Twelve - Demons

"THE LAST OF THE TEAM THAT WENT ON AN INTERNATIONAL MISSION WITH THE LATE DOCTOR VINCENT ALDERIGE, TECHNICAL SERGEANT NEWLAND SNOW, TOOK HIS OWN LIFE. THE WIFE FOUND HER HUSBAND LIFELESS AFTER SHE TRIED TO WAKE HIM FOR HIS MORNING MEDICATION. HE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE ATTENDED HIS FIRST PSYCHIATRIC COUNSELING YESTERDAY SINCE HE BECAME EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE FROM WATCHING THE NEWS IN REGARDS TO THE DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. ALDERIGE."

Allison gasped silently. Terrible news to start their fresh new day. She faced her husband who is listening attentively to the blaring news. Renard was startled feeling the hands of Allison on his lap. He smiled immediately.

"Something bothering you?" Allison tried to remove her hand but Renard held it tighter. "Is there something wrong, Renard? You are this bothered since the death anniversary of Dr. Alderige. Speak freely to me my love. I don't want you to lose it by keeping it all together."

Sweet gestures he appreciated, but there are things not meant to be discussed. He let go of her hand after he kissed it tenderly. Renard gave Allison a warm smile. She sympathetically looked at him. Though the smile on Renard's face was genuine, it lacks emotion. His eyes were shut as the gates of Downcaster.

"You're leaving?" She inquired worriedly.

"Business." The only response she received.

"That's the only answer I had from you." She strictly replied and returned her attention to the news.

The courage to settle things with his wife was there but he chose to let the atmosphere cool. There are things he wishes he could openly share with his wife. Terrible things. Truth is, Newland was not the only person carrying a load of secrets ever since Vincent's death. The only consolation he sees is to keep the remaining innocence of his wife.

"They are waiting, sir." His bodyguard met him at the main door.

"Keep your eyes open. We have the Constantine girl." He firmly instructed and got inside the black Bentley. The secretary was already in the shotgun seat.

"The board of the directors meeting will be attended by the second major stockholder of the company, sir. His secretary informed me this morning." Rey told Renard and look through the rear-view mirror.

"My uncle?" Confusion is all over his face. "Did they mention the reason for such attendance?"

"They did not give many details, but the secretary did mention the urgency to have a meeting with you." Rey noticed the discomfort, Renard. "Don't worry, sir. Lord Viktor will not be physically present but virtually. He'll be joining the meeting from New York."

That did not relax Renard. The fact that Viktor is meddling with the company is a very strange occurrence. Viktor will always have a place in Samira Holdings unless he decided to sell his shares. After his years of silence, he comes back at the most convenient time. He did not claim the Samira seat in the high council making Viktor the regent of Samira Clan. The manipulative, vicious, untamed, and full of schemes personality in the underground society next to Nathalia.

The Samira tower in London is already alive. Employees were in their designated places. Looking busy.

The guard opened the door for him. Rey walked beside him to the elevator. Discussing the possible agenda. Dufur has yet to confirm his attendance, but the fourth horseman and the temporary head of Samira, Dominic, are waiting in the conference room. Rey pushed the wooden door open for his boss. Two men patiently waited for Renard.

"There you are!" Dominic stood and hugged Renard. Fabio Cortez only nodded to Renard. "Our dilemma is still not over and I don't see it ending soon."

Rey immediately prepared the monitor for Viktor. A series of profanity escape from his mouth feeling the pressure of his superiors' eyes burning his back with impatient looks. He left the room when he finished setting up. It's a protocol he never understood, and never will.

"What's with the monitor?" Fabio curiously asked. "And Dufur?"

"Dufur is a bit occupied at the moment with some important business," Renard looked at the huge monitor in front. "As for this, uncle Viktor Samira will be joining us."

"Lord Viktor?" Fabio questioned in fear. "What for?"

"We are not informed about this, Renard." Dominic seconded sharing the same sentiments as Fabio. They may be smart but an old dog facing the foundlings is alarming.

"I am as surprised as you two. Afraid rather," Renard chuckled. "But considering my refusal to the position, he is automatically the controlling head of Samira."

Dominic leaned back to his recliner. He is the managing head of the Samira clan but he is not a pureblood. A very solid reminder of how low he is on the food chain. They instantly went quiet when the devil walks among them. The old but scary face of Viktor appeared on the screen. They stood in unison.

"My Lord."

"Where is Hendrix Dufur?" Viktor asked. All eyes landed on Renard. He cleared his throat.

"He is away, uncle. Business transactions." Renard answered politely.

"Away?" Viktor's eyebrow quirked. "Across the Atlantic?"

"Depending on the extent of his transactions." Renard countered.

Viktor smirked. No further questions were shot and motioned the gentlemen to take their seats. He reviewed the papers on his hands. "Before I begin, is there something you three are supposed to discuss?"

"Not that it's important, uncle," Renard responded quickly. Casual but with haste to interrupt anyone.

"So I intervened to an unproductive meeting?" Viktor's tone changed. Although he is oceans away from the three, his presence took over the room. "Let's proceed, take it to your advantage that I'm in a different timezone. I joined to inform you about our biggest investor, AldeTech. Alderige International owns the company. Aberdeen Alderige is eager to strengthen our alliance by joining one of their company to ours. Given the latest weapon breakthrough they have, we can hold the government to its neck."

The three silent gentlemen exchanged glances. Shock and unable to process. Dominic was the first to absorb everything.

"That would be an advantage to us. A very powerful ally." Dominic agreed.

"But isn't the Hiatus on factions, my Lord? The Drax has their side of the room while the Clement has theirs." Fabio respectfully stated.

"Nonsense, There is only one faction and that is to Nathalia," Viktor shook his head. "Besides, all the factions are on the same side."

"What if there's an uprising, uncle? Our company will be dragged to the mud." Renard added.

"As I've said, Nathalia's side is the strongest," Viktor's face became neutral but eerie. "If anyone dares to question our position, he will regret it. All assassins from the other clans were immobilized. They are not to attack the ruling elders. This concern is for the betterment of our company, isn't it? I don't see a downside to this investment. Questions?"

An agonizing silence came next. Calculating their next words. The three gentlemen were walking on eggshells. Viktor has his resolve. This meeting was a mere courtesy to inform them about the latest ventures of the company.

"That sounds like nothing," Viktor smugly said after no one responded. "Don't worry. You will meet Aberdeen soon."