Ashes to Ashes

By John Chapman and Shelia Chapman

Sam and Richard stepped out of the lift. The corridors of the complex looked like a body-littered obstacle course. The walls and floors stained red with the blood of her victims. Where had her strength come from? It was the worst carnage the Triplets had dealt with to-date. How could one woman cause so much destruction and why?
The medical lab was dark. With the beams from their torches, James and Gary searched for survivors. James sensed Candice was in there somewhere. Broken glass and debris hindered him, but it was the body he fell over that made his heart stop.
GW Forrest has changed, and not for the better. What hidden force fed his new persona? Who exactly was he, and why wouldn’t he stay dead?
In Chichen Itza, under Forrest’s employ, José Vasquez and his brother Pedro headed a large archaeology team searching for a back entrance to Ian and Andrew’s time tomb. Why hadn’t they used the same entrance as Ian and Andrew? What secrets did the Mayan tomb hold that had prompted Forrest to leave his ‘beloved’ wife, Comtesse D’Vincent with less than the bare essentials, in a hotel in Phoenix, Arizona? With nowhere to turn, Comtesse D’Vincent called upon the code of The Order. Who answered her call, and why had they been so amused at her predicament?
Of the large team that had gone inside the pyramid, only two were still standing, trapped and left for dead. Upon sight of him, the two men had bowed before Jared as though he were a god. Why? Was it because they believed he was a monster like the Others?
What did the Dine’é Yá show Sam that changed his entire outlook on life? Who is Elle and what did she have to do with Sam and Juanita? Why had Sam been willing to undergo excruciating pain for Elle? Because of what had happened in the pyramid, would Sam lose his dancing aqua eyes?
A man from the other side returned with a cryptic message for Rich. What was it and what did it mean? Gary and Sarabeth had been there with Rich. Who was the messenger, and why had Rich been the only person allowed to see him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Chapman
• Release date: May 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301345557

John Chapman

We started the 'A Vested Interest' series in 2007 and it took over a year before I came up with an ending we were happy with. At 170,000 words A Vested Interest was too long though. We cut it heavily but still ended with a 140,000 word book. There was no alternative, we had to split it into a two book series. Doing that, we thought, would allow us to put back some of the content we had cut and expand the second book (Dark Secrets) a little. Well that was the plan. We ended up splitting the second book and making a trilogy by adding 'No Secrets'. The original ending didn't quite fit now so we moved it into a fourth book - Stones, Stars and Solutions. And so it goes on. We are now writing book 10 and 11 of the series. Shelia has written a spin-off book 'Blood of the Rainbow' and is busy writing a sequel. Altogether it's 1.2 million words so far! In terms of time, we've only covered a few months. There is an end in sight but not for another 5,000 years. Maybe I'll get to use my original ending then? About the Authors John and Shelia Chapman are a husband and wife team who met on Internet and crossed the Atlantic to be together. John, an English ex-science and computer teacher contributed the technology and 'nasty' bits while Shelia drew on her medical experience in the USA and produced the romance. The humour? That came from real life.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Juanita Walton stood outside Joyce’s quarters. Come on, Joyce, she said under her breath and anxiously drummed her fingernails. I don’t have all day. Answer the damn door! She tapped her foot and pressed the door panel a third time. "Come on, come on! She groaned and forced her breath out. I’m sorry, Sam, but I can’t wait any longer." She turned and ran down the corridor.

Her heart pounded. The doors slid open. Her breath caught. Her lips parted in shock as she stared at the aftermath. The attack in the cafeteria didn’t compare to what was before her eyes. If Chantelle was responsible for this, three of the Triplets had been extremely fortunate. Everyone had.

The infirmary was in disarray. Members of the medical team rushed from bed to bed, assessing patients as quickly as they could. The biobeds were full; occupied by the injured. Several body bags had been pushed against the wall by the operating theater. A narrow path weaved its way from one patient to the next. Sheila and Jacob were nowhere to be seen.

Oh, Sam! she gasped and shoved a hand through her dark wavy hair. "Why did you leave me in charge? I’ve never dealt with anything on this scale."

One of the nurses skidded to a stop in front of her. Dr. Walton, she exhaled as if a savior had come through the door. I’m so glad you’re here! Dr. Nightwolf and Dr. McGowan are in surgery. They said you were in charge. Where’s Joyce? Where are Dr. Triplet and Dr. Thundercloud?

She hesitated, wishing they were there to help. Blinking, she pulled her attention from the disorder around her, back to the confused nurse. Sam will be here shortly, she said. Donna and Jared are away. I don’t know where Joyce is, but just calm down. We’ll handle this. What have we got?

Everything from scrapes and bruises to deep cuts and compound fractures. Thank God, for the virus. Without it, she broke off and sighed. It’s unbelievable!

Juanita frowned and nodded. Her instincts were correct. Every second she’d delayed at Joyce’s quarters, had been a second wasted. For some of the injured, the virus would be a blessing. For others, it would be a curse. Cuts and abrasions would heal unattended. Broken bones had to be set. If not, they would have to be re-broken to properly align them, causing unnecessary pain and suffering for the patient.

The noise was so loud she could barely hear herself think. She stepped forward. Bringing her fingers to her mouth, she let out a high-pitched whistle. Heads lifted and turned in her direction. I need everyone’s attention! she yelled. We have limited space, but we need to get these people into groups. She jerked her head. Put the less severe in patient care. Fill the beds, then the gurneys. When you run outta space, use folded blankets and pillows to make beds along the walls. Keep a clear, straight path so we can move around, especially from one end of the infirmary to the other. Take the body bags to the morgue. When it’s full, line them up in the corridor along the wall. More serious conditions need to be moved to the next room, closer to the OR, especially those requiring surgery. This is gonna be a tough battle for all of us, so let’s just get on with it!

------------

Richard and Sam neared the lift. Evidently, Chantelle had gone that way. The dead and dying littered the corridors. Bodies lay in odd positions; their necks and backs having been broken. People with their chests ripped open, limbs torn from their bodies and discarded as naught. Some with burns and scorch marks as if they’d been struck by lightning. It was the worst carnage the Complex had seen to date.

The lift stopped. Richard and Sam made their way through the maze of connecting tunnels. More death greeted them when they neared the hot spot. Joe Islington and Jason Howard, two of John’s security, were propped against the entrance. Neither had escaped injury. Islington held a blood-soaked handkerchief to his upper arm. Howard sported deep cuts on his cheek and abrasions down the side of his neck. He walked with a limp.

Richard glanced into the shocked faces, of friends and colleagues, searching for one person. His voice filled with dread. Joe, where’s John?

Islington tucked his chin and shook his head. He and Danny tried to stop her, but it was hopeless, he said. Whatever that bitch threw at us went straight through our nanonyte nets. We might as well have been wearing loo roll. With a wave of her hand, she slung John in one direction, Danny in the other. They crashed into the tunnel wall.

Sam glanced at Richard and took a slow breath. I need gurneys!

Richard motioned to Mark Long and Riley Walker, more of John’s task force. Take care of it, he said.

Sam walked through the tunnel entrance. He glanced toward the barrier and heaved a sigh of relief. At least, for the time being, it was over. He spotted Greene first. Finding a rhythm, he gave him a cursory examination and moved on to John. An uneasy feeling grabbed him in the hollow of his stomach. John’s neck was swollen; his head lay in an unusual position. He touched the side of his neck. Closing his eyes, he let his breath out. Richard! he called out. We need to get John to the infirmary, he said. His neck’s broken, and he’s lost a lot of blood.

Richard, Islington, and Howard approached.

We’ll carry him, Howard said and grabbed John’s feet.

No! Sam growled. We need a gurney! If I’m right, his necktie is the only thing keeping his spinal cord aligned. If it moves, even with the help of the virus, he broke off. VICi, Juanita Walton, infirmary.

VICi; Video and audio links established.

Juanita hovered over a patient. Her white lab coat was smeared with blood. Deep creases in her forehead told of the stress she was under. "It’s no use," she said, he’s gone. Let’s move on. She and her helper approached the next mangled patient. She glanced up. Sam’s face gave her confidence. How bad is it down there?

He shook his head. It’s rough, cupcake. The corridors are littered with bodies. There’s blood everywhere. I’ve never seen the like. Did you find Joyce?

No, Sam. I tried her quarters. She didn’t answer the door. We need her here. We need everyone here, but I honestly don’t have time to….

What about the lab team? he broke in. Did Jacob put them on standby?

She groaned. I don’t know! I came straight to the infirmary. I figured I was needed more here. Every member of our medical team is tied up. Sheila and Jacob are in surgery. It’s a madhouse in here!

Cupcake, when you get a chance, set-up ICUs with full life support for Danny and John. Both are unconscious, so I don’t know the extent of their injuries. John’s neck’s broken, but I’m sure he’ll have internal bleeding. When Riley and Mark get there, make sure they bring a neck and clavicle brace back with them. Someone needs to find Missy, and….

Sam! she snapped. Stop telling me how to do my job. I’ll send what you need, but hurry. I have to go. VICi, disconnect link.

Richard, who was that woman? Howard asked. "What was she? Working with your dad, I’ve seen some strange things, but her eyes looked like balls of fire. She was throwing crimson lightning from her palms like some kind of sorceress. Was she one of those aliens Jared was talking about, or a demon from hell?"

He sighed. I don’t know, Jason. She wasn’t a demon, when I knew her. He paused and directed his attention to Islington. Organize some men. Get some body bags. Start going through the Complex. Get this mess cleaned up as soon as possible. While you’re at it, see what’s keeping those gurneys!

The morgue’s only equipped for twelve bodies, he said. Where do we put the rest?

When you run out of space, Sam spoke up, put some in the cryochamber, in the genetics lab. Line them up along the corridor walls, outside the infirmary and wherever else you can find space.

Just get them out of sight, Richard said. I don’t want people looking at this any longer than necessary. Do what you can, Joe.

While you’re at the infirmary, Sam said to Howard, get someone to look at that cut. A smear of nanonytes would do the job, but I don’t have any with me.

Richard crouched next to Sam. He shook his head. Sam, what do I tell Dad? How do I explain this?

He shrugged. I don’t know, Richard, but we were fucking lucky. If Chantelle had hit us with what she did the rest of these poor jokers, we wouldn’t be here.

Dad will blame himself, Richard said. He always does when something goes wrong.

Sam hesitated, choosing his words wisely. "Richard, he was responsible for…."

He glared at him. "Don’t go there, he interjected. I don’t want to think, what might’ve happened had she turned on my daughter. What caused her to do this, Sam? Chantelle wasn’t like this when I knew her."

He arched an eyebrow. She was wild when we, he broke off.

Richard scowled at him. "Sam!"

He swallowed hard and held up a hand. Never mind, he said.

Richard’s phone rang. He glanced at Sam and stepped out of earshot.

Richard, you have to find James! Donna said in a frantic voice. I don’t’ know what’s wrong, but….

Hang on, pet, slow down, he broke in. James is fine.

No, he’s not, Richard! I felt his pain. He was headed to the medical lab. You gotta go there - now! Please, hurry. Trust me, Richard. Something’s wrong!

OK, pet, alright, he said. I’m on my way. Richard pressed mute.

Sam glanced up. Donna? he prompted.

Yeah, handle this. I have to go to the medical lab. She thinks something’s wrong with James.

While you’re there, let the team know.

I will! he said, pressed mute and left in a run. Donna, where’s Dad? I need to talk to him.

------------

Donna glanced up at Jared and Marie. He’s, um, he’s downstairs, she hesitated, sleeping.

Sleeping!

I’ll explain later. Just find James and let me know something. Me and Mama are goin’ bananas over here!

"OK, pet, I will," he huffed. I need to hang up, for now. It’s a little hard to run, with a phone plastered to your ear. I haven’t had time to put in my earbud. I promise, I’ll let you know something as soon as I get to the medical lab.

I love you, Richard, she said in a fragile voice.

He sighed. I love you too, pet, he said.

------------

Except for a small amount of light filtering in from the corridor, the medical lab was dark. James’ heart pounded. Hot tears stung his eyes. Acid churned in his stomach. His knees threatened to buckle. He supported himself against the corridor doorway and stared at the darkness as if it might swallow him up.

Gary stepped through behind him. Oh, God! he gasped.

The lab looked as if a tornado had gone through it. Broken glass crunched under their feet as they cautiously stepped forward. Gary’s eyes burned and watered from the acrid odor of chemicals and gases. They started coughing.

Lights on! Gary said. Nothing happened. VICi, lights on. Ventilate the room and activate cleaning bots!

VICi; Unable to execute command. Medical lab is offline.

Damn! he groaned and pulled James back into the corridor.

Gary! he growled; his aqua eyes danced with fire. What are you doing? he prompted and stepped forward.

No! he snapped.

Let go of me! I gotta find Candy!

VICi, activate emergency ventilation, Gary said. Increase fan speed to maximum. You can’t help her if you’re dead! Go to the engineering lab and get us some flashlights.

James’ mouth gaped. Gary!

"Go, James! By the time you get back, the air should be breathable."

------------

The glow from their flashlights revealed more destruction. James stood dead still. In his mind, he pictured Candice’s beautiful body lying dead somewhere. Gary pointed. Check that room. I’ll check the other one. James! He gave him a firm shake. James, snap out of it!

He jumped and inhaled sharply. What?

Check that room, I’ll check this one. We have to look for survivors.

Right – right! James said. He pushed the debris aside and worked his way through.

~ ~ ~

Gary neared the back of the room; his eyes widened. With his flashlight, he followed a dark stream, which trailed from behind an overturned workbench. His stomach lurched. Tangled strands of long black hair lay in a bloody pool. Pinned under a heavy metal table was Jasmine White’s slender body. Her head was twisted to the side, in an awkward position.

He closed his eyes and winced. Her skull had been cracked open like an eggshell. Kneeling, he pressed two fingers against her neck. He forced the air from his lungs and stepped further into the room. He winced again. A short distance from Jasmine, lay her father, Detective Superintendent, Neil White. Clutching his discharged handgun, his wide eyes stared at the ceiling. Two blood splatters behind them suggested they’d been slung against the wall as Sam had, only harder.

Exhaling, Gary tucked his chin and slowly shook his head. In a few months, White would’ve retired from the police force and assumed a position on Sir Richard’s investigative team. It was weekend, so he assumed White was spending time with his daughter. How would Sir Richard explain their deaths? On an autopsy report, murdered by a dead woman possessed by an alien, would look a little suspicious.

Turning his head, Gary glanced toward the room where some tall glass refrigeration units were kept. Culture dishes, Vacutainers of blood, and instruments were scattered everywhere. Bottles of chemicals had been smashed on the floor. Behind the door, in a crumpled heap, he found Ian Allen’s body. His neck had been broken. Protruding through his sternum was a metal bar from a retort stand. Even their life virus couldn’t cheat death under those circumstances.

Gary frowned at an empty spot on the wall. A unit was missing. Glancing to the left, a splay of long blonde curls, partially covering a fragile blood-smeared arm, stuck out from behind the missing unit. His heart all but stopped. It could only be one person. She was sandwiched between the unit and the wall.

Bracing his full weight against it, Gary grunted and strained, but it wouldn’t budge.

Chapter 2

James tripped. His torch flew from his hand and spun across the floor until it hit the wall. Ow - shit! he said when his right forearm scraped against something sharp. Grumbling and reaching for his torch, his hand curled around something warm, wet and sticky. He tested it with his fingertips, gently squeezing. His stomach rolled. Judging by its shape, he dreaded to think, what it could be. Still grasping the object, he retrieved his torch and aimed it at his hand. Involuntarily, he gagged and tossed the disembodied organ to the floor.

He brushed his hands on his jeans. His arm burned. He clenched his teeth and tossed a shard of glass on the floor. He palmed the cut. The beam from his light revealed a shadowy shape; he’d tripped over a body. Taking a deep breath, he aimed his light and reluctantly peeped through a crack. His eyes widened to pools of tar. There was a gaping hole in the center of Daniel Stuart’s chest. Candy! he gasped and swallowed hard.

James’ body quaked as he glanced around the room. He followed a set of bloody footprints to a partially opened door. God, Candy! he cried. Baby! Where are you? Candy, please, answer me!

~ ~ ~

Gary’s head jerked up. Dodging obstacles, he hurried across the entrance. He paused briefly and stared at the disembodied heart. Daniel’s discarded body lay on its back; mouth gaped, eyes fixed on the ceiling. Dark pools gathered at his sides.

James, where are you?

In here! he called out.

Gary huffed his breath out. Did you find her?

No, but I know she’s here somewhere. Candy!

Locks of medium brown hair peeped out from an overturned supplies cabinet. Gary’s eyes glossed. She’s over there, James!

------------

Donna shared a knowing glance with Jared. Mama, we need to tell Dad something, she said and hesitated. I assume you.…

Compelled him and the others to sleep, she interjected with a groan of exasperation. I’m not looking forward to waking him. He’ll be furious with me. She glanced at Jared. Probably, all of us.

He sighed. Under the circumstances, it was the only thing you could do, he said.

It wasn’t as if you had a lotta time to prepare, Mama, she said and touched her arm. Dad can’t stay mad at you.

She pressed her lips into a thin line. I hope you’re right, baby.

------------

Richard’s face paled. Lights on, he said. Nothing happened. VICi, lights on full!

VICi; Unable to execute command. Medical lab is offline.

VICi, emergency! Jeff Wein to the medical lab, he said.

Wein ran down the corridor and stopped next to Richard.

Where were you?

Looking for you. My God, Wein gasped. What happened in here?

I don’t know. According to VICi, the medical lab is offline. Get it back and get us some lights in here. They stepped through the doorway. James! Gary! Are you in here?

Richard, we need help! Gary called out.

Hang on! he called back. I’m coming. Get those lights on Jeff, he yelled over his shoulder. He swallowed hard and dodged Daniel’s body.

Got it, Jeff said. The lights flickered and came on.

Richard hurried into the room. Pushing with his shoulder, he helped Gary support the cabinet. We’ll hold this, but before you move her, James, make sure her neck isn’t broken.

I’m not a doctor! he snapped. I don’t know how. Richard, I may kill her.

He rolled his eyes and groaned. Jeff! he called out. Leave that and come help us!

Grunting and groaning, they pushed the heavy cabinet out of the way. Richard braced it with his back and propped his feet against the wall for leverage. Gary check her, but, hurry. This damn thing’s heavy as hell!

Holding his breath, Gary pressed his fingers to the side of Candice’s neck.

------------

Sam stripped off his shirt, folded it and pressed it to John’s chest wound. Hang in there, buddy, he said.

Sorry, it took so long, Walker said, but we had to clear a path.

Sam positioned the braces on the gurney and knelt at John’s head. I have his neck, he said. Mark, steady his shoulders. George, get his feet. Someone, grab his midsection. Be gentle. We need to lift him at the same time. Try to keep him level. I want as little movement as possible.

Why not put the brace on him now? Long asked.

I don’t know where the break is, Sam said, and I don’t want to move him twice. OK, on three. He counted. Easy! Slowly. Position him over the braces. A little to the left. Now, let’s lower him down, nice and even. That’s good. He fastened the brace. That’s got it. George, you come with me. You other men, bring Danny, he said and grabbed the front of the gurney.

------------

Gary closed his eyes and exhaled. Her neck’s not broken, he said, but her pulse is weak. He gave Richard a worried look over his shoulder. We need to hurry.

He groaned inwardly. Gary, help us hold this. James, ease her out.

He cradled Candice in his arms; his eyes swam with tears. Candy? Honey? He looked up. Gary? Richard?

The men moved out of the way. The cabinet crashed against the wall.

Go, James! Richard said. Get her to the infirmary.

I need your help in the other room, Gary said, catching his breath.

The knot in Richard’s stomach tightened. Who is it?

Joyce, Gary said with a sigh. She’s trapped under one of the refrigeration units in the other room.

Richard’s heart began to pound. Is she…?

I don’t know, he said, cutting him short. I couldn’t move the unit by myself. Everyone else is, though.

------------

Cradling Candice in his arms, James charged through the infirmary doors. Juanita! Sam! Someone! he called out.

Put her over here on a biobed, Juanita said. Sam’s not here. Jacob and Sheila are in surgery. She paused. VICi, full body scan. Display to wallscreen and over biobed.

A stream of blood trailed from Candice’s right temple down the side of her neck. Her petal pink shirt was soaked through. Juanita grabbed some medical scissors and cut down the front of her shirt, expecting massive injuries. She used gauze padding to clean the blood off her chest and throat.

James took a slow breath. Will she be OK?

I don’t know, yet, she said. I need to find out where the blood’s coming from. Where was she?

In the medical lab, he said in a thick voice and forced his breath out. They’re dead, Juanita - Jasmine, Detective White, Ian – all of them. It looked as if Chantelle shoved her fist in Daniel’s chest and yanked out his heart. I don’t know how I’ll tell Candy about her father. The medical lab’s destroyed. If Chantelle had done this in the cafeteria, he paused, we’d all be dead. I don’t understand what held her back.

She sighed. "I don’t care, what held her back. She paused. I’m just glad something did."

------------

Sam, Long, and Marr entered the infirmary with John. Sam’s mouth gaped. What happened? he asked and motioned to Candice.

James moved to stay close to her. Juanita touched his arm and pointed. I know you wanna be with her, but I need you to go and sit over there.

George, take James to the waiting room, Sam said. Then go to the medical lab and….

Juanita rested a hand on his arm. Sam, she drew out, "Candy was in the medical lab. We won’t be getting any help from them. They’re all dead."

A horrible sick feeling grabbed his gut. His heart jumped to his throat. Stinging tears threatened his wide eyes. "Has anyone seen Joyce?"

------------

Donna locked eyes with Marie. Mama, you know he’ll forgive you. He loves you. He’s your perfect match. You know it, and though Dad may not understand it, he knows it too. No love compares to your perfect match. I cared very deeply for Richard, and I loved Sam, but what I feel for Jared, she broke off and glanced at him. Well, it’s just not the same. I know it’s the same for you and Dad. He may not be Dine'é Kay-Yah, and he may never develop any special abilities, but he worships you.

Jared wrapped his arms around Donna’s waist and pulled her back, against his toned chest. Pressing his lips to her shoulder, his hot breath melted her insides, sending spirals of heat surging to her core. She leaned into him, enjoying his closeness. He sensed her need and understood. After Sara died, and he and Donna got together, being forced to give her up a second time, to protect her and his daughter, Sarabeth, had nearly destroyed him.

He kissed the side of her neck. "She’s right, Marie. You and Sir Richard may have disagreements, but nothing will ever make him stop loving you. He is your perfect match. Lady Triplet and Lady Isabelle might’ve thought they were responsible for bringing you together, but they had nothing to do with it."

Marie softly smiled. I know that. You know that. The question is, she hesitated, does Richard know that?

Donna grinned. Believe me, Mama, he knows. He may not understand the terminology behind perfect matches, but he knows you’re the only one for him.

She sighed. "I guess I’d better get down there and eat my crow pie. She winked at Jared. Oh, before I forget, wasn’t there something you wanted to discuss, with your dad?"

Donna glanced up at Jared and grinned. Yes, but get your differences settled. We’ll wait. Our plans aren’t gonna change.

He smiled. No, they’re not!

------------

Richard and Gary rushed to the infirmary. The doors slid open. Juanita’s breath caught. Was she in the medical lab, too? she prompted. James told us what happened.

Richard’s eyes glossed; he nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. I don’t know why she was there, he said.

She was trapped underneath one of the refrigeration units, Gary said. She’s lost so much blood, baby, he said to Juanita. Where’s Sam?

She frowned slightly. He’s with John. Someone needs to let Missy know, but I haven’t had time to think.

Richard exhaled. How’s Candy?

James is with her. She had some severe internal injuries and a concussion, but most of the blood was from her father. I extracted a sizable piece of glass from the gash in her side. The virus and nanonytes are taking care of that. I also removed a few shards from her left temple. Probably, from when the supplies cabinet fell on her. She was lucky, Richard. If the glass had been a few centimeters higher, it would’ve punctured her lung.

He winced. But, she’ll be all right?

Juanita nodded. She’ll be sore for a while, but she’ll be OK.

What about John and Danny?

------------

Marie’s eyes glossed. She pulled a chair next to Sir Richard and lovingly stroked his hair. She thought it best to let the other men sleep until she’d talked to him. She didn’t like keeping things from him. She wanted to share everything with him as a perfect match should, but under the circumstances, she hadn’t had a choice. She brushed a tear from her cheek and studied his features, committing his face to memory.

She traced his lips with the pad of her index finger. We’ve been through so much together, she whispered. So much of our lives have been controlled by others. If truth be told, I’m thankful your mother interfered and brought us together. Between us, we have three beautiful children. She swallowed hard. Even with the trials and pain we’ve endured, it was worth it, just to be here with you today. I love you, Richard. Please forgive me, she said and pressed her lips to his forehead, merging minds. Wake, my love.

He drew in a deep breath and lifted his head. He blinked and tried to get his bearings. The last thing he remembered was standing at the counter making a cup of tea. He locked eyes with Marie, his expression unreadable. You did it to me again, didn’t you?

Chapter 3

Sam felt as though someone punched him in the diaphragm. The color drained from his face. A lump rose in his throat. He couldn’t breathe. His eyes glossed. He blinked and rushed to her side. Richard, what happened? God, Joyce, he said. There’s so much blood. Don’t you do this to me! We’ve been through too much together. You can’t do this to me! VICi, full body scan! He turned his attention to Juanita. What’s the status of the unborn child?

Richard’s eyes widened; he frowned. She’s pregnant? he prompted. "You got Joyce pregnant?" he enunciated.

Gary and Juanita shared a troubled glance.

Sam rolled his eyes and glared at Richard. "No, I didn’t, but as soon as the medical lab’s in working order, I’ll find out who did," he said with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.

"We don’t need to wait, Richard said. Gary, find out who the father is."

Juanita exhaled. I already know, she said.

Then who is it? he asked in a gruff voice.

Her eyes danced with fury. "When we found out Joyce was pregnant, she was my patient. Sir Richard ordered me to find out, but I will not reveal the information until I’ve told Joyce. Then, when she decides what she wants to do and whether she wants the father to know – Joyce can tell him. Unless she chooses otherwise, as far as her pregnancy’s concerned, I’m her doctor. I will not reveal confidential information about my patient to you or anyone else!"

Sam groaned and glared at Richard. I think saving their lives takes priority, don’t you? If I can’t repair the tear in her uterus, it won’t make a difference who the father is! We’ll lose them both. He paused. Cupcake, she’s your patient. This is your call.

She studied his eyes. What about Danny and John?

The virus and nanonytes are putting them back together.

John’s gonna make a full recovery? Richard prompted.

He sighed. "I didn’t say that. They can repair his body, but they can’t repair memory loss."

Juanita arched an eyebrow. Alright, Sam, you take care of Joyce. I’ll deal with the other patients, but if you use this opportunity to….

He groaned. Cupcake, he interjected, I may be a heel, but there are some standards I live by.

She read the pain in his eyes and stepped back. Then save their lives Sam.

He locked eyes with her and gently held her wrist. The rest of the team can handle this, he said. Jacob’s still tied up. Will you assist me?

Heat coursed through her; she slowly nodded and followed him to the scrub room.

------------

Melissa unlocked the door panel. Richard, come in, she said and smiled. Can I make you a coffee?

He sighed. Missy, this is not a social call. I have some bad news.

Her face paled. She swallowed the lump threatening to choke her. Even with the life virus, she’d known, sooner or later, this day would come. Her eyes glossed. What happened to him? she asked in a raspy whisper."

He took her hands and smiled. "It’s not that bad, Missy. John’s in the infirmary. He was severely injured, but Sam and Juanita stabilized him. He’s still unconscious. Sam’s sure he’ll be fine, but," he broke off.

Melissa let her breath out. But what?

Let’s sit, he said and led her to the sofa.

"Richard, don’t water it down. I know the risks of working for your dad. John and I both do."

He sighed and clasped his hands together. He tucked his chin, hesitating, choosing the right words. John was slung against the tunnel wall. His neck was broken, Missy. There was some inner-cranial hemorrhaging. His hippocampus and neocortex, areas of the brain responsible for creating and maintaining memory, was damaged. Sam doesn’t know for sure, but John may suffer either temporary or permanent amnesia. Sheila’s going to check him as soon as she’s done in the OR.

Melissa drew in a quick breath. She covered her mouth and blinked to clear her vision. What about the virus? Won’t it work the same way for him as it did for Donna?

Richard cleared his throat and sighed again. It’s possible, but the situation with Donna was a little different, he said. The neurotoxin destroyed her brain cells. John’s weren’t destroyed. The brain is an extremely complicated organ. Even with our advanced medical technology, we still don’t understand how it works. It has its own built-in defense mechanisms. It sort of takes care of itself.

She cleared her throat, swallowed and lifted her chin. I want to see him, she said determinedly. "I need to be by his side."

He smiled and nodded. Yes, and Sam agrees. You and rest are the best things for John. He paused. Sam believes your continued familiar presence could help him retain his memories. I’m here because I wanted to explain, in person. We’ve been friends, for years. You’re like a sister to me, Missy. This seemed more appropriate than telling you, through VICi.

She smiled through tear-dimmed eyes and hugged him. I feel the same way about you, Richard.

------------

Marie stared into Sir Richard’s eyes. She could feel his anger building. Sensed the amount of control he was using to keep his temper in check. She sighed deeply and reached for his hand. He stared at her impassively and pulled it away. Richard, I know you don’t like being kept in the dark, she said in a soft voice, but under the circumstances, I had no choice.

He tightened his jaw. "There’s always a choice, Marie, he forced through his teeth. We said no secrets between us. We promised to be honest with each other. We’re partners, Marie, equals. We agreed to fight our battles together, yet at the first sign of weirdness you force me to sleep through it. You shut me out. How can I protect you, when I don’t know what’s going on? What went on, Marie? What chaos did you spare me this time?"

She followed him into the lounge. He looked from the soft leather armchair to the recliner and then to the sofa. He locked eyes with her and slapped his hands together, hard. The three sleeping men didn’t respond. You did it to them too. Didn’t you?

Richard, please, understand, I didn’t….

He held up a hand, frowned and closed his eyes. No! he snapped and took a calming breath. If you tell me you didn’t have a choice, again, he paused, I think I’ll scream. Where’s Tim?

Upstairs, in one of the guest rooms.

"Let me guess, also sleeping soundly? He hesitated. Do you have any idea of the position you put us in? What if Andrew had been lying, and he’d been used to expose us to Gregory? With our security in a trance, how do you think that would’ve turned out? What possessed you to do such a thing?"

Jared shared a troubled glance with Donna; they entered the lounge. I did, he said.

Sir Richard threw his hands up and rolled his eyes. You did! he groaned. "I might’ve known. The one person who seems to be in the right place, at the right time, every time. You’re beginning to remind me of a bad penny. It’s no wonder Lee doesn’t trust you. I’m beginning to have my doubts."

Donna’s lips parted. Dad! she gasped and laced her fingers with his.

Jared squeezed her hand. It’s alright, honey.

It’s the truth, Donna, Sir Richard retorted.

Marie locked eyes with him. Jared’s not the one you need to worry about, she said.

He glared at her and cut his eyes back to Jared.

He sighed. I’d better handle this, Marie. I think it’s about time we two chiefs smoked the peace pipe.

Marie frowned. Richard doesn’t smoke.

Jared grinned. Neither do I. It’s a figure of speech. He directed his thoughts to Donna. Honey, stay here with your mother. Your dad and I need to talk this out. He’s been kept in the dark too long.

She studied his eyes. What are you gonna tell him?

He sighed. Everything.

What do you mean by everything?

If he asks a question, I’ll answer it.

You’re not gonna compel him to accept all this, are you?

He kissed Donna’s forehead. Sir Richard, I think it’s about time you were let in on a few things. Would you like to join me in my office?

He narrowed his eyes. "Why? So you can make me forget everything, again?"

Jared grinned. No, sir, he said. So maybe we can stop baring our teeth at each other.

------------

Richard pulled a chair next to John’s bed for Melissa. He kissed her forehead and left. She pressed her lips to the back of John’s hand and held it against her cheek. She studied his face. John’s features made him look intimidating at times, but she knew the man inside. His heart was the biggest muscle in his entire body, but few saw that side of him.

Like Sir Richard, John took on too much responsibility for what happened around him. He blamed himself when things went wrong. When he woke, it would be the same. Keeping everyone safe was his responsibility, and he took his responsibilities seriously.

When they’d first met, she hadn’t particularly liked John. Like others, who came into contact with him, he intimidated her. He wore his authority on his shoulder, along with his feelings, and he let things get to him. When that happened, John blocked everything, and everyone, out. No one was allowed in, least of all a skinny hot-headed blonde. Women were to be looked after and protected. That had been part of their problem. Sir Richard warned John, Melissa wasn’t the type of woman to be forced or ordered around, but John hadn’t listened. Too many years as Sir Richard’s head of security had sharpened his edges.

Melissa wiped her eyes, on the back of her other hand and swallowed hard. Having been where you are now, she said, "I know you can’t answer me, but you can hear me. Whatever happened was not your fault. As always, I’m sure you were doing your job to the best of your ability. She softly smiled and snorted. You can’t give anything less than your all." She paused and cleared her throat.

I love you, John, she said. "Words can’t describe how deeply I love you, or what you mean to me. Without you, I couldn’t go on. Even when we were on opposite sides of the Atlantic, you were never far from my thoughts. I kept, what we had together, locked in the secret chambers of my heart. I never looked at another man, the way I looked at you. Regardless of our age difference, I never desired another man, after you. Come back to me, John. Don’t forget what we have, what we’ve rebuilt, together. Hold on to our memories. Until you open your eyes, I will not leave your side."

His fingers tightened around her small hand; a slight grin played on his mouth. I guess I’d better stay asleep, then, he whispered in a rough voice.

Chapter 4

Jared motioned Sir Richard to the chair behind his desk. This is your office, Jared, he said in a challenging voice.

He softly smiled. Yes, it is, and by all rights, it’s my domain too, but under the circumstances, I prefer to be on this side of the desk.

He studied his eyes and slowly sat. Is that so you can make a run for it, when I reach for your neck?

Jared chuckled. No, it’s so you’ll have something to fall on when you faint.

Sir Richard glared at him. What makes you think I’ll faint?

Jared leaned back in his chair. Because, this is your chance to ask me anything.

"And you’ll answer me, truthfully? Without doing that mind thing, on me?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Compelling you would be easier, and save us both some time,