Chapter 15

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Dr. Havers was sitting across from him in his office, waiting for Shelley to join them. The door opened and the nurse took the seat just opposite of Percy. Opening her notebook; she gave a quick rundown of their medical findings. Charles nodded.

"And, as to the other matter Mitchell?" Dr. Havers knew the routine, loyal to Corvus Vale and in debt to Charles. When he was asked to implant the device, at first, he was on the fence. Not exactly sanctioned by the Board, it would clear his debt with the Chairman and It was a great chance at testing one of his inventions but he still needed more DNA to complete his experiments.

The woman, Charlotte, was definitely mentally impaired, pregnant and by all appearances in decent health. It had been more than obvious she had not done any prenatal preparations, that was no consequence. The child was what matter to Corvus Vale and the Chairman. Until this moment, no one realized she was carrying twins.

"She's in good health more or less. I will ensure the next month or so she is given the proper vitamins and nutrients. The implant was successful. When labor begins it will necessitate a transfer to our facility. We will deal with the children there, ensuring the replacements will be in place." Charles coughed.

"Children?"

"Yes, she's carrying two males, by all appearances in good health. The scans I performed show no deformities or genetic problems. This is a good sign; of course, the amniocentesis will need to be conducted in the next couple of weeks to verify."

"Complications....well I guess I should have expected this; twins do run in that family. Will there be a problem procuring another ... mmm, child?"

"No Chairman. There are several hospitals that can supply the necessary bodies, fetuses that never survived birth. I'm sure we can obtain a set of twins."

"Sir, do we really have to do this? It seems cruel to tell Jonathan his child or children in this case, were stillborn. He's had his share of pain." It was the correct course, if the children did not survive, the Vale would stop pursuing all of them. He could gracefully resign as Chairman and leave this corrupted organization and start new. As for Jonathan, his nephew would finally have some peace.

"Yes, I've thought extensively on this matter. He deserves peace and quiet. Both of them do. As for Charlotte, she appears to be completely in another universe. I'm not sure she even understands what's going on. I should have asked him when he left how that conversation went. He didn't look happy. Besides, I believe they would all benefit from some time without being hounded by security and police details, don't you think?" Percy was of the opinion this was the wrong play. He understood the gravity of leaving the children in the hands of the Vale but believed that a man had the right to know his children, have the chance to be a father, regardless of the circumstances. He sympathized with Jonathan. He liked the man, both of the twins actually. They were caring individuals, tried hard to make the world a better place. Percy was of the belief the world, as a whole needed people like the twins. They survived a cruel unforgiving father, a maniac ancestral conspiracy and many life-threatening events. Still trying to live normal lives. Maybe that was his problem, he cared too much. Even after everything Jonathan wanted Charlotte to get the help she needed. Percy wasn't confident she was going to get that, especially with Havers involved.

"I suppose sir but if were me I would want a chance to see my child. It looked like he accepted it. And, I think he wants Charlotte to be given the help she needs, the mental health I mean. There must be something that could be done to assist her with the delusions she's living with?" Charles had weighed those options when he was devising this plan. The Vale was going to be dealing with the woman for the foreseeable future. However, Percy was right. Maybe he could put something in place, before he resigned, give her some assistance as well.

          

He still held her responsible and culpable for the events leading up to this point. She may be insane; however, believed she knew deep down what she had been doing. If that were so, if she regained some kind of control over herself and her emotions, what would happen? The woman was smart, devious and a master manipulator. If she had regained even a modicum of sanity, he believed her ruthlessness would know no bounds.

Still, it would be better for all concerned if he had her under his supervision. The family connections could not be revealed. Nodding to himself, making his decision he looked at his assistant.

"Percy we will have to prepare another contingency, to deal with the Charlotte matter. Please see to it. After, the delivery. Make sure she's under our control not the Vale's." Turning to his medical associates.

"I'll contact you once labor has begun, I will be informed and, when the implant deploys, we will arrange transfer to your facility. Make sure all is prepared for that eventuality." Dr. Havers and Ms. Graven nodded and left. Havers had his own plans in motion. He asked Shelley if she got the samples.

"Of course, doctor." He smiled. If it turned out she was a suitable candidate he would have the coordinator ensure the disposition of the woman after the birth. "I'll put a rush on the results, we should know before the end of the day." Havers smiled to himself, he was almost positive she would make the perfect addition to his test subjects. The Chairman may think he'll have control but, Mitchell Havers was sure the coordinator would make his request the reality.

"Sir, are you sure this will work?" Percy was still hesitant, it depended on everything going as planned, no surprises. With the Black twins that was a tall order.

"We can only hope Percy. We can only hope."

When Jonathan opened his eyes, he found Cameron dozing in the chair next to his bed. Kay was near the window reading a magazine, Dina at the end of the bed staring at him, or at least that's what it looked like. "Dina?" She blinked. She had been thinking and going over things in her mind. His inquiry had brought her back. She shook herself and sat up straight in her chair. Kay closed her magazine and pulled her stool over to join the others surrounding the bed. Placing a gentle hand on Cam's arm, he roused himself; he'd been exhausted. It was the first time in days he'd slept, really slept.

Rubbing his face, he sat up stretched, yawned and gave his brother a smirky smile.

"Well....it looks like you got some closure bro. How do you feel?"

He thought about it. "Good. I'm good. It's like a weight has been lifted. It was hard though, not sure she got anything out of what I said. She's even further gone than I even thought possible. She's not really there." Cam was nodding; he knew exactly what he was talking about.

"It was weird from our end that was for sure. Whatever you said didn't seem to penetrate. Jon, I'm sorry....I had no idea what it was like. I'm not even sure I have an idea even now." Jonathan shook his head and his one good hand at his brother.

"It doesn't matter anymore. I can deal with it, at least I think I can...now. I don't understand why it makes a difference but it does. I'm going to be fine, really Cam." Dina had been listening and not really understanding what was being discussed. Desire to know was burning but she also had her own news that she had to share.

"Guys.... I know I was just supposed to keep Charles busy so you could do your thing. But, something's not right. When I was going through the paperwork with him, I got the distinct impression none of it mattered. It was trivial, the vibe was definitely off."

"What do you mean trivial?" Cameron was questioning, having his perpetual frown return. "How?"

"It was like whatever I said was, sure Ms. Clark. Not a problem Ms. Clark. That sort of thing. Normally when you go over a contract or agreement there is usually some kind of give and take. Granted, I was just trying to keep him occupied but you would think there would be some kind of exchange. I've done this for years for you two; this is the first time, even when the paperwork was in order, there was no disagreement, suggestion or explanation. I'm telling you something isn't right."

"That does sound suspicious." Cameron looked at Kay.

"I got the same kind of feeling Cam when we were leaving. Remember when I stopped and wanted assurances that you, as Jonathan, would be notified as soon as labor started. It was just off. I couldn't put my finger on it but I've learned to listen to my instincts. Even when I mentioned that the FBI was still involved, he didn't even blink. Like it just didn't matter, it wasn't a concern." Jonathan wouldn't be surprised in the least to find there was a hidden agenda.

"I have an idea. Cam, hear me out before you dismiss it out of hand." Cameron was taken aback a bit. Whenever Jon got an idea, it usually caused him headaches.

"Okay....unless it's outrageous."

"I was thinking of Jessalyn...."

"No."

"Cam you said you'd listen. What I have in mind will work; at least it should give us information. She's tenacious, resourceful and a reporter. It's what she does. Besides, I trust her." That surprised the other three in the room.

"You barely know her Jonathan. If you do what I think you want to do, you're going to have to tell her everything. Do you really want that? Do you trust her that much?"

"Yes. Yes, I do. I think she can be our ace in the hole. I want to at least ask her if she'd help."

"She's awfully young Jonathan." Kay wasn't sure what to think. Jonathan had been so closed mouthed with the team over the past few months, only speaking of certain things. Allowing only a few know everything, or where the artifacts were. Things were difficult at best and this surprised her. Why Jessalyn? What was going on in his mind? Cameron was beside himself. He stood with his brother but, even though he'd managed to accept the reporter, he wasn't sure he wanted all their dirty laundry exposed to her. It wasn't only Jonathan's history it was his too.

"I don't know Jon. I'm not willing to have my life an open book to a woman I didn't know last week. She's the press. We run from the press remember?" Dina piped up.

"I'm with Cam Jonathan, the press can be brutal. I've worked my butt off to keep your personal lives and problems quiet. What makes you think she'll keep the secrets? That story would make a career for a new reporter like her. It could cause you and the team more trouble than it's worth.

"I think I'm right and she'll be discreet."

"How do you know Jonathan; how can you be so sure?" Cameron was pressing his brother. Why did he believe this girl would keep their secrets and for that matter help them? "Besides, if you tell her your story, I have to tell mine. I don't think I can."

"I just know. I know, right now you can't see it. But, it's there .... I'm positive. We have to do something, this is a good way to go about it. I think we should ask her." Cameron was trying to dissuade him without success. He needed backup and found nothing that would change his twin's mind. Finally, he agreed to meet with the girl, under the provision it would be team vote.

Jonathan didn't like his odds but, really wanted to see if they could work it out. Cam was right, it did involve all of them but, it was his kid in the balance. That should mean something. And, he was optimistic of what he felt from Jessalyn. She told him the truth and would keep his secrets. It was beyond reason, he was sure she would be more than happy to help them.

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