Henri – 32

 

Once they'd made a stop at Henri's apartment to pick up the last of their prisoners, the group drove to Emil's condo building. Before leaving the apartment, Taegan and Henri had brought up the trash bags with the remainder of what they'd taken from the lab—so there would be room for all eight people in the SUV.

 

"Oh, I know this place," Allyn said with a trace of envy when they pulled up in front of a warehouse which had been converted into condos. He turned to look at Emil. "You must be fairly well off."

 

Emil shrugged as they got out of the car. "I've been around long enough to have some savings and investments."

 

"Like most of us," Allyn agreed.

 

Ransom gestured for their prisoners to join them, warning them not to do anything foolish. Norm Upton seemed ready to try anyway, but a hard look from Ransom, when he gripped Upton's arm, obviously made him think twice.

 

Emil had called his friend while they were at Henri's, telling him very briefly what had happened and why they needed his help. So, it was no surprise to anyone when they were greeted as they entered the building lobby by a slender, dark-haired man.

 

He ignored the others while enveloping Emil in a tight embrace. Then he stepped back, grasping Emil's arms as he looked him over from head to foot. "The lab coat does nothing for you," he pronounced. "And you look like hell."

 

Emil snorted softly. "I'm glad to see you as well, Sebastian. Allow me to introduce you to my saviors."

 

Sebastian greeted them warmly before glowering at the prisoners. "I presume these are the men you want me to deal with."

 

"Yes, but not right here," Taegan said with a bit of a smile.

 

"Of course not. Follow me, if you will."

 

Everyone got into the—thankfully—large elevator, stepping off again on the fourth floor. Sebastian led the way to his condo. The living room was spacious, with a great deal of what, to Henri, looked like an eclectic collection of antique furniture. At Sebastian's suggestion, everyone but the prisoners sat.

 

"What are you going to do with us?" Upton asked Sebastian belligerently.

 

Sebastian smiled wickedly. "Nothing you'll remember after I've finished. Just a little mind probing before I wipe away memories of my new friends here, and anything to do with them and their kind."

 

"No." The prisoner Ransom had threatened with mind probing at the lab whimpered, cowering away. "I don't want to be a babbling idiot." 

 

Sebastian cocked an eyebrow. "Now why do you think that would happen?"

 

"He told me so," the prisoner replied, pointing at Ransom.

 

"Well he was…pulling your leg as they say." When the man shook his head in disbelief, Sebastian turned to Upton, ordering, "Look at me."

 

Unable to resist the vampire's compelling voice, Upton did.

 

"Good lord. You are a wicked man," Sebastian commented in disgust, staring into Upton's eyes. It took him a few minutes, and a few muttered curses, but finally Sebastian released his control over Upton.

 

Upton shook his head, muttering, "This is supposed to be a party. Where are the girls?"

 

"All in good time," Sebastian told him. Then he set to work on the other two prisoners. When he finished, he suggested the three men go onto the balcony to wait for the rest of guests to arrive. When they were out of the room, he told Ransom and the others, "Obviously, they think they've come here for a party. That's it. They have no memory of the five of you, other than as more of my friends. In about ten minutes, they'll think the 'party' is over. What happens after that is up to you. I can tell you, despite the fact they worked for this Xavier, only Mr. Upton did anything more than help with Xavier's experiments. Perhaps not much consolation as far as Emil and Henri are concerned. However, since those two don't remember now, I think it's safe to let them go. Upton on the other hand…"

 

"Will be arrested for the murders of Mrs. Graham and her children," Ransom stated.

 

Sebastian nodded. "Good. I implanted a motive for that in his mind. He's a petty thief they surprised in the act."

 

Ransom grinned, saying as he strode out to the balcony, "That works for me." He returned moments later with Upton, once again handcuffed and loudly protesting his innocence. Ransom took out his phone, calling for a squad car to pick up his prisoner, then walked Upton out of the apartment, saying he'd be back as soon as he'd turned Upton over to the officers.