“The analysis shows a compound comprised of a powerful sedative and methamphetamine,” Callum said, eying a printable readout from a pristine machine in the basement lab, gleaming with a sterile abundance of high tech equipment, and white coated research technicians scurrying around with their own work.

  “Quite the concoction,” Denaux followed up.

  “How are they growing it?” I asked.

  “Furthermore,” Isaac jumped in, looking at Denaux, “Where is it showing up?”

  Denaux shrugged, “I'd know if this candy was on the streets, in my joint, babe.”

  “Perhaps it hasn't been introduced yet,” Callum asserted.

  “Why are we so certain they'll put it in the community?” I craned my head, trying to look at the results page.

  “This is his M.O., chère, he enslaves and kills. No better way than hooking up the folks no one notices no how,” Denaux said. “It's easy peasy.”

  “Once this hits the streets,” Isaac mumbled gravely, twirling the remaining liquid in a new vial, “bedlam.”

  “This seems too easy,” Callum stroked his chin. “I'll check further on any recent public acquisitions Perrault has made.”

  “Wait,” I cut in, “we still don't know what's even going on here,” I motioned my wide arms in circles to encompass everything going on.

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  “Simple,” Treven sounded off, lounging back in a swivel chair like a child at play, “you were tested after Isaac saw your strength,” he smirked. “Guess what? You passed.”

  I felt my blood starting to boil again, as I clenched my fist. “So, I'm just a tool? That's it?”

  “It's nothing like that,” Isaac spoke up. “In the cemetery, I sensed something. I saw something special. It was a chance encounter, nothing more.”

  I shied away from Isaac's reaching hand. “I don't know what's going on anymore. I just want a straight answer!” My emotions were unraveling, still heightened from earlier.

  “This battle,” Callum said, “has been waged for generations. He took our Great Grandfather...our Mother...and many more. A war fought in the shadows. For everyone's safety. You may be the key to ending this all.”

  “I..I need some air,” I flustered about, turning for the elevator.

  “What air?” Treven laughed, “you're a dead girl.”

  “Treven!” Isaac yelled, pushing him over and sending him spilling to the floor, cackling all the way down.

  I shook my head and stormed off.

  “Wait, Anna!” Isaac moved forward, but was held back by an outstretched arm from Callum.

  “Let her go,” Callum said, “she needs this.”

  “Chère,” Denaux walked to follow in pursuit.

  “Mr. LaForge,” Callum chided, “we request your presence as well. A plan of action needs to be put in place.”

  Denaux watched on, forlorn, as I glanced back, before exiting.

  “I assure you,” Callum continued, “nothing happens to her.” He nodded at Isaac, who clenched his fists in frustration.

  “You fool,” Isaac whipped around and yanked a giggling Treven off the floor, his collar outstretched. “Progress was at hand!”

  Denaux raised his eyes, questioningly.

  “Feelings brother?” Treven smirked. "That's so unlike you.”

  WHAM! Isaac struck Treven in the face, his fist recoiling with specks of blood splattering off it.

  “Now boys,” Denaux chimed in, “this is a place of business.”

  “Composure is the word,” Callum stepped in, pressing a finger against Isaac's chest and pointing him backwards. “Your budding feelings for the girl notwithstanding,” as he ushered Denaux forward. “Pick yourself up brother,” he droned on, looking straight ahead, “It's unbecoming of a Brimstone to hold such a position.”

  Treven spat blood and forced himself up. “Nice to see a little of that old fire back in you,” he patted Isaac on the chest, and adjusted his clothes, smoothing them out.

  “Now, Mr. LaForge,” Callum started up again, his tone shifting gravely, “there's something I'd like a man of your talents...to see.”