Family curse.

'Carol Hedley to see you, Mr. Steyn.'

Without looking back, Marthinus nodded, sending his secretary away. She wasn't asking if he had time to see her, actually Carol never needed an appointment and anytime she chose to grace Duibne with her presence was an important event.

'How do you feel, father?'

Marthinus turned and looked at his son, Jacob. A very tall, handsome man of african decent stood off to his right. Jacob's mother had been chosen by Ellis for her genetic qualities. It was a situation that Marthinus accepted whole heartedly. What he did not know was that once Jacob had been delivered, Ellis had the woman killed. He would not be surprised if told, sadly enough.

Jacob, much like his father, favored Armani. He had the Huntington height and hazel eyes. His hair was cropped close and waved. He was very much like Simon in that he was quiet and only spoke when it was necessary. Marthinus knew Jacob was worried about him, but more importantly, worried about Duibne and the coming dark days.

He smiled, 'I'm fine son, just concerned now with Carol being here.'

'I would think so. Her loyalties are quite obvious.'

Marthinus sighed, 'Carol cares for the Clan, Jacob. Don't count her out just yet.' Jacob gave his father a quiet nod. Carol's loyalties were in question but that was currently the least of his problems. His concern was definitely for the Clan and Simon, but he is neglecting an important issue.

His heart.

He could feel the Eternity ebbing slowly out of his body. The recent tension and fatigue he thought was due to Hillman's public denouncements against Duibne was actually his heart slowly failing and he recognized that feeling now. He was very much on borrowed time. Marthinus could very much feel the clock ticking.

The door opened behind him and Carol strode in. She walked up to his desk and set down her bag. Turning he ignored the look Jacob was giving her, he did not need to look at his son to see the concern and caution on his face.

'Carol dear, what brings you to Duibne?'

Carol put a hand on her hip and said, 'We really need to talk.'

'Marthinus??' She made an 'uh' sound and looked at both men. 'What the fuck, seriously? Why didn't you tell me?' Both men looked at each other confused.

Carol sighed dramatically. She opened her bag and started pulling out odd items. A keychain, a coffe cup, a dog leash, then a .45. Both men took a step back and she looked up. 'Sorry, ignore that.' She continued pulling out bits of paper until finally she pulled out her laptop.

Jacob stifled at laugh. Carol did tend to be a bit...over the top.

Carol typed a few things on her computer and then turned it towards Marthinus. 'Here, this.' Jacob walked over and stood next to his father. She watched them both, their mouths slowly opening in awe.

'I KNOW. Marthinus, seriously? When were you going to tell me there was a vampire tail on you? That Ellis PUT that tail there. That Ellis has tails on ALL the Huntingtons.' Carol had been busy after returning to the Domicile after her meeting with Simon. 'Simon told me everything. Who, by the way, is a really good kisser.'

Both men looked up at Carol and yelled, 'WHAT?'

Marthinus opened the door to the rooftop. The wind gust whipped the cold through them, but he steadfastly escorted Carol to the helicopter pad located in the center.

'There are no microphones up here, cameras yes but no one can here us with all this wind.' He yelled over the gusting wind to both Jacob and Carol. 'Carol I've known you for 3 years. You're reliable, a little crazy but you have a fucking eye for detail and organization skills that are beyond anal retentive, but when you come into my office, show me a report of all the vampires tailing my family and tell me you've KISSED the lover of the leader of the third most powerful vampire clan in the world, you give me reason to fucking PAUSE. What happened, when did it happen and does Ellis know?'

He shoved a hand into a pocket and looked at Jacob who was shaking his head.

"Carol,' Jacob started. He had a similiar accent that Marthinus had. The south african drawl that sounded almost australian. 'How did you get this information? How did you not know it before hand? You're the assistant of Ellis Duban. Again, I'd like to say, the vampire leader of Tacharan and namesake of the very building we're standing on top of. More importantly, why should we trust you?'

'Why? K, I'll tell you why.' She pointed at Marthinus, 'I'm bonded to your fucking grand father times...fucking...40 or whatever. We don't know how it happened but it happened and, to be very honest, I'm actually quite fond of Simon. That brooding, hold me type really does do it for us ladies.' Marthinus gave her a look and Jacob threw his arms up and turned around.

'I'm standing by Simon and that means I'm here to help both of you do whatever you need. I got that information by accessing the database in Ellis' computer. I have complete security clearance. I'm her familiar. I'm in like motherfucking flynn. Or is it flynt? And I'd like to add that Jacob, it's a pleasure to meet you face to face finally. You have your father's eyes and I'm digging the accent.'

She gave both men a brilliant smile.

Marthinus rubbed his bald head and sighed. Again yelling over the wind he asked, 'You're walking a precarious line.' He spread his hands open, 'Honest Carol, I don't know what to say. This information is invaluable to us. Does Simon know about this yet?'

Jacob looked Carol down from his 6'4 height. He was tall and built like Simon but his mother had been south african born and of very high class. His mannerisms alone showed him well bred. He wasn't convinced. 'I don't believe you,' he said to her, not without a little annoyance. 'The tail on Marthinus, where is he? Can you lead us to him?'

Carol shook her head.

'Why not?'

Ok that's just not nice, Carol thought as Jacob looked at her as if she was trash. Still, she didn't blame him. She knew Marthinus believed her, the rest would fall into place.

'I can't lead you to him because he's already dead.' HAHA, she thought. Fucker. 'He was killed a couple nights ago. I didn't make the connection at the time, but a Tacharan killed him. Ellis doesn't know about it yet and she for damn sure didn't authorize it.'

Jacob interjected, 'Who authorized it?'

'Simon had me transfer two hundred and fifty thousand to a newer clan killer. I don't know how he found about this vampire though.'

She looked at Marthinus. 'I know you believe me. You brought me into Tacharan. It's always been about the clan. I had no idea what Ellis was up to or that she was doing this to Simon. Had I known,' she shrugged. 'I don't know, but I do now and I see what she's doing to the clan. What she's about to do. She's going after the beast, she's found it. When she does, Marthinus, you know she'll make the clan go with her and the other clans will found out.' She stepped up to Marthinus and touched his arms, her fingers clinging. 'Marthinus you know what that means. We're all dead. All of us. She's never been about the clan, not like Simon. It's always been about what she could get away with and doing what no one else had the balls to do.'

She looked at Jacob and then back at Marthinus. 'I'm here to help you, your son, the clan and Simon. Let me help.'

((Carol out))

Marthinus watched as Carol gave one more look at them before leaving the roof top. He felt the tension in his chest tighten a bit more when he thought of her and Simon going down this dangerous path they've discovered for one another. Although his heart was warmed by the two getting together, he shook his head at the wrath they were going to incur.

It was Jacob's voice that broke his reverie.

'If you trust her, then so do I.'

Marthinus smiled, 'Oh I'm full of doubts, but Carol...yes, her I trust. We'll see what happens. Notify Jan and Nova of this list and we'll continue our efforts to protect the family.'

Jacob nodded and held the door open for his father. Marthinus reached up and touched his head, it was throbbing suddenly. He was sure that it didn't bode well, but then nothing would right now.