S i b lings, p.13
S.I.B.lings, page 13
“The information from the binders should give us some idea of how many S.I.B.s are in circulation.” Monty stated.
“We have sorted through the names of those who are here with us,” Roc stated. “I believe based on what you said yourself, the siblings may have some information that can assist us in locating some of these people.”
“I have to suggest from this point on, we stop the lessons, question the women and maybe even the older children.” Parker insisted.
“These people are used to a regimen. Stopping that could cause irrevocable harm.” Genesis stated.
“From what we understand, there is a part of their routine that has been disrupted.” Roc stated. “We could simply replace the lessons with physical activity.”
“That will give us time to question the women,” Genesis added.
“It may not be a bad idea to bring in children of their age group to occupy their time.” Sapphire suggested. “I will work on that. In the meantime, nothing that we have discovered here goes any further than us. Amber and Tylar have you gathered what information you needed to move forward with finding an antidote?”
“Yes, in fact we are going to head over to my lab to begin working on that now,” Amber stated.
“Sounds like a solid plan,” Sapphire glanced at Wade. “I have the breakdown of names and siblings. I think it will be better if that information is shared with your brothers by you.”
Wade and Monty glanced at each other. “Are any of the siblings here related to my brothers?” Wade asked.
“Based on the information from the binders, yes.” Sapphire replied. “However, I strongly suggest you wait until the blood work confirms that info from the binders.” She gave him a printed list. “You are welcome to us this room to speak with your brothers.”
“I think it will be best to do that at home,” Rachel said. “It will be in a private environment.”
“I agree with Rachel,” Monty stated, “We have accomplished what we set out to do today. We see that the siblings are in good hands. We also determined that they do have information that may assist us in locating others.” He looked at Parker. “Based on what we heard I think it is important to gather as much information as we can from them.”
“I don't think they're going to have anything more than their teachings,” Wade informed.
“That alone will give us the names of which siblings were placed in which field, just as the children shared with us today.” Parker stated. “It's a good place to start.”
Chapter 22
North Carolina
“Apple Grove, North Carolina. Do you think it was possible to settle in a more remote location?”
Bradford Chambers stood then offered his hand to Senator Jason Rolfeman, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee. It was one of the most powerful committee assignments in Congress. Yet, the man had taken time from his high post to see him in person. It was a clear sign that his role in their plans was one of significance. “Times such as these call for low visibility, does it not?”
“Indeed, it does,” Rolfeman replied seemingly pleased with his progress.
“My visibility will come soon enough,” Bradford acknowledged.
“Your appearance is different from the last time we met.” The older gentleman with grey hair, that was now bordering on nonexistent, sat with an air of authority.
“The change in appearance wasn’t necessary but needed to fully embrace my new role in life.”
“I take it your new role is the reason you requested this meeting in person.” Rolfeman questioned with a raise of his eyebrow.
“Brady,” Bradford called out, “pour the good senator a shot of brandy, then leave us.” Bradford ordered then retook his seat behind the desk. He waited until Rolfeman had his drink and Brady left the room, closing the door behind him. “Senator Rolfeman the time has come for us to discuss supply and demand. Due to the events that occurred in Tennessee our operations in addition to our distribution methods had to be adjusted.”
“Understandable,” Rolfeman nodded. “My condolences on the loss of your father. I trust that any documentation of our arrangement was not confiscated during the incident.”
“Nothing connecting you to me is documented anywhere. I cannot say the same for my father. However, I can tell you the lab went up in flames within minutes of the FBI arriving. If anything was there it went up in a poof,” Bradford smirked.
“We appreciate your thoroughness. Is there going to be an interruption in distribution?”
“Due to the additional request, there may be a short delay. Other than that, I do not anticipate a problem."
“Additional request?” Rolfeman inquired.
The expression on Rolfeman’s face indicated he had no idea another order had been placed. “Yes, we have a client who has placed an order.”
“It was my understanding we were your principal customer,” Rolfeman adjusted in his seat. “In fact, this is the first time I’m hearing there are other customers. Our agreement was exclusive.”
“It was, now the overhead of production has increased. I’m sure you understand it would be irresponsible as a businessman to turn down a significant profit.” He needed to change the conversation. "There is a development I have been waiting for 20 years to share with you. We are now in a position where we are ready to implement our special project.”
A gleam of excitement in Rolfeman’s eyes appeared. The man’s hands stopped before the rim of the glass reached his lips. His mouth curled into a slight smile. “You don’t say,” he murmured then swallowed his drink down. “Tell me where we are in the process, and I will determine if we are ready to implement.”
“I have a candidate who is ready to step into the political ring. This candidate understands the goal and is ready to take us all the way.”
“That can be ascertained once your candidate has been tested. There can be no doubt. Once we begin this process, there is no turning back. We have to go full throttle. If your candidate is not ready at any step along the way, everything that I have planned for the last 30 years could blow up in our faces. You have been in this process for the last 15 years, however, it was your grandfather and I who set these things in motion. Before we even consider placing this person in the spotlight, it is imperative that everyone understands we are in this to capture the White House. Nothing less will do.”
“Make no mistake, I am quite clear on the objective. And as you stated, nothing less than the top seat will do.” Bradford stated then sat forward. “My only question is are you able to compensate me for what I am about to bestow on you?”
“I have the Treasury of the United States government as my bond. Have I given you any reason to doubt my ability to compensate you at any level?”
“You are speaking in terms of dollars. Frankly, with the demand for my serum from various clients, I am quite wealthy. Money is no longer my motivating force. No,” he sat back, “I’m speaking in terms of power.”
“Power? Explain yourself young man.”
“Thank you for asking. You see, there are certain laws in this land that may prohibit me from continuing with a rather lucrative enterprise. It would be to my advantage for a number of them to be adjusted. To do that, I will need assurances that not only will your House of Representative and your Senators in Congress support my new laws, but your Supreme Court will need to be ready to uphold them against any lawsuit that may arise. Their decisions must be able to withstand any criticism brought by the general public.”
Rolfeman chuckled. “You ask too much. What you are requesting is more power than even I can give.”
“What I am providing is more power at your fingertips than even you could have imagined.” He sat back with an assured chuckle. “I can deliver that kind of power into your hands within a year of the midterm elections.”
With a disbelieving frown Rolfeman asked. “What could you possibly have that would guarantee that outcome? It would take my party acquiring control of the House and Senate.” He shook his head. “Based on the polling, the general public is not likely to give us control of both. We will be fortunate to retain control over the Senate much less the House.”
“Yet, I’m offering you a guarantee. To assure you of my confidence in you wanting what I have to offer, I’m willing to offer you the same terms as before.” The questioning frown on Rolfeman’s face pleased Bradford.
The smug look he just wiped off the old man’s face reminded him of his father, Bradford Chambers II. His death came from his condescending looks. The way he constantly belittled him or referenced his lack of intelligence in comparison to his S.I.B.s. In the end it was him, Bradford III, who outwitted them all. It was he who now controlled the great society of intellectual beings. It was also him who was on the path of having control of the White House, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Supreme Court. His rule would be complete. From the sound of things, the great senator was heading towards the same fate as his father.
“Only an insane person would think he can obtain that kind of power,” Rolfeman replied. “My plan has been in the works for years. It has taken an army of people in different areas of government to reach the point we have. Your role is to provide us with the serum which allows us to do what needs to be done to gain control of this country. Stay with what you are good at, producing the serum. I will do what I am good at, which is manipulating the people of the country to understand, the life we are offering them is best for all.”
“Your method is attempting to manipulate the people’s will, one of the most powerful elements a human can have. I have within my power, an army of people who I have successfully stripped of their own will.”
“It is my understanding you have recently lost a significant number of your…shall we say followers. I dare to ask, are they still under your control?”
“Those were women and children. They had to be sacrificed to ensure the rank and file escaped,” Bradford replied. “Have no fear, Senator, they will also return to their rightful place. Your people have them. I think it would be in your best interests to ensure they are returned.”
Rolfeman smirked. “Ahh so we have reached the main point of our discussion. You want the S.I.B.s returned to you. Tell me, what do I get in return?”
“Access to the one element you want more than life itself,” Bradford sat forward, “Complete control of the branches of government mentioned previously.”
“Which you have yet to demonstrate to my satisfaction can be delivered.” Rolfeman stated.
“Answer me this, how important is the Commonwealth of Virginia or Pennsylvania to your party?”
“Significant,” Rolfeman replied.
“What if I guarantee your party will win both?”
“That would not give me control of the branches of government you have mentioned.”
“Ahh, what if one of those governors will be the nominee for president of the United States. Let’s add a little spice to it all. What if I can guarantee that governor will win? That would allow you to capture the Senate and the House of Representatives in the next midterm elections." He paused for effect. "Have the S.I.B.s who were captured released. Consider it a downpayment for what is to come.”
Bradford could tell the senator was at the very least considering his offer. He smiled, he was certain Senator Rolfeman was contemplating how and when he was going to order the S.I.B.s released.
Rolfeman stood, then extended his hand. “As always it has been interesting meeting with you Chambers.”
Bradford shook Senator Rolfeman’s hand. “Then you will consider my offer?”
“You have given me much to think about. I will be in touch.” Rolfeman smirked. “Your father would not approve of your methods; however, I am certain he would be proud of the outcome.”
Bradford watched as the man walked out of the office closing the door behind him. “You have no idea how little that means to me.” He chuckled then pushed a button on his desk.
Chapter 23
The data from the binders confirming some of the relations of the siblings led to several surprises. Wade reviewed the information about his brothers on the plane ride home. Based on what he discovered, he suggested they have dinner with Dan. That way, everyone would have the support they needed to deal with the news. Wade hoped Dan would be able to keep everyone focused on the big picture. He wasn’t certain how he felt about the information, but he knew he had to tell his brothers everything he had. The impact on him did weigh heavy on his mind. But he had to put that aside and be there to support his brothers.
Rachel reached over to take Wade’s hand as he drove onto the family estate. “Family has history. Nothing or no one will be able to destroy the bond you have with your brothers.”
Wade glanced at her in the passenger seat. “Is that from you or my mother?”
“That one is all me,” Rachel smiled. “Words of wisdom will come when they are needed. This is not one of those times. All that is needed here is love…family love. You guys have that in abundance.”
“Once they all realize they have other siblings, their attention will be on locating them.” Wade stated. “They will each have new siblings and I will still be an only child.”
Rachel laughed. “An only child with powers none of them have or can explain. Don’t start feeling sorry for yourself. You are and always have been a loner. Besides your powers, you have something else they don’t have?”
“What?” He asked while parking the car.
“Me,” Rachel exclaimed. “I don’t care how many siblings they find, none of them will compare to me.”
“You realize you are a bit arrogant?” Wade smiled as he got out of the car.
“And can back it up,” she chuckled as he opened the car door then took her hand as he helped her out.
“Let’s go inside, crazy woman of mine.” Wade glanced around to see all the cars. “Looks like the gangs all here.”
“Eyes are upon us. Evil lurks all around.”
Wade's forward progression stopped.
“Don’t ask me,” Rachel said. “I have no idea what that means.”
Wade looked over the estate as far as he could see. There was nothing out of the ordinary. However, he knew Rachel’s words were a warning from his mother. “No worries, I’m beginning to understand your outbursts more and more. Remind me to tell you about last night when we get home.”
Once inside, Wade and Rachel walked right into the kitchen where they knew everyone would be. The open area was broken into three sections. Walking in from the living room, Wade leaned over to kiss Consuelo, Dan’s house manager, on the cheek.
"Hi pretty lady." he smiled.
"Hello handsome," Consuelo replied.
Rachel stopped at the island that had items being used to prepare dinner. Pots and pans were on the stove with steam coming from them. Behind the island, Wade was checking one of the pots, Rachel laughed at the expression on Consuelo’s face when she spotted Drake opening the refrigerator.
"Somebody is about to get smacked." Rachel laughed.
The countertop surrounded the stove and led to the double refrigerator that Drake was currently leaning inside. The island housed a double sink in the middle with the microwave on one side and a dishwasher on the other. On top of the island was a bowl of fruit and other food items where dinner was being prepared. Consuelo picked up the spatula that was on the island.
Wade jumped back taking Rachel by the hand and pulling her out of the way. "Watch out," he chuckled as they moved to the other side of the island where Ross and Dane were sitting on the sofa watching a game on the mounted big screen television. Monty was sitting in the sunroom with Dan talking when the smack was heard across the room.
“Get out of there,” Consuelo, tapped Drake on the butt with a spatula. “Dinner will be ready soon.”
“But I’m hungry now.” Drake replied.
“Eat an apple,” Dan called out.
“That’s not food,” Drake replied.
Rachel reached into her purse and pulled out a container. “Here, I made another cake. You can eat this until dinner is ready.”
Drake closed the refrigerator door with a slam. “My sister.” He smiled as he took the container.
“You only brought one?” Dane questioned over his shoulder with a frown.
“That one was for Dan,” Rachel said as she sat her purse on the table next to the sofa where they were watching the game. “But since Drake acted as if he was starving, I gave it to him. Dan, I will bring over the rest of the cake when your children are not here.”
Dan smiled. “That is thoughtful of you.” He said as he stood with his cane then walked over to the sitting area near the boys. “All right boys, turn the television off. Wade needs to have your undivided attention.”
“Hey, it’s the fourth quarter,” Dane frowned. “Can’t it wait until after dinner?”
“No,” Monty replied as he stood next to Dan. “We have a lot to sort through.”
“Consuelo, will you set the table in the dining room? We're going to all need to be seated together today.” Dan requested.
“Will do Mr. Dan.”
“I’ll help you, Consuelo,” Rachel offered then walked over to the cabinets as the family gathered to talk.
“All right everyone, take a seat,” Dan ordered.
Wade stood at the bar preparing drinks for everyone. He figured if there was ever a time to need drinks, this was one.
“I’ve mixed everyone’s favorite,” he said as he handed a glass to Monty and Dan. He walked back then picked up two more glasses and handed them to Ross and Dane. Then he picked up the last two. He gave one to Drake then took a seat in one of the single chairs that faced Drake. Dan and Monty were seated on a sofa that faced another holding Dane and Ross.
