Chapter 2

Arrivals

Alex’s eyes were accusing.

“I was going to tell you,” Derek said quickly.

“When? As the guy walked thru the door?” Nick inquired, folding his arms and looking disgusted more than angry. “Who is he?”

“His name is Steve. Steve Anthony. Before we went to Egypt – ”

“Rachel told us about that. She also said you’d discuss it with us before making a final choice,” Alex commented, sounding disappointed.

“I have no excuse, Alex,” Derek said. “All the candidates had a solid Legacy background. I .. chose at random.”

“You didn’t even try to match the guy into the existing setup?” Nick exclaimed.

“No, because I never believed it would happen. But now he is almost here and I am telling you that this house is once again at full strength.” Derek regarded them. “You were both new members once. I hope you’ll remember how it felt and how the others made you feel welcome here.”

Alex flushed slightly. “We know what to do, Derek. I haven’t forgotten what it was like but I also remember, when Nick first came here, that you gave us a few days’ warning. As soon as you knew he was definitely coming, you told us.”

“Does Rachel know?” Nick asked.

“No.”

“You kept this one tight to your chest.”

“I’ve explained. I thought it would fall thru. It hasn’t. We must make the best of it, myself included.” He paused. “My own view is that we don’t need a fifth member. I am very satisfied with the strengths we each have. We are a good team – ”

“Most of the time,” Nick remarked levelly. “When some of us don’t hold back important information.”

“Agreed,” Derek said, taking it on the chin. “But London was pushing. I can only resist for so long without having this house declared renegade. Now that Steve is almost at our front door, we’ll have to get used to .. having someone else working alongside us.”

“Let’s get going,” Merlin suggested quietly. “He must be close.”

Derek led the way out. Alex followed him. Nick hung back to walk with Merlin.

“Did you know about this?”

“Just a few minutes before you an’ only because Derek had a request. If it hadn’t been for that, I doubt he would have mentioned it.”

“What request?” Nick frowned.

She smiled. “You’re a smart guy. Figure it out.”

Nick thought and his eyes widened slightly. “He wanted you to vet the new guy.”

“He did. I told him no, I couldn’t.”

“Derek doesn’t trust him … ” Nick realized softly.

“Yeah, he does. Steve is a Legacy vet, after all. But, if there’s cause for concern, Alopex will .. call by sometime. It depends on how Steve acts.” She glanced round. “Nick, don’t give Derek a hard time. He feels bad enough for not saying an’ now is a time for you guys to work together, not fall apart. What kinda image will that give Steve?”

“An accurate one,” Nick muttered.

Merlin laughed. “On rare occasions, sure. Only natural. Most of the time, however, you work as one team. Bring Steve into the fold. Remember how Julia befriended you?”

“Right. Sure.”

“And a new guy, resident here, will be useful when you’re on the mainland. You can stop being so hard on yourself.”

“I guess.” They walked on in silence for a few seconds then Nick shook his head. “I can’t remember which one he is.”

“Who? Steve?”

“I looked at the files,” he admitted. “Two were okay, one was faceless an’ bland, another was a pretty boy, an’ one was .. so like me it was scary.”

“Well, we’ll find out soon enough,” she said.

*****

Steve had seen pictures of the house but seeing it with his eyes really made his jaw drop open. He’d slowed for the bend anyway but, once around it and the house was there, he didn’t speed up again. One day, he knew, he wouldn’t find the view so amazing. He’d drive round the bend and accelerate, not paying the house a second thought. By that time, it would be home to him.

But today he crawled past the front, past the tower, sliding under the wide arching portico and out the other side. A little way farther, he found the garage and pulled up. A sudden fit of nerves grabbed him. His stomach knotted and his mouth went dry.

He knew they knew he was here. The gate hadn’t been told of his arrival so the guard had called up to the house for instructions. Steve was slightly hurt by that. However, he let it go. Maybe Derek Rayne had been too busy to tell the gate. And Steve’s arrival time had never been set in stone. Paul’s email had said ‘when you get there’ and had left Steve to choose whatever was best for him and the airlines.

He switched off the engine and eased out to stand on the gravel drive. Partly to allow his stomach a chance to settle and partly to give himself some kind of insight into the people who were about to be his colleagues, Steve looked quickly into the garage thru a partially opened door. He saw the Range Rover, another 4x4, a neutral colored sedan, a motorcycle, and a classic red Mustang Ragtop.

“Nice,” he breathed, nodding in admiration. “Has to be Nick Boyle’s.”

He turned away to fetch his bags from the trunk of the rental and reflected that the Mustang might, just, be enough to bring them onto a small patch of common ground but he knew it was only wishful thinking. Steve was expecting Derek’s second in command to be a problem. Okay, he might be surprised but Steve didn’t believe he would be.

His shoulders straightened as he began the walk back to the house.

You’ve never been one to put off the inevitable, he told himself. Never been backward in coming forward, as they say. They know you’re here. It’s time to say hi.

Steve went to the front door and hesitated. He would have laughed if he’d known the question in his head had also been asked by Nick on his arrival – should I knock or ring the bell and wait, or just walk straight in?

He put a hand on the door and pushed slightly. It was definitely shut. He knocked and waited.

He didn’t wait long. The door opened and a young man, in his early thirties and a suit, stood there.

“Yes, sir? Oh, you must be the new resident Dr Rayne told me about. I’m Andrew, the steward. Please come in. May I take your bags?”

“It’s okay. No offense, Andrew. I like to carry my own. I’m Steve Anthony.”

“Welcome to Angel Island, sir.”

As Steve crossed the threshold, he had a very strange sensation. His feet and lower legs felt fine as did his shoulders, arms and head. But around the area of his hips and upper thighs, just for a second, it seemed to be as heavy as lead. Once he was in the foyer, however, it passed.

“Some place,” he commented, carefully putting his bags on the floor. “You clean it all by yourself?”

“No, sir. I have help.”

Steve glanced round as people started coming downstairs. Most of these, he recognized. Dr Derek Rayne, Precept. Alex Moreau. Nick Boyle. And then there was a stranger. She wasn’t Rachel. Steve had seen Rachel’s picture so he knew it wasn’t her.

“Steve, welcome to the island and to the house,” Derek greeted, extending a hand. “How was your journey?”

“It was good, thank you.”

Derek smiled. “I’m Derek. This is Alex and Nick. And this is Peri, Nick’s wife. Everyone, this is Steve Anthony, the newest member of the Luna Foundation.”

“Welcome,” Alex smiled.

“Pleased to meet you,” Merlin added.

Steve glanced at Nick. Nick wasn’t exactly staring but he was looking distinctly uncomfortable.

“Nick,” Steve prompted, holding out a hand.

“Steve,” Nick responded, grasping it.

“Wow .. you two look really alike,” Alex remarked. “Kindred spirits.”

Uh uh, Nick thought, mentally shaking his head.

No way, Steve replied in the privacy of his own head. We’re more like a fluke of nature. But .. maybe .. one day … I can hope, can’t I?

“I asked Andrew to prepare a room for you, for tonight or as long as you want. He’ll show you which of the rooms are available in the residential wing. You can choose one of those for your own use.” Derek hesitated. “Do you want to freshen up after your trip?”

“That’d be good,” Steve nodded.

“This way, sir.”

“Andrew, in about an hour, would you show Steve to the study?” Derek requested.

“Yes, sir,” Andrew nodded.

Steve followed the steward up the stairs. “Is Peri in the Luna Foundation too?” he asked.

“No, sir. She’s Nick’s wife and she helps out. A demonologist. Her hobby.”

“I can see how that could be helpful. They met here?”

“It was before my time, sir, but I believe they did, yes.”

Thought so, Steve mused. Weak. Personal weakness. You don’t mix it with the help or your colleagues. Only leads to rivalry, jealousy and big, big trouble.

*****

“You told Andrew but not us?” Alex accused.

“This morning,” Derek responded rather testily. “So he could prepare a room. You know how Andrew likes to be ready in advance.”

“But we’re different? Are we so accustomed to reacting to a crisis that we don’t need to be told in advance? Derek .. do you know how insulting that is?”

“Why him?” Nick muttered. “Of all the choices you could have made, why did it have to be him?”

“I chose at random,” Derek repeated. “I mixed up the files and I picked one.”

“At least you two have something in common,” Alex pointed out.

“You don’t know that, Alex,” Nick argued and shook his head. “I got a bad feeling about this.”

Derek looked irritated. “The man’s only just walked thru the door, Nick. Give him a chance. If he makes a serious mistake on an investigation, puts someone’s life at risk, maybe you’ll have grounds for feeling that way. Just walking into the house and saying hello does not warrant any kind of bad feeling. You’re just making yourself look childish and petulant. Accept the fact Steve is here. Live with it.”

He turned and stalked away. Alex was staring at the floor. Nick slowly let out a breath.

“So it’s my fault,” he murmured, his jaw twitching.

“Nick – ” Alex began.

“How would you like it, Alex, if someone came to live here who had a remarkable resemblance to you? You’d find that okay, would you? You’ve already said Steve an’ I have a lot in common, an’ you’ve not exchanged ten words with the guy. All I’m saying is, if that continues, I have a bad feeling about it. Keep us separate, maybe I can learn to do what Derek wants an’ live with it.”

Then he walked away too and Alex, who had a bad feeling of her own, went to follow.

“Let him go,” Merlin advised quietly. “He needs some time alone.”

“Do you think he’s being childish?”

“In one way, yeah, but that’s how Nick is. He sees, reacts, speaks, an’ then thinks. It can sound childish but it’s also very now. And, in another way, no, I don’t. I think he feels he has reasons for genuine grievance. But, as Derek said, Steve has only just walked thru the door. We should let him get his feet under the table before we start assessing his personality.” She smiled. “You work on Derek, I’ll keep Nick sweet. We have to be united if Steve’s gonna make a worthwhile contribution over the next few days. An’, when Rachel gets here, she can take over. She’s qualified for that.”

*****

“Here you are, sir.”

“This is a .. resident’s room?” Steve queried, peering around the door.

“Yes, sir.”

“Call me Steve. Please.”

“Very well, sir. This room is residential but considered temporary,” Andrew replied. “Obviously, you needed somewhere to stay when you first arrived, and this is it. However, we do have permanent rooms for residents available and you can choose one – ”

“Can I choose now? I’m going to arrange to have my gear delivered sometime soon, in the next few days or so. I really don’t wanna go to all the effort of unpacking only to pack an’ move three doors along the hall.”

“Of course,” Andrew smiled. “Great time saver. This way. You can leave your bags here, if you wish, and collect them later.”

Steve hesitated but put his cases on the bed then followed Andrew down a long corridor and around the corner. Andrew kept walking but slowed down.

“This is Nick and Peri’s room, when they decide to stay over,” he said, as if giving a guided tour.

“Is this room free?” Steve inquired, gesturing at the next door along.

“No, Steve. Dr Rayne has plans to turn that room into a nursery.”

Steve wasn’t sure how to interpret that and his confusion showed in his face.

“Mrs Boyle is expecting their first child. Around Christmas, I understand,” Andrew explained, smiling. “This room is available,” he went on, pointing at the door next to the nursery in potentia.

Steve opened it and looked inside. It was a good size. Big bed. A little old fashioned in the décor and the furniture was solid but the house quietly emphasized its history. He nodded.

“I’ll take this one.”

Andrew blinked. “Are you sure? You don’t want to see any of the others?”

“This is fine.”

“There are bigger rooms – ” the steward began. He’d been in the foyer too while the introductions had taken place and he’d noticed the challenging glint in both Nick’s eyes and Steve’s. Physical distance could avert the onset of war. Steve being just two doors away might hasten it.

“My stuff’ll fit here. It’s perfect. Thanks, Andrew.”

“Very well. I’ll .. leave you to freshen up and come back for you in around fifty minutes.”

“Great. Thanks again.”

Andrew drifted away, feeling slightly sick. Steve went into his room and examined it. He checked the view from the window, tried the bed, and looked at the bathroom.

He really didn’t know why he’d chosen this room. Some crazy impulse driven by some deeper motivation. He sat on the bed and swallowed.

When Steve had first joined the Legacy, people had remarked on his likeness to an already existing member over on the west coast. Not just looks, they’d said, but attitude too. Incredible. Steve had been initially intrigued and a little threatened by this news. He’d asked questions. Anyone would. What he’d heard had amazed him.

If Alex Moreau was becoming a legend and Derek Rayne was a legend, Nick Boyle was legendary. Ten years in the club and going strong. Before that, the guy had been a Navy SEAL. Steve knew a little about them – not much because every mission was classified. But he’d seen stuff on TV – only one guy in a hundred got thru training to earn his Trident. It was hard and unforgiving, yet the sense of family and belonging made it all worthwhile. Nick had walked away from that family to join another, the Legacy. ‘He’s still got the thousand mile stare,’ Steve was told by people who sounded awestruck.

From that day on, rather than separate himself and forge his own way, Steve had modeled himself on Nick. Nick Boyle was his idol. He’d requested the transfer so he could learn at first hand and work, live in the same house as the guy he admired so much.

It was only when his request had been approved that his colleagues, while happy for him, began warning him that the emulation could have gone too far and might get him in deep water. By then, the habits he’d formed were too entrenched to be unlearned in a couple of weeks.

So .. Nick was going to be a problem. Steve didn’t have Nick’s military background – not officially anyway. He’d put ‘a background in education’ on his résumé. It was mostly true, just skewed a little to make it sound respectable. It would come out, eventually, and then, maybe, Nick might understand a little of why Steve acted the way he did. After all, Steve told himself, we’re alike and we were alike five years ago before either of us knew of the other. In the meantime, he would have to try to keep it toned down. Bite back the impulses. Swallow down the Nick-like words. Try to be someone he wasn’t until they knew him enough for him to be the guy he’d turned himself into. Only thing wrong there was the guy Steve had become was already living just down the hall.

And now he’d chosen this room. It was going to cause trouble, he knew it.

If only I could find some common ground which isn’t Nick Boyle …

*****

Rachel closed the door and instantly frowned as she stilled and let her eyes explore the foyer. It looked exactly the same as it had yesterday yet, somehow, the house felt a lot different. Cautiously, she climbed the stairs, her ears pricked for raised voices but it was horribly quiet. The atmosphere prickled her skin, giving her gooseflesh.

Upon entering the library, she halted again. Derek glanced up.

“Ah, Rachel. I’m glad you’re here,” he said and actually sounded glad. She smiled hesitantly, her gaze flicking to the man she didn’t know who sat at the table. “I’d like to introduce you to Steve Anthony .. our new member.”

Rachel’s mouth worked a little then she smiled again as her mind kicked her into action and remembering her manners.

“Steve. Hi. I’m Rachel Corrigan,” she said, coming in and extending her hand. “Welcome to San Francisco.”

“It’s a lot different to New York,” Steve responded.

“You’re from the New York house?”

“Yeah. Five years.”

“Well, it’s great to have you here .. an’ be back to full strength.”

“Thanks for the welcome, doc. Or should I call you Rachel?”

“Rachel’s fine,” she laughed.

“The others are in the control room,” Derek commented. “I’m just giving Steve a rundown and setting up his security protocols. We’ll be in shortly.”

“Fine,” Rachel said brightly. “I’ll go on thru.”

In the control room, Alex was concentrating on her screen although she did glance around and her eyes briefly met Rachel’s. She said nothing. Nick didn’t even look round. His jaw was clenched hard and Rachel understood the reason for the tension she’d picked up on. Merlin came out of Derek’s office.

“Got a second?”

“Yeah.” Gratefully, Rachel followed her inside. “What the hell’s going on?” she whispered.

“New member. Arrived today. Derek didn’t say a word to anybody until the guy was almost at the door.”

“He said he’d run it by us!”

“Obviously, he changed his mind. I feel sorry for the guy.”

“Steve?”

“Derek,” Merlin amended. “It isn’t like him to do the head in the sand thing but I guess Paul got him desperate. He chose Steve at random. Never thought he’d actually turn up.”

Rachel rolled her eyes.

“We need a mediator out there. Guess who’s pulled the short straw.” Merlin grinned. “I’ll even give you a clue – it ain’t me.”

“Does he know about you?” Rachel inquired, establishing ground rules.

“No. An’ he won’t, not for a while unless you guys let something outta the bag.” Merlin hesitated. “Rachel, it’s time I gave you my little confession.”

Rachel blinked, her stomach sinking. “Why do I feel this isn’t gonna be good?”

“I guess it depends on your viewpoint. Nick an’ I, for instance, believe it isn’t only good but right an’ absolutely the best choice we could’ve made.” Merlin shrugged slightly. “You .. maybe you’ve learned to lean a little too much. Anyway, my confession – y’know I never wanted kids, not if I had to force them to do what I do. Then I became pregnant an’ lost the baby .. an’ that made me realize that I wanted the chance to try motherhood, to see if I’d be any good at it. So I was offered a deal an’ I took it. The boss agreed to switch me off. I’m as normal as you are, Rachel. Have been for .. just over three months now. My baby is gonna be normal too. Of course, once I push it into the world, I get switched back on again but, for now, I’m not working as an Enforcer.”

“An’ no one .. up there is watching over you?”

“I’m not sure but they said no. I know I’ve had some morning sickness which my Mom never had. I know having this baby is gonna be painful. You hit me, it’ll hurt. However, if my life’s in danger, the boss’ll step in.”

“An’ your baby?”

Merlin shook her head. “No more special treatment than anyone else.”

Rachel put a hand to her mouth and half turned away, shaking her head. “Oh .. my.”

“Is there a problem?”

“Yes! You know I only agreed to monitor your progress because I believed someone else was also monitoring your progress,” Rachel said hotly. “I’m a psychiatrist, Peri, not an obstetrician. I’m not qualified to do this. Yes, I’m a doctor but this isn’t .. basic first aid. You have to see a specialist,” she pleaded. “Get proper care.”

“I am getting proper care. I may not be able to work right now but I am an Enforcer. I need discretion. The boss recommended you, Rachel. He wouldn’t have done that if he thought you couldn’t cope. I have faith in you.”

Rachel swallowed. “That’s gratifying .. but I don’t know if it’ll be enough.”

“It will be,” Merlin smiled. “So Steve doesn’t need to know anything about me except I’m Nick’s wife an’ I help out from time to time.”

“Does Derek know about you?”

“Yeah. I told him this morning. It’s been a great day for secrets being revealed.”

“Why did you tell him now?” Rachel frowned.

“He wanted me to vet Steve when he arrived. I couldn’t do it.”

“Doesn’t Derek trust him?” she asked.

“I think it was more covering the bases. Just .. making sure. I offered to get Alopex over here but he said no. An’, so far, based on the evidence of a couple of hours, Steve seems to be fine.”

“How is he?” Rachel inquired next.

Merlin laughed. “I’m not going to answer that,” she said. “My opinions are only valid to me. Go spend some time out there, discover for yourself an’ form your own opinions.”

“Okay, good answer,” Rachel conceded. “Tell me this – why is Nick being so hostile?”

Merlin looked down. “You’ll discover that too when you spend time with ’em.”

*****

“This is the control room,” Derek said. “My office is just thru there. Along that hall, you’ll find the labs we use.”

Steve glanced around and nodded. “Nice.”

“Different from the setup in New York?” Derek inquired.

“A little but most of it, the important stuff, is the same. Only two workstations?”

“It’s rare that we have the need to use more. There are others, though. Over there.”

Steve nodded again. “Which one’s mine?”

“We use them all. They don’t belong to any one person.”

“Does Andrew know about this?”

Derek shook his head. “Andrew is .. very bright. Observant. And loyal to us. He knows we go somewhere but he has no access to this room and he has never been inside it. We’ve never spoken of it to him.”

“Just so I don’t say the wrong thing,” Steve remarked. He heard footsteps and turned as Rachel and Merlin came in. His eyes narrowed quickly but it passed.

That’s weird, he thought. This is a Legacy control room. Members only territory. Yet .. Nick’s wife is in here? The scuttlebutt is that San Francisco doesn’t always go by the rules, and I’m good with that cos I don’t either, but also that Derek Rayne runs a pretty tight ship. It’s one of the other reasons why I wanted in. But a non-member in the control room ..? That isn’t just bending the rules, it’s abandoning them and tossing the book out the window.

He watched Merlin go over to Nick, bend slightly and murmur something in his ear. Nick’s hard eyes softened momentarily and he nodded.

Probably warning him off, Steve reflected. I don’t think I could beat him in a fight but I could hurt him. I don’t want it to come to that so warning him off is good. Wonder how long it’ll last …

“Alex, could you tell Steve what we’re presently working on and set up his access to the system?” Derek requested.

“Of course,” Alex smiled.

“Derek, you got a second?” Nick asked, rising.

Steve watched Derek’s shoulders drop a fraction of an inch. Interesting, he thought. Does the tight ship have some holes in it? Is there some friction already between Derek and his second in command over my arrival? That could work in my favor. Be a chance there for me.

“Yes,” Derek replied and Nick followed him into the office. Both waited for the door to close. “What is it, Nick?”

“Peri’s just reminded me about tomorrow. Our conversation this morning at breakfast.” He ran a hand around the back of his neck. “Seems like a million years ago now. You said you’d confirm it later.”

Derek smiled. “Yes, you must go. Now Steve is here, it’ll be easier for us all to take timeout without suffering any backlog.”

“Yeah,” Nick agreed in a carefully neutral voice.

Derek regarded him. “I’m sorry. I regret my words of earlier. It’s a big transition for all of us but you especially. However, I know you can do it, Nick.”

“I’ll give it my best shot. I just hope he does too.”

“I’m sure he will. Steve specifically asked for this house. He must want to fit with us. He has a lot to learn about how we work together and it is our duty to help him thru.”

Nick looked down. “I’m not against him being here. I’m not against having the house at full strength, Derek. I just … ” He shook his head.

“I understand. What time will you be leaving?”

“Around six .. unless you want us to stay to Steve’s first supper.”

Derek listened to the mournful, distant call of the foghorn. “If you do, you’ll likely have to stay over. Go at six, or before. Peri needs her rest. Baby store shopping is important and the Legacy cannot stand in its way.”

“I’ll finish up what I’m doing then an’ call it a day.” Nick hesitated. “If you’re sure.”

“I am .. unless you want to stay.”

Nick was torn. Yes, he wanted to stay if only to protect his position, see how the new guy got on, how he was at working, how he took orders, and try to find out if there could be some way to live with it. And, no, he wanted to leave, to get distance between himself and Angel Island, to get a little time alone so he could wrestle with the entire situation. He wasn’t sure what was the best choice.

Derek decided for him. “Go. You don’t live here, Nick. Alex and I do. Tonight will be the first of many we’ll spend here with Steve. And, if I need you back, I’ll call.”

“Okay.” He gave a quick grin. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Just .. don’t get bent out of shape over this. It isn’t worth it.”

“No, boss.”

*****

Steve turned down the offer of company. He’d found he learned best if he explored alone. If something caught his eye, he could take a detour. If someone was with him, they tended to keep him on their path.

He went outside, feeling a need for some fresh air. He had a couple of hours before supper and he could have spent them unpacking but the outside called to him.

He walked down the drive then turned to the left, cutting across the lawn to the trees. As he walked, he carried out a mental review of his day so far.

Steve was in love with the city. It was vibrant and colorful, energetic and curiously small. Bound by water on three sides, it couldn’t sprawl like some cities. The threat of earthquakes was ever present and it gave the citizens a kind of ‘live for the moment’ mentality. The weather was nicer too. Not so humid. Even the fog Steve found different. He liked Angel Island. He hadn’t been sure at first. The idea of being on an island, so far from everything, hadn’t seemed practical but, now he was here, it made sense. It was tranquil. A haven of calm. The estate was guarded. Most Legacy houses didn’t have half the security of this one. And he was a part of it now. Special. He wouldn’t have to sign in at the gate. They’d know who he was and wave him past.

As for his colleagues … He liked Alex and could see how she was getting her reputation. She was competent and patient and she had a rich laugh which went with the twinkle in her eyes. Steve sensed loyalty and steadfastness in her. He could work well with her, he knew. Derek was someone who made him feel just a little awestruck. The intelligence of the guy was phenomenal. Derek came out with facts and figures other people might have to dig for. Today, he’d been patient with Steve yet Steve felt that, if the situation warranted it, he could be more than brisk. He could be demanding, relentless and fiery.

Rachel Corrigan was still something of an enigma. She’d been open and friendly, smiling at him whenever she’d noticed he was looking her way, yet he’d also felt she was observing him and she hadn’t been smiling when she’d done it. That was to be expected in a lot of ways so Steve didn’t let it get to him. He was the new kid on this particular block. He hadn’t been given the chance yet to shine .. but he would.

None of them had asked him any personal questions today. It had all been to do with work and the questions had, in fact, been very few. Mostly, people had talked to him, giving him information. The general stuff had been very general – mealtimes, leaving notes on the board in the kitchen, Andrew didn’t stay over, weekends they did for themselves.

His biggest disappointment was also his greatest joy. Nick Boyle. Steve had finally met him and shaken his hand. Seen how remarkably alike they actually were. They’d spoken. One on one, although others had been present. After that, Nick hadn’t said a word to him and, now, he’d left for the day.

That surprised Steve although, now, he did recall Andrew telling him Nick’s room was for when he and Peri stayed over. Steve thought Nick might have stayed tonight. He’d been half hoping for a late hours, one on one chat over a beer in the kitchen. Just something minor, to clear the air before the growing storm broke.

Steve had watched Nick working and he’d admired what he’d seen. Nick didn’t waste energy. He was equally as competent as Alex but he didn’t move around so much. He was completely focused. Steve got the impression that Nick could burst into action at any moment but it was only his impression. Nick didn’t advertise. His eyes .. yes, they definitely had the ‘thousand mile stare’. It was the one thing Steve couldn’t do.

As for the other .. semi-resident, unofficial member, Steve wasn’t sure how to describe his reaction to Peri Boyle. She seemed .. shallow, like a mirror – all her depths were only reflections – and he hadn’t been able to get close enough to really connect. Her eyes though were startling. He’d never seen eyes that bright or that blue before. He’d tried to look but he’d found them disconcerting when aimed back at him. Apart from the introduction, she hadn’t spoken to him either. In fact, once Steve had come into the control room and gotten into the swing, she’d gone out and hadn’t come back. He found it strange that the others seemed comfortable with her being in such a sensitive location with them. There was more on this to be discovered but Steve could wait. He was patient too.

*****

When Merlin arrived home, she found a note had been pushed under the front door. It was from Alopex and it said he’d had to go away. Just for a few days, week at the most. Profelis had heard of a rumor in Wyoming and Alopex had gone to check it out.

She showed the note to Nick who read it and made no comment. Then he went to the pool, stripped off, plunged in and began powering thru the water. Working out the knots of tension which had built up during the day. Exorcising the gremlins plaguing him.

Well, Merlin thought as she started preparing supper, I don’t think Steve is cause for concern. Not enough to call Alopex back just to check. He’s better off going to Wyoming to investigate a rumor. Steve .. on surface appearance, seems to want to fit with the others. He was attentive today, listening to what he was told, nodding at the appropriate times. He should be fine.

But .. I have to say, I think Derek’s made a mistake choosing this one. Even Andrew’s on edge about something.

*****

As Steve wandered back thru the woods, admiring the intermittent views of the Bay, down on the shore by the ferry stage, a thin, unkempt figure stood hunched in his dirty, too big jacket and gazed up toward the house on the hill. His eyes seemed to lance thru the mist and the slender fingers of fog. His expression was slack. He appeared to have run out of energy and would simply stand there forever.

But, occasionally, fleetingly, his mouth curved in a smile. When it did, his whole face changed. The eyes became calculating. The expression was shrewd, sharp.

So, man, are you gonna resist .. or are you gonna open the box?

A smile twisted his mouth. The eyes glowed red.

He’ll open it. He ain’t got no choice.

A cool breeze blew mist across the ferry stage and, when it had cleared, the thin figure had gone.

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