The rage Within

Bili walked into the back room and sat in front of Theo. He was still sitting at his desk deep in thought.

“Do you think this is a good idea? I know you are always twelve steps ahead, but this...” She said.

Theo didn’t answer her right away. He was gathering his thoughts as if working out numerous different angles and possibilities at once.

“I believe him coming in here was serendipitous for several reasons. I know you may be questioning my motives, but things have changed and this may be to our benefit.” He said as clasped his hands together and put his elbows on the desk.

She was not worried, but she was more than concerned by that statement and the look on Theo’s face.

“What’s happened?”

“His existence has been made known.”

“What?” Bili said surprised. “How?”

“I don’t know, but it’s just a matter of time now. Things are already happening.” Theo said as he gave Bili a look that spoke a thousand words and she read every one.

“What are we going to do? Leave?”

“No. That would only delay the inevitable and we wouldn’t have the advantage of home ground. Besides, we would have to take him with us or he would be in even more danger. We are left with few choices now.”

“Is He coming?”

“If he gets word, which I’m sure he will, it’s a definite possibility. That’s just one part of the problem. It’s the others that concern me more. I don’t believe the complete truth about him is known, but even with partial facts out there this city could get very popular.”

“What can I do?”

“I have been meaning to talk to you about this. It might not be a horrible idea for you to visit the old country for a while. This, situation, could get out of control quickly. I know you are not scared, but I would feel much better if you were out of the fray.” Theo said with a fatherly look.

“Thanks, but I hate vacations, so….our next step?”

Theo gave her a stern look, before he relented, knowing it would be a lost cause. She would be the last person to flee from a fight or difficulties of any kind. It was worth a try.

“I know we can’t watch him twenty-four-seven, but we have to do what we can. The one thing we have going for us is that I do not believe any specifics about him, or us for that matter, are out. Those holes may not take long to fill depending on who is coming.”

Bili just nodded. It had been a long time since she had seen Theo look this worried. She hoped she would not let him down. She owed him more than she could ever repay, but she would never stop trying.

“The problem is that he’s different and conspicuous.” Theo said

“That’s an understatement.” Bili said.

“You be careful Bilinda. You see or feel anything out of the ordinary note it and let me know. Don’t do anything rash?” Theo said as he held her gaze to emphasize his point.

She was never scared of them, or meeting her fate. Her only concern was failing Theo. It had been some time since she had been involved in any notable conflicts. A more than small part of her missed the excitement.