Genoa asked this Mark a few more questions and he seemed to be on the up and up. Of course, when she really thought about it, how would she really know the shadow man or any of the others like her, for that matter. Every time they were reborn they had a new body, a potential for new traits, new personalities. She supposed some things remained the same but there was always a chance that for that particular life they didn't.

She had thought about it a lot, off and on over the years and assumed she would have a feeling, some sort of sense. In her dreams she could feel who they were, feel their being so to speak. She didn't know how it worked exactly but when she was with the shadow man, no matter what form he took, she always knew it was him, just as she would know when she was with her love...her love...vague images of a city crossed her mind. She started to recall her dream from last night. She recalled calling out to him, she knew his name...and yet now she couldn't quite remember it.

"Sooo what do you want to do?" asked Mark.

She looked at him, realizing she'd just spaced out on him.

"Oh...well...uh," she looked around trying to think. She supposed she could eat but wasn't all that hungry. She rubbed her chin, thinking again of last night, she remembered she wanted to go swimming, "I want to go swimming!"

"We probably shouldn't go out," said Mark adjusting his glasses.

"We wouldn't be, we have a pool," said Genoa. She pointed off towards it even though you couldn't see the pool room, from the front door.

Mark turned his head in surprise, "You have a pool in your apartment?"

"Yes," she said and then curiously wondered, "Where did you think it was?"
"I don't know I guess somewhere else in the building? Some building have a community pools or gyms?"

"Well I like to swim a lot, the pool was one of the reasons we bought this place" said Genoa

"Hmm, well I didn't really bring a swim suit?" said Mark.

"You can swim in your clothes." said Genoa. "I do it sometimes."

Mark looked down at his suit, he adjusted his tie and didn't look comfortable. "I don't think I should.I have to go back to work after this."

"So what do you do, in the mail room?"

"I sort and deliver mail throughout the building?" said Mark.

"Well...do you want to sort our mail?" asked Genoa

"What...no…" said Mark confused, "Why would I want to?"

"Hmmm...well you seem eager to get back to work so I thought maybe you could work here?"

He sighed, she could tell he wasn't enjoying himself. After a moment he said "You can swim and I could just watch I suppose?" he shrugged.

"You want to watch me swim?" said Genoa tilting her head.

"No really but I can," he said. "If that's the only thing you really want to do..."

Once again he didn't seem to thrilled to be here. Honestly she wasn't too thrilled to have Harold run off like this. It was so usual for him. She couldn't help but think he was lying to her. Ah, ha, this seemed like it needed to be "investigated!" She smiled to herself and Mark looked nervous as he should be. One way or another she was going to get information out of him.

"Okay...MARK!" she said preparing her investigative skills, "I'll go change."

She turned and rushed off to her room, the first thing she needed to do was get him off his game. Make it seem like nothing weird was going on, then she'd ease into the interrogation. She quickly put on her one piece swim suit. It was green with white polka dots, it didn't so much look like a swimsuit as it did a dress. When she was all done, she walked back to the front door.

Mark appeared not to have moved an inch. She waved to him and said, "This way,"

Mark followed her down a long hall and two steps. When they got to the pool room Geona opened the sliding glass door and gestured to the pool. "There it is!"

Mark carefully stepped into the room and seemed surprised at just how big the pool was. It wasn't a very wide pool but it was long and if she wanted to, Genoa could turn on something to make the water flow in one direction for more of a challenge. She didn't feel like working out thought. She got in the water and swam a few laps. She swam on her back, her stomach and then her side before she finally she paused looking at Mark. He'd chosen to sit in one of their lawn chair. Harold and her had tried to make the pool look like it was outside.

Genoa kicked her feet in the water as she rested her hands on the edge of the pool and then began her line of questioning."So...when do you think my brother will be back?"

"Ah he told me an hour or so?"

Good good, so far it was in line with what her brother had told her. This proved he knew things and he was willing to be honest with her, "Cool...cool," she said she swam another lap and then came back. Now this was the tricky part, if she asked where Harold had gone Mark may or may not tell her but if she pretended she already knew where Harold was, Mark might be open with discussing it. Of course he might also think she already knew where Harold was and not say which would be troublesome. She took another lap and then came back, "So…." she tried to chose her words carefully, "Do you think he'll..."

"Yes," said Mark he seemed to have gotten lost in his thoughts. He perked up and she stared again.

"Do you think he'll um...sorry still waking up, uh do you think he'll be at the meeting long?" said Genoa. She was torn between saying bank or meeting. If she said bank and Harold didn't go to the bank then Mark would totally know she didn't know. But if she said meeting then maybe...he'd elaborate!"

"I don't know…" said Mark slowly, "An hour or so..."

Genoa's eyes widened, "Shit…" she curse hitting the water with her hands. She realized she'd just ask the same question but in different ways. So...when do you think my brother will be back and do you think he'll be at the meeting long?" it was all time related.

"Are you okay?" asked Mark. He looked concerned.

She looked at him and then looked way. She couldn't let him realize she'd messed up. She put a smile "Fine...I'm fine" She slowly lowered herself into the water and swam about. Once again she thought about how she could ask where Harold had gone. She thought of how to word her question better, how far was this meeting ha, ha, she knew where the bank was if it was far it wasn't the bank. She swam back, "Mark… Mark."

"Yes…" he said. He'd taken out his phone and was looking through it.

"So...how far away was this meeting of his?"

Mark looked put out, he let out a sigh and said "Honestly, I don't know?"

Genoa got frustrated "Well what do you know?"

"All I was told really, was I'm just suppose to hang out with you and help you if you need anything, for an hour or so and then go back to work,"

"While my brother does what?" asked Genoa quickly hoping to have Mark slip up and spill the beans.

"Goes out," Mark shrugged. "I'm sorry I don't know where,"

"Seriously, he didn't tell you?" said Genoa.

"He didn't tell you?" asked Mark shrugging.

Genoa pulled back suspiciously thinking maybe he'd caught on to her investigation, maybe this Mark was a tricky fellow. She lowered herself in to the water watching as he went back to staring at his phone. He didn't put off a tricky aura, he seemed rather...laid back. Maybe he really didn't know where Harold was. Genoa furrowed her brow and then started to float on her back. She had to admit her detective skills weren't sharpened. She suppose she could just call her brother and be like, are you really at the bank...prove it, take a selfie but she needed to prove she could be good and not bother him. Maybe one day he'd let her be on her own again. She smiled at the thought but still gave it one last go.

She stood up in the water and said "Honestly Mark, you don't know where he went?"

Mark let out a sigh, he looked up from his phone and said "All I know is when I came to work this morning, a Shara was looking for someone to help her boss. She said I could get fifty bucks to just hang out for an hour or so. I talked with your brother on the phone and he pretty much said the same."

"Hmm, who is this Shara and her boss?"

"Shara," Mark blushed as he said her name again, "She's just uh...well she's a nice secretary. We've talked a few times but ahh she...ah her boss is some sort of manager I think."

"Mick?" asked Genoa.

"I guess...he works on the fourteenth floor, I've only been on the fourteenth floor a few times,"

"Hmm," said Genoa mulling it over. Micks offices had been on the fourteenth floor. She remembered going there once or twice. She started swimming again supposing it all added up. Maybe her brother really was at the bank. She swam a few more laps and then floated on her back for a while. Mark just went back to looking at his phone and things were quiet.

After a few minutes Genoa got out of the pool, decided she was hungry. She went into the kitchen and started to eat off the plate Harold had set up for her. She didn't get more then a few bites before she heard the front door. She smiled knowing it must be Harold. She quickly ran back to the pool and grabbed a water gun. She filled it with pool water, planning to surprise him.

She quickly rushed back to the front door and got ready to fire but saw he wasn't alone. He was laughing with someone, it was that woman...from the other day. Genoa's heart skipped a beat as she realized her brother had been on a date. He'd actually gone out for once! She blushed feeling embarrassed, she'd given him such a hard time about the bank now. Why hadn't he just told her he was going on a date...and who goes on a date in the morning? Genoa froze and then quickly threw the water gun across the room before running up to greet them.

"Welcome back," said Genoa

Harold said something to the woman and then finally turned to greet her. He looked at Genoa suspiciously and then looked around the room. He was no doubt looking for Mark. "Is everything okay here?" She had the impression her brother thought she might have done something to Mark.

After a few seconds Mark slowly walked into view. She watched Mark nod to her brother and he seemed relieved as he nodded back, "Good, I'm glad things went well."

"Of course they did!" said Genoa offended. "What did you think I did to him?"

"I don't know," said Harold chuckling. "Knowing you?"
The woman just stood quietly beside her brother, waiting to be introduced. Harold blushed, realizing he'd forgot about her for a second, "Right uh… Genoa this is Esma El..Elda,

"Eldor," said Esma

"Right sorry," said Harold.

"It's quite alright," she said smiled at him.

"Well Esma, this my little sister Genoa," Harold motioned to Genoa. She wanted to point how she was his only sister, he didn't always have to say she was little.

"Hello Genoa," said Esma, flashing her a smile.

Genoa bit her lip, she didn't know why she suddenly felt nervous.

"Sorry, she can get shy sometimes," said Harold.

"I'm not shy," said Genoa. "It's nice to meet you,"

"And you," said Esma.

"Uh...can I go now?" asked Mark.

"Oh yeah?"said Harold. Esma and Harold moved away from the door.

"Well it was nice hanging out with you Genoa, have a nice day." said Mark as he passed her.
"Nice meeting you too," said Genoa.

"Thanks for helping me out," said Harold.

As Mark left, Esma asked, "Who is he?"

"A friend," said Harold.

Genoa started at her brother and then Esma, she tried to figure out how things had gone on their date. "Is Esma a "friend,"too" asked Genoa, emphasizing friend.

"No!" said Harold, giving Genoa a stern look. "She works for the man that bought all of our paintings."

Genoa gave Harold an innocent look back but it seemed lost on him as he looked to Esma. He had such a big stupid grin on his face, clearly he liked her. If Genoa could see it, then there was no way this Esma didn't. She wondered if Esma was single. She didn't want her brother wasting his time or worse, getting hurt.

"Do you have a boyfriend Emsa?" asked Genoa, it was always best to get straight to the point with these things.

"GENOA!" said Harold, he choked on some air and stared coughing, his face began turning beat red.

"WHAT! I'm making conversation! I'm being friendly!" said Genoa.

He looked like he wanted to smack her and she just smiled back at him. Esma giggled…. Genoa stomach dropped, there was something about that giggle that sounded alarm bells in her head.

After a moment Esma said "It's quite alright, Harold." She touched Harold's arm lovingly and then turned to Genoa. "No Genoa, I do not have a boyfriend! Though your brother is quite handsome."

Harold turned even redder, he was beginning to match his hair color. Genoa shifted her gaze, focusing on Emsa even more. She began to feel sick...there was something off about this woman that she hadn't caught before. Esma's eyes flickered as if she caught Genoa's uneasiness. She kept her smile on, even though her eyes were different now

"I saw your paintings, you paint so wonderfully." said Esma, there was a hollowness in her words.

"Oh," said Genoa slowly. "What... was... your favorite?"

"The one with all the colors...the rose, I think," said Esma, looking at Harold.

"Yes," said Harold. "She likes painting blue roses,"

Genoa felt something boiling, something pooling in her chest. The longer she looked as Esma, the stronger this feeling became. Esma turned to her and said, "Genoa, I was wondering if my boss could come by and meet you? He would like you to paint him something special, just for him."

"Uh wait!" said Harold, "I-this is bit soon, we talked about this, I wanted to talk to her alone first." He gave Esma a look, like they'd had some conversation before this moment.

Esma quickly said, "Oh right, I forgot just now, I was so excited to meet her, I'm so so sorry,"

'No your not' thought Genoa.

Harold was clearly upset, Esma quickly tired to calm him down. It was hard to make out what they were saying. Genoa felt like she was suddenly a million miles away. Like she had fallen into a deep well and all the voices in the room were far...far away. Her brother and Esma continued to talk but all of Genoa's attention focused on this feeling, that kept growing stronger and stronger.

It felt somehow familiar, yes...she'd felt this before, she thought of her dreams from last night once again. She recalled waking by a tree, the woman who'd come to get her, who'd tried to capture her in the hovel at the market. Genoa's eyes shifted as she suddenly understood what she was feeling, without thinking she mumbled "Gigi…"

Esma was looking at Harold, she seemed to have settled things down between them, they were laughing again about something. As soon as Genoa said Esma's name...her true name. Esma made eye contact with her. Genoa gasped, a moment later her brother dropped his hand down on her shoulder squeezing it. "I'm sure she could make an exception? We just need to talk about it a little more."
"Exception?" said Genoa confused. "For?"

"You don't paint for others normally but you also haven't tried yet," said Harold. He gave her a strange looked. "You paying attention?"

"Yeah," she lied, "Uh" She couldn't think Gigi...Gigi, was standing right in front of her and her brother. Gigi one of the shadow mans, most devoted. Genoa swallowed hard, her throat was suddenly bone dry.

"Uh, I hope you don't mind me asking but does your boss often pay this much for a single painting?" asked Harold

"No, but your sister is a special case. He is quite taken by her talent." said Esma.

"Still... two million dollars is a lot for one painting," said Harold shaking his head.

"Not to him," said Esma with a smile.

Genoa trembled even thought she probably knew the answer to her question, she still asked "Just...who is your boss?

"I think you know." said Esma. She gave Genoa a look follow by a short nod.

"He's one of our neighbors...uh you met him before in the elevator. He bought the penthouse," said Harold. "His name is ah...Jes...Jesep,"

Genoa's heart seized with terror...the elevator man was the..THE SHADOW MAN! She'd already met him...she-

Harold looked at her, "You feeling okay, you're trembling?"

"Just a little cold from the pool," Genoa shivered.

"Well go get you're robe," said Harold, taking his hand off her shoulder.

"No, I'm good," she said.

She didn't dare leave them alone now. She knew what Gigi could do... Esma gave Genoa a big smile like she knew what Genoa was thinking. For a moment Genoa and Esma just stared each other down. Genoa tried to think what she could do...what she should do? She realized she'd spent so much time thinking about how she would find the shadow man and the others that she hadn't considered what she would do once she had.

Esma decided to make a move. She turned to Harold and said, "You know I'm thirsty, might you have something cold I could drink?"

"Oh yeah, let me get you something, uh make your self comfortable." said Harold. He turned to her "Genoa, would you show her to the living room?"

Genoa glance at him and he gave her a sharp look to be good before turning to get Esma a drink. When he was gone, neither woman moved. Once he was out of earshot Esma dropped the act her face fell flat, "So Keyoko, how long have you been awake?"

"Keyoko?" said Genoa. That name... her eyes widened...YES that was her true name. "Keyoko!" said Genoa again.

Esma studied Genoa for a moment. She put her hands on her hips and then remarked. "There's something's wrong with you?"

"With me?" said Genoa surprised.

"You know who I am and yet?" said Esma. Without warning she reached out grasping hold of Genoa's head. She tilting her head about from side to side. Then she placed her hands on on the center of Genoa's chest. Genoa felt something sharp, painful, if felt like something was stuck between her breasts.

"Hmm," said Esma. "This...isn't good."

"What isn't," said Genoa. She knew Gigi couldn't be trusted but in this moment, her curiosity got the best of her.

"You seem to be stuck…in between" said Esma, "You should really let go

"Between?" asked Genoa confused. "Let go of what?"

Esma looked Genoa over but didn't answer her. Genoa realized in this moment how little she knew...how little she remembered. The shadow man had taken up nearly all her attention. Esma stared at her for a moment longer and then looked over Genoa's shoulder as they heard footsteps. Harold was returning, he'd gotten the drink and when he didn't see them, in the sitting room he'd decided to come back to the front door.

Esma tightly grasped hold of Genoa' arm, Harold came around the corner with a can of purple soda and paused. He looked curiously at the front door. It was as if he couldn't see them. He looked around and then turned. He called out, "GENOA, WHERE ARE YOU?"

She wanted to call back to him but Esma squeezed her arm tighter. Her brother scratched his head and walked out of sight. Genoa swallowed as Emsa leaned in close and whispered in her ear, "Do you at least recall who the master is?"

"The shadow man," said Genoa, lowering her head.

Esma looked at her, "Urel...yes,"

"Urel…" Genoa repeated, it clicked in her head...the owner of the shadow...was yes...Urel. She closed her eyes, somehow knowing his name made her all the more frightened.

Esma yanked on Genoa's arm until she opened her eyes and looked at her. Esma hissed "You will meet with him!"

"GENOA! WHERE ARE YOU!" shouted Harold. He was still looking for her. "COME ON GENOA! THIS ISN'T FUNNY!"

Genoa's eyes began to water she gasped"My brother..."

"As long as you understand your place. We wont hurt him... if we don't have to. You do understand your place, right?"

Esma stared her down, Genoa whimpered but said, "Yes! Yes! Just please don't hurt my brother! He doesn't know anything, he just thinks I'm crazy."

"Keep it that way." said Esma. "You will tell your brother, you wish to meet with Jesep, TODAY! You will do whatever Jesep wants, without question and there wont be any trouble!"

Genoa nodded, tears streaming down her face.

"Clean yourself up." said Esma disgusted. "And stop acting like a child...its unbecoming,"

Genoa wiped her tears as Harold stormed up to the front door. They just barely moved aside as he whipped it opened and rushed into the entry hall. "GENO-" He saw she wasn't there. He looked absolutely panicked. Genoa's heart sunk to see her brother in such distress.

Esma let go of Genoa's arm and called out,"Harold, we're you looking for us?"

Harold turned around and could suddenly see them. He looked confused, He rushed back into the condo and stormed up to Genoa, "Where were you! I looked all over!"

"Oh really" said Esma calmly. "Genoa was just showing me to the sitting room and I suddenly realized I had another appointment in a few minutes. We must have just passed each other."

"HOW," said Harold he still looked confused.

Esma shrugged, "You have a pretty big place?"

Haroled looked at Esma, he licked his lips and then turned back to Genoa, "Why didn't you respond when I called out for you?"

Genoa answered this herself, "Oh sorry! We got to talking! I had a lot questions about...uh the painting her boss wants. It sounds fun and I want to get started on it."

"Right away!" added Esma. "I told her my boss had a cancellation, so we could do it this afternoon,"

"This afternoon," said Harold, "That's really short notice,"
"I feel like painting today!" said Genoa. She knew she needed to sell this, "Plus we're between galleries and he offer two million dollars! I don't want to keep him waiting what if he changes his mind!"

"EH...We...We should discuss this" said Harold

"It's two million dollar Harold!"" said Genoa, throwing her hands in the air. She made her voice go high with excitement, "Like I know we have money but who couldn't use two million dollars! Especially if you got that new bank account!"

Harold looked at Genoa uncertain. She grabbed onto his arm and pulled. She did her best begging face "Pleaseee...let me at least find out what he wants! I really want to get started on it...who knows how long it will take! PLUS how often do we get to meet a fan! THIS IS SOO COOL!"

Harold sighed "I guess...he could drop by for a few minutes,"

"GREAT! JUST GREAT!" said Esma clasping her hands. "I'm sorry but I really must go! It was so nice meeting you Genoa, I'll let Mr. Zian know you'll see him this afternoon. I'll even come back myself," said Esma. She gave Harold a wink and then slinked up to him. She pulled the purple can of soda from his hand and got dangerously close to his lips, "I look forward to seeing you again as well, Harold"

Harold's face turned red once more, "Me too,"

She gave Harold a sultry look and then rushed out the door. She walked up to the elevator and then pushed the button. She turned as she waited for the elevator to arrive, giving Harold another seductive look. Now that Genoa knew Esma was Gigi, it made her sick. To think she had once admired her beauty...she knew Gigi had the power of illusion, Genoa wondered now what she really looked like. The elevator arrived a few seconds later and Esma got in. Harold waved to her as the doors shut and she waved back.

Once the elevator was gone Harold let out a heavy sigh and then closed the front door. "She's great isn't she?"

"Yeah." said Genoa.

He looked at her for a moment and then asked "What did she say to you?"

"What did she say to me?" said Genoa turning away from her brother. "All she had to say was two million dollars….like were gonna turn that down."

"I just don't want to put pressure on you. I know how you can get sometimes...especially with new people" said Harold. She glanced back at him and he looked worried now.

"He's not really new." said Genoa, "I've met him before right? I thought he might be the shadow man but... I don't think he's is now. Esma is soo….sooo nice and I don't think he'd be friends with someone so nice."

"Hmmm, you really did like her?" said Harold.

"Yeah cause you really like her," said Genoa. She needed time to think. She needed something to keep Harold busy "If she's gonna come over a lot..we'd better clean this place up."

Harold looked around and then realized they were gonna have people over. "Right and I need to make you a new canvas," said Harold.

"I'm gonna take a shower and get changed," said Genoa.

"Right...right." said Harold sinking into panic mode. She watched him rush off, picking up things as he went.

Genoa stood there for a moment and then slowly walked to the bathroom. She locked herself inside and turned on the shower. She considered what her options were if they could run? Maybe if they left right now….She saw the shadow looming against the bathroom wall. No...she knew they'd never be able to outrun him. Even if Harold somehow believed her. Besides she had made a deal with the shadow, to go willingly, for the sake of her brother, "Remember," she said to the shadow, "You promised," The shadow raised his hand yes.

Genoa slowly slipped off her swim suit and got into the shower as the hot water hit her she began to break down, madly whimpering to herself. She...she had been waiting for today nearly all her life and now that it was here she was absolutely terrified. She closed her eyes recalling him squeezing the life out of her. I wont ever let you go! I wont ever let you go! go'...go...go...go...YOU ARE MINE! There was no where she could go...this was her fate...

...

Grady brought Jesep home and he went up to his bed. He laid down but didn't go to sleep. He watched the monitors closely. He saw Harold return with Esma, the film was slightly distorted but he saw them go inside the condo. A moment later a man came out. Jesep wondered had he been alone with his Genoa? Just who was this man, he didn't hide his identity? Jesep captured a screen shot of him and had Grady run background.

He continued to watch the screens and Harold came out at one point. He moved quickly and then a moment later turned to go back in. He watched Esma leave and the door to their condo shut. He followed Esma as she came up to his place and got out. He got up wanting to hear how things went. He quickly rushed down the hall but paused seeing Grady hadn't left yet. He hung back and watched Esma approach Grady. He carefully listened as they spoke.

"Will it happen?" asked Grady.

"Yes, this afternoon." said Esma. "But there is something wrong with her?"
"How so?" asked Grady.

"I thought she was awake...she knows me, knows some things...but not everything. I think stuck in between."

"Hmm that would explain some things," said Grady. "We'll want to be careful."

"Yes," said Esma.

"Does she at least understand what is expected of her." asked Grady

"Yes and she will do as she is told," said Esma

"Good," said Grady

Jesep licked his tongue across the top row of his teeth. It would seem they were up to something. He didn't understand everything they were saying but he would in time. He made a note to keep an extra eye on them before letting himself be known. He quickly stormed down the stairs and asked, "How did it go?"

"Splendid, she'll meet with you this afternoon." said Esma.

"When!" asked Jesep, excitedly.

"Any time you want," said Esma

"Would two minutes after noon be presumptuous." chuckled Jesep.

"Weren't you going to lie down, sir," said Grady.

"I'm no longer tired," said Jesep.

"Then may I suggest lunch first," said Grady. "We could ease down after."

"I suppose I could eat," said Jesep. He probably shouldn't appear too eager. "What did you have in mine?"

"There is an up and coming restaurant that has been getting good reviews on it's Lova. I know how much you enjoy shellfish. I could make arrangements for it to be delivered, perhaps pair it with a red wine, Exra or a Sha-nay"

"Sha nay-and I'll have it on the balcony," said Jesep.

"Of course," said Grady.

"Will you be going?" asked Jesep looking at Esma.

"Well...I thought I might stay. I could go with you this afternoon, be a distraction for the brother, perhaps?"

"Perhaps...I myself wouldn't mind a distraction just now," Jesep said smiling at her.

She smiled back and seductively licked her lips. He moved to the balcony and she followed after him. Grady hung back, he watched Esma unbuckled Jesep's pants and take him in her mouth before her turned. He took out his phone but didn't use it right away. Instead, he closed his eyes and hoped once more that this would work. That Genoa would be the catalyst his master needed to return.