Island Questions (Part 2)

Island Questions (Part 2)
At first Cole thought he was seeing things. Then he realized the one thing Marco had asked him to watch out for was actually manifesting itself across the hall. Franco's Metamorphmagus abilities has just become fully activated. Cole pushed a button on his intercom system and said called on name, "Tarka". He had just paged one of the elves to his office. The elf materized almost before he had finished saying his name. Cole's special elves were free elves who had agreed to help him, find the information he needed. All five of them had special talents.

Franco looked at his hands and screamed. Thinking it was the effects of the scarabs he said, "At least now I have a valid reason to fear those bugs. What are they turning me into?" Franco was panicking as he realized that he saw Lance's mouth move but had no idea what he had said. Saint was also no longer looking over the table but at the underside of it.

He pointed to the screen and said, "Fix him, please, and block any further change. Then give him an hour to talk with the Doctor." Tarka nodded and headed across the hall.

The door opened and closed quickly, emitting an elf with a throwing net. The elf walked to the edge of the table, got down on his knees and trough the net over Franco, who was now only about twelve inches tall and had taken on the form of a Red Kite, if his bird watching expertise was accurate. , a bird seen in Scotland. The elf carefully placed the net over Franco, wrapped it around him, picked him up and set him on the bed. He looked into Franco's eyes, which had just about totally lost their human quality and held his head still.

Lance watched the elf at work. If he had his robes, he would have had the medicine to stop the transformation. It amazed him how quick Franco had changed. From his first scream to now, only a period of about three minutes, Franco's voice had designated into the sounds of a bird. Even though he was almost certain Franco could not understand him, he said, "Hang in there Franco… this can be fixed." Lance watched the elf.

Cole took a sip of his wine. As he watched, he took out a small bag of pistachios from the desk drawer and through some in his mouth. Apparently, Lance knew Franco had the gift. He was gathering more and more information by just watching and listening.

Slowly the elf removed the netting and held the birds wings closed continuing to hold his beak shut, as he examined. When the elf turned to Lance he nodded and spoke a few words, Lance did not recognize. They had a Gaelic tinge to them, but they were different than any he had ever heard. After a few seconds, Franco started to get bigger. The elf laid him on his side with his head on the pillow and continued to chant. Parts of Franco became slowly took on a human appearance. When he was about half way back, the elf let go of what were now arms and covered Franco up with a sheet. Franco's eyes were closed. Lance knew it would take a few minutes for Franco's body to again adjust to the human state.

The elf looked at Lance and said, "He will be fine… I have put a block on his ability to change as long as he is on the island. The human did not know what was happening to him and would have been stuck in the bird form for a very long time … he will need much help to understand his gift and survive the transformations. Keep him in bed for at least an hour… I will explain to my Master what has happened and my recommendations. I will remain turned into his body for that long. My master's guards know where to find me if you need further help, physician." With that the elf bowed deeply to Lance and left.

Cole nodded. He had achieved one of Marco's requests. Normally Cole only worked for one client at a time. Since most of what he was doing now made him his own client, he had no problem with letting Marco, Franco's older brother, know some of the things he found out. Cole did not have many friends, his job was not one which allowed for friendships, but Marco was someone he had known before his present line of work. He valued the friendship. That friendship was one of the things which would guarantee Franco would live through the questioning, and get any medical help he needed.

As Franco started to move around Lance went over and firmly held him down. Franco's eyes shot open as he started to trash and tried to sit up. It took several seconds for his eyes to focus on Lance's and connect with recognition. He was scared and his whole body hurt. When he tried to talk it came out in a strange squeak at first, his mouth was having trouble moving into the shapes it needed to form words. He worked his jaw and with a lot of effort was able to get out the words, "What did those scarabs do to me?" He would not let Lance's eyes go, because of the fear if he did, he would descend back into the nightmare he just came out of. His mind had been trying to convince him he was a bird, and even though he tried to fight it, his brain was beginning to accept the idea and his human brain felt like it was being sent into a dark hole with no bottom. When he had seen the elf reaching out to him from the top of the hole he had grabbed the outstretched hand and had held on for dear life. Slowing the elf had pulled him back to the rim of the hole where he could get a grip, and pull himself slowly out. The next thing he knew, Lance was standing over him, and he was shaking so badly he could not stop. Lance's eye contact was helping to quiet the shakes, and take his breathing back to normal. He was still scared beyond belief.

As Franco's body started to relax, Lance slowly removed his hands from his friends shoulders. He now knew for certain Franco had no idea what he could do. They were safe on the island from it happening again, but off the island Franco was going to need major training to get control of his ability. It looked like Air had been correct in her assumptions. She had warned him the possibility existed because of Franco's mother's abilities. Lance tried to smile at the stricken face of the man in the bed, "Franco you have just had your first fully fledged, pardon the pun, experience with being a Metamorphmagi." Lance leaned on the railing he had put up to help keep Franco in bed, and looked at the questioning look in Franco's face. " you ever think maybe your Mom looked a little different at times; different color hair, longer finger nails, unfamiliar facial expression? She was able to change also." Lance saw wonder and then recognition of the meaning of his words, cross Franco's face. "Did you ever wonder how you were able to get a character's look so close without applying so much makeup occasionally. That was your talent coming to the surface without you knowing it. You are very special my friend."
Franco started to sit up, but Cole firmly pushed him back down. "No the elf said you are to remain in bed for one hour. It will take that long to get your body back to normal. I have no medicine with me to help with the change back, so your body and brain will have to do it on their own. The ability has been blocked for now."

"Interesting," Cole thought as he took another sip of wine, and allowed the footrest to elevate his feet. Franco had no idea he had the talent, which meant he was untrained. Ideas started to roam around Cole's brain, as he thought of the possibilities of helping Franco get trained. It would be a rather nice asset to have in his arsenal. He had inherited it from his mother. Cole wondered if any of the other quints had the latent ability.

Franco cringed trying to make sense of what Lance was telling him. "I thought it was caused by the scarab bites." He was missing something though, in what Lance had said about a new ability. It hit him hard when he realized what Lance had fully said. Saint got scared as he asked, "Fixer only gave us fifteen minutes...How long? You know what your great uncle could do learning of this? Fixer is already asking about Tia and the Core. If he gives me that serum or the new one he showed me..." He paused but when he continued tears were slowly running down his face into the pillow. "He could find out the only secret..."

Cole watched and realized Franco was starting to break. The lack of rest, food and even water was starting to take its toll. When he went back in he would need to get the man something to eat and drink, especially if he was going to use the second serum. It worked better when there was food in the stomach of the person it was given too. Thinking out loud he said, "That's right Franco, I will discover your secrets…"

"The elf said you needed to stay in bed for one hour, and he would tell Cole." Lance put his hand on Franco's shoulder. "The one thing which will make Cole let you have that hour is because the man wants you alive, and the elf knows your body needs to return to normal. As I said before the ability has been blocked for now, but if your mind still tries to pull you back because your body is telling it you are still different, it could cause damage. WHEN we get off this island, I will get you the training you need to handle your newly discovered ability. It will be all right Franco … you will see." Lance thought of what Franco had brought up. Cole now knew of Franco's ability… it had been confirmed. "Would the man use it against Franco or others? Had they just given Cole some information which he could use to destroy others. In his studies, Lance had learned Franco's condition could be controlled by him or controlled by others with medications. Franco could be forced to change, especially since he had so little control over the happing at the present.

His mother had control over her abilities but only after years of practice and use. When her body was discovered she was about half way through a change, which was why it had been a closed casket ceremony. Most of those who knew about her abilities, had come to the conclusion because of evidence at the scene, she was being forced to change and had fought it so hard her body and brain had become disconnected causing her death. Lance focused back on Franco, as he realized his mind had wondered too years earlier. Her autopsy was required reading during magical medicine classes.

"For now my friend you need rest. We can talk if you like, but you cannot get out of bed for a bit longer." Lance knew Cole was listening and he hoped the man was understanding about the time limit. If he could give Franco some meds he would not be so worried about the future. He still had no idea what was in the second small vial and he knew Cole would not tell him, unless something happened to Franco which made death inevitable.

Franco shook his head as he said, "Do you really think Fixer would take the word of an Elf? I did a story on the slavery of the Elves once Lance. Guess whose name popped up in relation to a reported elf enslavement camp? He was rumored to be the leader. No, most likely he thinks of them like most pure-bloods."

Cole cringed, and filled his wine glass, draining most of it in one gulp. He remembered the job which had gotten him the reputation as an Elf Slaver. When he had been hired to was told they were helping elves who were in danger where they were located and the camp was a halfway point to help them adjust to a new life as free elves in the human world. The elves he had picked up were listless and did not fight. He found out later they had all been under a spell for the Wizard Slave procurers'. When he had found out what had really been going on, that the whole set up was to enslave elves, he had quite the job and returned the small fortune he had been paid. Secretly he was also able to get some of the elves back to their homes. The ones who had been totally indoctrinated into the system, were beyond help. He was asked to help a second time and turned the job down. The people let rumors fly that he had been the one who brokered the whole operation. It had crossed his mind Franco may have some information in his office safe or even the bank vault, which would help him find who had framed him. That person or persons, would never forget who he was, for the rest of whatever life they had left, when he tracked them down.

Lance knew Cole was listening to what Franco was saying and he schooled his face to not show his doubts. "We have no choice but to see what happens. We will know soon enough. Cole appears to believe what I am saying so we can keep to the hour I think. Try to relax Frankie …. Please." In a whisper he added, "I wish I had my meds with me… I could make this easier for you."

Cole allowed a smile to boost his feelings, as he got up and went to fix himself a sandwich. "That is exactly why you do not have your meds, Doctor." Lance took his medical career seriously and Cole knew he would go against what he was told, if he had a chance to relieve any of Franco's pain.

Saint still had the story and research for that piece in his office. He was running out of time and needed to figure out how to deal with the damage his answers could bring. "Lance, if Fixer learns your secret then tells Khalid..." Khalid might know that Lance was an Andreas but Franco had sworn to protect the secret of the Andreas special ability.

Lance put his arms on the side rail and stepped back one step and rested his forehead on his arms. If Franco did not know about the mental capacity secret of the Andreas family before he had just been give the need to know it now. Lance would have laughed from nervousness if he could let Franco know what he was thinking. Cole was actually getting a lot of his answers by leaving them alone to talk. Lance did not like it, but it was better this way. Franco would suffer less. He also realized, maybe Cole would be willing to let him tell him some of the facts. Lance was no traitor, but he had read something in Cole's makeup during the time at the Hog's Head and since they had been on the island. The man was not totally, whom he was trying to pass himself off, as… there was compassion and a hidden need for the information he was trying to collect. Lance knew he could never convince Franco of this so he kept his own council on the idea. It would mean talking to the man, under less duress, but it would eventually need to be done.

Lance lifted his head to look Franco in the eyes as he continued. Finishing Saint said, "Lance, your gift is unique. Tia has no knowledge of just what her line can do. If they find out and she is not ready, we need to plan how to protect her if it gets out. She has already feared her blood-magic if she learns about what all that gift really entails the same way I learned of mine...

Cole was taking mental notes. H was going to have to do something to have them instruct Tia, in her abilities. The girl was important to the end results of his job. Her blood-magic could be useful. If he could befriend her or better yet use a few other people he knew to get her to trust him then he may be able to use her.

Lance, you know her better than anybody, your grandmother has got to understand that Tia needs to know everything and soon as I am afraid that if they tell her before you can..."

Cole's list of facts was growing fast. Arianna Sadiki was Lance's grandmother. Cole knew Martin was his father, so either Martin or his wife Molly was Arianna's child. He loved making family connections. It made it so much easier at times, getting what he wanted if he could use family members as either bait or a reason for the person to give him what he needed, whether it was an item of information.

Lance tried not to visually cringe. Franco had just unknowingly confirmed Lance's relationship with Arianna Sadiki. He also told Cole about Tia's ever growing abilities to control her blood-magic and had let the wizard know they were helping to train Tia to master her skills. Again he hoped he was reading Cole correctly and would be able to convince him to keep some of the information to himself. Taking a deep breath, he tried to change the subject, "I will talk with her when we get out, but I think we are past on hurtle. By my reckoning, we have been talking more than fifteen minutes. How are you feeling?"

Cole chuckled outloud as he took a bite of his roastbeef and swiss cheese sandwich. Lance was trying hard to change the subject. Cole raised his glass to the screen in a mock salute. "Good try Doc. Keep the information coming." Taking a sip, he put the glass down and went back to enjoying his sandwich.

Franco turned towards the door and realized that Lance was right. Smiling as he said to Lance, "He confuses me Lance. In some ways, Fixer reminds me of Antonio. My heart says to trust him but the facts are telling me that he is as dark as Khalid. When he asked about Tia's greatest weakness, it is things like those kinds of questions that confused me. You heard him before he left when you were coming in, he is trying to convince me that telling him about the Core would actually protect the children. How can a man who says he has honor ask that kind of question?"

Thinking out loud, Cole said, "Franco, my boy… how can a man with honor not ask those questions. I need to keep the children out of the line of fire. I cannot do that if I do not know how they will react to what is happening around them. Someday, I hope I will not confuse you Franco, but until that day I will use what I can to protect those who need protecting and find out the information I need."

Lance smiled as Franco visibly relaxed a little more realizing they were probably going to get the hour the elf said Franco needed. "I am not going to try and convince you to trust him Franco, but there is something more than the hard shell he tries to show everyone. I am personally reading someone who regrets having to do the job he was hired for … and this may not make sense to you but something tells me this job is very personal to him. It's like he needs the information personally to move on to something else…. I don't know there is just something I cannot put my finger on."

Cole put his almost finished sandwich half down and placing his elbows on the arms of the office chair, he formed a pyramid in front of his face with his fingertips. "Very perceptive Doc.." He was gaining an ever increasing respect for the doc's abilities and for the person himself. He would make a good trusted friend if things were not like they were between Cole and the rest of the world. His eyes went to the picture standing up on the front of his desk, of his deceased wife, "I miss you, my love." Shaking himself out of where his mind was heading he went back to listening

Franco nodded and continued, "He knows about the Tia's leg but as you know that is not her greatest weakness. The only reason I confirmed the leg was to keep him from testing his theory on her. I know he wants answers and has already hinted that he will be using the serum. Lance, many of my family died to protect that girl. How can I dishonor their memories by doing any less?"

Cole put his almost finished sandwich half down and placing his elbows on the arms of the office chair, he formed a pyramid in front of his face with his fingertips. "Very perceptive Doc.." He was gaining an ever increasing respect for the doc's abilities and for the person himself. He would make a good trusted friend if things were not like they were between Cole and the rest of the world. His eyes went to the picture standing up on the front of his desk, of his deceased wife, "I miss you, my love." Shaking himself out of where his mind was heading he went back to listening

Lance visually cringed this time. "Franco I cannot prevent him from using the serum. We both know what your reaction will be to the first one. He has not told me what the second potion is even made of, so I do not know what to guard against or warn you about. All I know is he wants you alive and he needs you to at least to appear normal to get into the bank vault… but he has not put a time on that, so he could be willing to wait a very long time for you to get back to normal from whatever the side effects are…." Lance reached down and tested Franco's pulse on his neck. He also forced his friends eyes open more so he could see the total eye. "You seem to be improving fast. Franco… we are going to get through this. Whatever information you give him can be guarded against later… but first he has to be satisfied with what he has… so we can get back and let everyone know what has been compromised." Lance realize he should not have said the word compromised, because Franco had gone white and gotten a look of horror on his face as he realized he would be the one compromising the situation. "You have to survive Franco … I am not sure when he is going to allow me back here when he makes me leave. I don't think I am very far away… but they blindfold me and I am sure lead me down more than one fake hall before I am brought to your door. I am not going to leave… I promise you that. You are not alone." Lance reached down and lightly touched Franco's shoulder.

Cole looked at the clock on the wall, they still had another fifteen minutes before he was due back in the room. Still listening he went to the wash room and washed his face. Looking in the mirror, he did not like the person who looked back at him. He was actually better off than he had been in years. He had an island to call home, a small well-trained army, and the monetary ability to buy anything he wanted and go anywhere he wanted and a family obtained when he found out his wife's father was Khalid Ornaris. Khalid had given him the mission he had agreed to which had provided what made up his life. As he rubbed his face dry he knew the man in the mirror would not stop until he completed the job, but the man standing in front of the mirror wished he could get lost in the world for a little while.

Throwing the towel in the hamper he walked back out to the desk and sat down.

Franco cringed and looked at the ceiling as he said, "I already tried to get you sent home. Right before you came in and he refused the request. He asked about Brennan as well as Tarik." Turning his eyes to meet Lance's he continued, "You know what kind of damage the information in my head can do. Lance, if he gets that information and Khalid or worst Shadow uses it? I can't take that chance … the chance that something I gave away got used to endanger my friends..."

Lance checked Franco's pulse again. His friend was showing signs of hyper-ventilation. "Franco, take a couple of deep breaths for me, please. Then I want you to try and breath normally and count slowly to ten." Lance had to get Franco's mind to relax. "I know what the damage the information can cause. Cole unfortunately also knows. There is no way of knowing what information Khalid and Shadow already have, or even what information Cole will be passing along. It is an understatement to say, it is a difficult situation. He has us where he wants us and there is not much we can do about it other than survive… I have no words of wisdom. I may be facing the same fate as you are soon, I think. He is not the type of man to lose the possibility of getting from me what you will not give him."

Cole could see the Doc was getting worried. For the present, Cole had no intentions of using the doctor to acquire information. The man knew Cole was listening and he was actually helping Franco give up some facts, he was sure on purpose, so the drugs would not have to be used. The commodity between the two men was going to prove useful. They both wanted to protect each other.

After a few moments, Saint said, "The only chance you guys have got is if I lie while under the serum. The headache will hopefully cause damage to my memory and he won't be able to ever get at the information? The other serum will most likely be used to insure that I look normal. I wish your dad were here as he could just wipe my memory. Lance?"

Lance thought for a moment, he looked toward the door and then back to Franco, "The serum will not let you lie Franco, I know what it is… the only thing you can do is try not to talk, and if you do that he will just give you more. I have seen the results of multiple shots of what is in the syringe. The pain on coming down is a level nine and can last for days… you cannot be given anything for the pain, because there is nothing to counter it, and it only elevates the results.

Cole could not help but chuckle at the understatement the Doc had just made. Unless you had lived from the withdrawal of the drug he had used before you could not fathom the pain. Franco had been lucky in one respect. At the same time he was going through withdrawal of only one shot, he had gone through an operation to seal a whole in his heart. If the elves had not been present the pain of the operation would probably have killed him from the shock of the pain, because no other medicine could be given with the serum. Cole had survived withdrawal from six shots. It had taken three weeks before he could even stand on his own.

Franco had said his name as a question. Lance knew what he was asking, he wanted Lance to wipe his memory of the facts Cole would want. Unfortunately a memory wipe could not be selective. There was no way to pick and choose what memories to erase, it just had to be totally general. "No, Franco do not ask me for that…. I will not turn you into a vegetable to protect anyone… I would never be forgiven by anyone involved…. And you know it would go against my doctors oath to do harm. I may be a wizard Franco, but I still take the same doctors oath that the Muggles do and I try my hardest to stick to it. …" Lance stood up straight and grabbed the railing with both hands. "I do not like the situation we are in anymore than you do Franco … and I am not looking forward to the possibilities just around the corner. We must survive doing as little damage as possible to others and to ourselves. Lance was getting really worried. He knew it was getting close to the time when Cole would be returning. There was nothing he could do for Franco or for himself at the moment. It was physically hurting knowing what was coming.

Franco cringed as he said, "Lance, I would not ask that of you. I need to understand Fixer? Lance you don't understand, I was responsible for Troy's death. I trusted somebody at the Prophet with the fact that Troy was meeting Tia for Christmas break. Shadow struck Troy the night before he was going to pick up Tia. Lance, I saw Shadow pull the trigger. I was not sure until Hog's Head but it was him, I will never forget what he looks like or how many lives he has taken to get to Tia. Lance if I am wrong about Fixer and he turns over the info to Shadow?"

Lance grabbed Franco's eyes, "Franco you were not responsible for Troy's death. Shadow found out where he was going to be because Tia sent him a message saying she was going to meet him there. Whoever you trusted at the Prophet kept your secret. There are not many people who do not think and know in their hearts that Shadow is the one who killed Troy. You were not responsible Frankie." Lance looked out the window, hoping Cole could see his unspoken words."How are you going to use that, Fixer?" Then he turned back to Franco. We are just going to have to see what happens, Franco. … Now is there anything else we need to talk about, because I think we are getting close to the ending of our time. You just have to hang in there… what he forces out of you cannot be prevented, so stop beating yourself up about it. You are being coursed Franco, you are not giving the information without being forced… no one is going to hold it against you. YOU MUST SURVIVE, the best way you know how… understand… say it out loud Franco…. Do you understand me?"

Cole smiled and nodded. He had read Lance's lips. If only they knew. One part of Cole's mission was to break Franco and then control him. Khalid had told him if Franco and the brothers were to survive, Shadow had to believe at least one of the quintuplets was under Khalid's control. Franco had been chosen, because he was the one with the least amount of training, both in fighting skills and mental survival. Cole had been told he was the one who would control Franco, which would probably help to save the guy life and his brother's and sister's lives. The piece of information he had just discovered was going to give him some much need leverage. Threats could now be made against Franco's family and friends. The man had already demonstrated the willingness to save others by doing what he needed to do. Cole was going to make sure Franco heard from him what he needed to do.

Franco cringed as he said, "But Lance, I am giving some of the info willingly. Right after our talk. Lance, he said 'Yes in a way the doctor is my guest … and he is only here to take care of you, but Franco the doctor is a Caretaker Group member also. I need information about the group and I will get my information. I know you may not consider I have any honor, but I do and I will tell you the information I get from you during your visit with me here on the island, will stay with me. The information is not the final stop on my quest, it is to help me move to another step. then Fixer picked up the hypo as he said "so it is your decision, your pain or someone else's and I get information, or no pain and I get information' Lance the deal I made was to talk to you alone and I wasn't going to answer any questions about Tarik or any of the Core"

Franco shook his head as he said, "When I requested you to be sent off the island afterwards, Fixer said no that he needed you because of the serum. Lance, what I don't tell him, he will get by the serum."

Lance wondered if he could block the information in his own mind with the use of Occlumency. He was good at it, but it depended how far into the subconscious the serum would attack. "So it is definite then, if he does not get all the information from you he wants, he is going to question me." Lance pounded his open hands down on the side rail. "That’s why… never mind, we will take this one step at a time." Lance was remembering how Cole had told him he was important before he had given his wizards oath not to tell anyone what was happening and to return to where he could be picked up and brought to the island. Apparently it was not just to keep Franco alive. In giving his word, Cole had trapped him on the island by just as tight of bindings as he was using on Franco.

Cole again saluted the screen and downed the rest of his wine. The clock was telling him it was time to go back in. He would be having a private talk with the doctor later, but at the moment he needed to continue to break Franco. He still needed some more information about the different specialties of the group. And he had to get Franco to agree to let him decide what stories to follow and what stories to drop. Cole was afraid Franco's honorable beliefs of not publishing a story without verifying all the facts, was going to take a couple of deadly hits.

He had made the decision, to not use Franco as an instrument to get closer to his goals, unless necessary. Shadow was going to be a problem, because the man was going to insist on Cole proving himself to Khalid. There Cole was at a small disadvantage because of security reasons, Khalid had his mind wiped on the real reasons he had given Cole his present options… so the possibility existed Khalid would also be putting pressure on Cole to perform . Cole did not like the tightrope he would be walking, but if it would take the Dark One out of the picture forever he would walk it.

Using the talkie's Cole signaled the guards who were on duty, that he was coming out of the office and they were about to start again. He stood up and stretched. Pushing a button on the council, he ordered a sandwich to be brought to the interrogation room. As he walked to the door leading to the hallway, he took a couple of deep cleansing breaths.

The guards were waiting outside and came to attention as he entered the hall. "At ease," he said to the four men. "A sandwich is being delivered." Indicating one of the men he added, "you wait here for it and bring it in right away." To the others he said, "Gentlemen, we are going to see how much our friend in there can take. When I signal, you two will take the doctor to his room and then return to stand guard out here." Pointing to the fourth man he said, "You will help guard Franco inside the room, he should not be too much trouble, but be alert. If I have to call you friends from out here in to help you… you will wish I hadn't, understand?" Cole received a curt nod from all four men.

Taking another deep breath, he said, "Gentlemen lets start."

Franco and Lance's eyes both shot to the door as it opened.

Cole walked into the room and smiled. "Gentlemen… Doctor please take a seat at the table…"
At first Lance hesitated. He turned to Franco and gave him a low thumbs up. He glanced at Cole and the three guards which had entered with him. It was not hard to guess two of them were for him. Lance went to the chair on the opposite side of the table. Crossing his arms on the table top he waited to see what was going to happen next.

Cole made his way over to the bed, put down the side railings and said to Franco, "You may get up now…. You have five minutes to use the facilities, and I have ordered you a sandwich." Then he stepped out of the way so one of the guards could get closer to the bed, giving the appearance he was there to help if Franco needed it. Cole would have smiled if he was not trying to stay serious, because the mussels in the guards arms were bunching and un-bunching. The man was waiting for Franco to make a wrong move so he could prove to Cole he was ready for anything. Franco was going to be in pain if he tried again, what he did the last time. "When you come back out, please take a seat at the table."

Franco starred at Fixer wondering what his game was this time. Looking over at Lance and then to Fixer he said, "Fixer, just remember what I said about your goons manhandling Lance. I will follow through with what I said."

Cole nodded. "I remember Franco… but you also need to know the consequences of your actions has just been moved up a knotch on the pain scale. Now, get up."

Leveraging himself into a sitting position, Franco started to swing his legs over the side of the bed when he noticed that he had lost his boxers. He stopped his movements and looked at Cole, "I think I need something to wear or I am not leaving this bed?"

Cole shook his head, but smiled as he went to the locked cabinet. Magically unlocking it, he opened the bottom set of doors and pulled out a pair of sweat pants. Closing the doors and securing he locks he threw them at Franco. "These will do for now. Put them on and move because your five minutes starts now." Cole walked back to the table and stood waiting for Franco to make his way into the bathroom.

During the five minutes, the guard outside knocked and brought in the sandwich, placing it on the table where Cole indicated, then went and stood outside the door to the bathroom with the other guard. It was interesting to see the silent messages being passed back and forth between the two guards. They had heard what had happened to their friends, and they were not going to let it happen to them. Cole was very pleased with the comradely which was developing throughout his unit. There were only three men which had to be removed from the island. The last he saw of them they were headed for Antarctica…. Cole had made it clear to all of those who had signed up… the only way out of the unit was if you were dead. At least he had given the three men a fighting chance… he had let them keep their clothes and they were dropped off only three miles from an unmanned weather station. He had felt generous.

Lance had not moved once he sat down. Cole was sticking to his word and keeping Franco alive. He was feeding him and water was available. "Cole, what is in the other vial?" He did not think he would get an answer, but he had to ask. "Franco's heart has been fixed, but it is still weak … you promised you would let me keep him alive, so I need to know what I have to plan to fight against."

Cole looked down at Lance and answered his question, "You do not have to know that at the moment Doc. He will not die while he is on the island. As long as you do not cause me any problems … you will be allowed to keep tabs on him. I have several elves at my disposal who are quite good with medical procedures, but I would prefer to allow you to handle Franco's medical needs. As I told Franco before…. There is information I need and I will get it anyway I need to… you are not on the menu at the moment Doc, but you know as well as I do that can change. I do want to thank you for the information though," By the look on Lance's face, Cole knew the doctor realized he was talking about what had been said during his and Franco's private conversation.

Franco was about to come out of the bathroom when he heard something that made him stop. "Lance and Fixer talking?" Saint said though he could not make out the words, the voices were unmistakable. He chose to wait and until he heard no more. After the voices died out, Franco exited the bathroom. As he looked at Fixer, he said, "Sorry, I guess I am a little weaker than I thought. I almost fell in there. Did I miss anything?"

Cole watched as Franco made his way slowly to the table. Something told him he was about to see a display of Franco's abilities again. The man was holding himself tight and his eyes were shifting, checking out his surroundings. Cole moved to the other side of the table out of the way.

Saint walked over to the table as he said to the guards, "Relax guys, and treat Lance as a guest and we have no beef..." With that, his legs seemed to give out from beneath him. As the guards went to grab him...Franco made short work of them. As he stood over them he said, "Manhandle him and you won't live to regret it! Do you understand me?"

The wand up Cole's sleeve dropped into his hand and he pointed it at Franco. "Get in the chair, now," he ordered. As Franco slowly sat down, Cole but magical bounds on him, fastening him securely into the chair. Pointing the wand at the doctor he did the same thing. Cole walked up to Franco and grabbed a handful of his hair. "You have just bought yourself a world of hurt Saint."

Cole went to the door and called the two guards in from outside, before he could have them take the two men away for medical treatment, Franco said, "I will live with the payback but I also keep my word. He is your guest and will be treated as such or your goons will learn just what I have picked up watching my brothers. Especially if they fall for the same trick twice. You have very slow learners and I don't like double marks."

Cole started to tell Franco what the payback was when the last part of his comment hit home. Walking over to the two unconscious men, Cole examined their hands. On both guards left hands was the mark of the Dark One. Cole started to fume. He walked over to the two who had just entered and said, "Show me your left hands, now." When he had seen them and saw no marks, he told them in an irate voice, "Take those two to the lower level. They are to be separated, all their clothes are to be removed and they are not allowed to talk with anyone. I will talk with them later. I also want one of you to go to my house and bring back the elf known as Mecum. He is not to be harmed, but I need him here in three minutes, or both of you will join those two. Now move." The two guards started moving, before he had gotten the last word out. Cole had a problem. At least two of the Dark Ones members had infiltrated his island. He had to find out when they came in…. and how much they knew. They had been through most of the training, or they would not have been on guard duty. None of the men had been to the main house, so it would be easy to check there. Neither one of the men had been to any previous questioning of Franco or Lance.

FRANK COLE
The door had not been closed for more than a minute, during which Cole had gone to stand looking out the window when the elf walked in and slightly bowed. Cole called him over to the window and whispered something in his ear. Mecum, looked puzzled and Cole whispered something else. The elf smiled and nodded then left. Cole had just sent him to check out all the other men and to detain anyway he wanted to anyone found with the double mark on their left hand. He did not like giving an open order, but he knew the elf would not allow anyone to die, until after he had a chance to talk with them. He had hoped he was not going to have to ever use the dungeon area.

Cole turned back to Franco and Lance and said, "It seems I had some unwanted visitors." To Franco he said, "Thank you for pointing them out to me." Just then, one of the guards came in and Cole released Franco and Lance's bonds. Looking at the guard he asked, "Do you have replacements coming?" Cole expected his men to think, so he took it for granted the man had called in two other guards. As the man nodded, two more men came through the door. "Show me you hands," he said to them, which they did immediately.

"Franco you need to eat your sandwich and Doc, I think it is time for you to return to your room." Cole needed to get back on track and he wanted Franco off guard. "These two gentlemen will escort you." Cole motioned to the two newest guards, who quickly came and stood on either side of Lance.

Lance looked at Franco and tried to give him an encouraging smile, but he was not totally successful. As he rose he said, "Remember what I said to you Franco. Do what you need to do."

Franco smiled as he said, "Lance, there is one good thing that has come in the last ten minutes that will please Marco. I have gotten in some more practice."

Lance was able to give a genuine smile in return, "I would like suggest this may not be the time or the place, Franco to get in practice. Hold off until we can get back home, then we will set up a whole day of practice." Lance gave Franco a questioning glance.

"Enough Doc," Cole cut him off. Waving to the two guards he said, "Get him out of here. He is not to be hurt, unless he resists." Cole nodded to the doctor.

As Lance was being led out of the room, Franco turned to Fixer and said, "Don't worry Fixer, I honor my word. Though I am confused? Khalid is a Dark Sect member just like the two I just put down, but I saw the look in your eyes when you learned they were double marked. It was the same as the look I get in Hog's Head when I was face to face with Shadow." After a few moments, Saint finished, "You hate the Dark Sect but you work for one of them. Why?"

Cole turned the chair, Lance had just vacated around, and straddled it. Placing his arms on the table he looked into Franco's eyes, "I do not hate any group, Saint. I work for myself taking the best jobs which will get me and my men ample rewards for what we have to do. Normally I do not answer questions, but I think I will answer yours. Khalid Ornaris has taken no marks from anyone … he is his own person at the moment. This along with the fact, I do not like to be spied on, means those men and any others found, will be given a chance to tell me what they know, then they will be taking a one way trip to the Antarctica, where all of those who leave my employment get sent." Cole glanced at the guards out of the corner of his eyes, and saw them cringe. One of the men in the room had helped to deliver the last three to the icy wasteland.

Looking at Franco's plate, Cole realized he had finished his sandwich. "Now that you have had something to eat, I think we will get started. How do you want to do this, Saint. Stay in the chair and answer, my questions or be strapped down in the bed and medicated so you will answer my questions. One wrong answer, will but the answer to that choice on my plate. It is up to you…"Cole sat up straight and grabbed the back of the chair with both hands, then fastened his eyes onto Franco's waiting for an answer.

Franco smiled as he said, "I said that I honor my word so ask any question and I will answer as long as it is not about Tarik or any of the Core. With them I will chose whether to answer depending on the question. Fixer, I will think of what you said about helping the children but I will..."

"I have agreed the Core is off limits at the moment," Cole had put up his hand to inturpt Franco, "but if they get in the way and you could have prevented it, then it is on your conscious not mine." Cole put his arms back down on the table. "We will start Saint, with specialties. A few I know, so you will be confirming those for me… Oh and by the way I want the specialties in the order of the names I ask you about. As I said, I know a few, so do not mix them up…. First two are Seth Wright and Arianna Sadiki." Cole watched Franco's face.

Franco smiled as he could now rest easy as he said, "I have your word Fixer that the ones considered Core are off limits?"

"Yes they are off limits in questions I ask you." Cole was waiting for the preverbal punch line to Franco's question.

After receiving Fixer's word, Saint said, "Then these three Caretakers are also off-limits as they are considered Core. Brennan Dawson, Richard Greene and Lance Kindred."

Cole nodded, "Agreed."

When he was asked the first question, Franco smiled as he said, "Seth is a master at planning and codes. Arianna is our leader and the most dangerous as nobody knows all her skills. Her specialty is unknown to me. Next?"

Smiling Cole said, "The next two are Sasha McChey and Pippin English… oh and by the way thank you for that very important piece of information about the adult Core members." Franco had just told Cole how to control the children in the Core. If those three were considered part of the tight knit group, the younger ones would think they were being very brave in trying to protect the adults. Young ones were much easier to trick than their adult counter parts. It may make it easier to get the three adults to cooperate also if they think the children are in trouble.

Cole signaled for one of the guards to bring Franco a glass of water. Then relaxed in his chair and waited.

Franco cringed as he caught the Fixer hidden meaning and said, "Fixer, do you really think I don't know that after our talk, you will just get the rest with the serum? I know that even the Core will be given up then. I have made an unbreakable oath of loyalty to the Princess and her council. I am hoping that you understand that is the Core and Tarik. I am also bound to the Andreas line and can't willingly give you any info that can do them harm."

Cole nodded. "Well we cannot have you voluntarily break and unbreakable oath of loyalty, can we? I think we can hold off on questions about the Core and the Medjai Prince for a little while." Cole realized he was going to have to go after information about the Core, using the Core members themselves. He did not like scaring children so it was going to need to be a very subtle plan of action. He had a couple of ideas, but his contact was not in position yet.

After having a drink, he said, "As for Tia's aunt Sasha, she is a Seer. Pippen specialty is with animals, she has a special knack with them. Next?"

"So far Saint we have no need of the serum, you are doing fine." Cole got up out of his chair and walked to the window, then turning said, "You did forget to mention Pippen's abilities to gather information from the Ministry personnel. Sometimes the underlings know much more than their bosses do. She could possibly be a wealth of information. A small tidbit I have picked up also, something you may not know, is Seth Wright has special feelings of the lady. You think he may be willing to do something to keep her out of trouble?" Cole was going to need to get Seth to give him a copy of the codebook, and he still had not formulated a plan on how to accomplish that part of his mission. "I expect complete answers Franco. Now let's go for Alexia Friedmann an your brother Neo Spellman."

Franco was surprised by the information as he said, "If what you say is true then I am happy for my nephew as he has not even dated since his wife and son's death. I ask that Pippen be left alone. Sabrina was murdered as a way to get to Seth."

"I am sorry about the Boss's loss Saint, but I have already agreed to leave one group alone, for now." Cole straddled the chair again, before continuing, "Pippin English is a grown-up and you cannot tell me she did not know what she was getting into when she joined the Caretaker Group. From our little get together at the Hog's Head a few week ago, you know I want a copy of the codebook. With the information I have from you and the information I was able to gleam then, Boss is my main target for this. Since some of the Caretakers are aware of what I need, Seth is going to be pretty well guarded, so it may be necessary to get him somewhere by himself and for that any helpers may be necessary. So no, Pippin English is not off limits."

After a few moments, Saint said, "The Caretaker members work apart from each other. Most don't even know of the others existence. It is how we operate. It is to keep just this type of thing from happening."

Cole dropped his head in his hands. Franco had just told the first verifiable lie or he would probably consider it a half-truth. Again, Cole stood up, this time making his way to the locked cabinet. He pulled out a very large hypodermic needle and the brown bottle of liquid, and then went back to the table. Setting it down on the table in front of the chair he again straddled, he said, "Franco, I thought we had an understanding. I ask questions and you give me truthful answers. You have just told me two lies," Cole held up his hand to silence the comment Franco was about to make, "Do not tell me they were not totally lies, so it was all right. In my book a half-truth is a lie. The Caretakers work together, because I have had experience with more than one of them at a time…. May I remind you of the Hog's Head visit? They also know each other as a group, because they have had more than one meeting with most of them in attendance." Cole picked the syringe up and filled it slowly from the bottle, while adding, "I may like working alone, but I do have a network out there, Saint." Cole put the filled syringe down in front of him and motioned for the two guards to stand on either side of Franco, "The next lie or half-truth, gets you punctured … I am not threatening you Saint, I am making a promise. Now answer my question about Neo and Alexia."

Franco cringed and fought to keep his eyes off the filled needle, as he said, "Fixer, small groups yes. But we each also work alone. Meetings we have had but until recently, it has been rare for us all to be called to one place. As for my half-truth, I will give one thing to help with Seth. There is only one place my nephew goes with no guards."

"I am listening Saint…" Cole had gotten his point across.

Franco swallowed hard as he answered, "Our cousin Maria married a Muggle by the name of Cameron Rowe. It is rare for Seth to go and visit Cameron as both men are extremely busy but when he does...he takes no guards. Fixer, I tell you this because Pippin's limp is real. Threaten Seth with her if you must but don't actually hurt her. There are things in my head that even under serum I can't reveal even to myself due to my oath. Fixer, accept the half-truths as it is easier then the serum for both of us. A starting point?" Franco kept an eye on the two guards on either side of him. Both of them were a lot bigger than the others had been and both looked relaxed, which was not a good sign. It meant they were well enough trained they believed in their abilities.

Cole studied Franco's face. Satisfied the man was telling the truth and was trying, he waved the guards back to their positions, but did not put the needle away. Smiling he said, "Now we are getting somewhere. Your volunteered information is going to go a long way, Franco. You may like riddles, but I do not, so I am having a little trouble with the starting point theory of yours. I like straight up answers….You are correct the use of the serum would be difficult on both of us. On you because of the effects and on me because I would have to wait until it was out of your system before, we could travel." Cole continued to stare at Franco, glancing down a couple of times at the needle. "Since you gave me the information about Seth's visits I will let you use your half-truth theory… but Franco if I call you on it…. I want the complete answer."

Franco nodded as he said, "If I can then I will give complete answers. Fixer, I know that you have others that you have been asked to talk to. That is what I mean by starting point. I will give one more thing for you to consider concerning my nephew. Shadow is the only dark wizard to ever escape him. He is the one that most dark wizards turn themselves in upon hearing he is hunting them. Now what else do you want to know?"

Cole was not sure what the next question was going to be next. When Franco bought up Shadow's name, Cole was reminded of one of the things he had to accomplish. It would help Khalid, and keep Shadow from killing Franco and his brothers. Cole had to break Franco and have him agree to take his suggestions and work for him, in order for Shadow to leave him alone. He was just waiting for one piece of information to fall into place.

When Lance had returned to his room, he had found a sandwich and Pumpkin juice on the small table beside the bed. Sitting down he absent-mindedly took a couple of bites. His mind was still back in the room where Franco was being questioned by Cole. He couldn't sit still though so he found himself pacing. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled and he rubbed them trying to get them to settle back down.

Lance was worried. Cole was starting to target him. Lance was not good with pain. He had been through the pain management courses Arianna had set up for the Caretaker Group. She had only made him go through them twice, and the second time he did not pass out as quickly, but he did pass out. Lance was a doctor and did not work in the field much, so Arianna had said, he did well enough. He had seen the amount of pain Cole was willing to inflict, and was not sure he would be able to make a good showing. Determination not to pass out or be sick were the only things he had going for him.

Just then the door to the room opened and Puntu, another one of his trained elves walked in and bowed. When he did not come over to Cole, Cole got up and went to him. Cole bent down and the elf whispered into his ear. Cole smiled and patted Puntu on the shoulder, "Thank you, you may leave." Puntu walked out the door and Cole, still with a big smile on his face motioned to one of the guard come closer. Cole whispered in his ear. Receiving a smile and a nod from the guard he watched as the man left. Cole motioned the other guard to stand behind Franco, then went back and straddled his chair. "Franco, at the moment I have no more questions about the Caretakers or Core which you need to answer."

The light on the bottom of the monitor flickered a few times before his door again opened and two very large men stood at the entrance. They signaled for him to come out, which he did. He had no problem going back to see Franco again. They put the blindfold around his head and led him down the maze of halls. It was strange because they never seemed to take the same path, going or coming. The turns were never in the same order. Soon they stopped and Lance knew they had reached the hall outside the door to the interrogation room. As he relaxed, his arms were roughly grabbed and his shirt was pulled over his head, his hands were magically bound behind his back. This was not good.

Franco sat very still, and Cole realized he had thrown the man a curve ball. Cole patiently waited, because there was more coming. The door opened and his first guest entered. The man was a master with a whip. Cole got up and walked over to the cabinet, opened it and took out the bullwhip he had stored there earlier. Out of the corner of his eye he watched, Franco's face. Walking back to the table, he handed the whip to Ted, "Hold on and you can warm up a little." Cole took out his wand and bound Franco to his chair. Then he levitated the chair back a couple of feet so Franco was sitting very near the bed.

When Franco was in place, he pulled the table closer to the sink. This left a large cleared area in the center. Cole went and stood by Franco and waved for Ted to warm up. The man started working the whip, making it crack and snake. Cole put his hand on Franco's shoulder and said, "Franco do you remember our friend here?" Cole chuckled.

(Ted and what happened in the Hog's Head during Dangerous Games Thread) "….the man walked over to the bar and set three glasses on the edge of the bar about two inches apart, backed up and unfurled his whip, the men nearby scattered all except one, who held his position, very close to the three glasses. The man who had not moved turned toward the bar and casually sipped on his drink. The man with the whip smiled and started to play with his whip, all of a sudden the tip shot out and the glass in the center disappeared.

Franco's eyes flickered from the new man to Fixer and then to his own chest as he said in a bare whisper, "Oh I remember him but just what is he doing here?"

Cole smiled and patted Franco on the shoulder. "Wait a moment and you will find out." Cole sat down on the edge of the bed and watched Ted. The man was an amazing trickster with the whip. With just the slightest wrist action, Ted cracked the whip and the chair in the middle of the room spun but did not fall. Ted snaked the whip in the floor and then it shot out and barely touched the hand restraints on the wall, catching the feet restraints on the backward swing.

Cole had seen Franco look at his chest. The scars from the Hog's Head were healed thanks the elves, but they were still visible. He was really hoping he was not going to have to add many to the doctor's skin, before Franco agreed to do what he needed done.

Ted made a couple more passes with the whip, wheeling it over his head and jumping over the end as he passed it under his feet, smiling the whole time. He stopped when the door opened.

The blindfold was not removed before Lance felt himself being pushed into the room. All of a sudden, his hands were released and fastened to something. By the time he realized what was happening, and his body started to automatically fight, his feet had also been fastened to the wall. The blindfold was removed and Lance found himself shackled, spread eagle facing the wall in the interrogation room. He looked over his shoulder and saw; Cole sitting on the bed, Franco bound in one of the chairs, up against the bed, and Cole's hand on Franco's shoulder.

Lance heard a noise just out of his visual range, so he looked over his other shoulder. He almost groaned, because standing in the room was the man who had been in the Hog's Head, and he was holding a whip. Lance started to feel a little light headed.

Franco glared at the man with the whip. He could feel his anger growing and fought to not fight the bonds, knowing they would only tighten. Trying to control his body he said to Fixer, "Fixer, what are you doing with Lance? Remember what I said would happen to the next goon that manhandled Lance."

"I remember, Franco, give me a moment and I will explain everything to you. I need to talk with Lance though first." Cole slowly walked up to where Lance was hanging, and leaned against the wall. He whispered to Lance, making sure Franco could not read his lips, "Sorry about this Doc. Even though you do not know it at the moment, you are going to help save Franco's life. I promise to keep the pain to as much as of a minimum as possible, but Doc he has to break and agree to follow what I want him to do."

Lance looked at Cole, and whispered back with fear in his eyes, he was unsuccessful in totally hiding, "You want to control him?"

Cole shook his head yes, adding, "On my honor, Franco will not have to hurt anyone, and no one will be hurt because of what he does. You are just going to have to take my word for this Doc."

Lance looked into Coles eyes. Finding what he was looking for he nodded and dropped his head to his chest putting his forehead on the wall. All he wanted to do now was keep from visibly shaking. He felt Cole's hand on his shoulder, just before the wizard walked back over and sat on the bed, close to the chair Franco was sitting in.

Cole leaned on the back of Franco's chair and said close to the man's ear, so only he could hear, "Ok Franco we are going to come to an understanding. I am not going to do anything to the Doc. I will tell you the rules of the agreement and your answer will determine what happens to the doctor, so you see Franco you are now in charge of the whole situation. Only your actions will determine what happens to Doc, just like they did with Troy." Cole felt Franco flinch; he had hit his first mark. "The first part of our agreement will have to do with your job as Editor in chief at the Daily Prophet." Cole stopped for effect.

Franco took a breath as he wondered how Fixer learned about his connection to his nephew Troy's death. Looking first at Lance and then over his shoulder he said to Fixer, "Then I want Lance off that wall, Fixer."

"I'm sorry Saint, that is not an option in our talk at the moment…Oh but we have not determined that you are going to definitely take the job, so let's agree that you are going to become Editor-in-Chief."

Franco could not take his eyes off Lance. His friend was holding up well, but Franco could tell Lance was cold and the mussels in his back were tight. He was waiting for the first feel of the whip. Looking over at Ted, who had unfurled the whip, snaking the end on the floor. Franco saw Lance's eyes look over his shoulder as the tip of the whip slid back and forth. Without turning his eyes to Cole he asked, "You know Fixer I have decided to turn the promotion down? Why would your boss even want me, a man bent on seeing both him and Shadow brought down to head the Prophet?"

Cole watched the byplay between the occupants in the room. Ted was itching to use his toy. The man's eyes went to Lance's back, probably judging the distance. Cole could see it in Ted's eyes that he really loved using the whip. Lance was trying to watch the end of the whip also. The Doc was occasionally swallowing hard and trying to regulate his breathing. He was scared. Franco was trying to concentrate and stay calm, when he knew there were only moments before Ted sent the bite of his toy toward Lance.

Cole leaned closer to Franco's ear, saying, "We will get to that part, I want your word of honor that you will accept the job at the newspaper… What do you say?"


Franco said still eyeing the whip, "I have as much chance of accepting that promotion as you have getting that Codebook, Fixer. So what happens if I refuse?"

Cole sat up straight and patted Franco's shoulder. "I told you that you are in charge, Franco. You have just asked a question and now I need to answer it, so…" Cole looked at Ted and nodded. Looking at Lance he realized the man knew what was about to happen, because he turned his eyes to the wall and gritted his teeth. He was focused on accepting the pain, dealing with it and releasing. In the blink of an eye, Ted's whip shot toward Lance, not making a sound. When it came to rest back on the floor, a small cut opened in the middle of Lance's back, and the man let out a loud grown, then rested his forehead on the wall, and took deep breaths.

Cole leaned on the back of the chair again and whispered, "I hope I have answered your question satisfactorily. Now I believe you were about to give me your word of honor you are going to accept the job as Editor-in-Chief of the Dailey Prophet." Cole smiled and waited.

Franco screamed as the whip connected with Lance's back. It took him a few moments to register what Fixer had said. He needed to buy some time. Fixer's boss wanted him in the top position at the newspaper for a reason, and it could not be good. There was a chance he could get out of giving in, if he could get Cole to agree to a proposition. Hearing Fixer's words, Franco smiled as he said, "Fixer, If you can get the Codebook from Seth, then I will take the promotion. You have my word!"

Cole smiled, "Ever the one for sending out challenges. Well Saint I accept your challenge. When, and I repeat when I get the Codebook, you will make a good Editor-in-Chief." Looking at Lance, Cole figured he had given him enough time to recover, because he was sure it would not be the only time Ted was going to play with his toy, because of Franco. "We now move on to another part of our agreement. To help you make a advantageous decision I will give you a small piece of information. When the elf came in earlier, he let me know, that another piece of my puzzle was in place. I now have the ability to help you guard the children at the school….isn't that great." Cole chuckled and squeezed Franco's shoulder, painfully. "Now as the Editor-in-chief, you are going to have some major decisions to make on different stories. At times, I will be assisting you in making these decisions on what to add to the stories, or what facts to leave out… you will of course take my decisions to heart and follow my suggestions explicitly. You will not even have to put in any effort in checking the facts, I will be happy to do that for you. Agreed?" He was still talking close to Franco's ear, but he was not worried if Lance heard him. Later he would have Punta erase the memories of exactly what was said in the room.

Through gritted teeth, Lance said, "Franco you do not have to do what he says. We can protect the children … we will find his contact."

Cole sat up straight, and said in Lance's direction, "Doc, I did not say you could join our conversation." Cole nodded to Ted, who sent the end of the whip toward Lance's back, and two more strips appeared within inches of the first. "You will not talk, Doc."

Lance was not expecting the whip to make contact and it caught him off guard. His head bowed back and then hit the wall. His stomach rolled and a strange dizziness threatened to overwhelm him. He was close to passing out. Gritting his teeth, he fought the feelings and finally was able to at least breathe. Straightening up as best he could he nodded his head.

Cole turned back to Franco. "Now where were we, oh yes, you were about to take me on as a partner. So Franco, what you say?"

Franco's fury got the better of him as he said, "You would endanger children Fixer? I am not Editor yet but if I were, I would still check the facts. Now as for types of stories, I am fine with getting some leads from you but I choose as editor whether any story ever gets published. That is after I verify all the facts though I leave my sources out of it. Oh and Fixer, have your goon with the whip touch Lance again and he will be forever running from me as will you, I promise you that!"

Squeezing Franco's shoulder again, Cole said, "But Franco I am not endangering the children, I have sent a helper for you. I told you when we started our discussion; you are in charge of whatever happens to any of the ones our lives touch. By your actions, you will decide what if anything happens to the young ones." Cole sat up a little straighter, "I am so glad you are willing to accept leads, Franco. What we need to do is agree on the definition of lead. The way I see it and the way I feel very strongly it will happen is Lead means, I will tell you about a story, you will have the story written using my fact, which I promise you I will check for authenticity, and publish it in the next paper." Cole chuckled, "I take my partnership with you very seriously, Franco, and I want to save you time and trouble. If there is a problem, then I will see about seeing if I can get one of the children to explain it to you in simpler words. I do so like talking with the young ones, you can learn so much about the world."

Cole tightened his grip on Franco's shoulder and said, "You need to not threaten me or my men Franco. We may take it the wrong way and that would not be good for anyone concerned. I do hope you understand my promise on this."

Continuing to Franco, he said in a low voice, "Franco, Ted is just helping me make you understand the seriousness of our future partnership. I have talked with Lance, and he understands … Don’t you Doc?" Cole looked in Lance's direction and although the man was looking over his right shoulder, following the moves Ted was making with his whip, he slowly nodded. "You see Franco, he understands." Leaning back on the chair and saying in a low voice, "Are you still having a problem with printing the stories I give you leads on ? Do I need to have Ted, help you decide?"

Franco shook as the threats to both Lance and the children were realized. He looked at Fixer as he said realizing that it all depended on him becoming Editor, "You seem to be getting ahead of yourself Fixer. For me to accept the job you have to get a Codebook that is not even written yet from a man that will think nothing of taking you down. In addition, you would have to get through several at the school to even get to the children, including my brother. Though I will say that until you threatened those children, I was starting to believe Lance's feel about you."

"Let's take this one step at a time. If you are sure I will not get the codebook, then you will not have a problem with giving me your word that you will print the stories I want you too, using the facts I have added …" Cole was not worried, he already had it partially worked out how he was going to get Seth Wright. The man wrote the codebook, so when he had the man, then all he had to do was convince him he needed to give Cole a copy of it. That was one of the easier parts. Cole chuckled to himself, only allowing a smile to show how he felt. "As for getting to the children Franco that is already done. As we speak, I can talk to anyone of them I wish, and even give them secret presents." Cole clapped both of Franco's shoulders. "I will have your answer now, Franco. Yes you will print my stories, as I say, and Ted can relax, or No you are still insisting on doing it your way, which means of course Ted, gets to play with his toy some more."

Franco cringed trying to think of a way out of the bargain Cole was suggesting, no he corrected his thoughts, demanding. He needed to see if he could get some kind of reassurance about the children, "And just what do you plan for the children?"

"At the moment, Franco I can say I have no definite plans concerning the children at the school. You have not given me a reason to think about any deterrents to your actions." Cole added temper to his voice, when he added, "Now, stop stalling Franco, Do we have an agreement on your honor, or do we need to discuss this part of our agreement more?"

Franco sadly nodded as he said, "but Fixer, it will be just those stories bearing my name. You will have no say in any of the other staff's work."

Cole sat up straight. "I will agree with that Franco, as long as they do not contradict, my suggestions. You will be editor, so you can kill a story if it does … after all partner we would not want anyone questioning your motives would we, because that may cause me to have to remind you in some way about our agreement. Am I making myself clear…. Oh and if I think you need to kill a story… you will bury it deep, no matter who wrote it…"

Cole continued to sit up straight, and said, "If we are agreed on all point, we will move on to the next, and final for now, part of our agreement. You see I reserve the right to add to the agreement at any time…" Cole chuckled, and waited for Franco's reply.

Lance was listening to what was being said, and saying he was worried would have put it lightly. His back was still stinging and he had a major problem taking his eyes off the whip, which was continuously snaking back and forth on the floor. Swallowing hard, he said, trying to make his voice as normal as possible, "Cole can I talk with you a moment?"

Cole looked at Lance, and said to Franco, "Hold that thought partner, the doctor has been good so I will let him have a few words." Cole got up and walked over to lean against the wall near Lance's right side. He did not want to take the doctors view of the whip away. Cole had no problem standing so close to Lance, even if he had to have the man disciplined, because he knew Ted's ability with the whip. Over the past few weeks, Ted had put on several impromptu displaces of his gift. With his expertise and with the abilities of several others of his men, he had an interesting cross section of possible fighting scenarios. When he had rested up against the wall, he asked, "Yes Doc… what can I do for you?"
"Cole," Lance started, "you need to take the children out of the equation. I know you do not like hurting children and will do anything to protect them, but whomever you have stationed at the school, may not feel the same way. What if they over react to something?"

"It is all right Doc, I assure you the helper at the school, will do noting unless I specifically tell the helper to." Cole had to be careful, he did not want to let them know if the helper was male or female. "The helper will never act on their own. Never…will .We will not be much longer Doc. When we are done you can go back to your room, and I will have Punta heal you." Cole was not going to tell Lance that he was also going to have most of what Lance had experienced wiped from his mind. It would be up to Franco to tell him what he wanted him to know.

Lance had been trying to listen to Cole, and watch the snaking whip end. "Cole, please, do not destroy Franco… he does not deserve it … He is close with his brothers and sister … they will soon learn something is wrong."

Cole crossed his arms across his chest and looked at the floor for a moment, when he raised his eyes back up he said, "Hopefully not too soon Doc … because there are some things which must be accomplished and Franco is going to be important. The things are more important than you, Franco and even me… I have a job to do and I will not fail… I never do." With that Cole nodded to Lance and walked back to the bed and sat down. Turning to Franco he said, "Sorry about that Franco … now we are in agreement of my giving you stories to print and you burying any story I or you may think will contradict my leads . Are we ready for the next part of the agreement?"

Franco looked from Ted to Lance. He realized that Fixer had indeed figured out the loophole he had given himself. Saint had no intention of Khalid running the Prophet and decided to inform Fixer of that point. With a braveness that he did not internally feel, the reporter said, "I said that you have no say over the other reporters' stories. You might be able to destroy my creditability but not the others. If you want that to change than when you bring me a lead Fixer, you will also bring written and verifiable proof that you have checked all the fact and have verified them to be true. This is not a request, this is how it will be. Unless you want the Ministry to remove me. If you want the Ministry to run the Prophet then by all means bring me a lead that I can't back up?"

Cole levitated Franco's chair slightly so he was facing more toward the back window than Lance's position on the wall. It would make it harder for him to watch Ted. "Franco, I can guarantee you all my facts will be verifiable. Why would I want you in the position of Editor-in-chief and then purposely destroy that position? No … Franco I will just be supplying you with some facts which you would be unable to know about, or not realize there was a significance in publishing. As far as running your operatives, that is a given, because I will be suggesting from time to time, that you may either bury a story somewhere in the back of the paper, or find a reason why it should not be published. This is not going to be done on a day-to-day basis, just occasionally. Otherwise, you will be allowed to make your own mistakes." At this point Cole levitated Franco's chair back to the original position.

Saint wanted Ted to understand and so with venom in his tone, he said, "You and I will meet one day and I will introduce you to my favorite toy. Oh and Ted, you will be paid in kind."

Cole watched to see how Ted had taken the threat. All the man wanted to do was teach Franco not to threaten him. Cole slightly turned his head, telling him he could not react to the situation now. His men were well trained, especially the core group consisting of his specialists, who were his teachers. Ted knew the advantages of being in this group, so he would follow directions. The only thing he did was smile broadly, mockingly bow to Franco and snap the whip twice. Cole could feel Lance jump at each crack.

Franco realized just who Fixer inside man was as he said, "Fixer, Chameleon touches those children even once...I will bury him! Understand this Cole, I will not be controlled. Antonio might be a friend but those children's safety overrides any friendships. Do I make myself clear? Cause if not, I can insure that you get the message loud and clear!"

"Now why would you bring up Chameleon, Franco? I know the man and I are learning to trust each other, and Chameleon has decided I am his new Saygar, but he is not the only one I know at the school. I will tell you that you are wrong in your guess." Cole leaned forward and put his hand on Franco shoulder. "But that is all right, because we are going to have a long and fruitful relationship, giving you plenty of time to keep guessing." Cole chuckled. "I think you still have not given me your word, out loud Saint. Will you on your honor, take my suggestions on stories, and publish them with the verified facts I give you, and agree to squash or bury stories, I or you may think would contradict what has been written? A simple answer would be appreciated. Ted is getting impatient."

Franco smiled as he said, "One thing you will learn quickly about me, Fixer. I have never published anything that I have not been able to back up with hard-verified proof! That kind of stuff is for the Quibbler. If I can't back it up then it does not go into the Prophet." He had given Angelina Potter a few stories for her Quibbler. Saint smiled as he thought that maybe if he did become Editor, he could strike a deal with her for the stories that Fixer tried to bury. He looked at Lance and realized that he could agree to Fixer's conditions and still see that anything that he would have normally published got to the people.

"I only have been hired to see what goes into the Dailey Prophet occasionally adheres to the rules I set. However, Saint, if I ask that something be buried, I still want it in the Dailey Prophet, I just do not want it front page news. There will be times; the buried articles will have more importance than you think. If I want something to go into or stay out of the Quibbler, I will deal with that, with its editor… I think her name is Angel Potter. I met her once; we should get along fine when I explain." Cole had liked the Quibbler editor, but the use of the Dailey Prophet would give more credence to the articles. The Quibbler was going to be used to pass messages through their ads.

Saint needed to insure Fixer was unaware of his friendship with Angel Potter. He prayed that he could get Cole to buy that he had no back-up plan. "Fixer, if you are not planning anything concerning the children then why let us know that you have a man there? Fixer, we will find that contact and see that he or she gets a very long vacation. Antonio was the only person you could have used that we would have at least gotten close as long as no harm came to them. Anybody else we will deal with as soon as they are uncovered." said Saint with a sly grin.


Franco realized that Fixer expected an answer and so said, "If I become Editor, and you bring me stories that I can back up if questioned about them than yes on my word they will get published. If a story cannot be backed up by hard proof, then you have my word that it won't be seen in the Prophet. However, Fixer, it won't matter who wrote it, you or other staff, are we clear? Prophet don't print rumors not without backing those rumors with hard facts."

Cole sat back a little and crossed his arms across his chest. "WHEN you become Editor, the stories I give you will be able to be verified, but you may not want to get that verification personally… I deal with many wizards and circumstances you would not survive Franco. Maybe if you have a serious question about the FACTS I bring you then I will see if you can meet with my contact." Cole was not looking forward to having to protect Franco from a few of the wizards he knew. Maybe he would have a talk with Marco and explain and his brother could convince him. "I would hate to have the information verified through something which could have been prevented by either leaving it out or publishing it. You see there will be times what you publish will prevent something from happening."

He looked from Lance to Fixer as he said, "Nobody would buy that it was from me if it was any way else, Fixer! Even my enemies at least know that every story with my name in the Prophet was able to be proven. Now get Lance down from there Fixer and get that goon you call Ted out of my sight as I can get very mute if it suits me."

Lance took his eyes off the snaking whip of Ted's and looked over his other shoulder at Cole and Franco. "I think that is an excellent idea." Lance tried to add a smile to his face. When Cole gave him a look, which said, it was not going to happen, he turned and put his forehead on the wall. Soon his eyes returned to the snaking whip end. He jumped when Ted teasingly flicked it a few inches off the ground.

Cole turned back to Franco saying, "I will personally make sure people will think everything you write, which I may suggest, will appear to be the facts. As for Lance, he does not come down yet, because we still have one more piece of our agreement to settle at this meeting."

Franco cringed as he realized that his captor had him backed into a verbal corner. He looked at the man known as Ted and was almost positive he recognized him from somewhere other then Hog's Head. Saying as he still tried to stall the answer he knew he would eventually give, "I have seen you before and I don't mean at the Hog's Head. In fact, I interviewed you and that man that hangs with you. I believe it was at a funeral."

Ted stopped the movement of the whip and coiled it back in his hand. He looked at Franco and then to Cole, who nodded, giving him permission to say anything he wished too. All he did was nod and smiled at the recognition. If the reporter remembered who he was, then the reporter would know he did not care about what others thought. At least he did not until he met Frank Cole. He really liked the man, and enjoyed working for him. The Captain as many had started to refer to him, was fair and generous in his praise and other rewards for jobs well done. Ted continued to stare at the captive, to see if there were any other questions.

After a few moments Franco remembered and smiled as he said, "By the way did the Aurors ever find your brother's killer? I remember you said the killer better pray the Aurors find him before you guys did. When I asked why, you laughed and said because if you got a hold of him, the Aurors would find just ribbon shaped pieces of him. Ted never thought that somebody who was so sure of the Dark Sect's involvement would be working with that same group."

"How else am I going to find Bart's killer." Ted said, turned, unfurled his whip and caused it to crack very close to where Franco sat. Slowly he smiled, looked at the Chief and then went back to making the whip dance across the floor.

Lance looked over his shoulder at Franco and Cole again. "Franco, would you mind not getting him so upset…" then went back to watch the end, which seemed a lot closer to his feet. Lance did not like the look on Ted's face, and thought maybe the man may take out his irritation, on his back.

Cole put his hands on Franco's shoulders and said, "I don't think you should make Ted remember unhappy times Saint. There was another man who questioned his ability to find his brother's murderer and that man is in the infirmary. He will live, but he is missing a few fingers and toes… Now let's get back to what we were talking about… you have been saying you will do as I ask, but you have been either qualifying your answer with ideas of your own or you have been trying to change the subject. I have agreed to give you proof of my facts, in fact I will add something too that, I will not only give you proof, but I will take a friend along to help verify the proof. Who do you think would be best to take, one of the other Caretakers or shall we teach one of the children the necessity of proving your facts. You are in charge so you can choose." Cole chuckled. "Ted I think would like a straight answer to my question, so he can either put his whip away or demonstrate on Lance his persuasive abilities. Here is the question: Do you on your word of honor promise to print, bury or kill any story I have a problem with, no questions asked?" Cole made sure Franco saw him look over at Ted and nod. He also looked at Lance who had stiffened. "Do not take long with your answer Saint, Doc over there is getting anxious." Cole again folded his arms across his chest and waited.

Franco smiled as he looked at Ted and then at The Fixer as he said, "Fixer you asked me how I got my info. You now have seen one way that I do it."

Still smiling as he said calmly, "You see I need to know if Ted knew of Khalid's involvement with The Dark Sect and just whether he trusted you. Ted answered both with just one sentence. If he thought for one moment that you or Khalid was involved in the murder of Bart and the hospitalization or murder of several others, including my brother Marco..." Pausing as he winked at Ted and then continued, "He would have not said what he said. But Fixer, it is those kinds of stories that I have to admit I am afraid Khalid would want buried? As I was the one that hinted that Khalid or one of his friends might know just who killed his brother. Can you promise me that you haven't been hired to insure that I stop writing about who was really behind the Seven?"

Cole held Franco's eyes in a deadly stare as he said, "Franco, the seven should be the least of your worries at the moment… answer my question … One … two…." Cole held up a finger for each number he said. The anticipation in Ted's eyes, guaranteed when he reached three, the whip would crack again carving a notch in Lance's back. He was tired of all the questions and talk.

Franco cringed, as Fixer still had not eased his mind but knew as he looked at Ted and then Lance. With a heavy heart, Saint said, "Stop Fixer, you win. I just pray that with me giving my word does not allow Bart's killer to escape justice. My brother wants that killer as much as Ted does and the killer knows it, Marco saw to that. However, yes, Fixer you have my word of honor. Now what is the next part of your request?"

Cole patted Franco's shoulder, as he heard an auditable sigh come from Lance, who seemed to sag against the wall. "Very good, Saint, now that was not so hard, was it. You will find I make a good partner to have, and you may actually add to your credentials with the information I give you. I am really looking forward to reading your articles." Cole laughed aloud. Looking at Ted, he could see some disappointment in the man's eyes, but he would have a talk with him later.

"Since you have been here, we have discovered you have an untapped ability, which still needs to be trained. There are actually two parts to the next piece of our present agreement. One you are going to allow, one of my specially trained elves, to help you learn how to use this ability. Two, when you have learned to control it, you are going to make yourself available to me, from time to time, to use the gift you have." Cole looked at Franco's face and added, "I do hope we are not going to have the same problem with this part of the agreement as we did with the last. I know I am really starting to get out of patience and I know Ted has been disappointed he cannot show me how he has added to some of the tricks he can perform with his toy."

Lance stood back up straight and started to violently shake his head no. "Cole that is too dangerous for everyone concerned….. Franco you can't do it…." Lance was worried. If Franco was not trained properly with the safeguards he needed to know, he could be stuck in another personality or worse between personalities, and his body could shut down trying to complete the transformation.

Franco just hung his head as he nodded and said, "deal."

Cole visibly relaxed and got up off the bed. He walked over to where Lance was on the wall and leaned against it. "Looks like we may be finished for the day, Doc. Give me a moment and let me verify things with Saint over there and then we will see about getting you fixed up and back to your room."

In a bare whisper Lance said, "You have broken him Cole … now let us go home," only to receive a no response from the Fixer. Lance was very tired. All he did was turn his head toward the wall and allow it to drop. His friend had been forced to agree to things, which went against his very soul.

Picking up the stray chair on his way, Cole returned to Franco, set the chair down and straddled it, relaxing his arms on the back of the straight back seat. "Franco, we need to do one thing before I let Doc return to his room. We are going to do a small re-cap of what you have agreed to today on your honor. One… you have agreed to take me with no hindrances on your part to your office vault and to your bank vault and allow me full access to any information in them. Two … you have agreed to print, bury or squash as far as the Daily Prophet is concerned, the stories I make suggestions about and not give them to the Quibbler. And three … you have agreed to let one of my elves help with your training of your special gift and will allow without questions to let me use that gift if I need to. Do you agree with what I have stated… please answer out loud?" Cole was not going to give Franco a chance to just nod and later say he was misunderstood. Cole did not lose eye contact with Franco, but he put his chin down on top of his arms. He wondered if the man was just going to agree or if this was going to take a while. He hoped Lance could be a little more patient.

Franco realized that Fixer had closed the loopholes that the Saint had tried to give himself. He looked at Lance and thought about the Core, "Can I really betray everything I believe in? If I don't give my word then Fixer will just continue having Ted use Lance as a whipping boy. Richard almost died because I was stubborn and Fixer still got what he wanted. Can I really do that to Lance? Also if Chameleon is not who he has close to the children then we have another traitor unknown. That means somebody that Sasha trusts at the school is in a position to do real harm. Can I really risk those I was sworn to protect? Those children are our future and must be protected at all cost."

After a few moments, Saint hung his head as he said, "Lance, somebody that we all trust with the Core is in a position to do harm. Richard nearly dead because of my stubbornness and yet Fixer still got what he wanted. Now you are in the same position...You who are only here because of me...I can't..."

Cole lifted his chin off his arms. At first, he thought Franco was going to cause more problems. The man was stubborn and he realized the next set of items in the breaking process, were going to be hard, but he already had Franco primed to accept them, which would help. Before Franco left the island, he would be totally in Cole's power to use as he saw fit. When Franco kneeled in front of him and called him Master, he knew he would be there and the man would be able to return to his previous life, with a few minor changes. Cole liked Franco, but if he wanted to save the man's life, Saint was going to have to be brought down.

Saint faced Fixer with a heavy heart as he said, "Yes, Fixer, you have my word of honor that as long as the children are not harmed...I will do as you say in relation to any stories concerning the Prophet, once I become Editor. You already have my word concerning the vaults." Turning to look at Lance as he finished, "If it saves Lance more pain or becoming like Richard did..."

"I am glad you are seeing reason, Saint. The Hog's Head was an unfortunate problem. I had to deal with a lot of unknowns. What happened there was necessary because of some of the personalities involved." Cole said with a smile. Franco had added on part about keeping his word as long as the children were not harmed which qualified his answer … but that could be worked on at another point. He was not planning to harm the children at the school, just maybe scaring them if needed or befriending them to get information.

Lance shook his head. His fists were in tight balls. He was one of the reason's Franco was giving into Cole's demands. Franco would never go against his word of honor … it was one of the main principles, which had been drilled into all of the brothers and their sister, although women seemed to have their own unique definition of honor sometimes. In a hoarse voice he said, more to the wall than to anyone else, "I'm sorry …. I'm sorry…." Soon all he could do was put his fore head back on the wall and wait. A quick look over his right shoulder showed him Ted had recoiled his whip in his hands and was standing relaxed.

Franco knew the next part of the agreement was the hardest, as he had no idea what Fixer had planned for his gift. He only knew that Lance had never been able to handle torture and so, "I give you my word that my gift will be available for your use Fixer. Now can you please get Lance down?"

Cole grabbed the back of the chair and swung his leg over the seat. Standing in front of Franco he said, "I am so glad we have been able to come to this agreement Saint. You will see, it will be interesting having me as a partner. Now for Lance … I think he is no longer needed here." Cole motioned to the two guards to take Lance down from the wall and carry him back to his room. He walked to the door and motioned for Punta to enter. When the elf had come in and sketched a bow, so he could stay in character as a servant elf, Cole leaned down and whispered in his ear so only the elf could hear, "Take the doctor back to his room … heal anything which needs to be healed …. I want him to remember coming to the island, examining Franco a couple of times but that is all… he is not to remember at any level, what was said in this room or done to him …. Understand?" Cole received a nod and a verbal, "Yes Master I understand completely."

Franco looked at Lance and with sadness in his eyes said, "Lance, please understand that it was mainly the unknowns that got me to realize I had to...."

Franco stopped and wondered just how to relieve the guilt he saw in Lance's eyes. Collecting his thoughts and then finished, "Lance, I would have given in even if you had not been here. He has somebody at the school, I cannot risk those kids. I tried to give myself loopholes and he plugged them. Lance...talk to me please."

Lance tried to steady himself on his feet, but his legs would not hold the weight. Relying on the support of the two goons at his side, he turned as best he could in Franco's direction and loudly whispered through cracked lips, "I understand Franco …. I understand … it will be all right …" but his throat would not form any more words and he let his head drop.

Cole nodded, smiled and watched Punta follow the guards as the half carried and half-supported Lance out the door.

Lance felt himself being taken back to his room and he did not fight it. He was too tired, too weak and his back hurt. The guards did not even blindfold him, which cause his mind to think maybe they were not worried about telling anyone about the place or what happened. As the thought took hold that it was not a good thing, they came to his door. He was pulled in and placed face down on the bed. It felt good. Turning his head he saw the elf, Cole had called Punta walk up beside the bed and spread his hand out about three inches above his back. He could feel the heat growing. At first, he thought it was going to get too intense to withstand, but it took on a soothing effect and Lance relaxed into the bed.

After about five or six minutes, the elf removed his hands and walked to the top of the bed, near Lance's head. He looked into Lance's eyes and Lance found he could not look away. A smile spread slowly across the elf's face and then everything in the room faded into black. Lance did not fight it, because he was tired beyond believe … he slept.

Franco watched as the door closed behind the elf following the goons carrying Lance back to his room. Turning his eyes to Fixer, he asked "Now what Fixer. You have what you want, so can we go get the things out of the vaults and end this?" Franco glanced over to where Ted had taken position leaning against the wall near the door. The only reason the man was still there would be if he was then next one to feel the bite of the man's whip. He swallowed hard as he returned his gaze to Fixer, waiting for an answer.

Cole opened the door and motioned two guards to enter. Closing the door, he walked the few steps necessary to place him in front of Franco. "I need to explain a few things to you first, partner . We are not done yet … you and I still have a few things to discuss and you are not ready to return to your job yet, because of some points we need to see eye-to-eye on. Lance has been returned to his room. There he will be healed and he will also be made to not remember anything which happened in this room. All he will know when he wakes is that he came to the island with you and has occasionally been allow to talk with you and examine you. The memory loss will be at a level seven mind-dive, so you do not have to worry about him remembering or being forced to remember. The only way he will know what you have decided, is if you tell him, and I do not recommend that, because in more ways than one it could put his life in danger." Cole knew Franco was smart enough to hear the threat in his voice.

"I am going to release you Franco so you can get out of the chair and actually move around. We are finished for today. But I want you to understand something, Ted is still here. If you fight the guards or knock them out, you will receive five lashes with the whip for each swing you take or for each guard who hits the floor…" Cole stared and added, "The guard will give the punishment, Franco and they are not that good with the whip, although Ted has been giving lessons… Do not make me fasten you back into the bed… I will be leaving shortly and you will have the rest of the afternoon and the night to consider what has happened here today and come to terms with it. Tomorrow we will continue our discussion."

Franco nodded but said nothing. He stared at Ted as he realized that Fixer wanted to insure that Saint was not going to pay the goons back for what Ted did to Lance.

After a few moments, Franco said, "Using Lance, Fixer was not needed. He is a healer and is not in the field. The guilt he felt will not leave even with a mind wipe. He just won't know why. Fixer, I made you a promise concerning Lance and must follow through."

Franco turned to face Fixer as he shook his head sadly as he said, "By what you did Fixer, you have sentenced one of your goons to death. I will kill one of the guards as I promised. I am telling you for two reasons. The first is so you will know that no matter of our agreement, I stay true to my word. The second is so you can choose who dies. Oh and Fixer, if you don't choose then it will be all of them including Ted. I told you that I will not have Lance manhandled. Fixer, if you try to stop me from dealing with it now then I will just wait and you will not know when I will strike or who. However, somebody is going to pay for Lance's inner hurt, so are we clear? Or do you want me to not be a man of my word?"

"No we cannot have that, can we," Cole said as he walked over to where Ted was leaning against the wall. As he got closer to the man, he came to attention. Cole whispered, keeping his backed turned to Franco, "You have anyone in mind who may need to leave the island?" He received a nod after a moment and one name, "Jamerson". Cole nodded, summoned his protronus, which was a very large Rat, and sent him to Mecum, the elf he had looking for the markings of the Dark Sect, with instructions to check out Jamerson and then report to him immediately with any findings he had come across. Ted nodded to the action.

As Cole returned to Franco's position, the man relaxed against the wall again, watching. He knew he was on guard duty. "Franco I think you have a very good idea. I have sent for some information and we will see if we can come up with someone, you can do away with …" Thinking out loud, but mostly to himself he said, "I will record it and play it later."

Franco smiled as he said, "Fixer, just make sure your goons get the message this time. I don't like killing but I won't have anybody think I will just stand by and won't get payback for my friends or family. Which reminds me, I still owe you for Neo and Richard, don't I?"

Cole looked back at Franco and added, "I will tell whoever it is that if they kill you they can go away no questions asked. Should make for an interesting fight." He chuckled, because it was also going to give him a chance to see how Franco fought. If it was anything like his brother Marcus, who Cole had actually spared with, it was going to be good and dirty. "You sure you want to do this, Saint?"

Franco nodded, and added remembering another point he needed to make, "…Which reminds me, I still owe you for Neo and Richard, don't I?"

"You need to let Richard and Neo fight their own battles, Franco. You are not their keeper. Neo knows what I am expecting after our run-in at the Hog's Head, that is between him and me only. Richard also knows what I expect because of what happened to him. I have known Richard a long time Franco … we may be temporality on different sides, but we know each other and that means what is between Richard and myself stays between us. Richard has already taken out his retribution on me and has the ability to take more if he wants. Stay out of it, Saint."

Franco nodded and placed in the back of his mind to have a talk with Richard about just how he knew Fixer. Then he smiled as he said, "I think you would rather get payback from me then Neo but by all means if you have a death wish..."

After hearing Fixer, Franco said, "It will be quick Fixer, just bring me the toy you found in my inner left sleeve of my robe." His yo-yo was special and a gift from all of his brothers. He was a master of using it and even had some trophies from Muggle contests. It was Marco who accidentally cut himself one day that decided to add a blood lock to it. Smiling as he asked, "How will I know my target?"

Cole heard a knock on the door and said, as Ted opened it, "I think I might be able to introduce you to your target now." Cole turned back to the door and saw Mecum standing there with a man about five feet eleven inches tall, muscular and tanned by the sun. The man did not look worried but he was leery of why he had been called into the Captain's presence. Looking at Mecum, Cole asked the silent question, if the man had the mark on his left hand. Mecum nodded and Cole turned to the man asking, "Jamerson, correct?" Receiving a nod he asked, "Jamerson have you been through the hand-to-hand combat training?" The man nodded. "Good then I have a job for you. See the man bound in the chair over there," Cole motioned in Franco's direction then continued, "The man has displeased me and I want you to kill him." When Jamerson smiled and started toward Franco, Cole put his hand on the man's chest and added, "No… not here… we are going to the small fighting ring in the basement, where you will have your chance." Cole looked at Franco and smiled, "You will of course have your choice of one small weapons, with my approval from the beginners training cabinet." This cabinet held an assortment of small knives and clubs, so Cole was not too worried the wrong man would win. "You go with Mecum here and prepare, choose your weapon wisely, Jamerson."

Cole motioned for them to leave then whispered to Ted to get the yo-yo Franco had mentioned. When the man had left he walked back over to Franco and straddling the chair said, "He is big … sorry about offering him the knife," Cole lied, "but I wanted to give him a chance… especially when I tell him the fight is to the death." Cole saw the look in Franco's eyes as his last statement sunk in, to the death could work both ways. A promise had been made to keep Franco alive and Cole would keep that promise, but he wanted to see Franco in action, without holding back. "Now Franco, I am going to release you and we are going to calmly walk out the door, down a flight of steps and into the fighting area. Do not make me regret this. More than one wand will be trained on you, understand?"

Franco smiled trying to relax his shoulders as he said, "Perfectly Fixer. Do you understand that this Jamerson won't come close to me? He might try but he will find that I plan to make him my last warning to your goons. Oh and Fixer if you think you will learn all my fighting skills like you tried with Neo..."

"I learned what I need to from Neo, Franco. You would be surprised what I learned, but we will not go into that now." Ted returned to the room, carrying a small butterfly style yo-yo and handed it to Cole. Turning it over in his hand a couple of times to get its weight, Cole did a couple of small thick. It had been a long time since he had the Muggle toy in his hands. He discovered he could still do a good sleeper, and had not lost his ability to walk the dog . When he tried the creeper it was a little wobbly, but it had been a few years. He placed the toy in his pocket and took out his wand. Looking at Ted, and realizing the man had his wand out also, Cole released Franco. He allowed him to stand up and stretch, before he motioned to the door. "Let's go Saint."

After a few moments, Saint said with a chuckle, "Well I don't move much but you will see. I gather you will want my toy when we are done?"

Franco smiled as he saw his toy and the simple tricks Fixer seemed to do. Still smiling he said, "Cause Fixer if I can keep it, I might just show you a trick or two that will make what Neo did look like child's play? I still am not happy that you involved the children but maybe this work out will calm me down, maybe?"

Cole laughed aloud as they made it down the steps to the basement below. "Franco, I never will understand why you waist your breath asking questions you already know the answer to… a piece of advice which you can heed if you want to… every time you speak you give me more information about yourself and sometimes you family and friends…. Here we are," Cole pushed open a double set of mahogany doors and allowed Franco to enter the room first.

Franco looked around the room. The room was about fifty feet by fifty feet with a round fighting ring in the center. There were benches all the way around with only a few narrow aisles to walk in. The walls were dark paneled. Various fighting equipment hung on the walls and a couple of floor to ceiling cabinets lined the opposite wall from where they entered. There was also another set of double doors on the opposite wall. Lighting consisted of spotlights lining the two walls which did not contain doors and one spot light over the main ring. A small kitchen area was tucked away in one corner, consisting of a sink, a large glass fronted refrigerator, and steel flattop stove.

Cole motioned to the ring where Jamerson was standing playing with a small derrick knife. It was a lethal weapon, well balanced and could give a lot of pain in the right hands. Cole tried not to show, that he knew, Jamerson did not have a chance. After all the man would die here, for trying to spy on him or freeze to death in the Antarctic, a favorite place for Cole to send people usually with no protection from the elements, unless he wanted them to suffer, then he would give them an unsportsman-like chance with a few basic supplies.

After Franco climbed through the ropes, Cole turned to Jamerson and said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you this fight is too the death." He was rewarded with the blood in the man's face disappearing. It took him several long heart beats to recover before he nodded, and turned to Franco. Cole reached in his pocket and brought out the yo-yo. Handing it to Franco he said, "I will have this back when the fight is done, one way or the other." Then he smiled, looked at Ted to make sure his wand was ready and looked at Mecum to make sure he was ready also. His elves did not need wands. Then he took a seat on one of the benches, saying, "Gentlemen, whenever you are ready you may begin."

Franco gave a sly grin as he started playing with his toy. Looking at the man and the weapon he chose, Franco laughed as he said, "Fixer, let me know when your men have gotten my point." He wanted Fixer to give the kill order. Then Saint would kill the man by cutting both jugular veins, until then he would play with this boy and remind the others that The Saint always got payback and it was never nice.

Cole watched as Jamerson went into a fighting crouch, throwing the knife back and forth between his hands a couple of times, then grabbing it by the hilt and preparing to counter any move Franco may make. When Franco continued playing with the yo-yo, Jamerson stared, then straightened up and glanced over to Cole asking with his eyes, what the man was doing. Cole just shrugged and motioned back to Franco.

Franco had just been doing some simple tricks, like walk the dog. When Jamerson looked at Cole he through a quick boomerang and nipped the top of the man's hand with the blade hidden in the yo-yo. Taking it back in his hand he smiled, as he seemed to only be watching the yo-yo bounce on the string.

Jamerson's attention quickly returned to Franco. He looked at the back of his hand and growled. Again going into a fighting crouch, he waved the knife about. Cole shook his head imperceptibly as he realized how little Jamerson had learned in the classes he had all of the recruits attend. The man was sloppy. He was not going to last long.

Franco watched out from under his lashes pretending to still manipulate the yo-yo through some more complicated moves. The man was sloppy and Franco knew Neo would have just stood there and laughed at him, but Franco wanted to keep moving. He went into a McBride Roller Coaster move and after doing a quick dismount, sent the yo-yo into an around the world loop, catching Jamerson's right leg with a painful slice. Bringing the toy back into his hand, Franco stood there for a moment with his hands out, silently asking Jamerson what he was waiting for.

Jamerson's face turned red and he made a swing with the knife, which Franco easily avoided by taking a side step and maneuvering the yo-yo into a Skin the Gerbils. Franco had to keep himself from laughing as Jamerson tried desperately to not watch his hand actions. Bouncing the yo-yo back into his hand Franco sent out a Boomerang move, catching Jamerson in the right temple. The man howled and grabbed his head.

Franco started another trick and turned his back on Jamerson, looking at Cole and smiling. The other man took the bait and went for Franco's back. With a sidestep and a duck, Franco knelt down and shot a Sidewinder between the man's legs, catching his heal on the pull back and sending the man hard to the mat, landing on his backside.

Jamerson was getting redder and redder, which would be his downfall. Franco glanced at Cole and received the nod he was waiting for. Smiling he looked at Jamerson, bowed slightly and sent two Boomerang shots out, each of which caught the Juggler vain on each side of Jamerson's neck. The man's eyes opened as wide as they could in surprise as the life left them.

Cole slowly stood and stretched. He glanced at Ted and saw the surprise on the man's face after the demonstration Franco had just given. Saint was good, that was clear. When Ted's eyes finally came to Cole, he raised his eyebrows asking if he was ready. He received a nod and turned his attention to Franco, wand in his hand. "Franco, put the yo-yo down on the mat and come out of the ring. You have had your revenge now it is time to continue with our day." Cole waited, expecting any kind of move from Franco. Ted had his wand pointed at the man's head with an order not to kill.

Franco chuckled as he looked at Fixer, saying, "Ted, if I wanted to kill Cole or you..." Looking at the man that was dead as he said, "Well, you saw how quick that man met his fate." With that Saint placed his toy on the mat away from any blood. Then as he stepped out of the ring he said, "When we are totally done Fixer, I want my toy back as it is useless to anyone but me as a weapon. Marco hates being accidentally cut, when he picks up the wrong one, if you get my meaning?"

Cole levitated the yo-yo into his hand and put it in his pocket. "Ted, get some of the men to clean up this mess. It will get around fast that way. Tonight after dinner, I will show the video of what happened here. Mecum," he said to the elf, "if you find any others, make me a list, if any of them decide to try and stay. If they try to leave, we will let the sharks take care of them. Do not let the dragon loose yet though, it was too hard to get him back in the cage the last time and Simon, is on a mission, so he cannot use his skills." When Cole had finished giving orders, he turned back to Franco and motioned toward the double doors."Shall we retire back to your room, Franco? Punta should be back there soon with a report on how Lance is doing." Cole never lowered his wand. Ted had walked ahead to make sure Franco would be good when they started up the stairs. Cole knew Franco realized there was nowhere for him to go, but he was not totally in control yet, so he was cautious.

Franco smiled as he said calmly, "By all means, the sooner we are done with my little visit here..." Pausing as he looked around, "The sooner I can get my toy back and workout with it more as that temple shot nearly killed him before his time. Fixer, I still don't like Lance being on the island or you threatening the safety of the children. If I find your man inside the school, he will meet my toy?"

As they walked up the steps and started down the hall, Cole watched Franco's back. The man was calm but he knew he could move fast. As they got to the room, Cole opened the door and motioned Franco in. He turned to Ted and said, "Go get done what you need to. Franco and I are going to talk a little then we are all going to get some rest. When Punta is done have him come and report to me, where ever I am." Cole turned back around, and closed the door. He walked over keeping an eye on Franco's movement, moved the table back into position and put the chairs under it. "Sit Franco," he said as he motioned to the chair. "I think I have some good news for you." Cole turned one of the chairs around and straddled it, waiting for Franco to take the other chair.

Franco smiled as he sat down. He was worried about Fixer using the serum or binding him again. Saint liked that he had made an impression on at least Ted. He liked the young man when he had first met him and realized even with what Ted had done with his whip, Franco still considered the man a decent man. His instincts were telling him there was more to the reasons why Fixer was doing this job. Saint looked at the door as he said quietly, "Maybe I can figure this puzzle out before I leave here as I really want to trust Fixer?"

Hearing Fixer talk about good news, Saint got worried as he asked, "What news and just what are you going to ask for this time?" Franco was worried that the price might be too high or something Saint could not agree to.

Cole just sat and stared at Franco for a few moments. "You have done what I need you to do when you took Jamerson out. You have given me you honor to complete the other parts of our agreement. We are now going to take a break and I am going to let you get some rest. Tomarrow we will start to complete your agreement. I have some work to take care of, so two days from now we will travel to your office."

There was a knock at the door, and Punta poked his head in and nodded. Cole just said thank you to him and turned back to Franco. "Tomorrow, Lance will be leaving. As I explained earlier, he will have no memory of what went on in this room. He will remember coming here to help you, and he will remember visiting you several times, but there will be nothing he can repeat to anyone else, and I suggest that you leave it that way. Trying to break a level seven mind-dive can cause brain damage, Saint. I speak the truth on this. I will let him visit you one more time in the morning. At that time, you will tell him everything is all right and you have decided to help me find some information. Do not mess this up Franco … you still do not understand all of the abilities I have to bring things under my control. Remember what I have promised and told you hear." Cole was eventually going to show Franco what else he could do, but it wasn't the time. He needed Franco thinking clearly, as they collected the hidden information.

Franco looked at Fixer as he said, "Fixer, and the children? When are you going to call your goon there at the school off? You do know if I find him that man is dead? I don't take kindly to threats to them."

Cole shook his head no, spreading his hands wide on the table. He wished he could remove the contact but, the children would be in greater danger if he did. He needed to know what was happening at the school. "My contact stays at the school, Franco. The children will not be hurt if I can help it… one of the reasons the contact is there is to keep them out of harm's way. The contact will do this by talking with them mostly. The contact may have to scare them to keep them away, but you have a couple of children who will run toward a problem, just because someone told them they had to stay away. In those times, I need someone to do what is necessary to keep them away. If anything happens to them Franco, remember I told you are in charge. If I do not get the information I need, or have it broadcast in time, it will be your fault if the children are hurt… thinks about it tonight when you go over what you have promised today as I know you will."

After a few moments, Saint said, "As for what I tell Lance in the morning, I have not decided yet. Lance almost had me convinced that you were able to be trusted. That you must have a hidden reason that you just could not tell us. You had him fooled into believing you were a decent guy that just did things a little differently but still could be an asset to the Caretakers. I am not sure if I want you to be still fooling him as he paid dearly for that trust in you? How can I be sure that he won't pay dearly again? Or that you won't use that blind faith he has in you to destroy him or at least his ideals?"

Balling his fists back up and laying his arms across the back of the chair, Cole tried to explain what little he could, "Doc, is a very smart man, Saint. He has hidden talents you do not even know about. If I were injured, I would trust him with my life. He knows some of why things are happening the way they are. I don't know if he is afraid or just leery of putting the facts together, but for his own safety, maybe it is good he hasn't assembled all the pieces." Cole was getting too close to the truth, so he decided to stop.

Pushing on the back of the chair, he stood up saying, "Get some rest Saint. There is no where for you to go, so try and get some sleep. I will have a tray sent in to go with something to eat. The guards outside the door and outside the window have orders to take you down if you try anything. I hope to find you still free of your restraints in the morning." Cole turned and walked toward the door.

As Franco went over to the bed, he said, "Fixer I will give my word one more time tonight. I will not try to escape as you are a puzzle I must solve even if not fully. Cause I am going against my beliefs and ideals with what I promised you."

After a few moments of thought he said, "I need to know it is worth it as Lance does."
He waited for Fixer's comments, then said, "Don't worry about your school contact as I will leave him be for now. Nite Fixer! I wish I could trust your word as Today you made a possible enemy?"

As Cole put his hand on the door, he turned. "As I said Franco get some rest. In two days we travel. I am going to trust your word, to a certain extent, as you are mine. The school contact is working for us both, which I know you do not believe. Try to get some sleep. You can turn off the main light with the switch at the top of your bed. There will be a night light on all night though. See you in about 14 hours, when I will bring Lance back in for a final visit. I will tell him it is his last" With that, Cole walked out of the door, secured it, and walked across the hall to his office. He would keep an eye on Franco for a little while, but it was four o'clock in the afternoon, and he still had some training sessions to attend, dinner with the men, and reports to receive. He was hoping Mecum had not found too many men with the Dark Sect double mark. Cole was going to have to get in touch with Khalid, because his men came from that man's camp for the most part; those that didn't had been personally questioned by him.

After Fixer left, Saint said, " That is the problem Fixer, I can't trust you."

Realizing it was going to be a long fourteen hours as he said a little aloud, "Even though my instincts agree with Lance and say that you are indeed one of us. You threatening the children is what I don't understand and the reason that I can't trust you or your word."

THE END