“Obviously, this is not how you planned to spend your evening,” Brian Hastings deadpanned. As his hurried, determined footsteps led them along the corridor towards the Medical unit his gaze swung to the woman at his side, appreciatively assessing her from head to toe.

“That’s right, Hastings, you missed out on all of this!” Doctor Sabrina DeLane quipped, as they rounded the corner. Her gaze straight ahead she added, “Go on and have a good look at what the wrong seat cost ya!” Joining the handsome administrator in laughter she was pleased to see that even nearly a decade later he, too, still derived amusement over the memory—a mix-up in seating arrangements resulted in derailing either’s pursuit of a blossoming attraction and instead gave birth to a most memorable summer romance for Hastings (and inevitable lifelong friendship) with her sister Alexis.

“If I didn’t before, l want to apologize… I know how the Cassadines are about privacy and if there was any way to keep you—and your family—out of this, know that I would have. But they needed the best…” he shrugged.

“Such is the...as they say, down side at times of being the best at what you do, no? Hey, you should know! How long did you say you’ve had your eye on the lead spot over at the WSB, but the brass at Division and the decision makers in Washington-”

“‘Don’t want to upset the unique chemistry I’ve managed to establish here at CTU New York’,” he parroted their patented response.

Hastings wasn’t stupid; he knew the powers that be knew that in him they had that rare creature when it came to an agency Director—someone who was both political and productive. His administrative skills combined with years of field experience had forged the New York branch of the agency into one without peer on the East Coast and his rep of being ‘tough but fair’ was well-earned, garnering him the respect and loyalty of his agents and staff. When it came to navigating the perilous political waters of Division – the policy making and enforcing branch of CTU – he chose his battles carefully; even when implementing their unpopular decisions he always did so with an eye towards what was inevitably beneficial to CTU.

But perhaps the thing that proved to be Hastings’s greatest strength also was the reason behind the higher ups’ refusal to make his path to their competition a smooth one—whether his resources were abundant or meager, simply put, Brian Hastings produced results.

Like now.

“Again, Sabrina, I really appreciate your helping us out with this. I know what this is gonna cost the Cassadines, so to speak.”

“It’s okay, Brian.” She reached out to place her hand on his forearm and gave the toned expanse a light pat, as if to reiterate her position on the matter.

“That’s very kind of you to try and downplay the situation. And even though ultimately your involvement was unavoidable, I know this is not gonna sit well with that brother of yours.” Hastings made a face. Just the thought of Stefan Cassadine turning his attention towards Hastings' corner of the sky was enough to give him an ulcer. “The man is insanely private, especially about your family. Add to that he wields an equally insane amount of power…” At his last statement realization slowly began to dawn for Hastings. “And the fact that you don’t even seem to be breaking a sweat over the Cassadine name now being on CTU’s radar-”

“‘Now on the radar’?” Sabrina repeated, biting back a laugh. “Brian, please. Humor me all you want, but do not insult me.” Pinning Hastings with an incredulous gaze, she arched a finely waxed brow. “Sweetheart, my family tried to freeze the world,” she whispered conspiratorially, giving his cheek a light pat. “If that doesn’t earn someone a permanent spot on the government’s radar,” she winked, “I hate to think of what does!”

“So in other words, your brother’s got this?”

Sabrina nodded, a silent indicator there was no need for Hastings’ concern. Both knew the moment her name was mentioned as a potential physician for Heller, the agency began the process of vetting her; upon confirmation that she was indeed available to treat Heller, CTU’s considerable resources were fully unleashed to unearth any and everything about her—which inevitably would turn the spotlight upon her family, who as Hastings had none too tactfully reminded her were as adverse to publicity as vampires were to sunlight.

“I think the fact that the ‘dossier’ CTU attempted to compile on me and my family doesn’t even total three pages gives you your answer, no?”

“Touché, good doctor. Touché,” he nodded. “So, we’re good?”

“You and I? Of course,” she smiled. “Now you and Tasha, on the other hand…” she teased. “I’m kidding. She said to tell you she’ll be in touch when she’s stateside once more. She’s looking forward to catching up with you and introducing you to her husband, Marcus.” Her gaze was pulled away by the unfolding scene inside the exam room. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Brian,” she said absently, “I need to go and try to save your Secretary of Defense…before your doctors kill him!”