As the wind howled outside, familiar cold air filled the room, warning of the approaching winter. Setting her book down, Claire walked to close the window, looking outside.

" I have to get this window fixed or I'm gonna freeze this winter."

And join him in hell, 'cause I've been guaranteed a spot for decades.*

Walking back to her bed Claire's phone gave a quiet alarm," Fucking assholes, can you wait until tomorrow to break into someone's house?"

Grabbing the phone, Claire opened it to her security system and watched the short live feed of four soldiers entering her house, with an all-too-familiar logo on their vests.

Umbrella, didn't they disappear years ago?*

Throwing the phone to the bed, Claire grabbed her gun from the nightstand. After checking that there was still ammunition, Claire walked out to greet the uninvited guests.

In the hallway, it felt empty even with the four soldiers who could be lurking in the very shadows she was hiding in.

As a light came to life suddenly there were no soldiers in the hallway she was in. Cautiously walking towards the next hall leading to the front entrance where her 'guests' should be.

Staying in the shadows a soldier approached with what seemed like a death wish, Claire noted this soldier had little protection and no gun drawn.

Waiting until the soldier was closer, Claire took the soldier hostage," Walk to your friends, if you don't want your fucking head blown off."

The soldier acknowledged what Claire instructed and walked to the living room," Found her."

"Ah! Miss. Redfield, I do apologize for the intrusion. But we both know you're a busy woman, and this isn't a talk we can have over a drink."

Looking at who seemed to be the leader," Nikolai? Thought something would have killed you by now."

Nikolai gave one of his usual over-the-top laughs, reminding Claire of the first time they met.

7 years ago

"So, your the lovely soon-to-be Mrs. Wesker. Nikolai Zinoviev, I shall be your bodyguard in simple terms when your husband is busy."

Looking at the man in front of her, Claire felt small once again. The term bodyguard means another person to hide behind while she runs from more problems.

"How the fuck are you alive? I swear you died."

Nikolai chuckled," I have friends and more worth to your husband than he originally thought, I got one of his little science experiments."

"I'm not marrying Wesker, and I sure as hell don't need one of his fucking dogs to protect me."

Nikolai gave a hearty laugh that could have made the room shake in a cartoon and leaned close to Claire,' Well I'd suggest a good plan for Wednesday, and for the time become Mrs. Wesker. Don't let him see Miss. Redfield, keep her caged until Wednesday.'

As Nikolai turned to leave he gave a cold glare back," Поверьте мне. Have a good day."

Present Day

"Do you still trust me?"

Letting the soldier go they calmly walked to the other three," Tell your soldiers to leave, if we can't talk about this over a drink."

Nikolai looked at the men and they left the house as his gaze met their eyes," Now, what do you want? Money for all those years ago?"

Shaking his head," No, I want to allow you to get rid of some claws deep in your soul. Mrs. Wesker."

With a fit of anger aimed at Nikolai," DON'T call me that, or I'll blow your fucking brains all over the goddamn room."

Raising his hands in a way to show that he meant no harm," I apologize, but it seems that volcano didn't do much to Wesker. He's alive."

Lowering her gun Claire kept her gaze on Nikolai waiting for him to slip," What does that have to do with me exactly? I'm sure he wouldn't want me back after the stunt I pulled."

"On that you're wrong, yes he was quite angry for a while. But it's you, how many people died by your hands and it was swept away?"

A sharp feeling of guilt washed over Claire remembering just how many she did kill," You didn't answer the big question. What does it have to do with me?"

Lowering his hands Nikolai looked at Claire with the same cold and commanding gaze he gave to the soldiers," I know where he's hiding. My offer is you bring me anything he is working on, and you can kill him, keep him prisoner, or do whatever you want to him. As payback for those days, you spent as his prisoner.

Claire's eyes widened as Nikolai's offer played in her head over and over*There's a catch just some potential work for Wesker's life? Then again, I can kill him.*

Walking towards Claire who was frozen in shock," Here, I know you might need more time to think about this. Call this number and hang up if you wish to take my offer, by tomorrow. I look forward to potentially working with you again Miss. Redfield."

Nikolai walked out of the house as Claire stayed still with the phone number in hand.

Finally moving after what could only be described as hours Claire slowly walked back to her room.

Putting the gun away Claire set the phone number on the nightstand before lying down in the empty room. With her mind racing as Nikolai's offer was too good, even for him.

Trying to sleep. Long dead memories revived themselves.

Amanda's death.

Jennifer's death.

The dinner.

The car ride that allowed her freedom.

All the years she spent thinking her love was normal.

Hiding under the covers like a small child all Claire could do was cry silently as more memories revived themselves.

Once the memories finally stopped, it was morning with Claire's eyes heavy, unable to stay open for long periods of time. Sitting up in the bed, Claire reached and looked at the phone number Nikolai left.

As her eyes began to feel less heavy Claire grabbed her phone and dialed the number. Hearing the ring Claire hung up, sealing her answer to Nikolai's offer.

" I'm going to hell anyways, and I'll send you there first or take you with me if it's the last thing I do."