24

The next stop is actually multiple quick stops, as Albert and Louise need more of several drugs necessary to enhancing my powers. So I stop by three different labs, one of which is the same as the one Kilgrave overworked in canon. Instead of forcing them to work until they drop dead, I merely plant suggestions to put a portion of their efforts into producing what I need on the side.

That's why I spread it across three labs, because it will gain the same effect as Kilgrave's orders without the torment and slow destruction of the lab technicans' health. Might be nothing more than a token effort, but I truly was trying to avoid torturing, maiming, and killing those that had done nothing to me. At the same time, hot damn mind control was making things easier and easier…

After the labs, it was time to meet up with Trish again and pick up an early dinner. With fast food in my belly I look to Trish and smile, "Everything done darling?"

She nods with a bright smile, "Yes sir. I packed light and emptied my accounts before taking an extended leave of absence at WNEX to 'reorganize my life' and 'find myself'. The only one who will come looking for me is Jessica and for now she has no idea where I've gone. I also have a list of potential homes for us."

I smile, "Good girl."

Before I can fall into my own thoughts Alexis speaks up, "Homes? A-are you leaving?"

The tone causes me to look at her. She looks legitimately upset at the idea. With a sigh I reach over to run a comforting hand through her hair, "Darling, it's okay. We're just outgrowing your home. I don't expect my entire… entourage will fit in three bedrooms much longer, and your father is also due home soon. You're happy that I'm taking care of the problem."

She blinks and then smiles almost as brightly as Trish before nodding. My own smile comes back and I ask Trish to give me a rundown of the best options for our new home and our new benefactors. It's the third option that I decide sounds best, and soon we're heading towards the address. Getting into the estate is child's play. And that is what it is, a full scale estate with quite the large lawn and a huge mansion up a long winding driveway.

I present myself as having an interview with Mrs. Rottshaw and it doesn't take long for me to arrive at the bedside of the elderly woman hooked up to a number of machines. She has COPD from what I understand has been a long life of smoking. Punctuating this statement is the coughing fit that's just ending as I'm led into the room. I approach the bed even as she looks at me with an assessing glare.

"And who are you?"

I smile and send away the man who'd led me here with a simple command. She watches him obey me with narrowed eyes before looking back to me as I begin speaking, "Hello Mrs. Rottshaw. I'm here because I wish to offer you relief in exchange for your cooperation in some things."

The old woman just glares at me and speaks bluntly, "What do you want?"

I smile thinly, "You are a widow with no children. When you die, your fortune and your home will go to the charities you've picked out. Only, you're in quite a lot of pain right now aren't you? Those charities can't help lessen your ordeal. I can. If you are willing, I would offer you a painless existence for the rest of your life in exchange for you naming me the sole beneficiary to all that is yours in a new will to be made as promptly as possible."

She stares at me for several long moments before a coughing fit tears our gazes apart. Once she's calm again she croaks out, "And how will you take away the pain?"