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Sweat ran through his face that was bent over the table and landed swiftly on the paper that was right there on the table. He rubbed his face and took a look at his watch.

“That is it, I've had enough for the night." He muttered to himself.

The alarm on his phone buzzed, and he took quite a time to put it out. Annoyed at his failure, he flung the phone and watched as it broke against the wall .

It had been eight hours, since he has been through this—

He groaned at his inability to find a way through the entire situation that was locked into the file that was marked with his highlight pen.

He flips the light and walks out of the room, at that hour of the night the place is nothing like how it used to be during the day, it was silent void by a quietness that crept through the room as he opened the door.

She was up, while he had thought that she'd be asleep he was surprised to see her there still on his bed with light from her lap top illuminating her face.

For one, she had no emotion on her face as it appeared void, while he had needed that feeling of completely alone, so that he is left with time to ruminate on his past.

Having her there though distracting, left that bit of time to relive the memories of them—

She saw the look on his face, immediately she could see that disappointment that was written over it.

She closed the laptop and made way to where he was…

“You couldn't figure it out?"She asked.

“Yeah, it is difficult to fix it… The whole entire manuscript and signatures.” He ran his finger through his hair in frustration.

“You still haven't told me where you got all of this from." She muttered.

Her face had a look of disappointment over it, like he had done something absurd by not telling her what it was all about.

“You know, I could help if you just …”

" Not again Joanne, this is not the time… what I just need now is a cold drink honestly, and not you nagging.”

She stood there in shock as he brushed past her. “Are you serious about this?"

He rolled his eyes, not turning to face her.

“You called me a nag?"

“Honestly, I just want to be alone."

**

The door shut after her and with with It,

She shuts down the dark thoughts and walks to the room instead past the.living space that was furnished with a simple dining table and four wooden chairs.

In her room she took a seat on the dark sofa that sits on the opposite wall, looking out into the window.

Her heart beat Wildly as the hours trickled away.

She woke up with that same energy, only this time she was glad he wasn't anywhere around the premises.

She walked into the study hoping she'd find anything from the file, it was right there on the table all for her taking, she made way toward it slowly.

Thud!

Thud!!

She was startled when she heard a knock on the door as she dropped the file, to her relief it was merely Wade.

Meanwhile Two miles away…

Van Halen pulled out his phone from his pocket and after scrolling through it for a while, he tapped a contact and then placed his phone against his ear — he was calling Joanne.

When Joanne received the call, she stopped what she was doing for a while only to pick up her pace again.

Van Halen, determined to get her to speak to him, continued to dial her contact until she finally succumbed and with a scowl, she asked, “What do you want?”

“Why are you ignoring my calls? Am I that insignificant to you?” He asked.

“Is that what you called me?” She retorted.

“No, I want to see you in person. Let's meet at the Italian restaurant by six pm.”

“Not interested.” She scoffed, taking the phone off her ear.

Wade who was with her at that moment heard all their conversation since the phone was on loudspeaker. Waving his hand in her face, he whispered, “Say yes.”

“Why?” She wiped in return, covering the speaker with her palm.

“Just accept his invitation.” He replied. After weighing both options in her head, she said, “Fine, I will be there.”

“Perfect. Let's…” Before he could complete what he wanted to say, she hung up and tossed her phone aside. When Wade wanted to speak, she raised her hand, sending his word back into his throat.

Thirty minutes before time, Joanne stepped out of her room fully dressed. She had secured her gun in her holster, just in case.

Logan, who was heading to his room, caught sight of her and changing his direction, he scurried towards her.

“What are you up to now?” He asked, looking her over while she in turn pushed her hair away from her face, pretending not to hear.

“I asked a question.” He snapped.

“Out.” She snapped and with that, she brushed past him.

****

Minutes later, she arrived at the venue. She didn't have to look around for long before finding Van who was waving frantically at her to get her attention.

“Out with it.” She said, sitting across the table, hands crossed on her chest and her gaze fixed on him.

“I will help you fight against Silver Blade on one condition.” He said.

“And that is?”

“Only if you agree to be mine then we are good to go.” He replied carefree.

“I'm married.” She snapped, scrunching her brow in disgust.

“It doesn't matter.” Came his response. Narrowing her eyes at him, she pushed her chair backwards as she rose. “Get lost.” She said and then stormed off. Van Halen tried to get her back but she ignored him, increasing her pace.

Immediately she left the restaurant, she found her way home. She was in her room when she remembered Van Halen telling her that Logan was a fraud and he had made a deal to betray the Serpent Cartel.

To strengthen his words, he went further to ask her to host a party in remembrance of her father so she would see his reaction to it.