Duskwood After Story

Persuasion, Part 2

"I don't believe it." – Alan said after exhaling. There was a noise from his side, hinting he was shifting around in his chair.

"So Bailey is your long lost daughter..." – Alan asked. The question sounded more like he was trying to convince himself.

"Yes, she is."

"But why now all of a sudden? Why did you come to me today? Michael, I know you. Once you've made up your mind to do something, you'll follow it through till the end. If you had decided to move away to Helianford and live a quiet life, you wouldn't be contacting me like this."

"Alan, there's a reason for it. You're right, I came to Helianford to look for Bailey. And once I found her, I decided to stay and look over her for as long as I could. But some things had happened that altered my course..."

"My father agreed to contact you as a favor for me, Alan" – I interjected – "And in turn, I have a favor to ask you too. A chance for you to pay back the favor you owed me three months ago when I risked my life to help you."

"...Okay, but this doesn't sound very good." – Alan answered, his voice full of doubt.

"Alan, I need you to help me fake someone's death."

"What did you say? Are you insane?" – He roared.

"No, I'm totally serious, Alan."

"Why the hell should I not hang up right now?"

"Please, Alan, just listen to the girl." – My father pleaded. Then another coughing fit took him over. He coughed up some blood in his handkerchief.

"Hey! Michael! Are you okay?" – Alan worriedly asked.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine." – Father cleared his throat then continued – "Just please, listen to her."

"I can't believe I'm doing this. Fine then. Tell me your favor." – Alan grunted.

"Thank you, Alan. I'm sure you remember I wasn't the only one helping you solve Hannah's then consequently Jennifer's case. I had help from someone whom you also knew about."

"The hacker?"

"Yes, the hacker. In fact, he went to greater lengths than me to rescue Hannah. He went into the Ironsplinter Mine when the police couldn't make it on time, risked his life and almost got caught by his pursuers."

"Yes, that I remember."

"Now he's in need of your help, Alan. He's a wanted hacker by the government but it's not his fault. He was framed."

Then I explained to Alan how Jake was targeted by his former employer.

"And how do you know this?"

"Because he told me."

"And you believe him?"

"Yes, I do."

"How can you believe him? He could be lying. He's still a dangerous criminal." – Alan persisted.

"No, I trust him and he trusts me. We're in love, Alan."

"Oh sweet Lord, that's just great." – Alan sighed loudly. His chair creaked again – "Why should I help your little boyfriend?"

"Because we helped you before, Alan. You still owe us a favor."

"Yes, but that favor doesn't call for breaking the law! How am I supposed to help you fake his death?" – He roared.

"You will not have to do much. We will take care of mostly everything. We just need you to give us access to the forensics database... and turn a blind eye when you have to." – Jake spoke up from behind the camera to our surprise.