The Second Coming of Atlas Prime

Chapter 8

Hannah stumbled back from the photograph, her hand flying to her mouth as the blood-written message burned into her retinas. Aaron caught her by the shoulders, steadying her trembling form.

"He's playing with us," Aaron hissed, slamming his fist against the mahogany desk. "That bastard survived and now he's toying with us."

Hannah collapsed into a nearby chair, her mind racing. "How? How could he have survived? We made sure…"

"Apparently not sure enough." Aaron paced the length of the study, running his fingers through his perfectly styled hair. "This changes everything. The wedding, the business announcements, the merger with Eastern Holdings – all of it could be compromised if he decides to air our dirty laundry."

Miles away in Hannah's suite, Atlas lounged on her chaise, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as their panicked voices transmitted crystal clear through the listening device he'd concealed in the brooch Hannah had hastily pinned to her dress.

"What do we do?" Hannah's voice cracked through the speaker. "What if he goes public with his story? No one would believe him over us, right?"

"We need to find him first," Aaron growled. "Eliminate the threat before he can cause any damage."

Atlas chuckled softly, adjusting the volume.

Back in the study, Aaron pulled out his phone. "I'm calling a family meeting tonight. Eight o'clock in the grand hall. Everyone needs to be on high alert – Mother, Uncle Richard, Aunt Vivian, even Cousin Derek."

"What good will a meeting do?" Hannah snapped, her nerves fraying. "We need action, not discussion!"

Aaron grabbed her wrist, squeezing until she winced. "Don't question me. This family operates as a unit. Always has. We'll present a united front against whatever Atlas has planned."

He released her with a little shove. "Besides, I need to assess our vulnerabilities. If he's targeting you and me specifically, we need to be prepared."

Hannah rubbed her wrist, eyes downcast. "I've already taken steps. I hired new security today, a personal bodyguard. He's exceptionally qualified."

Aaron's head whipped around. "Without consulting me? Are you out of your mind? We have a potential threat and you're bringing strangers into the house?"

"James isn't just anyone," Hannah protested. "He worked for the Montgomerys and the Crawfords. His credentials are impeccable. And after what happened with those guards at my suite last month..." She let the implication hang in the air.

Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine. Bring him to the meeting tonight. I want to assess him myself."

Atlas smiled as he heard this, switching off the receiver.

Everything was falling perfectly into place. He examined his reflection in Hannah's vanity mirror, adjusting the silicon facial prosthetic that transformed him into James Reed.

…

The evening descended quickly upon the Finnegan estate. Atlas positioned himself outside Hannah's door. She emerged looking tense but immaculate in a crimson dress that hugged her curves.

"Stay close to me," she murmured, her eyes darting nervously down the corridor. "There will be questions, but let me handle them."

Together, they walked toward the grand hall. The grand hall buzzed with tense conversation. Affluent family members clustered in small groups. Their wealth was evident in every gesture they made.

All eyes turned as Hannah entered with Atlas at her side.

Aaron stood at the head of the long table, his expression darkening at the sight of them.

Beside him sat Anola Finnegan, her silver hair styled in a severe bob, diamonds glittering at her throat. Despite being in her sixties, her face remained remarkably smooth, proof to the finest plastic surgeons money could buy.

Atlas felt his heart rate accelerate at the sight of her. The woman who had ordered his exile, who had watched with cold eyes as her son beat him bloody. His fingers twitched with the effort not to reach for her throat.

"Everyone, this is James Reed," Hannah announced, her voice carrying across the room. "My personal security detail."

Anola's eyes narrowed as she examined Atlas from across the room. "Another expense, Hannah? The wedding budget is already astronomical."

"In light of recent developments, Mother, I think additional security is prudent," Aaron interjected, gesturing for everyone to take their seats.

Atlas stood at attention behind Hannah's chair, scanning the assembled family.

Uncle Richard, portly and red-faced from too much scotch. Aunt Vivian, thin as a rail with a perpetual sneer. Cousin Derek, handsome but dim, already on his third drink.

These people had watched his humiliation and said nothing. Some had even laughed.

"I've called this meeting because we face a serious situation," Aaron began, his voice commanding immediate attention. "Atlas Prime has returned."

The reaction was immediate – gasps, muttered curses, one shattered champagne flute as Aunt Vivian's grip failed her.

"Impossible," Uncle Richard spluttered. "The boy was broken beyond repair. No one could survive what…" He caught himself, glancing nervously at Atlas.

"Evidently, he did survive," Aaron continued. "And now he's making threats."

He produced the box, passing the photograph around the table. Each family member recoiled upon seeing it.

"What does he want?" Cousin Derek asked, his voice uncharacteristically sober.

"Revenge, obviously," Anola stated coldly. "The question is, who specifically is he targeting?"

"All of us," Aaron replied. "We were all there that night."

Atlas felt a surge of satisfaction. They remembered. They lived with the knowledge of what they'd done.

"Mr. Reed," Aaron suddenly addressed him directly. "Step forward."

Atlas complied, maintaining perfect posture as Aaron circled him like a shark.

"Hannah tells me your credentials are impressive. What would you do in this situation? How would you protect a family from someone seeking revenge?"

Atlas met Aaron's gaze unflinchingly. "I would get inside his head. Understand his motivations, anticipate his next move. And then..." he paused meaningfully, "I would strike first."

Aaron's eyes narrowed, studying Atlas's face with uncomfortable intensity. "There's something familiar about you."

The room went silent. Atlas's pulse thundered in his ears, but his expression remained impassive.

"Have we met before?" Aaron pressed, stepping closer.

"I believe I would remember meeting someone of your status, sir," Atlas replied smoothly.

Aaron stared a moment longer before nodding. "Hannah, your security choice seems adequate. Though I'll be running my own background checks."

"As you should," Atlas agreed.

The meeting continued, with security protocols established and a team assigned to hunt down Atlas Prime. The irony was delicious.

As the family dispersed, Anola approached Hannah and Atlas in the corridor.

"You," she addressed Atlas directly, her cold eyes calculating. "Come to my private study later tonight. I have special instructions regarding my personal security."

Before Hannah could protest, Anola strode away, her posture rigid with authority.

Hannah shuddered. "She never requests personal security. Something's wrong."