. One of them gives Farmer a wary look. Most human beings around them fail to notice when one worker tells his colleague, «Wait a minute! I get him to write down his autograph for me!»

His buddy warns him, «The boss told us that we'd be in serious trouble if we did something like that!»

However, this did nothing to stop him. «He talks about Rachel Marron, not Jasper Rothko. Besides, he's American; I'm certain he won't mind.» Ivy looked at the visitor with a disapproving expression.

Rachel and her inner circle feel irritated as they witness what is happening. Farmer, eager to get a photo with the handyman, releases Ashley from his arm again. Thereupon, the colleague takes a picture of himself with the Major as well as for the other worker. On the spur of the moment, one of the worker's requests, «Would you e-signs it for me?»

With a willing desire, Farmer replies, «Of course, It's my pleasure to do it for my fans! Would you like me to write a dedication on it?»

The request prompt brings a smile to the man's face, who expresses his gratitude by thanking Farmer in response. Rachel attempts to study him with as much earnestness and eagerness as he studies her. But she has to admit that she has no idea what he did. There's something she can't put her finger on.

«Oh, simple: for Stefany, Jasper Rothko! I'm emailing this to my girlfriend; she'll love it!» The worker overfills for joy.

The craftsman, yes! Rachel thinks. But not the Major. Why does he do that if it bothers him?

«I told you he's Jasper Rothko!» whispers someone among Rachel's followers.

Rachel's public relations advisor is at a loss when the two workers start to stroll away. «What did you do right now?»

Major Farmer glances at him sideways as if an answer is superfluous. He stammers, «I signed two autographs to honor the hard work they accomplished.»

Rachel holds her breath, her heart racing, her gaze focused on Major Farmer, stunned by his words. The singer finally finds the courage and asks with a decent smile, the only question that matters, «Are you… Jasper Rothko?»

Major Farmer shakes his head and disaccords, «I never stated those; two proletarians did. I may give you some advice, Miss Marron. Do not trust appearances.» Rachel wonders whether he is trying to tell her something beyond his simple words. Major Farmer smiles.

«But you passed that off as Jasper Rothko,» Spector puts his astonishment into words. He is oblivious to the interaction between Major Farmer and Rachel. Say had a puzzled expression on his face. Rachel senses something ferocious in this interaction.

Major Farmer shakes his head in a shrug. Now he glances at Ashley with an inviting smile, almost trying to convey something with his subtle behavior. That rapscallion acts the opposite of the dangerous man a short time before. More like a puppy, he appears to be trying to lure Ashley back to his loving embrace. Rachel sees it too. She notices there is something more to this man. He plays around in a new way now. There's something coruscate about him that has softened over time. His demeanor is no longer that of a villain. The Squaddie is now nurturing and protective. He is a rock with a calm, inviting exterior, but beneath it lies a turbulent sea. «If people ask, well, why not? By and large, think of Stefany. How ecstatic she'll be today! Or the commitment to Jasper Rothko. If I misbehave and am not nice toward his fans, it will fall back on Mr. Rothko.» In a not-foreseen gentle manner, he continues to tell. Rachel is in awe of how fast Major Farmer has changed, not only in his demeanor but also in his attitude. «You have to be nice to people! In this world, the glow of a good deed bright-shines as a small candle in the dark,» he poetizes.

Rachel thinks she's dreaming. «This guy is a nutter!» she wonders. She couldn't help it any longer; her face lit up with a genuine smile.

«Are you always this nice to people?» Ivy Reed asks in disbelief, still indignant. Rachel is same amazed as Ivy. «You can do that with handymen?»

But Major Farmer is not forced into line. His cheeks twitch in a well-mannered smile, and his bright eyes crinkle with pleasure. «Always!» The army contender replied with great conviction. «Good workers are hard to come by these days. With the utmost respect, ma'am! I'm confident you can sing better than I can! However, if I let you paint my flat, I'm not sure what the result would be.»

Major Farmer put across with a mischievous twinkle in his striking eyes. The New Yorker can't figure out what it's good to paint a flat tire. But Rachel imagines her American friend renovating the soldier's apartment. Because that's what the Squaddie talks about. Rachel can't contain her laughter.

«Working with your hands isn't for everyone! It requires dedication, patience, and understanding.» The Squaddie adds.

The smile immediately fades from Rachel's face, and she looks at the visitor in a bad mood. She can see that Major Farmer's words have hit home. Palms sticky with sudor Bill Deavany's glance flicks back and forth between singer and soldier. There is an expression of curiosity on his face. At length, he glances in Rachel's direction, a hint of pondering in his gaze. Bill Devaney tries to discern if Rachel's father has noticed the same thing. He is about to voice his concerns when he speaks, «Have you noticed that, Vice Admiral? How does your daughter react to the Major, I mean?»

«You mean angry?» Vice Admiral Marron inquires, looking around. He hasn't seen the same thing as Rachel's executive.

So Bill starts to explain, making a silent snap of his fingers. «She changes her attitude towards him in a scary way. One minute she's peppy, and the next second she's not. Is that normal?»

With a worried look, the vice admiral's eyes darted between his daughter, the major, and Devaney in contemplation. He hesitates blink of an eye before concluding that the situation isn't «normal,» but not so «unique» either. «I'm sure my wife knows more about it than I do.»

Meanwhile, Ivy has directed her attention to the soldier, accusing eyes narrowed in a challenge. «I sing better than you? So, you have a vague idea of who I am?» Her tone laces with arrogance and a hint of annoyance. Next, she releases a slight snicker. Rachel's lips curl at the corners as she challenges the man. Her dark eyes fill with a knowing spark that she is well aware of her talents. The Vice Admiral glances between Ivy and the Major.

Frank Farmer flashed a broad smile in response to Ivy's challenge. «Of course! I am from the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. Information is my business, and at it, I am a real superstar.» He explains and tries to sound modest. But Rachel can see the underlying emotion in his sky-blue eyes. Ivy looks in rage at him, her tenebrific eyes narrowing. Rachel can't bear it when he says, «For eight months before I came to London, I became the most popular soldier at Credenhill. Even the SAS admire me.» Rachel starts annoying when she notices her father smiling.

«Funny! When you're so important, why were you sent to London? Couldn't they spare you elsewhere, like in the war?» Ivy asks, her voice dripping with execrate.

But the Major replies in an exuberant calm, «Such a loudmouth, and wonder why I don't like her.» Much to Ashley's delight, by the way.

But Rachel has to smile. She knows that the high command of the British military is in Credenhill. Not to mention having a former air force base that serves as a home for SRR and SAS. Meanwhile, Frank Farmer keeps talking. «Last week, for example! A cab pulled up in front of me and opened the door. The driver asked if I wanted a ride. While I plodded the short distance to my house and set down groceries, I agreed to the cab ride. I didn't want to offend, so I got into the cab. Being nice became more important, and I paid an exorbitant 500 pounds for a sightseeing tour of London.»

While a substantial part of those in attendance stares at him, trying to figure out if Major Farmer makes fun of them, Rachel's laugh fits to burst. This guy must be completely insane. She thinks over again, sure that she can't make sense of the man she is standing near. And yet, she still finds herself laughing.

In a more forgiving mood, she ventures the Major, «Can I get you a drink?»

He refuses rough, «No,» leaving Rachel stunned. She had never seen someone with such an extreme demeanor. Someone like this can only go from one end of the spectrum to another. A momentaneous attempt to come right with this soldier. Rachel seems vexed with the Major again. But still, she decides to give in. «No, thank you.» She breathes out a sigh of exasperation. Bill Devaney watches them observant. His controlling gaze now applies to Rachel's father, who looks bowled over and scrutinizes them.

«There's no need to worry, Major Farmer,» Rachel sweetens with a smile that takes on a hint of mournfulness. «I know from being the daughter of a career soldier that the military doesn't always harness words like please and thank you.»

She swallows, an effect of hopelessness settling in her chest. Taking a deep breath, she decides to make one more attempt. «Do you like my music?» Rachel asks before biting her lower lip and becoming uneasy while waiting for his response.

Her last attempt at polite small talk failing, it is at that moment that Ashley interjects, with a laugh, «No, ma! He said he doesn't like rap music.»

Before Rachel put in her words, she gave the man-at-arms a pointed glisten. «Did you hear that, Marc? You laughed for no reason. He won't like you either!»

Rory, the choreographer, put a question to… «Rachel, do you want to run through the steps again before we start?»

Rachel scowls at Farmer as if she's ready to commit murder and replies, «I'll be right there.»

Farmer puts Ashley down and explains, «Talk to each other first! I'm out of here again. Let me know when you've decided.»

Rachel and Ashley exchange a meaningful look, and Rachel can see the grief in her daughter's eyes.

«Are you leaving again?» Ashley asks in a soft voice. The commando demigod replied with a pat on her head and a kind, «Yes, Caramel!» He sparkles in surprise that Ashley has grown so fond of him.

But Rachel acts unsurprised. «Caramel?» repeats Rachel in amazement. «Not hyperpigmented? Is everything all right with my daughter, color-wise, Major?»

Rachel's father interrupts the conversation, invigorating the tension that lingers in the air. «We'll come to a positive result, if necessary, based on Article 82 of the Pale Shine Act,» he clarifies. Carl Marron is a pleasant person; who seeks to alleviate the situation with his wit. The SRR scrapper, on the other hand, shakes his head at ease.

Finally, Frank Farmer manages a smile as he looks at Rachel, although it's a confused one. Looking away for a minute, he turns his attention back to the vocalist. He tells her, amused, «Well, it's like someone will paint the walls with rage!» Ashley laughs, and Marc smiles.

Rachel is still suspicious and inquires keyed up, «What's Article 82?»

In the upshot, Major Farmer explains, «Don't worry, ma'am, the law isn't even in effect yet. We're still waiting for Parliament to debate it.»

Rachel continues questioning, «But what is the meaning of that?»

He further clarifies the article: «To get it simple, something about protective custody.» Rachel looks at her father in horror.

«Excuse me?» Sy Spector interjects as Rachel acts to be at a loss for words. «Don't you think this is going too far, gentlemen? Any security consultant would tell you that anytime Rachel appears on the cover of a magazine, the number of fan letters she gets tends to skyrocket. What do you think, Major Farmer?»

The SRR officer replies with a lot of seriousness, «I'm not in show business. I'm under contract to hunt and kill, and I don't give a rat's ass about Rachel Marron's groupies!» Ashley burst out laughing at his reply. On and of, he glances at Spector before refocusing his attention on Bill and the Admiral.

At this, a small smile crosses Rachel's face as Octavia Karppining, her assistant, steps into the room. She carries a stack of phone messages guarded on a PC tablet and some things to sign. Rachel takes the little computer from Octavia and begins going through them. She signs where necessary and carries on the conversation. «Relax, guys! I have promised it. Do you understand what I'm talking about? I'm willing to participate as long as we all get along.» At these words, Rachel glances hard at the Major, from whom she expects an objection.

Frank Farmer convinces that Rachel can't mean him. The jarhead turns to make sure who's behind him. «I don't let this alter my life even a little.» She turns at full tilt to her assistant, Octavia. «Who was that?»

«Oh. Clive's office! They called three times.»

«Honey, I'm so damn sure that won't be an issue,» Devaney replies.

Rachel responds presto with a suspicious glance at Farmer. «Oh yes, that will be it,» she points out. Glaring cold-blooded at Farmer, almost with an intuitive sensation of foreboding.

While Devaney tells the major, «Rachel runs a jolly familiar home. We're all on a first-name basis.»

Spector now interjects, «And I'm certain you'll fit in without any trouble. You can pick out any alarm system you like for the house. A kind of heightened security for the gate. What else, Rachel?»

The conversation between Sy and Rachel continues to take on a life of its own, as if it might slip by the Major unnoticed. Farmer's attitude shifts in seconds, on the whole, leaving Bill Devaney puzzled and more than a little alarmed. Cold and emotionless, the commando officer looks at Sy Spector.

However, Spector is too involved with Rachel to even notice. The Major's lower jaw commences wobbling without haste in anger. That signals the only movement he has made since Sy Spector began talking.

Ivy Reed sees Farmer's shift in mood. She casts a peek at Devaney before returning her attention to Sy.

Cooped up and emotionless Major Farmer sleuths at Spector. Yet Sy doesn't even notice as he is more concerned with Rachel. Bill Devaney is also baffled by the Major's sudden change in attitude. Frank Farmer's lips quiver somewhat, and his chin wobbles a little. The serviceman grabs whatever control he can get and clings to it, regardless of whom he affects. Picturesque Bill Devaney imagines this must be the Major's face on the battlefront before slashing the larynx of an enemy sentry. He hopes wordless Farmer hasn't brought home any trauma. Rachel's baffled administrator turns out a bit worried about the tension that initiates to form.

Taking advantage of the others' distraction, Ashley watches Major Farmer and asks him point-blank, «Are you angry?»

An uneasy stillness wrapped itself elastic around the Major. No words give any indication that he is furious. The silence that followed confirmed the young girl's suspicions. Ashley has known her mother's temperament long enough to recognize these signs. «When my mom gets angry, she does the same thing,» The little one mutters in a hushed tone, understanding now why the Major remains so tense. She glances a second at Spector, and Rachel makes sure they are all still okay.

Bill furrows his eyebrows and sinks deeper into thought. Meanwhile, Vice-Admiral Marron spies in concern back and forth between Frank, Rachel, and Sy. Carl reassures, despite the tense situation, this unique trip wasn't about to come to an abrupt and nasty end. This impression of dread he takes in lies heavy in the room. Bill murmurs without making any noise, praying to whatever gods may be that they will all survive this meeting unscathed. Ashley keeps a curious eye on the Major. The underlying tension of fear and anxiety is palpable in the air. Mayhaps one or both suspect that a madman, aided by two predators, will start soldiering through that hall at any moment to provoke a nightmare.

Rachel gets to her feet and strides over to Rory and the dancers to cheer, «I'm safe here at home, so I expect the main problem will be when I go out. Tony will be able to all your questions.»

All of Farmer's concentration applies to Rachel. That's broken up by a fleeting gaze in the direction of Rachel's bodyguard when she mentions his name. Tony turns his head towards Farmer, an expression of confusion and attentiveness on his face. Rachel proceeds to state, «You two need to figure something out. I don't want you guys jumping all over me everywhere I go. The most important thing is this: I don't permit any affection to Ashley by this.»

The atmosphere in the room thickens with tension when Rory puts his arm around her waist. He stands behind her and starts practicing her dance steps in slow motion. His voice is low and gravelly. «Right leg first, then the left,» he murmurs. His movements are comforting and calming, a reminder of the beauty of the art form. «You pick it up super fast, Rachel. It's like you live to do it. Relax! I've got your back.» Rachel turns and throws a grateful smile at Rory. Farmer is still looking over them hard but has not proposed a single word.

«I was about to cover that.» Retorts Spector.

Rachel adds, «I don't want her to think she is in jail. As a result, no modifications to the house or grounds! She can't know you're here. Is that clear?» She hesitates, waiting for an answer, her gaze lingering on Farmer's countenance, and she freezes at his expression.

Frank scrutinizes her for several seconds before he turns to Devaney and the Admiral, once more back to Rachel, his voice tinged with gravity. «Miss Marron…»

«Rachel!» She interposes to modify him but with the utmost vigilance.

The soldier disregards her objection. «Miss Marron, because I'm in a good mood today!» Then he scans the entire crew in disgust. «I don't want to wade knee-deep in blood and guts right now. Indeed, I prefer to decide this whole thing is a big misunderstanding.»

And with those words still echoing in her ears, he strides away, calling out to his wolves, «Geri! Freki!» to follow him.

In a matter of seconds, the two wolves rush to his side. As if to substantiate his view, he leaves Rachel speechless. The pop sensation is not used to being cast aside when the Queen speaks. Rachel stares after him for some time and gets handed a silver headdress on a stand. She ignores that and continues to stare at that strange Squaddie. She's jabbering like the whisper of a breeze, «I'm going to need therapy after this.»

After a few moments of tense silence, Bill Devaney finally breaks it. «Farmer, will you wait a moment?» He asks so, not in an unkind manner, but with a tone of urgency.

Spector objects, «Bill, we shouldn't beg this guy for his services.»

Bil's expression exhibited the seriousness of the situation. Rachel's executive makes a sharp gesture to quiet Spector. He sounds resolute, «Sy, I'll take care of it.» Bill persists and takes his leave. Rachel watches freeze as Bill and her father follow the Major at the end. With heartbreak, Ashley herself chases after her grandfather.

«Wait for a second, Major.» Vice Admiral Marron summons him. Frank Farmer comes to a halt. All three catch up with him. Carl explains the importance of Rachel's security. Then Bill emphasized that they all must work together.

Carl expounds, «I should have explained more to my daughter. I'm sorry; I was afraid she wouldn't follow through. I decided to let you two work it out and come to an agreement.»

Calm Major Farmer responds, «Oh, yes! We get along well. I know what kind of girl she is!» Frank continues his journey.

Devaney grasps a straw, «She's not a bad person. Whether she realizes it or not, she requires your help.»

The Major's intentions won't change. That's what Devaney believes. Bill senses he has discovered a weakness and places his hand on Ashley's head. «She requires your assistance! Both the little girl and the big girl.» Devaney emphasizes this. At the same time, Bill hopes that Frank Farmer understands where he is going with it.

Frank's eyes soften as he watches Ashley, «Misses Marron told me so too. You talked with Ashley's grandmother about that?» Bill denied. His tension is dissipating. But despite his newfound sense of calm, there is still hesitation.

Ashley looks up at Frank with an inquisitive expression. Frank's face is no longer a mask of determined stoicism, but a surge of emotion passes through his childish eyes as he glares at Ashley. The Major still occurs to be hesitant, so Devaney increases his efforts.

Bill proclaims, «You've already come so far. It goes to be a shame to return home without a better understanding of how you can help. Would you mind waiting here for a minute? I should show you something.» Frank nods in agreement, acknowledging the request.

Frank, Vice-Admiral Marron, and Ashley are silent at the outset as Devaney walks back to the house. Ashley becomes a growing extent lot agitated. She appears to have an urgent question. She keeps looking in fear at her grandfather, who looks on in awe. Finally, she turns to Frank Farmer and asks, «Will they lock you back in the basement if you leave now?»

Major Farmer wears a depressed expression. «Yes!»

The girl again looks shy at her grandfather, frowns, and then she asks, «Do you have to wear the mask, too?»

«Yes,» he says, frustrated.

Ashley returns her gaze to her grandfather. «Do you mean you can't eat anything?»

Before Major Farmer explains, the soldier scouts at the Vice-Admiral and Ashley do the same. «Soup, indeed!» He explains. «I can drink it through a straw.»

Ashley looks stigmatizing him at her grandfather. Carl is beginning to feel guilty but has no idea why. «I'd like to know what you two talk about when alone,» he claims, wary.

Rachel notices Devaney's return, but he pays no attention to her. He heads over heels to pull some folders from his files, then rushes away. Unease grips her, and a queasy feeling rises within her. The singer interrupts her rehearsal and walks to a window with an eyeshot of the pool area. Rachel also acknowledges her manager hurrying down the street, where he meets the others again.

Bill casts a glance at the Vice-Admiral, then at Ashley. Admiral Marron recognizes this and takes his granddaughter's hand in his. «Come on, kiddo! They want to talk about adult things. Let's go over to the pool for a minute.»

But Rachel admits that Devaney opened the file he brought to Frank across the table. Rachel is blind to the fact that it contains threatening letters of all sizes and shapes.

«This has only happened in the last six months,» Rachel's administrator explains.

Frank Farmer inquires, «Have you ever considered having these letters evaluated by a professional?»

Meanwhile, he reads through the letters. They derive from various sources. Some scribbled, some printed, and some assembled from newspaper clippings. Many undergo staining and tatters, while others are spotless. Now and then, a photo of Rachel with rough markings appears.

«No, the Admiral told me that Section 13 could do it,» tells Bill.

Frank Farmer keeps flipping through the letters. «Yes, I studied psychology with a forensic emphasis. Aside from Section 13 deals with Scatters and doesn't do regular police work. Scatters aren't good letter writers. You have faith in me for it! They never say: we intend to murder or kidnap anyone. It happens!»

Spector joins them through the main house pool door and suckers on ice cream. He peers over Frank's shoulder and now and then examines the stack of letters. Frank overlooks through them fast and with a practiced eye. From the pile, he chooses a few and often takes a break to read a letter with more care. He selects several and arranges them in the center of the table.

«Did you ever defend or protect any royals?» Spector asks the Major.

And Frank Farmer frowns. «By happy chance, protecting the Incest League isn't one of Section 13's responsibilities. Otherwise, I'd prefer to transfer to Northern Ireland.»

«You aren't a royalist?» Sy fascinates by this finding.

«I wouldn't call myself that. I'm more of a Republican with a strong anarchist streak.» Frank sounds bored.

«But professional soldiers must swear an oath to the king?»

The soldier then gives him a devilish smile, «Perchance, may I lied under oath. It should have happened now and then. On the other hand… Mayhaps, I lie to you to find out which political direction you support.»

Spector responds halfhearted, «That's quite tough to talk to you, Major.»

In response, Frank Farmer laughs askance. «I'm sure Rachel will concur.»

«However, do you know?» Spector is curious. «I'm referring to one of the royals.»

«Well, that's not so difficult. The equerries are part of the Windsor family, so getting to know them isn't too difficult. At least, that was the case until the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Once she died, a horse succeeded the Queen of the United Kingdom.»

Sy inquires, «You commandos always have one of the royals as supreme commander. Who is that at Special Reconnaissance Regiment?»

«The horse I dimensioned right now!» Frank shakes his head a bit and laughs with mischievous cynicism.

«Major, come on. Don't kid!»

The conversation begins to nuisance the Major. «You wouldn't believe how many people I know if I told you. But, as you know from your job, the right connections are priceless.»

«Of course, yes. What about Prime Minister?»

«Gabriel Morgan's security has sometimes been in my hands. It'll be that time again next week. Section 13 deals with a different type of security. You are still under Secret Service protection and get the police on hand.»

«Are you saying you've never worked as a traditional bodyguard?»

Frank finds it hard to respond. «Sir, I'm more of a traditional assassin than a classic bodyguard. Gabriel Morgan hires me to be his daughter's bodyguard, or so the story goes. In reality, I'm supposed to keep an eye on her, or two, and scare the guys she dates.»

Spector appears amused. «Oh, one of these guys is our prime minister!»

Frank places another letter on the center pile. He points to one particular letter and smiles. «This is a little old lady in Omagh, Northern Ireland. She also thinks the prime minister is a reptiloid. But I'm not sure about Gabriel.»

Spector and Devaney look at him in confusion. It's impossible to tell if Farmer is serious or joking. Frank finishes and taps on the separate pile of letters. «Not spectacular, but it could be that you should tell the police about it, not that something will happen, and they'll ask why you're so late.»

«Nothing there to do with the doll?» Devaney asks.

«I assume that's another story.» Farmer inquires, «Did you report the doll to the police?»

«Neither!» Devaney responds.

Frank Farmer is defenseless. «Guys, an explosive device detonated. A tiny one! However, there were casualties. That needs to report to the police! All right, in this case, the Vice-Admiral informed Section 13. But we couldn't investigate because you destroyed the evidence! That is a serious crime. When will you tell your minstrel about the doll?»

Spector and Devaney exchange glances. That is a source of contention between them. The head of public relations explains. «We said there was an electrical problem. A short circuit while she was on stage. She can't have that kind of stress right now. It will irritate her.»

Major Farmer titters mean, «How upset do you think she'll be if the Pale Shine Act passes in its current form? That is what I expect to happen because our fascists feel scared shitless. If Admiral Marron requests paragraph 82, I shall grant it. On the other hand, your Queen of the Night will only perform in her recording studio.»

Frank shifts his gaze to the Admiral and Ashley by the pool. Rachel joins them but stares at Frank.

Devaney notices the alleged eye contact between the two. «What do you know about the doll?» Devaney inquires.

The officer, Major Farmer, helpless, shrugs. «It's nothing more than a puppet. A toy for children. I guess it's a head, torso, two arms, and legs.» Bill shows him a photo of the charred doll after the explosion. Also, a reference model. Frank, surprised, takes the puppet in his hand. Almost scared, the soldier gawks from the plaything to Rachel and vice versa, giving an appalled expression.

Rachel broods about how horrified he is by the doll and keeps looking at it until he doubles over and sniggers. «Oh, please! Is she available as an action figure? You're joking!»

Devaney is serious about what he says. «I'm glad you still have a sense of humor, Major.»

It's easy to imagine storm clouds gathering over Rachel's head, and she crunches her lower jaw rough like Farmer has been doing lately.

«I prefer The Dark Knight. But if you swapped Robin for Queen of the Night, I'd be happy.»

Spector clenches his teeth, «Could you please refrain from doing so, Major? Rachel looks over here, and she appears bloody upset.»

Devaney continues, «It's not exactly an action figure, either. It doesn't even resemble Rachel.»

«Especially following the explosion!» Farmer chuckles.

«That guy is such a beast!» Rachel exclaims hard, «That's personal!»

Rachel can't believe Ashley responds, «You're surprised at how you treat him?»

Her mother is speechless, «I even offered him a drink.»

Ashley scoffs, «You think that makes it all go away?»

Rachel looks irritated at her father, who shrugs infirm. Rachel will know, «So you think it's all right how this Major is acting?»

Ashley asks, glaring at the Major. «I can see why he's doing it. Can I now return to my cousin?»

«That's not your cousin!» Rachel prompts unmistakable. «Take a look at him!»

But Ashley is sure. «My cousin predicted that you'd say that. You're being mean to him and trying to hide him from me because he looks different.»

Rachel feels annoyed. «How would you go about getting something like that?»

Ashley makes a firm hand motion and looks at her mother in a way that should indicate that the cat is out of the bag. «He revealed everything to me! I know the entire story!»

«Why are you so infatuated with the Major?» Rachel asks, amused and perplexed.

Ashley uses a significant expression, «I'm not sure if you've noticed, but he's running around with two wolves. Is there anyone else you know who does?»

Rachel smiles at her daughter's smug expression, «All right, he's intriguing. Is there anything else?»

Ashley chuckles, «He's sassy!» Rachel smiles as she watches her daughter.

«What are you doing?» The Vice-Admiral inquires with precision.

«Nothing!» The girl insists on the innocent of a little angel.

«Are you into bad boys?» Rachel is curious.

«He's not like other adults, Ma. It's like my big brother fooling around with me,» explains the young lady.

Concerned, the Vice-Admiral informs the child, «Ashley, he's the big brother.»

«The squaddie programms her!» Rachel expresses regret.

«Look, dear,» says the Vice-Admiral to Ashley. «He's not your cousin.»

Ashley expresses sadness: «Because I'm small, you think I'm stupid. But how can my cousin predict what you'll say?»

«Because this Major knows people very well and knows how to manipulate them,» the admiral explains. «He also recognizes that an ingenue like you is liable to believe and heard what she likes to believe, and heard first.»

Ashley gets frustrated by that. Farmer never regards her as a subordinate. Instead, he makes her feel responsible, so she has to defend him. «You were mean to lock him in the basement!»

Rachel becomes the impression that Frank Farmer's grin is aware of what is happening…

«Come on, gentlemen!» According to Frank Farmer. «Jokes aside! Do you know where the doll came from?»

«It's from me!» Devaney sighs and describes what occurred.

The military man intervenes, «You got that from security? That's strange.» He thinks aloud. «It appears to be an inside job!» That is the most common reaction.

«There were no explosives in the doll to do more damage,» Spector adds.

«That's correct!» exclaims Farmer. «There are two things to consider in this regard. Scenario 1: The Scatters have decided to issue a final warning to Admiral Marron. While Rachel was on stage, they detonated a small explosive device from a distance. That implies they didn't want to hurt her. The explosive device was powerful enough to cause serious damage or even death in unfavorable circumstances and did not care. They didn't care who got caught as a bystander. That's where you two could come into play the next time,» Farmer tells Bill and Sy. And then he adds: «Rachel and Ashley were not to suffer any harm. That suggests that the Scatters' spiral of violence is progressing. Scenario 2: Someone with immediate access to the Marrons was present to achieve a controlled explosion. That's what they do to minimize injury to life and limb. The doll came in from the outside and was not visible at the time of the explosion. This is quite unlikely! That means that if the government uses force against the Scatters, the attacks on the Marrons will become more frequent and stronger. It will become a matter of life and death.»

«Major?» Spector inquires. «Wouldn't that bring up that, as the head of Section 13, you'd be an appealing target for Scatters men?»

«Thank you for caring about my safety. But don't worry! I am pretty well covered! The danger to the Marrons is far greater.» Frank Farmer becomes more specific. «I'm curious who gave her the doll.» Devaney, on the other hand, is skeptical. He doubts that he can remember. Farmer claims, «Section 13 is doing its part by attempting to gather video footage of that moment. It was not an unplanned occurrence. The security service was part of it. As a result, Rachel cannot trust regular security or a single bodyguard. Ashley plays her part because she serves as a buffer between Rachel and the Admiral. Attacking Ashley would be synonymous with a penultimate warning before the last warning: Rachel. That is something the mother should be aware of!» Farmer appears to be very confident in himself.

«We should show him the room, Sy,» Devaney suggests. Frank follows Spector and Devaney into the main house wing, led into a room that is more like a hall. He glares around, wary of the murals and the decor, which he sees as a kitschy attempt at bawdy splendor straight out of tabloid fantasy.

«Is this her bedroom?» Without harming, Frank Farmer interrogates, trying to suppress a grin.

«Yes!» Spector responds with a smirk.

But Devaney qualifies, fearing a nasty crack from Farmer, «No! She sleeps in the room down the hall from Ashley's. Sy had that done for a magazine layout.»

«Let me guess: We gave decadence a prize,» Major Farmer gives a mean smile. Devaney feared it would be repulsive to Farmer.

Sy declares with pride, «Superstars in their Boudoirs!»

Farmer laughs aloud. So much that Rachel hears it outside by the pool. She begins grinding her jaw again, imagining Farmer in between. The Admiral and Ashley exchange startled expressions.

«When my cousin is angry, he does the same thing,» Ashley tells her grandfather.

«Did you see it?» Spector inquired.

«No!» Frank Farmer responds in low tones.

Devaney defends his star with an I-dread-it expression. «Rachel didn't like it,» he says.

«She wasn't required to like it either,» Spector retorts.

Devaney places one of Farmer's chosen letters on the bed with care. «We found the letter here.»

«Anyone has been here?» The Squaddie inquired, unsurprised.

«Someone broke in and…,» Devaney explains in greater detail. He pauses short, imagining Frank's reaction, and then admits, «… masturbated on the bed.»

Rachel clenches her fists, grumbling and wondering what that Major has been doing in her bedroom all this time. And now he's laughing without ceasing again.

«She doesn't know about that either?» Frank Farmer asks, clutching his stomach and wiping away a tear of laughter.

«You're such a cheerful person,» Devaney says rather than complaining about a lack of compassion.

Spector shook his head, «Are you serious? That would freak her out.»

«What do you mean?» Devaney inquires.

«Someone breaks into the house, goes upstairs, and jerks off on the bed. That would be a problem,» Major Farmer proclaims.

«What kind of problem?» Devaney wants to know.

«It wasn't the Scatters. Someone else.» Major Farmer explains in cold blood. «I would consider sympathizers of the scatters. There are symbols on the letter to suggest so.»

«Like hell, we don't need that right now.» Retorts Spector with zeal.

«The house is wide open,» Frank says.

«Excuse me?» asks Spector.

«I told you this house is wide open, and you have no idea what true security is or what it takes to achieve it.» The soldier keeps going.

Devaney is up for a compromise: «Frank, I respect what you tell me. Tell me how you want to work, and I'll accommodate you.»

Frank Farmer assures absolve, «I only work in one way. I issue the orders, and it occurs. Things will go wrong in a blink if your troubadour believes that I am her employee. Make her understand the command structure! Because if her father invokes Article 82, I'll issue the orders, and anyone who disobeys me gets a free trip to a Montserrat internment camp. I'm sorry, but I can't protect them. I won't be responsible for Rachels and Ashley's safety until the mother understands what's happening here.»

Devaney relents: «I'll talk to her. I'll make her understand. I can do that.»

But Spector exasperates, «No. I'll talk to her.» Spector leaves the room, worried, and goes to Rachel.

Sy relates the biting little highlights Major Farmer threw at Rachel. However, he twists the facts so much that he does not say what he should have done. That the singer takes a stand against Frank by sowing discord; right now, that is Spector's biggest concern. The opposite of the policy Devaney seeks. Spector knows the Popstar well enough to understand how she operates. It's unclear whether Spector has noticed the uncanny resemblance between the two characters. If Sy does so, he creates opportunities for the inevitable next clash. This is inevitable because Rachel is looking for it with passion.

Frank Farmer is alone while Devaney consults with Spector and the Admiral about their following actions. Ashley searches for Frank in vain, wandering somewhere.

But Rachel bumps into him. The visitor returns to rehearsals but keeps very much to himself, and Rachel does not like his snide look at all. Walking up to him, Rachel says, «Too decadent?»

He gives her a brief look and does not answer for a while. «So Spector talked to you?»

She fixes him with a glare of suppressed anger. «Yes, he did! What was so cute about my bedroom?»

The Squaddie shrugs at a slow pace, «Nothing!»

Rachel aims at him like she's aiming a gun. «Nothing? You laughed quite often and aloud for that.» Frank Farmer does not answer. «Look at me when I am talking to you,» Rachel says.

«You have other problems!»

«Right now, I have a problem with you!»

Farmer sighs, bored. «Spector talked my ear off, and now get on with it. All this hot air comes at me in the form of useless words. Do not act surprised if I imagine myself on a beach somewhere. For your information, I hold a seashell to my ear and listen to the sound of the ocean.»

It drives Rachel crazy that he puts on such an amused expression as if he's relaxing somewhere. She interprets that as arrogance; «Do you think you are great, Major?»

No, he says with a slight movement of his head. «The only thing I want is to be free from ballast existences.»

But while Frank is honest, it never occurs to Rachel that anyone would not want to pay attention. It's an effect that's compounded because the Major has taken her daughter by storm.

«What does a Major earn, Squaddie?» Rachel mocks him.

Farmer seems at ease. When Rachel talks of a Major as if he were someone else and addresses him as 'Squaddie,' Frank recognizes a disparagement. Not that 'squaddie' is a dirty word, but Rachel's presumptuous tone makes it one.

Frank feigns indifference, «Thank you for your concern for my financial security, ma'am. For sure, my income to you may seem ridiculous. I assure you that a Section 13 chief earns a lot more than an ordinary Major. What I can add to this topic by saying that I do not judge people by their money, but rather by what they say and think.»

Rachel, of course, knows he means her. She finds words in abundance and knows how to express them in a snobbish manner with perfection. «Like it or not, my father is an Admiral and your superior! Squaddie, why do not you make yourself a little useful? Bring me a milkshake from the bar as a nice gesture for the Queen of the Night.»

At first, Major Farmer seems agitated. Afterward, the Major tries to swallow his anger. But then Frank goes over to fulfill Rachel's request.

«Thanks, Squaddie!» Rachel smiles and taunts.

But Farmer does not put the cup in her hand. Instead, he begins inching and, in like manner, pouring the milkshake over her head.

«My chief…,» Farmer explains. «…is General Ordlaf of Astgill. You'll find him at Credenhill, in the High Command of the British Forces. As for your father...» While Rachel is still in shock, he punctuates his acts with an artful pause. «He is our liaison to military counterintelligence and other intelligence agencies. However, he can help you contact my boss and complain about me.»

Everyone who hasn't heard any talk gets paralyzed by the spectacle. When the Admiral, Devaney, and Spector meet Rachel, Frank Farmer is no less upset than Rachel. But both try to contain their anger, which seems not to be possible enough.

«We can never leave these two alone!» Devany whispers to the Vice-Admiral.

Ashley doesn't like Frank Farmer leaving at all, opposite her mother. Even worse, the Squaddie doesn't come back the next day.