Beneath the Bitter Snow

 

 

Day 3 - March 8th

 

           

3:03 a.m.

 

                                    He was back at the cliff, his eye scanning the endless blue waters. Somewhere inside, he felt how far away he was from home. Even if he couldn't remember where home was, he knew it was a long ways away. There was nothing for him here. Everyone spoke with an accent but him and still, he had no idea where here was. The thought made him angry and he was finding himself more angry than fearful now. In the beginning, it was fear that was his companion. For the first few years, it scarred him deep down inside as he doubted whether insanity would have been preferable than what fear gave.

 

But now the anger had grown, penetrating and unremorseful. Directed for the most part at Earl Grey, his third Gabriel seethed inside each day he was pushed. Yet his jailer was without mercy and remained ruthless in his cold manner. He was bound and determined that this Gabriel would be the most feared and hated. Ultimately, his one goal was to make him soul less, no longer would he be the right hand of God, but his very own angel of death on earth. At some point, he felt there was now so little of the real him left, cautioning, being the last voice of reason. What humanity that remained would look out each day into the vast open waters, waiting. It may not happen that day, or the next or even a year from now. But someone day, the third Gabriel would find his way home.

 

When the dream finally ended, Steve fell into a deep sleep. He slept on through the night, no longer disturbed by images of long past events. It was only the crumpled sheets by his hand that gave evidence of what had intruded on him in the night.

 

 

**********

 

 

6:05 a.m.

 

                        His eye opened instantly as though sensing danger near him. Steve sat up in bed, listening to the quiet in the house. An old instinct had been drilled into him as he sought to calm his fears. Lying back down, he turned to Kayla as she continued to sleep beside him. Brushing his fingers against her cheek, he sought a more comfortable position on his side and watched her. Her face was relaxed and a slight smile lingered on her lips. Even in sleep, her beauty made him catch his breath. Was it possible, he thought, to memorize every curve of her face? How much it would have meant for him to have the memory of her to live on before. But he had nothing, only a fleeting feeling of something irrevocably lost.

 

It was during moments like now that Steve felt the loss more acutely. When he was busy at work or preoccupied, other matters filled his thoughts. But when it was quiet and time seem to stand still, then he remembered the emptiness, the long years when he had nothing and no one. It was so much at times that he just wanted to scream. Sometimes, Kayla seemed to sense when it was unbearable and she would go to him, offering a gentle touch or a sweet smile and the anger would ease and leave him. She was as much a life force for him as the air he breathed. Without his wife by his side, he knew he would have remained a walking dead man.

 

The early morning light came into the room slowly as Kayla began to stir. Leaning over to give her a kiss, Steve pressed his lips to her forehead and then placed baby kisses to her hand before getting out of bed. Her eyes fluttering open as she felt him leave their bed, Kayla opened them just in time to see Steve stand by the bed and look down on her before going to the bathroom. The smile on his face was small and brief, but always tender and given only to her.

 

Making coffee and a simple breakfast, they ate sparingly as Steve was lost in thought of what was to come and Kayla was contemplating the reason to give their daughter for this sudden departure. Deciding to see her on the way to the airport, Steve cautioned his wife on saying as little as possible, considering the present circumstances.

 

"I think the less people who know, the better. He told her. "So far, it's just Bo and John. Can't take any chances that someone may follow us." Steve hadn't meant for things to go amiss, but somehow, it came out that way all the same.

 

"You think it's safe to leave Stephanie here?"

 

"She'll be okay, Sweetness. They should be more worried about me."

 

"Are you expecting trouble then?"

 

"I have no idea what to expect, so I'm keeping all my options opened."

 

Sighing a bit. Kayla gives him uneasy smile. "I guess I'm nervous... I thought we were finished with all this after Italy."

 

"You're not the only one. But this time... it's a whole lot more than just the fallout from the feud. DiMera, Toscano, Kiriakis, have all gotten their hands dirty on this. What they did to John and me... it's got to be about more than just money."

 

"But both Stefano and Ernesto are dead... and Benjy has taken over for his father. There's no more vendetta against the Brady's"

 

"Maybe? But there is a reason why John and I were taken and trained. Even if Stefano were dead, his death would just be a technicality. Any orders or commands given earlier could still be carried out by someone."

 

Thinking the matter over, Kayla still had to wonder who the target would be. "So who would have to die to make Stefano happy, even his grave?"

 

"That's what I have to find out... and considering how extensive and prolonged our captivity and training was, it would be someone that both John and I have access to and whom Stefano considered a threat."

 

"You don't suppose it could be... Bo?" As soon as she said his name, Kayla worried for her brother.

 

"He's the most obvious choice, I admit. He has ties to all three men."

 

"But you don't believe it's him?"

 

"Like I said, he seems to be the perfect target and it's easy to consider Bo. But...both Stefano... and Portia never walked straight lines. The had twists and turns and did things the long way. I think if we could find out how and why Victor was involved with the whole Pawn situation, then maybe... maybe we can better understand why this had to happen."

 

Playing with her coffee cup, Kayla took a sip as she looked back at Steve. "Steve?" She called out to him. Lifting his gaze to her, he waited until she asked her question. "Will Lansing... talk? Do you think?"

 

"He'll talk." He said it as though it was fact. "This has got to end, Sweetness. Once we know everyone's part... it will end. Come on... we should get going."

 

Putting on her coat, Kayla joins Steve as he carries their luggage out to the car. Deciding against taking a taxi, they planned to leave their car at the long term parking, but stop at the loft to have a brief talk with Stephanie on the way.

 

 

**********

 

 

8:19 a.m.

 

                        Stephanie had just woken up when her parents arrived at her door. If she was surprised at their sudden trip, she kept it to herself, although she couldn't help but be curious as to why they would travel to the U.K.  If they were to go anywhere, she had assumed it would be back to Italy. She had been able to contact Ben not too long after returning home and gave him a quick run down on how things were in Salem.

 

Choosing not to bring up his odd remark regarding his cousin, she focused more on how her dad was faring these days. Unfortunately, she had not seen much of him herself. so all Stephanie could say was that he was doing good. Whatever Elliot did for him, appears to have helped, though she herself was unaware on the particulars.

 

"If you need to contact us, we'll be at your Uncle Jack's place... and if you need anything here, just call your Uncle Bo." Steve handed her Jack's number and email, just in case.

 

"Uncle Bo?" She gave her parents a funny look as she put the paper in her robe pocket. "Okay... now you guys are worrying me. If I have to get Uncle Bo... then something is up."

 

Kayla gave her a reassuring hug as she calmed her fears. "Stephanie... don't over exaggerate. There's nothing to be worried about. It's only if... you need anything. Your uncle can take care of things faster than your grandparents, that's all."

 

"Yeah, baby! Just humor us. We're over anxious parents and all that."

 

Giving her papa a knowing look, she finally relaxed and accepted their explanation. "So, how long will you be away?"

 

"Just a few days." Steve told her. "We just need to check something’s out and then we'll be home by the twelfth."

 

"Short trip, huh?"

 

"Told you... nothing to worry about." Her dad said.

 

Her mom gave her one last hug and kiss before turning to go. "Baby? We'll be back home before you even have a chance to miss us."

 

Steve followed his wife's example hugging his daughter and followed her out the door. But before they could leave, Stephanie suddenly stopped them.

 

"Wait! This isn't... this isn't like Italy, is it? Cause I want the truth. I'm not a child anymore. You don't have to keep things from me."

 

Steve turned back to her, taking her face between his hands and looking her right in the eyes. "Baby... Italy is over and done with. This is completely different. It's more a fact-finding trip. Only thing is, it's got to be done in person. Believe me, I'd rather stay here than go, but we just need to do this face to face."

 

Nodding her head, Stephanie gives them a smile as they finally leave. It was after they had arrived at the airport that she decided to let Ben know what was happening. By her calculations, her parents should be boarding the plane as she sent her email off. She added a post script, that if he had nothing to do, he could always try meeting up with them in England. She was certain they would love to see him. Signing off, she then turns her attention to the racing results and goes through the current lists on the European circuit, checking the time trial results for the summer and autumn meets. Hoping fortune smiles on her again, she looks to see her name on any of the lists.

 

 

**********

 

 

12:31 p.m.

 

                        As the flight attendant took their lunch selection choices, Steve settled back in his chair and thought about Greyson Lansing. He was one of the three people who dramatically altered and changed the course of his life forever. The other two were now dead and he was the one remaining whom Steve could confront. Looking over at Kayla as read through one of the many magazines she had brought with her, he called her attention to him, as she gave him a brief look before closing her reading and facing him fully.

 

"Sweetness... when I go to see Lansing, I think it's better if you stay behind at Jack's place."

 

"Do you really expect me to just let you go off alone?" She asked him.

 

"Yes I do. I know I can't stop you from coming with me on this flight... heck... you would have shown up on a later flight if I was lucky enough to keep you off this one... but I can make certain you don't follow me into any trap the man might set up."

 

Narrowing her eyes at him a moment, she in turn asks him a question instead. "Steve? Do you remember our wedding vows?"

 

"What?"

 

"I asked if you remember our wedding vows?"

 

"Course I do, Baby!"

 

"Then you do recall the part when we said... for better or for worse..."

 

"That's different... it doesn't count here."

 

"Since when?"

 

"Since no where does it say, when a wife follows her husband as he confronts a man who held him prisoner for years."

 

"Well... if you're going to get technical about all this... Steve, this is exactly what that part refers too. You and me... when we're together, we've been able to face anything... and I mean anything!"

 

"Sweetness, I know we have... it's just.... it's different. I feel different about all this. When I think of Lansing... of how I feel about the man... all there is, is anger."

 

"Because of what he did to you... that's understandable."

 

"Not just that... it's also of what he may have made me do." Pausing, he closes his eye and pushes his head back against his seat. Kayla watches, saddened that she can't do anything to help but just be there for him. She places her hand over his as Steve's eyes opens and he gives her a searching look, followed by a smile. Lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear, they talk about the man's work. "Lansing makes killers, Baby. Maybe he used to take in men with criminal pasts and maybe he didn't, but one thing is certain... by the time he was through with them, they will kill... with no remorse or regrets. What if I did... what if I killed someone already? I just couldn't bear to see the look in your eyes if you knew I had become such a monster."

 

"You didn't do any of that."

 

"There's no way I couldn't have." He tells her as he looks away, staring down at the floor.

 

Steve, look at me a moment. Come on... turn around." He reluctantly shifts in his seat as Kayla takes his hand in hers and looks deeply at him. "I know... because I know you! I know the type of man you are and no one... no one could ever change that, no matter what they did to force you."

 

"I just don't see it, Baby. Each time I've had the dream, I can feel anger in myself. It grows as the dream grows until it was all that I could feel. That's what I felt under his training... that he would push and push until any other emotion was removed or destroyed and all that was left was anger."

 

"But you said there were moments when you felt some calm."

 

"Sometimes... when I found myself with a few free spare minutes, I'd look out at the sea and pretend to see my home... where ever that was. Funny thing was, I didn't even remember my home, only that I was far from it." He gives her a melancholy smile as he continues. " I remember there was an area, just on the side of the garden wall, near a small apple tree where the scent of roses was overpowering. Each day, I would stop at that very spot to catch my breath, and I always felt myself rooted to that spot, just smelling the flowers. Those roses... made me feel like I was human again. It drove me mad being able to smell them, but never seeing what was on the other side of the wall. But other times, it didn't seem to matter. Just knowing they were there was enough... even if I would never see. I started to wonder what color they were after a while. I didn't realize the significance of the color then... just the thought... if they happened to be yellow roses... always went through my mind. But the garden gate always stayed locked, so I never knew. I wonder now... if before I left... was I ever able to see what was on the other side of the wall? I would have liked to have know if I discovered whether the roses were yellow... or not."

 

"Did he... did he ever let you go any place else?"

 

"I don't know. My memories so far have just centered to being around the house and along the rocky hillside and cliff. But it felt like I was constantly watched, so escape was not an option." Reflecting on what he had dreamt so far, the only other recollection was of seeing Elliot Jules there. The young boy's presence never brought any comforting feelings, rather, it made him wonder if anyone else was an audience to his captivity. "Lansing's son, Elliot... after his fear of being found out vanished, he just watched all the time. There was never any kind of communication between us. Elliot would just sit for hours and hours, watching. It drove me mad that he never said a single word."

 

"I don't understand. Why would he let his son watch? It seems like a horrible situation to put your child in."

 

"Perhaps. He was such a strange kid. And it wasn't just the watching, he never seem to show any expression... he just looked. The only time I did call him out on it... he stared back at me with an amused face, like he was watching something funny."

 

"That's awful. Lansing must have been a little crazy himself."

 

"I wouldn't doubt it. Who knows? Maybe he was expecting junior to do the same one day... but it makes me wonder if anyone else watched me."

 

"What do you mean? Who else would have been there?"

 

"Benjy!" Steve told her directly.

 

Shaking her head at him, Kayla wouldn't believe it. "No... no! Benjy lived with Orion."

 

"Yeah, he did... until Orion's death, then his father sent for him. Benjy was sent to England to study afterwards. What if... during a visit to his uncle... he found me... I'd hate to think he saw me as one of his uncle's prisoners."

 

"But Benjy wouldn't have known. I doubt it's something his uncle would have shared with him or fully admitted too. But if he had seen you, Benjy would have done everything he could to get you out."

 

"I'd like to think he was part of the reason I was finally brought to Cincy. Maybe he did intervene at some point... saved me somehow. You know... what I still don't get is no longer the how, but the why...? Why would Stefano have me trained? Faking my death and taking me before was punishment for discovering the secret of the feud. But afterwards... it went beyond keeping me quiet. If you think about it... just exactly who am I suppose to kill?"

 

"If it's not Bo... John maybe? Stefano did blame him for the explosion that caused Benjy's deafness. And he's also his wife's illegitimate son. That's two very good reasons to hate the man."

 

Concentrating on the facts they all currently knew, Steve thought again about John being the Pawn, back when he found him. "Don't you think it's weird John was referred to as, the Pawn."

 

"It was probably to keep his true identity hidden."

 

"Yeah. But is also reminds me of a chess game... you know, a pawn, knight, rook, castle. The only difference is, there's no queen."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"In a chess game, the queen is the most powerful, being able to move in two directions unlike the other pieces. Basically, she protects the king. But if Stefano's wife is dead, then there's no one protecting him and he becomes vulnerable. That's how you win. If you kill the queen, the king will surely fall."

 

"Well, Stefano's wives are dead. Daphne died a long time ago and Ellen Hawk was killed after we found Benjy. Stefano never married Celeste."

 

"The man's been in hiding since then... only making small moves now and then, just like a king in the game. He can only make one move at a time."

 

"So you think this is like one big chess game to him?"

 

"Makes sense don't you think. Consider it... who has he gone after all these years... the Brady women. First his obsession with Marlena, then later Hope. If he can kill the queen of his enemy, the king will die too." Looking at her again, Kayla sees the fear etched across his face. "He might go after you, Sweetness. If anything happened to you... I'd die!"

 

"Oh Steve! He's not... he's never been interested in me. Never! Why start now? Why not Kim?"

 

"If Stefano chose me, it's because he knew he could hold your life over my head to keep me in line."

 

"But he took away your memory... so you wouldn't remember you had a wife. He couldn't blackmail you that way."

 

"No he couldn't... but what he did left me empty and hollow inside. He still got what he wanted... someone who was already dead... who wouldn't think twice about killing a human being if ordered too."

 

Giving him a concerned look, Kayla quickly reached over to caress his arm as she laid her face against his shoulder. Steve's arm came around and pulled her closer to him. "But he failed." She told him. " He failed to keep us apart and destroy us."

 

"And I don't want to give him another chance to do that, Baby."

 

"He won't Steve... not anymore! I think it might be Marlena... I think she's the one he wants to kill."

 

"I know he's tried to get her before, but she escaped him too."

 

"Stefano's always had a weird obsession for Marlena. I don't think it will ever end until he gets her... if not in life, then in death."

 

Thinking the solution over again, Steve frowns just a little as the whole picture looks too perfect. "Marlena is the most likely answer, and if it's true, we should warn John as soon as we arrive... but....?"

 

"But what? Killing her would destroy John and Stefano gets his revenge on him that way too."

 

"It's too simple."

 

"Steve? It all fits... the forest green color, referring to John. And he also has ties to all three men."

 

"I guess... I just think green may refer to something else."

 

"But what other significance would it have?"

 

Heaving a big sigh, he exhales loudly before answering. "Nothing... that I can think of." After a moments thought, Steve brings up another strange remark made by Elliot. "You know, when I first met with Elliot Jules, he asked me if I ever heard his mother sing. He said she could immediately put someone under, just by singing to him or her. I told him I heard her humming once, but not singing."

 

"You think green refers to a song?"

 

Shaking his head, he gives up the on idea that came to him. "There are only a thousand or so songs out there with green in it. No, you're probably right. It must be connected to John and Marlena. Now we just need to talk to Lansing to confirm it."

 

Kayla leans over to give him a kiss on the cheek before turning back to her magazine. Steve looks out the window staring into the endless sky. It has grown darker as the afternoon sunlight has vanished under the approach night. It should only be about three in the afternoon in Salem, but up in the clouds, it's much closer to early evening.

 

 

**********

 

 

4:20 p.m.

 

                        Entering Victor's living room, John makes himself at home, waiting for his father-in-law to see him. Finally returning from his business trip, Victor wasn't expecting any visitors waiting on his doorstep. Though he and John had called a partial truce years ago, a lingering discomfort still hovered over their relationship. If anything, they were at least friendly rivals in business.

 

Waiting by the windows, John didn't see or hear Victor enter the room behind. Taking a sip from his drink, John turned as Victor came up to his side.

 

"Well... John, I see that you've made yourself at home."

 

Lifting the glass, he casually mentions the beverage. "You don't mind... do you?"

 

"No, not at all... by all means, help yourself. " Making himself one, he pours a healthy dose of gin in a glass and inquires after his guest. "So tell me... to what do I owe this pleasure?"

 

"I'll cut straight to the chase Victor... I need some answers."

 

"Then ask away... I can't give you an answer until you ask me."

 

"The Pawn? Why did you want the Pawn?"

 

Shaking his head at him, Victor takes a seat and takes another drink from his glass. "I have no idea what you're talking about. What pawn are you referring to?"

 

"Me! When you had me brought here to have this..." John points to his face as he settles himself on the sofa, facing Victor. "... fixed? I want to know why? Why was I so important to you?"

 

"Well now, John... that happened quite a while ago. Truthfully, it's not something I can easily recall."

 

"Oh? And you expect me to believe you don't remember every facet of a deal you were involved with? I know you got me away from DiMera and had me brought here. Doesn't matter to me how you did it... I just want to know why?"

 

"Personally, it's really none of your business and I don't wish to discuss it with you."

 

"None of my business? Look Victor, this wasn't some kind of business deal or company takeover. It dealt with my... it was my life you were messing with."

 

"I don't really see a need to bring all this up after so many years. What happened... happened."

 

Giving his former father-in-law a crooked smile, John laughed a bit to himself as he sat back and carefully scrutinized the older man. "So, I suppose that the fact I had been trained by DiMera as an assassin had nothing to do with it. Or was that something... missing from your collection that you just needed to have?"

 

Frowning back at him, Victor stood and refilled his drink, before returning to his seat. "I wouldn't make fun if I were you."

 

"Then tell me the truth. I'm not in the mood for any games either."

 

"The truth? All right... the truth was having you in my... in my control would have been a great asset."

 

"Why? Did you plan on eliminating your competition if you couldn't buy them off? Yeah, I guess a personal assassin could come in handy that way."

 

"What I meant... was that you would have been a perfect bodyguard."

 

"Body guard? Now that's an interesting choice of words. Is that what they're calling assassins these days. So tell me, did you know at the time... you were arranging this deal... that I was Roman Brady?"

 

"I knew everything I needed to know about you."

 

"I see. So as far as you were concerned, you believed, just as I did... that I was Roman. I guess Stefano tricked the both of us on that one."

 

Victor said nothing, but his frown grew deeper as he briefly turned away, then back at his guest. "I'm hardly ever fooled... but in your case... my research was incomplete."

 

"Now, this whole thing becomes just a tad more interesting. So having Roman in your control was a way to... hurt Caroline... and Shawn. Correct?"

 

"If you prefer to look at it that way."

 

"What a perfect way to get back at Shawn. After all, he had your son all these years, so why not take his. I've got to hand it to you Victor... had you succeeded, it would have broken the man."

 

"Quid pro quo, something... for something."

 

"That usually refers to money, not people." John told him.

 

"That all depends on the person."

 

"So tell me... how did you do it? How did you get me away from DiMera?"

 

"Let's just say the man was careless."

"Stole me from under his nose, I take it."

 

"If you want to call it that." Standing up, Victor places his empty glass back on the table. "Look John... not that I don't enjoy a visit, but I've been away for several days and really have a lot of things I need to do."

 

"Yes, I heard you and Kate... went away on a  little business trip. Since when do you and Kate do anything together?"

 

"Well you'll have to ask her why she chose to go with me. I'm all fresh out of answers... so if you'll excuse me. I hope you don't mind showing yourself out."

 

"No I don't mind." Emptying his glass, he places it next to Victor's empty one on the tray and starts to leave. As John gets to the doorway, he stops and turns back. "Oh... just one more thing, did it ever occur to you that DiMera wanted to you to steal me from him. It may explain why you got me so easily... and you did get me easily? Didn't you? Thanks for the drink. We'll have to do this again... sometime soon."

 

As John left the room, Victor scowled some more as he looked to the pictures placed along the wall table. Pictures of his children were placed side by side as he went over to look at them. He had three different women give him children. It wasn't the way he expected his life to turn out. He had missed out on all their childhoods. If only it had worked out for him the first time, they never would have been a second or third. But in the end, he was still a lonely old man and he knew it.

 

 

**********

 

 

8:49 p.m.

 

                        Airline traveling was always hard, so it wasn't surprising that Steve grew sleepy and tired. Kayla had already nodded off to sleep almost an hour ago. The lights had been dimmed and only the individual ones above the seats were lit. Steve looked around the cabin and saw most of the other passengers were sleeping as well. He noticed only two seat lights on the far left side. Even the on-flight movies failed to interest anyone. With his head leaning against a pillow, he took Kayla's hand in his and as he settled himself into a more comfortable position and fell asleep a few minutes later.

 

It was the first time Earl Grey allowed him any money. Not that twenty pounds would do him much good. It was obviously only enough to buy his lunch on that outing. There had been three others times he was let out in public, but during those occasions, he always had his jailer by his side. This time was a little different. He could walk in and among the locals, but still, the third Gabriel would not make any attempt to escape. He looked over and saw Earl Grey sitting on a folding chair, near where several small children played. Baby sheep had been brought for them to pet and feed and so strong the attraction was, that more and more children came forward surrounding his jailer. If he even made the smallest attempt, he was certain a small one would pay the price.

 

The county fair took place roughly every two months. In truth it was similar to a farmers market and flea market at the same time. Local farmers came with fleshly harvested produce and sold them at below market prices. Others set up small booths selling odds and ends found in musty attics and barns. Gabriel felt almost normal walking in and around the many booths; occasionally take a closer look at items being sold.

 

It was the smell of the fresh, baked gingerbread that called to him the strongest. Reaching for his money, he bought a single warm slice, placed on butcher paper. Placing his change in his pocket, he continued to walk among the locals; eating the first treat he bought that day. Earl Grey watched not too far away. He knew he could trust Gabriel not to act foolishly. That part of his training had gone well and the test he had planned for him that day would show whether he was had reached the next level. Whether the panel would agree or not depending, Earl Grey knew, even a failure would only be a slight set back.

 

As Gabriel came closer to him, Lansing motioned with a quick movement for him to approach. He came immediately and took the empty seat beside him. Pointing to a family over in the open field laying out a picnic, Lansing pointed to the small girl sitting on a blanket, clutching a doll to her chest. Gabriel looked and felt himself smile. The child looked young, six or seven, with ringlets of light blond hair. Dressed in pale pink, she played with her doll oblivious to her mother who was taking food out of their picnic basket. A man with two young boys played nearby as a few people greeted the family when they walked by.

 

"Do you see that girl there?" Nodding, Gabriel acknowledged that he did. "Her name is Sarah. Today's her ninth birthday."

 

Gabriel looked back in surprised. The child was very small and petite. She looked extremely fragile and delicate as she played by herself on the blanket. "Nine? She looks no older than six."

 

"Looks can be deceiving. She has cancer... as long as I can remember, she's been ill... that's why she looks so much younger. Her mother, Jane, used to run the post office. She was an excellent postmistress... unlike her aunt, who took over. With that one, there's hardly a letter that hasn't been read if she could get her hands on it." Shifting slightly in his seat, he shook his head sadly at them. "Such a shame, the poor child. Jane had to quit working the first time Sarah was in hospital. It's been very hard for the whole family. It takes a lot out of the family income to pay for her medication... and in the end it won't do any good... she'll die anyway."

 

"You know them?"

 

"I've known their family for years. I went to university with Jane's brother. Upstanding chap went on to become an engineer of sorts. Done really well for himself I hear."

 

Gabriel just nodded, not knowing what to say. He looked to the girl again and found himself feeling happy. Even knowing that she was ill, just seeing her made him think happy thoughts and he couldn't explain why. He had no family that he could remember... certainly no children he knew off... so why would this child make him feel differently. When he turned back to his jailer, he found the man looking up at the clear sky, almost enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face. He wasn't smiling in the least, but Gabriel could almost sense something was different.

 

"Its such a nice day today, isn't Gabriel? On a day like today, it's so hard to think anything bad could happen."

 

The warning bells took off inside of him as he turned his full attention to Earl Grey. It dawned on him... this was not an ordinary outing. He wasn't brought there to be rewarded for months of hard work. He cautious sat back in his seat as his jailer continued with his little speech.

 

"It's been a while since I attended these fairs myself. When my son was younger, I always took him. He especially enjoyed the pony rides and feeding the farm animals." Pointing to the other end of the field, there were several small ponies as a line of children stood ready for a quick run around the roped off field. "Of course now, he seems to have lost interest in coming. I guess his mother must have changed his mind about such things. He takes after her in that." He grows silent a moment, looking off into the distance. "She never liked going to these things. Ever since he started visiting her, he stopped going too. He changed.  My son is... he's different now."

 

"Maybe you should ask your wife why?"

 

"That's hardly possible! We haven't spoken in years. She wanted no contact with me... so there was really no point in trying to talk with her."

 

Taking one last look around them, Earl Grey checks his watch for the time and then pulls a cloth covered object from his coat pocket. He stands and places it on his seat. Looking up at him, his third Gabriel eyes him warily as he softly tells him of the test.

 

"Do you know why you're here Gabriel?" He asks of him.

 

Nodding negatively, Gabriel remains seated as Earl Grey turns slight and motions back to the young child. "She is your first test, Gabriel."

 

"What do you mean? What kind of test?" The fear quickly comes to him. He had almost forgotten about it until that moment, but it entered swiftly and strong, catching him unawares.

 

"Take that... " Earl Grey tells him, pointing to the object on the seat. Gabriel takes the object in his hand and feeling the shape, instantly recognizes what the object is. His face betrays what he feels and he shakes his head at the jailer. "Yes, Gabriel." He tells him with a firm steady voice. "You will kill her... that is why you are here."

 

"You can't expect me to do this!" Angrily, he places the cloth wrapped gun back on the seat.

 

"That is very unwise of you Gabriel!" He orders him to stand and makes him face the family picnic. "She is dying... the physician has only given her a few months left. You can see for yourself how very ill she is. Her death would be so trivial... hardly a ripple."

 

"You're insane! I could never kill... never. She's just a child!"

 

"Would it be easier if you faced a thief then, Gabriel?"

 

"Go to hell!"

 

Sighing next to him. Earl Grey shakes his head disapprovingly as he checks his watch again. "I would hate for you to fail your first test. The panel will not be as accommodating now."

 

Gabriel feels himself shake, part in anger and part in fear. He looks to the girl, seeing her innocently unaware that someone has marked her for death that day. But it wouldn't be him. They would never get him to do that. He looks his jailer in the eyes, his own visage firm and unyielding. "No!" He tells the jailer. "No." He repeats.

 

But Earl Grey just places his hands in his coat pocket and takes a deep breath.  Almost smiling, he tells him in an almost whisper. "You have one hour... starting now." Walking off, he leaves his third Gabriel standing behind, the gun, hidden only by a simple cloth on the chair. He remains on his feet a few minutes longer before sitting back down. He takes the object and hides it within his jacket. The minutes go by quickly as several people pass him by. Getting a few curious stares, he barely notices keeping his focus on the girl.

 

He doesn't watch the time, but knows his hour is up when the jailer comes back to sit beside him. Sitting quietly for a few minutes, Earl Grey finally asks for the gun. Retrieving it from his jacket, he hands it over, then instantly returns his focus to the child.

 

"Only you were supposed to kill her Gabriel. No one else will touch the child. She will be able to enjoy this day and possible the next if God allows it." Standing, the jailer motions for him to do the same as they begin walking back to the car. "It's a pity you failed today. The panel will judge you harshly... of that you can be certain. "

 

"Why don't you just kill me? I'm never going to become a murderer for you or anyone."

 

"Don't count yourself out yet... I still haven't finished... and neither have you. Know this... you will die, Gabriel... but only after you've completed your work. Until then... prepare yourself. Your punishment awaits you."

 

 

 

It was the beeping sound that woke him. The passenger in the seat to his immediate left was trying to get the flight attendant, as Steve sat rigidly in his seat. His face felt flushed and there were beads of perspiration on his forehead and neck. He looked to Kayla and saw she was still asleep. Taking a few deep breaths, he got up from his seat and used one of the toilets. Splashing water on his face, he looks at himself in the mirror. Lifting his hand and looks down at it, almost imagining a gun there. He knew the girl lived that day. Even if he never saw her again, he knew Lansing let her live. But fearfully, he was just as certain that the next time he was tested, he did as he was told and shot the gun.

 

Walking slowly back to his seat, he was glad the cabin lights were still dimmed. He didn't want anyone looking at him, thinking they might be able to sense what he was feeling. When he reached his seat, he hesitated a moment before sitting back down. Even after he washed his hands he still felt dirty and unclean. The urge to take Kayla's hand was so strong, yet he kept his hands at firmly at his sides. He felt so unworthy to touch her now. His heart told him he had not harmed anyone, but the dreams mocked him each night.  Whatever was in the dark was coming at him fast, and he realized, he should have left them alone. Now there was no way to keep them from revealing themselves to him. He had opened Pandora's box and there was no way to close it.