Deception: Aftermath (Book Four.1)

Chapter 1

Cameron and Jonathan stared at the tag. What did it mean? The two boys were horsing around, bouncing up and down, running between the brothers' legs.

"Is it for us? Can we open it?" Jessalyn had come over to the group and saw the parcel with the tag, glaringly there for all to see.

"Boys...come on now, let's go and finish your dinner and then we can have cake. Let your dad and uncle Cam see what the box is all about." They looked slightly disappointed but the reminder there was cake had them scrambling over to the table.

The others decided it would be best if the twins dealt with the parcel. Whatever it meant and if it indeed had come from Charlotte would make the decision for them.

"Should we open it?" Cameron was wary. It had been almost five years. He had gotten complacent. There was no danger and life had been calm. "Have you talked to James lately? Isn't she still in Norway?" He got a shrug in answer.

"I haven't heard anything for almost four years and I didn't push – it's the first time we've had peace, didn't want to rock the boat." Cam tentatively moved the box.

It was a box, nothing moved in it, it didn't explode. "I guess we'll have to at least put a call in....to find out, right?"

It wasn't anything either of them wanted to do.

Percy was sitting quietly in the main hall of the Shrine of Peace, Tokyo, Japan. He had done as Charles had advised him as he lay dying. After Cameron's wedding he had accompanied the newlyweds to the Shrine. After talking to the gatekeeper, he entered as a novice, he would act in the position of aide, doing much the same work he had done for Charles.

Kay and Cameron had told everyone they were spending their honeymoon in Japan. It had been sort of the truth but, they had come to iron out the last details of erasing themselves and Jonathan's boys from the records. Cameron was taking it upon himself to eliminate any possible information that could lead back to himself, Jonathan or the family.

Chimon had adamantly insisted it would be done; however, both twins looked upon the Vale and their promises, with jaundiced eyes. He would make sure.

It had originally been Kay's idea; she had seen how Cameron was still tense, sleeping was a hit and miss affair. After discussing it with Jess she found that his twin was still having the same issues. This action would provide a modicum of peace. Go to Japan and take one week of their honeymoon to deal with every facet of the Vale. It had to be Cam; still too close for Jonathan to manage; still reeling from the last days of revelation, death and resolutions.

He had committed to seeking help with his issues with Dr. Goodman. The arrival of the twins came with a huge adjustment. Never having even, the slightest inkling of what was in store for him, he hired Karen Fitzgerald, the nanny who had attended the babes when travelling with Charles and Percy.

She was a godsend. Knowing the infants, their likes and dislikes and not being a stranger to the ways of child rearing assisted both brothers, along with the deception team, caring for the new additions.

The fact that Jonathan's wedding was a mere month and half away also piled more stress on an already stressful situation.

Both Black brothers' injuries still plagued them with some of their daily routines requiring rehabilitation therapy on top of an already mountainous to do list.

Chimon found the young man gazing out into the koi pond, a gentle smile washing over his features. "How goes it my young friend?" Percy moved slightly, allowing the old man space on the rock he sitting on.

"Well gatekeeper. I believe I have done adequately since joining this temple. It does purport itself in the true ways, the original mandates. What my dear friend Charles had tried unsuccessfully to keep." A wistful sadness crossed his face and then was replaced again by the contented smile.

"Something is troubling you...you don't hide your inner most thoughts Percy."

Yes, he was worried. They had arranged a few months back to have Charlotte brought to the temple. James was nearing ninety and could no longer deal with the woman and the demands of her well-being and care.

Charlotte had come a long way from the days when she stole, killed and, wreaked havoc, on the brothers Black. There were many more days of clarity but still Percy was definitely worried.

Chimon had originally declined the request. Knowing what had gone on for years with the brothers, a lot of it directly and indirectly due to this woman made this decision a difficult one. He had to travel to Norway to see for himself.

James had aged since the events four years prior. He leaned heavily on his maple cane and looked worn. Of course, the estrangement from his grandsons didn't help matters.

That had been a problem which he had tried to rectify. Chimon understood why the rift existed and attempted to bring peace between the boys and their grandfather.

He was hopeful when they invited him to the nuptials, which had gladdened James' heart but, as the years progressed the rift between the family had just grown and cemented itself.

Jonathan was dealing with his personal truths and learning to become a father. Cameron just couldn't let go of the feelings of betrayal, even with the help of his new wife; it had been so ingrained it was a part of him, his heart. Chimon believed the two brothers had suffered and needed to let it go; how, was another question without any real answer.

Percy as his aide stood with his new mentor. The old gatekeeper believed it prudent to have someone who had lived through the turmoil and be a sounding board for the ultimate decision.

"She has to continue to be monitored my dear friend and I just can't do it any longer. I'm getting old and just want to live my last days in peace. The boys have refused most of my overtures so it is best I sever all possible ties now, it's better if I leave all of it the past where it belongs. If she must stay and something happens health wise with me, well you can't possibly expect my aide Kevin to continue. He has no real investment in this mess; he has suffered as well, taking on that kind of responsibility would not be fair to that young man." The absolute truth, no sugar coating.

"I guess I should go and talk to her. Without the therapists, nurses or anyone who is in constant contact. I must make the correct decision and I must be absolutely assured once it is made that it is the correct one." Percy would observe behind the glass, to offer him his insights.