Paris had spent MONTHS locked away from the world as Hector kept him high above everyone else, like a princess locked away in a tower. He was restless and angry. Hector was away, back in the heart of the city to see his wife. Andromeda had insisted Hector take action and leave Paris to his own devices. Except cut loose and Paris would find trouble, because his arrogance would lead him straight to it.
The message from Helen was one he hadn't expected to be as excited about. Away from Helen, Paris was clearerheaded and his own person (while still a whiny brat). He'd been out of contact from most everyone in the immortal and human world for so long (save the parameter in which he was allowed), that any message was a welcome means to escape. While Helen's choice for meeting appeared bizarre, he was too stupid to think it could be a trap.
He quickly took a bus and spent what felt like a lifetime before he got to Kansas and rented a car out to what looked like nothing but a desolate wasteland in middle America. Where was he going? Had he gotten lost?
Unbeknownst to both of them, there was another immortal on their heels.
It took a great amount of patience and perseverance for Helen to remain in that spot for what felt like hours. She had been certain that it would taken Paris approximately the same amount of time for him to arrive as Helen, but he should have been there about a day behind her. She felt precisely zero shame or guilt in her decision to lure him there under false pretenses. Helen didn't give a damn how, but her nightmare would end that day. One way or another.
The area that was called the Center of the country wasn't all that big, but it was big enough so that Helen could be well hidden. She was undetectable within that grouping of trees, crouched low to the ground. She was practically on her belly. Her eyes continually scanned the area and only when she heard the sound of a car approaching did she shift her position just enough so that it was in her field of vision.
Helen waited, watching silently for the cars occupant to get out and survey the area.