Initial Plot (Thomas and Draven's investigation)
Thomas breathed a sigh of relief, he had been anxiously awaiting any news. He invited his guest to a seat as he impatiently uncoiled the information. There wasn't much but what he saw was enough to effectively surprise him, a man who had rarely been taken aback by any circumstance.
"She's pregnant?" His eyes connected with Draven's. "For far longer than the duration of her marriage." He elaborated. "It was my first belief that this woman had an elicit relationship with Colin, hence explaining the connection you wished to know off."
"Then, what is your conclusion?" Thomas had always respected Draven's opinions. He was younger than both Thomas and Austin, but his investigative skills were awe-inspiring.
"I have none at the moment." He smiled.
"Is that so?" Thomas inquired as he threw the folder into the fire.
"There is much that unsatisfied me, as such I don't dare conclude anything with certainty." He turned serious for a moment. "For instance, if in fact Skylar is pregnant with Colin's child, I have found nothing to suggest that either of them spent even one minute together in the same room."
"Then could it be someone else's child?" Thomas suggested, but Draven shook his head in the negative.
"It's possible. It's also probable that the child is indeed Austin's; I found evidence to suggest that they had a fleeting relationship some five years ago. Perhaps they rekindled their romance, accidents happen, they may have married for the sake of the family's reputation."
The cautious affection Thomas noted between them now made sense to him. Skylar and Austin had once been lovers; Austin was indeed no saint, but reckless he was not.
"I have been around them for a few times, and I believe with certainty that they have not rekindled anything. Austin has never been particularly romantic, reckless or hasty; their relationship is strained and civil.
"I will keep searching then." Draven said.
"Thank you. I had thought you wouldn't have the time to look into my request, especially since you'd been given your first on-field assignment."
"I am uneasy whenever I have little to occupy me, besides I am very curious about this matter. It is indeed a challenge." Draven responded with a smile.
"Ahh, I see. How is your assignment faring?" Thomas was curious, after all Draven had been trained by both him and Austin. He carried and perfected the best of their skills.
"It had been a bit unsettling since I am used to lurking around the shadows, but for this assignment I am utterly exposed." he complained.
"It gets easier. Soon it will be as involuntary as breathing." Thomas guaranteed.
"I can only be patient and await such a day. I should leave." He eased out of his seat.
"Although, may I ask, what is your motive?" Draven was bold; his eyes shining with amusement.
"I am curious as to what you think my motive to be." Thomas countered.
Draven considered this and smiled. "It can be two things." He audaciously declared. "You either believe that she is tricking him, or that she is being wronged for some reason. These can have different outcomes; either you want to destroy the relationship, or you want to legitimize it."
Thomas smiled. He knew which of those two he was hoping for, but he had to wait. He wanted Skylar at his friend's side, she brought out a tenderness in him that had been non-existent before. This was why he was taking steps to bring them closer despite a lack of sound evidence; he was going on a bit of faith.