Chapter Four.
Matt's hand lessened its grip. "He pulled the trigger."
"But you forced him into it!" Robin seethed. "This company was my father's very existence. You knew that when it would go down he'd turn desprate. By not telling him of its financial status, of its problems before they got out of hand, instead hiding it because of your ego, you killed him!"
Matt was silent.
"Or-" A thought ran through her miond but it was too vicious to bear. "You meant for this to happen!"
Matt let go of her. "What makes you say that?"
"You planned for the comapny to go down so it can be sold to the Foreman's! Everyone was shocked with the knew sthat selling it to them was no longer negitiable but not as shocked as you." Robin wished the lihghts were turned on so she could see the guilt in Matt's eyes. "You killed my father!"
"It was suicide," Matt informed.
"It was MURDER!" Robin insisted.
Matt shrugged. "So you've got it all figured out. What are you going to do now? Have me arrested?"
Robin hand was on the reciever before he said the words. She began dialing then clarity settled through her rage. This is what Matt wanted her to do. Ramble to the police about what would seem like nonsense to them. He would then reason to the public that she was insane and unable to run the comapny. And somehow climb into the position of President himself. Yes, technically he was fired but he would point out that she had fired him in bad judgement and retake his power in the comapny. Well, she wasn't going to let it happen! "Get out!" she repeated her first order.
Matt watched her. Her father's daughter. too bad Roland hadn't sen her in action when he was alive. He had raised one hell of a woman. Without another word Matt left the room.
Robin watched him leave. "I'll get you. I'll ruin your life just as you've ruined mine and my fathers. By taking what's dearest to your heart."

At the dinner table back at the Palace Robin looked at the huge engagement ring her fiance just handed to her.
"There should always be a ring," William told her.
Robin put the ring on her finger. "Thank you," she said with as much appreciation as if she was thanking him for passing the butter dish.
William held back the sigh he wanted to let out.
"Charles," Robin called his attention as she sipped her coffee. "I need an accountant. An assistant actually. Someone I can trust. Any suggestioins."
"Surely the comapany must have-"
Robin shook her head. "I don't trust them." If they had let the company to get into its disatrous state under her father they'll be let it suffer under her.
Charles laughed softly. "I'm sorry. But I need everyone on my staff right now."
Robin nodded. "It's all right."
"I-I know someone," William said surprising himself and everyone at the table when he particiapted in the conversation.
Harry's fork was poised over his cake. "Really who?"
"One of my clas- former classmates. He's a discovered math genius. Hot property in the business world right now. But if I talk to him he'll sign under the McCoughlin Company."
Robin was interested. "Who is he?"
"Dylan Blackwell."
Robin knew the name. But didn't know the face. Like William said he was hot property on the market right now. "Send him to my office in the morning."

"The information you requested," Vicki told her when Robin arrived at her office early in the morning.
Robin looked at the stacks of magazines, newspapers, videotapes, books and folders. She went to the desk and ran her hands over the material. "Is this all of it?"
"Basically," Vicki said.
The front door opened causing both of them to look up.
Vicki looked at the fourteen year old. "I'm sorry. You're not allowed in here little boy. The lost and found is downstairs in the lobby."
"If you didn't want me here. You shouldn't have sent for me," he replied.
Vicki looked at him. "William said he was sending his former clasmate-"
"I was his classmate when I was eleven,"he stuck out his hand. I'm Dylan Blackwell , Miss McCoughlin."
Vicki shook his hand.
From behind her desk Robin cleared her thorat. "I'm Miss McCoughlin," she came over to shake his hand. She gave him a once over. "You're hired."
"But you don't even know-"
"I know you as well as you know me." Robin cut him off. "I find that people I've knon for long are usually strangers still anyway. The options of you quitting and me firing you are still open."
"Very well, Miss McCoughlin," he turned to Vicki. "And you are?"
"Your boss," Vicki told him. "I'm Robin's head assistant. You answer to me. That's all you need to know."
"Very well, Boss," he grinned, showing the kid in him.
"Go out in the hall," Vicki ordered. "I'll be with you in a moment."
"I think he's cute," Robin teased.
"For a adolescent!" Vicki said.
Robin laughed. "We're still adolescents." She handed Vicki some files. "I want copies of this this and this." she handed her a few more folders. "Type this, this, and this. Bring me my lunch at noon. Maybe a pastrami sandwich. I have a meeting with the press about the company's new decisions at four. Don't interrupt me till then."
"You're turning into your father." Vicki smiled as she left the room.
"Mmm," Robin mumbled. She looked at the material stacked on her desk again. It was all about the Windsors. Like any relationship business and otherwise she was intended to find out everything she could about the people she was getting involved with. She opened the first of many books. The Prince and Princess of Wales bore a son...

Robin watched the Funeral of Princess Diana on the set. She had heard of it of course. She was not that secluded from reality. But today was the first time she watched it. It was the third videotape she had watched of the event and it never failed to move her. She was amazed how the death of one woman could bring people far and wide to Englands streets to pay thier respects. But she didn't cry. She didn't cry for her father she wouldnt shed tears for a stranger. Robin thought of her father. The funeral had been small and fast. Just a few servants and her attending the burial at the island. Her eyes focused on the screen where William -her future husband at age fifteen - was bearing the sorrow with a dignified stance.
"You lost someone too," Robin said. "But-" she looked at the figures walking with him "You have your brother. You have your father. And I -I have nobody."
She closed her eyes. Her mind drifted back to that night, when she wore a mask, and a kiss was placed on her lips. She opened them. "I have a fantasy." she said softly to herself in a laugh.
She looked around the office. "And I have this. I have the Company. And hell to pay for anyone who tries to take it away from me."

Chapter Five
Prince William walked by his father's study and wondered what his wife to be was getting all riled for now.
"You said you can make the wedding in two weeks," Robin acused.
"I said I'll see what I can do." Charles said. "And Westminister is filled for three months."
Robin thought about the crimp it would put in her business schedule. "I want to get married in two weeks. Im going to get married in two weeks."
William raised an eyebrow. He was getting married to this? He called from the doorway. "Unless you want to get married at midnight-"
Robin looked at his direction. "There you go Charles. Your son is brilliant!" Robin announced. "We get married at Midnight."
Charles stuttered. "It's a highy unorthodox-"
"Can it be done?" Robin cut him off.
"I believe it can." Charles considered.
"Then we have a Midnight Wedding. The public and the press will eat it up." Robin announced ."And William?"
"Yes?"
"Feel free to have a bachelor party." she smiled.

Had a bachelor party he did. With an adventurous little brother always ready to try anything new and friends who had been stuck in an all boys school most of thier adolecent lives what else could you expect?
William watched from his place of honor as the female stripper did her dance. He blushed bright red and only half heartedly hid his face with his hand. He stayed for the first part but slipped out only a few moments later. The party was too rowdy and everyone was drunk so no one missed him.
The chauffer looked at his master seated in the backseat. "Party not wild enough?"
William laughed. It had just been the opposite. "It's just not my scene tonight." he sighed.
They pulled out of the hotel's parking lot and drove to Buckingham.
William went to his room and locked the door. He was going to be married in a week. He sighed as he took off his coat. He went to the closet to hang it up. His hand brushed the outfit next to it. He took it out. A white ruffled shirt... Black tights... Mask... It had been the costume he wore that night to the masquerade ball. An amused smile passed through his lips.
A few minutes later he was changed."Still fits," he said to himself as he checked out his reflection in the mirror. With a final flourish he put on the mask.
His thought drifted back to that night. Outside the window the moon shown full. He held the fencing sword at his hip which completed the ensemble. He went out his room via the window. There was something he had to do tonight.

"You're going to get married in a week," Vicki reminded Robin as she saw her boss at her desk.
Robin looked at the newspaper in front of her. "Matthew Cunningham signs up with Foresman Industries." she read the headline. She shook her head. Had he no shame?
"So William's having his bachelor party tonight?" Vicki said, changing the subject.
Robin shrugged. "I guess."
"You're not a bit teed that a wonderfully shaped female is dancing in front of your future husband at this moment."
"I don't care." Robin stated. "I don't love him."
Vicki grinned. "If you want; we could have a bachelorette party." Her eyes twinkled.
"Vic!" Robin laughed.
"C'mon, Rob, " Vicki shook her friend's shoulders lightly. "You're about to lose your freedom in a couple of days. There must be something yoou want to do."
Robin swiveled her chair so that it faced the window. The full moon was shining on London. The same way it had on that night. Robin closed her eyes and remembeeed. Oh, yes. There was something she wanted to do all right.

Robin went into the woods. She was wearing her costume from that night. The long skirt made out of light material whipped around her legs as the wind blew around her. She adjusted her mask and smiled to herself. She touched her lips. The kiss. Why she had wanted to return to where it all happened was a bit confusing to her. Maybe she just wanted to relive the moment... Maybe she just wanted to remind herself that it had actually happened... Maybe, she was hoping, that he'd be there.
The silence of the night was broken when she heard a rustle. She turned around swiftly. Her hand immediately placed itself on her sword. Her father was an expert swordsman. She carried it with her for protection and remembrance. She trusted it more than any revolver. She raised the sword ready meet the intruder of her silence.
The blow was blocked by the flash of another sword.
Robin was both pleased and imprssed by the handler's quickness and expertise.
"Is that any way to greet me after all these years?"
Robin raised her eyes.
The man grinned, showing even white teeth.
When she saw him, she didn't need to think. The swords dropped at their sides. She fell into his embrace and kissed him with intense fervor. "You're real. You're real." She murmured between kisses. Tears of happiness streaked her face. "I was so afraid I was just dreaming that night and I had fallen in love with an image my mind made up. But you're here. And you're real."
He held her face and kissed her back with equal passion. "Do you need any other proof?"
"I have dreamt of you endlessly," she confessed.
He kissed her over and over. "As I did you. As I did you, my love."
Robin held her cheek next to his. She held him close, afraid if she let go he would disappear. Just as he did last time.
"Before I pledge my entire love to you is there anything I need to know?" he smiled, teasing a little.
Robin closed her eys. She had to tell him. "I'm getting married."

William froze as he heard the words. Oh, how cruel can life be? He getting married. The woman he loved was getting married. But, not to each other. He pulled them apart to allow himself to look into her eyes. "Do you love him?" he asked.
She shook her head. A faint smile on her lips. "I love you." she pledged.
He kissed her. "Thank heaven for that."
"My-my family expects me to marry him. I have to do it out of duty." Robin confided. Careful not to reveal too much. "I would say no except - I've never been one to disappoint."
They lay down on the grass and William kissed her the top of her head. "You have nothing to explain to me. I know the feeling."
"Mmmm," She murmured, she looked up at him. She felt so comfortable in his arms. She belonged there. "I find it strange. We know nothing about each other and we know how the other feels." she kissed him. "Why is that?"
He kissed her. "Kindered spirits. Soul mates."
They looked up at the stars.
Robin sighed. The velvet cloth the only thing between her caressing fingers and his face. She smiled. "So, do you have a name? Or should I just call you my fantasy?"
"Fantasy sounds good," William laughed. "And what should I call you? My princess?" Uh-oh. Had he given himself away?
Princess? No, she wouldn't want to be called that. Only her father called her princess. And it would remind her too much of William. Too much of the husband she didn't love. She thought of the night. "Just call me Eve."
"Eve," he whispered.
She felt herself slipping away from him.
"Where are you going?" William asked.
In Robin's mind was the press conference she would have to confront with Wills in the morning to tell about thier wedding. And the company. Always the company. "I have to go," she told him sadly, giving him a departing kiss.
"Wait!" he called. "When will I see you again?"
"The next time you'll see me I'll be married to another man."
"When can I see you again?" he repeated his question.
Her heart wept as she answered truthfully. "Never."

William walked the streets of London. Never. Sure, his brain conversed with itself. Who was it that said: life's a trade-off? Be a prince but be unlucky in love.
He didn't know where he was going. Eventually back to the Palace. But right now he was wandering aimlessly. William checked his watch. It was between late night and early morning. No one would be out at this time except for the street regulars, drunkards, and wackos. William looked at his costume. Yeppers! he fit in perfectly.
He watched the pavement move from underneath his feet, not daring to look up, not wanting to look up because that would be a straight invitation to danger.
The shrill shriek of a woman made him lift his head.
An elderly woman was fighting off an assailant near an alley. "Help. Police! Help!" she screamed all the while wacking her attacker with her umbrella (damsel in distress?)
Gee, all this for a couple of pounds in purse? the young man wondered.
William looked at the scene. Always in him to play the hero, he intervened.
The young man had enough. He pulled out a gun and shoved it in the woman's face which made her turn deathly white. "Scream again and it'll be the last sound you'l make."
William coughed. "Does there seem to be a problem?" Great observation on his part, dont you think?
The gun was instantly turned to him. Great, the man thought. Just what I need to complete this night. A nut in a costume "There won't be if you just turn away and pretend you didn't see anything."
William calmly looked down the barrel of the revolver. "No, I don't think so."
The man was sweating. "Look man, in case you haven't realized it I have a g-"
The sentence wasn't completed as, with a flash of silver, the man dropped the gun in his hand. William held the his sword. "What were you saying?"
The man looked at the sword his gaze raised to meet the eyes behind the mask. Terrified, he ran away.
William let him go. He saw the purse lying in the grime and handed it back to the lady.
Her kind grandmother eyes looked on him fondly. "You're such a kind boy," she patted the side of hid cheek in gratitude.
"Miss Maicon," he gasped. He knew her. She was one of England's old elite. She didn't rely on bodyguards because she didn't trust them. And she carried more than a few pounds in her purse. Some people would call her eccentric when crazy was more of the word. But she was a kind person and yielded power oin her position in society. She frequented Buckingham often. "D-don't tell my father I was here," William stammered.
"Your father? Do I know your father?" The tone was confusion.
William looked at himself. The costume!
"Who are you?" the woman asked.
William got into super-hero speech. "A friend," he kissed the woman's hand. (barfo!)
In the distance a police siren was wailing. William could hear the murmurings of the assailant as they arrested him and set to take him away.
Uh-oh, were they looking at him? Time to be scarce.
"Hey you-" a guard called.
William ducked into his car. Conveniently nearby in the shdows.
"is that the police running after you?"
At the weird look his chauffeaur gave him William said. "Don't look at me, son't ask any questions. Just drive!"
The chauffer obeyed.

Having showered and changed, William went into his fiance's bedroom. "How was your night?" he asked, making small chatter.
"Good," she answered vaguely. "Yours?"
"Good," he replied in the same manner.
Silence settled between them.
And with that silence boredom.
William sighed, this was going to be the rest of his life? Just to have something to do he switched on the TV.
The news was on.
Miss Maicon was being interviwed by a reporter. "You're saying that a man in black tights and a mask saved you from your attacker?"
Close up on Miss Maicon's face. "Oh yes. Such a nice boy. So hard to find nice boys these days. Good-looking too. I was never able to thank him properly. He left so suddenly..."
Oh my! She's talking about my love! Robin thought.
Oh my! She's talking about ME! William thought.
There was a film clip of the man being arrested, muttering curses.
The reporter faced the camera. "Will the masked man appear in London again? We can only wait and see."
"Thank you, Patty," the newscaster awknowledged. The expresion on her face said she thought the whole story was complete lunacy. "On further notes the upcoming announcement of Prince William's wedding..."
It was Robin who switched the set off.
William stared at the balnk screen for a moment. It was strange. For once in his life he didn't mind being mentioned the news.

Prince Harry stared at the television screen and wondered if the liquor he had chugged down earlier was taking its effect. A man in tights? He had just seen William sneaking into the Palace wearing tights. Or at least he thought he it was William. Damned wine. The incident had occurred, the news informed, at approximately three thirty in the morning. It was slightly after four now. Coincidence? Harry thought not.

Midnight: Chapters 6-7