Douglas Montgomery with great pleasure introduces his only niece to the Cross Couple. “Monty and Margaret, please allow me to introduce Victoria Starr, the daughter of my belated brother, Atlas,” Douglas kindly said.

The couple stiffly replies, “It’s a pleasure, Miss Starr.”

“I am sure it is,” #017 drily murmured as Monty gulps down his remaining wine in a single gulp and gestures with one hand for a server to refill his glass. Margaret, on the other hand, merely fiddles with her drink, while Douglas is only of them that seems unperturbed by the situation as a lazy, cool smile is on his face.

The air is stifling as Albert unconsciously tugs at his collar. Sensing a presence near his elbow, Albert glances down to see Soren intently staring at his parents. Albert frowns failing to understand just what was going on? Interested or perhaps, perturbed, Albert continues to listen to the conversation being exchanged. Albert feels a breeze move past his face causing him to glance down. To his surprise, Soren is gone! Returning his gaze back to his parents, he sees Soren standing next to them with an obvious look of concern on her face.

Soren swiftly intervenes, “And how are you, Miss Starr?”

#017 removes her cool gaze from the quivering Cross couple onto Soren. Soren unflinchingly meets the cold gaze of Victoria Starr. “As well as I can be,” #017 answered.

Soren sagely nods her head, but before she is forced to make small talk to her vast relief the crowds part before them. Bonnie leads the way with two golden-haired twins behind her, the boy is tall and handsome, and the girl is just as sweet and petite as her mother. Bouncing behind them is a young boy with dark hair and handsome features resembling more those of his father.

Soren lets out a sigh of relief and says, “It’s been a pleasure seeing you again, Miss Starr. But it seems we are about to be interrupted.”

“Yes, so would it appear,” #017 replied as she turns her gaze towards the Montgomery family.

Douglas doesn’t react with worry and softly says, “My family is quite the picturesque image is it not, my lovely niece?”

“I can’t find myself agreeing more, the perfect family right out of a catalog,” #017 softly answered.

Douglas narrows his eyes at the subtle jab as his family approaches them. Hiding his expression, Douglas steps forward and smiles at his children. “Jamie and Jennifer, you surely remember your cousin, Victoria?” Douglas said as the twins faintly nod their heads in remembrance.

The little boy looks confused as Douglas goes on one knee causing most of the member’s faces to soften excepts for #017’s. “Kiddo, this is your cousin, Victoria Starr. She’s your daddy’s big brother’s only child. Say hello to her,” Douglas said.

“Hello,” Tyler shyly said from behind his father. One can almost hear the silent Aw’s of emotion from the crowd.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

#017 on the other hand coolly says, “It’s wonderful to make your formal acquaintance, Tyler Montgomery.”

Bonnie stiffens at the exact phrasing of that greeting and she wasn’t the only one. Douglas rises to his feet stiffly with wide, startled eyes. It was just for a split second, but he had felt that he was seen and heard Atlas in the flesh once more.

Tyler giggles at the formal phrasing. “It’s nice to meet you to. Do you like candies?” Tyler innocently asked holding out a handful of homemade candies that are slightly melted in his smudged hands.

Bonnie swiftly says, “I’m sure, your cousin doesn’t’ want-.” Bonnie’s voice cuts off as that woman’s child bends down and takes a smudged candy from Tyler’s outstretched palms. With a snap, Bonnie closes her mouth as that woman’s child pops the sweet into her mouth and thoughtfully swallows.

“Not bad, but it could have used a bit more vanilla,” #017 comments.

Tyler's eyes widen with excitement at meeting a fellow candy concierge. “That’s what I thought so too! Wanna try some more with me?” Tyler excitedly asked.

“I would be delighted too,” #017 sincerely replied. “Excuse me, Uncle. I do believe I will join my cousin at the sweet bar.”

Douglas emotionally smiles and says, “Of course, Victoria, please enjoy yourself.”

Tyler adorably reaches for his cousin’s hand and excitedly pulls her away towards the sweets/dessert bar. (Largely left alone due to diets. Their loss.) #017 allows herself to be dragged as she glances down at the time. A slow, cold smile appears on her face at seeing the time. It was about over.

*

The figure of Victoria Starr being dragged away made a rueful smile appear on Soren’s face. “Now, that’s just plain weird,” Albert muttered with a shiver. Who knew Miss Starr had it in her to be nice? She had certainly never ever been remotely kind to him.

Douglas, the great host that he is, says, “More drinks everyone?”

The adults in unison say, “Yes, please.” Monty grabs a new glass off an offered server’s tray as does his wife. Even Bonnie the solemn drinker reaches for a glass of sherry.

The twins on the other hand politely excuse themselves and return to their friends. Albert is left alone with Soren who roguishly nudges him in the ribs and says, “So, how about we go for a walk?”

Albert sighs and says, “Are you going to pretend to be a minor again to beat the hell out of a pedophile again?”

Soren indignantly puffs out her small chest and says, “It’s tradition, now come on.” Leading the way Soren marches into the crowd with Albert sullenly follows her. It wasn’t like he had anything else or better to do. Besides, it was a Christmas tradition at this point. It wasn’t the first time Albert had become an unwilling associate in a crime.

*

Three clicks sound across the radio stating that all teams were in position except for that of team Delta. Vincent furrows his brows in concentration weighing the odds. After a moment, Vincent clicks thrice back in clear signal of the attack to commence. A single click is heard in rapid confirmation before the radio goes silent.

Vincent’s hand unconsciously tightens its grip on the command radio. Everything was moving according to plan, but the lack of communication from Team Delta filled him with unease. Putting his worries aside, Vincent waits for the clear signal to attack. While waiting, Vincent texts a single word, “Clear.”

The message instantly makes its way through space until it reaches its destination. The phone in Douglas Montgomery’s pocket vibrates as Douglas politely excuses himself for a second to check his messages. A pleased expression is on his face as Douglas swiftly returns the phone back to its rightful place. With a triumphant gaze, Douglas returns to his wife’s side.

“That was quick, who was that?” Bonnie curiously asked.

“Nothing important for work,” Douglas straight-faced lied.

Bonnie nods her head in acceptance of the statement. “Good, it’s Christmas Eve, after all,” Bonnie said.

“Yes, it is,” Douglas happily muttered as he impatiently waits for dear old Santa to successfully deliver on his end.