Scheming

'Ugh, damn it!'

'Hey, Hazel. Can I talk to you, in private? Don't want this to be overheard.'

'Oh, um, sure... Just let me sort out this machine.'

'There we go.'

'So what's this about? Didn't think you'd want to talk to me.'

'Well, I wanna ask you a favour, and it's not something I can ask anyone else to do.'

'Why?'

'Well, let me put it this way, you're one of the few people I know who'd be okay with helping me with this. They'd definitely say no, if not report me.'

'Again, why? Why me, specifically?'

'You hate Granddad as much as anyone, right? And based on what I've seen so far, there aren't many lengths you wouldn't go to.'

'Hey, look, I've changed. I'm not the bloodthirsty psycho you think I am. I... I didn't take part in what happened to Tristan, and I can't begin to say how sorry I am it happened. I know you two are close, and you still hate me because of it.'

'I can't deny it. But that being said, Hazel...'

'If you want a chance to redeem yourself, this is it.'

'Redeem myself to who? Just you?'

'Well, I'd look on you more favourably, and if this comes off, I think a lot of other people would be praising you too. The only issue is if you're willing to ignore your dad's long term campaign of revenge, and just go straight for it here.'

'I don't know... You're right, I do hate him, and there's a lot I'd like to do, but what are you even asking of me? This sounds ominous as hell.'

'It is ominous, you're right. And you don't have to say yes, but... I do need another person for this plan. It'd be for the good of everyone. It's a hard choice to make, and I'm scared as hell, but I'm also desperate. We all are. So...'

'How much trouble am I likely to get into?'

'None at all. It'll be my doing, just with a little... assistance. Will you hear me out, at least?'

'Go on then. Tell me what it is...'

'Thank you for coming.'

'Good to see you again.'

'...Um, let's talk in private.'

'...I'm afraid it isn't good news.'

'Oh dear. What's happened?'

'Brianne is pregnant, and she can't say for certain that it isn't yours.'

'...Oh Jesus.'

'I must admit, I really don't know what you were thinking.'

'I'm very sorry, but I thought she was safe! I would have thought she'd be on the pill.'

'She was, but even so, you could've done more on your part.'

'I don't mean to be rude, but she really was? She hadn't forgotten a day? I've never had an "accident" with the pill before... Either way, I really am sorry.'

'...I don't know. I'm going by what she said.'

'I can understand. I would be embarrassed to admit a mistake.'

'Either way, we're still in this situation. I don't know what'll happen. I told her to seriously consider getting rid of it, but there's no guarantee she will.'

'Oh dear, that's worrying. Obviously I can understand why you're concerned, but you're the one that gets her the most, and well, God knows you've got some, ah, strong swimmers, so it's more than likely going to be yours. If, if it turns out to be mine, I'm happy to do whatever I can to make things easier on you. Unless Brianne takes the best option and gets rid of it, in which case we don't have to worry.'

'Well, that's true. If she keeps it, and it is yours, what will you do?'

'I don't know. I'm concerned first and foremost with maintaining our friendship. I'll give it some thought on how to navigate this situation should worst come to the worst.'

'Okay... thank you. I don't want this blowing up in my face.'

'No, of course not, I completely understand.'

 '...On another note, I could use your help with something.'

'Oh yes? What's that?'

'Miles Atwood has been sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong and causing me problems yet again. It's about time he was dealt with. Permanently.'

'Ahhh yes. He's had it coming for a while. Alright. I will help you how I can, then.'

'Thank you. I would have done it myself, except he has supernatural forces on his side. There's little I can do about that.'

'Well, I have some on my side as too. So that evens things up quite considerably in our favour...'