NOTE:  This takes place AFTER the Payback thread.  We've been waiting to release this, and the events will not be diminished or plans changed due to JShowell's need to leave TCQ.  

This is a story of duty.

Duty born of blood. Duty born of Fear. And duty born of darkness.

JACE paced the floor in frustration.  The emotion was quite unfamiliar to him.  Usually he could accomplish anything to which he set his mind.  For once, however, even his brilliant intellect seemed insufficient to the task.  Despite his intelligence and his financial resources, he lacked the connections necessary to accomplish his goal. 

He had searched every DNA database on the planet, had scoured the city with his DNA detector on, he had even resorted to scanning warehouses looking for any sign of them, but the people who had kidnapped and tortured him had vanished.  After examining the possibilities, he had determined there were only three possible courses of action left to him.

"Nemesis!"  Angelo's voice boomed enthusiastically.

The costumed hero threw the curtains wide as he strode out to the stage. His expression was carefully neutral but for a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth, a smirk awaiting its chance. He walked forward purposefully and came to a stop. his head slowly surveying the crowd as if searching for the next target of his particular brand of justice. Seemingly satisfied he assumed a wide stance and crossed his arms. His stern countenance faltered and a smile finally broke free, unable to keep a straight face at his obvious theatrics.

Sebastian took his turn in the spotlight following the Willoughby success.  His was an interesting exchange of bids, fueled by his family name and his boyish good looks.  Angelo gave a colorful narration.  A few minutes later, after a familiar six-figured call, Sebastian was escorting a pair of very enthusiastic forty-something divorcees.

Lana and Edison added their polite applause to the fray as Sebastian made his exit off of the catwalk.  Then they returned to their companionable conversation, both leaning low over the table, in a very promising display of body language.  Most people could tell that the meeting was an enjoyable affair for both involved.

When it came to PR, the DiSantiagos played their cards expertly.  Just three months since the party of the year, they were kicking off another extraordinary event.  This time, a benefit.  A brand new state-of-the-art Children's Cancer Center wing for Hudson City Memorial Hospital was on the docket.  The solution: A Charity Bachelor Auction.  A handful of the city's most eligible (and successful) single men had been invited to spend one evening with the highest bidder, all for a great cause.

She'd taken to wandering around his brothers room, now that he was gone.

Renaldo could find her there at least once a day, either sitting at his brothers desk flipping through one of his books, or staring blankly at his monitor, her once-tanned face now pale and drawn. Sometimes she would flip through the books and journals, her movements careful and slow. The movements of the elderly, or the addict. Her eyes were more often than not heavy-lidded from the medications she insisted on taking "For the pain, dear. For the pain" she would say to him, cupping his cheek in her palm before descending the stairs, her fingers cool upon his face.

11 PM

Jennifer DiSantiago clung to Stone companionably until he emerged into the Garden's area. A few pictures were taken and murmured rumors were had as people watched the well known socialite cling to the new and mysterious Hudson City Hero.

Heatwave stepped out into the garden area happy she was wearing her costume. As the night wore on it was getting colder and if not for the insulated fabric she would be finding things more than a bit uncomfortable. She looked around trying to find the newest member of the team and spotted him speaking with the beautiful woman Heatwave had seen with Orion when she had arrived.

Nemesis had excused himself from Kate Sutherland's company in order to make his way to the meeting area behind the stage. He was nothing if not punctual, and frankly his nerves were tying his stomach into knots. Hopefully seeing everything ready would help calm him somewhat.

He paused by the side entrance to the hallways that led back to the stage--hidden from public view--and scanned the crowd. He was pretty sure everyone would be on time, but again, his nerves were stretched thin and it was just one more thing to worry about.

9:45 PM

Raphael had since detatched himself from his so-called date and was nursing a glass of top shelf scotch at the west-most bar.  It was served room temperature and without ice.  Although he hadn't been particularly taken with scotch in the past, he was starting see why his uncles preferred it.  Breathing through his nose, it had a bouquet as complicated as any wine.  And, for the moment, it was a distraction.