Fourteen - Secure Grounds
PERDITION PLAINS, HADES MANSION
An affluent household held immeasurable distress. All visitors attending wore black. The Alderige daughter was still not present. Then the huge metal door of the ballroom flew open. Unleashing the ghost-like figure of a woman. Face covered with a black veil, Aberdeen walked down the aisle. She was expected to give her closing speech for her mother's funeral. Everyone in the room glanced at the woman in despair. Slowly walking like death fetching the soul of Nathalia lying peacefully at the end of the aisle.
Nathalia's casket was glamorous. Made of pure gold, carved with pure silver angels around it. Covered with expensive flowers from distinguished guests. People came to confirm the death of a powerful woman. Many were afraid. Without Nathalia, the balance in the underground society will be disturbed. There will be anarchy. Two regents from powerful clans still control the council but their rule will be challenged by those silenced by the presence of Nathalia. The race will be littered with blood.
Aberdeen stood on the podium, appearing like a reaper. She elegantly took off the veil. No trace of emotion.
"Good day, everyone," Aberdeen spoke. "It's the most devastating day for the Alderige family as we bid our goodbyes to our dearest mother, Nathalia Clement Alderige. I agree with everyone else, she was not the nicest person you will meet. Not even the best mother."
Those who have been with the family weep soulfully as they listen. The ones with darker purposes sat menacingly, waiting for the right moment to attack. Silence filled the room but the tension grew louder.
"I would like to assure the company and my family's allies that we will remain strong despite our deep loss," her eyes roamed to Viktor Samira and Iñigo Constantine, who were strategically seated separately. Each of them was near the two exits. "At this moment, I humbly plead to our dearest allies to stand with us as we hold the foundation of this company."
Viktor and Iñigo nodded slightly towards the grieving woman. They will stand where Nathalia stood. Spectators from distinctive agencies, clans, families and even enemies watched as the new era arises.
Nathalia's casket took precedence, it was carried by the High Council's notorious assassins, Hellfires. Then followed by the remaining pillars of the organization. Fully guarded, Samira and Constantine merged into one household.
The future of the High Council lay ahead with an uncertain future. Aberdeen has neither blood nor the majority of the council. Even if Samira and Constantine will reinforce her claim, she will not fit for the throne. All enemies anticipate their downfall. Even Luthor Hubert Drax is in the crowd of hundreds. Hector stood beside him. From afar, they watched the succession of lines needed to vanish. One way or another.
"In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen."
The crowd immediately receded from Nathalia's burial ground as the humming of bullets echoed. Each council members withdraw to their cars. The Samira and Constantine defenses remain standing, covering the two primary targets. Renard, together with his family were rushed back to the chapel. They were divided. Francis was hidden by his security details behind the mausoleum of the Alderige.
Men encircled Aberdeen to ensure her safety as she was brought back to the main house. The two elders were slowly pulled back to the chapel. Renard was furiously waving them to hurry. Few men dropped dead as the onslaught continued. It stopped when the targets were out of place.
"How could this happened?" Iñigo burst in anger. "And where is my son?"
"We saw them take cover behind Vincent Alderige's mausoleum, sir." The head of security replied.
"Grandpa!" Francesca hurries to Iñigo's arms. "Where's my father?"
"They are already looking for him," Iñigo motioned Devonne to take her. "Stay with your husband, Francesca. It's dangerous to stay together. We are not on secure grounds."
"Renard, take your family with you," Viktor ordered. He glanced to his men. "Secure them."
Although defiant to the decision, Renard nodded. He held Allison's shaking hand. With five men, they ran to the back exit of the chapel near the altar. Devonne and Francesca followed anxiously.
"What about grandfather, Devonne? We can't leave them there!" Francesca revolted, trying to let go of Devonne's strong hands.
"They can handle themselves," Devonned answered in a hushed tone. "Now be quiet and follow our men."
***
With the chaos that happened, Nathalia's grave was not finished. It was half-filled. Wasted flowers scented the grounds. Shovels lie useless. Chairs scrambled in the area. A forlorn sight for the most feared woman in society.
As the rest of the people squandered for their lives, one man remains. The oldest friend. Three other men came. They picked the shovels as the old man orders. Slowly, they packed the unfilled grave.
The old man held his hands to his back. Stared at the freshly dug soils. All these years, he lived behind the shadows of Nathalia. Hiding from the morbid influence of his kind. It's time to step out of the dark. To tell a story, Lucifer: Untold.
***
WASHINGTON D.C.
FBI HEADQUARTERS
"AS THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS BROUGHT HER TO REST, THE LATE BUSINESSWOMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST, NATHALIA ALDERIGE'S FUNERAL BECAME AN ASSASSINATION SCENE. JUST BEFORE THEY LAY NATHALIA'S CASKET TO THE GROUND, RAIN OF BULLETS POURED TO THE CROWD OF ELITES ATTENDING THE FUNERAL, TARGETING THE OIL MAGNATE, VIKTOR SAMIRA, AND BANK BARON, IÑIGO CONSTANTINE. VERY CLOSE FRIENDS OF THE DECEASED."
"St. James! Nelson! Conference room, now!" Bennett shouted from his office.
The bureau fell to chaos. Vice President Henry Langston, a close affiliate of the Alderige, personally requested the investigation of the recent tragedy that befell the Alderige matriarch's funeral. Gaining more publicity and scrutiny to his clear bias. It is rumored that the Alderige promised him special support for his aspiration to run for the highest office. Bennett had no choice but to act to the demand.
Years passed, St. James and Nelson's investigation of the murder of former senator Davis went downhill. All leads pointed to nothing. More closed doors and private sectors. As the damages grew, enemies doubled, especially in the upper class. Bennett was forced to shut down the investigation. St. James was against the sudden cut. He was determined to push through until their career was on the line. They backed down and turned the other cheek. The Davis family, known for their bold personality, dubiously agreed to put an end to the chase. Then, four years ago, a suspect was arrested responsible for the assassination of Senator Chantel Davis.
"St. James!" Romeo was startled by Bennett's voice. "I need your full attention to this."
"We all know it's all a dead end, chief." He deadpanned, infuriating Bennett, not with the attitude but with the truth. Even the team silently agreed to St. James.
"Even so, it's our duty to capture those responsible for these, troubles." Bennett firmly said. More of a concerned warning to the defiant agent.
"Do we have a lead?" Nelson interjected before St. James could lose his temper.
Bennett looked at St. James one last time and shared the papers from his folder. "We have potential suspects. First is the CEO of the extended company of the Alderige, Luthor Hubert Drax. He attended the funeral with his uncle. They were suspiciously at a safe distance when the assassination attempt happened. Furthermore, they were seen leaving the premises immediately after the assassination failed. For now, we have collected several witnesses to confirm that they were behind it but still not enough to nail them. In a matter of days, Nathalia's last will and testament will be released. We are guessing another attack will happen. The Drax was forced to sell a huge portion of their company to the Alderige years ago so, in Nathalia's passing, they are trying to reclaim their ownership."