Legion of Loch Ness

Chapter Nine

          Ethan was leaving his office building, his mind too full with thoughts of the Syndicate. He had set his team of investigators on locating each and every one of Melusine's descendants. He had also hoped to find some trace of the Legion, however, it seemed that the whole league had ended with Annaliese. Ethan would have to do this on his own. He had not told Melusine of the Syndicate's existence so far. She had looked so happy after spending so much of her life in loneliness and anxiety over her descendants. If he could spare her some more heartache, and handle this situation on his own, he would. Even if he was destined for a lifetime of solitude, he would ensure that his sister got some happiness. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that at first, he didn't hear the woman shouting his name and running towards him. He was completely taken aback when the woman reached him and hugged him. Ethan couldn't believe it. Megan Everett was looking at him as if he was a ghost that had emerged from the past. It took Ethan a moment to recover from the shock of seeing Megan again.

         Ethan looked at his watch and was startled to realize that he had been sitting with Megan for the last three hours. What had started as a quick coffee, had quickly changed to lunch, and here they were three hours later, still talking about Megan and Paul's young son, Noah. Ethan was enjoying himself. Seeing Megan again brought back memories of a brief, but happy time of his life. After he had lost Rachel and his child in the tragic fire almost eighteen years ago, Ethan had never returned to Chicago. He hadn't been able to bring himself back here to face the memories.

       Megan and Paul Everett had been a big part of that history. Megan was Rachel's older sister, and the two had been inseparable. It was because of this close relationship between the sisters that Ethan and Rachel had decided to make Chicago their home. He looked at Megan now and felt guilty for abandoning her when he had left the city. He had been too blinded by his own pain to stop and think of the pain that Megan must also be experiencing. They were probably the two people who had loved Rachel the most. However, it seemed that time had been kind to Megan. She seemed to still feel the same deep love and respect she had for Paul all those years ago, and apparently, they had been blessed with a son. Paul had accomplished his dream of becoming a senator. It felt so refreshing to see Megan and her joy for living in a world that otherwise seemed completely devoid of hope. Before he knew it, Ethan found himself accepting a dinner invitation at their home for later that week.

                                                                                                      ***

          Victoria looked at Arabella as she sped through another lane. She didn't know how to politely tell her to slow down without sounding like she was nagging her. She had after all requested her to slow down three times already. Each time had led to zero difference in Arabella's speed. Victoria was wishing she had volunteered to drive them home, instead of accepting Arabella's offer. Arabella had recently purchased her hybrid car and was obviously proud of it. However, the vehicle had definitely not been built with this kind of speed in mind. Victoria winced and grabbed her door handle for stability as they practically flew off a speed bump.

          She was tense enough as it was. Her mother had not been pleased when she'd informed her this morning that Arabella would be joining them for dinner tonight. Victoria sighed. Aunt Elizabeth had been so warm and inviting when Victoria had gone over to their home last week. She had felt comfortable at once. It was obvious her aunt, and Arabella were still grieving Emilia's loss, but there had been a rare bond between them. Victoria had felt pangs of envy at their easy camaraderie. Her own parents loved her in their own way, but her relationship had always been formal with them. She couldn't imagine laughing with her mother the way Arabella had. She had to admit she was embarrassed to bring Arabella home. What would she think of their strange life?