******************************************

Canada, Old Montreal

Elijah sat quietly in the taxi cab and allowed the driver to talk all about the old city. Elijah only half listened, while the rest of him got lost in the beauty of this place that seemed to him like some magical and ancient realm from the past. Jericho sat beside him, snapping photos from his old camera. Billy Adams sat in the middle, seemingly ready to doze off. They had arrived just a few days before and had made a rather dramatic departure from Prince Edward Island when Dom and his dad’s men had arrived in full force to try to capture them.

Making their getaway, Jericho had forgotten to reveal that when he arrived back at the hotel and before being caught by Vincent, he had checked at the desk for messages and, out of the hand of fate, a letter was waiting. And it was addressed not to Jean, but to Elijah.

On a bus, heading out of town, Jericho handed Elijah the letter. Recognizing the handwriting as his father’s, Elijah opened the letter.

“Elijah, I wish I had time to explain things to you but I can’t. I’ve run into some serious problems and I have some unanswered questions that concern you. I need to talk to someone first before we can meet. Listen up and do as I say without question. Head to Montreal, the old city. October 17^th, be at the St Joseph Oratory. Meet me, noon, on the terrace roof. I promise, I will be there. Burn this letter after you read this for safety‘s sake. One last thing, be careful and trust no one. Ben, your father.”

Elijah had been so overwrought with emotion that he had crumpled up the letter and had hidden his face in his hands. Eventually, Elijah sat back in his seat and stared out the window. October 17th was only a few days away. They had time. Not much, but some.

‘Who’s Jericho you ask? Well, he is a guy that rescued me from Dom and his dad’s men. He can do anything. He can play a guitar, ride a motorcycle, and he’s street smart and is sort of like a James Dean type hero. He is awesome and can really kick ass. He also has a special power. By touching people, he can cure them from open wounds or injuries, provided it isn’t a prolonged illness. Oh, he also has amnesia and I found out just recently we’re cousins. Yeah, my dad, Ben Richards, had a brother named Jason, who is Jericho’s dad. Whether that makes Jericho Immortal too, I don’t know. Anyway, Jericho takes care of me. He’s like a brother I never had. Still, I feel like a lost lamb, I suppose that makes me a coward. I want to be brave, and courageous like my dad, or even like Jericho. But I have never been the type, like Bruce Willis. Mom and Dom well, they always took care of things. Now, I feel so alone as if the whole world is against me and maybe it is. Shit, I’m getting side tracked again.”

Returning to the hotel, Elijah picked up the phone.

“Who are you calling?” asked Jericho as he took off his jacket. Billy Adams stood quietly between the two of them, then put the TV on and sat down at the edge of the bed to hear the latest news.

“Calling the farm. I want to see if Jane is back yet.”

As Elijah dialed, Billy turned up the volume to hear the news just coming on.

“Today will be sunny, with some clouds rolling in later this afternoon with rain tomorrow and into the weekend. It seems the summer is truly over as a cold front comes from Northeast---”

‘I can hardly believe that summer has come and gone so quickly. It seemed like only yesterday that I was graduating from L.A. Community High School. By this time, I would have been starting my first semester at Venice College. Instead, I’m here, literally dangling in the wind. I feel like holding my breath and waiting for the next hurricane to sweep me off into parts unknown.”

Elijah heard a click and a voice on the other end. It was a voice he did not recognize.

“Fieldings farm. Larry speaking.”

“Hello, ah, is Jane back yet?”

“I’m afraid Ms. Fielding is still in California.”

“Is Malcolm there?”

“Malcolm?” came the confused voice on the other end. Elijah narrowed his eyes and glanced up at Jericho who, overhearing some of the conversation, started over towards Elijah. “Oh, you mean the head farm handler on the farm right?”

Elijah swallowed, starting to get a bit nervous. “Yes, may I speak to him.”

“Sorry, he is indisposed at the moment. May I ask who is calling?”

Abruptly, Jericho took the phone from Elijah’s hand and spoke into it.

“Hi, ah, this Kevin, I’m a close friend to Jane Fielding and I was just having my young friend call because we left our dog with Jane and wanted to make sure Duchess was ok.”

Elijah stared at Jericho in confusion. Duchess was one of Jane’s horses not a dog.

“Oh, yes, the dog is just fine Mr. Kevin. Now, why don’t you leave me your number where I can reach you and as soon as Ms Fielding returns, will have her contact you.”

Jericho hung up the phone. Elijah closed his eyes tightly and then slowly reopened them in clear distress.

“They have her?”

Jericho nodded. “Fletcher won’t hurt her.”

“Fletcher may not, but Saxon might.”

“She’s Jean’s cousin. He wouldn’t risk that.”

Elijah only swallowed and sat down on the second bed. He stared at his hands and shook his head.

“It’s all my fault. I caused this.”

“Don’t.” Jericho put his hand gently on Elijah’s shoulder and sat down beside him. “Jane wanted to help. She made the choice to go to California. She’ll be ok. They won‘t hurt her.”

Elijah looked up at Jericho and shook his head. “We have to rescue them both.”

Jericho sighed and looked over at Billy and then at the TV as the news turned from weather to international.

“In other news, the disappearance of Tycoon Steel Fletcher, the founder of the Fletcher and Saxon Medical Science Institute, is still missing. The police have ruled out any foul play at this time, but will continue to search for him and any clues that may point to his mysterious disappearance. At this time, Nigel Saxon his co-partner has commented to the press that the institute will continue as usual. The sudden disappearance of his partner in the company, however, will not postpone his engagement party to Jean Chevalier, a local born and raised Californian, which will take place later this month.” Jericho got up and quickly shut off the TV. Brushing past Billy, he returned to Elijah’s side.

“Just a few more days and we’ll finally meet up with your dad. Don’t give up hope, Elijah. We’ll figure something out.”

Elijah only wrapped his arms around himself and stared at the floor.

‘A few more days, and I will finally meet my father. The guy who is like a legend himself and the reason why I am now on the run. I want to hate him, for abandoning my mom and me, but I can’t. He never knew that my mom was pregnant and he had left to keep her safe. It was that same love that drew him back and in the process, it caused me, his son, to lose my whole world. Good intentions don’t always work out the way we have planned. I’m kind of scared. I can’t help thinking that we won’t have much in common, nothing to talk about. What if he doesn’t like me? What if he hates me? What if he decides to skip town and forget about me and my mom…forget we even exist. What will I do then?’

Elijah stared at the clock. 2:30 am. The sun‘s rising was still a few hours away. Turning his head, he saw Jericho sound asleep on the other bed. Billy lay on the small sofa in the hotel room[, apparently sound asleep as well. They looked like they hadn’t a care in the world.

‘I wonder who Billy is. Billy Adams. This guy is a real live mystery. The only thing I know is that he is or was an EMT, and is mute. He joined us after he rescued me from a bear, ahm, another story I’ll save for another time. Jericho and him got along in the beginning, but lately they have been arguing, fighting. Jericho doesn’t trust Billy anymore,–he thinks that he is some third party out to get us. I know this will sound stupid, but I like the guy, and, once more, I think he is someone that we can trust. That he is a friend. Jericho thinks I am naive and innocent and that I trust people to easily. Well, who am I to say he’s incorrect? Look at my track record. Not long ago, I would have trusted Dominic with my life. Yup…that pretty well much explains how well I know people.’

Elijah closed his eyes and a few minutes later, he finally fell asleep. As he slept, he dreamt that he was running in the dark. He couldn’t see where he was going and he could see nothing but darkness behind him. All the while he could hear heavy breathing. The enemy was closing in. He continued to run.

***

Billy parked the car, and Jericho stared at Elijah, then looked up at St Joseph’s oratory. The thing was huge. Hundreds of people were all around them. They had come for many different reasons. Some seeking solace, some just to see one of the many attractions Montreal had to offer and others came just to admire the beauty of the building and the sights it had to present with its many religious artifacts. Elijah marveled at the praying stairs. Already he could see several people on their knees, saying the prayers written in the stones, and after reciting them, take another step upwards. Elijah stared at Jericho and Billy waiting to be told what to do next.

“You go ahead.” Jericho glanced at his watch. “I’ll stay here and keep a look-out, Billy will head to the votive chapel and keep his eyes peeled. If you see anything, just wave to me.”

“What if he doesn’t show? What if this turns out to be another dead end? Or what if somehow Vincent forged my dad’s handwriting and this is just another trap?”

Jericho stared at Elijah and smiled. “In twenty minutes, we’ll know. Go on.”

Elijah swallowed and, turning to Billy, he watched as the young man raised his hand and signed to him.

Elijah finally nodded and made for the staircase.

***

Time seemed to slow as Elijah stared down from the rooftop. He could see Jericho standing by the stairs, looking all around and, every once in awhile, glance up at him. People came and went on the rooftop. Many shot pictures and were obviously having a wonderful time. Elijah rubbed his palms. He suddenly felt hot and itchy. Glancing at his watch, Elijah seemed to count down the seconds until it finally hit twelve noon. Elijah waited and waited. But Elijah saw no sign of his father.

‘Maybe he got smart and finally said, fuck this, no kid or woman is worth losing my freedom. I can’t blame him.’

Elijah stared down at Jericho and shook his head. Jericho shrugged in return and then waved him to come down. With a heavy sigh, Elijah turned and headed for the elevators. Coming through the glass doors and starting to turn a corner, Elijah didn’t see the dark figure come up from behind him.

One large hand tightly clamped over his mouth and another around his waist, pinning him against a tall hard form which quickly drew him back into the darkness. “Shh! Don’t scream. Come!”

Released from the hold, Elijah turned to see a man dressed in a janitor’s uniform and had gray hair and a beard. But the eyes gave the man away. It was Ben Richards in disguise. Elijah followed him.

Down two flights of stairs and through the crowds, Elijah followed the older man down a long hallway. Above on the wall, Elijah read a small post that read Museum. Seeing a donation box, the older man paid a tribute and with Elijah behind him, they entered the dark rooms.

As Elijah continued to follow his father in the darkness of the long corridor, he could see many religious wax figures and architect models lining the room. Elijah paused to see a replica of the Manger and the Christ child. It took his breath away at the details and the beautiful artwork. Elijah’s eyes caught to the sight of the Virgin Mary and how lovingly she looked at her baby so gently held in her arms. It reminded Elijah of his own mother. God, how he missed her.

A hand reached out and gently pulled him away from the model and led Elijah further down another hallway, where larger scale models were. Finding a small alcove, Ben pulled Elijah into it. Seeing no one around, Ben removed the wig and the faked beard. Then he stared at Elijah and Elijah stared back at him.

Did time stop again?

“You look like your mother.”

Elijah swallowed and then suddenly the tears came to his eyes. “Are you my father?”

Ben nodded his head and a moment later, Elijah was swept up into his arms. Moments passed into minutes and still they held each other.

“I’m so sorry Elijah…it‘s all my fault. I should never have tried to contact your mother. I should never have tried to come back into her life…Forgive me?”

Elijah broke the embrace and stared up into his father’s eyes. Elijah was shocked to see that there were tears in his eyes as well.

“There’s nothing to forgive. You didn’t know. But, please …please, Saxon has my mom. He’s going to marry her and she won‘t listen to me anymore. He brainwashed her. We have to rescue her and her cousin Jane. He has them both. Please help me.”

Ben smiled and nodded. “Don’t you worry. I’ll get them out. I promise.”

Elijah wiped away the tears from his eyes and looked back at his father and smiled. Hope was renewed.

***

Jericho stared at his watch. What was taking the kid so long? Billy stood beside him and anxiously was looking all around. Jericho looked back up at the stairs started towards them, and glanced at Billy. “Stay here!”

***

Elijah sat on the bench and looked back at his father in awe and confusion.

“I don’t understand. Everywhere you sent me, it lead to one clue and then another? Why didn’t you just wait for me?”

Ben sighed and shrugged. “It‘s complicated.”

“Then uncomplicate it and explain.”

Looking at Elijah, Ben reached out and pushed a stray hair out of his eyes. God, his son had the most startling blue eyes he had ever seen. Where did he get those from…oh yeah, me.

“When I left your mom and when I faked my death, I was able to stop running for awhile. I was able to settle down and make a life in Newhalem, Alaska. But I never forgot your mom. She was never far from my thoughts. A thousand times, I imagined going back to get her. But, I was always worried that Fletcher would not believe I was dead and or someone would try to get her through me. They did it before with…someone else that I loved dearly but, not quite the way I loved your mom. I was there when Jason found me.”

“Jason? Uncle Jason? Jericho’s Father?”

“Jericho? Is that the name he’s using nowadays?”

Elijah swallowed. “Did you meet him?”

“Jason got separated from his son after an avalanche at a Mountain resort and had been searching for his son since. We got together and we have been trying to find him.”

“He’s alive?” Elijah nearly leaped in joy; he couldn’t wait to tell Jericho.

“As far as I know. We got separated about a year ago. We ran into a big problem.”

“What do you mean?”

Ben sighed and shrugged, there was really no way of getting around this and the more information Elijah knew, the better and safer he would be. “There is no way of gently telling you this, but apparently a small science group, possibly from the US government, learned about us. They sent a representative to collect us..”

Elijah nodded. “Dr. Raven?”

Ben paused surprised by this and nodded.

“Yes, know him?”

“No, but three years ago, Jericho, he woke up from a coma after he fell in a shaft at that mountain and was in a hospital and this Raven came and tried to kidnap him. Jericho ran, of course. He had amnesia. He has only just remembered that Jason was his father. Is this Raven still chasing you both?”

“Well, that’s the funny thing…He captured us, took us to some retreat in Colorado.” Ben thought about retelling the whole story and then thought that would not be best. Not about the experiments, and not about what Raven tried to do to them. “We managed to escape and blow up the holding fort. We ran, but Raven survived the explosion and came after us. Raven and Jason got into a fight and they fell off a cliff…I was able to get to Jason, but…we never found Raven’s body. I thought he had died and with Raven‘s papers and experiments burned, we thought we were home free.”

Elijah nodded. “What happened then?”

Ben tried to sort out in his mind what he could explain to Elijah and what he should keep from him still. “Well, I promised Jason that I would continue to search for his family, and in the meantime, Jason came up with the idea of trying to find out where we got our blood. To try to find our origins and maybe someway, somehow make us normal.”

“Mortal?” Elijah asked.

Ben nodded. “So we separated again. I got a lead on Jason’s son in Massachusetts. I figured since Raven was dead and that things were starting to settle down…and that I would soon find Jason’s son, well, I thought if your mom still had thoughts of me we could get together…It was stupid. I know that now. But I can’t undo what is done. Anyway, I was in Massachusetts and just about to find, Jericho and then…Raven showed up. He was alive. The damn bastard somehow lived. So I ran again. That is why I have been leaving a trail, I was hoping to try to get to a safe zone where I could get to your mom without Raven finding me. Then, I read in the newspaper that your mom was getting married and about you…I had to be sure...so I went to California and I talked to Fletcher.”

Elijah looked away and stared at the wall for a few moments, then looked back at his dad.

“He’s disappeared? Did you kill him?”

Ben shook his head. “No, but I’m afraid the partnership between Fletcher and Saxon is over. He tried to have Fletcher killed. I’m betting Fletcher is somewhere nice and cozy, just waiting for the fire to die down before coming back up for air. Saxon is the real danger. He has been a real danger for a long time. His history dates back quite a bit with Jason. There is more to him then meets the eye. This is a personal vendetta to our family. It‘s rather convoluted.”

“They both are insane! They want to put us in a cage!” Seeing that Elijah was starting to shake and noticing the signs of near hysteria, Ben gently touched his son’s shoulder to get his attention. “And now the governments of the world are after us? Oh my god, how can we even stand a chance in hell of…”

“Elijah…Raven may have been working for the government, but he is no longer and I am not sure if any other government agency knows about us. At least not yet. He is acting alone as far as I know.”

“Oh this is just getting better! Great, just great. Saxon, Fletcher, Raven, and possibly the government….why don’t they just set up a fucking auction. Sell us to the highest bidder! Oh, man!” Elijah covered his face with his hands and Ben reached for his son, patting his hand gently, to try to give him some consolation.

“Elijah…it‘s going to be ok. Look, I found you and Sean and I will rescue your mom.”

“Sean?” Elijah looked at Ben in surprise. “Jericho…that’s his real name? Sean?”

“Yeah, Sean James Richards.”

“That’s a nice name. He‘ll be happy to know his real name. If you had married my mom, I would have been called Elijah Richards.”

Ben smiled and then stroked Elijah’s hair. “Look, there is a lot more I need to tell you, especially about Saxon. But there isn’t time. I want you to get Sean and go here.” Taking out a piece of paper in his pocket and a set of keys, he handed then to Elijah. “This is the address to my cabin in Alaska. I want you to go there and wait for me. Here are the keys.” Elijah stared at the keys and address in confusion, then turned to his father.

“No, I want to come with you and help rescue mom and Jane.”

“Too risky, besides it will be easier for me to get into Saxon’s lair alone, than with you tagging along. Besides, I need to know that you will be someplace safe until I can get to you. Now, don’t argue with me. Just do this and stay there. I want you to promise me you will not come for us. I will get out with your mom and Jane. I’ll lead them off our trail and then come for you both.”

“Then what?”

“Then will go find Jason and see what we can do about our blood. Maybe somewhere in our history we can find some way to make us normal…and then we’ll be free.”

Elijah would not just give in. “But I want to help.”

“You can help by staying free….if I don’t manage to get your mom…I want you and Jericho to find Jason and stay with him.” Ben stood up and, putting his wig and mustache back on, he looked down at Elijah.

“Try and understand, Elijah…Saxon is not after me and Jason…he wants you and Jericho. This is very personal…that is all I can say at this time. I wish I could explain further, but I must leave. I have a plane to catch.”

“But if you get caught…how do I find Jason?”

Ben smiled. “Although we have been separated, we remained in contact. Jason was, is, a Marine Biologist and has a place in Florida. Key West, a place called Cargo Bay Inn. But don‘t leave the cabin in Alaska unless you are certain that I have failed in rescuing your mom and her cousin. Three days. Stay only for three days, then get the hell out of there as fast as you can. Saxon will do whatever he can to force me to tell him where you and Jericho are and, if that happens…Get to Key West, but don‘t linger. Jason often leaves letters and messages there for me and, if I am in the area, I leave him messages. Go to the Inn and ask for the name Samson. You will know if any message is from Jason if he uses the Code name Sebastian as my name. Set up a meeting place and then once you are with Jason, stay with him. He‘ll look after you.”

Elijah watched as his father made for the doorway. “Dad? There is so much I still need to talk to you about. My life about Dom and…you…Dad?”

Ben stopped and turned to look at his son. He walked back to him and took Elijah by the shoulders. “Eighteen years of your life…I missed out on so much. I promise I’ll make it up to you. Don’t trust anyone, but always remember the real danger is Saxon. I don’t like Fletcher, I don’t trust him, but I know he would never harm you…However Saxon. No matter what, stay away from him. He has caused my brother so much pain…he will hurt you and Jericho if he manages to get his hands on you both.”

Seeing Elijah’s distress in his eyes, Ben smiled softly and cupped Elijah’s chin with his hand.

“So much like your mother…be strong. Never surrender. No matter how dark it seems, the darkness will pass. I promise. Always remember, I love you.”

Before Elijah could reply, Ben turned and fled out the door. Elijah remained where he was, staring into the darkness. “I love you too, dad.” He whispered in the empty room.

“Life sucks. You convince yourself that all you need to do to make all your problems disappear is to find one person. That’s when reality hits you with a pie in a face. It basically tells you the truth. Yeah, screw you too, pal.”

***

Elijah was just stepping out of the oratory, when he felt someone come up behind him and grab him by the arm. Startled, Elijah looked up and then relaxed when he saw it was Jericho. He was really getting tired of being sneaked upon.

“I saw dad.,” was all Elijah said. Without another word, they headed to the parking lot. Ignoring Billy’s questioning look, they got back into the car and drove to the hotel.

Eating a turkey sandwich, Elijah watched Jericho pace the room sipping his coffee, while Billy sat quietly on the bed reading a newspaper.

“What else did Uncle Ben say?”

“He said that this Raven has been hounding your dad for a long time. He also said that Saxon has a personal vendetta against your dad. But he didn’t explain why.”

Jericho swallowed down another sip of coffee and then whispered repeatedly. “Sean…Sean…Sean James Richards…Sean…” He paused and catching Elijah’s worried eye, he shrugged. “Doesn’t sound familiar but if that’s my name…”

“Can I still call you Jericho? It just seems strange after knowing you so long…?”

Jericho smiled and nodded. “Sure, after calling myself Jericho, I think I would find it weird to be called Sean. So what else did he say?”

“He told me he would go rescue mom and Jane…and that we were to go to this place.” Elijah took out the address and keys and handed it to Jericho. “And stay there. If I didn’t hear from him we were to get out of there and head to Florida. Key West, Cargo Bay Inn…Jason, I mean your dad, is a Marine Biologist and I guess he works down there sometimes…and we are to use the surnames of Samson and Sebastian…”

Jericho handed Elijah back the keys and address and nodded.

Billy who had put down the paper and had been listening to the conversation, now stood up and began to make signs.

Jericho smiled. “What do you think? Elijah will get you on the next flight to Alaska.”

Jericho reached for the phone and began to dial several numbers, while Elijah stared at Jericho in surprise.

“Yes, ahm, could you patch me through to the airline please.”

“What are you doing?” asked Elijah. “Aren’t you coming with me?”

Jericho vaguely waved Elijah off and then spoke into the phone. “Yes, I would like to reserve a flight to Newhalem, Alaska please….Yes, that would be fine…. Yes, the name is…Brad Johnson. When and what flight line? Hmm, US Airways, great, and I would like to reserve two plane tickets for Key West, Florida. The names are Mike and Kyle Johnson. How much?… that would be fine. When will that flight be? Hmm and which airline? …Delta. Thank you Miss.” Hanging up the phone, Jericho turned to Elijah. “There’s a flight to Alaska tomorrow morning at 8 am. You will be on it.”

“And you?”

Jericho shrugged. “I’ll head to Key West, Florida, and see if I can find my dad. There’s a flight on Delta leaving about an hour before your flight, so we’ll have to arrive early in the morning. I think it would be best if I try to get to my dad. Besides, there are still a lot of holes here that needs filling in.”

“Alone?” Elijah replied with a bit of fear growing in his eyes. “I’m suppose to go to Alaska alone?”

Jericho at once shook his head. “I’d send Billy with you, but I want him with me…so I can keep an eye on him.”

Billy at once narrowed his eyes, obviously upset at the underlying tone and words Jericho had used.

Jericho didn’t even try to reply to that, instead he faced Elijah, putting both his hands on his shoulders.

“I promise, as soon as I get to my father, I will take the next flight to Alaska.”

“But what if something happens if you and Uncle Jason get caught…and dad? What happens then? What do I do?”

“One week…you stay there one week. If you don’t hear from anyone of us, get out of there. I want you to head back to Jane’s farm.”

“But Fletcher’s men?”

“Just stay near the farm…there is a small workhouse just on the other side of Jane’s farm and you can stay there for awhile. It should be safe.”

“Then what?”

“Then…what happens then will be up to you. I‘m sure your dad can get your mom and Jane safe and, finding my dad…it will make things a lot easier. Try and understand, I need to find my dad to fill in all these holes in my head. I promise I will come back for you. Don‘t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Elijah only sat back down and stared at his hands.

‘Don’t worry he says, yeah. That is usually the first word said, just before you usually get your head blown off.’

***

Jericho hugged Elijah at the gates. “Be careful. Remember, one week.”

Elijah rolled his eyes and smiled. “Duh! Stop being such a mother hen.” Jericho sighed and turned away. Billy smiled at Elijah and gave him a short wave before following after Jericho. Overhead, Elijah heard Jericho’s flight being called at the gate. Sure that Jericho and Billy were well out of sight and on their way to there own gates, Elijah left and headed straight to the customer service desk.

“Excuse me.”

A young woman looked up and smiled at the young man. “Yes, may I help you?”

Handing over his ticket, Elijah forced tears to come to his eyes and at once used a little trick he often tried at home when he was much younger and knew he was in big trouble with Grandpa or his mom. Wide, confused teary eyes and an innocent lost look often got him spared a good spanking. Might as well try and see if it will work again.

“I have a problem…my mom, I just got a call…she was in a car accident and is in the hospital…they don’t think she’s going to make it. I was heading to Alaska to visit a friend. I need to cash this in and get back home…but I don’t have much money left. I could call my dad, but he left two years ago with his secretary and is living in Hawaii and he usually doesn’t take my calls anymore. Sometimes I think he’s forgotten all about me, about us. Could you help? Is there anyway I could change my flight to L.A.? Please? I don‘t know what else to do?”

The woman looked at the boy, her eyes at once melting into pity and compassion. “Oh, you poor dear…let me call my manager and will see what we can do.” As she walked away and started speaking to a fellow worker, Elijah smiled lightly when she overheard the woman speaking nastily how men just love to run out on there wives and children with some young blond bimbo who just loves to be a home wrecker.

***

Jericho got into his seat, with Billy taking the nearby window. “Alone at last. We have about six hours of just being alone together.” Jericho smirked and looked straight at Billy. Rather unnerved, Billy signed back to him.

“How about we start with the truth…who are you? Who are you working for?”

Billy swallowed and looked out the window. It was going to be one long flight.

***

Elijah couldn’t believe it, even after the flight took off for California. It worked. It actually worked.

‘I promise, as soon as I can, I will go to confession. Now shut up and stop pestering me with the guilt shit.’

***

The taxi rolled up in front of a large building that read Cargo Bay Inn. Stepping out, Jericho paid the driver and with Billy at his heels headed straight past the revolving door and into the airy café and bar.

The bartender was busy at the bar, handing out several juice drinks to what appeared to be a honeymooning couple but after the couple had walked away, Jericho confronted the bartender who looked on at Jericho with curious eyes.

Jericho only leaned against the table and eyed the older man who sported a beard and a patch over his left eye.

“Sebastian, here to see Samson.”

The bartender turned away at once without responding, started cleaning several glasses with a nearby towel. After a few moments he spoke softly.

“Drink?”

Jericho exchanged glances with Billy who signed he wanted a mimosa.

“Sure, some OJ for me and for my friend a nice glass of tomato juice.” seeing Billy’s frown, Jericho added. “He just loves tomato juice.” Jericho ignored the sign from Billy that called him a bastard.

The bartender got the drinks and at once handed Jericho his drink and then Billy‘s. He then vanished behind a curtain for a moment and then came back carrying some fresh new towels and a large bottle of unopened rum.

Taking a seat, Jericho and Billy glanced around the sunny café with several open windows that gave a glorious view of the beach a few hundred feet away. The sun was out, and not a cloud in the sky. It wasn’t too warm, probably in the mid to late 70’s, and crowds of people were lined up on the beach sunning themselves or were walking the boardwalk. Everything looked pretty normal.

“4.50 please,” replied the bartender after depositing his stuff under the counter. Jericho at once handed the man a five dollar bill. Checking it at the register, the bartender returned with Jericho’s change including a small piece of paper. Handing it over, the bartender then left to tend to his other patrons.

Jericho sipped at his drink while Billy played with his straw. Opening the piece of paper, Jericho read a short message.

Boat docks, The Wellington, Ask for Polly

Finishing his drink, and with Billy leaving his untouched, they headed out of the bar and started down the long boardwalk. After they were gone, the bartender turned to the nearby curtain and watched as a shadow form moved forward to stand beside him.

“Thanks Johnny.” The shadow figure then took a small gun out of his pocket and, checking to make sure it was loaded, the shadow headed back through the curtains and out the back door of the bar.

***

Jericho and Billy arrived at the docks fifteen minutes later. Looking around at the various boats, Jericho sought out the one boat they wanted. The Wellington. It was the last tied boat at the end of the dock. Jericho at once waved Billy back and stepping forward called into the boat.

“Polly?”

Silence. “Polly?”

It was then that a woman’s head appeared out of a window at the main controls of the captain’s console room.

“Yow! I’m Polly, what can I do fer you, handsome?” the woman asked, speaking in a southern accent and squinted her eyes at Jericho and then eyed Billy who stood quietly beside him rather suspiciously.

“I was at The Cargo Bay Inn. I asked to speak to Sebastian…the bartender sent me here. Look, I don’t have time to deal with all this red tape. I have reason to believe that I am Jason Richards‘ son. I need to speak to him. Do you know where he is?”

The woman smiled and pulled her head back inside. A few minutes later, she stepped out of the cabin and stood in front of Jericho at the stern of the boat.

“So you’re Jason’s son, Sean? Hmm, will see about that, roll up your sleeve…”

Jericho catching on to what she wanted at once rolled up his left sleeve to reveal the tattoo of a phoenix. The woman looked at it and even wet her fingers and tried to see if the tatoo was made of ink. It didn’t come off. She smiled at Jericho.

“Want to ride my boat?”

Jericho eyed her for a moment and then climbed on board. Billy started to follow when Polly waved her hand at him.

“Not you.”

Billy crossed his arms but didn’t argue.

“Untie the rope!” the woman called, heading back inside the console room, where she started the engine.

Doing as she ordered, Jericho also gave the boat a little push. Billy watched shaking his head. Jericho only looked back at him. “I’ll be back.”

Billy hoped so.

A few minutes later the Wellington cleared the docks and made its way out to sea.

Joining Polly in the console room, Jericho looked out at the sea. His eyes remained focused on that and didn’t see Polly using her right hand to pull something out from under a cargo bin.

“So are you a friend of my dad’s?”

“You could say we were friends. Yeah.”

“Were?” asked Jericho and as he turned, he saw the club too late and received a hard blow to the back of his head. Everything began to spin and then darkness. His body fell to the floor with a loud thud. The woman smiled down at the unconscious form.

“Yeah, were.”

***

Billy was sitting one of the wooden stumps at the dock watching the Wellington slowly vanish from view when a low moan caught his attention. Turning to the side, he listened intently to hear another moan coming from a boat to his left. Getting to his feet, Billy moved to a boat called The Rebel. Another, louder moan filled the air and, getting on board, Billy followed the moan to the back of the boat. Lying near the bow of the ship was a small female figure who was nursing her head with her left hand and trying to rise with the other. Spotting a nearby gun beside her, he scooped it up, placing it securely in the waistband of his pants and stared down at the woman, who appeared to be dark skinned and having shoulder length brown hair, dressed all in white.

She looked up and, shaking her head, got to her feet and hurried to the other side of the boat. Seeing the empty space on the docks, she groaned and shook her head. “Damn it! She got him!”

Billy signed to her with his hands but the woman only walked past him and, grabbing binoculars hanging by the main engine doorway, she began to scan the ocean. In the distance, she could see the boat Wellington making its way out to sea.

“Look, buddy, I don’t have time to explain but my name is Polly Wellington and my boat has just been taken by a very nasty individual….”

Billy grabbed her arm and she smiled at him. “I don’t have time to explain, let’s just say your friend is in a great deal of danger and if we don‘t rescue him…he‘s going to be sleeping with the fishies tonight.”

Entering the engine room, she looked over the controls and started it up. “This boat belongs to Jack, hope he doesn’t mind me borrowing it, but then again…he did drink a lot last night so hopefully he will still be nursing a hangover and will have this back before he knows its gone. Go untie the ropes!”

Complying, Billy had just released the rope from the docks when the boat took off for the high seas. Joining the woman back in the engine room, he saw she was on the CB. “Hey Johnny, this Pollyanna Wellington, over.”

“Johnny pirate here, Pollyanna…go ahead.”

“I’ve run into a bit of a problem. Do me a favor and tell Jack I had to borrow his boat.”

“YOU had to what? Ohh, Jack is not going to like this.” came the voice on the other end.

“Yeah, tell him I’ll bring it back in one piece.”

“You had better, or he’ll have your pretty little ass, sweetheart.”

The girl smiled and closed the connection. Facing Billy she smiled. “Johnny is the bartender at the Cargo Bay Inn….as for Jack…he’s my ex…”

Billy didn’t have to be told anymore. But he did make a different sign. A question.

She didn’t answer.

The boat turned from the docks and pouring on the speed headed out to sea in the same direction at the Wellington.

***

Damn, his head hurt. It felt as if someone was hammering away. He went to sit up and touch his head when Jericho realized he couldn’t move. Opening his eyes, he realized he was on the floor, leaning up against one of the walls. His hands and legs were tied securely. Looking up, he saw the red haired woman with the southern accent standing with her back to him steering the boat.

“You’re not The Polly?”

Jericho heard her slight chuckle and shook his head in an attempt to shake off the dizziness that was buzzing in his head.

“I take that as a yes. Want to tell me, who you really are and what you want with me?”

The woman only looked back at him and grinned.

“You can call me, Dara. As for what I want from you? Well, that will take just a little long to explain.”

Jericho began to work on the knots on at his wrists.

“I apparently have the time.”

“The short of it is…I was hired by someone to find your…old man…and do him in.”

“By who?”

“None of your business, little one.”

“And what do you plan to do with me?”

“Don’t know…didn’t count on finding any missing offspring to Mr. Richards. But I figure, my boss will probably want you dead too…”

“So where is my father?”

“Haven’t found him yet…until I saw you and that young man at Cargo Bay Inn and when you mentioned Jason Richards…well I thought I found myself a score. But since you don’t know anything, well I figure I mind as well get rid of at least one Richards.” Shutting off the engine and allowing the boat to drift, she took out a long knife from the nearby counter and dangled it in front of Jericho.

Jericho leaned back as the knife went to his throat.

“Now yer have a choice….I can slit your throat and then throw you out into the water and let the sharks have you…or…I can just do this.” She went down to his arm and did one small slit. Jericho jumped as his skin was cut and he began to bleed from the wound. “Yeah, much slower death this way. Just the way I like it. Get up!”

Cutting his legs loose, the woman named Dara helped Jericho to his feet and pushed him outside.

Heading to the bow of the ship, Dara pointed to the water.

“Jump!”

Jericho turned and looked at her with a defiant stare.

“What are you, insane?”

“Just figuring that out have ya? Jump!” She swiped her knife to make her point, but Jericho wasn’t having none of that. Ducking the blow, he turned sideways and then brought up his leg to kick her squarely in the chest. Falling backwards and into a bow crate, Jericho hurried to the other side of the boat, all the while trying to find something to cut his bonds loose so he could fight.

With the knife still in her hands, Dara got up and went after him.

In the distance a boat could be seen closing in.

***

“Uh, that’s not good.” Handing Billy the binoculars, Billy took a look to see the boat and the chaos that was taking place. Jericho appeared to be running with his arms tied behind his back, and a woman with a very long deadly knife in her hands chasing him. “Hang on.” Putting the boat at the highest speed, she grabbed her gun from Billy’s waistpants and gave Billy the controls.

“Take over!”

Billy quickly dropped the binoculars and grabbed the steering wheel.

***

Jericho was just reaching the bow of the ship a second time when Dara came up behind him, but instead of using the knife she picked up a long stick and swung. Jericho ducked the first blow but the second he caught it in his back which sent him tumbling forward and into the water.

The wound on his arm was still bleeding and, when it hit the salty water, the scent became like a dinner call to the hunters of the ocean.

The woman watched from above, smiling as Jericho thrashed about in the water, trying to keep his head above the surface. But the smile faded when a sudden shot filled the air. Turning, Dara spotted a fast approaching boat and a woman holding a gun, shooting at her. Dara turned to run, but caught the bullet in her back. She stumbled once, dropped her knife and then fell to the ground.

***

Unable to swim, Jericho felt himself slowly being pulled deeper under water. He kicked and struggled, but could not free his hands. Opening his eyes, he could see a trickle of red oozing from his arm drift upwards to the surface of the water. He had taken a deep breath before he had gone under, but already he could feel his lungs beginning to scream for air.

***

Billy pulled up along the other boat, and watched as Polly jumped on to the boat to check on the other woman. Billy, however, cut the engine and quickly got out to the front of the boat and taking off his shoes, he dived head first into the water.

Seeing that the woman was dead, Polly turned to the side of the boat ready to dive in to go after Jericho when she saw Billy had already jumped in. Heading to grab a nearby life preserver, she stopped dead when she spotted something in the water. She blinked and realized to her horror two fins closing in on the boats.

“Oh shit!”

***

Billy swam around under the water, and then dived deeper. He ignored the stinging of salt water in his eyes and continued his search. He was just about to give up and go back for air, when he spotted the sinking form just a few feet below him. Pushing all thoughts aside, he swam further downwards and grabbed for anything he could get his hands on. He found a shoulder and a shirt. He took a firm hold and began to pull upwards.

Jericho closed his eyes and could feel he was losing consciousness. His last thoughts were of Elijah and who was going to look after that kid with him gone.

Then Jericho felt a pull and, opening his eyes, he saw someone had their hands tightly on his shoulder and shirt and was pushing him upwards.

When he looked back down, the relief he felt disappeared. For in the waters, closing in, were two large tiger sharks.

***

She scanned the water hoping to see them, but was startled in relief when she saw Billy’s head pop up on the surface with Jericho’s right after.

“Quickly! Sharks” She threw the life preserver and Billy caught it with one hand and at once put Jericho in it. Holding tight, Billy kicked with his legs and started back to the boat. Meanwhile, Polly continued to pull the rope tied to the preserver towards her.

Polly ignored the two fins that seemed to begin to circle the boat and were making their way closer to the two boys in the water.

Billy spotted the fins and kicked harder.

Jericho swallowed and stared at Billy.

“If I don’t make it, look after Elijah!”

Billy only continued to kick and pull Jericho with him, as if refusing to give in.

By some form of miracle, Jericho felt something hit his back and realized it was not a shark biting down, but the side of the boat. Billy was already hauling himself in and began to help Polly with pulling Jericho in.

Jericho sighed and saw two fins disappear under water coming directly in his direction.

This was it; it was over.

***

Polly grabbed anything she could get a hold of, as did Billy. Hair, head, shoulders, arms and legs and pulled with all the strength they had.

Jericho felt himself pulled up and out of the water just as he saw the jaws and the surface below him start to brighten with the deadly shape.

The next thing he knew, he felt himself fall into the boat and the sudden smash of something hitting the side. He looked up to see a pair of black eyes and jaws which quickly fell back into the water disappearing into the dark depths below.

Out of breath, Polly and Billy remained on the floor with Jericho each still holding firmly to one of Jericho’s body parts. Able to think again, Polly reached over to grab the knife that Dara had and quickly cut Jericho free. Sitting himself up, Jericho stared at the strange woman, then at Billy and then at the dead body of Dara.

Looking at the two of them, Jericho couldn’t resist.

“Well, this little adventure has made me hungry…I suppose shark for lunch is out of the question?”

Billy scowled, while Polly smiled and laughed. “You, are certainly your father’s son…”

Jericho smiled back at the woman, glad to be alive.

The mansion stood up on a hill top and was surrounded by several large pine trees. A trellis was set up outside and in the back of the house was a huge pool with a garden and well maintained courtyard. Already, tables had been set up and a band was present as well. Elijah smiled when he spotted the name The Wonders. Elijah had heard them play a few months ago, just before graduation. Dom had gotten tickets and they had gone on a Friday night. It had been loads of fun for him, for he had never been to a concert. Dom wasn’t as excited, since he really didn’t care for the eighties band, but he had graced it with his usual manner. Afterwards, they had gone for some Chinese food.

While at The Ming Garden, Elijah had struck up a conversation with the waitress, which put Dom in a bad mood. Elijah was confused at the time, but now…now he understood why.

Later, the next day, Elijah had arrived at school to find Dom in front of his locker kissing a young blond haired girl rather affectionately. Elijah had been blown it off then as Dom getting even for some reason or another. But it all made sense now, especially how Dom had eyed Elijah all the while he was kissing the girl.

Elijah never saw the girl hanging around their locker afterwards and Elijah never told Dom just how relieved he was about that.

Turning back to the mansion, Elijah spotted a figure in the window. Elijah almost cried out when he recognized the woman as his mother. She was combing her hair and seemed to be sad.

“Hey, stop day dreaming!” Elijah turned at the voice, to see one of the other waiters who had been working at Rosie’s company for two years, who had to be about six years his senior and having dark brown stringy hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. Elijah had only just learned a few hours ago that this was Rosie’s eldest son, Ryan.

“You’re not here to gawk at stuff. Move, or I will move you out the gate!”

Elijah turned his attention to the boxes and hurried into the kitchen with them, he did however glance back at the window and not to his surprise found it empty.

***

Everything was set up. The food was being reheated, and the alcohol was almost ready to be served for the guests. The band was already playing some music. Elijah caught the familiar song Masterpiece by Atlantic Starr. It was only six pm and already guests were arriving. Elijah spotted Saxon at once. He was dressed as some kind of king from Medieval times. He was the only one not sporting a mask. He was currently talking to a man dressed all in black wearing a blood red cape and a red mask over his eyes, sporting fangs. On his black shirt was a letter with a R on it.

The two seemed to be in deep conversation and therefore did not notice the beautiful woman coming up from behind them. Elijah recognized her though. It was his mom. She was dressed as the Queen of diamonds and looked dazzling in her diamond crown and matching mask and gown. She looked like a vision. Every part of Elijah wanted to run to her, but he held back. He watched as she slipped her hand into Saxon’s laughed about something and then leaned her head on his shoulders.

Elijah closed his eyes painfully. Then he felt something hit him from behind. Turning, he watched as a man dressed all in black with a matching mask walked past him, elbowing him in the back, on purpose. The masked man glared at him and taking out a sharp sword did a Z maneuver and then bowing to him turned and walked away. Elijah couldn’t tell his hair color since the man had it covered in a black silk hat but Elijah could have sworn he knew that figure. Who he was.

Turning back, Elijah saw the man playing a vampire had moved on and Saxon and his mom were greeting more guests. It was obvious by how some of them were dressed that they were of high class and of great importance.

“What did I tell you about day dreaming?” Elijah turned at the voice to see Ryan staring at him coldly.

“Sorry! I didn’t know what you wanted me to do next.”

Ryan handed him a silver plate and shrugged. “Start passing out drinks, stupid! And I am telling you for the last time…if I catch you slacking off again, I will have no choice but to inform my mother and have you fired!”

Elijah swallowed and headed to the bar. Moments later, he held martinis on his silver plate and began to pass them around to guests.

***

Elijah was just getting another set of drinks when a familiar woman in a diamond gown came up to him.

“Excuse me, I am not really fond of Martinis is there anyway I can have a plain Bud Light beer.”

Elijah swallowed and turned to the bartender to see the man already pouring the beer into a glass and handing it to the woman.

Jean smiled and nodded. “Thank you.” She then paused to stare at Elijah and with a small smile patted his cheek and then turned and headed back to a group of woman that Elijah recognized at once as his mom’s sisters. Sighing, Elijah was about to head off, when a hand came up and snatched up a martini. Eyes locked and Elijah almost dropped to the ground when he saw Saxon staring at him. Saxon put the drink to his lips and sipped it, then nodding at Elijah, he turned and started walking away, talking to the same man Elijah had spotted earlier dressed as a vampire.

Elijah let out a breath of air and almost collapsed on the ground. Collecting his wits, he realized that he still hadn’t found Cousin Jane. Where could she be? She had to be here.

Putting the silver tray down and seeing that Saxon was way to busy with his guests, Elijah quickly vanished into the bushes and entered the mansion.

In the background, the band began to play a new song with the surprise arrival of a hit singer that was quite unmistakable as he sang a song called ‘We didn‘t start the fire.’

***

Elijah entered the hallway and glanced around at the overdone and very high-taste decoration of the home. Elijah didn’t miss the one of a kind artwork or the expensive vases that sat on tables filled with flowers. The rugs were oriental in design and several fine tapestries hung from the wall. Saxon obviously did not settle for anything less then the best. Elijah turned and spotted the staircase. Could Jane be locked in one of the rooms upstairs or…downstairs in the basement?

Elijah moved to the stairs but paused when he heard footsteps coming from the entrance. Quickly, he hid behind a doorway and saw his mom with one of his aunts enter the room.

“I can’t believe how clumsy I am!”

“That’s what happens when you don’t concentrate on what you’re doing, Jean luv. Thankfully, the beer shouldn‘t stain your pretty dress.”

“I know, it,s just…for a moment…I thought I saw…”

“Forget it, Jean,– he is not here! You’ve got to let this go. Move on, you have yourself quite the catch this time. Not only is he rich but cute too. Now come on, let’s go to your room and get your dress cleaned up.”

Elijah watched as his mom was led up the stairs by his Aunt Sally and disappeared. Sighing, he stepped out and was just about to make his way to the stairs when he walked right into two burly men dressed as Knights. Turning, Elijah came face to face with Saxon.

“Well, well, and here I was sending out a legion of men to find me one little mouse and what happens…the mouse comes to me.”

Saxon at once removed the mask from around Elijah’s face. “Hello mouse.”

Elijah felt each of his arms grabbed by Saxon’s men, and he was quickly pulled down the hallway and away from the guests and his mother.

‘Ok, I made another mistake. Nobody’s perfect you know.’

***

Pulled into a den, Elijah was released by the Knights, who went back to the entrance door and closed the door behind them. Alone with Saxon, Elijah watched him pace the room slowly with a very smug look on his face. Swallowing, Elijah waited for the worst. Saxon only looked back at Elijah and, sitting down at his desk, he picked up a picture and began to look it over. Then setting it down, he focused his attention on Elijah.

“You are not one of the brightest people on this planet, you know. One would have thought you’d at least have the brains to stay as far away as possible.”

“I want to see my mom. Right now.”

Saxon chuckled. “You are in no position to be making any demands. Besides, you had ample opportunity to do so. Why, I saw that exchange at the bar. Do you think I am without some intelligence not to put it together.”

“You won’t hurt me. My mom won’t let you!”

Saxon at once leaned forward in his chair and clucked his tongue.

“I have no intention of hurting you, my boy. Well, not anything that would leave a mark.”

“What do you want from me and my family? I know you don’t love my mother, that this is all some scam to get me. I don’t understand why?”

Saxon rose to his feet, and removing his crown and smoothing out his clothes, he walked over to Elijah. Staring down at the young man, Saxon put his hands around his chest.

“You really don’t have a clue do you?”

“I spoke to my father. He said you have a personal vendetta against my family? That this is personal? That you don’t care about Jason or him…but that you’re after Jericho and me…and I know that you have my mom‘s cousin Jane. If you hurt her in any way, my mother will-?”

Saxon smiled and cut in. “Ah, so you found your father…how lovely. Now, how about you being a good little boy and tell me where he is…and where Jericho is? And maybe I might consider allowing you to speak to your mother and see Miss Jane Fielding.”

“You do have her?”

Saxon continued to smile. Elijah swung his fist, but Saxon caught it. Elijah battled for a moment until Saxon bent Elijah’s hand back and, with a gasp of pain, Elijah fell back and onto the couch. Releasing his hand, Saxon returned to the desk to pick up some papers.

Elijah nursed his wrist, eyeing Saxon fearfully.

“Your father is correct. This is a personal vendetta. But between your father and his brother, not you and Jericho. Jane Fielding is safe and unharmed. She is in a nice room and has been a guest in my home since her arrival a few weeks ago. Jean is more than aware of her arrival. So running to mommy and telling her about her cousin will be rather…unproductive.”

Picking up a pen, Saxon walked over to Elijah and placed the paper and pen on the side arm of the couch. Elijah stared down at it in confusion.

“What is this?”

“Some legal documents I want you to sign. The first is your adoption papers. Once I am married to your mother, you will take my name, therefore becoming my legal son and personal responsibility.”

Elijah swallowed. “Never!”

“The other paper is to insure that you remain under my tender care. You will give me the power of attorney over you since your medical condition is deteriorating and you will need someone to look after you. I’m afraid you’ll have to spend a lot of time at the institute…receiving the best care my science team can give.”

Elijah threw the papers onto the floor and got to his feet, taking several steps back.

“No!”

“Now, now, you must not get alarmed. Why, my dear boy. After all, you’ll be given the best room we have available in our isolation ward. You won’t be harmed…you’ll be provided with the essentials. Food, water.. clothing, you know the type one size fits all…and we even have a special jacket that will be most comfortable for you to wear.”

Elijah stumbled as he took a step back, accidentally hitting a coffee table, and then quickly Elijah moved. He turned and tried to run, only

to find the door was locked. Turning back to Saxon, Elijah shook his head.

“My mom won’t allow you to do that to me! She wouldn’t let you!”

Seeing the boy‘s fear, Saxon only grinned even more.

“Your mother…my dear boy, has been informed of your medical condition. You see when you were allowed to come work at the Science Institute, we had some blood work done and you were diagnosed with a very rare disease that causes hallucinations, delusions, and loss of all sense of reality. Why, you even think you’re immortal.”

Elijah began to shake in terror at this very evil man.

“Oh, that’s right, you don’t get it do you? I’m not Fletcher. I have no intention of giving you a pampered life with all the trimmings and pretty garden, and where you are allowed to do mostly what you want. Anything and everything you get from me however , you are going to have to beg for it. On your knees. When you want to see your mother…when you want to take a walk in the sunlight and get some fresh air…when you want me to take off the straightjacket…oh yes, and you will have to do a lot more then just beg. Because nothing, is free. And you will have to please me…you know what I mean don‘t you?”

Elijah felt sick. “Why are you doing this? I haven’t done anything to you.”

Saxon sighed in triumph. “No, you haven’t. But your Uncle did. He took something very precious from me Elijah and I won’t forgive him that.”

Turning to the desk, he reached over and plucked the picture he had held before and offered it to Elijah.

For a moment Elijah hesitated and then reached out and took the photo and looked at the picture. Within, he saw Saxon, probably taken some years ago when he was much younger, and standing behind him, laughing, was a blond haired woman that looked familiar. Elijah focused his thoughts and it finally came to him. The picture that Jericho had shown him on the bus. The picture of Jason and young Jericho with a blond haired woman beside them. The same woman.

Elijah dropped the picture onto the ground. It shattered the glass frame but the picture remained intact.

“Katherine, was my sister. Oh yes, that would make Jericho my nephew…and you as well, although once I am married to your mother, I much prefer you call me Father.”

Elijah heard a knock behind him and he turned to see the Knights enter and behind them was the vampire he had seen before. In his hands, he was carrying a large bag.

“Elijah, let me introduce you to a dear friend of mine which I have no doubt you have heard a great deal about. Dr Raven.”

Elijah backed away, only to stop short as the Knights surrounded him and pulled him to the couch, each holding one of his arms firmly down. Elijah watched as Raven put his bag down on the table. The first thing he pulled out was a very long needle. Saxon moved in and ripped Elijah’s sleeve to reveal some skin.

Elijah cried out. “MOM!! MOM!” His mouth was quickly covered by Saxon’s hand.

“Shhh, we just want a little blood from you, boy. Then, afterwards will start talking about where I can find Jericho and you will tell me. You will.”

Elijah continued to scream as the needle pushed into his arm. All the while, he stared up into the smiling face of Nigel Saxon.

***

***

Jericho finished off his beer and then folded his hand. Billy smiled and revealed his hand of three tens. But before he could take the pretzels as his prize, Polly threw down a full house. Billy frowned while Jericho laughed.

“Guess you win it all.”

Polly grinned and popped a pretzel in her mouth.

“So, you want to tell me how you know my dad?”

“I worked on his boat and as part of his team as a Marine Biologist. He was really cool and of course I had a crush on him, but he…ahm we were just friends.”

Jericho nodded. “Go on.”

“About three months ago, some people came into town asking questions specifically about your dad. He got spooked and ah, took off out to sea. I haven’t heard from him since.”

Jericho sighed. “So he’s not here anymore…do you have any idea where he might have gone?”

“With Jason, one cannot know. He’s like a lone wanderer. He’s traveled a lot in his life. He spoke about his wife…how she was dead, and about his son who was missing.”

Jericho caught the attention of a passing waitress and asked for another beer. She brought him another a few moments later.

“Did he ever mention anything important about why he liked to travel?”

Pollyanna sipped at her rum coke before speaking.

“I know he has a brother named Ben, and that Ben went to try to find his son for him while he was doing some checks into their family history. He said something that did strike me funny, though, as I recall.”

“What?” asked Jericho.

“He said that all clues point to the Bermuda Triangle. What ever that means. I thought at the time he was being funny, but… now that I think about it, he took off on Alexandra; it was a boat he named after his mother. I guess his parents died when he was quite young from a fire. Oh, wait, I do have a few of his belongings. He must have forgotten them when he left.” Leaving their drinks on the table, they followed her upstairs. She paused at a door, taking out a set of keys, and then opened the door. They entered a simple room that contained only a small bed and a trunk.

“Look, I need to go and talk to my Ex about borrowing his boat, so I will see you for supper?”

With a wave to Billy and blowing a kiss at Jericho, she hurried off, leaving them in the room.

Jericho checked over the room but, finding nothing, he finally went to the trunk and saw it was firmly locked. Getting a hammer, Jericho opened the trunk and saw a few strange items were within.

He pulled out what looked to be an old dusty book with the faded initials A.R on it. Opening it, he saw that it appeared to be a diary but that the language inside of it was not familiar to him. Underneath were two identical medallions with a sapphire and ruby stone, and the same mysterious language that was in the book seemed to be on the edges of the medal.

Putting that aside, he found a pile of old photos. Several were of his parents and a few of him when he was about eight or nine years old. Reaching the last of the photos he stopped when he saw a different photo. His parents were present, he was there looking to be about ten, but the odd thing was his mother was holding a pink blanket in her arms and what appeared to be a baby. Turning the photo over Jericho read the names off.

Katherine, Jason, Sean and Baby Natalie. Our Family.

Jericho took a breath and felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him as flashes of memory seemed to assault him all at once. He could hear crying, and a young boy that might have been him looking over a crib and peering down at a small baby. Once again he saw the farm in flames and saw himself running with his father, carrying his mother’s dead body with the mysterious blond stranger right behind them. This time however, Jericho could see he too was carrying something in his hands, a pink blanket….and within…a crying baby.

Jericho looked at the last photo and felt his body go cold. It was much older then the other photos. It was a picture of his mom dressed in a rather high-fashioned blue dress and standing beside her was a balding man dressed in a business suit. A man that Jericho recognized from Elijah’s descriptions and from the tv as it showed the picture of an up and coming engagement party. Turning the photo over, Jericho read the names he had dreaded.

Katherine and my brother Nigel Saxon.

Jericho crushed the photo in his hand and dropped it to the floor.

Billy watched in concern and laid a hand gently on Jericho’s shoulder.

Then as he thought himself lost in his own pain and fear, Jericho suddenly thought of Elijah.

Getting to his feet, Jericho grabbed the belongings and headed outside to fetch a taxi. Billy followed.

***

Back at the hotel, Jericho finally got the number to the airport in Alaska.

“No, please, check again, he was suppose to have arrived about two hours ago….yes? Oh..” Without another word, Jericho slammed the phone down and faced Billy.

“Damn that kid–he never listens!”

Billy signed to him at once. ‘He didn’t get on the plane?’

“No, he didn’t. I’ll give you one guess where he did go.”

Billy sat down on the bed with a sigh.

Jericho picked up the phone. “Airport please. Hi, I would like two tickets to L.A. I need to get there yesterday. Yes, I’ll take them.”

***

Elijah rubbed his still-sore arm. His shirt sleeve had been ripped open and he now had a bandage over where the needle had been inserted to take his blood. Elijah watched as Raven put a pint and half of his blood into his bag.

“I’ll take this down to the institute and have it put on ice. He‘s a sweet little boy, isn‘t he. Look at those pretty blue eyes of his!” Raven stared at Elijah and ruffled his hair playfully. Elijah pulled away, eyeing him angrily.

“Relax kid, it’s just blood!” He flashed his fangs and with a laugh hurried out of the room.

Saxon meanwhile leaned against his desk, eyeing Elijah solemnly.

“Leave us, but guard the door.” The knights left and Elijah once again found himself alone with Saxon.

“Stop looking at me like that.” Saxon replied with a bit of temper just barely noticeable in his undertone. “It will heal quickly and this is nothing compared to what is planned for you.”

“Why don’t you just kill me?”

“Now what good would that do, killing the goose that lays the golden egg and here you were, all afraid of Fletcher catching you and putting you in a cage…when you really…should have been afraid of me.”

“I want to see my mother.”

“Do you?”

Elijah lowered his eyes; he felt the tears stinging but held them back. “Please.”

Saxon only shook his head. “You are going to have to do a great deal more then that to get the better side of me child.”

He picked up the papers that Elijah had thrown earlier and handed them to Elijah with a pen taken from his pocket.
“Sign!”

Elijah stared at the two papers and finally picked up the adoption papers and signed his name. But the power of attorney he set aside.

“I’ll sign the other ones, after I see my mom.”

Saxon chuckled. “Well, at least now you are learning to negotiate.”

Taking up the papers Elijah signed, he put them into his desk.

“I’ll ask about Jericho’s whereabouts later, for now. Follow me.” Elijah reluctantly got to his feet and followed Saxon out of the den. Saxon led him to along hallway and down another corridor and then finally another. They finally stopped at a door that was locked. Pulling out a set of keys, Saxon unlocked the door and, opening it, he spun and pushed Elijah inside. Taken by surprise, Elijah fell into the room, hearing the door slam close and lock behind him.

Getting to his feet, Elijah’s mouth fell open when he spotted a long figure lying on a bed unconscious.

“Aunt Jane!”

Reaching her side, he checked her pulse to see if she was alive. But she was completely out cold. Glancing at her arm, he saw several needle marks on them. Tears filled his eyes and Elijah covered his face with his hands.

‘Oh man, have I really screwed things up. In a really big way. If I survive this, Jericho is going to oh so kill me.’

***

“Ben? How did you get here? Why…where is Elijah?” She glanced past him and saw Ben staring coldly at her.

“He’s here.”

“I see…so this is where I fall into your arms, in relief that you’re here to save me from making a mistake? Right?”

Ben took a step forward and then turned away to walk by a window. He glanced outside to see the guests were having a grand time, below more music could be heard with Billy Joel playing “Pressure”. Ben had always liked that song.

“I won’t deny that I had hoped that you would.”

Jean slid back into her chair and stared into her hands. “I still love you, Ben. I think I always will. But I got tired of waiting for you. Nigel is everything to me now.”

“Don’t tell me you’re in love with him?”

“In love? No, but I do care for him. Deeply and it will be enough.”

“Elijah wasn’t lying to you. Fletcher and Saxon are the ones that are chasing me and my brother and are now chasing Elijah. You know this?”

Jean pulled a piece of lint off of her dress.

Ben faced her. “You did know?”

“Apparently you still think I am the witless waitress. Later, yes, I knew.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think? All my life, I have had to struggle and try to make ends meet. All my dreams shattered when you left and I was pregnant and I was forced to live with my father. Don’t look at me like that! I loved Elijah,–he was my baby, he will always be my baby, but you weren’t there! You didn’t see those days when I had to try to juggle rent or food, heat or shoes, and clothes for Elijah, all the while my father drank himself into oblivion, and yes for one moment in time, when I got your letter I did play with the idea of finding you…of us being together. You were right about one thing…I could never live my life on the run. Not even for you. What kind of life is that for Elijah? He needs a home, a stable one. Where he will be loved and cared for…Nigel will do that.”

“He’ll put Elijah in a cage! He will control his life and yours! You will be at his every whim! Don’t you understand…he is using you to get my son!”

“And I am using him…to get myself a hand up out of the gutter….to stop having people look down at me. So I don’t have to feel someone’s hand on my ass, with a smirk on his face as I poor him another cup of coffee!”

Ben stared at her and shook his head.

“He will hurt Elijah…you know that. He wants his blood. Our blood. So he can be immortal…so he can be a GOD.”

Jean sighed and folded her arms around herself.

“He won’t hurt him…I won’t let him.”

“You think you could stop him?”

Jean smiled and looked back at Ben. “Yes.”

Ben growled angrily and paced the room unable to look at Jean for a moment and then finally he faced her.

“What about Jane? Does she agree to all this?”

Jean lowered her eyes once more. “She just doesn’t understand…but after the party…Saxon promised to let her leave…I wanted her to stay with me…but she just doesn’t…”

“Because she disagrees with what you’re doing?”

Jean shrugged again at Ben.

“Is it worth the price, Jean? Are you willing to sacrifice our own son to a monster all because you want to be wealthy and live like the rich?”

“How dare you! How dare you judge me and what I want! You walked out on me!” Rising to her feet, she glared at Ben in anger. “You left us behind. Elijah is not your son! You weren’t there those nights when he woke screaming from some nightmare. You weren’t there to change his diapers or help him with his homework. You weren’t there when the school boys picked on him and he came home with a black eye. You don’t even know him. His favorite color is red and blue. His favorite rocker is Meatloaf. His favorite food is pizza! He loves watching western movies and he loves to watch “King King!” And he loves “Star Wars” and read Superman comics and someday he wants to be an actor! You know nothing about him! But I know everything there is about MY son.”

“Maybe I don’t know what his favorite colors are, Jean…but I do know our son does not want to live in a cage and be treated like some guinea pig. He has a right to live his own life and not have it dictated by some guy who thinks he can own the whole world.”

Jean looked away and wrapping her arms around her self, Ben walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

Their eyes locked.

“Come away with me now. We’ll get Elijah and go away from here. We can still be a family. We can still live free. You don’t need this…life is not about what we want but what we have. And all we need is each other. Jean…please. I love you….I have never stopped loving you, I need you. Please, come back to me.”

Jean looked away and then back and pulled his hands away from her. Ben knew then he had his answer.

“I won’t let you hand our son over to that monster, Jean.”

“It’s already done,” she replied. Ben stared at her in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

“He knows Elijah’s here…he probably already has him.”

“Jean, no!” Ben clenched his fists and turned to the door.

“He is my son, not yours! I dictate his life and it will be with me and Nigel. Not you!”

Ben turned back to her and shook his head.

“Elijah will never forgive you for this…”

“He doesn’t have to…as long as he is with me…that will be enough.”

Ben nodded in anger. “No, Jean. You have just lost him and I hope someday you’ll realize just what you’ve sacrificed…your soul. Elijah is my son too, and I will keep him from Saxon and you for as long as I live and have breath in my body. That I promise you.”

Jean stared back at him in anger but said nothing. Ben put his mask back on and sarcastically replied.

“Everyone wears a mask, Jean…but you no longer have to…do you?”

Then he was gone.

***

Jean sat down on the bed and felt the tears come to her eyes and she allowed them to fall. One by one. A hanky dangled over her and she looked up to see Saxon. He didn’t have to say anything; she knew already he had heard everything.

“An excellent performance, my dear. Well played. I don’t think Ben will come back for you now. Ever.”

Jean sadly took the hanky. “You will keep your promise?” She asked.

Saxon smiled and nodded. “I am a man of my word. No harm will come to Ben as long as he stays away from us.”

“And Elijah? My son?”

“Once you give me a child…Of course my dear…Elijah will be returned to you and will all live happily ever after, I promise.”

Jean wiped her eyes and gave him her hand. Saxon pulled it to his lips and kissed it.

***

Jane could hear her name being called and finally was able to open her eyes.

“E..Elijah?”

“Aunt Jane! You’re awake at last. We have to get out of here!”

Elijah helped her to sit up, Jane wiped her eyes and leaned part of her head in one of her hands.

Getting up, Elijah banged on the door to no avail. It was secure.

“Oh, Elijah, they finally caught you?”

Elijah turned and frowned in shame. “Not exactly…”

Finally able to think Jane looked at the boy in annoyance. “You didn’t? Elijah, what were you thinking?”

“Well, being the hero?”

Jane smiled and raised her hand. Elijah at once went to her and got a comforting hug.

“Fat lot we make…heroes indeed…now what are we going to do?”

It was then they heard a loud bang and something hard hitting the floor. Followed shortly by a clang. Then the door was open and a man dressed as Zorro stepped into the room waving to them.

Elijah smiled and, with Jane, followed him.

***

He led them outside to a van and threw Elijah a set of keys.

“Dad?” Elijah called as he saw Zorro making his way back to the house. Zorro only waved them off and disappeared. Elijah stared at Jane and then glanced over at the gates to see they were closed. Security was about and were talking to several of their fellow members. Then suddenly, screams were heard and Elijah turned to see smoke coming from an open window inside the mansion. Seeing the crowds go running and security heading for the house, Elijah got into the van with Jean, noticing the Zorro figure running across the lawn straight to the gates where he at once hit a panel and the fenced gates opened. Starting up the van, Elijah zoomed down the road and paused to let Zorro into the back of the van before he headed off down the road.

***

The door burst open and security found to their amazement that the smoke was caused by a fire in a bucket. They were able to put it out with the fire extinguisher.

***

Saxon was just sitting at his desk and lighting his cigar when one of his men entered the room.

“Sir, the boy escaped with the woman….I think that the fire that was set was a diversion so they could get out by the gates.”

“Naturally…Clean up the mess, and then give my guests my deepest apologies for not seeing them out, but something unexpected came up. Oh, and tighten security would you please? The next time a fire breaks out, I want at least two guards to remain at the gates. Do I make myself clear? Or you can look for another job.”

“Yes sir.” Closing the door behind him, the head of security headed out.

***

Upstairs standing by a window, Jean Chevalier stared out at the gates and beyond. She did not move nor did she speak but the tears upon her face spoke volumes. She already knew what she had lost.

***

Jane was ready to board her plane. She stared at Ben and smiled at him. He was certainly all man with his rugged looks. She could see why Jean had fallen in love with him and the best part was he hadn’t aged a day. She shook his hand and then stared at Elijah. She opened her arms and hugged him.

“I wish I could stay with you, sweetie. But my farm is calling. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.”

Elijah hugged her back and nodded.

“Don’t give up on your mom. We’ll think of something. Promise.”

Elijah watched her head to the gates that would lead her to her plane. Elijah waved to her when she looked back.

***

Elijah watched the plane take off, and then he turned to stare at his father, who seemed to have an unreadable mask on his face.

“So, you couldn’t convince her?”

Ben swallowed and wondered what he should tell Elijah. In the end, he decided a lie was better.

“She loves you…she’s just confused. She needs time.”

“What now?”

Ben wrapped his arm around his son’s shoulder and grinned. “Now, you will do as I told you last time and go to Alaska! And this time, I will make sure you get there because I will hand-deliver you on the plane? Clear?”

Elijah smiled and nodded.

“Then I will head to Florida and try to catch up with Jericho and your friend Billy…we’ll locate Jason and then come back for you.”

“Then…we’ll try something else to help my mom, right?”

Ben swallowed and hid the pain in his eyes. How was he ever going to tell Elijah that his mother didn’t want to be rescued? That she had chosen the other side, against them. Could he?

“Yeah…we’ll rescue your mom.”

Elijah smiled in relief and nodded. “Ok, Alaska, here I come.”

Ben hugged his son and pushed the pain away as the words once again Jean had spoken hit him.

“He is my son, not yours! I dictate his life and it will be with me and Nigel. Not you!”

***

Two hours later, Elijah was put on the next flight to Alaska. Ben made certain Elijah boarded the plane and watched the plane take off.

Sighing, he took his own ticket to Florida and put it in his shirt pocket and decided to use the men’s room before heading to his gate. He had just made it through the doors when something came behind him and a cloth covered his mouth. Ben struggled as the ether did its work. He fought, he kicked, he bucked…but the hands that were around him were too strong. Then he blacked out. The figure gently lowered the figure to the floor and then turned, Vincent Caesar called for his men.

Outside, Vincent watched his men carry Ben to the nearby van. Turning to Dominic Fletcher, he handed him a ticket.

“Newhalem, Alaska?” Dominic looked at the ticket then faced his teacher.

“What about Ben?” asked Dom, as Vincent explained to the onlookers who watched Ben being carried off.

“Too much to drink…fear of flying…” The crowd looked away and headed for their own destinations.

“Vincent?”

“I must get Ben Richards to Fletcher…I’ll follow you shortly after. Keep him there until I arrive.”

“If only we arrived just a few minutes before…we could have gotten them both…You won‘t hurt…Ben, will you? Elijah--”

Vincent smiled and nodded. “No, we won’t. Fletcher will make sure that he’s kept safe and sound.”

Dom gave in and then headed for the cafeteria, hoping to catch an early lunch before the next flight. Vincent headed out of the airport and joined the men in the black van where Ben had been tied to a small padded flat bed. Checking his pulse and feeling a strong beat, Vincent nodded and then hit the wall once with his fist. The van started up and headed off to parts unknown.

***

Gate Six, Flight 1245 arrived from Florida.

Jericho and Billy were the second to the last passengers to get off. As Jericho called for a taxi, Billy signed to him.

“What if Saxon already has Elijah?”

“Then will get him out...somehow.”

Catching a cab, Billy slid in after Jericho and signed again at him.

“Do you trust me now?”

Jericho looked at Billy and without missing a beat he replied.

“Not until hell freezes over.”

Billy crossed his arms around himself and let out an exasperated breath of air.

**

Elijah leaned back in his seat and sighed as he stared out of his window to see white fluffy clouds.

“I don’t know what transpired between you and dad, mom-- but I am not giving up. I‘ll get you back. Somehow, some day. I promise. Wherever you are…please know, I love you.”

The End: Coming soon Cabin Fever!

 

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