The Dare of Truth [slash]

Chapter 15

"That was... interesting," Eondar remarked. They had been chatting with Cat for over an hour and were now taking the bus back to Fyn's apartment. "So Miss Cat really used to be a burglar?"

The journalist grinned. "Yes. But she's an honest businesswoman now."

"But promising her to help get her nephew an internship with the Alliance?"

"Why not? Celia told me that they're in desperate need of new agents at the moment; that's why they're recruiting people as young as her. And I know Cat's nephew Sam. He's a great hacker, and the Alliance should be happy that he's willing to work on their side of the law. Besides, I didn't promise her anything. I just said that I'd mention Sam to the Alliance agents." Fyn leaned back in his bus seat. "I think it's a good idea. And I can prove to Mr. Talbot that I know what I'm doing. We'll be finding Sylair in no time."

Eondar didn't argue, but Fyn knew him well enough by now to see that he didn't like the whole thing. Obviously, he was still worried about Fyn's well-being. This realization was a warm, sweet feeling inside the lifebearer's heart, although he wasn't happy about Eondar feeling so worried. Everything would turn out fine in the end, Fyn was sure of that. Sylair Holden, the bogeyman of his nightmares, would be found and put away for good this time. It couldn't be any different.

As soon as he was home, the journalist called his parents. Mr. Talbot had been true to his word and had already sent some people to protect Sheldon and Cerise. Nevertheless, Fyn wanted to tell his parents everything himself as well.

"Don't worry about us, son," Sheldon said, his voice calm and collected over the phone. "We'll be careful. Sylair Holden has tried to best us once, and he got his butt kicked."

"But that's what I'm worried about," Fyn answered. "He might try to get revenge."

"I don't think so," his sire said. "From what you've told me, that lunatic is solely focussed on his plans for becoming the head of the Holden business and conspiring with his gangster friends. If he wanted to harm us, he'd have tried to do so already. I think, he's limiting the violence to the necessary minimum to cover his tracks – from his point of view."

Fyn sighed. "But you two be careful nevertheless. Especially Dad."

Sheldon laughed. "You father is far tougher than you think, son. He's terribly upset at the moment, but his main concerns are for you."

"I don't think that I'm in any danger," the journalist replied. "So far, Sylair has given me a wide berth. And after everything you told me from the incident back then, he always had qualms about hurting me. I don't think that has changed. Why else the elaborate plot to prevent me from doing more research on this case when he could've just had me killed by his goons?"

"You've got a point there. But your friend Eondar is still a target, as I see it. You should look out for him. You father and I want to meet him in once piece tomorrow."

Fyn promised to do so before he hung up.