Alter, Book 1: Unleashing Evil

Chapter 1

Three years later...

"Poker night at Mark's place?" Sophie asked. "What's his endgame?"

"I don't know," Amy said, shaking her head. "That's what worries me. I know it's been an annual thing, but after the split between Joseph and Mark, Joseph's eccentricity and incident in Africa, Sean's recent gambit for mayor amidst his background, we're walking into a minefield."

"One sec. Can I get another coffee?" Sophie called out.

"Right away, miss."

Turning back, she said, "I don't really think we have a choice. We've been doing this thing for a long time now. Why stop now?"

"They've changed. They all have. Even us. There's something bigger at large here and I don't like it."

"Hey, even if there is, how bad could it possibly be? Besides, you could pick up some material for your book."

"I guess so."

Sophie checks her phone.

"Oh! I... I need to go. Guess I forgot I had a meeting. I'll see you after the party," she smiled, putting her phone away.

She walked out of the coffee shop as Amy watches her leave. Turning back to her computer, she starts writing her next chapter.

"An invitation to Mark's mansion? I haven't seen him in years. What's he playing at?" Joseph asks, looking at the letter.

"I'm sure that it's nothing. He probably missed his old friends," Carla, his wife said. "Besides, you should try to talk to him. Especially after... Well, you know."

"I guess you're right," he told her, kissing her cheek.

"Be safe. I've heard that Mark hasn't been himself lately."

"We both haven't been ourselves lately."

"Speaking of which, how are you doing?" she asked, putting a hand on his cheek. "Still having nightmares?"

"I'm fine, sweetie," he admitted, grasping her hand. "It's not something you can easily get over."

"Well, for tonight, just try to forget it and your issues with Mark and have some fun."

"I'll try."

"He wants to see me? Why? Is he upset over my paper printing his gambling addiction?" Neil wondered.

"Our brother's dangerous. He has something up his sleeve. He should not be trusted," Sean argued. "His gambling problem only made him worse. I swear, he's changed. Ever since he got that mask, he's become more obsessed and paranoid."

"Maybe he just wants us to forget that. A little poker night couldn't hurt."

"Always the optimist, brother."

"And you're always the pessimist. Come on, you need to be there. We're the closest people to Mark. We're his brothers. If anyone can help him, it's us."

"I don't like the idea. He can't be corrected anymore. I've hired a detective to look into his life."

"Behind his back? That's... That's cold."

"I know. I don't like it, but it's necessary."

"And you're the newly elected mayor? If word of this gets out..."

"It's a small town, it won't matter. Besides," Sean said, patting Neil's shoulder. "I have you to keep it from leaking. Now, let's go see our brother."

"You changed your mind just like that? What're you playing at?"

"Maybe he'll endorse me, lend me a little money. It'll help in the funding for the town. Will Sam and Carson come?"

"They'll be there, along with Amy. Patrick's away on work."

"Good, not for Patrick, of course. But it'll be fun to get the gang back together."

"Yeah, it will..."