The Red Star

Chapter 56

As much as he didn't want to admit it, Charles felt the aura of Doom's confidence even from where he sat across the hall. He knew that Jay and Crys could feel it too, even Matt was getting a bit restless. In fact it seemed as if each and every one of them could sense that there was something wrong. They had all planned on the fact that he would know that they were there, but they didn't , or rather he didn't foresee this must surety on Doom's part.

 Jay could feel her body begin to tremble in fear as well as anticipation for fighting the bastard. She swallowed then looked at everyone's faces to see if any of them felt the same way. She did know for a fact that she wasn't going to simply fight Doom. She was going to kill him. She knew that it was deemed "unethical" by all of them but she didn't care. At that moment she realized that her hate for Doom was more than just a fierce rage. She had no intention of sparing his life, not after what he did to her sister. Neither of them enjoyed the motherly affections that came with their own mother, so Jay took it upon herself, even when she didn't know Crys was her sister, to take care of her, like a mother. She believed it must have been that motherly instinct to protect and safeguard that had warped into a completely unmerciful state of mind when it came to Doom.

 She felt something then, like a cool breeze wash over her and she looked over at Charles. He was looking at her, right in the eye. He knew. She knew that he knew, but still it didn't sway her plans.

"That fool is going to pay." she thought.

"And what makes you think that I don't wish the same thing?" Charles retorted.

"Both of you need to calm down." Matt interjected .

They both turned and looked at the well dressed young man and he shrugged, pointing nonchalantly at the main stage where Doom was approaching to make his impromptu speech . None of them were even paying attention to the words that were coming out of his mouth, all they cared about was the fact that this whole plan may be in danger. Jay could even feel Bucky's grip on her chair getting tighter as he moved closer to her. 

Crystal had her eyes shut. She was focusing on not letting out any emotions on a psychological wavelength so neither Doom, nor Jay nor Charles could pick up on anything. She looked up at Charles and watched him as his eyes narrowed in the direction of the stage. She glanced up at Steve then back at Charles, a sudden and strange feeling stirring. She looked away from Charles quickly just as the urge to say a few words escaped her mind.

 These words hit Charles hard, but as he was obviously distracted by Crystal while trying to focus on Doom , he was able to hear the words loud and clear in his mind. He looked at her as she pretended to be occupied by other things , before looking back at Doom through the eyes of an unknowing guest. Doom was now sitting with a group of higher ups, flirting with the mayor's wife and drinking wine.

 Charles squinted, wondering if one of the many women that accompanied him was a telepath. That had to be the explanation for what Crys was talking about, why she said there was something wrong with her mind. He knew that Doom wasn't one and neither was Erik. The question of what and who played with Crystal's mind weighed on his thoughts . So much so that he had to leave the mind of the guest and rub his temples.

"Okay." Matt said aloud, "Time to make my appearance." He stood and straightened his suit jacket before leaning closer to the table and saying, "There will be a dance before the meal, I would suggest moving in now while everyone is up at Doom is distracted."

 Everyone nodded and glanced at one another one last time before standing.That was the moment there, when they all stood, that they knew they couldn't turn back. The plan was in effect and it would either prevail or fail. It was as if, in that second, all of their fast beating hearts held the same rhythm and their anxious minds had the same thought. "This could be the last time we see each other."

Bucky could feel Jay's hand tighten around his, trembling slightly. He looked at her lovingly and said in a whisper,

"I'll make sure nothing happens to her."

 Jay smiled. He knew that she could take care of herself but he also knew she felt as if she needed to be extra wary of Crystal. With that one sentence he said much more; he said I love you, Be careful and I trust you and I love that you trust me.  She let him walk her away from the table before realizing they got up a tad bit early. They were once again back in their chairs, her hand gripping his. She let out a breath. She was ready.