Poltergeist: The Legacy - [Legacy Lost] Chapters 7 to 12

Poltergeist: The Legacy

[Legacy Lost] Chapters 7 to 12

Legacy Lost

Kay De'Vil

Rating: PG - Drama - Violence

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies, I don't own them all characters are the property of MGM Studio's and all afillated companies.

[Legacy Lost] Chapters 7 to 12

By Kay De'Vil.

Chapter 7:

---Somewhere within the city of San Francisco:---

Richard knocked upon the door and grinned as the slot opened to reveal a pair of beady eyes "hey there Rich, long time no see" said the man behind the door.

Richard grinned "You too short stuff, you gonna let me in or are we gonna talk through the door all night?" When the door opened Richard immediately slipped inside so that the man guarding the door could quickly close it again. Turning Richard studied the room "Cool digs, how did you boys find it?"

"You'll never believe this, but we rent it all legal like" replied the man Richard had called short stuff, the man stood well over 6 foot, and was built like a brick wall.

"So where you keeping my boy?" questioned Richard as he followed short stuff further into the room, where he spotted Ken and the others sat talking.

As he entered Ken grinned at him "Hey, so to what do we owe this pleasure?" questioned Ken as he and Richard shook hands.

Richard looked Ken up and down, "You've put on a little weight Ken, middle age spread seems to have finally caught up to you" he joked

"Jesus, you look exactly the same Rich, what's your secret?" questioned Ken as the sat down.

Richard grinned then shrugged "Staying away from your line if work I guess"

"Speaking of our line of work, what's up?" questioned Ken as he offered Richard a beer.

Shaking his head Richard looked around the room "So where's the kid?"

"He's in the back sleeping off a kicker of a beer bender" replied Paddy as he joined them.

"Hey Paddy long time no see, how you been?" questioned Richard as he stood and pulled the older man to him "I hear I got you to thank for pulling the Kid in from the streets"

"Nick may no remember it, but we got a history... I owe that kid a few" replied Paddy. Richard raised an eyebrow but did not question the old man any further.

"So let's go see the kid" Richard said as he started towards the back of the building, Ken and Paddy followed him to the door

"Rich there's something you should know... Something's wrong with the kid"

"Its ok Ken, I all ready know. Some jerk prescribed morphine for him and never told him, so the kid was taking pain pills and had no idea he was becoming addicted to morphine, he's been off them for about 12 hours now so the withdrawals should be getting bad".

Stood outside the door they could hear low moans coming from within the room "Sounds like your right" commented Paddy as he cracked open the door and looked inside. Sighing he opened the door and moved to the cot side where Nick lay.

"Hey kid, just relax" said Ken as he and Richard stood watching Paddy slowly soothe Nick's brow with a damp cloth.

Richard sighed and looked at Ken "Ken you know what this is going to be like, you gonna be up to helping the kid through this?"

"Sure Rich, but you asked me to keep my guys around, what is it you need?"

"Ken you know I work for a cover organisation right?" questioned Richard looking at his old friend.

Ken nodded yeah "I know about the organisation, so what's this got to do with the kid and my men?"

"The kid works for the same organisation, but someone within that organisation wants the kid out. He's been set up" stated Richard his anger at the situation clear within his voice. "Paddy you gonna be ok looking after the kid while Ken and I talk?"

"Sure Rich, just ya go and talk this through, we need to get this kid straightened out in more than 1 way". Ken and Richard nodded before slipping out of the room and across to a small living area.

Sitting Ken looked at Richard "This kid has gotten under your skin ain't he?"

Richard grinned, "Yeah you could say that, he reminds me of me a few years back, before Meredith".

Ken nodded with understanding "Yeah I thought that might be it"

"Anyway, enough with the reminiscing. Time to get down to business" stated Richard sitting forward in his chair his expression now serious.

Ken smiled and also sat forward "Right let's get down to business, what is it you need me and my men for?"

"Some information was stolen from the organisation I work for. Vital information, the kid tried to stop it from being stolen and ended up in the hospital for a few weeks. Now the idiots in charge had decided they need a 'scape goat for what happened and they've decided the kid's it"

"I'll never understand why you feel a loyalty to a group that's gonna go do that to a kid like Nick"

"It's not the group Ken, its just 1 man who unfortunately has more power than he should" stated Richard as he stood up and went over to the icebox to retrieve two beers. As he returned and sat in front of Ken he handed him his beer "I need you and your men to track down this man." As he spoke he handed Ken a picture of Tony Barstall "He was the man who carried out the theft, he's a rogue member of the organisation. He's the key to clearing Nick"

"Any idea where we should look for this guy?" questioned Ken as he studied the picture "He's a big guy, he the one who put the kid in the hospital?"

Richard nodded "Yeah, but from what I hear the kid didn't go down without a fight. Rumour has it the kid sliced him with a sword on the arm"

"OK so the guys gonna be using a sling, that should help my boys taking him down without much of a fight"

"If I were you I'd start looking for him in Phoenix, that's where he was located. They could be hiding him there"

"Ok so when we have this guy, what do you want us to do with him, make him disappear for good, bring him in for questioning?" questioned Ken as he sipped his beer, he already knew the answer he would get but he wanted to be sure.

Richard sighed as he sat back in the chair "If it was only me involved in this I'd tell ya to lose this joker for good, but Nick's entire career hangs on this, so I want you to bring him in. Unfortunately Ken you got a limited amount of time. If Tony Barstall is not found and taken to London in the next 48 hours, it will be too late for Nick"

"48 Hours that's all the time we got?" questioned Ken "What's gonna happen after that?"

"Nick will probably have been dismissed from the organisation, and once he's out he may still be considered a threat by the people behind this, so they may decide it's safe to take him out"

"Nice people you work for Rich" commented Ken as he finished he beer and placed the bottle on the table "So we got 48 hours to straighten the kid out, get him into some kind of state to stand trial... Plus we have to locate and return Mr. Barstall to London so he can clear Nick. That all?"

"That's the gist of it, think you and your boys are up to the task?"

"You kidding me, Paddy ain't gonna let anything happen to that kid, he seems to owe the kid something. As for the other part, the guys are already chomping at the bit for some action so a little hunt will do them some good". Richard smiled at Ken "Oh yeah, that guy don't stand a chance" commented Ken as he stood up "You gonna stay a while or have ya got to get back?"

"I gotta get back before anyone notices I'm gone" replied Richard as he and Ken shook hands "You take care now ya hear. These are slippery guys so watch your back"

"Will do Rich, and you send my regards to Nat, I'm sure she's as beautiful as ever" smiled Ken.

Richard shook his head "Always where the smooth talker, stay in touch Ken" with that Richard left the building.

Ken watched as his friend left then moved over to the phone to contact his men. "Hello Jackson, it's on... Get the guys together I need them here stat" with that said he hung up and headed into the back to help Paddy with Nick, who was now becoming rather vocal.

---Angel Island:---

Richard climbed back in the window and was surprised to find Alex and Rachel in Natalie's room "Hi ladies, what's up?" he smiled after closing the window.

Both Rachel and Alex where smiling at him, but Natalie refused to look at him "Nat?" he questioned concerned as he moved over to the bed where the three women sat.

Crouching before her he slowly turned her face so their eye's met "What happened?" he questioned in a soft voice, his eyes aflame with anger at the nasty bruise covering her cheek.

Alex and Rachel stood allowing Richard to sit beside his sister-in-law, as he wrapped his arms around her she leaned into him, burying her head in his shoulder she cried.

Confused Richard looked to Alex and Rachel for an explanation "Kat heard Mitchell, he apparently forced his way into her room and refused to leave. There where words exchanged according to Kat, then she heard Mitchell leave. When she came in to check on Natalie she found her on the floor, Mitchell had hit her" stated Rachel her anger clear within her voice.

Richard growled and stood up "Where is the bastard?" he demanded.

Alex took a hold of his arm as he began to pace "Richard clam down, I know your angry and I understand why, but Derek's dealing with him"

"I don't care if Derek is dealing with him, no little shit like Mitchell is gonna hurt my family and get away with it!" as he spoke he broke free of Alex's grasp and started towards the door.

He didn't stop until he heard a quiet; frightened voice calling his name "Richie, please don't". Turning to see Natalie looking at him, tears streaming down her face "Richie, please don't do anything drastic... Mitchell isn't worth it" hearing the fear in her voice he quickly moved back to her side, drawing her into a tight hug he held her, gently rocking back and forth as he soothed her.

Silently Alex signalled to Rachel that they should leave them alone, Rachel nodded and silently they slipped from the room, closing the door behind them.

Derek found them stood in the hall outside of Natalie's room "Is she all right?" he questioned as he joined them.

Alex and Rachel signalled for them to move into Rachel's room. "Richard is with her at the moment" stated Alex. "He was about ready to kill Mitchell; but Natalie stopped him"

"How badly is she hurt?" questioned Derek as he paced the room.

Rachel sighed and waited for him to stop "It isn't too bad, she's got a nasty bruise coming up on her cheek though"

"I've told Mitchell he has until sunrise to leave this house" stated Derek his anger still evident within his voice "How a man like Mitchell ever became a Precept, let alone the Precept of the ruling house is beyond me"

"As Nick said, he's made his position within the Legacy by riding on the backs of others and claiming their credit" replied Alex.

Sighing Derek nodded agreement with her assessment "Any word from Nick?" he questioned hopefully, both women shook their head

"We haven't heard a thing, but perhaps Richard can be of some assistance" commented Rachel a slight smile upon her face. Derek raised an eyebrow and looked at her in confusion, she smiled at him before explaining "While we where in Natalie's room, Richard climbed in via the window. I think he went to the mainland to find Nick"

"Do you know if he found him?" questioned Derek

"Natalie was to upset, naturally he was only interested in comforting her, I thought we could ask him in the morning" replied Alex.

Derek nodded his agreement, then glanced at his watch, "I suppose we should all try to get some sleep, its going to be a long busy 48 hours if we are to prove Nick's innocence and have him reinstated to this house"

"As soon as Richard comes out we'll ask him" stated Alex.

A few minutes later Richard left Natalie's room to find the remaining members of the San Francisco Legacy House stood waiting for him, silently he indicated for them to follow him back down stairs. Once in Derek's office he explained where he had been "Ok, I'm sure Alex and Rachel told you they caught me climbing into Nat's window"

Derek nodded as he sat behind his desk "They mentioned something about that, something wrong with the front door?"

Richard grinned "Nothing wrong with the front door, I just wanted to be different" he stated. Alex and Rachel smiled as Derek raised an eyebrow "I went looking for Nick" stated Richard

"Did you find him" questioned Rachel

"Is he all right?" questioned Alex anxiously.

Raising his hand to stay the flow of questions Derek looked at Richard "Where you able to find Nick?"

"I didn't exactly find him, some friends of mine did, seems Nick had a run in with one of them in the past and he owed Nick a favour"

"So he's safe?"

"Yeah he's safe, got a kicker of a hang over and the withdrawals have started but the guys are gonna take care of him". Richard smiled as the others breathed a sigh of relief "I've got people looking for Tony Barstall as well, their going to do their best to ensure that Mr. Barstall is in London in time for the hearing".

Derek nodded "Mitchell should be leaving here soon, then perhaps we will be able to start our own investigation into who was behind the thefts".

"With Mitchell gone, it shouldn't take too long to trace the transmission Nick heard Tony making" commented Richard as he paced the small office.

Alex looked at him in surprise "Why didn't we think of that earlier?" she questioned shaking her head in disbelief at missing such and obvious source of information.

Derek sighed "First thing Nick did when he got out of the hospital and back here was try to run a trace on the transmission, he drew a blank".

Richard grinned mischievously, as he looked at Derek "The kids good, I'll give him that. But when it comes to tracing signals... I know someone even better". Richard reached for the phone then paused "May I?" he questioned smiling, Derek just nodded and watched as Richard dialled a phone number "Connect me to Spooky... Kansas pass" Richard grinned at the confused expressions upon the others faces "Spooky, its Richard... Yeah I know long time no hear; look I need your assistance with something. How long is it going to take you to get to San Francisco?" smiling to himself Richard moved over to the window.

Looking out, he could see Mitchell's helicopter's light burning brightly in the darkness of the night, he smiled as the helicopter came in for a landing "Two hours, great! I'll see you then... Angel Island, yeah the big house... right bring your equipment and I'll let Nat know your on your way" hanging up the phone he smiled at them "Looks like Mitchell isn't waiting for sun rise, his chopper is coming in right now"

"Good" replied Derek coldly.

Alex looked at Richard "Spooky?" she questioned as he moved to sit beside her

"Yeah, don't ask me why he's called that. It's classified information, but lets just say he works for another secret organisation".

---Somewhere in San Francisco:---

Nick groaned upon the bunk, his brow dripping with sweat, his mind trapped in a world of hurt with no avenue of escape. Paddy heard the door open behind him and turned to see who had entered, a smile crossed his face as he looked at the man stood leaning against the doorframe. "How's the kid holding up?"

"Hey Jackson, what brings you to this neck of the woods?" questioned Paddy as he stood and moved over to Jackson, both left the room and stood beside the closed door

"The kids a friend of Tanya's. She called upon my services a few months back to help another friend of hers, some Doctor she's sweet on" explained Jackson a slight sigh in his voice.

Tanya and her friend Jackson Montgomery had been in the air for over an hour, the call from Derek had sent them rushing to his aid, flying low over the desert Jackson grinned as he checked the map.

"Just like old times Tan, you flying the bird and me checking the route via the road signs" he looked at her and could see the smile on her face but he could also see the worry in her eyes. "This Derek guy most be something special, I hope he realises how lucky he is".

Tanya smiled at him but quickly returned her attention to the desert "So how far?" she questioned

"Couple more minutes and we'll be there" replied Jackson as he reached into the back of the helicopter "Time to lock and load, darling".

"Your still sweet on her aren't you?" questioned Paddy looking at Jackson

"Never could hide anything from you could I Paddy. Yeah I'm sweet on her but I think this Doctor bloke holds her heart in the palm of his hand, and the kicker is he don't even know it yet".

Paddy smiled and wrapped his arm around the younger man's shoulders as he walked him back over to the icebox "That's usually the way Jackson, you know you had your chance with Tanya a few years back, and you blew it"

"Yeah I know, but it burns me up to see Tanya in love with someone who doesn't even know it" he replied as he sat and accepted the beer Paddy handed him.

Sitting opposite Jackson, Paddy looked at him and smiled "You helping that kid out cause of Tanya or cause you know it's the right thing to do?"

Jackson smiled at the older man and shrugged "You all ready know the answer to that Paddy"

"Yeah I do, that's what makes you a good man Jackson Montgomery and don't you forget it". Both men took a swig of their beer and smiled "So Ken got any lead's yet on that guy Tony Barstall?"

"He and the boys have tracked him down to the Phoenix area, seems Richard might have been right about him returning to the lair" replied Jackson "You on baby sitting duty with the kid?"

At his questioned Jackson noticed the older man sigh and shake his head "Someone is sure out to get that kid Jackson, they messed him up good a few months back when they sent that Tony Barstall guy to the island. You see that guy, he's built like a brick shit house" commented Paddy "The kid managed to get everyone else in the house to safety but staid behind to try and stop they guy. He ended up in hospital for a few weeks"

"Jesus, so what's going on with him right now, he didn't look too good?" commented Jackson as he sat forward his beer held loosely in his hand.

Paddy rubbed his face and took another swig before answering "Some idiot of a doctor was feeding the kid morphine, the kid had no idea. He's in the first stages of withdrawal at the moment, problem is the organisation the kid works for has suspended him and called a hearing to assess his fitness to remain a member of the organisation. We got 48 hours max, to get the kid straightened out and back onto his feet."

"Jesus, Richard never gives us the easy ones does he"

"Nope, but then if he did he wouldn't be Richard now would he" replied Paddy smiling. Hearing movement behind them both men got to their feet and looked at the source of the movement, stood leaning against the door frame was a pale, sweat covered, shivering Nick "Hey kid, you shouldn't be up" said Paddy as he started to moved towards him.

Nick backed away from him, his eyes frantically searching the room "Get back, stay away" he said as he continued to move back away from them. As he backed into a cabinet his hand fell upon a display knife "I said stay back!"

"Take it easy Nick, your safe, no one here is going to hurt you" as Jackson spoke he closed the distance between himself and Nick, but had to quickly jump back as he found the knife blade coming towards him "WHOA!"

"Nick, you remember me, it's Paddy we met at the bar last night" said the older man as he moved towards the frightened knife welding kid. Both men watched Nick very closely, they knew of Nick's past knew that even in his present state he was dangerous, he was capable of killing them, and under the influence of the withdrawal there was a good chance he was hallucinating, and could kill them without even realising.

Jackson could see that Nick was tiring, his hand was shaking and he could see he was leaning heavily upon the cabinet. Glancing at Paddy, Jackson could see that the older man had seen it to, knowing that very soon Nick would pass out again both backed off allowing the younger man the space he needed.

"Nick, can you hear me?" questioned Jackson, he saw Nick move his head slowly, his eyes moving as if he was struggling to ascertain where the voice had come from.

Groaning Nick staggered towards Jackson, the knife still within his hand, Jackson could see that he was about to lose his balance and stepped forward, quickly removing the knife from Nick's lose grip and tossing it aside so he could catch the now collapsing man.

Chapter 8:

---Angel Island:---

It was well past 10am before Natalie came out of her room. Mitchell had left the house in the small hours of the morning, just minutes before Richard's friend Spooky had arrived.

As Natalie entered the kitchen she was greeted by the smell of freshly ground coffee and the sweet smell of warm bagels. Entering the kitchen she smiled at seeing Kat and Alex sat taking a break from the control room "How are you two today?" she questioned as she sat at the table and poured herself a cup of coffee.

Alex smiled; her eyes drifting to the nasty bruise upon Natalie's face "We're doing fine, how are you?" she questioned

"I'm OK, where's Mitchell?"

"Derek told him to get off the island before sunrise, he was gone an few hours later" replied Kat grinning.

Natalie smiled back at the young girl "Good" she stated as she took a big bite from her bagel.

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

Stood watching Richard and the man he called Spooky, Derek shook his head he had no idea what the man was doing but he was clearly making some progress as Richard kept grinning. "How long do you think it's going to take to trace the source?" questioned Derek as he moved closer to the console and watched as Spooky's fingers flew across the keyboard.

Spooky glanced at him for a moment, before answering "The scan's so far suggest this was an internal system signal, bounced of two maybe three commercial satellites in an attempt to mask the transmission"

"Internal... As in within the organisation?" questioned Derek confused.

Richard looked at him his grin had gone "If this was internal it could have been someone within the Phoenix house" he stated.

Derek nodded "That would make sense Tony Barstall was from the Phoenix house if the entire house has turned rogue it would make sense for the transmission to originate from there"

"Sorry to burst your bubble guys, but this transmission didn't originate from anywhere within the US, it's a long distance transmission" stated Spooky as he brought up a visual representation of the trace upon the big screen. "As you can see, who ever sent the signal did bounce it of the Phoenix house in an attempt to mask its source. The sender figured that since the Phoenix house was already considered a rogue house that they would stop the search as soon as they hit Phoenix, but..." hitting another button upon the keyboard; they watched as the trace signal relayed of another satellite. "The signal clearly originated from outside of the US"

"But where outside of the US?" questioned Derek looking at the world map that appeared upon the screen, a faint red line showing the traces progress.

Richard looked at Spooky and smiled "You going to be able to trace it to the source?"

"Of course, now stand back gentlemen, its time this ghost got to work" cracking his knuckles Spooky set to work.

---Phoenix: Outside the Legacy House---

Ken sat watching the Phoenix Legacy House, it hadn't been hard to locate, he had already seen Tony Barstall going into the building but his men where not all in position and so they had been forced to wait and watch for the next available opportunity to grab the man.

Sipping his coffee Ken checked in with his men "Alpha 1 to all teams report in"

"Alpha 2 check, no movement from inside yet"

"Alpha 3 same at this end of the building, its as if they walked in there and vanished"

Sighing Ken took another sip of his now cold coffee "Maintain your positions; if he hasn't come out by night fall we'll leave a post to watch the house and plan a late night raid"

"Roger" replied each of the teams. Settling back into the car seat Ken returned to watching the house.

---Angel Island:---

Richard left the control room and headed for the kitchen he knew that by now Natalie would be awake and in search of her first cup of 'black gold' as she called it.

As he entered the kitchen he could hear Natalie talking to Alex and Kat "So Richard called Spooky in to scan for the source of the transmission" stated Alex

"Why do they call him Spooky?" asked Kat "He doesn't look Spooky"

"They call him Spooky because of the way he can get what ever he wants from a computer. He can recover files and information that other so called experts have been unable to locate, with such skill and speed that its Spooky to watch. It's as if he communicates with the computer on a one to one bases and gets it to do his bidding" stated Richard as he entered the room. Leaning over he kissed Natalie on the cheek and sat at the table with them "So ladies, what's for breakfast?" he questioned as he grabbed a bagel from Kat's plate.

Kat grinned at him, he reminded her of Nick, both had the same playful nature, and both gave her a sense of security she had missed since her father's death.

Natalie smiled as she watched her brother-in-law playing with Kat at the breakfast table, she knew that he would make a good father and was saddened to know that he would never remarry and allow himself to have the children he should have had with her sister.

Sitting back she sighed, catching Richard's attention he looked at her confused "Anything wrong Nat?" he questioned as he reached across the table and took her hand within his.

She smiled and squeezed his hand "No nothings wrong"

"Then why the sigh?" he questioned

"I was just thinking about what might have been, it's nothing important" she replied a smile upon her face. "Kat was telling me about Nick, you know you and he are a lot alike" she saw him grin at the comment "Both of you are headstrong and children at heart" she added smiling.

He returned the smile moments before flicking a piece of his bagel at her. Looking at Alex and Kat she shook her head "See what I mean?"

"Yeah, but you have to admit, we wouldn't want them any other way" commented Alex smiling at Richard who grinned.

"I don't know..." began Natalie a smile upon her face, she laughed as Richard pulled a face and then pulled her into a tight hug, when he finally released her she grinned and looked at Alex "I guess not".

---Ruling Legacy House: LONDON---

In his office Mitchell quickly gathered together his papers, he had been summoned to appear before the tribunal to explain his suspension of Nick Boyle "Damn you Derek, you couldn't leave well enough alone" he muttered as he started out of his office.

Rushing down the hall he knocked upon the door and entered, before him he saw the tribunal sat in a semicircle "Mr. Mitchell, please take a seat. We await the arrival of one other" stated the tribunal spokes person. Nodding Mitchell sat and waited with them.

After a few minutes the spoke's person stood and moved from the shadows into the light "Mr. Mitchell, the last member of the tribunal has been delayed so we shall begin".

Mitchell raised an eyebrow when he saw the man stood before him, then he grinned "Of course"

"Yesterday after visiting the San Francisco House you suspended the head of security one Nicholas Patrick Boyle, is this correct?" questioned the spoke's person as he again moved back into the shadows.

"That is correct, after close examination of the facts regarding the theft of information from the same house, I felt the evidence warranted the suspension of Mr. Boyle"

"What evidence do you have to submit that will substantiate your accusations against Mr. Boyle?" questioned one of the members of the tribunal. Shifting nervously Mitchell began to list his evidence.

---Angel Island:---

Leaving Spooky to do his wonders with the computer Derek headed to his office to complete his paperwork, as he sat behind the desk he noticed something sticking out from under the pile, carefully moving the folders to one side he sat looking at a note written in Nick's handwriting.

Sighing he picked it up and read it, it was a simple reminder Nick had left for himself about collecting some things from the local repair shop, but to Derek it was another reminder of the missing member of his family. Neatly folding the paper he slipped it into his suit breast pocket.

When the phone rang it caught Derek by surprise, instantly he grabbed for it "Derek Rayne"

"Dr. Rayne, this is Anthony Johnson from the London house, I thought you might like to know that Mr. Mitchell was called to a meeting with the tribunal this morning to explain his actions. He has been with them for the last 4 hours. I'm afraid I can't tell you what he is saying, but I wanted you and the other members of your house to know, that none of us here believe what Mr. Mitchell is saying about Nick"

"Thank you Anthony that means a lot to us"

"Most of us where here when Mr. Sloan was the Precept of the house, he had a lot of respect for Nick, considered him a little unorthodox, but he always said when the crunch came he could always trust Nick to do what was right"

"Anthony can you inform me when Mr. Mitchell leaves the tribunal and weather they call a hearing"

"Certainly Dr. Rayne" replied Anthony "I'll be in touch," he added before hanging up.

Derek smiled to himself, at least now he knew that despite everything Mitchell had tried people still believed and trusted Nick. With that thought in mind he set to working his way through the paperwork, as he waited for Spooky to find the source of the transmission.

---Late Evening: Phoenix Legacy House---

Dressed in black Ken and his men circled around the Legacy House, they had all ready studied the plans of the house and knew the entrance and exit points that would give them the speediest retrieval of their target.

Crouched behind the bushes on the outskirts of the house's grounds Ken went over the strategy for their assault upon the house. "This has to quick and clean, we are not to harm any of the other members of the house, we are to secure the target and get out again" he stated into the radio.

He heard double clicks in the earpiece, each team reporting in their understanding of the orders and their readiness to launch the attack.

With deathly silence they bypassed the grounds security, and headed towards the house, the blue prints had shown the basic layout of the security but they knew that the head of security was bound to have increased the security measures. Crouching below a ground floor window Ken glanced inside, he couldn't see any sign's of movement but knew that the house held at least 5 members.

Silently signalling the teams to proceed with the attack; he by passed the window alarms and slipped into the house. Once inside they began a systematic search of the rooms of the house, the first team taking the top floor, the second and third teams the other floors.

Hearing movement in the next room, Ken and the other members of his team took cover and watched as two members of the house passed by them ignorant of the deadly threat lurking within their house. As they passed Ken heard them talking "The boss has him exactly where he wants him, like a worm dangling on a hook".

The other man laughed at the analogy "Shame about Dr. Johansen I liked him" stated the second man as they moved into another room, closing the door behind them, preventing Ken from hearing anything more.

Ken and the members of his team exchanged glances and he pointed them towards the rooms at the rear of the house. Each man nodded and worked their way towards the rear. Checking his gun Ken, looked around the dimly lit hallway, he had heard movement from inside the room, had heard someone use the name Tony. With a few short clicks upon his headset, the other teams joined him by the door.

When everyone was in place Ken stood and kicked the door open, his actions caught the men within the room by surprise. The first silenced shot took out the light bulb casting the room into complete darkness, the second and third shots took out the two men stood on either side of their target. Before Tony could cry out he was gagged, and bound and pushed out of the room by the masked men.

Ken staid behind, moving to each of the fallen men he removed a small dart from their necks "Pleasant dreams gentlemen" he said before he to turned and left the room.

His men where already leaving the house when he left the room, quickly he moved down the hallway after them and out into the street, and the concealing darkness of the night.

Chapter 9:

---Somewhere in San Francisco:---

Screams came from the room in the back of the building, both Jackson and Paddy exchanged concerned glances "You think they laced those pills with something more than just morphine?" questioned Jackson as he paced the room.

Paddy sighed as he watched the younger man "I couldn't say Jackson, what makes ya ask that?"

"I saw what these men are capable of Paddy, you should have seen what they wanted to do with Tanya's friend"

As the helicopter came in low over the sand dunes they could see in the distance a small shack; both smiled at each other "Looks like the place" commented Jackson as they followed the road towards the old filling station.

Jackson cursed when he saw the dust trail before them "Looks like the bad guys go some reinforcements"

"Your ready to party?" questioned Tanya as she primed her gun and leaned out of the window, already firing at the men on the ground surrounding the building in which Derek had taken refuge.

"Regular party animal that's me" replied Jackson as he brought the helicopter in low and buzzed the men on the ground. Some of the men turned their attention to the helicopter while the others maintained the steady rain of bullets upon the building.

"Those guys hunted him like he was some kind of animal, if it hadn't been for us he'd have died in that old filling station" stated Jackson angrily "I never thought I'd see the day so called civilised men would hunt other men"

"Jackson you know it's been happening for years South of the border" stated Paddy as he again looked to the back room where they had restrained Nick.

"I heard that the kid was the original target, but the this Doctor guy had taken his place for some reason"

"Seems like these foke's are anxious to dispose of the kid in anyway possible".

Jackson nodded before he headed over to the room in which Nick lay "How long you think its going to take?" he questioned as he pushed the door open a crack and looked in at the sweat covered man laid upon the cot.

Paddy shrugged "No idea, all I know is he has ta' be ready to travel tomorrow and appear before the tribunal the day after"

"That gonna be long enough to get him straightened out?" questioned Jackson returning to his seat before Paddy. The old man shrugged unable to answer.

---Angel Island:---

Derek watched as Spooky left the house, as the man's car vanished down the driveway. Turning he left his office to find the others awaiting him in the control room, "Was Spooky able to come up with anything?" questioned Derek as he joined them.

Richard nodded "You're not going to like it" he stated as he tapped at the computer console "Spooky traced the source of the transmission all right, but it originated from the London House".

Raising an eyebrow Derek looked at the screen "I don't suppose he was able to track it down to a specific office within the London House was he?"

"Sorry Derek, he couldn't do that... He tried but with the London House's integrated switch board it made the task impossible"

"Ok so we know someone within the London House has a vendetta against Nick, now all we need to do is find out who and stop them before Nick is dismissed".

Richard nodded he knew that this didn't offer them all the answers they had hoped for, but at least they would now be able to narrow their search to just one house.

Alex pulled up a list of the people at the London House and began to cross-reference them against cases Nick had been involved with before and during his time within the Legacy.

Within a few hours she was able to give Derek a list of possible suspects "These are all the names of people currently working within the London house who have had any form of contact with Nick"

"Thank you Alex, this should help us" replied Derek as he took the list and studied it "Nick appears to have had a lot more contact with the London house that I ever suspected" he commented.

Alex grinned, "Most of the contact is because of that time Nick spent there helping Sloan with a case" she explained.

Derek looked at her confused "I don't remember that" he admitted.

Smiling she explained "It was during your trip to Madagascar, Sloan called and requested Nicks assistance. He never told me the full details of that case, but I do know he was not very happy about something that went on during his time there"

"How long before we leave for London?" Natalie questioned

Glancing at his watch Derek replied "14 hours, Richard are you friends going to be able to have Nick here in time?"

"Yeah that shouldn't be too much of a problem" replied Richard as he reached for the phone. "In fact with Mitchell gone it might be an idea to have them move him back here" he commented as he reached for the phone. "I'll give them a call and see if they're ready to do that".

Derek nodded his agreement and stood watching as Natalie and Richard exchanged glances "You think the boys will be amenable to coming to London with Nick?" she questioned

"I'll have to check with Ken, but it shouldn't be a big problem" stated Richard smiling. As the phone on the other end of the line began to ring Richard sat on the edge of the desk; he grinned as he heard Ken's voice "Ken's bar and grill"

"Hey Ken, you free to talk?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"You still got that package?"

"Yeah we still got it, the package is a little damp, but we still got it" replied Ken.

Richard sighed and shook his head "How much water damage?"

"Not much, we're slowly getting him dried out, Oh yeah we also got that special you wanted, its all wrapped and ready for collection"

"Great, look Ken I got a favour to ask. You think you can have some of the boys make a special delivery to the island?"

"Shouldn't be a problem when you want the special delivered?"

"I want both packages delivered Ken" stated Richard, he heard the man on the other line ask someone a question, then sigh "The special is ready, but your package might be a problem... Look I'll send a few extra boys and it should be ok. We'll leave in the next hour, should be with you in no more than 90 minutes"

"Thanks Ken, and don't worry I got someone here who can take care of the package"

"Right, bet she's blue eyed and blonde".

Richard grinned "How did you ever guess that?"

"He's the type to have a woman like that waiting for him" replied Ken "Ok well I'll see you soon, I'm coming along with the package to ensure its safe arrival, and delivery to London"

"Spooky contact you"

"Yeah as soon as he left the island, I'd warned him you might be calling upon his services, so he returned the favour and kept me up to date on what was going on out there"

"Right see you soon Ken". Hanging up Richard turned to face the others "Ken and a couple of his guys are going to bring Nick out, they should be here in about 90 minutes. And Derek, they have a special delivery for you, one Mr. Tony Barstall".

Derek grinned at Richard "I'll make sure there is a nice welcome for him" he stated before leaving the control room. Richard and Natalie both stood, "If you'll excuse us, we have a few things to do before Ken arrives"

"Sure Richard, you want us to give you two a call when Nick gets here?" questioned Rachel as she sat holding Kat.

Richard nodded, his eyes wondering down to Kat "Kid, I'm not sure its gonna be a good idea for you to see Nick when he arrives, he isn't going to look his best"

"That's ok, I can handle it. I just have to know he's safe and getting better" stated Kat.

Richard nodded "Ok kid, have it your way".

Before he left the control room he heard Kat calling him back "Richard you might want to look at the list of names as well, maybe you and Derek will be able to figure out whose behind all this".

He smiled as he took the list from her "Figuring since Nat and I spend a lot of time in the London house we'll be able to get a handle of this guys mind?" he question.

She smiled back "Yeah" she replied before turning and heading back to the computer console to continue her own investigation in the London house.

---Somewhere in San Francisco:---

As Ken hung up the phone he signalled for Paddy and Jackson to join him, he could see their confusion and knew that Paddy would not be happy about having to move the kid so soon "Paddy you think the kid is up to travelling?"

"I'm not sure Ken, he's dehydrated and nothing we try can get him to drink, moving him to fast, to soon could be dangerous" replied Paddy

"What's this about Ken, you know how dangerous this could be for the kid, and yet you're willing to risk it?" questioned Jackson as he paced the room.

Ken sighed he had expected this from Paddy not Jackson "The people on the island need to get the kid back over there so he can rest, they got someone over there who can look after him"

"This someone a doctor?" questioned Paddy sceptically.

Ken grinned he had all ready researched the people on the island the minute Nick had arrived on their doorstep "Yeah she's a doctor, Richie and Nat feel this is the best thing for the kid. His friends are on that island, they'll be able to help you with his recovery"

"Nat and Richie are on that island, and they say the place is ok...Then Jackson and I will prep the kid. What about the garbage in the corner?" questioned Paddy, his eyes showing all the anger he had for the man who had almost beaten Nick to death.

"That garbage comes too I'm afraid, their going to need him if they are gonna save the kids job and reputation" replied Ken

"Just make sure he travels in the cargo hold, don't want garbage like that stinking up the place" stated Jackson.

Ken nodded his agreement; "Yeah the cargo hold is the right place of that piece of garbage"

"Ok, Jackson you want to help me get the kid ready?" questioned Paddy as he started towards the back room.

"Yeah be with you in a second Paddy" Jackson called back.

---Ruling House: LONDON---

Mitchell sat in his office smiling to himself, with the help of his accomplice within the tribunal he had been able to convince the rest of the tribunal that the evidence he held was strong enough to warrant a hearing and the suspension of Nick Boyle.

A knock on the door, brought his attention away from his gloating "Come in" he called, moments later the door to his office opened and his secretary entered "What can I do for you Anthony?"

"Sir you neglected to sign the documents in regards to the suspension of Mr. Boyle from the San Francisco house" as he spoke Anthony moved towards the desk the papers within his hand, Mitchell glanced at the papers then at Anthony. "I decided I would hold off on the signature of those files Anthony... However if you feel it is important then sign them in my name".

Anthony was taken back by this suggestion it was unheard of for the ruling houses precept secretary to sign official documentation regarding the suspension of a Legacy member "I'm sorry sir, protocol dictates that you must sign these forms within 24 hours of the members suspension"

"In this instance I think protocol and be put aside, you have my authority to sign these documents" replied Mitchell.

Deciding it was best not to push the issue Anthony left Mitchell's office, as the door closed behind him he shivered, there was something about that man he didn't like, something about him made the hairs on the back of Anthony's neck stand on end.

As he sat back down at his desk Anthony, looked at the papers before him, he knew that if Mitchell failed to sign these documents Nick's suspension became null-en-void. Smiling to himself Anthony slipped the papers back to the bottom of the pile upon his desk and reached for the phone.

Glancing back at Mitchell's office door he began to dial the phone number for the San Francisco Legacy House. Tapping his pen upon the desk Anthony anxiously waited for someone at the house to answer the phone, the last thing he wanted was for Mitchell to catch him aiding the San Francisco members in clearing Nick's name, he knew that whatever Mitchell would do it would not be pleasant.

Finally he heard someone pick up the phone "Luna Foundation"

"May I speak with Derek Rayne please"

"Who may I say is calling?"

"Just tell him its Anthony"

"Please hold the line" anxiously Anthony kept an eye on the door to Mitchell's office, holding the phone against his ear with his shoulder he began to type up the letters Mitchell had given him earlier in the day.

"Derek Rayne" the now familiar voice came on the other end of the line

"Dr. Rayne, its Anthony"

"Yes Anthony?"

"Mr. Mitchell has rescinded on the signing of the official documents pertaining to Mr. Boyle's suspension"

"What does that mean?" questioned Derek obviously confused by the importance of the forms

"It means that unless Mr. Mitchell sign's these form in the next" Anthony glanced at the clock on the wall "5 hours, Mr. Boyle's suspension becomes null-en-void"

"5 Hours, and Mitchell still hasn't signed them?" questioned Derek suspicion within his voice

"I know, I don't understand it either, unless he has other plans" replied Anthony, "I'll keep an eye on him and contact you if I find out anything"

"Be careful Anthony, Mitchell is up to something" stated Derek.

Hanging up the phone Anthony returned his attention to the letters, unaware of the office door closing behind him.

---Angel Island:---

Hanging up the phone Derek stood for a moment, Mitchell was too smart to let something as trivial as the paperwork regarding Nick's suspension to stand in his way, no the man was up to something, but what?

Rachel, Richard and Natalie stood out on the balcony watching as the helicopter carrying Nick and Tony Barstall slowly descended to the ground. As the helicopter landed Rachel and Richard moved towards it, with her medical bag in hand Rachel was ready for whatever condition Nick was in.

As Richard approached he could see Ken and several of his men supporting Nick as they exited the helicopter, clearly Nick was in bad shape and he couldn't stand on his own. "Rachel, you show the boys where to put Nick... He looks like he is going to need your help" stated Richard as he headed towards Ken and Paddy.

The two men saw him approaching and smiled "Hey Ken I only see one package, where's the special?" questioned Richard.

Paddy smiled as he shook hands with Richard "We didn't want to stink up the place so we put the special in the cargo hold" he explained as Ken opened the hatch and dragged Tony Barstall from within.

Richard couldn't hold back the grin upon his face as he looked at the shivering big man laid before him "Don't tell me you boys forgot to keep the cargo hold heated" he grinned.

Ken looked at Jackson who had just joined them "OOPS, I knew I forgot to do something" he replied.

Richard laughed and shook his head "Come on guys, we'll leave the trash to the boys and get inside".

As Richard spoke Natalie joined him "Hi Ken, it's been a long time"

"Hey Nat, how you been? Still keeping this big lug under control I see" commented Ken as he punched Richard in the arm, both men laughed as she shook her head.

"Come on, there are a few people inside who wish to thank you" she said as she slipped her arm into Ken's and Richard's and lead them towards the house.

They where met upon the patio by Derek and Alex where Natalie made the introductions "Derek Rayne, Alex Moreux may I introduce Ken."

Derek shook hands with the man and raised an eyebrow "Just Ken?" he questioned

"Don't mean to be rude Dr. Rayne, but Ken is all you need to know"

"Very well. I'd like to thank you for looking after Nick"

"That's ok, apparently Nick has a history with some of my men, we had already taken him in before Richard called" stated Ken with a slight smile as he saw Paddy and Jackson in the next room fusing over the man in question. "So Dr. Rayne when are we leaving for England?"

"Please call me Derek, the jet will be ready for take off at 6 tomorrow morning"

"Ok Derek, tell me where my men can set up their stuff and bunk down for the night"

"I'll take care of that Derek, I'm sure you and Alex are anxious to see Nick" said Natalie as she began to lead Ken into the house "Jackson and Paddy appear to be driving Rachel mad, maybe you should go and help her" she suggested a smile upon her face.

Glancing into the next room Derek and Alex could clearly see Rachel becoming flustered by the constant questions from the two men. Alex smiled at Derek as they started towards the lounge; Rachel had instructed Ken's men to leave Nick there because it would make life a little easier when it came to moving him back to the chopper in the early hours of the morning.

As Derek entered the room he immediately recognised one of the men "Jackson?" he questioned, the man looked up and smiled "Hey there Derek how you doing?" he questioned as he moved to shakes Derek's hand

"A lot better thanks to you and Tanya. I never got the change to thank you"

"No sweat, any friend of Tanya's is a friend of mine" he replied his attention returning to Nick who had begun to groan and toss upon the couch.

Immediately Paddy and Rachel where at Nick's side, both trying to return the man to his medicated state of peace. Despite all their attempts Nick would not settle down, Paddy grabbed his arm's trying desperately to keep the kid from striking out, but Nick fought against the restraining hands.

Screaming he broke free of Paddy's grip and struck out, his hand connected with Paddy's chin, sending the older man crashing to the floor.

Both Derek and Jackson aided Rachel in holding Nick down while Alex checked on Paddy who lay motionless upon the floor.

'Kicking and screaming Nick tried to break free of the restraints that secured him to the altar, he could see Kat held by the demon. Tears streamed down her eyes as she watched the demon's minions surround Nick.

She screamed as the minions separated allowing the demon holding her to move towards her trapped friend. She could see his anger, his fear and his sorrow. Trying to break free of the demon she tried to reach out to him, but the demon held her tight, keeping her from his side.

"NO, let her go!" he shouted as he pulled on the ropes, felt them cut deep into his flesh, but it didn't matter all that mattered was Kat.'

Derek staggered back as Nick kicked out at him, catching him in the chest "Rachel what's going on?" he demanded as he again moved to hold Nick in place upon the couch.

Rachel was digging in her medical bag, quickly she pulled out a syringe and a bottle of clear liquid "Hold him down, it's the withdrawal, he's hallucinating" she explained as she filled the syringe and moved back over to them.

With Derek at his legs and Jackson laid across his chest holding him down, Nick continued to struggle, for a moment Jackson feared that the young man beneath him was about to break loose then he felt him suddenly go limp beneath his body and looked over at Rachel.

In her hand she held the now empty syringe, a look of sorrow upon her face. "It's ok, you can let him go now. The sedative should have taken effect" she stated as she sat back on her heels and looked at Derek "I'm not sure he's going to be in any fit state to face the tribunal Derek. If the hallucinations are this strong almost 24 hours after stopping the drug, then they had more morphine content than I first suspected"

"Paddy and I have a theory on that, some of the kids actions suggested that there might have been more than morphine within those pills he was prescribed" stated Jackson as he moved over to Paddy and helped him to his feet.

Alex smiled at the old man as she and Jackson helped him over to a chair "Aye, I've dealt with morphine addiction before and I've never seen anyone behave the way the kid did... I know hallucinations are part of the withdrawal but the kid was out of it, he grabbed a knife and tried to attack us" stated Paddy as he accepted the glass of whiskey Derek had poured "I assume a foundation such as this one has all those fancy computers... You people might want to run an analysis upon one of those pills that doctor gave him".

Rachel exchanged glances with Derek "They could be right, it's worth a try. I still have the pills that Dr. Johansen prescribed for him" she stated removing the bottle from her medical bag.

"Rachel why don't you go run the test's I'm sure Paddy and Jackson will stay with Nick"

"O'course we will little lady, I owe the kid a lot. I ain't gonna let anything happen to him" stated Paddy as he finished off the whiskey and sat forward "You go run your tests we'll be here when ya get back".

Smiling at Paddy Rachel took the bottle of pills and left headed for the control room, close on her heals where Alex and Derek. The thought that those pills contained more than just morphine worried them, and in the back of Derek's mind was the fact that Mitchell had not felt the need to sign the documents to make Nick's suspension official.

As they entered the control room they where surprised to find Kat still sat at the computer her fingers flying across the keyboard as she carried out an in depth search into the list of suspects. "Kat what are you up to?" questioned Alex as she moved over to where Kat was working and read through the data she had printed off.

"I'm just running a few cross references through the mainframe trying to get a better idea of who might be behind this" she replied casually.

Alex grinned down at her "You know Nick's back, he's asleep in the lounge if you want to go see him"

"I'll go see him in a few minutes, I want to finish this first" she replied as she again returned her attention to the computer screen.

Alex smiled and patted Kat's shoulder "OK Kat, just remember we're going to be leaving for London in a few hours"

"I know, and I'll see him before we go" she said smiling at Alex reassuringly.

Alex smiled back before joining Derek and Rachel beside the scanner "Kat's certainly devoting a lot of time to tracking down who was responsible for what's happening to Nick" she commented, her eyes once again wondering over to the young lady sat before the computer screen.

Derek nodded "Kat looks on Nick as a big brother, I think she might be taking this attack upon his personally"

"Knowing Kat your probably right" agreed Rachel as she finished her scan of the pills. Moving over to the computer she pulled up the results on the big screen, as she read the chemical breakdown of the pills she shook her head "This isn't good Derek, Paddy and Jackson are correct, there is something else in those pills, however the computer can't analyse it"

"Why not?" questioned Alex confused, the Legacy database held millions of biological compounds, and for it to come across an unknown substance was almost unheard of.

Sitting at the console Rachel began to type "I'm pulling up a chemical breakdown of the substance, perhaps if I break it down into its base chemicals I can track down its effects"

"How long is it going to take?" questioned Derek as he watched Rachel working at the computer slowly breaking down the chemical into its base elements.

As she studied the chemicals she sighed "This looks like it could take quiet some time, the base chemical elements on their own are harmless enough, but combined as they are here, I'm not sure what effect they are going to have on the human body... I need time. I'm sorry Derek, but I can't give you your answer yet"

"Just keep working on it Rachel, we need to know what is happening to Nick if we are to stand a chance of helping him", she nodded and returned her attention to the computer screen.

Alex sighed, as she looked at him "What do you want me to do?"

"Stay with Nick, help Jackson and Paddy. With these drugs in his system there is no way to be sure how long that sedative is going to last, and we can't risk increasing the dosage to keep him out".

Alex nodded and left the control room heading back to the lounge to inform Paddy and Jackson of what they had discovered.

Derek moved over to another of the computer consoles and joined Kat in the search for suspects. Even as he scanned the database he was filled with a sense of dread, whoever was behind this had found the one weak link within the house. Despite Nick's bravado and training, his presence with the house on numerous occasions had been the only thing stopping the evil from taking over.

Derek decided to centre his search upon the one man he knew for certain was involved. As he watched and in depth report on John Mitchell appeared upon the screen.

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

As Alex entered the lounge she found Jackson and Paddy yet again struggling to keep Nick under control, the sedative had already worn of and Nick was trying to escape. As she joined them in attempting to restrain him she was hit by a powerful vision.

'Held securely Alex and the other members of the San Francisco Legacy House where forced to watch as the high priest called upon the lord of darkness.

Lightening spread across the heavens lighting the area all watched in horror as a dark shadow; moved across the stack of wood upon which Nick was bound to a wooden cross.

Stood at the base of the stack was Kat, her eyes burning red as she held within her hand a dagger.'

Jolted from the vision Alex fell back away from Nick and the others, fear held within her eyes as she tried desperately to get the confusion of emotions going on within her back under control.

She heard Jackson asking her if she was all right but her mind was still reeling in what she had seen. "Alex are you all right?" questioned Jackson as he helped her to her feet; Nick had again lapsed into unconsciousness giving the others a moment to catch their breath.

Both Paddy and Jackson where looking at her with concern "You all right lass, he didn't hurt you did he?" questioned Paddy as he crouched beside her.

Shaking her head Alex finally managed to answer them "No he didn't hurt me, I'm ok"

"Then what happened, you where out of it for a few minutes?" questioned Jackson remaining at her side "You want me to call that doctor lady?"

"Rachel, no I'm fine. If you'll excuse me, I need to find Natalie and Richard" she said as she stood and left the lounge.

Jackson and Paddy exchanged glances before returning their attention to the now silent Nick.

---------------------------------------------------------**

Alex hurried upstairs to Natalie's room, she was sure she would find Richard and Natalie together, and only hoped that they where both in her room. Knocking she could hear the sound of voices inside and breathed a sigh of relief at hearing Natalie call for her to enter "Nat, we need to talk," said Alex as she entered and closed the door behind her.

She stopped when she saw Ken with them "It's ok Alex, what ever it is you have to say you can say it in front of Ken"

"Nat, I had a vision while I was helping Jackson and Paddy with Nick. Rachel has analysed the pills Dr. Johansen gave him and they did contain more than just morphine as Paddy suspected."

Natalie nodded "We thought they might," she said as she looked at Ken and Richard

"No Natalie that's not the problem, it's about this trip to England. I can't explain what I saw, but something is going to happen" she stated her agitation at the situation evident to them all.

Richard and Ken looked at each other but neither said anything "What did you see?" questioned Natalie as she walked over to Alex and led her over to the bed, where both women sat.

"Nick laid upon a stack of wood bound to a wooden cross, Derek, Rachel and myself tied to pillars. Kat stood at the base of the stack her eyes burning red. Lightening then something moved over the stack a dark shadow I couldn't tell what it was" she stated.

Natalie put her arm around Alex as she began to shiver "I can't explain it Natalie, I get a feeling of an ancient evil. It wants something... I'm not sure, its vague"

"You say Kat is stood at the stack?" questioned Richard. Alex nodded unable to look at them ""Do you have any idea where the place was?"

"No... It looked similar Stone Henge but it wasn't; the pillar formation was different, smaller. But I got the sense that ritual sacrifices had been made there".

Richard stood and began to pace the room "Do you think it would do any good if we made Kat stay here?"

"I don't think it would make any difference, this evil is ancient and malevolent if it wanted to bring Kat to the site I am sure it could do so on it's own".

Confused Ken looked to his two friends for answer's "Nat what on earth is going on here?" he demanded

"Ken, Alex is like me" she replied as she rested a hand on Alex's forearm "Have you told the others about this vision?"

"No not yet, for some reason I felt I should tell you first" Alex looked at her with questioning eyes "I wish we didn't have to go to England. Natalie I'm not sure this house will survive what is to come".

Richard sat at Alex's side as well and took a hold of her hand "Alex, where Nat and I in your vision?"

"No, only the members of this house" she replied

"Alex, I think you should warn Derek about this, I'm not sure what we can do to prevent this from happening, but we'll do our best" stated Richard as she once again stood and began to pace the room.

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

Derek heard someone enter the control room but didn't look up; he was too interested in the report before him regarding John Mitchell. Reading the information he was unaware of Alex coming up behind him, and so was startled when she put her hand on his shoulder "Sorry Derek"

"That's ok Alex... What can I do for you?"

"I think we need to talk, while I was helping Paddy and Jackson with Nick I had a vision" she explained as she stood beside him, her eyes also wondering to the information on the screen.

Derek turned his chair to look at her, he could see the fear upon her face "What did you see?" he questioned, giving her his full attention.

She looked across at Rachel who was still studying the readouts of the chemical base of the pills. "I saw us all bound to large stone's Nick laid upon a stack of wood and a make shift cross also made of wood" she paused for a moment, once again checking where Rachel was "Derek, Kat was there... She was stood at the base of the stack, her eyes where red, and... and she had a dagger in her hand".

Derek sat for a moment in silence unable to think of anything to say, his eyes also moved over to where Rachel sat working "If we left Kat behind would that make a difference?"

"I don't think so, this evil is very old... I got the sense that even if, we made Kat stay here, it could easily summon her to that place"

"So we're taking Kat anyway, its better if we know where she is at all times. What about Rachel, should we tell her?" he questioned to himself.

Alex shrugged unable to answer "She has a right to know what's going on"

"I think they both should know" he stated as he stood "Rachel, Kat can you join us for a moment". Both glanced over at him, then moved from their respective positions to join him

"What's this about Derek, I was starting to make some headway in breaking down the chemicals" stated Rachel as she leaned against the computer console.

Alex shifted nervously as they waited for Derek to explain why they had been called away from their research. "Kat, Rachel we need to talk about this trip to London" started Derek "While Alex was assisting Paddy and Jackson restrain Nick she had a vision" he saw Rachel and Kat both look at Alex "The vision involved all of us, so I thought you should be forewarned"

"Forewarned?" questioned Rachel not liking the sound of what Derek was saying "Alex what did you see, why do we need to be forewarned?"

Derek glanced at Alex to see if she wanted to continue, but she was clearly uncomfortable "Alex's vision showed her the members of this house bound to stone columns. Nick' laid upon an cross of wood resting upon a stack of wood" he paused for a moment trying to figure out the best way to tackle this "Kat, you where stood at the base of the stack, holding a dagger your eyes burning red"

"What?" Rachel questioned

"That's what I saw Rachel, I can't explain why Kat was stood there holding that dagger I only know she was" stated Alex

"Perhaps Kat should stay behind" suggested Rachel as she pulled her daughter to her "Maybe if she doesn't come with us the London, what Alex saw might not happen"

"I'm sorry Rachel, Alex feels that whatever is present at that site is strong enough to pull Kat there even if she where to remain here. NO I think the best thing we can do is take Kat with us and stay with her at all times" stated Derek.

Rachel looked from the Precept to her daughter then nodded "Ok if you feel that's best then that's what we're going to do". With that decided they returned to their separate assignments.

Chapter 10

---Ruling House: LONDON---

Mitchell knocked on the door and entered the office, he hadn't expected the call he had received and was concerned that something was going wrong in their plan. Sat with his back to the door, Mitchell felt intimidated by the man in the chair, he knew this man not only had power within the Legacy but also a much darker source of power.

Standing on the other side of the desk Mitchell awaited the man's instructions. "Please sit Mr. Mitchell"

Mitchell immediately did as instructed and sat "You called for me sir?" he questioned, his only desire to end this meeting and get out of the office as soon as possible.

"Yes Mr. Mitchell, I have received some disturbing news from the Phoenix House"

"Sir?"

"It appears that someone broke into the Phoenix House last night and abducted Mr. Barstall" the man within the chair never turned to face Mitchell, but even without looking at him, Mitchell knew that he was not happy "Can you explain why Mr. Barstall returned to the Phoenix House. The one place he should never have gone?"

"I'm sorry sir, I thought it would be the last place they would look for him. Who would have believed he was stupid enough to return to his own House" replied Mitchell nervously.

Slowly the chair began to turn "Obviously the members if the San Francisco House, as it is my understanding that they are bringing Mr. Barstall to the tribunal tomorrow"

"I was at the San Francisco House earlier, no one left except for Mr. Boyle" stated Mitchell fidgeting "And he is unlikely to be in any fit condition to attack the Phoenix House"

"It would appear that Mr. Boyle has friends in unusual places. The attack upon the Phoenix House was not carried out by a single man, it was carried out by a team of highly trained professionals."

Mitchell sat forward in his chair, his mind running through what had just been said "I know Mr. Boyle was a Navy SEAL is it possible that he has called on some of his shipmates to aid him in this?"

"That is one possibility" replied the man, his cold blue eyes studying the man before him "Mr. Mitchell I want you to locate these men whom attacked the Phoenix House and I want you to dispose of them"

"Dispose of them sir?" questioned Mitchell nervously

"That is correct Mr. Mitchell, I will not tolerate anyone conducting attacks upon my Houses, a message must be sent out that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with the deadliest of force." As the man spoke he slammed his fist down upon the desk.

Mitchell to jump "Yes sir, but surely that is going to bring unwanted attention to ourselves?"

"It need not Mr. Mitchell, these men are highly trained which means they are sure to have enemies. Track down their enemies"

"Yes sir, is that all?" questioned Mitchell anxious to leave the office as soon as possible.

The man in the chair nodded and waved his hand indicating for Mitchell to leave. Standing Mitchell quickly left the office, closing the door behind him; he stood for a moment leaning against the door. As he clamed his nerves he pushed off the door and headed back to his own office.

---Somewhere over the Atlantic:---

Alex glanced over at Nick who was spread out across three of the plane's seats; Rachel was crouched at his side assessing his condition.

As she stood Alex caught her eye but the doctor just shook her head and headed towards the front of the plane where the others sat waiting. Following her Alex could see the tension within the doctor's movements, something was wrong. Joining the others at the front of the plane Alex looked at Rachel for an explanation "How is he Rachel?" questioned Derek

"Not good, the drugs are still interfering with the sedative, his temperature is up and he seems to be hallucinating again" sitting next to Kat, Rachel sighed "I'm not sure he is going to be ready for the tribunal"

"Is there anything you can do?" questioned Richard

"I could give him something that might help him get through the first section of the tribunal, but he's going to be exhausted. If the tribunal goes to long it could literally kill him"

"What's his condition at the moment?" questioned Natalie.

Rachel pulled Kat onto her lap, keeping a tight grip upon her "He really should be in a hospital right now, but we can't afford to do that. I've given him a shot to try and boost his bodies defences system. I'll check on him again in a few hours, I can only hope that he'll show some signs of improvement then".

From the cockpit they heard the pilot talking with Ken, they couldn't hear exactly what was being said but when Ken rejoined them he had a look upon his face that left no doubt that whatever he had heard had not pleased him.

Richard stood and followed Ken to the rear of the plane, both men glanced at Nick as they passed but the young man was still out cold "What's up Ken?"

"Bad news, seems as if someone is doing a little research into whomever the kid has worked with in the past" stated Ken

"They figuring that perhaps he called on some of his old SEAL buddies for the raid on the Phoenix House?" questioned Richard as he leaned against the back of one of the seats.

Ken nodded "Yeah problem is one of the guys involved was a former associates of the kids during his Navy days"

"So how is that a problem?" questioned Richard confused.

Ken rubbed his hand over his face before answering "The guys got family, seems these guys aren't above playing nasty. They grabbed his kid and are demanding Barstall back"

"Christ!" exclaimed Richard his anger growing at this new turn of events.

Ken nodded and sighed, "The guy doesn't want this bastard to get away with what he did but he's got to think of his kid"

"What you want to do?" questioned Richard

"Trade" a week voice from the other side of the seat interrupted them.

Quickly both Ken and Richard moved to crouch before Nick who was now awake "Trade Barstall for the kid" repeated Nick as he slowly began to sit up, but fell back down.

Richard helped Nick sit up straight and looked into his eyes "Your sure, if we trade Barstall your case is gonna be a lot weaker" stated Ken as he sat in front of Nick.

Nick nodded and rubbed his face "Yeah I'm sure. I'm not gonna sacrifice a kid just to get my job back. It's just not worth it"

"What's not worth it?" questioned Derek as he joined them, a smile upon his face at seeing Nick awake and alert.

Ken and Richard looked at each other, Nick had made his views clear, but Derek might object. "Barstall, we got to let him go" stated Nick

"Why, what's happened?" questioned Derek confused.

Nick rested his head against the headrest before answering "Seems Barstall's buddies have kidnapped a kid and are demanding his release"

"But if we release him..." began Derek

Nick cut him off "Derek look, I'm not going to have a kids life on my conscience"

"What are their instructions?" questioned Derek as he sat down, he didn't like this turn of events and knew that this might have just been the deciding factor between Nick's returning to the San Francisco House or being dismissed from the Legacy for good.

Ken sat upon the armrest of the seat Nick was now sitting in "Kid, you got a lot of people pulling for you on this one, and I understand your motives behind letting Barstall go. They want Barstall released as soon as the plane lands in London, they also want you to tell the tribunal that you have no idea who was behind the raid upon your house"

"What?" Derek questioned confused by the instructions.

"They want Nick to keep quiet about Barstall, if he doesn't they've promised to send the kid back to his father, one piece at a time" stated Ken.

Nick looked at him, his eyes still slightly glazed over due the drugs "In other words they want me to plead no contest in the tribunal" he stated.

Sighing Ken nodded "That's about the long and short of it, yeah"

"Nick you can't do that... How can we be sure they're going to keep to their side of the deal?" demanded Derek

"It doesn't matter Derek, if they want me to plead no contest then that's what I'm going to have to do" replied Nick "Even the Legacy isn't enough to make me risk the life of a child... It's just not worth it."

As Derek looked into Nick's eyes he could see that the young man before him meant ever word "Ok Nick, this is your decision and we'll stand behind you no matter what" stated Derek lightly slapping Nick's arm.

Nick nodded before pushing his way out of the seat "Now if you'll excuse me, I think I should tell the ladies" he said as he staggered towards the front of the plane.

As Nick vanished from sight Derek looked at Richard and Ken "Is there anything you can do?" he questioned looking at Ken.

Ken slipped into the seat Nick had just vacated "I've already got the boys on it... They'll do their best to get the kid back safely and before the tribunal"

"Mean while Derek you had any idea tracking down possible suspects?" questioned Richard "We all ready know about Mitchell, but that bureaucratic ass doesn't have the knowledge or power to pull something like this off. There has to be someone else behind it"

"I haven't been able to pin it down to one specific person, but it's a short list at least" stated Derek "Give me a minute to check with Kat and Alex and then I'll run through the list. Richard you've worked at the London House, maybe you'll be able to help us with this"

"Sure" replied Richard as he stood and headed towards the galley "I'll start the coffee brewing, looks like its going to be a long night" Ken nodded and settled back into the chair.

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

Nick smiled as Kat jumped from her chair and ran to him, hugging him around the waste "Nick, how are you?" she questioned looking up at him, Alex and Rachel soon joined her in hugging him.

As they released him Rachel started to guide him towards a seat "I'm doing a lot better thanks Kat"

"You know you shouldn't be on your feet" berated Rachel as she tried to make him sit.

He smiled at her and did as she instructed "Honestly Rachel, I'm feeling a lot better"

"Why didn't you call me when you awoke?" questioned Rachel as she sat next to him and began to check his vitals.

He sighed pulling his wrist from her hand "Please Rachel not now. We need to talk" he stated. The tone of his voice left them with little doubt that whatever he had to say was important. "Ken received word from one of the men who captured Barstall" he began "It seems that who ever was behind the theft has kidnapped one of the men's kids. They want Barstall released as soon as the plane lands in London... They also want me to plead no contest at the tribunal"

"What?" questioned Rachel angrily "You're not going to do it are you Nick?"

"I have to Rachel, they've threatened to send the father pieces of his son if I don't do what they instructed. I have no doubt that they would do it"

"But what about you?" questioned Kat anxiously, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Pulling her to him Nick slowly rocked "Kat I know me leaving is upsetting you, but I don't have a choice. I can't let them hurt an innocent child" he stated.

She looked up at him and then threw her arms around him hugging him tightly. "I... I know you're right, but... but I'll miss you" she sobbed into his shoulder.

Looking at Rachel and Alex he could see they too where fighting to hold back the tears. Pulling them into a group hug he tried to comfort them, but he knew that there really was no comforting them, if the tribunal went as the mysterious organisation went he would no longer be living or working with them. This was something he had never imagined happening, he had thought he would be a member of the Legacy until he died, now it seemed that he was being forced to leave.

---06:00am Gatwick Airport:---

As the plane came into land Derek glanced over at Nick, the young man looked tired but had stubbornly refused to get some rest in the flight. As the plane touched down Derek saw the slight wince of pain upon Nick's face "Nick?" he questioned but the young man waved him off.

As they left the airport they where met by three men dressed in black "Dr. Rayne?" questioned on of the men.

Derek nodded "Yes that's me"

"I believe you have something that belongs to us?" questioned the man looking at Tony Barstall who was held securely between Richard and Ken. Reluctantly Ken and Richard released their grip on Tony and watched in silence as the big man headed towards the waiting car.

As he passed Nick, Barstall punched him in the back "It's been a pleasure hot shot, see you again real soon".

As Richard and Ken moved to Nick's side, helping him remain on his feet, Derek had to fight down the urge to strike out at Barstall. Alex however felt no such need to suppress her urges, as Barstall came level with her she clenched her hand into a fist and hit the man with all her strength.

She smiled with satisfaction as Barstall fell to the ground with a thud. Before anything further could occur the men in black pulled Barstall to his feet and away from them, into a waiting car. When Alex turned to check on her friend she was greeted by grins from the others "What?" she questioned moments before breaking into a smile.

Derek shook his head "Nick are you ok?"

"Better than Barstall" replied Nick as he stood up straight stretching his abused side "Remind me not to tick you off," he said as he wrapped his arm around Alex's shoulder.

---Ruling House: LONDON---

Mitchell had received word of the jet's arrival at Gatwick airport and had also been informed that Barstall had been released. Smiling to himself he picked up the phone "Sir, Barstall has been released"

"Mr. Barstall is no longer an issue, he has been dealt with" stated the man on the other end of the phone line.

Mitchell shifted in his chair "Excuse me sir?"

"Yes Mr. Mitchell?"

"What exactly do you mean, when you say Mr. Barstall has been dealt with?" he questioned nervously. Mitchell didn't like the turn in the conversation he had thought his boss would complement him on stabilising the situation, instead he was being informed of the heavy price of failure.

"Mr. Barstall died today in a tragic car accident" replied the man on the other end of the line.

"His death is a great loss to the Phoenix House" stated Mitchell

"True, but his replacement shall easily take up the slack"

"Replacement?" questioned Mitchell confused as no paperwork regarding a replacement had crossed his desk yet.

"Yes, Mr. Barstall's position within the Phoenix house had to be filled very quickly" replied the man

"Might I ask whom this replacement is?"

"I do not believe you know the gentleman, he shall however be meeting with you very shortly, his name is Mr. Black"

"Mr. Black, I'll tell my secretary to expect him" replied Mitchell moments before the man on the other end of the line hung up.

Moving over to his office door he opened it and called to his secretary "Anthony, there will be a Mr. Black coming to visit me shortly, I want you to show him right in"

"Yes sir, Mr. Black" replied Anthony covering the mouth piece of the telephone he as using at that time.

When Mitchell returned into the solitude of his office; Anthony quickly returned his attention to the person he was talking with over the phone. "Dr. Rayne are you still there?"

"I'm still here Anthony... What's going on?"

"It appears that Mr. Barstall died in a car accident a few minutes ago. I don't know what this man has to do with all this but I was just told to show a Mr. Black straight into Mr. Mitchell's office"

"Barstall's dead? It appears that they are cleaning house... Do you have any idea who it is Mitchell was talking to on the phone?"

"No, all I know was that it was an internal phone call made directly to his private line"

"Ok thank you Anthony... remember be careful, if they killed Barstall they aren't going to think twice about anything happening to you"

"I will sir, and wish Nick my best with the tribunal this afternoon" hanging up the phone Anthony glanced around ensuring he had not been over heard, then return to doing his normal daily duties.

---Mrs. Callahan's Cottage: Lancashire---

Derek hung up the phone and headed down stairs to meet up with Nick and the others. As he passed by the kitchen he could smell the sweet odour of fresh baked bread "Mrs. Callahan that smells delicious"

"Take a seat Dr. Rayne it won't be much longer," said the grey hair old woman as she moved about the kitchen preparing the food.

"Have you heard from Philip?" questioned Derek as he grabbed a slice of the freshly baked bread.

The woman smiled at him as she slapped his hand "Philip phoned me last week, he's off in some remote corner of the world doing the lord's work" she continued to work in the kitchen preparing the evening meal as they talked.

Both smiled when they heard the sounds of laughter filtering in from the front room "It sounds like the young'ns are back" commented Mrs. Callahan as she began to set the table "It's been a long time since this old house has been filled with laughter" she commented.

Derek smiled at her and stood "I'll go tell them to wash up"; she smiled back at him and nodded.

As Derek entered the front room he smiled at seeing Nick and Kat playing, he smiled to himself thinking how things appeared to have returned to normal. As he did however, Nick began to cough uncontrollably "Nick are you all right?" he questioned as he and Rachel quickly moved to Nick's side

"I'm fine, just got the wind knocked out of me... I'll be ok in a minute," he said as he stood up straight, taking slow deep breaths.

Rachel looked at Derek; something about what just happened bothered her, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Richard and Ken entered a few minutes later to find Derek and Rachel watching Nick very closely "Ok everything is set up outside, the boys are watching the main road. We've also set up equipment around the house" stated Ken as he headed for the kitchen, only to be chased out a few seconds later by Mrs. Callahan.

"Away with you young man, lunch will be ready in a few minutes, I'm sure your not going to waste away before then".

Grinning Ken rejoined the others "You know maybe we should just leave them to Mrs. Callahan, the kitchen is sure one place you won't catch me going into without a written invitation"

"What she use on you?" questioned Richard grinning

"Rolling pin... You?'

"Spatula, boy does that thing ever stings" replied Richard grinning.

From over on the couch they heard Nick chuckling, "You ventured in their yet kid?" questioned Richard

"Yeah I've been in there... Mrs. Callahan makes the greatest scones" he smiled licking his lips to make his point.

Richard and Ken looked at each other, and then at Nick "What's your secret kid?" questioned Ken.

Nick just grinned and refrained from answering.

Richard looked at Ken and grinned "You know whose gonna be doing the late night sorties to the kitchen while we're here"

"Yeah, him" stated Ken pointing at Nick.

Rachel and Alex burst out laughing at the face Nick was pulling "Hey even I won't go down there to raid the icebox in the middle of the night, I kind of like my head where it is... You know of course she's packing" Nick joked.

Kat jumped up onto Nick's knee and smiled "She doesn't need to pack Nick, she's lethal enough with her cooking implements, why would she need a gun?"

The others laughed as Mrs. Callahan entered the room and called them to lunch.

---Ruling House: LONDON---

As the members of the San Francisco House entered the ruling house they where aware of being watched, clearly everyone knew why they where here. As they headed towards the room in which the tribunal would conduct its inquiry they where stopped by members of the house, many offering words of support for Nick.

Outside the room they where met by Anthony "Dr. Rayne, Dr. Corrigan, Miss Moreux, Mr. Boyle... My name is Anthony Johnson; I'm Mr. Mitchell's secretary. The tribunal will be convening in a few minutes, might I suggest you all take a seat" Derek glanced at Anthony, but the young man shook his head "If you'll excuse me, I have to go assist Mr. Mitchell." They all heard the disdain in the young man's voice, but didn't say anything.

Sitting down Derek glanced at Nick, he looked better than he had a few hours before, Mrs. Callahan had insisted he take a nap. When Nick tried to argue he found himself fighting a loosing battle, sighing and shaking his head in disbelief he had climbed the stairs to his room to take his nap as instructed.

Derek grinned as he remembered the grins on Richard's and Ken's faces suddenly disappear when the old woman had questioned "Don't you boys have something to do?"

Looking at each other all three men hastily made an exit from the house, Mrs. Callahan hadn't meant it as a question more a demand for them to get out and let the women talk. Even as they where leaving the house Derek heard Alex and Rachel asking Mrs. Callahan how she did that and if she gave lessons.

Rachel placed her hand on Nick's arm "How are you?" she questioned, her fingers automatically moving to check his pulse.

Placing his hand over hers he whispered "Relax I'm fine"

"Nick your far from fine... Please let me fuss over you; as you would say" he grinned and removed his hand, allowing her to take his pulse.

When she removed her hand he raised an eyebrow "How am I doing mom?"

"You're doing better than you should be, I just hope they don't keep you in there too long" she replied.

He patted her hand the squeezed it "I'll be ok".

She looked at him sceptically but didn't say anything. Moments later they saw the door to the room in which the tribunal was to be held open "Mr. Boyle, please join us".

Nick stood and looked at his friends, the concern was evident upon their faces, but he smiled and walked into the room without a word. Derek watched as the door was closed. Then moved to sit between Alex and Rachel, as he sat he took a hold of each of their hands and held them tight.

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

Inside the room, Nick stood looking at the shadowy figures "Please take a seat Mr. Boyle" instructed a voice from the shadows.

Nick did as instructed and sat in the chair in the centre of the room. "Mr. Boyle you understand why you have been summoned here?"

"To answer the charge of aiding in the theft of Legacy information" replied Nick sitting up straight in his chair, he had decided that even if he was going to be dismissed from the Legacy he was going to maintain his dignity throughout the investigation.

Movement at the end of the row of shadows caught his attention and he turned to look at the speaker "Mr. Boyle evidence has been presented in regards to this matter. Rather compelling evidence" stated the shadowed figure.

Another voice male questioned "Do you have anything you wish to say in regards to this matter?"

"At this time, no sir" replied Nick

"Very well Mr. Boyle, this tribunal requests that you describe in detail the events of the day in question" stated a female voice.

Nick recognised the voice but didn't say anything, he knew that the identities of the tribunal members were supposed to remain unknown, his revealing his knowledge of this tribunal member could loose him a supporter.

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

Derek glanced at his watch; Nick had been in the room for over three hours without a break. He knew Rachel was becoming concerned. Pacing the hallway he struggled to keep his own concerns under control, he feared what condition Nick would be in when he finally came out.

As he passed the door again it opened and Nick walked out, he looked pale and was unsteady upon his feet but he was out, and to Rachel, Alex and Derek that was all that mattered. Derek immediately moved to Nick's side and guided him over to the row of chairs; the young man looked ready to collapse but remained upon his feet by sheer will power alone.

"Mr. Boyle the tribunal will resume the hearing at 8am tomorrow morning. Until the completion of this tribunal hearing neither you or your associates may leave this house" with that said the door to the hearing room once again closed.

Crouching next to Nick, Derek glanced at Rachel "Did you bring your medical bag?" he questioned as he looked into Nick's pale face

"I'll be ok, just need to rest for a minute" stated Nick groggily.

Rachel nodded and pulled the bag out from under her seat "Dr. Corrigan, might I suggest you wait until you get Mr. Boyle settled in his room" suggested Anthony as he approached them.

Derek looked at him questioningly but the young man did not explain his actions until they where all stood in Nick's room. As Derek and Alex eased Nick down onto the bed and loosened his tie Anthony explained why he had wanted Rachel to wait "I'm sorry about that Dr. Corrigan, but had Mitchell seen you giving Mr. Boyle any form of medical assistance. He would have used it as a secondary reason for dismissing him"

"How?" questioned Rachel confused, Anthony moved over to help Derek and Alex with Nick before explaining further

"Mr. Mitchell is claiming that Mr. Boyle aided in the theft of Legacy information, however his case wasn't strong enough alone to stand up to questions during the pre-hearing." Anthony began to explain "So he used the fact that Mr. Boyle had on numerous occasions seen a Legacy doctor in regards to not only his injuries but also his nightmares as a factor for the hearing. You see this is not only to discover if in fact Mr. Boyle was involved in the theft, which no one who knows of Nick believes. But also to ascertain his physical fitness to remain within the Legacy."

Derek paced the small room, his mind reeling at these new facts "Anthony do you have any idea why Mr. Mitchell has such a vendetta against Nick?"

"I know there is no love lost between them, but nothing I know about would explain this sudden attack upon Nick" replied Anthony apologetically "I wish I could help you more"

"You've been a great help, thank you Anthony. Now you'd better get back to Mr. Mitchell before he becomes suspicious" stated Derek as he walked with the younger man to the door and saw him out.

Unaware of being watched Anthony slipped from Nick's room and started back towards Mr. Mitchell's office. However as he entered the safety of his office he felt a hand come to rest upon his shoulder, turning he found himself looking into the cold black eyes of Mr. Black.

The look upon Mr. Black's face sent shivers up and down Anthony's spine "Mr. Black, may I help you with something?" questioned Anthony trying desperately to keep the fear from his voice. Mr. Black looked didn't say anything, his cold eyes boring into the young man "Would you like to see Mr. Mitchell?" questioned Anthony as he turned to knock on his bosses door.

With his back to him Anthony never new what hit him, as Mr. Black grabbed him from behind. His hand clamping down upon the young mans chin, the other upon his forehead and with one swift movement a loud crack filled the air and Anthony slipped to the floor, his eyes now dull and lifeless.

Hearing movement outside his office Mitchell came out "Anthony, you get those reports..." he stopped as he saw Mr. Black stood over the lifeless body of his secretary "What do you think your doing?" demanded Mitchell as he looked at Anthony's body.

Mr. Black didn't answer he simply turned and walked out of the room, leaving Mitchell alone with the body. Running his hand through his hair Mitchell tried to decide what to do, if he called security and told them Mr. Black had killed Anthony he would end up in big trouble from his boss, but if he failed to report the death it would soon be discovered anyway.

Pacing back and forth he began to formulate a plan, locking the outer door to the office he began to rifle through the filing cabinets, sending the files and paper flying all over the office, then he moved into his office and repeated his actions. Looking around at the mess he had caused he left his office, and headed home for the evening.

Chapter11:

---Mrs. Callahan's cottage:---

Kat sat at the table pushing her food around the plate, sat beside her Natalie and Richard watched in silent dismay "Kat, I'm sure everything is fine. As soon as your mother gets a chance she'll call and tell you what's happening," said Natalie as she rested her hand on Kat's shoulder.

The young girl shook her hand away and looked at Mrs. Callahan "May I be excused from the table?"

"Of course dear, I'll bring you some warm milk and cookies later" replied Mrs. Callahan in a compassionate voice.

When Kat was gone the three adults looked at each other "How do you think it is going deary?" questioned Mrs. Callahan

"I don't know, it could go either way. It all depends upon what kind of evidence Mr. Mitchell has gathered together"

"Gathered or created" commented Richard.

Mrs. Callahan looked at him questioningly "I take it you don't trust this Mr. Mitchell?"

"I trust him about as far as I could through an elephant" replied Richard his voice holding a tone of disdain.

Mrs. Callahan sighed as she began to clean away the dishes "I knew Philip didn't think very highly of him, he has mentioned him in passing a few times. But clearly that man is far more insidious than even Philip imagined".

As Natalie and Richard moved into the living room the phone rang, Mrs. Callahan told Richard to answer it as she had her hands full "Mrs. Callahan's residence"

"Richard, its Derek"

"Hi Derek, how is it going?" questioned Richard catching Natalie's attention, she quickly moved to stand at his side to listen in on what they where saying.

"They had Nick in there for over three hours and don't appear to be done with him yet" replied Derek sounding tired.

"How's the kid holding up?" questioned Richard

"Rachel gave him a mild sedative, he's wasted" replied Derek

"Is Rachel there, there is a very quiet and upset girl here waiting anxiously for news on her favourite SEAL"

"She's here I'll get her" replied Derek. Glancing at Natalie he grinned at seeing his sister-in-law was already heading up the stairs to get Kat. Moments later the sound of fast moving footsteps was heard from above then down the stairs.

Grinning to himself Richard watched as Kat jumped the last three steps. "Is that mom?" Kat asked excitedly.

"Derek's just getting her now" he replied as he handed her the phone

"Mom?" Kat questioned gripping the phone tightly

"Hey honey, how you doing?"

"I'm fine, how's Nick?"

"He's asleep at the moment honey. Are you being good for Mrs. Callahan?"

"Yes mom, how did it go... Is Nick coming home?"

"We don't know yet honey, they want to talk to him again tomorrow morning, so we're staying here at the house".

Kat sighed as her shoulders slumped in disappointment, "Ok mom, give everyone my love and tell them I miss them"

"Will do honey, now can I speak to either Natalie or Richard for a second"

"Sure, love ya mom," said Kat as she handed the phone back to Richard "Mom wants to talk to you."

Smiling as he took back the phone Richard watched Kat bound back up the stairs, and for the first time since Nick and the others had left, she had a spring in her step "Yeah Rachel?"

"When we get back your going to need to have a few emergency supplies ready, most important will be a glucose drip. Nick still isn't eating right and with the number of hours he's spending with the tribunal he's going to be depleted to dangerous levels."

"Ok so I need to find a saline and a glucose drip... Anything else?"

"That should do for the moment, if I think of anything else I'll call" replied Rachel.

Richard couldn't help but smile "You do know they don't have medical 7/11's over here, where am I supposed to get my hands on the saline and glucose?"

He heard her chuckle on the other end before suggesting "Maybe a hospital, of course its just a suggestion".

Grinning Richard shook his head "Anything else before I go raid the local hospital?"

He heard Rachel asking Derek if he needed to say anything "Nope, that's about it. If things go OK we should be back tomorrow evening"

"Right, we'll look forward to seeing you then" replied Richard before hanging up and sitting down on the couch.

When Natalie rejoined him he glanced up at her "Rachel needs a few supplies for when they get Nick back here"

"What kind of supplies?" questioned Natalie as she slipped onto the couch beside him, resting her head on his shoulder she watched the flickering flames of the open hearth fire

"Saline and glucose drips"

"Doesn't sound like Nick's doing to good" commented Natalie sounding worried.

Richard squeezed her shoulder "I'm sure if anything was wrong they would have told us"

"Yeah I guess your right, I'm just letting my imagination get the better of me. You know it's strange but you remember when we first met them?"

"Yeah what about it?"

"I could have sworn he thought he knew me".

Richard looked at her with a raised eyebrow "Did he?"

"I don't remember ever meeting him before" she replied shrugging.

Richard settled back into the chair "Strange he never mentioned it" he commented as he allowed himself to relax within the warmth of the cottage and the soft crackling of the logs upon the fire.

---Ruling House: LONDON---

With Nick safely tucked away in bed, Derek, Alex and Rachel left his room and headed for their own rooms, they where all tired and longed for a good night sleep, but they didn't expect to have another good nights sleep until they where back in San Francisco.

Dressing in her nightgown Rachel sat looking out at the quiet grounds of the house, outside of the city they escaped the noise. Sighing she moved back over to her bed and crawled under the covers "I hope things go better tomorrow" she whispered to the night.

---------------------------------------------------------*

Derek lay asleep in his room, his dreams where haunted by memories of what had happened to him in the desert. He had temporally been able to distract himself from his own personal nightmare with worrying about Nick, but now as he tried to relax and wind down from the tension they had all felt, his mind once again forced him to live through that nightmare.

'As the plane landed on an old dusty road deep in the heart of nowhere he heard the men from the Phoenix house laughing and joking about their impending hunt.

Once the plane had stopped moving the leader of the group moved over to Derek, and removed the binds they had place around his wrists and ankles "You ready for a little sport Dr. Rayne?" he had questioned his tone mocking Derek.

Rubbing his wrist's Derek looked at the man "Why are you doing this?" he demanded

"Because we can, is that the kind of answer you where looking for?" questioned the leader laughing along with his men. Derek unable to find any way to reason with these mad men stood and looked at them "What do you expect me to do... run and let you track me down and kill me?"

"Sounds like a plan to me, what you think boys?" to Derek's horror the other men all cheered in agreement "See you're catching on quick" mocked the leader as he grabbed Derek's arm and lead him over to the doorway. Opening it they where both hit by a wave of heat that left Derek gasping for breath "Boy its sure a hot day" commented the leader a smile upon his face "Lose the shirt, and the shoes" he instructed.

For a moment Derek didn't comply and he felt the sudden impact of a gun barrel against his back "You heard the man, lose the shirt and the shoes."

With no way of fighting back Derek did as instructed and took off his shirt and shoes. Standing within the doorway with a bare chest, and bare feet he looked at the leader.

"Time for a little sport, you got 1 hour then we come looking, use that hour good it's all you got" stated the leader as he pushed Derek from the plane and watched as Derek limped away towards a far ridge.

Climbing his way over the razor sharp stones, Derek occasionally glanced back to see if they where on his trail yet. He knew he didn't have the skills that he would need to survive this ordeal, his only hope was that he could find some form of civilisation before they caught and killed him.

In the distance he could hear the sound of barking dogs, he didn't know for sure that the dogs where with the men from the Phoenix house, but he was sure it was a good bet they where.

Looking up at the sheer cliff before him he took a moment to catch his breath before moving to its base. As he began his climb he was sure that his pursuers where no more than half a mile behind him. He only hoped that he would be far enough away from them when they too reached the base of the cliff for them to be unable to get a clear shot at him.

The last thing he wanted to happen was for one of those men to take a pot shot at him and miss, only to have him lose his grip and plunge to his death.

His skinned and bloody hands made it difficult for him to maintain a secure grip upon the rock face, but somehow he did, looking down for a moment as he took a breather he could see the men from the Phoenix House far below him. He was surprised to see that they where not following him. Pressing his body against the rock face for a moment he tried to gather his wits. Looking up he wondered what kind of reception committee would be awaiting him.'

Bolting upright within his bed, Derek wiped the sweat from his brow, for a moment he didn't know where he was and felt the panic rising within him again. But quickly he remembered that they where at the London House, he had been there many times during Sloan's time within the Legacy but this was the first time he had return since Sloan's vanishing into the depths of hell.

Glancing at the clock he was surprised to see that it was almost 6am, for a moment he considered going back to sleep, but quickly dismissed that idea, he could use this time to continue his investigation into who within the Legacy had a vendetta against Nick Boyle and why.

Quickly getting dressed he slipped from his room and walked silently down the long hallway towards the front of the building. Despite the early hour the house was still alive with movement and activity, Derek noticed a crying woman stood staring at a set of doors, confused Derek walked over to her "Are you all right?" he questioned but the woman cried harder.

Looking towards the door Derek could see people moving around, deciding to find out for himself what was going on he moved closer to the door.

Inside he was shocked to see the motionless body of Anthony Johnson; his neck clearly broken "What happened?" questioned Derek looking at the officers within the room.

One of the officers moved over to him "Looks like someone was robbing the place when Mr. Johnson walked in on them. Must have been a big man, the guy broke the kids neck in one swift move"

"Was anything taken?" questioned Derek, he didn't like this. Something about the way the room had been trashed and the position of Anthony's body bothered Derek.

The police officer shook his head "As far as we can tell nothing was taken. We're still looking for a point of entry as well. With the security this place has, I'm surprised anyone could get in unnoticed." Derek nodded his agreement at the officer's assessment, then left to check on Nick.

Silently he slipped into Nick's room, the last thing he wanted to do was disturb the young man from his much needed rest, however as he approached the bed he was surprised to find it empty. Desperately he searched the room, and checked the adjoining bathroom, but still his search brought nothing. No sign of where Nick had vanished too. Quickly he left the room and went to rouse the others from their beds.

Knocking on Rachel's door he heard her call for him to enter "Rachel we have a problem" he stated bluntly as he stuck his head around the door

"What kind of problem?" Rachel questioned as she grabbed her dressing gown and got out of bed.

"Nick's missing and Anthony is dead, someone broke his neck"

"You can't be thinking Nick did it!" exclaimed Rachel as she joined Derek at the door and out into the hall to go wake Alex "No, but I think someone may try to frame Nick". Rachel stopped and looked at him "Where's Mitchell?"

"He left several hours ago" replied Derek as they reached Alex's room. Knocking Derek and Rachel entered her room "Alex?" questioned Derek in confusion finding her bed also empty.

"Where do you think she could be at this time of night?" questioned Rachel in confusion.

Derek shrugged unable to answer, studying the room carefully he saw signs of a struggle "Where ever it is she has gone, she didn't go willingly"

"Do you think whoever took her, also took Nick?" as she asked the questioned Rachel thought about what Alex had seen "Dear god Derek, do you think Alex's vision is coming to fruition?"

"If it is, we need to be careful. She said we where all tied to those stones"

"Dear god what about Kat?" questioned Rachel a slight hint of desperation in her voice.

Derek pulled her to him, as he lead her from the room and back to hers "Phone Richard and Natalie, if today is the day Alex's vision showed her, then they are going to make a move upon Kat as well".

Rachel nodded and ran into her room, grabbing the phone she dialled the number to Mrs. Callahan's home. As she stood waiting for someone to answer the phone her imagination began to run away with her, she envisioned men dressed in black attacking the house, killing Richard, Natalie and Mrs. Callahan. She could hear Kat's screams within her mind as her daughter was dragged from her bed out into the cold dark night.

When on the fifth ring there had been no answer she could feel her anxiety growing "Hello?" questioned the soft accent of Mrs. Callahan

"Mrs. Callahan thank god you're there," she said

"What's wrong deary?" questioned Mrs. Callahan

"Is Kat asleep?" questioned Rachel anxiously.

She heard Mrs. Callahan talking to someone "Yes deary, Kat's fast asleep"

"Can you go check on her please Mrs. Callahan, and can I please talk to either Richard or Natalie?"

"Certainly, I'll go check on Kat, Richard is right here" replied Mrs. Callahan before handing the phone to Richard.

"Rachel?"

"Richard something's going on here, Anthony the man who was helping us has been murdered, and Nick's disappeared" She heard Mrs. Callahan calling Richard in the distance, and her fear rose again "What? What's going on Richard?"

"Hold on Rachel, I'm trying to find out" replied Richard a moment later he came back on the line "Rachel I can't explain it, but Kat's vanished... The boys said they never saw her leave, and I never saw her come down stairs"

"Richard you have to find her?" exclaimed Rachel. She felt a hand, come to rest upon her shoulder and turned to see Derek "Kat's gone" she said anxiously.

He nodded and took the phone from her "Richard, have the boys search the grounds. I doubt their going to find her, but do it anyway"

"Right Derek" then they both hung up.

Derek turned to Rachel and pulled her into a hug "We'll find her Rachel, and we'll find Nick as well".

When they heard a knock upon the door they broke a part "Dr. Rayne?" an unfamiliar voice called out, moving over to the door, Derek opened it "May I help you?"

"Detective Constable Jamerson, I understand you visited the crime scene?"

"Not exactly I simply looked in from the doorway... I couldn't sleep and was walking" he explained as the detective entered the room.

The detective glanced at Rachel "Miss" he nodded at her. Rachel sat on the bed and watched as the young detective took up a seat "Dr. Rayne I would like to discuss with you a Mr. Boyle"

"Nick... What does Nick have to do with the death of Mr. Johnson?" questioned Derek confused.

The detective looked at around the room before answering "I understand that Mr. Boyle was here in London regarding some kind of inquiry into his suitability to remain a member of the Luna Foundation?"

"That's correct, however I still don't understand what Nick has to do with the death of Anthony Johnson?"

"Am I correct in thinking that Mr. Boyle has disappeared?"

"Yes but that doesn't mean he is guilty of killing Anthony!" exclaimed Derek growing frustrated at the direction the detectives line of questioning was headed.

The detective stood and began to pace the room "You must admit that Mr. Boyle's disappearance upon the night of the murder of Anthony Johnson is very coincidental. Also if you take into account the nature of the way Mr. Johnson's murder was carried out, and Mr. Boyle's specialised training. There is quiet a substantial case to be made against Mr. Boyle".

Rachel stood and looked at the detective "Detective, we've known and worked with Nick for a long time, there is no way in hell, he would murder someone who was helping him!"

"Well if you will all excuse me, clearly you know nothing of Mr. Boyle's location or the murder of Mr. Johnson," said the detective as she stood and headed towards the door. "If we need to speak with you again we'll be in contact" with that the detective left the room.

Chapter 12:

---Location Unknown:---

Dressed all in black the druids began to build the ceremonial fire, as they built each level of the fire, the high priest chanted the ceremonial words.

Kat stood beside the stone columns. The high priest beckoned her to him, as if by magic she rose from the ground and floated to his side. He looked down at her and smiled "You are the key my child, you hold the balance between good and evil" he said as he stroked her face. As she looked up at him her eyes burned red with the fires of hell "Yes, you are almost ready my dear. With Mr. Boyle out of the way and you under our control the Legacy and all within it shall fall and we shall again rain over the world" As the high priest spoke Kat's medallion began to glow.

The five points of the pentegram and the eyes of the goat glowed as if in answer to the high priests words. Glancing across at the bound figure a smile spread across the high priest's face "Soon the balance shall be tipped back into our favour".

Kat remained at his side as they moved over to where Nick was held. Looking up into the face of his captor Nick was shocked, but what shocked him even more was the fact that Kat stood at his side, her eyes aflame and her pentegram glowing.

Shivering from the cold he tried to clear his drug fogged mind, he had to find a way to warn the others of what was happening, he had to escape and warn them. Pulling against the ropes that bound him he groaned as they cut deep into his wrists, to make things worse the heavens opened and the rain began to fall.

"How fitting, your life shall end within the same darkness and gloom with which you came into the world" said the high priest as he walked over to Nick and took a hold of his chin, raising his head to look deep into his eyes.

Nick glared at the man before him, his face hidden beneath a ceremonial mask "Kat won't let you do this, she'll fight you" he growled.

The high priest looked down at Kat stood at his side "She will do nothing, you see she has been under our control every since the day she completed the empowerment of her pentegram."

"Kat... Kat you have to fight them, I know you're still in there... KAT FIGHT THEM!" shouted Nick over the thunder and the rain.

The high priest watched Kat closely; for a moment the pentegram's glow diminished, the flames within her eyes vanished to be replaced by fear, "N... Nick?" she questioned

"You're doing it Kat, fight them... Kat you have to fight them!" he shouted excitedly.

Growling the high priest struck Nick, sending his head back into the cold hard stone of the column. Groaning Nick slumped against his restraints, he felt as the high priest again took a firm hold of his chin and raised his head "You see Mr. Boyle, Kat belongs to us. She will tip the balance in our favour and the Master shall rain over the world as he was meant to"

"Over my dead body" Hissed Nick pulling his chin, free from the high priests grasp.

The evil laughter that came from the high priest sent shivers down his spine. "That is exactly what we have planned Mr. Boyle" replied the high priest as he waved to his followers who moved to stand either side of Nick and released the bound. "As soon as your associates join us, we shall begin the ceremony." The high priest watched as Nick was bragged towards the ceremonial fire.

Knowing that he might not get another chance, Nick tried to break free of their grasp. Pulling his left arm free he swung at one of the men holding him. As his fist impacted upon the man's face he stumbled back giving Nick the opportunity he had been looking for. Quickly bolting from their grasp he dodged the other followers as the grasped for him, then ran from within the circle, he knew they would be following him, but he had to escape he had to find the others before it was too late for Kat.

Racing into the darkness he had no idea if he was headed in the right direction, for all he knew he could have been running in circles but he didn't think so. Stumbling over the bushes he dropped to his knees to find himself slowly sinking into the ground.

Cursing he struggled to pull free of the peat bog, he could feel himself sinking further and further into the bog "Damn it NO!" he screamed at the heavens.

Laughter caught his attention as he could feel himself sinking further into the bog, he was now up to his chest, he knew there was no way he could free himself now, he would not be able to warn the others of the danger that lurked within the Legacy.

"Now this is an interesting situation, wouldn't you say Mr. Boyle" came the mocking voice of the high priest. Nick struggled against the constant pressure pulling his further and further down into the depths of the bog "Should I leave you here to die?" questioned the high priest as he stood at the edge of the bog looking at Nick, who was now buried up to his chin. "Or should I rescue you and sacrifice you as I originally intended?" standing the high priest walked around the almost invisible edge of the bog as if taunting Nick as he continued to sink. "I think I'll leave you here to die, the others will be here soon, I will have more than enough sacrifices to give to my master."

As the high priest walked away Nick began to gasp for air, his mouth just millimetres from the murky waters of the bog. As the high priest turned to watch Nick slip away under the murky depths of the bog, Kat appeared at his side in a flash of light "Is there something you want my dear?" questioned the high priest looking down at Kat.

She nodded her hand raising to point at Nick, now only his nose and eyes remained above the water. "The Master wants his blood" she stated as she floated over to him.

Nick gasped and spluttered as the murky water rose above his noise cutting off his only air supply. The high priest watched her for a moment, then silently signalled for his followers to rescue Nick from the bog. Hovering back over to the high priest Kat's eyes once again burned bright with the fires of hell.

Smiling the high priest watched as Nick's inert body was pulled from the bog and carried back to the stone circle.

---Mrs. Callahan's Cottage:---

As they arrived at Mrs. Callahan's cottage they where greeted by Natalie and Richard. "Have you found any sign of her?" questioned Rachel as she got out of the car

Richard shook his head "Nothing so far, Ken and the others are out checking the area as we speak"

"What about Nick, has there been any sign of Nick here?" questioned Alex anxiously.

Richard and Natalie both shook their heads "No nothing, the guys haven't found a sign of either of them" stated Richard as he led them into the house "They'll keep searching" he added

"We need to locate that stone circle Alex saw in her vision" stated Derek as he pulled out a map of the surrounding area.

As they gathered around the kitchen table Mrs. Callahan put the kettle on to make some coffee. "It's at times like these I wish Philip was around, he always knew the right thing to say" remarked Mrs. Callahan.

Derek, Rachel and Alex all nodded agreement "We could certainly use him at the moment" remarked Alex.

As Mrs. Callahan poured them all a fresh cup of coffee she glanced at the map "What is it you're looking for?" she questioned

Derek saw her looking at the map and smiled "Mrs. Callahan you might be able to help us... We're looking for a circle of stone"

"A stone circle you say, well there are a few of those in these parts" she replied as she looked at the map closer "One of them was ruined, young hoodlums. The other is over here" as she spoke she pointed to the general area of the stone circle "It's claimed they found evidence of cremations being carried out in the centre of that circle"

"That sounds like the place" commented Derek as he looked at the map checking the location.

Rachel paced the kitchen "We should get going" she stated looking at Derek and the others.

Richard nodded "Let me call the boys back, now that we have a location they're gonna be useful as back up"

Derek nodded his agreement and watched as Richard left the kitchen. "Natalie, I want you and Richard to act as back up, we'll go in and assess the situation"

"Hold on Derek, didn't Alex's vision show everyone within the San Francisco House captured?" questioned Natalie

"That's exactly why I want you and Richard as the back up, if anything happens we know that your right behind us" replied Derek as he stood and grabbed his coat from the back of the chair. "Mrs. Callahan how long do you think it will take to drive to the stone circle?"

"You can't drive straight to the stone circle, the road stops about 2 miles short, you'll have to walk the rest of the way" she replied.

Looking at Alex and Rachel, Derek questioned "Are you two ready?"

"As ready as we'll ever be" replied Alex as she too stood.

Just as they where about to leave Richard returned "Hold up Derek, Ken and the guys will be back in a few minutes, if we're gonna be your back up then at least let us tail you guys all the way".

Sighing Derek nodded his agreement "Ok but we have to get going soon, I don't know how long Nick and Kat have"

"They shouldn't be long" replied Richard as he grabbed a cup of coffee from the tray Mrs. Callahan had.

Continue in Chapter 13.

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