Haven sat at a little café close to his inn in downtown Chicago, tasting a solid cup of coffee as he surveyed his notes for the up and coming presentation. It was an early autumn morning, and the fresh air carried an indication of fervour that continuously appeared to go with his trips to the city. This conference was a huge deal for him, a chance to grandstand his most recent extension and possibly secure a few major subsidies. His mind was totally ingested in last-minute plans, and he scarcely took note of the individuals bustling around him. In the meantime, Alexis was on a plane from the airplane terminal, her heart dashing with expectation. She had been arranging this surprise visit for weeks, carefully planning her plan to coincide with Haven's conference. She knew how critical

