This chapter is dedicated to AndreaLotter

True to his words, Sean travelled to Europe with his heart as heavy as never. Throughout his stay, he felt as if something was missing but he had some work to do. First, he needed to know why he was suddenly on the police and FBI's radar of wanted people.

Today he was finally meeting his ex-boss hoping to find answers.

"Code 20134, state your code"

"235612," He said through the phone as the other speaker said, "Scorpion, glad you are back."

"Location?" He asked impatiently.

"Outside coffee shop on your left in 60 secs kiddo!"

He ran to the said place and saw a black SUV parked by the roadside then a bodyguard opened the door for him.

"Glad you could make it! So, you wanna win?"

Sean stared at the old man he called his uncle. Yes, he had worked for him since he was a kid so he knew him well.

"No John. I need your help"

"What have you gotten yourself into boy? Your name is plastered all over the news" John said.

Sean didn't show any emotions, nor he didn't care as he was trained not to.

"I'm glad am famous. My trip to America a few months ago wasn't successful. Turns out someone framed me for countless crimes and wants me dead. Did you order my assassination?"

The old man looked at him then handed him a gun. "If you think I did then shoot me, boy," John said.

Sean held the gun in his arms and pointed at his forehead. "Come on son!"

"Cut the bullshit, John. I know it wasn't you, but who then?"

"I have no idea but am going to find out son! Come home with me, May would be happy to have you over for dinner"

Sean just waved him off. "If meals could erase crimes I would gladly accompany you but thanks, John. I rather get to the bottom of all this"

Sean tapped on the window and the bodyguard opened the door. He was about to step out when John asked, "What's her name?"

"What makes you think that?" Sean asked not wanting to go into details.

"Just curious to find out who is keeping my nephew on toes. Well son, if you need anything let me know and treat the lady well!"

*****
Sean alighted the car and headed to the cyber cafe next to the coffee shop. He lowered his baseball cap before going in and found an empty spot. After few minutes he logged off and turned to leave when something caught his attention. "The man is believed to be extremely dangerous...we are hoping the public can help us find him...." Then he saw his photo display on the screen.

"Damn it!" He exhaled not wanting to raise suspicion but it was too late, one man who had been watching him said, "Hey, you are the guy on TV?"

Sean started walking but the man followed him and touched his shoulder. "Hey stop!" which he ignored and ran out faster.

Outside he saw a police car so he walked calmly, lowered his cap once more then went to the restaurant nearby. By then police had flooded the area, especially the cyber interrogating people. He saw some officers coming to the restaurant.

"Excuse me miss. Where can I find the washroom?"

The woman pointed at the sign and he rushed in there. After staying for 10 minutes he got out to check if they were gone but unfortunately, they were about three officers in there. He went back to the washrooms and tried to figure a way out. A man in a suit walked in carrying a briefcase while whistling.

"I might just be lucky!" Sean murmured.

"Hey man, could you lend me your suit?" He asked nicely but the man answered rudely.

"Are you fucking kidding me? This costs your whole year salary kiddo!"

Sean pretended to be walking in the opposite direction then grabbed the guy by his neck and strangled him only to a point of passing out.

"My annual salary is enough to feed your whole town for few months, you idiot!" He dragged the guy into one of the cubicles and minutes later came out dressed in his clothes holding his briefcase as he smiled.

Sean walked out and greeted the officers "Good day officers!"

[The washrooms above]

"Good day mate!" They answered as he walked out of the restaurant and stopped a taxi before leaving.

******
Meanwhile, Talia was finding it hard to cope with the absence of Sean though she hated to admit it. Prem had tried a couple of times to cheer her up but she wasn't happy.

"Tally! Guess what I bought you?" Zara popped in smiling mischievously.

She shook her head and Zara said, "You know when you are walking downtown and something catches your attention? Well, I got it for you..." Zara handed her a pink gift bag.

"Baby clothes? For me?" Talia smiled.

She stood up and handed back Zara the bag "You are crazy, haha haha..."

"That I am but the clothes aren't yours but for your baby silly!" Prem who had just walked in stopped to see Talia laughing.

"That's..........a....ooh. ..for real!"

Zara and Prem winked at each other as their goal was finally achieved, Tally was laughing again.

"Prem! Your wife is so funny...."

Zara pretended to be offended. "Fiancee! Not wife and what's wrong with the gift?"

"OK, Zara! Tell me you are joking? I mean baby clothes?" She rolled her eyes.

"Yesss...am going to be the godmother"

"Prem, does she have a fever?" Talia walked to Zara and touched her forehead.

"What are you doing Tally?"

"Okay, you guys are serious? A baby?"

They nodded. "I am not pregnant you fools!"

They both laughed ignoring the serious-looking Talia.

"All pregnant women are always in denial. We understand..." Zara said.

"You guys creep me. I am just gonna go outside a bit!" She said but Zara stopped her, "Tally? Pick more clothes on the way.."

Talia stood up and folded her hands across the chest. "OK enough guys! A baby? how do you suppose I impregnated myself?"

They pointed at each other at the same time "okay....spit it out?"

"Tally we saw how you've been since he left so we only wanted to cheer you up by pranking you....and we are sorry if we went too far ..."

This time Talia laughed, "Come here you two. I am not angry with you. haha haha..."

"I am just glad it worked Zara!" Prem said and Talia and Zara said at the same time, "Yes me too!" While hugging each other.

That day Talia felt loved, though not the type she had in mind, because her mind wandered somewhere in the universe thinking of that person who made her heartbeat and to her realization she had fallen deep for him.

A stranger he met months ago.

A fugitive as they named him.

Who she hadn't forgotten.