At first, Madeline didn’t notice anything odd. Given the nature of her job, Madeline was always on the lookout for danger, but when danger is disguised in admiration well, that can be a good deal trickier. It was Nikolas who brought it to attention, her ever-observant bodyguard. He came to her in her office one day, asking for a few moments of her time.

“Of course Nikolas, what do you need?”

“Well ma`am, the boys and I have noticed over the past week or so a strange young girl following you around. She ain’t done nothing harmful, but she seems to be where ever you are. We’ve seen her hanging out on the street by the headquarters like she’s waiting to see what you’ll do next.”

Madeline frowned slightly, sitting back in her seat and crossing her legs.

“That’s a bit concerning. Do you think she’s dangerous?”

Nikolas was quick to shake his head. “No ma`am, not at all. She seems harmless really but…well,” he shifted where he was standing, as if uncomfortable.

“Spit it out Nikolas, no reason to be shy about it.”

He looked up at her, shrugging his shoulder slightly. “She seems to be imitating you Mads. Every time one of the boys spots her she’s wearing clothes we’ve seen you wear or she’s styling her hair the way you style it. I’d say you have an admirer, but we’re more concerned it’s a stalker or something.”

Madeline laughed, a genuine light-hearted kind of laugh. “A stalker? How cute. Maybe it’s time to go for a walk. If the boys spot her following, tell them to grab her. I’d love to have a nice chat with her.”

About twenty minutes later, Madeline was walking towards her favorite coffee spot, chatting idly with Nikolas. After collecting her coffee and heading back towards headquarters, one of her other bodyguards came up and whispered in Nikolas’ hear. He gave Madeline a short nod and she grinned. “Back inside we go then, bring her to one of the empty rooms.”

The leggy blonde wasn’t sure what to expect when she got inside. She’d had a few over the years make some uncomfortable assumptions or try to get a little too close, but never a woman. As she entered the room where her boys had brought the girl, Madeline tried to think if she had seen her at all in her travels. She vaguely recognized her, or maybe that was just a trick of the mind considering the girl had tried so hard to look like Madeline. It was odd really and made Madeline slightly uncomfortable.

The other woman seemed shocked to see Madeline standing there. Pulling a chair across from her, Madeline sat. For a few moments, she was simply silent, observing her. When she spoke, she simply asked: “What is your name?”

There was no response, only a blank stare in return. It was becoming clearer to Madeline that this woman had some real issues. The craziness was right there in her eyes.

“Why are you following me?” Madeline asked this time, her voice calm.

“Because I’m going to replace you.” The woman’s voice was firm as if she was sure of such a task. Madeline raised an eyebrow, an amused expression on her face.

“Replace me?”

“Yes. You think you’re so perfect. I’ve seen the way you parade around town like you’re untouchable. But I’m better than you. I will show the whole world that, I will.”

Madeline nodded slightly, trying not to just laugh. Was this really happening? “You’re going to replace me…by becoming me? It seems you’re trying awfully hard to mimic many of the things that I already do.”

“I will be a better version of you. Everyone will see it, I’ll make them see it.” Her voice was growing more and more frantic and she looked over at the two bodyguards who were in the room with Madeline. “You see it don’t you? I’m prettier than her and smarter than her and I can do anything she can do but better!”

She wanted them to agree with her, and when they didn't, she started to struggle against the restraints that bound her to her chair. It seemed like she wanted to lunge at Madeline right then and there. Her bodyguards stepped forward, but Madeline waved them off.

“Oh, sweetheart. You really do just need help, don’t you? You must have such a sad little life if you feel the need to obsess over me so much. I think I know just what to do with you.”

Going to the door, she called Nikolas in, grinning from ear to ear. The other woman glared at her as if trying to kill her with a look. Madeline truly found the entire situation amusing; in fact, it was downright flattering. Disturbing, but flattering.

Glancing between the two women, Nikolas finally settled his gaze on Madeline. “Want me to make her sleep with the fishes boss?”

“No Nikolas. Bellevue just opened a brand new psychiatric hospital downtown. This poor woman needs help. See to it she’s transferred safely down there and I’ll make some calls to ensure she gets proper treatment. We should pity her Nikolas, not fear her.”

Turning back to the younger woman, Madeline winked before disappearing out the door. She could hear the woman's panicked screams as the boys dragged her to the car to do as Madeline asked. A forced hospitalization was worse than death and Madeline would ensure the woman was locked away for a long long time.