The storm.

Alec stood by his window , as usual. The clouds were a bit dark and the wind blew a little bit stronger. He sighed. He didn't know why today felt...different.

'' Alec, what's the matter? '' Gwen held his hand and squeezed it. She'd noticed that he'd been frowning for a while now.

'' Hmm?'' He snapped out of his gaze and held her hand. '' Nothing. I'm just worried about the weather. That's all. ''

'' Okay. '' Gwen caressed his cheek with her other hand.

'' Alright! Let me get some documents real quick then , I'll drop you at your work place.Okay? '' He kissed her and hurried to his book shelf.

Gwen kept looking at the sky. The air was packed with dread. Her heart was pounding and she didn't like that. She didn't like it at all.

'' Dad. '' Richard called out to Ryan who seemed to be in a world of his own. '' You called. How can I be of help? ''

'' Yes...'' He looked around for a second as though recollecting his thoughts. His eyes sharpened and his usual frown set on his face. He clenched his fist and gestured Richard to have a seat. '' I need something from you. ''

'' Anything. Just name it. '' Richard was quick to answer.

'' Revenge. '' The words were slow and venomous as they slid out of his mouth.

'' That's what I was hoping you'd say. '' Richard smirked.

'' Bain! '' Freya banged at his door. It had started to rain and the wind was getting bad.

'' Freya! What are you doing in the rain? '' Bain quickly led her in. '' Why are you here? Look , you're drenched. ''

'' It's nothing. '' She was shivering. '' It's urgent. ''

'' What's the matter? " Bain handed her a blanket.

'' It's Ryan. I think he's planning something. I'm worried. '' She held Bain's hand. '' We need to do something. ''

'' What do you have in mind? ''

Freya bit her lip. She didn't like the feeling She was getting. '' We should tell Gwen the truth. She should find it out from us before Ryan does anything.''

'' Then Alec? ''

'' We cant keep waiting for him to make up his mind. If he's scared , I'll do it for him." Freya was determined.

'' Alright then. '' Bain readied himself. He knew this wouldn't be as easy as Freya hoped. '' Then we have to get to Gwen as soon as possible. ''

'' It's okay. I'll take it later. '' Gwen turned her phone off and placed it on the table.

She saw Bain's call but she assured herself that she'd call him back after she was done with what she was doing. She was seated face to face with Mr.Fin. She could look him straight in the eyes.

'' Well , Madame. It's quite alot . So , my advice would be to sit tight. '' Mr. Fin smiled and handed her a cup of coffee.

'' Oh , okay. '' Gwen blinked nervously. She was finally getting answers to her questions.

They'd been seated in silence for the past thirty two minutes. Alec's gaze shifted from Richard to Ryan.

'' What are we here for? '' Alec finally broke the irritating silence. '' I have other places to be. ''

'' Well, sorry to hold you up...but, you are needed here for matters of dire urgency. " Ryan mouthed in to his glass of whisky.

Something wasn't right. He was feeling uneasy. He tried to calm himself with the reassuring fact that he'd set up protection for Gwen's and her family. They were safe , he'd ensured that.

'' If you're worried about Gwen , she's alright. For now. '' Ryan assured his defiant son.

'' Your threats won move me , dad. '' Alec shot back with a hint if mockery in his tone.

Ryan felt a vein tick on his jaw. Why was his son so hell bent on going against family and duty? '' Alec...I have one question. ''

'' Would you choose love over your family?" Ryan frowned.

Alec sighed and gave a loud laugh. ''That's easy. I thought you'd ask something harder. '' He leaned in and intertwined his fingers. '' I would never leave my family. ''

Ryan was happy a confused at the same time. This kid was going in circles. '' Then why are you still with her? ''

'' Because she is my family. She is a part of me. A piece of my heart. '' He watched as his father's face reddened. '' And , as you taught me. Family comes first. ''

His face stiffened. '' I'd do anything for my family. Let alone murder , I'd wipe you off the face of the earth. ''

'' Alec! Don't forget that you're talking to your father! '' Richard reminded.

Alec chuckled and ran his hands through his hair. '' I know...I remember. But he should remember that he is talking to his son. The monster he created.''

'' I created a man. Not a monster. '' Ryan said with his chest up. '' I created a wall , a shield, a protector. How else do you think you can sit there and boldly threaten me?"

'' True. '' Alec rose from his seat. '' And now, it's time you tested the strength of this wall you built. ''

With that, he walked out. He was confident he could brave whatever his father would throw at him. It would be difficult , but not impossible. He was more worried about what Gwen would do. How on earth would he handle that?

'' I'll start from the beginning. '' Mr. Fin wiped his specs and took out a loaded file . He took out a photograph and handed it to Gwen. It was Marcus, her father . It was an old photograph. He was in baggy trousers, a huge cap and he had a cigar in his mouth.

'' Where'd this come from? And why ?'' She smiled when she recalled his goofy smile and adorable eyes.

'' Well...Ms. Gwendoline.I present to you Mr.Marcus Barkeley, former reigning king of the streets, gang lord and also...your father. ''

'' Wh...what...'' Gwen's face went numb. ''What are you.....''

'' I beg you to not ask questions . Things are only going to get more complicated.''

Gwen took a deep breathe and stared at Mr. Fin.