A Test of Loyalty - Part III, Brennan's Duties

A Test of Loyalty - Part III, Brennan's Duties (Closed) (Elsewhere)
FRANK COLE
(OOC: continuation of Everywhere Else, A Test of Loyalty, Part II)

Cole had considered waiting until morning to go and see Brennan, but that would mean the Profiler would have to stay bound all night. He was hoping to let the boy loose to at least get some comfortable sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. Brennan was one of the most stubborn people he had ever had to work with, even worse than Franco Spellman. Before he could let the young man leave he had to get him Profiling again, and strengthen his ability to hide information in his mind. Brennan used to be very good at holding information hidden from others, but he had been captured and tortured and had lost his confidence, so he did not even try anymore. Cole wanted to tell him they were actually on the same side, but until Brennan could get his abilities back, he could not chance the Dark Sect would be able to read that he was actually working against them.

Walking up to the door, he decided to find out what the boy was doing before entering. The elf Artkee was with him. He turned on the view screen.

Bren heard the door open but refused to even acknowledge Fixer. Bren was furious the man dared to use his gift against his friends. He had sworn years ago never to help Khalid and Sherlock was dead set to resist Fixer. He inwardly smiled, as he was glad that Max and Martin could not be used to force him.

Cole opened the door and walked casually into the room. He turned a smile to Artkee who was sitting in his customary air-chair in the corner. Walking over to the table he took his usual spot with his back toward the one wall across from Brennan. Turning his chair around he straddled it and folded his arms on the table in front of him. "How hard you going to make this, Profiler?" Cole signaled for Artkee to undo the bonds around Brennan and waited.

Bren heard Fixer but only thought his answer, "I swore never to help the man that ordered my father's death or any connected to him. You will wish you never brought me back, Fixer. I won't be helping you break my friends, not now, not ever!" He had no intention of helping Khalid or Fixer. He refused to tell Fixer anything as this man worked for the very man that sent him threats all his life. Bren knew he only wanted to look Khalid in the eye as he destroyed the man. His inner voice just said, "Bren you don't mean that. You are nothing like Khalid so please let go of this hate you feel for your adopted uncle. It was his hatred for those that attacked and murdered our people that allowed The Dark Sect to twist him. Please don't follow in his footsteps, Brennan, don't let the Dark One twist you as he did Khalid..." Bren inwardly smiled as he listened for the first time in a long time to his adopted mother Cassandra. He knew his thoughts worried her. Sherlock wondered how he could ease her mind when he wondered himself if giving the chance whether he would murder Khalid in cold blood as Brennan always thought the man had done to his father.

Cole nodded and rubbed his chin. "So that is how it is going to be. Ok, let me set some rules so you know what is happening when I make your life uncomfortable. Number one, you will respond verbally to any question I ask you. Two, you will give me all the information I request in a quick verbal tone. The only thing, which may be different here, is I may request you write the response. Following these two rules, will get you fed, not mistreated and none of you friends or relatives will visit the island to help you understand why you must follow
the two rules." Cole waited to see if Brennan caught the threat of bringing people onto the island for the sole purpose of getting him to profile.

Bren just glared at Fixer as he thought, "Not ever happening Fixer!" He still said nothing. He was furious that Fixer would dare use him against his friends.

Cole reached in his pocket and pulled out the note that Brennan had written earlier and handed to Martin. "By the way you don't need to have this delivered. You are not going to die on my island Brennan. You are definitely not going to make me or anyone else kill you." Reaching into another pocket, he pulled out the folded pages Brennan had tried to destroy. Unfolding the pages he looked to see what was written. "You have a decent start but I think you can add more." Cole looked Brennan in the eyes and tried to see if the boy would attempt to keep him out of his mind. With the blood and elfin magic, Cole possessed, he could easily get into an unprotected mind. If Brennan was totally up to speed, he would have difficulty entering. Pushing the pages closer to Brennan he offered him a Muggle ink pen, and waited.

Bren just glared as he thought, "Not happening, You want them profiled then do it yourself. You are not using me." His inner voice just stayed silent. Bren felt so much like he was back in Hogwarts when Khalid sent him pictures with a note on the back. They had been pictures of victims and it still hurt Bren that Khalid never once thought of what these pictures had done to his mind showed the album he had kept the photos which was hidden by Richard and Darik. Bren smiled as he thought of the day he would use Khalid's ego to send the man to Azkaban for the rest of Khalid's life.

Cole continued to look at the pages, glancing at Brennan a couple of times. "So who do you want to come and visit you first? I will let you decide or if you can't or won't I will decide for you."

Bren just thought, "It won't change things he plans on bring them anyways so me refusing changes nothing just like me dealing with Shadow. Neither kept their word. I won't help him destroy those that risked everything for me." Bren was falling deep into his memories that he did not even realize that his inner voice had tried to voice his regrets.

"Brennan you know you are going to have to talk with me eventually. Why make this so rough. There can be some give and take here." Cole leaned forward and steepled his fingers looking at Brennan over the top of them.

Brennan just shook his head. The profiler wanted nothing to do with Fixer but his eyes teared as he thought of his past and people were becoming victims once again because of him. Sherlock just knew that he dared not choose to make things easier just to save some cause Fixer would still hurt them sometime in the future.

Cole stood up and leaned on the table. "Since you do not want to co-operate on your own, Brennan, I will need to bring someone here to help you. Who should it be?" Cole smiled and turned to Punta who had followed him to the room. "Send a couple of men and bring Richard Greene to the island by morning. We will all sit down and have a nice chat." Cole started for the door. "I will see you in the morning, Profiler."

Bren's eyes teared more but he just would pray that Richard, his partner was protected. Richard had been tortured by Chameleon while Bren had been held captive by Shadow and Zia. He still had nightmares of hearing Richard's screams.

Cole put his hand on the handle of the door and looked back over his shoulder. Brennan sat looking straight forward. The young man had tears in his eyes. Cole had hoped to not have to bring anyone else to the island for a while. Richard had never been here. As he walked out the door, he wondered what the man would think or if Max or Martin had a chance to explain to him what was happening.

(OOC: This is a joint post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the series.)

RICHARD GREENE
Richard stood calmly on the platform where they had landed. The sun was finally up, so he could see what was around him. The night before he had a meeting with Maxwell. The man had introduced him to a young man named Lyon Lehr and shown him a rather ominous looking machine. They had talked until about midnight and Richard had been told, out of the hearing of Lehr about what was happening on Cole's Isle of Perdition. They had agreed to keep most of the information close because there was no telling who the Dark Sect had planted.

When Richard left Maxwell, he took a long walk, going from the school toward Hogsmeade. If Cole stayed true to form he was going to be out to get someone to go to the island to force Brennan to help by threatening the person. Richard needed to try and make sure he was the easiest target. It had not taken long when he was nabbed about half way to Hogsmeade. He had put up a token fight, but allowed himself to be captured and brought to… he hoped he was on the Isle of Perdition.

The two men, grabbed his arms and headed for the large building in front of them. His hands had been tightly bound behind him. They were making sure he could walk. Entering the building they headed down a hall and stopped in front of a large wooden door. Before Richard could wonder why they didn't knock, the door swung inward revealing an office.

Cole looked up from the paperwork he had been shuffling around his desk. He had gone to his house to sleep the night before so he was well rested. He had joined the troops for morning calisthenics, taken a shower and eaten a small breakfast. He had been informed about 6 am that Richard was on his way. On the view screen it had shown Richard arriving and his walk to the office. When they were outside the door, he had turned off the view screen and opened the door. "Come in, Caretaker." Cole got up and walked meeting Richard about half way. "I wish you were here under better circumstances. I am going to take it for granted you talked with Maxwell. From the report I got you did not put up much of a fight so you have basically volunteered for this. What I want to accomplish is get Brennan to start profiling again and also to get him to start blocking his mind again. Right now any five year old with even a little bit of psychic power could read every thought." Cole did not give Richard a chance to say anything, because the man had been nodding all along. "Come on we are going to wake Brennan. He is not awake yet. We will get some breakfast there. I apologize now for what is about to happen. I will try and get you out of here as soon as possible."

Richard had just nodded to let Cole know he understood. The man was different from the last time he had seen him at the Hog's Head. If he was to believe Maxwell, then Cole was actually playing a very dangerous game of espionage. He followed Cole down the hall in the direction they he had been brought before. Stopping in front of a door, Cole did not pause, but unlocked the door and pushed it open. Richard was roughly pushed into the room, almost falling.

Bren heard the door open but did not react until he saw Richard. Jumping up and hurrying to catch his partner saying, "Richard, you okay? If Fixer thinks, I will just let him hand you over to Chameleon..."

Tom came walking in the door and roughly pulled Richard out of Brennan's hands. Pulling him toward the chair where Richard would be sitting facing the door they had just come in, Tom stood behind him with his hand on Richard's shoulder. Cole looked at Brennan and said, "Sit, Profiler." Turning to Artkee he said, "Breakfast sandwiches please with water to drink." The elf nodded and headed toward the door. When he had left, Cole turned back to Brennan who had not sat down and said, "Sit on your own Brennan, or be forced to. It is nothing to me which you choose."

Bren said angrily, "Leave Rich alone!" When Fixer wanted him to sit, Bren shook his head still angry saying, "We are leaving! Richard is not going to tell you anything and neither am I!" Bren was inwardly scared but not for himself. He looked over at Richard unable to hide the fear for what Fixer had planned for his friends but especially what Richard would go through. Sherlock just knew he had to his partner out of Fixer's reach.

Cole raised one finger pointed to Brennan and then to the chair to Richard's right. Brennan's back would be to the bed he just had vacated. Brennan was forced by Punta to sit down hard. "Now why would you want to take Richard away when he has just arrived. I haven't even been able to show him my island or let him know why I have invited him to join us." Adding some more sarcasm to his voice he said, "I think you will both stay until I think your visits have been long enough."

Richard sat in the chair and listened. He knew he was here technically of his own free will, since he allowed himself to be captured. He was still undecided on whether he should say anything didn't say anything. Frank Cole was his brother-in-law because he married his sister, who had been adopted by his family. Brennan was scared and worried. Placing his hands opened on the table he looked at Cole he said, "So what do you want with me, Fixer?"

"I think I will let Brennan explain that, Richard. Oh, and pardon me, can I get you something to drink?"

Richard shook his head no and looked at Brennan.

Bren fought the bonds as he shook his head. He wanted only to have Richard as far away as he could. Still shaking his head, Sherlock said worried that Richard was only there to force Bren to choose between Richard and their friends, "Richard, He plans on forcing me into giving up our friends' weaknesses. I already told him that I won't profile for him. You guys, stuck by me and went to bat for me, I won't repay that by betraying you guys..." Bren was inwardly divided as Richard was more than just his friend and partner. He slightly shook as he remembered what Richard had already gone through at the hands of Chameleon because of him. Sherlock feared that given the choice, he would choose Richard. He just wanted to go inwards but know that Fixer would just follow. He said no more as his memories of Richard's torture at the hands of Chameleon filled his mind. He wondered if he could really be strong and hold out.

Cole leaned forward on his folded arms and said, "Very well explained Brennan." Turning to Richard he said, "One thing Brennan did not explain was the reason you are here is to make him choose between you being in pain or him profiling the person I tell him to give information about. Now I don't want to give you pain, and I am hoping Brennan is not as stubborn as he has been in the past. Maybe you could convince him to help me and save yourself some discomfort."

Richard already knew from what Maxwell had told him, that Brennan was going to have to give up something to get his profiling going again. He also knew Brennan was going to fight the idea. "Fixer, I will not force Brennan to give up information he thinks he should hold back." Richard glanced at Brennan and then added, "I trust Brennan to do what is right." Richard knew he was setting himself up. But his friend and Partner needed to get back control over his mind. Richard swallowed hard and said, "Do your worse Fixer."

Cole just shook his head and signaled Mecum who had been assigned to Richard to bound the man in his chair, around his chest and his legs fastened to the legs of the chair. Then he stood and walked to the small cabinet imbedded in the wall at the head of the bed, unlocked it and took out two hypodermic needles and a small blue bottle. He also pulled out a knife and a small whip. Walking slowly back to the table he straddled his chair and laid the items out in the middle of the table. "Franco found this medicine helpful to allowing him to follow my directions. What it does is makes you do what I say to do. Not necessarily with words, but actions." Cole looked at Richard and said, "I have found I can become very creative in what I can make you the person do." Cole chuckled, turned to Punta and said, "I want the three youngest female trainee members of my troop in here in ten minutes." Receiving a nod from Artkee as he left, the room, Cole turned back to the table saying, "So while we are waiting for out other guest, Brennan maybe you would like to reconsider doing a little profiling for me." Cole stared at the Profiler and concentrated on getting into his mind. Not to do anything other than make Brennan try and fight the invasion.

Bren outwardly shook as he recognized the bottle. He looked from the bottles to Richard and finally shaking his head saying, "Please, don't do this..." He stopped then asked, "Can't you understand what you are asking? They could have sent me to Azkaban but instead they went to bat for me and stood by me." He was near tears as he finished, "Now you are demanding me to profile them and give you information that you can use to destroy them?" He knew depending on just what Fixer planned to do, Bren was about to betray at least one of his friends.

Cole steepled his fingers in front of him and looked at Brennan over the tips. "Profiler I don't think I have mentioned any names yet." Looking at Richard he asked, "Richard have you heard me mention any names?"

Richard just shook his head no. He was paying attention to Brennan. He hoped Cole had this under control, because it had taken a level 6 mind-dive to even get close enough to Brennan's mind the last time to pull him out of the mind pit he was sinking into at the moment.

Bren sadly shook his head as he said, "You were talking about bring Headmistress Sasha to the island. That is Tia's aunt, I can't betray either Tia or Sasha by giving information that you can use against her..." Bren was confused by Fixer's words. He only knew that Sasha and Tia trusted him. His head was pounding but he was afraid that he would be made to choose between Tia's aunt and seeing his partner on that horrible drug. Sherlock knew the only thing that he could do was hope the headache would keep his profiling skills from tapping.

Cole folded his arms again onto the table. As he was about to say something Tom walked in the room, followed by three women. Cole recognized all of them as trainees. He pushed himself out of his chair and walked to where they were standing at attention. "At ease, trainees. Part of your training consists of going through interogation proceedings. What we are about to do here will earn you all your points for that part of your Regular badge. I want each of you to go and stand against that wall." Cole motioned to the wall which would be behind his chair. When they had positioned themselves he said, "I won't tie you up, but I want you all to clasp your hands behind you and allow anything which happens to happen. Understood?" All three of the women nodded and took their positions.

Cole walked back to the table and straddled his chair. Carefully he picked up one of the syringes and the bottle and filled the syring. Then he laid both items back on the table and looked toward Brennan. "Brennan I want you to pick someone in this room and profile them. I do not care who."

Bren was about outright refuse until he heard Fixer say that he did not care. His head was feeling like it was about to explode as he asked, "Any one? Did I hear you right?" Sherlock inwardly began to smile as he realized that if he had a choice then it would be Fixer who he would try to figure out. The man was the one puzzle that Brennan wanted more than anything to solve.

Cole grinned because the glint in Brennan's eyes was going to prove entertaining. "Yes Brennan, I said anyone in the room. You may do it aloud or write in your journal. Just remember if I do not like it, someone will suffer. So pick wisely."

Brennan smiled as he said, "You are in the room, Cole?" He wanted so much to profile Fixer but shook his head as Fixer's threat came back into his mind. Bren said sadden by his own thoughts, "Don't worry Fixer, I won't risk Richard to figure you out. So instead I will profile me."Bren knew it was risking but at least he would only be giving his weaknesses away. He wrote in the book all about himself.

Bren's notes in notebook: protective of those he calls family; worried he will betray his friends; still has nightmares about his captivity and his partner's torture; a part of both the Core and The Caretakers

Cole had learned a long time ago to read upside down. It had actually saved his life a couple of times when he had been personally working cases in the field. "Very good Profiler, but I already knew the things you have written." Looking at Richard who had let out a breath he said, "Breath Richard, so far he is doing fine." Cole fingered the filled hypo on the table and glanced at the three girls lined up along the wall. All of them were watching what was going on with avid interest. He knew they would follow directions, because if they didn't they would have a mind-wipe and be gone. All of the men and women in his small army had either been recommended by a specialist or had applied and gone through a through screening. The screening was sort of an ever-changing process, because some people had gotten through it and should not have. Once every two years, each member of the force was put through whatever the newest screen process consisted of just to check to see what was happening in their lives.

Cole turned back to Brennan and said, "We will of course add to your Profile of yourself." Broadening his smile he said, "Now let's pick someone else. I think we will do Jackson Russo at the school. His mother is training him for what she thinks are bigger and better things. I want to know everything your research has found out about the boy." Cole chuckled and added, "And Brennan do not insult my intelligence and tell me you have not checked out the boy."

Bren cringed but just said not able to hide his discuss, "He graduated last term and thanks to Councilman Lance Russo, I have no choice but to put up with him. The man pushed to have Jackson stationed at the school while he goes through the next two years training to be a field Auror."

"Well now I know how you feel about him, Profiler, but you have not told me anything I can use to control the situation when he is around. What are his weaknesses, his strengths and what would you suggest would be the best lure for him? How does he feel about his sister and the Councilman? You know what I want Brennan, so keep going…. Aloud please." Cole picked up the one syringes and twirled it in his fingers a few times before returning it to the table. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Richard watching every move he was making, adding quick sidelong glances at Brennan. "If you have to combine him with someone else profile be my guess.

Bren eyed the needle in Fixers hand. He knew somewhere along the line the man was going to give Richard a shot. A shot of the same drug had made him attack someone and it had made Franco, assault a girl against his wishes. Angrily he said, "Don't you think if I could find a weakness, I would like nothing better than to use it to override his appointment and insure he never became an Auror. He likes nothing better than to see Stella expelled and Tia and Landon broken up. I know last term Landon put him in the hospital wing. He is a bully and it is rumored that Jackson knows that Councilman Russo is not his real father. I have a feeling that the man is only being put up with because of his power on the Council." He knew neither Seth nor Councilman Fairmont trusted Councilman Russo.

Cole smiled and realized it was not common knowledge that Jackson Russo was Khalid Onassis son. This could be something he could use in the future. Cole stared at Brennan. It was time to try to get into the young man's mind. Normally Brennan would be able to block him at least during the strength Cole was using. In his mind he said, "Let me in Profiler. I will read your truths."

Bren thought, "I could care less if Fixer is planning to have Jackson brought here. In fact, it might be just what I need to insure the boy is given a full Auror in-depth background and mind dive work up. Jackson has something the Councilman don't want known. The last time I requested a mind probe, I was the one who ended up investigated and almost went to Azkaban for treason. Jackson is not even an Auror yet and he is forcibly requesting I make him a team leader and give him a squad of his own. It is never happening, as I can't trust him to be where I placed him. He is never at the gate when I do my rounds but those I put in command of him, never write him up. My hands are tied until I can prove a case against him. I wish Jackson Rozaklis had not disappeared. That Hit Wizard would not stand by and let Jackson get away with half of the stuff, I am force to." Sherlock cringed at the thought of the Hit Wizard. He knew that Rozaklis or Jackson as Sasha called the one-eyed Hit Wizard would lecture him hard about standing up for himself. Bren was only twenty-one when he was made Head of Security at Hogwarts. He still had trouble getting the Aurors to listen to him. Some Bren knew were doing it because they could not understand why a mire Hit Wizard was put in charge of Aurors. Others thought Bren a cub himself but Martin had put those in their place. Bren cringed as he realized that he had never felt he was qualified to be Head of Security. Hit Wizard Rozaklis was not going to be at all happy that Brennan was his self doubts to cloud his judgment again. Bren hung his head as he thought that just maybe One- Eye Jackson was missing. He hated lectures and Bren knew he was in for a major one if and when Rozaklis was found.

Cole sat up straight. Brennan was not even trying to keep him out. Cole needed to somehow strengthen Brennan's abilities to fight someone getting into his brain, but it looked like that was going to have to wait. Leaning forward and relaxing on his arms again, Cole glanced at his watch. It was almost 10:30 am. If he was going to run Richard through at least one dose of the drugs he would have to do it soon. Cole wanted Richard back down to earth by time another meal would be served. "Profiler, I think I should choose someone this time. You will profile Tarik Sadiki. I want to know about the man, his habits, and his relationships with his wife Sasha McChey and with his children. You will just keep talking until I tell you to stop." Having someone keep talking, usually caused them to ramble after a while and the rambling could tell you more because the person was not always trying to filter out things. Cole picked up the filled hypo and rolled it between his palms.

Bren sadly shook his head as he thought hoping Richard would hear and understand, "The one person that I prayed he would stop wanting, Tarik. I won't betray that man or Sasha. Richard, I can't help Khalid get those runes." Bren understood the Magi's deep sense of honor and loyalty. Bren hung his head as he knew what his silence meant for his partner. He just wondered if he could stay strong as Tarik was a person with several secrets and Brennan had no intention of betraying any of them.

Cole shook his head and very slowly pushed himself out of his seat. He walked over to stand beside Richard and grabbed the man's shirt sleeve where the two seams met at his shoulder. With a firm tug he tore the shirt sleeve down exposing Richard's arm. He put his hand on Richards shoulder as the man started to struggle. "Struggling is not going to help, Richard. It will only make the bonds grow tighter. I am sorry for what is about to happen, but you only have Brennan to blame for it all. I will give you a chance to try and talk some sense into him if you like."

Richard looked at Brennan and slowly shook his head no. He watched as Cole brought the point of the needle closer to his arm.

Cole looked at Brennan and said, "One last chance Profiler. You have seen this drug work before and you know probably what is going to happen here." Cole glanced at the three females still standing by the wall, their hands clasped behind them. The girls were starting to fidget. With a hard stare from him, they froze and looked straight ahead. Cole turned back to Brennan and tried once last time. "Brennan either start Profiling or we begin and end only when you agree to do as I ask."

A thought came to Cole, so he turned to Punta and said, "Bring me one of the children from the school. I think Starling MacStone would be a good choice. She has been working on a project and I think Brennan might agree, she should stop and Tarik should see her notes." The young girl had a mind for translating things. Cole knew she had been secretly working on a translation of a scrap of paper she had found containing some of the Runes information. The last time he had seen the girl, on the island with her friends she had been excited to tell him, in strict confidence of course, that she had succeeded in getting about half of it done. He turned back to Brennan and added, "I think you will find I don't need Tarik for most of the Rune translation if that is what you are worried about. I have a substitute for him in that department."

Bren was panicking at the mention of Fixer bringing Star to the island. He said worried that Fixer was planning on her translating the runes, "Leave Star be! What she is working on is none of your business! It is a present for Tarik!" He looked at Richard pleading with his eyes for advice on how to save Star without betraying uncle Tarik. It was easy for Brennan to hold out with it being Richard but now Fixer had threatened a member of the Core and not just any member but one that his cousin Luke loved deeply. Bren knew that Fixer had just insured Bren would not hold out long.

Cole looked at the door, where Punta had just walked out of the room. He could call the elf back quickly with just his mind. The elf would hesitate on bringing the young girl to the island because of everything else happening. Punta would wait for some further confirmation on getting the girl. The elf would know Brennan would probably cave, soon. Cole looked at Brennan, and brought the point to Richard's neck. "I think we will continue a bit here, while we wait for Starling to arrive. She might be in time to see some of our little question and answer session. What do you think Brennan, think she might want to join in?" Cole would never add the girl to what they were doing. She would not even be able to come into the room as it was set up now, but Brennan would not know that. "On the count of three, Richard, prepare yourself, and again I am sorry for this." Cole looked at Brennan, holding the needle point on Richards skin, "One… Two… Three." Gabbing the needle into Richards arm Cole pushed the plunger. Then he removed the needle and vigorously rubbed the spot he had hit, to spread the drug quickly.

Richard tried not to flinch when the needle went in. He had no idea what was about to happen so he waited. After a few moments he started feeling light headed. He moved his arms and realized he was not bound anymore. Putting his hands flat on the table he started to rise.

"Sit Richard, I have not given my permission for you to get up."

Richard wanted to keep getting up, but his whole body gave into the command. He had no control over what his body or hands were doing. He was not asleep, and he could think reasonably straight, he just could not control what his brain was telling his hands he wanted to do.

Bren was shaking as he said pleading with Fixer, "Please don't involve Star. Luke..." The look Fixer gave as he spoke made Bren know that only one thing could save Star.

Bren heard his inner voice, "Tarik will understand..." He knew deep down the voice who sounded so much like Cassandra was right but it did not make him feel any less like a traitor.

He said in almost a whisper, ashamed of what his words meant, "I will give you uncle Tarik. I will insure you will be able to get him to translate the runes...Just leave Star alone..." Bren looked at Richard knowing that his partner would have no choice but to inform Arianna of Bren's betrayal. He wondered if he could force Fixer into a fight. At least Luke's brother would take care of Luke at least Bren hoped he would and not just take off again. Bren felt his head drop as he spiraled.

Cole nodded and looked at Mecum, who would inform Punta not to bring Star to the island. Eventually the girl would be coming because she was starting to be very good at what she could do and Cole wanted her happy to help him. It would mean getting Luke to be all right with it, one way or another, but it was not necessary at the moment. The girl was too skiddish and did not trust him as much as she was going to need to in the future. Cole turned to Richard and said, "Richard my little group of females have been left out too long. Why don't you get up and go and stand in front of them."

Richard felt his body move. His hands pushed him away from the table and too his feet. He looked as his feet as they stiffly walked him over to stand in front of the three girls. He had no control over them. He could see the fear in each of the sets of eyes. The would follow orders and not move or prevent him from doing what he wanted or in this case did not want to do. Richard stood there and waited.

Cole walked over and leaned against the wall about two feet from the one girl on the closest end to the table. "Richard this is Vicky. She is hot. Unbutton the front of her shirt, please. When you have finished with her shirt, you may move down the line and help the other two get cool."

Richard tried not to move. He used all the will power he could to tell his hands to stay at his side, but it was not working. Stiffly his legs carried him the short distance to in front of the girl and his hands started at the top button, slowlyundoing each of the six buttons. Desperately he tried to tell her with his eyes he was sorry. She just stared straight ahead at his chest. She was shivering, but had not moved her hands from her back.

Cole turned to Brennan and said, "Start talking Brennan, when I have heard what I think is new news, then Richard will stop.

Bren's body shook as he said, "Stop Fixer, I said I would give you Tarik. You don't need to do this to Richard or the girls. I know of one way Tarik would start translating again. Tia, if she asked him to. But since I want Tia nowhere near you, I suggest you use the fact that Tarik still believes that Khalid is innocent. Tarik believes in the family loyalty and honor."

Cole looked over at what progress Richard was making. He was halfway through with the second girls buttons and had a sheen of sweat on his face. He was definitely fighting what he was doing, but with the drugs in his veins that was not going to happen. The second girl also had a tear sliding down her face, but she was looking forward and not moving. "I know all of this Brennan. What I need to know is what would make Tarik do exactly what I said, when I told him to. You better talk fast because Richard is progressing nicely, toward the second step."

Bren cringed as he said, "I already told you. You want those translations then have Tia ask for them cause she would be the only one he would give them too. The only other choice is to use the fact that Tarik has never fully accepted the idea of Khalid being a Dark Medjai. Fixer, you mess with Sasha or his family and all it will get you is his wrath." Bren knew that Tarik was holding things back but he also knew that Daniel Marsden had tried to blackmail Tarik and the leader of the Seven had never gotten the translations. Tarik had finally seen the man for what he really was like. Bren smiled as he remembered that if Fixer pushed Tarik, the man would come to never get them.

Cole stood up from leaning against the wall and put out his hand to stop Richard. "Richard go sit down." As Richard headed toward his chair, he looked over his shoulder and tried to apologize to the girls with his eyes. Cole stepped up in front of them and said, "Very well done trainees. Please return to your duties. I will have your trainer talk to you later about what happened here and how you felt about it. Dismissed." Cole walked to the door and opened it for the girls. Each of them sketched him a salute as they left the room. Slowly he turned and walked back to the table. Straddling his chair he looked at Richard and said, "The drugs will wear off completely in about another hour." Glancing at Brennan, he added, "Put your hands, palms down on the table and spread your fingers. Until the drugs are totally out of your system your body will still do whatever I tell it to, so if I were you I would stay silent." Cole raised his eyebrow slightly and received a small nod from Richard, who now sat in the chair staring straight ahead.

Turning back to Brennan he asked, "You want to be here when Tarik returns?"

Bren looked at Richard and then turned to Fixer as he said crushed by what he did, "It don't matter cause you I have profiled Fixer. If I said yes then you would have me make a deal to stay. If I said no then you would have me make a deal just so I could leave. Either way I know that deal would be me profiling the people on that list. Fixer, you did not bring me here to just want Tarik profiled. You want every person on that list. So just tell me how bad is it going to get for me cause I am not profiling anybody else." He wanted to run cause he knew Fixer would get him to give up the rest. Bren was furious at himself knowing he would cave. He feared that Fixer would figure out that Khalid had a way of controlling his baby brother.

Gathering up the drug bottle and the syringes off the table, Cole walked to the locked cabinet embedded in the wall and put everything away. Going back to the table, he stood behind the one empty chair and signaled Punta to release Brennan. "It is time for lunch. I will have one of the elves bring a meal to you two. I have some things I need to do." Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a copy of the list of names of people he was interested in. Throwing it in the middle of the table he said, "I don't know how bad it is going to get for you Brennan. You know my methods. I use your weaknesses, whether it is a feeling, thing or person and I get results. Think about it over lunch and then you can tell me how hard it is going to get." Cole started around the table headed for the door.

Brennan Dawson
Maxwell
Tarik Sadiki
Franco Spellman
Neo Spellman
Marco Spellman
Rosa
Luke or other Core members
Tia
Landon
William Wright
Gab Lupin
Nat Lupin
Leo Spellman
Angel Potter
Leo Potter
Martin Kildare

Bren looked at Richard and then hung his head as he mentally read through the list. He waited for Fixer to leave before saying, "Richard, we both know the outcome. We also know your duty. I will give him one more but the price will be you leaving beforehand. Richard, I plan on making a wand vow and then I intend as soon as you are safe, breaking it." Bren had betrayed the Medjai and he planned to forfeit his magic including his blood/Elvin magic.

Richard calmly looked at Brennan and said, "Brennan, look at me." When his friend and partner looked up he said, "Brennan, I have studied up on Blood and Elvin magic, because of a possible future I am looking to. When you make a Wand Vow, it is connected only to the wand only. Your Blood and Elvin magic are not connected to your wand, since you do not need the wand to use either of them. Even the elves need more than one of them to block either of the kinds of magic. I am also reasonably sure your abilities to Profile are not connected to your magic. You have the ability to see others in different ways, not just their actions but the motives behind the actions. In a way it has been taught to you and in a way, it is just part of who you are." Richard was starting to feel very tired. He figured it was because of the release of the drug on controlling his system. Leaning forward on his folded arms he said, "Making a wand vow will only take away one of the abilities you have that could come in handy protecting the Core or the students at the school. Are you willing to do that?"

Cole stood outside the room, watching the small view screen in the door control panel. If Richard could not talk Brennan out of making a Wand Vow, he was going to have to come up with something. Brennan's profiling skills and his Blood and Elvin magic would not be affected, but most Wizards depended on their wand magic, and a slight hesitancy when Brennan went to use it and remembered it did not work, could mean the difference between life and death. All he could do now was wait and see what Brennan decided.

Bren sadly shook his head as he said, "No but Richard, I told Fixer something about Tarik that I have not even told Air. If Fixer figures it out then Tarik will be lost to us. I betrayed the one thing that Khalid has most likely has guessed but has never tested. It was the reason when Leo Potter asked to talk with Tarik I lied and said I would arrange it. I have no intention of telling Tarik that Antonio has freed Leo Potter. Richard, Tarik needs to believe that both Potter and my father are dead and as my father's journal hinted at, that they were murdered by Khalid." He hated lying to Tarik but it was the only thing that kept Tarik from falling for Khalid's lies. Tarik believed in the old law of Right of Birth, which Bren knew that should Khalid ever be able to convince Tarik that their grandfather's death had been accidental then Tarik would step down by handing Khalid their father's medallion.

Richard slowly pushed himself to his feet, testing how much control he now had of his own body. He was shaky but he could stand. Slowly piviting on his feet he took a tentative step from the table. Walking slowly he made his way toward the window to look outside. Before he could say anything Tarka walked in with a lunch tray, set the sandwiches, salads and drinks on the table, bowed and left. Richard headed back to the table. "We need to eat something Brennan, whether we want to or not." Sitting down and reaching for a sandwich Richard said, "Tarik is a bright man. He knows as the rest of us do, if Fixer wants something from any of us, he is going to eventually get it. Our job is just to hold out as long as possible hoping something can disrupt his plans or at least some safeties can go into place to protect the innocents and collateral damage." Richard leaned back in his chair, still holding half the sandwich, "Nothing, and I repeat nothing, is ever black or white, Brennan, we do what we can and hope for the best. Here's a thought for you to think about, if Cole wanted real power and to really control a larger portion of the Wizarding world, why is he staying on this relitively small island?"

Cole smiled. He wondered if Brennan would take anything to heart, that Richard was saying. If Brennan could again learn how to close off his mind, then Cole could tell him what was really going on.

Bren shook as he said, "Richard, it is not Fixer I am worried about though I know I should be with these island chats he has. No, it is Khalid that I fear! That man turned Leo Potter over to vampires and dad's journal hinted that it was Khalid that murdered my father in cold blood. If he plays on Tarik's doubts and becomes rightful Head of the Sadaki Line then several would have no choice but to..." Bren stopped as he realized what he really feared. If Khalid were head of the family then everybody in that line would swear an oath of loyalty and by doing so Khalid's loyalties of Dark or Light would bind them all. Bren smiled as he remembered that Tarik had refused the family binding ceremony.

Richard leaned forward and took a bite of his sandwich, chewing slowly. Finally he said, "Eat, Brennan. It would be just like Fixer to separate us if you were not eating." Richard reached out and took a small sip from his mug. "If Cole is as tightly in league with Khalid as you tend to think, then we are not going to be able to stop what will happen. There is the possibility Khalid will step down from the position. I agree it is not very likely, but it is possible. It will all depend I think on how much control the Dark Sect holds over the man and how much they know of the true ancient customs. Most of the modern world does not hold to the customs of their forefathers."

Cole rubbed the back of his neck. Brennan and Richard both knew Leo Potter had been rescued. They didn't know he had been the one to rescue the man though. Khalid had given him as much information as he could about how he had captured the man and what he thought had been done with him. But now Khalid's mind had been blocked of the memory, by his own will so it had taken Cole a month to find the man and another two weeks to plan and execute the rescue from the Scottish castle. Since information was what Cole collected, he had known about the old tunnels leading into the castle. Tunnels which had been blocked decades ago because they had been considered unsafe. The knowledge that Brennan wanted to keep Leo Potter and Tarik Sadaki apart could be useful. Cole rubbed his chin and smiled. He turned on the small recorder and started down the hall. He needed to get something to eat himself and then visit with the troops. He had a class to teach on hand-to-hand combat also. Looking at his watch he figured he would be back with Richard and Brennan in about two hours. Then he would see how much more he could rattle Brennan.

Bren just shook his head sadly as he said, "Richard, it don't matter as there is two that do hold to that old law, Tarik and the Dark One. If Khalid is controlled by the Dark One and Tarik is lead to believe that Khalid is not then we could be in serious trouble. I can only pray that Tarik finds enough proof that Khalid is indeed the Dark Medjai before he talks with Khalid cause I have a feeling that the true reason Tarik stopped the translations is because of what he learned about his own line, our Sadaki line. Why else would he pull away from knowledge of the fate of this war with the Dark One? Why else would he stop his search for Khalid? Tarik has never once worn the Sadaki medallion. Richard, you know what that medallion is worn by anybody but the rightful head of the family? It is why I don't wear my father's. I won't until his body is found."

Richard motioned toward Brennan's food and raised an eyebrow. Brennan finally picked up a half of sandwich and took a bite. "This is all conjecture Brennan, we don't even have any evidence that Khalid is as dark as everyone thinks he is. The man has done some terrible things, I admit, but there are rumors going around through some of my contacts that Khalid is changing." Richard chuckled, "Don't look at me that way my friend. They are only rumors and until I have hard evidence I will not spread them, you know that." Richard took another sip of his Apple cider. "Now eat. Fixer will be back in a while and I would rather have some strength to fight him. That drug scares me, because of what it could make me or anyone else do. You need to try and give him some information without giving information. Think about the list. Maybe he will give you a choice on who to profile." Richard took another bite of his sandwich and looked out the window across the room. The afternoon was not looking like it was going to be bright and calm, no matter what it looked like out the window.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the series)

FRANK COLE
Cole opened the door to the room where Richard and Brennan were. Richard was looking out the window and Brennan was relaxing on the bed leaning against the wall. It got very quiet when he walked into the room with no warning. Walking up to the table, he said to Mecum, "Take Master Richard to the other room I have designated." Turning to Richard he said, "We will talk again in a little while."

Bren sat up straight on the bed grabbing the side of the mattress, prepared to jump up and help Richard. He was still inwardly shaking as he asked worried for his partner, "Where you taking him? Send him back to Hogwarts Fixer!" Sherlock had to get Richard released.

Richard walked over to the bed, put his hand on Brennan's shoulder and said, "It will be all right Bren. The two of you need to talk without me in the room." Richard hoped he was getting the point across that with him being removed from the room, it would be one less incentive Brennan would have to worry about being used against him.

Cole waved his hand toward the door, letting Mecum know he meant now. A glance told him Artkee was ready to grab Brennan if necessary. As Richard was being lead out of the room Cole replied to Brennan. "He is being taken to another room, so you and I can talk. If I wish to use him again, he will be returned to this room, so you may fully understand what I am doing." After Richard was gone, Cole walked to his customary chair and straddled it. "Please join me Profiler," he said as he indicated the chair across from him.

Bren just shook his head as he faced the wall saying, "We are not talking until Richard is back at Hogwarts." Bren only wanted to hold out because most on that list were destined to help with stopping the Dark One or the Number as most in the wizardry world called the entity."

Cole had enough. Motioning to Artkee he signaled the elf to make Brennan lie flat on the bed with his legs bound. Walking over to the bed, Cole raised the side of the bed and grabbed Brennan's right arm, forcing it with some effort to the side railing where he said, "Artkee, fasten Master Brennan's arm here and put his other arm on the opposite railing. Stop struggling Brennan. You wanted to stay in the bed I have just given you your wish." Patting the still struggling Profiler on the shoulder, he walked to the cabinet embedded in the wall at the top of the bed. Taking out a large hypodermic needle and a small bottle he walked back to where Brennan was stretched out. Leaning on the railing, he showed Brennan the clear bottle. "This my young friend is a truth serum. It is not addictive but you will answer my questions. It does have one nasty side affect though. It sensitizes the nerves in your body. A simple touch can be painful." Grabbing the Profilers eyes with this own, Cole asked, "Do we do this the easy way or the hard way, it is up to you."

Bren started fighting as he was bound to his bed. As Fixer showed him the bottle Sherlock panicked. He pulled on his bonds trying to keep the needle away. His eyes glistened with tears as he pleaded, "Please those people supported me. Don't ask me to betray them. I can't, not after they stood behind me. I gave you Tarik don't ask me to betray the rest." He knew that once the truth serum was given, Bren would give them all up.

Sherlock shook violently as he pleaded fighting his bonds, "Please Don't do this!" Bren was spirally downwards as he realized either way Fixer would control him. He would betray his friends and then Fixer would have that fact to hold over him. He once again thought about making a wand vow then breaking it in hopes of losing his blood/elven magic. Shaking as he struggled to find a way to not become the traitor, Zia had said was his destiny.

Cole just leaned on the railing of the bed, waiting for Brennan to fully realize he was not getting loose. He could feel how the boy was feeling, angry, fearful and scared he was going to destroy his friends. Cole had taken away his physical ability to fight, he wondered if Brennan's mental abilities to fight would kick in. Placing his hand on Brennan's forehead, he tried to descend into the boys mind to see if there was any resistance.

Bren was still fighting as he thought terrified of what Fixer was searching for, "Please don't make me do this." His inner self tried to run but felt himself frozen in his spot.

Cole pulled back from Brennan's mind. Bren was not even attempting to block him, as if he didn't realize he could. Looking down and the boy he said, "I will give you the drug and get all the answers I want that way, or you can give me the information I want without the drug and possibly be able to filter it some. Which will it be Brennan; those are your only choices."

Brennan's eyes were tearing as he said almost to himself, "Either way I fulfill Zia's prophecy and betray my friends." All he wanted was to run away.

"Choose Brennan," Cole was not going to let him get away with withdrawing. "I have not said you will be profiling everyone on the list. In addition, I have not asked you, to profile any of the Core or the Caretakers. Whom do you think you are betraying. Yes, I did ask you to profile Tarik, but Brennan he has been here before, so all most everything you told me I already knew. So choose Brennan, the drugs or your own abilities."

Bren shook as he pleaded, "Please don't make me do this. Those on that list protect Tia. Please don't ask me to betray those that shield her."

Cole just repeated, "Choose Brennan, or I will choose for you."

Bren was still shaking as he said, "I need to talk with Richard." He feared making the wrong choice. Fixer was going to win and get the information that would destroy those that protected Tia. Zia's words kept screaming in his mind. That he was destined to be the vessel of the Dark One and destroy those that protect the Guardian. Cassandra had always advised him. He missed her as he thought, "Mom, what do I do? Either way I become the traitor that Zia foresaw." Sherlock was lost inside himself and unsure if he could fight his destiny. He heard what sounded like, "Remember" Bren was within his mind as he ran wondering what his adopted mother wanted him to remember.

Cole put his forehead down on his arms which were folded on the railing. After a moment he lifted his head and looked at Artkee and just nodded. He had just given permission for Richard to be brought back into the room. "I have sent for Richard, Brennan. If you agree to help me, he can stay quietly unharmed. If you turn away from helping Richard will strung on the wall and I will show you, using him, how badly I want the information you are refusing to give me." Cole just stared at Brennan while they waited.

Bren's mind showed a place that felt familiar. He saw Cassandra and tried to run to her. His feet would not move as he heard his true mother tell Cassandra the truth of who his father was. His adopted mother had just smiled as she told of the blood bond ceremony and that his father's profiling ability would be strengthen as would his mother's mental resistant ability. Cassandra had promised his birth mother that with the added gift of being a Seer that he would gain from his new blood/Elvin magic from her (Cassandra) the prophecy she had foresaw would be fulfilled. He had never seen his birth mother so scared. He watched as Cassandra hugged his birth mother as she said something then Cassandra had turned and said to Bren, "Remember" The scene changed into nothing as he once again heard Zia. Sherlock shook as he knew that whatever he needed to remember Zia had blocked or erased.

Richard was led into the room by Mecum and allowed to walk over to the bed where Brennan laid. He looked at Brennan then at Fixer, "And he is tied up why?"

Cole stood up straight and slightly turned, never totally letting go of the side railing. "I asked him to come over to the table and instead he turned to the wall. Since he wanted to stay on the bed, I made that possible."

Richard pointed to the syringe and bottle in Cole's hand. "And that is for?"

"Brennan has decided to be stubborn and I have grown tired of his games so I decided to speed up the process a bit. I have of course given him the option of answering my questions without the added help. He is still trying to decide which way he wants it. He asked for you and I have given him the ability to talk with you. The choice is now, either answer my questions with or without the drug. If he chooses to do it without the drug, you are to hang around," Cole pointed to the shackles on the wall, "with us for a bit and we will see how it goes." Cole changed his gaze to Brennan.

Richard looked down at his friend and partner.

Bren seemed to be in a dark void. He tried to figure out what his adopted mom wanted him to remember. All of sudden a light seemed to shine as he heard, "Remember son! Now focus and listen." He felt like he was catapulted into the light and back into the room. As his eyes started to focus he realized Fixer was talking to Richard at the side of the bed. Carefully trying the strength of his restraints he pleaded with Fixer, "Can I talk with Richard alone please?" He needed advice on both what he should do as well as his adopted mother's message.

Cole looked back and forth between the two men. Straightening he put the small bottle and the syringe in his slacks pocket. "I will allow twenty minutes. Then I will make all the decisions." Cole turned and walked out of the room, turned on the small view screen outside and stood waiting to see how this played out.

Bren shook as he said, "Richard either way Zia's words will be fulfilled. I need to know what I should do. In my mind, I saw my adopted mother Cassandra who wants me to remember something from my childhood. She and my birth mother discussed something that I overheard. Richard, it had to do with why she did the Blood Bonding Ceremony. But I have no clue as to what it could be as most of the memory is in a black void and what I do remember makes no sense. Help me work through this please as what he is asking is treason and betrays the faith Cassandra had in me. Richard, I already betrayed her brother Tarik. How can I betray the others on that list? You know how important they are in protecting Tia. Help me see what I seem to be not seeing, please?"

Richard looked over at Mecum and asked, "Can we undo his arms?" All he received was a shake of the elf's head. Turning back to Brennan who was looking at him like he had all the answers he said, "It is good to hear your adoptive mother is again inside your head, partner. Tell me what you remember her saying."

Bren's body shook as he said, "I remember a nightmare waking me up and I ran to tell my birth mother. Richard what stopped me was hearing her tell Cassandra that Louis was my real father. I was in shock I guess but Cassandra just smiled and told her that it was fine and through the Blood Bond Ceremony the abilities I inherited from my parents combined with what Cassandra had given me would insure that what Cassandra and my mother had foreseen would happen. Richard I had never seen my mother so scared but something Cassandra said as she hugged my mother calmed her. Then Cassandra turned and looked at me saying to remember. Richard, after that is just a black void though. So what does she want me to remember? Is it the abilities, what happened afterwards, or the nightmare that woke me?" Bren was scared that whatever it had been Zia had insured he would never remember.

Richard stood up straight holding on the side railing. "Sounds like you had already been through the Blood Bonding Ceremony." This was a ceremony much like the Muggle Blood Brother ceremony, except not just blood was exchanged but magical abilities. Sometimes new abilities could be exchanged and sometimes enhancement of what was already present in the person was given. It was usually a combination of the two. "Do you remember the ceremony?"

Bren listened to Richard and shook his head as he said, "I don't remember it but my father Louis was a Profiling Auror as you know. My birth mother..."Bren stopped as he tried to remember what Cassandra had said about her. He remembered her seeming to plead with Cassandra. Voicing his thoughts, "She was scared about something and pleaded with Cassandra. Cassandra just hugged her as she said something. Why can't I remember?"

"Since the Blood Bonding Ceremony gives magical abilities or enhances what already exists, lets try a different way of going at this. First, you, did you have any special abilities at an early age? You said your father was a profiler and an Auror, what were Cassandra's specialties? I happen to know your birth mother was a Seer, just not sure how strong she was. You would have a combination of all of their specialties, plus enhancement of anything you were already strong in. Apparently your birth mother was worried about a combination of things and Casandra wasn't. So what abilities should you posses, Brennan?"

Bren smiled as he answered Richard, "Louis was always bringing me puzzles and Cassandra brought me those Sherlock books, so both must have seen dad's skill of profiling in me? I think you are right about my birth mom though I doubt she was as strong as Cassandra. My dreams had always seemed real and my birth mom kept what she called a dream journal which I think might still be at the house I inherited. She had me keep one too though I have no idea where it ended up most likely in that multi-pocketed robe that I got..."Bren stopped as he could not remember how he had gotten his real father's robe. He had had it all through school but had he had it while Louis had visited. Something was pushing him to bring the Scene of Cassandra and his birth mother back up in his mind.

Bren decided to freeze the scene and act as if it was a photo. He smiled as he said, "Both were holding things. Dang is there a way to enlarge their hands?"

Richard chuckled. "Brennan it is your mind. Think it and believe it and it will be larger. Now what is in their hands?"

Bren nodded as he seemed to zoom in on their hands. He smiled as he said, "Mom had the robe and my birth mother had..." His head started pounding as he screamed, "A picture with writing on the back and her dream journal. I won't let this headache stop me. That is it, Cassandra wants me to remember what my birth mother did with those two things." Bren's face lite up as he said, "That should be the next image since I never saw her write in that golden color journal again."

Richard leaned on the side railing and said, "Keep going Brennan."

Bren shook as he tried to remember. He slowed the movie but unfroze the scene. All of sudden he saw it. "I know where it is Richard," Bren said. He lipped, "As Cassandra hugged my birth mom, my birth mother's hand slipped into my father's robe. And since it was not found when I removed everything from that robe, there must be a secret pocket that we have not found. My birth mother knew about that robe."

Richard nodded. "Good Brennan, very good," he said as he patted his partners shoulder. "I will check that out when I get back to Hogwarts." Richard looked toward the door and then back to Brennan. "Our time is almost up. Fixer will be back in and this whole thing will start again. I can't stop him Brennan and I really don't want to be strung up on that wall so…"

Bren shook as he said, "But Richard I don't want to be the one that destroys Tia. I can't become the traitor Zia said was my destiny. Richard what do I do?"

Looking one more time at the door Richard asked, "Brennan, I know you don't want to take the drug, but if you do you will technically not be responsible for what you tell the man. And we both know you are going to tell one way or the other. There will be pain because I know he will find a way to move you or touch you, and that is a side effect. Anyone, Caretaker or Auror will know you fought giving the information. I can't tell you what to do partner… you are going to have to make the decision." As Richard finished, the knob to the door turned.

Bren smiled as he said, "I understand partner, We are going to have a major talk aren't we?"

Richard smiled and nodded. Then he turned toward the door as Cole walked in.

BRENNAN DAWSON
Bren heard the door and felt his body shaking. He tried to turn his head saying, "Fixer, I am telling you nothing!"

Cole smiled. "I see nothing has changed after the talk you two had." Reaching into his pocket, Cole pulled out the drug vial and the syringe. Standing beside the bed he held them out and asked, "You sure you want to go this way profiler? Last chance."

Bren shook his head as he said, "I am not a traitor Fixer! Do your worse I won't betray my friends." His eyes showed the change in the way he saw this moment.

Cole shook his head and said, "Then it is all on you what I find out." Slowly Cole tilted the vial up and filled the syring. Testing it to make sure there was no air, he turned to Richard and held the needle out. "Richard you will please administer the drug."

Richard only starred and shook his head no.

"You will either administer the amount of drug I have put in the syringe or I will double the dose. This will be the pain from being moved or touched will double and the time he is under it's influence will double at a minimum. Decide."

Richard looked at Brennan and slowly took the needle from Cole's hand. Stepping closer to the bed he jabbed the needle into Brennan's arm and pushed the plunger. "Sorry partner," he said in a whisper. Then he stepped back.

Bren smiled as he said to Richard, "It is okay partner. I will fight this drug as long as I can. Just find what I told you about, Promise me?"

Richard nodded. A glance at Cole made him cringe. Cole had just become interested in what Brennan had told him about… the diary.

"Sit Richard at the table. Put your palms flat and spread your fingers. Do not interfere or I will find another way to keep you quiet." Cole turned back to Brennan and said, "It will take about five minutes for the drug to totally take effect. You will be wide awake and understand what you are telling me, you just won't be able to prevent yourself from telling me anything I want to know." Cole chuckled.

Richard looked down at the table where he had spread his hands. Cole was not just planning on asking Brennan about the names on the list. He was going to ask other questions, and they had played right into his hands.

Bren tried to fight the drug that flowed through his system. He felt light and free and could barely keep his eyes open. The people seem as if they were happy. Fixer was smiling so everything must be alright. Brennan tried to shake off the effects because he was having trouble concentrating on what was happening around him.

Cole leaned on the side railing. Smiling he said to Brennan, "How you feeling Brennan? Want to see if you can answer some very important questions for me?"

Bren smiled as he said as if talking to old trusted friend, "I feel as if on cloud nine but it seems my eyes are heavy. Of course, what do you want to ask me?" Deep down he knew that he shouldn't but it seemed Bren's mind could hide nothing and Sherlock so wanted to trust this old friend. Bren smiled as he asked, "Friends trust each other right?"

"That's right old friend," Cole said continuing to smile. "I was wondering Brennan. I want to surprise Sasha. Can you tell me what makes her the happiest?" Cole was trying to find out what to use against Sasha. What made her happy is what she cared about.

Bren said as if in a dream, "Sasha loves flying and spending time with her family and friends. She loves to teach and being Headmistress doesn't give her the chance to get out of her office much. I guess it depends on what your surprise deals with. I know she wishes that her ability as a Seer was..." Bren stopped as his inner voice said, "That is a personal wish she has and need not be share except by her." Bren nodded as he waited to see what his old trusted friend would say.

Cole looked over this shoulder at Richard who only stared back at him with a tiny smile on his face. He had also caught the fact that Brennan's inner voice could overcome the drugs in what he said. Looking down at Brennan, he took a guess. "Her abilities as a Seer are good, Brennan, and I know she wishes to strengthen them. Do you think there would be any way I could help? Maybe if I gave her a small party with say you, me and four of her closest friends or family, we would be able to help her. You know her better than I do, although I look forward to knowing her better, so who do you think I should invite to the party?"

Bren shook his head as he thought, “Sasha fears her visions, she has no wish to strengthen a gift that she wishes she never had.” He said still sadly shaking his head, “I am sorry my friend but Sasha’s duties as Headmistress makes it impossible for her to leave the school for any length of time. Though throwing her a party is a nice idea...” He was stopped once again by his adopted mother’s voice, “Brennan Dawson, Sasha’s business is not anybody’s business but her own and your uncle Tarik’s! Focus on Richard’s and my voice alone.” Bren sadly shook his head as he thought, “But mom, my friend...”[/i] His inner voice cut in with more force, “No Bren, only focus on Richard’s and my voice! Drown the rest out now!” Bren sadly nodded as he said quietly, “I will do as you suggest mom but I still think it is wrong as he is my friend.” He focused on Richard and within as his inner voice said, “Bren, you can ask your partner why I have asked this of you.” Bren smiled as he asked, “Richard, why doesn’t my adopted mom Cassandra want me to listen or answer my friend? He is trusted isn’t he? He just wants to throw a party for Sasha, why would mom be worried about that? But she wants me to listen only to you and her. She said I was to drown the rest out, why?”

Cole smiled and stood up straighter. Patting Brennan shoulder he said, "I will be right back Brennan, rest a moment." Cole walked over to where Richard sat at the table, his palms still flat on the tabletop. Richard was looking straight ahead and by the way his lips were compressed in a straight line Cole knew Richard realized what was about to happen. Cole leaned on the table and quietly said, "Richard it seems Brennan's inner voice is not quieted by the drugs I gave him. Now we have two choices here. One I can give him another dose, which can be dangerous or two, you can help me by playing your part and asking the questions I need answered. Choose please?"

Richard continued to look out the window across the room, knowing he really had no choice. If he refused then Cole would find some way to ]i]convince [/i] him he should help. Slowly he turned his head and looked at Fixer. "You know I don't want to do this don't you. I sure hope Maxwell knows what he was talking about when he told me what you are up to, Caretaker." Receiving a nod, Richard rose up and quietly asked, "So what do you want to know?"

Cole stood and smiled. "I want him to tell me who would be the best to invite to a party I am thinking of holding for Sasha." Cole smiled at the look of horror on Richard's face and added, "I am thinking of holding the party somewhere else but the island Richard."

Richard gave Cole a questionable look, but nodded and walked slowly to the bed. Leaning on the railing. First he had to try and give Brennan a reason why Cassandra's voice didn't want Brennan listening to Cole. "Brennan, Cassandra knew I would be able to verify what you are saying and so I can add any ideas to what he wants to do, since the two of us know Sasha better than he does. Our friend here really wants to throw a party for Sasha, somewhere she would be able to attend. If he could only invite four people, who do you think he should invite?"

Bren smiled as he listened. He was not sure why but answered without even a second thought, "I think she cares deeply for her family. It depends on what kind of party, I guess?"

Richard knew the next question he need to ask so he said, "What would be her favorite type of party Brennan?"

Cole walked over to the corner cabinet and got a small pad of paper and a Muggle ink pen, then walked back to the bed. He didn't need to take notes but he did need some way to let Richard know what questions to ask.

Bren smiled as he said, "Maybe giving her and Tarik an anniversary party? So Tarik, Gabriel, Nathalie and maybe if he could be found..." He was stopped by his inner voice, "Bren nobody is to know so please say nothing about him just yet."

Cole wrote one word on his pad, "he" and then looked at Brennan. The boy was hiding something and now he had to decide if he wanted to pursue that route or continue where he was going. He only had about two hours before the drugs would ware off to the point, Brennan would not be so forth coming with his information. Cole decided to save this piece of information for later after he found out a little more information. He walked back over to the cabinet and took out a legal sized thick manila envelope and went to stand beside the bed. Opening it he removed a picture and handed it to Richard. Writing on the pad he showed it to Richard.

On Pad: Tell him to profile this picture

Richard stared at the picture than turned his glare to Cole only to receive a wave signaling him to show the picture to Brennan and do as he had been instructed. Richard slowly turned back and held the picture so Brennan would be able to see it. "Brennan, it is necessary for you to profile this picture."

Bren's body was shaking as he saw the picture. It was the same picture that had upset his birth mother so. "Mom, they already know or my friend would not have this photo. Why did it upset her so?" Bren's blood/Elvin magic tapped as the photo started to vibrate as his inner voice said, "Brennan, stop now..." Bren shook his head as he said quietly, "What are you and my birth mother afraid of? Why don't you want this picture profiled?" Something about this photo had not only his birth mother terrified but also his own blood/elvin magic. Bren recognized a couple of the people in it like his real father Louis Dawson and Leo Potter. He asked, "Richard, I agree. Please turn it over as this photo was sent to my birth mother and in my memory, she was holding it terrified. Now my inner voice is not wanting me to know why. If this photo is a key to the reason for my boost in magic and being Blood bonded to Cassandra, I want to know why?"

Richard slowly turned the picture over and saw the writing on the back. I made him cringe. Holding the back of the picture so Brennan could see it, he glanced at Cole, receiving a nod and another wave of the man's hand to continue.

Bren was in full Profile mode as he thought, "I am sorry you don't trust my friend but I DO. If there is even the smallest chance, they are alive then this photo is being profiled? Now either help me or be quiet cause it is not one of the thirteen medallions that the Dark Medjai wants! So?" All Bren heard was to ask Richard if Enforcer was going to receive any of the Profile. Bren smiled, as he finally understood as he asked, "Richard, it is not our friend that is the problem but somebody called Enforcer. Can we keep this information from him? If so, I would like to profile this like I always do. So can I be untied and does Gatherer have an Air Board?" Bren felt clear headed and alert and knew that his mind was once again his own. He also understood his blood/elvin magic trusted Frank Cole as he had used the name William Andreas called Fixer.

Cole personally reached out and untied the straps holding Brennan's arms to the railings of the bed, while saying, "I will un-tie you Brennan, but do not try and get up. You are being watched and can easily be re-tied quickly." He was surprised Brennan had picked up the knowledge of the Enforcer so quickly. Cole could feel the link between his Elvin Magic and Brennan's strengthen. He also knew the elves were doing what they could to block any of the knowledge from going out of the room. It looked like they had a small breakthrough in getting Brennan to use his profiling abilities. Signaling Mecum to establish an Air-board near the bottom of the bed, Cole waited.

Richard lowered his forehead to his arms and stared at the floor. It seemed Brennan was back on board, at least for the moment. Cole had succeeded. Looking back up he smiled at Brennan and winked, then watched to see what Brennan would write on the air-board using magic and his pointed finger.

Bren smiled but said, "Frank, I usually stand up as I profile. I use an air board and you will see me pace. I will give you my word of honor I will not leave the room or even try to. I do have a couple of questions for you and a request of Punta."

Staring for a couple of heartbeats at the Profiler, Cole looked at Richard and said, "Richard return to your seat at the table, palms down and fingers spread in front of you." Turning back to Brennan, he lowed the side rail and motioned for Brennan to get up, then went to the other side of the table and straddled his usual chair. Folding his arms on the table he said, "I will take your word of honor you will in no way try and leave this room. After you make your requests, I will decide if they will be honored." Cole raised his eyebrows in a questioning move.

Bren walked to the air board and stood in front of it as he asked, "Frank, how did you get this picture? And do you have the journal that was also in the same pocket of my father's robe?"

Cole steepled his fingers in front of him for a moment and looked at Brennan over the top of them. Refolding his arms on the table he said, "How I got the picture I am not able to divulge." Reaching for the envelope he had placed on the table he reached in and pulled out the small leather bound hand-tolled journal.

Bren smiled as he asked, "As long as it never gets in Enforcer or Khalid's hands. Punta, I need my magic to air write unless you can write what I say? Also I need a complete lock down as my adopted mother Cassandra felt this photo so important that she Blood Bonded with me to insure my abilities enhanced by her Blood and Elvin Magic. Can you insure Enforcer never hears of this profile?"

Punta listened to what Master Brennan required. He looked to Master Frank and received a nod. Raising his hand he pointed it toward Master Brennan, closed his eyes for a second, opened them and nodded. "Yes Master Brennan. The island has a lock down and this room has a Elfin lockdown on it also. Master Frank has a blanket on his mind. Your information is safe."

Bren smiled as he quietly asked, "Thank You Punta but am I getting my wand or are you going to air write what I say? I promise I will only air write with it..."

Punta smiled and said, "Master Brennan you do not need your wand. Concentrate young Master and you will see."

Bren smiled and pointed his finger as he said, "Okay then first a list of the people I saw in the photo." The next thing that happened shocked even him.

Air Written:
Leo Potter
Louis Dawson McChey
a group of robed individuals one wearing an insignia ring
a lady that seemed familiar.

Cole sat up straighter. He had recognized the insignia ring as being the same one the man who had murdered his wife and unborn son had worn. This meant the robed individuals in the picture had to be from the MacIntosh Clan, and from the original line, because they were the only ones allowed to wear the ring. They would receive it when they became of age and could take part in Clan business.

Bren fought past the shock and asked, "Is there any way to pin the photo to the air board and enlarge it?" He saw the photo magically pin itself after enlarging to the size of a piece of wallpaper. Then the words written on the back filled one side with the photo wallpaper in the center of the air board.

Note Air Written from back of Photo to Left Side of Air Board:

Please give this to your and Dawson's son Bren,
Trick or Treat Little Bren,
Guess you never dreamed your mom would hide things from you, your father and your older half uncle are here waiting so find my treat or they get my trick
Dark Medjai

PS. I never keep secrets especially ones that deal with your mother hurting your best friend by sleeping with her dad. I wonder if poor Sasha and Tamika knew.

Under his breath, Richard said, "MacIntosh" and looked at Cole, who nodded. Richard forgot he was supposed to have his hand splayed on the table and raked his hands through his hair. The MacIntosh Clan was being studied by just about every alphabet agency in the Wizarding World. The Caretakers had a thick file on them, but nothing could ever be proven. Either the people who crossed their paths were dead or had a vested interest in staying alive by keeping their mouths shut. Slowly Richard looked back to Brennan, wondering if the young man knew who were holding his father and, if Richard had it figured out right, Brennan's uncle. Since the picture was probably seventeen plus years old, they probably were not still alive but this gave some strength to the idea that Khalid had not murdered Leo Potter.

Bren froze as the word McChey was above a young dark haired man standing near the familiar female. She had her hand on the back of his throat and holding him dangling above her head at arm's length. He said as he wrote, "She seems familiar and incredibly strong. But this McChey can't be Sasha's father because he is too young. From what I can see I would say he is about twenty-eight ? "I see that Louis Dawson is there but the man being held in the air by the woman and with the name McChey written over his seems almost like he is being used to keep Dad (Louis Dawson) and Potter from doing anything? Almost as if he is a hostage but the look in his eyes is one of trust both in the woman and in the robed individuals. It makes no sense, Richard. Could I be wrong and this McChey set Dad and Potter up?" Bren was not even looking at the words of the note yet as he profiled just what the photo itself was showing him.

Cole looked at the blow up of the photo and said, "The boy that is being held up is named Jonathan MacIntosh. I am not sure of the relationship, but there are a lot of cousins roaming around in that family. He is also not wearing a ring which means he is not in the direct linage of the family. It is odd that the name McChey is written over his head. That would make him a relation to Sasha McChey." Cole sat up and reread the last part of the note. "Brennan reread the last part of the note about the Tricker Treating. Think profiler, what is being told to you?" Cole had his own idea but Brennan needed the practice.

Bren shook his head as he said, "I have not even read it yet Frank as I have been focusing on the photo itself first. Seeing what it can tell me." He air wrote Jonathan MacIntosh under the name McChey. No sooner then he did this, the name MacIntosh erased leaving Jonathan McChey. Bren tried once again to add MacIntosh only to see the word move to above the robed individuals and away from the young man that his blood/elvin magic claimed as a McChey.

Bren smiled as he said, "I guess my gift is saying he is Jonathan McChey and not a part of the MacIntosh Clan at all? Wait! My first visit here, the video she was there as was that one showing his ring..." Bren now remembered why the female looked so familiar. His eyes glowed as he said angry, "That woman was the reason for the shadow that talked to the little girl. He saw her and got between her and the little girl. You wanted to know who was holding the young girl back and keeping her safe, she is holding him. Though his shadow was much smaller then, I think? He knows or used to know just how deadly that family can be but now he trusting them and her. Frank, he is your key to proving they murdered your client's mother. If you can find him?"

Cole smiled and nodded. "Very well done Profiler, it is good to have you back. Now I will fill you in some of the information I already have. Your maternal grandmother knew a MacIntosh once and she fell in love with him. She found out his secret and left him with the help of your maternal grandfather. Even though she was eventually married your maternal grandfather and had your birth mother. The MacIntosh Clan found her and nobody but your grandmother knows what happened. I do know through certain files that your material grandmother later married Sasha's father after Sasha and Tamika's mother died. But once again she was found by the MacIntosh Clan. It is believed the day they found her your maternal grandmother was visiting St. Mungo's and had found out she was once again pregnant. This person would be your birth mom's half-brother and your half uncle, Jonathan McChey. Her body was found nine months later and her newborn child was missing. It seems that the Clan kept your half-uncle there as a member of the family and also as an insurance policy of sorts to keep the McChey's in line. The boy was even sent to school, and roomed with Lance Kildare. Louis Dawson discovered what was going on and tried to rescue the boy, and was captured, making everyone think he was dead."

Bren listened and then smiled as he said, "No wander my birth mother was terrified. She never knew about him or what happened to her mother. She said that her maternal grandparents, my great-grandparents were furious when she brought Sasha who was her roommate at Hogwarts home one summer. They pulled mom out that year and sent her to the all woman's magic school in France. Mom never understood why they didn't want her to remind friends with Sasha."

Richard turned toward the note wallpaper. "Brennan, it's time to start on the note. I think it will explain some of the photo."

Note Air Written from back of Photo to Left Side of Air Board:

Please give this to your and Dawson's son Bren,
Trick or Treat Little Bren,
Guess you never dreamed your mom would hide things from you, your father and your older half uncle are here waiting so find my treat or they get my trick
Dark Medjai T

PS. I never keep secrets especially ones that deal with your mother hurting your best friend by sleeping with her dad. I wonder if poor Sasha and Tamika knew.


Bren wrote as he said, "This part "Please give this to your and Dawson's son Bren," I don't think he ever thought I would really see this. He wanted my mother to know that he knew who my real father was. My birth mother never called me Bren. She always used Brennan. So it would seem this note was for my mother but why not just say so? Why make her believe he wanted this to come to me?" He looked at Richard as he said, "It don't make sense unless he was threatening her using me? It would explain why Cassandra made that promise to her. Richard, what do you think? Is it for me or my birth mother?"

Richard turned his chair so he was facing the board. This put his back almost to Cole, but he wasn't worried about him at the moment. Resting his right arm on the table he sat back comfortably in his chair. "Brennan, you were so little when all this took place, around seven or eight years old, if I am right so I doubt the Dark Medjai thought you could do anything with the message. I agree it was for your mom, to let her know he could get to any of you if he needed to. I can see why she was frightened. I don't think he expected this to last for so long, until you became of age so to speak. Now the question is are any of these men still alive?" Richard glanced at Cole, because is anyone knew the answer to that question, he was sure the Gatherer would know.

Cole knew Leo Potter had been rescued and was in hiding because he feared for his life and his families, because they could be used against him if it was thought they knew where he was. Louis Dawson had never been found, nobody had ever been located and no word had ever come of even a rumor he might still be alive. Jonathan McChey would be next on his list to try and locate. The man might have to be de-programmed and it would be rough, but finding him would solve several problems. To Richards unasked question he just shrugged.

Bren smiled as he said, "This part Trick or Treat Little Bren, could be giving a time frame? It also explains why I can't remember that Halloween that year. I know I went trick or treating but after I left my house at eight o'clock with a friend, I remember nothing though my nightmare was about my friend being set upon by wolves and me barely escaping due to Cassandra sending Darik to look for me. I wonder if that nightmare..." Bren's body shook as his mind caught the fact that he might have been used as a delivery boy. His eyes watered as he asked, "Richard, did they ever find my friend that was with me that night? Could I have been the one that they used to give my birth mother that picture and Cassandra dad's robe?" He was panicking as he realized that he might have even been there when the photo was taken.

Richard sat forward in his chair and rested his elbows on his knees. "I have no idea Brennan. It has never been brought up in any meeting or conversation I can remember, but we can check with Darik when we return to the mainland." Richard had a feeling they were treading on dangerous ground here. If Brennan had been the one to deliver the picture to his mother, that meant he would have been there when it was taken. His mother would have been terrified that they had their hands on the boy long enough for him to have been involved in the scene.
Richard was also going to have to check with Arianna.

Although every Caretaker never knew the details of all of the present and past cases each of them worked on, he was second in command at the moment, so he should have at least had a background report. Problem was he had not been second in command for very long and the report pile in the walk-in closet was huge. He had started his research on the most recent ones. Since this was 17 or so years ago, it probably was on a very different shelf than the one he had been grabbing from. Arianna Sadaki was head of and originator of, along with her deceased husband of the Caretakers, so she should know answers to Brennan's questions.

Bren frowned as he studied the photo looking for any sign he had actually been there. He shook his head as he asked still scared of the answer, "Richard, maybe I am way off base? For my findings to be right about this part, me and my friend would both have to be there? I don't see anything that..." He froze as he realized what not seeing himself must mean that he had been the one that took the photo. He said almost under his breath, "But I would never have just stood there and took a picture? I would have either run to Louis or more than likely ran as fast as I could for help! I could not have taken the picture but the only thing that makes sense."

"Keep going Profiler," Cole said quietly, leaning forward on his arms folded in front of him on the table. "Accept your logic. Profiling is telling what is there, not trying to decide if it is right or wrong. That can be discussed later. What else do you see or more important not see?"

Richard glanced at Cole and then leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees and lacing his fingers in front of him.

Bren shook as he said, "But Frank if I delivered this to my mother then I had to be there..."He pointed to the photo then continued, "So where am I? I don't even see the friend I went trick or treating with. More Importantly where are the wolves that attacked my friend? Frank I have to be wrong

Cole raked his fingers through his hair. This was one of those hard parts of life, but it had to be done. "Brennan, the robed men in the picture, the ones wearing the rings and probably a few of the others are part of the MacIntosh Clan, a clan of werewolves. Notice the angle the picture is taken from. How tall were you when you were eight years old? Does the picture look like it would have been taken from the height you were then? Are your Dad and Potter looking at the man hanging from the woman's claws or are they looking at the camera?" If they were looking at the camera, they were worried about the photographer more than the young man being held in the air. "I know this is painful Brennan, but think and accept the facts so you can move forward."

Bren's body was shaking as he asked, "It fits but why did I not run for help? I know the way my mind works, I would have wanted to get help so why didn't I?" His eyes went to the photo but he wasn't seeing it as his blood/elvin magic placed a 3D image of it in his mind. He heard what he had heard that night from the man that handed him the camera, "Do that again boy and your playmate will pay the price instead of you! Just hold the camera as we make our little video." Bren was shaking as he said, "Just let me and Scotty go, we won't tell about this meeting." The man had grabbed him by the shoulder as he heard, "Welcome Aurors to our little party! You do recognize the young man holding the camera Dawson? Did you think that we would not find out about your meeting with Jonathan?" He watched as the man holding him from running to Louis, pointed to the lady as he heard, "Rachel, my dear kindly discipline my eldest son Jonathan." Bren watched in horror as Scotty's adopted big brother was lifted off the ground by the woman. He wanted to scream and help his best friend's brother but the man holding him in place just said, "Just do what I have asked and pray your father does what I expect him to do." He froze as he heard Louis,"You made your point, Enforcer! Release the children and we will surrender ourselves." Bren felt the hold tighten as he watched his real father and his partner be bound and gagged as the man said, "Try anything Dawson and not only will Rachel's clan have fun with your partner but little Bren here will..." Bren was still shaking as he said, "Dad and Potter gave themselves up to save me and Scotty but the man that dad called the Enforcer took us with him. They used Scotty's safety to insure I did want he wanted. The Enforcer is the one both Jonathan and Scotty call dad. That woman's name is Rachel and she was given Leo Potter for insurance that my dad would not try anything to free himself. He let Rachel discipline Jonathan because Jonathan had set a meeting with Dad and Potter. Jonathan had taken me and Scotty trick or treating to cover the fact he had set a meet with Louis Dawson due to his worry for Scotty."

Cole looked at Punta to make sure he was reading Brennan's mind and sending the information to Mecum, who had his hand on Richard's shoulder, which meant Richard was also hearing everything Brennan thought along with his words. Since Richard now knew what had happened he could fill the rest of the Caretaker Group in on how and why Louis Dawson and Leo Potter disappeared. "Brennan, where were you taken and can you remember anything which would give us a clue where your father was taken?"

Bren sat down hard on the chair as he said reliving his true nightmare of that night, "The man that Dad called Enforcer had Rachel take Scotty and Leo Potter to her clan. That woman is a vampiress like Nathalie though I think she might be also a werewolf or have desire to be one. Frank, be careful when you approach Jonathan as if he ever tries to leave Enforcer said Rachel has his permission to give Scotty to the feeders. It terrified Jonathan and that tells me that Jonathan knew what the threat meant. Jonathan loves Rachel and I think they are using that and Scotty to insure that Jonathan behaves. As for Dad..." Bren grabbed his head as the man that Dad called Enforcer laughed, "Little Bren, that is not being good telling our secret. Now just how do I punish such a naughty little boy? I know..." Bren screamed as the extreme pain hit him.

After awhile Bren heard, "Behave Little Bren and the pain will go away. Now deliver my message to your mother. You will get to see your dad when you get back as I have more questions for him. And you know what happens should you not meet Rachel as instructed?" Bren shook as he nodded.

Cole had watched Richard flinch and he knew his friend had felt a large portion of the pain, which had gone through Brennan's brain. He turned to Artkee, who had been assigned the welfare of Brennan, while he was on the island and sent a silent message. "He is in the past. Gently bring him back to the present."

Artkee had felt the pain hit his charge as the young human had dove into the past feet first. Artkee nodded at the signal Master Frank gave him. He walked up to in front of Master Brennan and nodded to Mecum who still had his hand on the shaking human's back. Artkee exchanged nods with Mecum and they both placed their hands on top of Master Brennan's head. Quietly Artkee said, "Master Brennan, listen to my voice. What you are hearing and seeing is in the past. You need to step back to the present and see the now time. Come Master Brennan follow my voice."

Bren shook as he said sadly, "I was suppose to go back Frank after giving my birth mother that photo. He still had Dad but had no intention of killing him. Matthew wanted information and Dad was forced to profile for him. He said that if I did not return then he would deal with those that kept me away. He said also dad would be given other reasons to obey until I returned. Then he gave me two shots and handed me to Rachel who gave me something to drink. Frank, I have to go back before she gets mad..." The pain increased as he thought, "I am coming. I have not found it yet. Please Rachel don't hurt anybody else. I will find what grandmother took from grandfather Matthew." Bren's eyes watered as he felt the pain lessen as his mind showed a crystal necklace and he heard, "Fetch my pet or Matthew's wrath will be the least of your worries. When you see it think of me and I will know. Don't wait too long as I get hungry and I already have picked Scotty's replacement. Matthew and your dad say hi by the way."

Cole had watched the expression on the elves faces and realized they were fighting the strength of whatever triger had been activated in the past fifteen minutes. Cole wondered how many levels they had to dive to get Brennan back to the present. He let out a breath he did not realize he was holding, when Brennan's eyes cleared.

Bren was sweating but understood. He smiled as he said, "I got Good News and Bad News, which do you want first?"

Cole just leaned forward on his folded arms and nodded. "Brennan I am pretty sure Cassandra and your birth mom both realized that was supposed to happen, but prevented it. You were only eight years old and it would not have been hard to change your mind and not have you remember what you were supposed to do. I know your father would have agreed with what they decided. So out with your news."

Richard sat up and placed his palms on his knees, trying to steel himself against what he knew was probably all bad news. "Your choice profiler."

Bren sadly shook his head as he said, "I gather that means I won't be returning as I promised? How are you guys going to insure that I don't? The Good News is Dad is still alive. The Bad News is Matthew wants me and a certain Crystal Necklace back at his castle and guys Rachel is getting hungry and has picked her next snack." He got up and went to the window as he said, "I won't be responsible for her targeting my friends. Can't you understand I have got to go or she will come here?"

Cole sat back and grabbed the back of the straight chair he was sitting in. "You can't go back without the necklace. Do you have it? And how do you know your Dad is still alive? Brennan it has been close if not over seventeen years."

Bren shook as he said, "No but it has got to be at the house. It has been fifteen years and Rachel said grandfather Matthew and my dad said hi. All I have to do is find the necklace and then think of her. She will come and then I can exchange the necklace for my dad. Please it belongs to Grandfather Matthew." His head hurt as the pain came back. His inner voice said angry, "Brennan Dawson! Matthew MacIntosh can never have that necklace and you know it! Now listen to your friends because Louis Dawson is dead or will be the minute you return with that moonstone medallion. Now snap out of their brainwashing as Matthew was never your birth mother's father. Use all your abilities and remember the truth." Bren was shaking as he started crying because deep down he knew. Bren said crying, "If there is a chance he is alive.."

Richard got up out of his chair and walked over to where Brennan was sitting, across the table from Cole. He put his hands on his partners shaking shoulders and said, "Brennan, because of the elves I can hear what is in your heart. Your inner voice is telling the truth. If your father is still alive," Richard glanced at Cole and received a shrug so he continued, "you know he is only alive to get you to return. They would probably take great joy in killing him in front of you. Right now you need to tell us if there is anything else you can profile from the picture or the note."

Bren nodded, "This part, Guess you never dreamed your mom would hide things from you, pretty much is their way of telling mom she is Matthew's daughter. I know that because as you heard I called Matthew, Grandfather Matthew." Bren was confused as to whether it was true or just Matthew's way of controlling him and his mother.

"Brennan, I can tell you without any doubt that you are not related to Mathew MacIntosh. I know this because of the background check I have done on you, with I might add a complet blood work report." Cole added a smile hoping it would help. "This is information which has been planted in your head."

Brennan slowing nodded, "I thought that might be the case as I think that is what mom told my birth mother? I think Matthew wanted me to bring my birth mother as well. If you look at the rest of the note Matthew planned on my mother believing that he was her real father and like Jonathan he wanted her with him. He must have been furious when neither her nor I met Rachel?" He prayed that Matthew had not taken his fury out on Jonathan by going after Jonathan's real father.

He cringed as he said, "If Matthew was that furious, could he have been responsible for the attack on the McChey estate and not Daniel Marsden?"

Richard sat up straighter with a start. It never would have occurred to him that possibiliy existed. It was a good senerio though.

Cole put his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers in front of him. He had watched Richard come to attention at the notion. "That is a possibility Profiler and one that I am sure the Caretakers are going to be very interested in." Cole glanced at Richard and received a nod. "Make sure you let Tarik know what you think when you get back to the mainland. He has enough contacts he might be able to prove or disprove the theory. Now anything else from the picture or the note?"

Bren smiled as he said, "Only the fact that this piece The Dark Medjai has just made it that every case that the Caretakers have thought Khalid did is going to have to be re-investigated and that means Air is going to be furious." Bren was not looking forward to having to tell Air that Khalid might have been framed. He groaned as he said almost to himself, "Cause Khalid is not anywhere in that picture and now with me knowing who has my father, I for one owe Khalid an apology."

Richard said, "I concur Brennan. And you are right Arianna is not going to be happy. It has been so easy just to blame Khalid Onaris for everything, it is going to take time to get out of that mind set." Richard went and sat back down, looking out the window across the room.

Cole hid the smile he was feeling. It would be great in one way to have Khalid out of the running for some of the things, which had happened over the years. Maybe someday it would be possible to let the general public know Khalid was his father-in-law. For now that had to be kept quiet because Khalid needed everyone especial the Dark Sect to think he was one of the bad guys. He had even had the elves remove some of the information from his mind, so it couldn't be read and the truth found out. "I do wish I could be there. The lady is something to see." Cole looked at Richard and said, "Don't worry Richard she is not my type." Cole had known a long time Richard had a special place in his heart for the lady, and he was sure it went both ways.

Cole looked at his watch and realized it was 5:30 pm., time for dinner. Pushing himself up from the table he said, "It is time to eat, and I have several places to visit to make my rounds. I will have meals delivered to you." Cole turned and headed for the door.

Bren cringed as he said, "We will eat upon our return to Hogwarts Fixer! You got all you are going to get."

Cole chuckled and reached out for the handle of the door. "I think not Brennan. I see the drugs have totally worn off, so that is one less worry, but we still have some talking to do. You have brought up some interesting points and I need to find out if they are anything I can use. If you are good, I might let you into my personal file room to help me correlate some of the possible facts." Looking between Richard and Brennan he said, "Don't make me separate you two. I will be back in about two hours and we will see where we stand. Enjoy your meal gentlemen." Cole heard Brennan saying something as he walked out the door.

Bren stood as he said angry, "I can answer that now, Fixer. You will use none of what I told you especially against Sasha! Now return us to Hogwarts!" He was worried though that he had in fact given Fixer something that would not only hurt Sasha but could be used to control her, Jonathan. He looked at Richard and prayed the Caretakers could find the man before Fixer did.

(OOC: Information in this post was taken from Archives 2013 > 2013 - Family Means Everything (Linda, Angel, Leo. This has been a joint post by Barbie and Jane… We hope you are enjoying the thread.)

FRANK COLE
Cole had spent a very busy two hours. He had grabbed a sandwich from the 24-hour dining room and headed out to the training grounds. Trainee night maneuvers were just starting to form up and he wanted to find out how the new group of five was coming along. After that it was back to his house to shower, shave and get through some paperwork. Khalid had sent a message that he had Jonathan MacIntosh on his island and wondered if Cole would like to talk with the man, since it had been Jonathan's father who had ordered that Cole be put through the torture in Khalid's private interrogation room. Cole had sent back word he would be visiting in a day or two and not to overly damage the young man.

After this he headed back to the barracks and got rid of at least a third of the stack of papers on his desk. He was still contemplating showing Brennan his personal file room, but he had not decided on definitely letting the Profiler in there. He wanted to give Brennan an idea on how much information he had on anyone the thought important, any event he thought important and any items which could be useful later.

Now he was walking down the hall back to where he had left Brennan and Richard setting and eating their dinners. He needed to get Brennan and Richard home. Richard was missing teaching to many of his classes and that was not good. Brennan had to have some time working on his security set up. Cole raked his fingers through his hair as he reached the door. He had to get Tarik to the island, to meet with Khalid if Khalid agreed to his request. Tomorrow he would go and talk with his father-in-law and set up a meeting. Tarka had alrady started on the logistics of the meet. Cole would only meet Khalid in his private garden area, because it could be protected from prying eyes easier than the man's house. Khalid was also more relaxed there. Cole chuckled as he opened the door. The meeting between Khalid and Tarik needed all the outside relaxation influences he could set up.

Cole walked into the room. Richard was sitting at the table with his back to the door and Brennan was pacing the room to his left. Cole crossed the room to his normal chair on Richards right and straddled it. "Gentlemen…"

Richard sat back in his straight-back chair and placed his hands on the table. He didn't like the smirk on Coles face. The man was up to something and it did not look healthy for him or Brennan. Richard glanced at Brennan who had stopped his pacing.

Bren had not touched his food as he thought, "I need to get Richard released without giving Frank Cole anything more." He and Richard had not talked and he wondered if him betraying uncle Tarik had anything to do with Richard's silence. Bren said quietly as he paced, "I will just have to watch Tarik more closely as I am not going to let that man anywhere near uncle Tarik." Bren was worried that the man would hand Tarik over to Khalid. Bren looked at Richard and cringed as the door opened. Sherlock would just have to pray that he was able to fix the damage his self-doubt had caused. He cringed again as he knew of two aunts he would be avoiding for a while, Sasha and Arianna. They would have his head should they ever find out that Bren had given Fixer, his uncle Tarik.

Richard looked at Brennan who had stopped midway between the window wall and the table. He nodded toward the vacant chair to his left. Adding enough emotion to his eyes, to tell Brennan it was not a request but an order from his superior, Richard turned back to Cole. "All right you have our attention, now out with it. What is our lives going to cost us?"

Bren inwardly shook his head as he seemed to head for the chair then without warning went straight for Fixer instead of the chair, Richard had pointed out. He grinned as if this worked then they would be doing the questioning and finally getting some answers.

Cole pushed himself out of his chair and stepped to the side, so he would meet Brennan face to face behind where Richard sat. He stood and waited for the young man to take the first swing. Better to let him get it out of his system now. Cole had seen Brennan fight and knew he was good, but at the moment he was also mad and anger and good fighting judgement did not mix well.

Richard had stood up quickly, making his chair fall over backward. It had almost hit Cole as he headed into the open area between the table and the door. Richard put his hand on Brennan's chest and said, "No Brennan," but his hand was slapped away, and Brennan's eyes were focused on Cole.

Cole waved Richard back and took a firm stand. The next move was Brennan's.

Bren said with a fury he had not had in a long time, "Richard, this thorn has been able to get to people that I swore were secure and safe! He has been able to undermine every safe guard I personally put in place. How do you expect those Aurors to listen to me as Head of Security if I can't keep those under my protection safe? We have a leak and Fixer is going to tell me who and then I plan on plugging it!" He was tired of the Aurors who thought Air and Sasha had picked wrong. He went for Fixer as he said to his partner, "Air and Sasha made me Head of Security and it is time I started showing why by first bring this thorn..." He did not even get to finish.

Cole took one-step forward and punched Brennan in the stomach, hard enough to hurt and take some of the wind out of his lungs, but not hard enough to do any damage. Continuing his forward motion he swung his elbow backward and caught Brennan in his upper back sending the Profiler to his hands and knees. Cole spun, booted Brennan in the backside and sent he young man face first into the floor. Sidestepping he went down on one knee and grabbed Brennan's hands bringing them around behind him where he hogtied them with a piece of rope he had in his pocket for just such an occasion. Cole stood up and with his boot, rolled Brennan onto his back. Glancing at Richard, he signaled the Caretaker to check Brennan out, get him up and into a chair. Running his hands through his hair, he shook his head as he went back to sit down and straddle his chair.

Richard went down on one knee and grabbed his struggling partners shoulders. "Stop Brennan." Helping him up he walked him to the chair across from Cole and said to the Fixer, "You knew he would try something. What now?"

Cole grabbed the back of the straight back chair and said, "That all depends on Brennan." Then he turned his attention on the glaring young man. "So what's it going to be Brennan? Either hear me out or continue trying to win a game you can't win."

Bren dropped his head on the table as he whispered, "Maybe the Aurors were right and Hufflepuff just can't handle security? We are just too soft and kind-hearted." His inner voice tried to get Bren to understand that it was not Bren's skill but his anger that had beaten the Profiler. Bren just shook his head as he thought, "But mom, I never even got a punch in. The man is just one more I can't protect them from..." He needed to talk with both Sasha and Air when he got back. He was starting to wonder if maybe he should back Loreans as the next head of security. Bren cringed as he thought about the doubts that screamed whenever he was even thinking about that man.

"Brennan, stop now. Cutting yourself down is not going to help. Air has her reasons for everything she does. You and I may not be able to figure out those reasons but they exist. Now get yourself under control." Richard looked at Cole and begged him with his eyes to say something. Richard understood Cole had something planned for them and Brennan needed to step up to the plate.

Cole folded his arms on the table in front of him and casually leaned forward. "You know Brennan, you are a better Head of Security than you think you are. It has been far from easy getting through some of the steps you have implemented. If I didn't have my methods in place long before you were placed at the school, I would not have been able to implement some of them. I have actually had to close down three of the procedures I had in place, because you have gotten too close to where they were located. As far as not getting in a hit, your problem stems from one, you let your anger rule your methods. There is not enough room in combat for anger, because it detracts from watching for what the other person is anticipating. Two you are predictable. Your whole body told me you were going to come after me. Three you stopped your forward movement giving me time to read you ." Cole looked at Richard, "You can untie your partner, Caretaker."

Turning back to Brennan, while Richard untied him Cole continued, "The other Aurors will come to see what your strengths are Brennan.

Bren shook as he listened. He had done a rookie mistake and telegraphed his intentions. Bren cringed as he said, "Well at least One-eyed Jackson did not see me get my rear handed to me" One-Eye Jackson's real name was Jackson Rokalis but Bren had always called his Hit Wizard trainer One-Eyed Jackson due to his patch over one eye. Sherlock asked almost absentminded, "Loreans?" Bren knew the Auror was owling somebody and it always had Sherlock's hairs on the back of his neck sticking up but Bren figured it was Martin. He had checked with Martin and the man had just shrugged his shoulders. Sherlock knew Loreans was one of the Aurors that thought Bren could not cut it and had even asked for the him to be sent back to the Ministry since Bren was just a mire low rate Hit Wizard who only concern should be protecting the poor Muggles.

Chuckling Cole said, "Not on my payroll, but good instincts there. He is actually a plant by some of your not so friendly people at the Ministry. If he was in my organization I would definitely find a way to use him." Cole added a small smile because the look on Brennan's face told him the young man was about to make the Auror's life miserable. Since Brennan was now paying attention again and apparently thinking Cole decided to hit him with the next bit of news. "I have decided to let both of you return to the school tonight. As far as cost of your lives, you are not going to die tonight Caretaker or any night soon that I know of." He watched the expressions change on the two men's faces. Richard did not believe him and Brennan looked like he was not sure he had heard him right and trust in the young man's eyes had just flown out the window.

Bren cringed. It took him a couple of moments to school his face as he leaned on the table. He asked, "So what is the catch Fixer? I have no intention of give you any more profiles." Sherlock had no intention of playing whatever game Fixer was planning.

"I actually do not want you to do anymore profiling for me at this time, Brennan. I came across some information today and I need to talk with Tarik. So," Cole's smile grew, "I will give you until the day after tomorrow to get him here. Take to the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade and I will leave word there on how you can get back here through security." Cole only glanced at Richard as the man sat bolt upright.

Bren gave a sly grin as he thought, "Oh I will be back but it won't be with Uncle Tarik. I will make you regret ever hearing the name Brennan Dawson or The Caretakers!" Two days should give him just enough time to deal with Loreans and talk with Air about a team suited to deal with Fixer. All he said though was, "When do Richard and I leave?"

Richard looked back and forth between Cole and Brennan. He wished he had been able to teach Brennan how not to give away his emotions, but it looked like the lesson had not taken effect yet. Richard turned his attention to outside the window, just so he would have somewhere to look.

Cole nodded. "We have a couple of rules to work out first Brennan then," Cole looked at his watch, "I think you should be home in an hour or so depending on how agreeable you are to the stipulations of you leaving."

Bren saw the look Richard had given and asked, "What?" He heard Fixer and just shrugged as he thought, "I am not making any more promises as you are going down in two days." He just had to get the right group. He asked Fixer, "What about Neo? He coming?" He had to try and give Neo the benefit of the doubt. The Cooler needed at least a signal that intel time was done, Bren smiled as he knew Air would most certainly agree that playtime was over.

"Richard, you really must work with your partner on showing his emotions." Turning back to Brennan he said, "Neo is almost finished his training, so he will be staying a few more days. Brennan since I only want to talk with Tarik, he will be the only one allowed through my security system other than you of course if you want to come. By the look on your face I think I can come to the conclusion you are planning on telling the lovely Arianna about being able to return to the island. While I would love to see here again," Cole glanced at Richard when the man let out a growl, "I only want to talk with Tarik. Now I might allow the equally lovely Sasha to come with him or the both of you, if you want to visit again. Tell me Brennan, has she replace the photo's on the top shelf of her shelving unit which runs along the wall behind her desk. Everyone looked like they were having such a good time. I know I did that one day." Cole had visited Sasha's office, without anyone knowing of course. He found that he had been captured in one of the photos when he had been watching Sasha, Tarik and the children at the beach. He had melted into a crowd not far from where they had their small tent set up.

Bren leaped out of his seat as he said furious, "The Headmistress' office is off limits to you as is all of Hogwart's! If you even think I will hand deliver Uncle Tarik, Fixer..."Sherlock had to deal with this man and now. He swung at Fixer as he finished, "You have got another thing coming!"

Cole let the punch connect. It hurt, but Brennan needed something to tell him he could still do something right or wrong. Cole did stand and grabbed Brennan's hair, slamming his head into the table with gave a little. Holding the Profilers head to the table he bent over a little and whispered, "The next time you take a swing at me, I will call Jack and Tom in here and let them take turns on you and your partner with their knives and whip." Cole roughly pushed Brennan back in his seat, checked his jaw, raked his fingers through his hair and re-took his seat.

Richard had not moved. He knew Cole would be waiting for him to make a move and the elves had all taken a step forward toward them. Looking at Brennan out of the corner of his eye he said, "Cole, you can't ask that of him. Tarik would never agree to a meeting in the first place." Richard knew Cole was not finished explaining what was going to happen. The man never left anything to chance. "How is he supposed to get Tarik to agree to come back to this island?"

"I will give Brennan a sealed note to Tarik. I think I can almost say positively the Amir will jump at the chance to return here." Cole reached in his pocket and held up a small note packet.

Bren cringed as he said, his head pounding, "You better not even think of using my cousins cause they are the first ones I am adding security to and Sasha is the second. I will deliver the note but I will also insure personally that his family is out of your reach. Then I am profiling that note and finally Fixer, you can be assured that in two days time you will go down! Count on it!"

"I am not after any of the children, Brennan. They are the future. I am not even after Sasha because she will come to see what she must except and how to use her gifts." Cole leaned just a little farther forward. "Learn one thing though, Brennan, no one and I repeat no one is totally out of my reach. If I wish to touch them, I can eventually. As far as profiling the note, take you best shot." Cole was not worried on what Brennan, may find out from the note. It was a simply written message telling Tarik, his brother wanted to talk. It was written on plain parchment actually from the schools supply cabinet, using ink from the same place. The writing was block printed. Brennan would know it had been given to him by Cole, so there was no one else to profile with it.

Cole held out the note so Brennan could take it. "I think I will change things a bit. Brennan you will definitely return with Tarik alone. If anyone else comes with you. The school will be in trouble and your companions may find themselves at the South Pole. I have a nice little vacation spot set up down there. Not very warm but some have survived. Heed my warnings, Brennan. I have protected you up until now from those you do not even know are after you. Do not disappoint me, because it is not just you who will have problems." Cole stood up and leaned on the back of the chair. "When you are ready to leave you may tell Mecum and he will take you to the send off platform. You will arrive at the front door of the school." Cole stood up straight, gave both men a mock salute and headed for the door.

Bren looked at Richard, as he understood the threat very clearly. The man had just insured that Bren would only risk himself and possibly Cooler. He said, "I am ready as soon as I have a private chat with Richard and Neo. I will deliver your note but it will be up to uncle Tarik if he comes. I will not trick him into coming." He needed to see if Richard and Neo thought they could take Fixer with just the three of them.

Cole turned and said, "Agreed. Neo should be here in about twenty minutes. He is teaching night maneuvers. Do not disappoint me Brennan." Cole turned and left the room.

(OOC: This thread is a lead in for Mysterious Isles, Payback Is Best Served Through Others; This has been a joint post by Barbie and Jane… We hope you are enjoying the thread.)
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