Jason stood at the boundary of Government House. The old building about a kilometre out of town had been commandeered by Brian Sr’s campaign team and was buzzing with activity. They were preparing for the big reveal of his campaign. Public speculation had reached a high in the months leading up to it and a large crowd was already gathered out the front, and hence the large security presence.

The Creed was out in force alongside the New Huntington Police. Barricades were set up around the perimeter, which was where Jason was watching the proceedings.

At the opposite end of the grounds, Dan was in his truck, waiting. Matthew and the others were on their way. They weren’t coming together for security reasons. But, the first to pull up next to the soldier’s truck was not one of the five guys. At the light tap on his side window, Dan rolled it down and raised his eyebrows.

"Daniel?" Valary was anxious, pupils slightly dilated, breath quickening. He propped his arm against the door and looked at her.

"Yeah?"

She glanced over her shoulder then back at him. “Papa Gates told me to meet Matt here. What’s going on?"

"You don’t know?" That didn’t really surprise Dan; Matthew was one to hold his cards close to his chest, even from his wife. Val shook her head, brow creased. Dan sighed and directed his gaze out through the windscreen. “Papa Gates’ campaign requires a bit of…a boost." He glanced sideways at her, observing her reaction.

She frowned, and said, “Okay…has it to do with the…band thing?"

Dan blinked, a little shocked. “So, you do know?"

Val gave a grim smile. “Only what Mattie’s told me." The soldier nodded to acknowledge that fact and turned his face back to the windscreen. He narrowed his eyes then glanced at her again. “Get in back. The Creed is out there and if I was a betting man I’d say Johnston will be poking around…"

Valary blinked at his statement but opened the back door and climbed up into the truck without argument. Dan shot her a warm smile then returned to his watching and waiting.

* * * * *

"What do you think that is?" Jimmy was staring at a plate that was on the table in front of him. Brian looked over from where he was applying eyeliner.

"What?"

His friend pointed at the offending item. “That."

Matthew walked passed and said, drily, “Foie gras."

"What the fuck is foie gras?" Jimmy asked as he glowered at the food. “I mean…who eats this shit?" He poked it with his finger. Matthew paused as he pulled a bandana from his bag.

"No one now you’ve put your fingers in it."

"It’s not foie gras, it’s pâté," Zacky commented as he slouched onto a chair. Jimmy blinked and they all stared at the mechanic. “What? It’s not like Papa Gates could afford foie gras."

Jimmy snorted. “And you know this how?"

Zacky just shrugged as he leaned down to open the guitar case at his feet. Resting inside was a custom made Schechter that had the numbers 6661 printed on it. The significance of the numbering wasn’t lost on him, but he didn’t want to think on it too hard, because he didn’t want it to be true… He stared at the instrument for a long while. The burnished red of the body reminded him of blood, which was kind of disturbing. He shook his head at that thought, but continued to stare at the guitar.

Matthew sat next to him as he carefully wrapped a bandana around his head. "It’s yours." He smiled slightly. “PG especially commissioned it."

The mechanic frowned. “He shouldn’t have…I mean…I’d have been happy just using one from Eli’s studio."

"Dude, that won’t do," Brian retorted. “You need your own."

"Well, what if I don’t want it?" Zacky was disgruntled; it was obvious he was still not a hundred percent in the game. Still reluctant to participate fully. Even with the five of them in the ‘war room’, as Jimmy had coined the dressing room they were assigned, he was anticipating the worst. And so was being antagonistic.

The door opened at that moment and Zacky stiffened at the sound his head whipping toward it. Val walked in and held up her hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Relax, Zack. It’s me."

Matthew slid his Aviators on to cover his eyes and smiled softly at his wife. “He’s anxious."

She nodded. “I’m not surprised. I would be, too." She moved to stand by her husband; he wrapped an arm around her waist and she leaned into him. They looked at each other, eyes meeting for a split second before they looked away both focussing on the rest of the guys.

Jimmy noticed the look that passed between them and raised his eyebrows at Matthew. The other male lifted his own in return.

"What?" he mouthed.

Jimmy stage-whispered, “How was your baby holiday?"

"My what?" Matthew’s expression changed to one of confusion. Before his friend could reply though, Melissa walked in, holding a clipboard and announced that it was time to begin. Val tugged on Matt’s arm. He sighed and made eyes at his friend before taking a deep breath and turning toward the door.

* * * * *

“Ladies and gentlemen, Brian Haner Sr.” Melissa smiled at the crowd that had gathered at the front of Government House. A large stage was set-up on the steps of the building where the campaign was being lead from. The crowd were expectant, unsure, but definitely wanting to know what the only candidate who was running against the current mayor had to say.

Brian Sr stepped up to the microphone and leaned against the lectern, scanning the crowd. “Good morning, friends…” He paused and shook his head. “This is all wrong. I am not this.” He stepped away from the stand and walked down the steps and sat down carefully. “That’s better…I feel more comfortable here.”

“What is he doing?” Zacky leaned over and whispered to Matthew. The bigger male shushed him, shaking his head. The five of them stood behind a large purple curtain – ‘purple, seriously, what is this, the royal show?’ Jimmy’s words – waiting for their cue.

Tensions were high; none of the five were willing to speak to the other as they were anxious to get the whole thing over and done with. Matthew was the most on edge, his senses tingling as he watched the crowd.

Dan appeared behind him and leaned up to whisper in his ear; Matthew frowned and turned his head to listen to his friend.

"What?"

"JB's out there..."

Matt's jaw tightened and he curled his right hand in a fist. "The Creed would be out."

Dan murmured, "What do you want to do about it?" He had his hands dug deep in his pockets and he was as antsy as the bigger male was.

Matthew shook his head. "Just watch them." He adjusted the earpiece in his left ear. "Keep me informed."

Dan nodded and slipped away again just as Brian Sr was wrapping up with his speech.

* * * * *

"Commander?"

Jason looked up from the coffee he was stirring. He was having a five minute breather, in the Creed's makeshift headquarters, giving himself time to think about what he had heard. Brian Haner Sr was looking to change the law in some areas and that was somewhat troubling.

"Yes?" He raised an eyebrow at the soldier who leaned through the doorway into the command centre. The small building was soundproofed so that the team could carry out briefings or other meetings without being disrupted.

"You're going to want to see this."

Jason frowned. "Could you give me five?"

The soldier shook his head. "This can't wait, Sir.” He hesitated. Jason looked expectantly at him. “It's Shadows..."

The T-One's eyebrows shot up, surprise evident on his face. "He's here?"

"In a manner of speaking."

Jason grimaced, setting his mug down as he headed for the door, and checked his firearm. "Show me."

The soldier led him out of the building. As soon as they stepped out it was immediately apparent what the problem was.

Pounding bass filled the air and went straight through Jason's body, setting his heart to race in his chest. He had to stifle the urge to curse and instead straightened his back and strode toward the stage to investigate. The sight that met his eyes sent a chill up his spine as he stopped in place, disbelief spreading across his face.

He blinked several times and just stood, staring across the crowd as a single thought passed his mind.

They were all royally screwed.