Extraordinary Mistakes II - Blood Ties

Fear

When Mary gets home, she's as white as the wall. Thomas doesn't notice it. She comes near him and after a few minutes of silence, he finally looks at her.

"What's wrong?" He asks, while continuing to read the newspaper.

"The Parkers denied our request to give the Institute more money."

"That's a shame... oh well, I'm sure the money they already send there every month with the other investors will be enough for the new lab."

"Thomas, please look at me properly!" Mary shouts. "You are not hearing me!"

Thomas shakes his head and puts down the paper, "go ahead."

"They cut the funding altogether." Mary's voice lowers almost to a whisper.

"What did you say?"

"When I got to the office today, the millions on the Foundation's account had been wiped clean. I told them to move some money from their company to the Institute, and they said that would startle the shareholders."

"But you-"

"When I told them to sell some of their ridiculous patrimony, they said they had their children to think about. They have trillions. I'm sure neither of them would starve if they sold a couple of properties."

"But you..."

"They cut us all off. Our company is out of their capital until everything is cleared."

"Mary..." Thomas' hands cover his eyes momentarily.

"I know."

"Do you?!" Thomas gets up and points his finger at her. He softens his voice, "I'm sorry, my love, is just... without their money, things will get so complicated and Edward-"

"He'll understand, Thomas. You have done so much already."

"Mary, anyone on that table is replaceable, anyone but Edward."

"He wouldn't-"

"Hurt me?" Thomas laughs hysterically. "We'll find out soon enough, Mary."

***

Rebecca and Mark enter their house, still laughing hysterically. Taking turns imitating Mary. Katryna isn't around. She asked them to have the day off and they decide to pour some drinks, put on the music in the living room.

Upstairs, Alex, Abigail and Rachel are already waiting. They teleported a few hours before to Abigail's room and held their breath the entire time.

"They're home!" Alex whispers.

Rachel looks at Abigail, "are you ready to face them?"

"Let's go."

"Alex, stand a bit back in case we have any surprises there. Close enough for me to absorb teleport, please."

"As you wish, sis."

They softly follow Abigail, slowly descending the stairs. The music is playing loud and Rebecca and Mark's laughter echoes through the entire house. Abigail is seen by the door as they turn around.

"Abigail..." Mark drops his glass, and it breaks into a million pieces on the floor.

Rebecca's tears fill her eyes, and a wide smile begins to form, only to disappear when from the shadows, Rachel Moore is in sight.

"You leave her alone, you monster!" Rebecca points her finger at Rachel and shouts.

"Mom, please," Abigail puts herself in front of Rachel, "she hasn't hurt me, I swear. Those videos..."