Nine - Speeding Car

Almost two decades ago, society was held in the palms of the few. Few people who in one way or another destroyed each other. After the last Prime Leader of the High Order fell, no one rises as a replacement. The Astors have abdicated the position when Selena was put down. Now, all six clans have no one to push to the top leaving the regents of the Inner Circle as the remaining caretakers of the organization. Until then, almost twenty years after, no worthy was placed to run the organization. There's one family. Interested beyond their qualification to take the throne.

"News from headquarters, sir."

Hector was interrupted by Adam. A timely interruption from his own morbid thoughts. He closed his eyes and glanced to the anxious lawyer. Adam was hesitant to continue knowing how he disturbed Hector but the news is urgent. Afraid but determined, Adam cleared his throat.

"Nathalia is well, sir," He paused. Assess the damage of the statement. Hector's breathing signifies his unfinished sentence. "She only suffered minor injuries when she fell on the stairs."

"She really is immortal, isn't she?" Hector laughed without humor. He lit a cigarette. "What about our assassins?"

"She's formidable, sir," Adam joins Hector's dilemma and lit his own stick. "As long as she's alive, no one will dare challenge her position."

"And she's not alone," Hector blew the smoke out of his mouth.

Paranoia sets in. Adam was surprised to know that there's more than one quality of a person such as Nathalia Clement Alderige. Nathalia alone is hard to beat, how much more if there is another one. If the one he fears the most like Hector is having a hard time standing against that particular woman, then may be he needs to reconsider his allegiance. A thought he never once put to action.

"Sir?" Adam clarified. "You mean to say that Nathalia is not the only regent left?"

Hector can see through the brave facade of his lawyer that he is beyond frightened. A reasonable emotion given their position. Loyalty is challenged. Fool is the one who will not acknowledge their weak offense. He finished his cigarette and ignored the unanswered inquiry. The good lawyer was left with questions. A crucial place. It will be his death once he starts asking questions, because even though Hector has someone he fears, Adam has to answer to Hector.

***

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Retirement was meant to be a vacation. An earned vacation for those who worked all their lives. Working half of your lifetime to enjoy your few remaining years. Drowning in his own thoughts, a retiree never seemed to enjoy his remaining years.

"Dad? Are you okay?" A young woman with her little one approached the idle man. "Where's mom?"

"Sweety! You're early!" He changed his emotion immediately. "Don't sneak up on me like that! Your old man still has his charms."

"Oh, dad! You were sitting there like a mannequin!" The woman rolled his eyes. "Where's mom?"

"She's preparing dinner," the gentleman carried his grandson. "You've grown up! Let's go get grandma!"

The retired soldier is growing eerie day by day. As his past has now taking a toll on his mental state. His own demons. Years of training made him capable of pretending that everything is going well, but none has been for a while. At least eighteen years.

"Dad!" His daughter almost scream as he was once again found himself idling.

"Honey, he's been like that ever since he watched the news." The wife interjected in worry.

"I'm fine," he started slicing the meat on his plate. "I think just a little tired."

"Are you sure, dad? We can schedule a check up just to be sure," she glanced to her mother for support. "Mom, I think dad needs a therapy."

Technical Sergeant Newland Snow has changed. Surrounded by death, he has grown accustomed to people dying like a normal phenomenon. A realistic point of view in his line of work. Not until those deaths were the results of his choices. Choices he regretted too late.

His family was never enlightened about his whereabouts and involvement to the disputes on international waters. A grace yet a curse. His mind has been on chaos ever since and today it becomes worse.

"There's no need for that, sweetheart." He assured his wife and daughter.

"Wait, what news, mom?" The daughter looked at her mother expectantly.

"It was on the news yesterday. I don't know if you knew this but your dad used to work for the Alderige. Some mission abroad he never once mentioned." Trinity dropped a knowing look on Newland. "He was one of the security details of the Alderige. Dr. Vincent died on his watch. Yesterday was his death anniversary."

Maxine instantly softened. Looked at her father sympathetically. She was sheltered from all the horror he experienced. Still, she is determined to have him checked.

"Maybe talking to somebody will ease the burden, dad," she smiled. "It might be hard to open up to us but maybe a professional can listen. Even a priest for instance. Do confessions, just don't sit there drifting away with your thoughts."

***

DOWNCASTER, SULLEN GROUNDS

The convoy of expensive cars entered the vast property of Samira. For centuries, these lands are own by Samira alone. Society changed and nobles were considered as equals. A huge piece of Sullen Grounds was returned to the people. The lovely visitor took her time watching the well maintained landscape. Statues dated from the renaissance era lined up to the driveway.

The trees started clearing up spitting their cars out of the man made woods exposing the grounds of Downcaster. There it stood, the Samira manor. Standing proud and powerful. Staff were waiting patiently outside the main entrance, including her humble hosts for maybe some time. The familiar vibrant smile of the young lord of Downcaster was the first to welcome her. She approached Lord Renard first.

"Lady Francesca Constantine," The lord curtsy before her which she respectfully returned. "Welcome to Downcaster. Glad to grace this house with your presence."

The young lord beside his father could not hold his excitement and deliberately cough. Renard is well aware of his son's interest. He moved to introduce his wife first disappointing the young lord. Francesca secretly snickered towards Devonne.

"My wife, Lady Allison Samira," he smiled to his wife. "Lady Francesca Constantine, granddaughter of Iñigo Constantine."

"Pleasure to meet you, my lady. Make yourself at home," Allison warmly greeted. She held the young lady's hands and carefully dragged her to the one person who in fact counted the days to her arrival. "There's one person who is too eager to meet you."

"Mother!" Devonne, embarrassed to his mother's confession, quickly hushed her gossips.

Renard was relieved to receive the powerful man's granddaughter. Reluctant to this setup but he is now glad to see their differences were finally put behind them. Though fate may not have favored Catherine and Francis, it does not mean it's not closing its doors for the newest generation.

"I know him, my lady." Francesca smirked to Devonne.

"Really now?" Allison quirks in curiosity. She teases the flustered young man. "Devonne never mentioned such encounters."

"It was more than an encounter, believe me, lady Allison," then Francesca laughs.

"Mother, an introduction would be appropriate." He faked a smile avoiding the young lady's eyes.

"It seems not really necessary since you two knew each other already," she chirped making Devonne grimaced. "Alright then, lady Francesca, the oldest son of Samira, Devonne."

"Pleasure to meet you, my lady," he hesitated before he finally managed to curtsy.

"Believe me, the pleasure is mine, my lord." She playfully responded and offered her hand. "Perhaps a tour, young master?"