Behind Every Mask
By
Summer
Beta read by: Achila
Episode Seven
The Immortal: The Next Generation
Based on the Original TV series the Immortal. Created by James Gunn and Bob Specht.
Disclaimer: I don’t own the Immortal TV series and am in no way making a profit.
Warnings: Same warnings, Strong language, Bondage issues.
Following the recent events of Fragments of the Past
Special appearance: Ben Richards
**
He sat quietly on the bed, staring at the headlines in disbelief. A pile of other papers lay beside him. Anger filled his eyes, as he re-read the article picked up from last night.
World News USA. It had a front page picture of Nigel Saxon II with his bride to be. The announcement was of their upcoming marriage and the private engagement party to be held October 20th. The picture of Saxon showed him in all his glory, a balding man with a trimmed beard and dressed in an expensive and savvy three piece suit. The beautiful woman standing beside him, holding his hand was wearing a simple but elegant white flowered dress with her raven hair pinned back from her face. She was looking up at him with a smile and apparent love shining in her eyes. They were holding hands. It was Jean Chevalier, the woman Ben Richards loved.
Ben Richards finally dropped the page from his hands. Picking up today’s newspaper, Ben sighed angrily at the newest headlines.
**Billionaire Tycoon Steel Fletcher Dying.**
Reading the article carefully, Ben learned two details. Fletcher was currently under the care of a Doctor Stanton, and he had been admitted to Regional Hospital. Slowly getting to his feet and putting on his jean jacket, Ben packed his things in his duffle bag and headed out to the main office to pay for his room. He had places to go and be.
***
L.A.
Regional Hospital
Doctor Stanton and another doctor were conferring when Dominic Fletcher and Vincent Caesar came from the elevators and headed in their direction. Bidding his peer goodbye, Stanton turned to the two men and gestured them towards his office.
A few minutes later, Stanton was sitting behind his desk. Dominic was sitting opposite him with his left hand raised to his temple, while Vincent paced the room slowly.
“There was a blockage in your father’s main heart valve which caused him to have what is called a coronary heart attack.”
“Can you unblock it?”
Stanton took a breath and shrugged.
“We were able to us medication to thin his blood and clear some of the blockage but not all of it. There was extensive heart damage - about forty percent of the tissue.”
Dominic had to take several deep breaths after hearing this news.
“Is he awake? Does he know what‘s going on?”
“He has been coming in and out of consciousness for the past several days. When he is awake, he’s usually confused and keeps asking for Ben Richards. Now, I have spoken to your father, when he is lucid and told him that we have several options open to us. We could perform a by pass surgery, however the chances of him surviving the open heart procedure, in his current condition, are less then fifty-fifty. Also, even if the surgery is a success, your father‘s choice of lifestyle will have to change…and there are no guarantees. He could live for ten more years or die within a year, even with the procedure. The only other option that is open to us is doing a complete heart transplant however, finding a donor who’s a match is not a given, and considering your father‘s age, the risk is very great. Even with all the money in the world, there is no 100 percent guarantee of a good outcome. I know, none of this is good news, but right now your dad is resting comfortably and is stable. Please know Dominic, that we are going to do what ever we can to save him. I just want you to realize that you have to be realistic. Your father may die.”
Dom sighed and glanced at Vincent Caesar, his eyes tearing in fear and obvious worry.
“Can I go see him?” asked Dom, turning back to the doctor.
Stanton nodded, and hitting his intercom he called for a nurse. A moment later, a middle-aged woman stepped into the room.
“This is Nurse Linda Reddington, an RN, who has worked here for about ten years and she has been giving the main care to your father. Linda, could you take Mr. Steel Fletcher’s son to him please. Let him stay as long as he wishes.”
The nurse nodded and Dom getting to his feet left with her.
Alone in the room, Vincent turned to Stanton.
“Where is Saxon?”
“At home, preparing for his engagement party and I believe he’s meeting with his lawyer Mr. Collin‘s, about his will and estate.”
“I wish to speak to him.”
“I’ll give him a call, if you wish.”
“Do so.”
Vincent folded his arms and moved to stand in front of him. The doctor was just reaching for the phone, when Vincent stayed his hand. When their eyes met, Dr. Stanton suddenly felt as if he were under the microscope, being dissected.
“Did you know that the man with Elijah Chevalier, Jericho, was Jason Richards son?”
Surprised by this question, Stanton swallowed and didn’t answer. It was all that Vincent needed to know.
“I see. Thank you, Doctor.”
Vincent swiftly turned and walked out of the room.
Stanton picked up the phone and made a hasty call.
***
Saxon was just speaking to his attorney in his office, when the phone call came in.
“So, these will finalize the papers?”
“Once you are legally wed to Mrs. Chevalier, yes.”
“Excellent. You are also preparing those other papers, with Doctor Stanton, with regard to the boy?”
“Of course, once you are married to his mother you can have Elijah change his last name to yours. You will then be able to have Judge Mason find the boy incompetent for the stated health reasons you proposed, and he’ll be under your sole guardianship. No matter that he is of age, he will have no say what so ever in any of his affairs, unless you say so.”
“Thank you, Doctor. You have just made me a very happy man and enlarged your bank account. Give Judge Mason my regards and please let her know that a sudden donor for that kidney transplant for her daughter has been made available. The operation will be under way at the end of this week.”
Saxon lowered the folder marked “Adoption”.
Hearing the phone, Saxon excused himself with his lawyer and picked it up.
“Yes, Saxon speaking.”
On the other end, Stanton spelled it out to his boss.
“Saxon, I think we may have a problem.”
***
Seeing the lawyer out, Nigel Saxon was just coming back to his office to get his coat when he saw that Jean Chevalier was waiting, and looking over a folder on his desk.
Hearing him enter, Jean looked up at Nigel Saxon questioningly.
“What is this?”
Saxon smiled and reached for his coat.
“What does it look like, my dear?”
Jean shrugged. “Adoption papers?”
“We spoke of this, Jean.” Smiling, Saxon put on his coat, and then moved to take the folders from her hands and put them back on the desk. “I told you that after we married, Elijah would be a son to me. I have contacted my lawyer and with a little incentive and money, after we are wed…Elijah Chevalier will be Elijah Saxon. My son, given my name. Does that not make you happy?”
Jean looked at him questioningly. “Nigel, I don’t think…”
“I know, I know, you don’t want to throw Elijah’s birth father aside, but Jean if he really cared, don’t you think, that Ben would have come back sometime to lay claim to his child? He never has, and as far as I am concerned, he should have NO rights to him at all.”
“He didn’t know.”
“Jean.” Speaking to her as if she were some dimwitted child, Saxon pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently on the nose. “Trust me. Once we’re married, and Elijah has my name, I’ll be able to change my will and make certain that both of you will be well taken care of, in case anything happens to me.”
Jean began to speak, but Saxon raised his finger and placed it over her mouth.
“Shhh, I am not as young as I used to be. I just want to make certain that you’re both taken care of. To show you, how much I love you and how much I want Elijah as my son. One can change their first and last name these days by the judicial system. Please, let me do this, let me show you how much I love you and want your son to be a part of my - no, our lives.”
Jean hesitated and then slowly smiled and nodded.
“All right. Where are you going?” she asked as he released her and headed out the door.
“To the hospital to visit Fletcher.”
“Oh, please, give him my best.”
Saxon smiled and opened the door. “The very best. When I get back, we’ll make our preparations for the engagement party.” And then he left.
Jean remained where she was for a moment, then with a heavy sigh, she turned and headed out of the room.
***
Dom took a seat beside his father’s bed. Upon entering the room, Dom had seen that his father was hooked up to several machines. Glancing at his father’s supine form covered by a thin white sheet and blanket, Dom realized just how sickly he was. He looked almost at death’s door.
Taking his father’s hand into his own, Dom lowered his head and closed his eyes.
“Oh, stop with the melodramatics, I’m not dead yet.”
Dom quickly opened his eyes and saw his father looking back at him.
“Dad?”
“I have faced far greater things then just, heart problems. No doubt Doctor Stanton has given you all the bad news, but not the good news.”
Dom waited.
Fletcher smiled with a twinkle of a spark in his eyes. “I still have sixty percent of my heart and with bypass surgery, I should have many years left to live. As long as I follow doctor‘s orders and exercise, eat healthy-”
“But…--”
“Yes, I know the odds are not in my favor, and that its less then a fifty-fifty chance that I will survive the surgery, but the procedure, if it is a success…well, you may have to wait just a little longer for your inheritance. I‘ve been told I’m a very stubborn man and I promise you this, death is not going to win me so easily nor so soon.”
But Dom was already tearing up. It was then that Fletcher‘s face saddened and he squeezed Dominic‘s hand. When he spoke, it was in a much softer tone of voice, one that was sincere and one that Dominic hadn‘t heard come from his father in many years.
“Dominic, hush, don’t give in so easily to your emotions.” Raising his other hand, Fletcher stroked Dominic’s hair and pushed some of it out of his eyes. A tear drop fell on his hand in the process. “I’m all right. I’m down, not out.”
“I’m sorry, father,” Dominic whispered. “I don’t mean to be so weak.”
Fletcher paused to see Vincent enter silently and watched him stand on took the far side of the room, as if trying not to be noticed. Fletcher smiled lightly at his son.
“You’re not weak. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression, that I thought of you that way. Dominic, look at me.”
Raising his eyes, Dom stared into his father’s eyes.
“I am not going to die. I promise you that, I’m not going to my grave, not for a long time yet. So, stop your tears.”
Dom smiled and reached down to place a kiss on his father’s brow. Fletcher smiled at his son waving him off with his hand. “Do me a favor, they won’t let me make any phone calls, or watch any news on the tv…will you be kind enough to fetch me today’s paper. Their must be a stand around here somewhere.”
Dom nodded and hastily hurried out to comply with his father‘s wishes.
After he was gone, Fletcher turned to Vincent, his smile fading.
“The boys are still free and no sign of Ben Richards?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You have something to tell me?”
Vincent nodded.
“Then tell me.”
“You know that Ben Richards had an older brother named Jason?”
“Yes.”
“He married many years ago, and had a son like Ben.”
Fletcher grinned. “Jericho? So that’s the connection. That’s why Saxon wanted him so badly. I should have guessed, especially with his healing abilities.”
Vincent shrugged and moving closer to his boss, he shook his head, lowering his voice.
“Why didn’t he tell us this? Why did he keep it a secret? I don’t trust Saxon, Fletcher. I don’t think he’s on our side any more.”
Fletcher chuckled lightly. “I never trust anyone, Vincent and I always knew that Saxon was only on one side. His own. I’m not a fool. I know he’s kept secrets from me. I just didn’t know how deep they ran.”
“What do you mean, sir?”
Fletcher leaned his head back against the pillows.
“I met him about fifteen years ago, or rather he met me. At the time, I was working on trying to over take a company, which he was secretly trying to get. We met, and ah, joined forces. However, even then, I knew what he was. A predator. I recognized him because we were so much alike. Hunters. Eventually, after a year of knowing him, on one cold and rainy night…and after a few drinks, we started talking about death, life and immortality. He gave away more then he thought, although he played his part well, as I revealed my knowledge of Ben Richards. His shock and his desire to possess such a creature didn’t fool me. He knew of Ben before I did, or at least about them. Hence his knowledge of this Jericho and Jason Richards. He must have known Jason somehow? He must, like his brother Ben, have immortality.”
Vincent took the empty seat Dom had vacated, and nodded, waiting for his boss to continue.
“Although Saxon has many skeletons in his closet, finding them has proved to be nearly impossible. So I settled down and we became business partners and, as the rest of the world would call it, dear friends. I have no friends, Vincent, or at least none that I wouldn’t watch my back from. Oh, we get along, Saxon and I. But I know what he is and who he is and if Ben and his family think that I’m a danger to them, they really haven’t seen the light. Nigel Saxon is much more dangerous then I ever could be, for his game, is much more deadlier. Although I am not exactly sure of the game he is playing. I do know this, Ben and Jason are in his way only their children interest him. I dreaded this all along, but in my mind, I knew. That is why I always kept an investigator on him. I think I have already known this for sometime and with this action, it now confirms my belief, Saxon wants to kill Jason and Ben Richards. He has no wish to take them alive. What he intends to do with Elijah and Jericho I am not sure, but I have a distinct feeling that it is not to give them the pampered and protected life as I wish to give them.”
“Shall I kill him for you? Saxon?”
Fletcher laughed and gently patted Vincent’s hand.
“Why, Vincent should I have him killed when he has brought me such enjoyment and pleasure watching him play his game? A very entertaining game. Oh, don’t look at me like that. I have no intention of allowing Saxon to harm Ben Richards or any of his family. But I want to know what Saxon is truly after. No, don’t do anything to Saxon, not yet. Not unless he proves to be a real danger to Ben and his family. I will not have them harmed. They are too precious to be handed over to that jackal. When the time comes, I will deal with him myself. ”
“Tell me what you want me to do.”
Fletcher closed his eyes and just smiled.
***
Stanton came out of his office and spotted Dominic Fletcher carrying a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other, coming down the hallway. Seeing him, he called the boy over.
“Doctor Stanton?”
“I just spoke to your dad. We will perform the surgery tomorrow evening.”
Swallowing, Dominic could only nod his head. Stanton patted his shoulder and then walked away.
Dumping the rest of his coffee in a trash bin, Dom headed into his father’s room, to see that Saxon and Vincent were in conference.
“Locke? What a pest he always was. Boring too, always discussing health and eating the right foods. Pathetic. I’m surprised Ben didn’t hang himself when he was held captive by him for two months. I was never so happy as to kill anyone as when Locke decided to go rogue. Braddock had enough and gave me my orders to get rid of him. Ah, alas, I should have made certain that he was dead.” Fletcher shrugged and smiled warmly at Dominic. “Ah, my newspaper!”
Dom, took the empty seat beside the bed and handed his father the paper. Glancing at Saxon, Dom then looked at his father.
“Stanton said you’re going to have the bypass surgery tomorrow night.”
“Yes, all looks well, and if we delay, I may get weaker and lessen my chances. Stop worrying, Dominic. I’m far too stubborn to die.”
Fletcher winked at Saxon, who simply looked back at him. Turning back to his son, he smiled at Dominic. “I’m glad you were not harmed by Locke.”
Vincent nodded. “He won’t be a problem to anyone anymore. I took care of it.”
“Excellent. Well, enough delaying. You’ll both continue the search for Elijah and Ben Richards.”
“Dad, I can’t leave you. Not now” Dominic began to protest, already feeling torn. A part of him wanted to get back out there to find Elijah but another part of him wanted to stay close to his father. Fletcher’s hand touched his son’s and his face hardened.
“Don’t argue with me. Waiting around here is not doing me any favors. Vincent?”
Vincent took Dominic by the shoulder and with a firm nod, they headed out the door. Alone in the room, Fletcher faced Saxon, waiting.
Saxon remained where he was.
“I have something to ask of you.”
“Anything, Steel. We’ve known each other for many years. I would do anything for you, my old friend.”
Fletcher grinned. “I wish that were true.” Seeing Saxon’s confused face he continued. “If I do not survive this operation, I want you to make me a promise.”
“Yes?”
“Dominic gets Elijah Chevalier.”
Looking slightly shocked by this, Saxon looked at his hands and nodded grudgingly.
“As you wish.”
“The deal stays the same, Nigel. You get that young man, Jericho, and I have made arrangements with Dr. Stanton that you will have Elijah’s blood to play with, but the boy stays with Dominic. Is that clear? When Ben Richards is found he is not to be harmed either. He’ll also be given over to Dominic and Vincent. Until Dominic reaches twenty one, Vincent will be taking my place in the corporations, although as a silent partner, he will manage all my finances.” Seeing Saxon’s protest, Fletcher waved his hand. “No discussion. That is how it will be. Especially since you did not tell me about Jericho being Jason Richards son.”
Now truly surprised by this, Saxon took an unsteady step back.
“Refusing to give me all the information you have has me concerned, Nigel, my dear old friend. What else haven’t you told me? What secrets are you keeping from me still? Like perhaps those adoption papers and the full custody of Elijah Chevalier you wish to have once you have found him mentally incompetent by Judge Mason?”
“I can explain, Steel.”
“Save your breath, Nigel. I’m not as stupid as you make me out to be nor am I a fool. I’m, like you, a hunter. A professional in every sense of the word. We’re very much alike -- perhaps too much alike- except for one difference. I have no desire to see any of the Richards family come to any harm. I’m no longer certain what your plans are and I am beginning to wonder if you’re a danger to them. I’ll tell you this, and you’d better pay heed to my words. If any harm comes to them, and that includes Elijah and Ben Richards, or if I even think that your plans are to kill Ben Richards and his brother, who are very much alive at least right now, that I know of. I will literally destroy you. Piece by piece! Or my name is not Steel Fletcher.”
Without a word, Saxon bowed his head, turned and left. Fletcher remained in his bed and putting his head back down on the pillow, he closed his eyes.
***
He stood outside the hospital, and stared at the building for a long time. He glanced all around him, but saw no suspicious activity. It was now or never.
***
He entered the private doctor’s quarters and slipped into a doctor disguise. Stepping out of the room, he headed to the main desk.
“Can I help you, sir?”
“I’m Doctor Crayton, a consultant to Doctor David Stanton. He asked to speak to me about his patient, Mr. Steel Fletcher?”
The woman nodded.
“Where may I find, Doctor Stanton and his patient?”
“Doctor Stanton just left for a late lunch. He should be back within the hour.”
“Is Mr. Fletcher still in…?” Ben paused as if clearing his throat. The woman at the desk cut in, nodding.
“Mr. Fletcher is still in ICU. On the third floor. Room 356. Shall I have Dr. Stanton paged?” she asked, reaching for the phone. Ben only shook his head.
“No, I’ll head up to the floor and wait for his return. Let him have his lunch.”
Without looking back, Ben headed to the nearest elevators. Once inside, he hit the button for the third floor.
***
Stanton ordered his meal when the waitress returned. Saxon remained silent and brooding, staring at his untouched coffee.
“So what else did Fletcher say?”
Saxon growled lowly. “I left before he could say anymore.”
“It won’t be long now. He’ll soon know everything.”
Saxon shook his head. “No, he won’t. Not if he doesn’t survive the operation.”
Stanton stared at Saxon in shock. Glancing around the restaurant nervously, to make sure that no one heard, he spoke out.
“You don’t mean…what I think you mean…I can’t. I won’t do that. I won’t kill Fletcher on a table under my hand.”
“You will do as I say.” Saxon picked up his coffee and sipped it. “Fletcher will ruin everything. He must not survive the operation. Make certain that he doesn’t.”
Stanton sat back just as the waitress arrived with their food. Mopping his brow, he thanked her absently and looked at his meal. He had suddenly lost his appetite.
“But its not true. You don’t want to kill Ben and Jason Richards. They’re too special, beyond price.”
“You are a fool, Stanton. Ben and Jason are not important. Not to me anyway. They were never important to me. Only their sons matter. Now.” Grabbing the doctor’s hand, Saxon made him meet his eyes. “Don’t fail me…or you too can become expendable.”
Stanton pulled his hand away and swallowed. After a long pause, as if thinking it over, he finally nodded.
Saxon smiled for the first time that day.
“I have come too far now, to surrender. Everything’s coming together. Soon Fletcher will be dead. Ben and Jason Richards will also perish, from some tragic accident. Once Jean Chevalier is my wife, Elijah will be mine to do with as I please. And I do have plans for Elijah Chevalier, along with his dear cousin, Jericho and if Dominic and his precious little mentor gets in my way, then I’ll get rid of them as well. Nothing is going to stop me from initiating my ultimate plan. No one!”
Doctor Stanton remained seated and this time, refused to meet his eyes.
Meanwhile, a shadowy form moved in the dark alcove heading for the exit at the back of the restaurant, having heard more then what he needed to know.
***
The security guard had left his post to get a cup of coffee at the nurses station, and with a quick glance to make sure the coast was clear, Ben headed straight into the room. Closing the door behind himself, Ben turned to confront the man laying in bed. Fletcher.
He looked as if he were asleep. Ben took a deep breath and walked over, he sat down in the empty seat by the bed and reached out his hand.
Fletcher’s hand came up and touched his.
Ben was not surprised to see that Fletcher’s eyes were open and were staring at him. For a long time, it was as if a silent communication was going on between them. Then finally, Fletcher spoke breaking the silence.
“I knew you would come. You look well, Ben. You haven’t aged a day.”
“You have,” replied Ben, but it wasn’t said snidely, more sad than anything else.
Fletcher smiled lightly. “That is the curse of being mortal, Ben.”
“Is mortality a curse? Or is immortality the real curse? It has been a long time, Fletcher.”
“Twenty years. Too long. I never believed that you were dead, Ben. I knew in my heart that you were still alive. You just couldn’t be dead. Not Ben Richards.”
Ben swallowed and nodded.
“So where has life taken you, dear Ben? What places did you walk? What people did you meet? Did you make friends? Enemies? Were you lonely? Did you ever find your brother?”
Ben looked down at Fletcher’s hand and saw how aged and wrinkled it was. It was no longer steady and strong. It was frail, and yet…there was still some strength in it, life.
“Is it true?” Ben asked softly changing the subject. “Do I have a son?”
Fletcher took in a slow breath and nodded, speaking more softly. “Yes. Look in the drawer.”
Ben followed Fletcher’s eyes to the bed side table and pulled it open. Inside were several folders. Removing them, he saw that that label on the top folder read, “Elijah Chevalier”. Opening it, he saw a photo of a handsome youth about eighteen years old, with dark brown, wavy hair and deep blue eyes.
Ben couldn’t help himself and stared in shock at the photo. “No! No!”
Fletcher grew concerned and gently placed a hand on Ben’s shoulder as his form shook slightly. Horror and disbelief filled Ben's eyes.
“He is a lovely boy. I met him briefly. Smart as a whip. I’m afraid he’s not much like you, though. He is a softer, more gentle minded young man. Not as brutal. He does however, have his father’s eyes and his wish to remain free. Ben.” Seeing that Ben was still awash in lamentation, Fletcher again touched Ben’s shoulder. “Ben, please don’t. it wasn’t your fault. You couldn‘t have known that Jean was pregnant.”
This time, Ben dropped the folder onto the floor and pushing away, he got to his feet and paced the room. After a few moments, he regained his control and wiping his tired eyes, he stared at Fletcher.
“So like me, you have to chase him down like he’s a dog! He‘s a child, for Heavens sake!”
Fletcher shook his head. “Its not like that, Ben. It’s a little more complex than that.”
Shaking his head, Ben faced Fletcher solemnly. “Explain it to me then.”
“I can’t. Not now. Too much is at stake.”
Ben swallowed and glanced out the door, then turned back to Fletcher. Fletcher smiled.
“No Ben. No one is waiting out there to snatch you. I wish they were. It’s been so long since I’ve last seen you, spoken to you. I wish this moment would never end. I missed you.”
Ben sighed not knowing what to say.
“Is Saxon working for you?”
Fletcher shrugged. “We’re partners, but working together…no. He has his own personal agenda and I don’t believe he’s concerned with keeping you and your family safe. I think you’re in danger, Ben. You and your brother, Jason, and I think your son is in danger as well. I don’t know what Saxon is up to, but you can be sure its something underhanded. He knew about Jason and your blood before he even knew about you and your son. Before he and I met fifteen years ago.”
“He’s using Jean-?”
“To get Elijah. Yes, and Jericho.”
Ben picked up the folders on the floor and opened the one underneath Elijah’s. Jericho. He looked at a picture snapped of a young man in his late twenties. He had dark brown hair and green eyes.
“I have reason to believe that he is Jason’s son. Your nephew.”
Ben swallowed.
“As far as I know, he does not have the same ability as you or Elijah. He is probably immortal, but not capable of giving blood transfusions that will make people well or add to their life. He does, however, have the power to heal with touch. He saved Elijah’s life and became a friend to him, and now they are both on the run from…me.”
Ben, turned back to the picture of his son, his fingers sliding gently over the photo.
“My Son.”
“Take it, Ben. You may keep it.”
Ben looked back at Fletcher and at once took the photo and placed it in his shirt pocket.
“Thank you.”
Putting the folders back in the night table, Ben sat down beside Fletcher and stared at him with pain in his eyes. Fletcher opened his hand. Ben did not take it and after a moment Fletcher dropped his hand back onto the bed.
“I know you don’t believe me when I say this, Ben, you never have. But I’ll say it anyway. I don’t want you to get hurt. You’re too important, too special. Stay here with me. Let me get your son and we’ll all go somewhere far away. Someplace safe, and I promise you’ll have everything you ever wanted. Anything you want. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make you and your son happy. I‘ll somehow get Jean from Saxon and bring her back to you and to Elijah. Please, Ben.”
Ben lowered his head, unable to look Fletcher in the eyes.
“Ben?”
“I’ve been running for so long, Fletcher. It feels like forever and a day. Sometimes I am so tired…so tired of looking over my shoulder, of making friends, of leaving them. Always afraid that around the next corner…--To have to keep secrets, and then leave to start over again. So tired sometimes that it takes all that I have to open my eyes and see the light of day.”
Fletcher nodded and his hand gently reached out and touched Ben’s shoulder. Ben finally looked at Fletcher. Tears filled his eyes once again.
“So tired.”
“Then rest, Ben. Stay and rest for awhile. Don‘t run anymore. Let me take care of you.”
For a long time, Ben stared at Fletcher and for a moment Fletcher thought he saw temptation in his eyes. But only for a moment, slowly with deep regret Ben spoke. “Nothing has changed, I still want to live free. I can’t live in a cage, even a nice one. I can’t. I won‘t have someone dictate how I should live my life. I‘d rather die first.”
Fletcher only stared on at Ben replying softly in return. “Would it be so bad, Ben? To sleep in the same bed, in the same place for not a few days or weeks but for years? To be able to wake up in the sunshine and listen to the birds without listening for footsteps or some hidden enemy in the shadows? To have a warm place to rest in, to sleep half the day away if you wish, to have clean clothes and play a game of chess with an old enemy without fear? I only want to take care of you and of Elijah. Yes, I will use your blood but not like Braddock or even Maitland was planning. I don’t desire immortality, I never have. I’ve lived my life and I’m not afraid of death.” Fletcher added absently, with a chuckle, “Perhaps I am more afraid of living, then of dying. Living alone these past many years, confined to a wheel chair, helpless. I am no longer the hunter. I lost my purpose, my reason for being.”
Ben suddenly saw his old enemy slip into the past, his eyes distant and far away and he took Fletchers hand and squeezed it. Fletcher looked back at Ben and nodded, returning to the present.
“You were the only one that I ever felt I could talk to. The only one that…the only reason that I wanted to live. You’re dear to me, Ben. You are everything that I would’ve liked to have been. My other soul, my other half. Somehow, through the years you became more than just the prey. I respect you, Ben, and in many ways, I admire you greatly. Your integrity, honesty and even your humanity. Even after everything you still have that in you. I can see it in your eyes. Yes, we are enemies, I am the hunter and you, the prey. The chase was glorious but I too long for the end of it. We could be brothers, even friends. We could have endless conversations over the table. We would never be bored, and every day would be fresh and new like the one before. We wouldn‘t be lonely then. I’ve been lonely, Ben. Don’t deny it, I can see you have been too.”
“I won’t deny it. But while I walked alone, you had your son?”
“Dominic? Yes, he’s a grown man now. Much like me, but not as hard, and with great dreams and ambitions and desires. He came to America and went to a community school, much to my disgust. I wanted so much more for him, more than I ever had. Damn it, he wouldn’t listen to me. So he just made friends with a very special boy. Yes, Elijah, and no, I never knew and neither did he. Fate has such a terrible sense of humor.” Fletcher chuckled again. Ben released his hand and actually smiled slightly before his _expression faded away to pain and sadness.
“He now chases him…like I chased his father. History repeating itself all over again. He wants only to keep your son safe and sound. He cares for him deeply. Very deeply.”
Ben frowned, and Fletcher noticed it and dropped his smile when Ben once again changed the subject.
“You’re going for surgery?”
“Yes, tomorrow night. I may not survive. The Grim Reaper may just be waiting for me.” Fletcher laughed at that last part and then continued to smile at Ben. He still could not believe the immortal man was here before him.
Looking hard at Ben, Fletcher spoke softly at him. “I meant what I said, I’m not afraid to die, Ben. But I’m afraid of leaving this world with Saxon still in it. Beware of him Ben. He is not like me or Dominic, with a desire to see you all safe, and although you do not believe it, happy. Don’t let your guard down, not with any of Saxon’s smiles and promises. He is a liar, and he will betray anyone who stands in his way. He is a killer, and he will kill to get what he wants. He wants Elijah.”
Rising slowly, Ben paced the room once again, slowly, as if in thought. Finally, Ben faced Fletcher as if making up his mind.
“I’ll donate some blood.”
Fletcher grinned but shook his head. “No, Ben. I will allow Fate to play its hand. Either Stanton will come through or I will meet my Maker, if there is one that is.”
“No. I won’t let you…die. Not if I can help it. My blood will make your strong enough to survive the operation and even mend you quickly. I‘m afraid it won‘t heal your legs.”
Laughing lightly, Fletcher shrugged. “Still concerned, even for me, Ben? Your heart has always led to your downfall. Many will and have used it against you.”
“Its not for free. I want you to help me…”
“Help you do what, Ben?”
“To speak to Jean. I need to see her. Talk to her.”
Fletcher at once shook his head. “No, not possible. Going into Saxon’s den is liking going to the guillotine.”
“He is having an engagement party and I want in on it.”
“No!” Fletcher replied angrily. “Too risky.”
“I’ve taken worse risks. Fletcher. You don’t want to die. Not now. You’re still young.” Ben walked towards him and looked deeply into his eyes. “You’re still the hunter. You still have life to live.”
Fletcher stared at Ben unemotionally.
“I’m not asking you to surrender -- you would die first before letting me go.” Fletcher half nodded at that. “I just need to speak to Jean, and all I want is a way to get to her. Please?”
Fletcher now looked away as if thinking things over.
“A truce? Please, Steel.”
Fletcher turned, after what seemed like an eternity, and nodded at Ben.
“Very well, Ben. A truce.”
Ben then couldn’t help himself and said, “You never told me your first name was Steel?”
Fletcher chuckled and replied in return, “You never asked.”
***
Stanton entered Fletchers room an hour later to see Nurse Reddington administering a blood transfusion IV into Fletcher’s vein.
“What’s going on? Who ordered this?”
Fletcher looked up from where he lay and smiled.
“I did. Now, be a good boy and leave me in peace, Doctor.”
Stanton remained still for a moment and looked at the nurse questioningly before heading out the door to speak to the security guard. All he found out was that some Doctor had come to see Fletcher. A Doctor named Crayton.
***
Everything was ready. It was time for the surgery to begin.
Stanton stared through the window and saw that the surgical team was there and waiting. He scrubbed and prepared himself and started for the door.
A figure got in his way. He didn’t say a word, only stared at him.
Stanton looked back at Vincent Caesar and saw he was not unarmed. Vincent pulled up the back of his jacket and showed off a very large, shiny knife.
“I heard your conversation with Saxon. You know which one. If he dies, you will die.”
Stanton swallowed and Vincent stepped out of the way allowing Stanton to go past him.
Vincent then took to standing by the window, making certain that he could be clearly seen by all in the operating room, including Doctor Stanton.
***
Ten hours later, Stanton came out of the room and was met by Vincent; he was still waiting.
Stanton swallowed and mopped his brow nervously. “He’s still alive. But if Saxon finds out about this, I‘m a dead man. I can‘t stop Saxon. He’s too powerful.”
Vincent didn’t even hesitate. “As soon as Fletcher is stable, he will be moved and taken to another place…with another name. He will disappear. If you tell Saxon anything, if Fletcher is assassinated, I will know who is responsible. In a few days, you will also vanish, with a little help from me. Stay on Fletcher‘s side and you will live. If you join Saxon, I will make certain you will die with him.”
Stanton nodded again and quickly hurried away. Vincent turned and called over several men. “You will stay here and you will not leave! Not for any reason and no one is to come near him. I’ll make arrangements to have him moved.”
The men agreed and allowed Vincent to take his leave.
Vincent found Dominic sitting in the waiting room. His hand’s where clenched and he looked frightened when he saw Vincent coming towards him.
“Is dad--?”
“He’s alive. He will live.” At once, a weight seemed to fall from Dominic’s shoulders.
“But there is a problem…”
“What?”
“He will have to be moved and go into hiding. Doctor Stanton will be joining him in a few days.”
Seeing Dominic’s confusion he put his hand gently on his shoulder.
“I will explain later. For now, just do as I say.”
“What about Elijah?”
“Don’t worry. Once your father is safe, we’ll continue our search for him, Jericho and Ben Richards.”
Dom sighed and then slowly had to ask, “Are you sure he’ll be ok?”
Vincent nodded. “Positive. Your father has some very special blood in his veins right now.”
Dom’s eyebrows drew together, but slowly it dawned on him what Vincent was saying and he slowly smiled.
***
Somewhere on a dark highway, a lone figure held a duffle bag in one hand and with the other, he pulled out his thumb, hoping for a ride.
A cold chill filled the air, going through him. He pulled up his denim coat and buttoned it once, then continued his long and lonely journey.
The End.
Next episode: Masquerade.