Bounded Minds: Story Hour!

Official Vector Corp Business Meeting! ​

The voice from hell was the last thing Goldie wanted to hear, but escaping a meeting was never an option.

Stepping further into the warehouse, dust particles floated lazily in the air and a musty smell overwhelmed her senses. Of course that woman would choose a meeting place that hobos would call home.

Goldie rolled her eyes.

So...highly unprofessional.

Her heeled boots clicked on the concrete as she turned the corner towards an old office room. The only light came through the windows that were covered in dust and grime. Still it was enough to shine a spotlight on the wooden desk the Supervisor sat on, swinging her legs back and forth. Their gaze met and Trisha beamed her wide smile.

"Goood Mooorning, Courtney Twaddle!" she chirped. "Lovely to see you."

Goldie cringed as she took a seat on one of the metal chairs against the wall. That name sounded ten times worse said by her, and it was just the two of them...damn.

"Hello, Ms. Sparkles. Same to you." Goldie said between gritted teeth. "Will the other employees be arriving soon?"

"Certainly." Trisha said. "But in the meantime, let's have a girl talk! It's been way too long!"

Goldie clenched her hands into fists on her lap. "Really? We talked last week during our day out with Ms. Applegate."

"Oh, yes! That was sooo much fun, wasn't it?" Trisha said, hopping off the desk. "Sooo much fun!"

Goldie pursed her lips as her grey eyes lingered to the doorway every few seconds. Her patience was already growing thin. Where was that Mexican bastard when she needed him?

"Yeah." Came her curt reply. "I loved getting our nails done, but...wouldn't it be wise to contact the others? They're gonna be late."

Trisha's laugh echoed on the thin walls as she swatted her hand in Goldie's face. "You worry too much, Courtney Twaddle! Enjoy the moment, the here and now!"

Goldie gripped her seat to restrain herself, her body trembling under the pressure. She wanted to break that hand, crush it into pieces.

"I'm only concerned." Goldie muttered, looking again to the door.

"You should be more concerned that your smile has gone missing." Trisha said. "Haven't you memorized the handbook like Mr. Rivera?"

Goldie took in a sharp breath as she raised to her feet. If someone didn't walk through that door in 5 seconds...

"Yeah of course I know the handbook."

Trisha grinned. "Wonderful! Then say it with me!"

Goldie went to protest but Trisha's arm was already around her shoulder. They swayed back and forth along to the syllables of the words. "We at Vector Corp value friendly service with a smile!"

Damn you, Silas.

Goldie cleared her throat. "Not to cut our conversation short, Ms. Sparkles. But what's this meeting about? Seeing that we're the only ones here, I believe we should get to the point."

The silence settled around them like the dust in the room. Trisha blinked, then blinked again and cocked her head to the side. "What did you say, Courtney Twaddle?"

Goldie swallowed hard beneath the stoic stare. A rush of anger went through her, but she could do nothing but fall back into her seat with a hard thud. "I didn't say anything."

"Good!" Trisha's glistening smile reappeared. "Ahh, look who's here!"

Garrison let out a burp as he walked into the warehouse. “Sup Goldie.” He greeted taking a swig of his flask. “Boss.” He tilted his head to Trisha.

Unlike Trisha and Goldie he was not dressed for business instead the man was in a white wife beaters, slippers, shorts and his purple bathrobe hanging just at the back of his knees and his eyes puffy as he blinked crust out of them.

Following close behind were Amy and Silas both dressed in their usual professional clothing. Both of them and Goldie staring unblinking at Garrison.

"Why..." Goldie muttered. Why a bathrobe...of all articles of clothing? Well, he fit right in with this unsanitary environment. Shaking her head, she snapped out of her thoughts and opened her mouth to speak. Trisha though had already beaten her, sliding into her way.

"Garrison! So happy you could make it!" Trisha exclaimed, but her attention soon shifted from the man.

"AMY!" She bounced over to give her a rough hug. "How is my BFF, today?"

"Oh, sorry about the outfit." Garrison said. "My suit is being cleaned and all." He gave a friendly grin as he continued. "No problem Boss once Silas told me one of your guy's got fired, I asked for a transfer to this branch."

"I didn't say fired, amigo." Silas spoke up. "I said a bullet was fired through his head."

"Oh." Garrison blinked. "Oh shit."

Meanwhile Amy frowned as Trisha was nearly crushing her. "Yes....good to see you too Trisha." Amy said with a sigh when Trisha set her down. "I met with Mr. Anzhën as you said. I had to catch the first plane back here though.....seeing as you said it was urgent and all."

Amy gave a loose smile. "I assume you handled the Stella situation? Should we place the younger one in foster care now?"

"No!" Trisha raised her hands into the air and dropped them dramatically. "My plan to drive Stella out of hiding didn't work...and all her friends didn't die....poo!"

Goldie grinned to herself, reclining back in her seat. Get used to it, Ms. Sparkles. That's what you deserve for doing such an unprofessional job.

"Happy now aren't you?" Silas chuckled as he sat beside her, patting her knee. "You miss me, Chica?"

"Being on time would've been nice, thanks." She grumbled and her smile faded into a frown, glaring in her boss' direction.

Amy raised an eyebrow at Trisha. "You're taking it surprisingly well." She said. "I kind of expected you to, well, get mad."

"It was disappointing, but I had too good of a night to be mad." Trisha sighed with a faraway look on her face.

Amy's eyes widened at Trisha her mouth moving to say something but all that came out was an awkward cough. "Yes." She muttered. "Anyway I assume this meeting is about your mother?"

Trisha was brought back to reality and cast a glance over all in the room. "It is. My mother will be coming here for a second meeting with Mr. Anzhën, regarding Project Icarus." She said in a solemn tone. "I expect you all to be on your best behavior in her presence."

Goldie scoffed. What did she think, that they were preschoolers?

Almost as if on cue Garrison raised his hand.

"Yes, what is it Garrison?" Trisha brightened and nodded towards him.

"Well I just kinda gotta ask." He said. "I know what were talking about is like morally gray and big business ....but don't you think its a bit cliched to be doing it in a creepy old warehouse? Couldn't we of just had a teleconference?"

"Great question!" Trisha exclaimed, pointing a finger at him. "But answer me this, Garrison. Does a teleconference make you feel the same way as being in a creepy old warehouse?"

Garrison shook his head. "No." He replied. "But it would of saved a lot of leg work getting here."

"Where did you transfer from again?" Amy asked, tilting her head.

"Sales." He replied with a yawn.

Amy looked around, confusion clear on her face. "Why does someone from sales know about this and is working with us?" She asked pressing her hand against her face.

"Hey don't you know anything about salesmen, Apples?" Silas called. "He's a great candidate for the señorita to have on board."

"Yeah, I've heard lots of amazing sales cons." Goldie said, though she doubted the bedhead had that much up his sleeves. "Could you remind me your area of expertise?" she asked Garrison.

"Housewares." Garrison replied nodding as he unscrewed his flask. "I work in housewares."

"Housewares?" Goldie and Amy asked at the same time.

"Yeah, ya know?" He went on. "Pots, pans, cloths, toasters, bowls and pretty much any sorts of that stuff. I've been a manager at Stop N Shop for two years."

Goldie choked, coughing slightly at hearing the news. Stop N Shop....seriously?! She hated that store even though Vector owned it. Clarification, that is why she hated it.

Her gaze flicked over to Trisha who was grinning madly. Transferring a hardwares salesman? Letting him wear a bathrobe to work? Displaying such bad etiquette in front of them? Goldie could only hope they were not getting the same paycheck.

"Isn't Stop N Shop wonderful?" Trisha said and clapped her hands. "I just love your business intuition, Garrison!"

Intuition? What the hell.

"Excuse me." Goldie spoke up. "Is there anything else important that must be said? I've got a to-do list to meet."

Trisha stared at Goldie for a long uncomfortable second before turning again to the others. "Well, does anyone have any other questions?"

"Actually, Ms Sparkles." Goldie stood from her seat and took a step forward. "I would like to make a request. Seeing that your mother will be coming and you'll be handling Project Icarus, could I...take control of the Stella situation? It would be only fair since the attempts of Amy, Silas, Eugene, and not to be rude..." She smiled. "You as well, have...failed. I would be pleased to ease your burden, if you would allow me the chance."

"Hmm..." Trisha mumbled in thought. She tapped her chin and raised her head to the ceiling as if her answer was written there. Finally, she fixed her gaze on Goldie once again. "Yes! Courtney Twaddle that is an excellent idea!"

Score! Goldie wanted to fist pump the musky air, but that would be unprofessional. Instead, she kept up her rare smile.

"Thank y---"

"Oh and Garrison will be your partner!" Trisha interrupted. "I think you two will work well together."

The short lived smile dropped from her lips. No way was she gonna let some Mr. Stop N Shop keep her from the task at hand. Still, she'd accept of course. If she could tolerate Silas and his lame jokes, this guy couldn't be worse...right?

"I appreciate your consent, Ms. Sparkles." Goldie said in an authoritative tone. "And I will get the job done."

 

The group disbanded from the hideout.

Cole going to look for the others and Tina and Max going to check with their parents.

Gaius stayed to keep watchful eye on Stella so Cole could handle other affairs.

---

Nick's eyes flicked open, and were met immediately by the blinded lights of the hospital ceiling. He had hoped when he got shot that it was all a dream, but this confirmed it. Someone shot him in the leg. Again. And one of his parents was likely killed in a fire. He clung to hope though. Unlike with his mother, he hadn't seen the warehouse collapse.
Once again, he felt helpless as he lay there with his leg in a cast. This time, there would be no Peter coming tocheckon him.

"We're gonna get them back, Peter. For you, for my mom, and even for your friend Heleigh." He said, hoping his other friends were ok. He figured Trish probably wouldn't have only gone after him.

As if it was like history repeating footsteps drew closer and closer to Nick’s room.

Nurse?

Doctor?

Cop?

The door opened slowly and there stood Mr. Cool himself.

Cole, except he hardly looked cool. His mouth quirked to the side as his eyes met Nick's.

His shoulders slanted and his face bloodless as he wiped visible sweat from his forehead.

“Sup homie.” He greeted with a relieved sigh.

Nick sighed as he whispered "Oh no."

History really did seem to be repeating itself. Next a man was going to walk in and tell them to kill Tina.

"Hey Cole..." Nick said "Uh, last time someone visited me in the hospital, it didn't end well...." He said, nervous someone else would walk in real soon...

Cole blinked and poked his out the door. "I don't see anyone suspicious." He said coming back into the room. "I been all over town trying to find out what happened to you and the others. I'm glad you're safe." He said forcing a smile.

Nick hardly considered himself "safe." Here he was again, crippled, with mercenaries from a corrupt corporation after him.

"How is everyone? What happened exactly?" Nick asked. It was obvious that Vector went after the rest of them too. "Is Kubi OK? Tina? Joe?"

"Joe is in this hospital." He replied. "Max saved Kubi and I saved Tina. Trisha was trying to kill us all I think....or get to Stella." Cole gritted his teeth. "Bitch." He muttered.

Nick smiled, glad to hear nobody else was killed. He was not surprised in the slightest that Trish attacked again. "Yeah, Cole. Trish has a tendency to try and kill people." Nick said, thinking back to last night "Any news on my father?" He asked, hoping for good news.

"I was looking for you, Leon and Joe all night." Cole replied taking a seat by the bed. "I checked your places and found nothing so I searched till I came here and your dad is fine. Lady at the desk said he was here to."

Nick smiled. It was all good. Everyone was ok.

"It's pretty sad that a rich company with mercenaries and shit couldn't even kill a few high school students." He said, happily mocking the company that was making his life hell. He then sighed, though, sadly "All the fires...getting shot twice....eventually I'll have to explain this to my dad." Nick said, then staring off at the wall "Maybe not, though. He doesn't seem to care about anything ever since mom died..." Nick didn't want to be the depressed guy who was always bringing everyone down, but after all that was happening, he needed to vent.

Cole chuckled. "Yeah....sad but I still wouldn't start taking this lightly." He said. "They are still a lot more dangerous then most of us."

He frowned as he looked at Nick's leg. "Sorry about your dad. Maybe he just needs time?"

"Yeah..." Nick said, pausing for a moment as he waited for someone to walk in at any minute. Then looking over at the door, anticipating for it to open. He knew he would remember all that had happened for the rest of his life, having flashbacks and fighting to keep what sanity he had left.

"Cole, do you think we can win this? Like...beat Vector?"

Cole's eyes shifted away from Nick for a moment.

Could they?

Could they win this....or at least survive.

.......No

In fact they all should of been dead by now in truth but then again they'd all defied truth on multiple occasions......soooo

"Of course we can homie!! WE ARE SUPA COOOOOL!!!" He exclaimed. "All The Web gotta do is help Stella get that information circulating on Vector out in the open and it might not kill them but it should at least cripple them....right?"

"Fuck yeah dude." Nick said, glancing over at the door, then looking back at Cole "But when it comes to taking down that bitch, Trish, leave it to me. I'm pretty sure I have the biggest grudge against her than anyone else." Nick said, then looked over at the door again.

"You know, the last time I got shot and ended up in the hospital, this Vector guy walked in and told me to kill Tina and Joe. So....yeah, that's why I keep looking over at that door." Nick said. Oh god, the last time he got shot? This was becoming a recurring thing with him.

"Well this time." Cole said standing up. "Nobody seems to be coming." He gave one last friendly grin. "I'm gonna go see Joe, that cool?"

"Yeah, that's all good. See ya man." Nick said, grabbing the remote, which was on a table next to him and flipping channels.

 

Hopefully Joe had gotten it easier then Nick or at least not any worse.
Cole continued on down the hall towards his next destination. Would they be in the hospital long? He didn’t know but Nick had got him thinking.

He bit his lower lip picking up speed.

What if someone from Vector did come here or hell what if they blew up the hospital and blamed someone else.

Cole’s shoulder sagged once again as he reached the door and flung it open…..to find.

Inside I was lying in bed reading a mystery novel, my chest was wrapped up in bandages. Leon was sitting in there asleep on a chair next to my bed, his hands were wrapped in bandages. I looked up at Cole. "Hello, need something?" I asked.

"Not all bro." Cole said happily. "Just glad to see your, well ya know? Alive and all. With all the chaos last night I was looking for you and Leon." He frowned. "Was it, um bad?" He muttered

I waved him off. "It was nothing, just a little trip to the woods, Leon rescued some guy from a fire." I said nonchalantly.

"A trip to the woods?" Cole asked raising an eyebrow as he turned his attention to Leon and a smile lit up on his face. "At the tire place right?"

"Yes, just a trip to the woods, and yes at the tire place, any other questions, or are you just here to annoy me?" I asked, allowing an edge of hostility into my voice.

Cole frowned.

Jesus, what did they do to him? "I...I was just checking if you were alright bro." Cole replied holding up his hand but quickly perked back up to Leon the good news. "The man he saved was Nick's dad and Nick is alive as well so are the others."

"I see, I'll let him know, now will you please leave already?" I asked.

"You sure?" Cole asked with a sigh. "I'm your friend dawg ya know we can talk if you got any issues or need help."

"I'm sure, and we're not friends, you're just some fool that I was stuck with in this crazy case, don't mistake friendship for necessity." I said coldly.

"Oh...." Cole said putting his head down and walking out the door.

Not a friends huh?

Jeez....that wasn't cool, they should try and stick together. Then again yesterday was ruff maybe he'd cheer up later.

Leon opened his eyes as the door shut, he had been feigning sleep for a while now, he wanted to do that to have the element of surprise if someone came in and tried to finish the job, he got up and stretched. "I'm going to use the bathroom." He said, I merely grunted in response and Leon left the room and went after Cole. "Hey, can we talk in private?" He asked.

Cole blinked.

He hadn't expected Leon to wake up. "Yes of course." He said a smile coming to his face naturally as the two walked further down the hall.

"I hope that you don't take offense to my brother's words... he's... just been like that since Joshua died, he's been pushing away everyone as best as he can, he's really a good guy... I think that in some way he uses that rude behavior to protect people." He said as he walked next to him.

"I see." Cole said as he ran his hand through his hair. "If you um don't mind me asking." He hummed. "Who is um Joshua?"

"He was Joe's boyfriend, his first love, he died four years ago... Joe blames himself for his death." He said sighing. "After he died... it was like I lost my brother." He said quietly.

Four Years Ago

I was sitting at my desk reading a couple of files, I was looking at a couple of files, inside were crime scene photos, photos of the evidence, and an autopsy report of the victim. "Hm... several stab wounds... some were created post mortem... that means that the murderer really hated the victim." I mumbled, I looked up when I heard some knocking at the door. "Come in." I called out, Joshua walked into the room. "Happy anniversary~" He said smiling cheerfully, I looked at him confused. "Anniversary...?" I asked, he frowned. "Don't tell me you forgot..." He said, I broke out into a wide grin. "Haha! You should've seen your face!" I said, he walked up to me and smacked me over the head. "Idiot!" He said, he put me into a head lock and began to roughly began ruffle my hair. "Heeeeey! Leeeeoooon! Heeeeelp!" I called out. "He's out~ No help for you!" He said grinning, he let me go laughing and I began to fix my hair. "Rude!" I said sticking my tongue out.

As I did, he looked at the file. "Hey, where'd ya get this?" He asked, I quickly shut it. "I have my resources and you have your own." I said simply. "You better not be blowing me off for some case." He said, I waved my hand dismissively. "It can wait one day, I already have my feeling about the whydunnit, the howdunnit, and the whodunnit~" I said smiling. "Compare notes tomorrow?" He asked. "Maaaaaybe~" I said teasingly. "But today, it's just us having fun, no work!" I said, I grabbed his hand smiling. "C'mon!" I said. "Whoa, hey, hey!" Joshua said as I dragged him out of the house.

Throughout the day we walked around Chicago, going to our usual hangouts. Eventually we had a nice dinner at a really nice restaurant and eventually ended up at a nearby park at night. "We should probably get home soon..." I said. "Ah, one minute." He said, he had been looking at his watch every few minutes. "Just one... more... minute." He mumbled, he looked up at the sky and grinned as an explosion rang through the air, I looked up at the sky, there was a shower of blue sparks... then another explosion and then green, and then another and another all different colors. "You set this up?" I asked smiling, he nodded smiling, I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him, then released him from my tight embrace. "Of course... um... Joe... I have a question..." He said, he blushed as he reached into his pocket...

"OI!" A man called out, we both turned toward the source of the voice. A man was standing there holding a gun. "I-It's him." I thought as the fireworks illuminated the man's face, it was the man that I had suspected of committing murder... I had talked to him just the other day... he must have realized that I suspected him, he did it... he killed him... and now... he was going to kill us, he aimed his gun at me, my eyes widened and then I shut my eyes tightly as I heard the gunshot ring out... but... I didn't feel any pain... did I... did I die...? I opened my eyes... and saw that Joshua... on the ground... blood was pouring from his chest... "Jo...sh...ua...?!" I fell to my knees and grabbed him, I began to shake him. "Joshua! Joshua please wake up! JOSHUA!!! WAKE UP!!!" I shouted at the top of my lungs as I shook the still warm body in front of me... he had shot him right through the heart... killing him instantly.

I barely registered the gentle click of the man's gun as he pulled back the hammer again. "Shut up brat!" The man yelled, I looked up at the man, tears were flowing down my cheeks. "No... NO!" I shouted, the man's gun rang out once more... I felt a horrible burning pain in my chest... I fell back... I stared blankly at the sky. "This is how I die...?" I wondered, I registered the man's footsteps coming closer... he wanted to make sure I'd die... I looked at the man as he aimed his gun at my head. "Just couldn't keep your nose out of it, couldn't you ya little shit?" He asked, I managed to glare at him. "Go... to... hell..." I choked out, I coughed up blood, he squeezed his trigger... but then fell forward as another shot rang out... I saw a hole appear in the man's head and grunted in pain as he fell on top of me, with that I passed out.​

Present

Leon sighed deeply as he finished the story. "...A police officer showed up at the very last minute and saved him, it turned out that one of the guys that Joshua had paid to set up the fireworks told the guy when he'd be setting them up. He probably was just going to kill off Joshua since he was investigating the case as well, he probably assumed that it was some girl that he was with and was just going to kill her too, to him it was lucky that Joe had been with Joshua... after that Joe withdrew from everyone, he grew so cold... it was like he died too." He said quietly, he looked at Cole. "...They dug him up ya know, Joshua I mean... they brought him here, tombstone, coffin, and all... and they buried Joe with him, he barely got out, if I hadn't been there then it was likely that he would have died... when he was being buried... I felt so useless... I couldn't just go in and beat them all, I would have died... I had to watch as it happened... I didn't even have anything to dig him up with, only my bare hands." He said, Leon took a shuddering sigh and wiped away a few tears.

Cole swallowed as he placed an arm on Leon's shoulder and oddly enough Mr.Cool's eyes were getting watery as well.

Good God

Did any of his new allies have an easy life? Well nobody had an easy life but still.....they'd all suffered so much, more then anyone should.

"Hey man the important part is you saved him." Cole muttered. "Right?"

"Right... it's just that... Cole... please don't take anything that he says to heart... and if anything happens to me... please, take care of him, he's the most important person in the world to me." He said.

"You got it!" Cole said saluting.

They'd given him and Stella all they had the least he could do was return the favor. "I'll protect you two with my life if it comes down to it. Cause that's what coo-No that's not what cool guys do its what friends do."

Cole leaned in close.

"Anyway don't stay here to long you never know where Vector might be listening." He whispered. "Nick told me they've come here before so stay sharp."

He nodded as he began to back up. "We have to survive this. See you soon bro."​

Leon smiled at the reassurance. "Thanks Cole, we'll do our best too... and don't worry, we'll be out by this afternoon, Joe never likes to stay in the hospital when there's a case, he can be really stubborn that way." He said smiling, whispering the last part, then he went back to my room.

I glanced up from a new novel, I had already figured out the other novel's solution, so I merely tossed it aside. "That was a long bathroom break." I said. "I got lost." He said chuckling nervously. "I went into a lot of rooms before I finally found this one... the things I saw... the things I saw." He said shuddering, I merely smiled at that. "Don't let it happen again." I said, figuring that what he was telling me was bullshit, he saluted me. "Yes sir." He said jokingly, he went back to his position by my bed and feigned sleep once more.

 

Max hadn't moved from his chair beside Kubi since he'd brought her home. He sat watching her through the night as if afraid Rick might rise from the dead and attack her again. It was exhaustion that finally ended his night vigil as he fell asleep, his head laying by her arm, remaining there till morning.

She awoke with a startled gasp she looked around frantically only calming when her eyes fell on Max. She relaxed, then reached out and gently stroked his hair.

Max lifted his head, a look of gratefulness crossing his face upon seeing Kubi's open eyes. "Hey." He said rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "How are you doing?"

“I’m...not sure. It’s over but...I still see him.” She grips his hand. “If you stay with me though, I think I’ll be okay.” She adds with a small smile.

"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere." He replied, brushing the hair out of her face. "Hold on. I have something that might cheer you up." He stood up with a cheerful smile on his face and left the room. He returned with a piece of paper in his hand.

"I was going to tell you this, but then the thing with Tina and Jonas happened." He handed Kubi a flyer about a Circus back in Massachusetts.

Her dull stare brightens slightly at the familiar colours of a circus. It’s covered in english, her brow knits as she tries to read it. She can’t really translate, but whatever it was saying it seem to lift the darkness from around her. “What is it?” She asks suddenly curious.

"Its a Alora's Circus in Massachusetts." He explained. Not too far from where we live actually. They've got performers, exotic animals, clowns, magicians and even trapeze artists. My friend's Uncle happens to own it. So I checked into it. Come to find out they are going to be hiring soon for the upcoming summer shows. I got you an interview, if you want it."

“You what!” She yells in true disbelief jumping to her feet. Her eyes wide as a dinner plate and all sickness leaves her skin. “Is this...am I dreaming?”

Max laughed cheerfully. "No, you're not dreaming. After you showed me and Tina that stunt with the swords, I thought you'd be perfect. You're really talented. That and you said something about it being your dream, so..." He shrugged. "I thought it would be cool to help you get your dream."

Max had to cover his ears as Kubi began to scream like a panicked school girl. Jumping up and down flapping her arms as if attempting to fly. Not that she needed to because right now she felt on top of the world! She stopped to look at the flyer, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” And then another squeal. Poor Max was soon assaulted with a crushing hug.

Wow. This must mean more to her than I thought.

Max smiled as he returned her hug. It lifted his spirits to see her so happy. He didn't realize how much it would mean to him to see her smile again. "So, you'll remember me when you're famous, right?" He teased.

She’s in tears now, tear of joy beyond measure. “I’m so overwhelmed, of course of course I’ll remember you! Oh, Oh my gosh Max you are the greatest person ever! I could kiss you.”

And without thinking she did, and the instant she did her mind was brought back from it’s insane high and she reeled. Her cheek flushed red and embarrassed she looks to her left avoiding his gaze.

“I sorry, that-that was on accident I, I.” She’s stuttering now her tongue tied her heart doing jumping jacks in her chest. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to do that, I know you don’t see me that way.” She manages to say through the storms of emotion consuming her. Joy, excitement, love now burning bright and a hint, of sadness.

Instead of pushing away, Max suddenly put a hand behind her head and leaned in, kissing her. It lasted several seconds and when he finally pulled away his cheeks were a rosy red and an embarrassed smile was on his face. "I didn't before, but things changed." He took a deep breath. "I really like you Kubi. I didn’t realize it before but...when Trisha sent you away...and I found you, I realized how much you mean to me and how I always want to protect you. I used to think of you as Tina's cute little friend, but not any more. You're a strong and amazing woman. I've never met anyone like you and...and I want to get to know you better that way." He took Kubi's hands in his own, holding them tightly. "Kubi, would you date me?"

That look of absolute joy. She had no words to describe her glee. So happy, so elated. She felt light headed and staggered a little. All she could manage to respond with was a breathless. “Yes.” Another hug, and tears of happiness.

 

Moving Along

The day passed along in peace for those who had been tormented by Vector the last months. Everyone either rested or recovered. Cole simply returned back to keeping Stella hidden along with Gaius.

Though how long would this peace last?

It was only a matter of time before Trisha came back and finally killed them. She’d already done enough mental damage that wouldn't be going away anytime soon.

---

Oooooh what’s that?

Cole’s eyes snapped open as the smell of eggs scrambled reached his nose. His stomach roared as he swung his legs out of bed.

He’d gone to bed hungry and this certainly wasn't helping that.

His footsteps were heavy as he made his way into the next room and his eyes widened at the cook. He’d figured Stella had been the source of the delicious smells.

But nope it was Gaius of all people.

“Be done soon.” Gaius muttered over the sizzling pan without turning around.

Who knew the guy could cook? Well not much of a surprise he guessed. The man was far from an average criminal.

Not that average criminals couldn’t cook but they were hardly ever nice enough to cook for other…..that and an average criminal didn’t use a helicopter to wipe out rivals.

Cole couldn’t help but smirk as he turned his head to the one girl this had all started with as she flipped through the TV.

“Gooooooood MORNING!” He exclaimed hopping over the couch and crashing down beside her.

The remote fell from Stella's fingertips as she laughed in surprise.

"Yes, good mornin'! Good mornin'! Sun beams will soon smile through." She sang the tune from her favorite musical, scooting nearer to him. "Good mornin', good mornin', to you and you and you and you!"

Cole’s teeth showed as he rocked her hand to her singing.

She always had such a nice voice.

He raised an eyebrow.

After this mess was over maybe they could start a business selling alarm clocks where Stella was the wake up sound?

"Do you like clocks?" He asked.

"Yeah, sure I like clocks." Stella said, followed by another bubbly laugh. "Can't tell time without one. Why?"

"Your voice is a nice thing to wake up to." He replied. "So you'd make a great alarm."

"Awww, thanks!" Stella beamed and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. "How are you this lovely morning?" Picking up the remote again, she changed the channel that displayed the local news.

Cole sighed as he gave a loose smile. "More importantly." He said. "How are you?"

"Great!" Stella replied in a cheery voice, keeping her gaze on the TV.

Cole frowned and suddenly Stella felt his arm over her shoulder. "Its alright." He said returning the kiss she gave him in the same spot. "At least everyone is okay, right?"

"How can I know?" Stella muttered as she leaned into him. "Sure, our friends are safe, but we still don't have Roxy." For a moment, she paused and only sounds of cartoons played.

"I wish I could do more."

"We all wish we could do more Stell Bell." He replied pulling her in close. "But best we can do for now is still keep you hidden. I mean if you weren't, it would be like having a big bullseye on your back."

He leaned back. "Don't worry. Me and The Web will get Roxy back and keep the others safe!!!" He exclaimed shooting up from his seat. "Cause the power of cool crushes all other powers!"

Stella crossed her arms and blew her bangs out of her eyes. "You have no idea how I really feel, do you Cole?" she said quietly. "I can't do anything."

Cole frowned as he lowered his arms.

Gah!

Stupid, stupid, stupid ....damn. He should of been more careful with his words.

But he couldn't argue with her.

"Nope." He admitted. "Not a clue how you feel. You've been through a lot more than I ever will probably." He sat down beside her again. "But I try to...to understand." He frowned. "And why would you say something like that about yourself?"

"I'm sorry. It's just...I'm still not used to this; not being able to do lots of things." Stella swallowed hard, laying her hand in his. "I haven't been on the stage in months and I don't get to hang out with anyone but you...not saying that's bad." She managed a smile.

"But I miss being active and involved. I want to go places, I want to talk to people, I want to be a friend, I want to help, I want to do things without having to worry all the time...about everyone." Her voice cracked as she squeezed his hand tight. "And I just want life to be fun again. Remember when it was fun?"

Boy......

She had a point there, it had been awhile since they'd actually done anything else besides hide and fight.

That was not a fun life but what were they supposed to do? Stop hiding and die or keep hiding and live in fear?

Which did she want?

Which one was right?

They could always fight but that would only cause more suffering and not to mention that Vector could probably kill Roxy anytime they wanted.

His eyes shifted back and forth. “I’m not really sure what to say.” He nodded. “But you’re too well, you. To be caged up like this.” He sighed. "But it is dangerous....I....I don't know what you want me to say....."

"I don't know either, Cole." Stella said and put her arm around him in a hug. "But I do know I'm going to have fun again...sometime soon. They can't stop me."

Hmmm

She looked so sa-

That’s it!

Maybe that would cheer her up a little. Cole gave her a small kiss on the forehead and forced a smile. “I’ll be right back.” He said walking over to the door and slipping on his shoes.

“I’ll bring that smile back by the end of the day!” He said opening the door.

"Well, don't be gone long or your eggs will get eaten." Stella called over her shoulder. "And be careful, please!"

 

“Mr. Wolf Anzhën.” Doreen said as she took a drag from her cigarette and crossed her legs.
She was an older woman at least in her mid-fifties.

Slender features with silky dark hair that matched her almost soulless eyes and black business suit.

“I do love a driven man.” She said with little emotion as she puffed again. “What can you tell me about Icarus so far?" She asked

Without changing his expression, Wolfger studied the woman and thought to himself.

This woman knows how to talk.... Until now he had been sending some trusted people for meetings with Vector regarding the "Icarus" and himself had showed only a few times just to be greet by people like Amy, Trisha and others, although the exchanges had been going smoothly neither of both had left a good impression on Wolfger, however Doreen felt different, like more suited for these meetings.

The man smiled and said "It's Wolfger, but I don't mind, your daughter commited the same mistake the first time we met." stated with a deep voice with no trace of emotions.

"The Icarus had been completed a few weeks ago..." stated abruptly. "We only need the aprobation of the funders to begin with the tests"

"I'm sure that secretary or my idiot daughter have asked you this before." She said closing her eyes. "But allow me to ask it as well. Can you guarantee Icarus will turn a big enough profit with the military and...." Her eyes flickered. "Others?"

The man's eyes maintained it's stance against the woman's eyes. "As you naturally know, weapons had a big advantage in business, because they mean power and people fear power. I can safely claim that until now there is not deadliest weapon than our Icarus. The profit is sure, now, whoever will receive the direct benefit it depends on how well do your group manage the flows of information and money, but I'm sure you won't dissapoint us right?" asked with not a bit of threat yet still threatening. His words could be simply translated...

If your net screws up with this, the relationship will be severed.

"Hardly." Doreen replied crush her cigarette into the ashtray. "And you've yet to disappoint Mr. Anzhën and from our past business ventures it is in my better judgment to believe what you say."

Doreen smiled slightly. "But as of late my daughter's foolishness and outside forces from rivals have made me rather tense as of late."

Wolfger smiled also... "You mean your troubles with those meddling kids and that stupid Cockroach?. We are well aware and frankly that little detail is meaningful enough for other groups to put in doubt your capability to maneuver situations"

Doreen gritted her teeth. "I built this company into what is today after my husband's death." She muttered. "And I will not have its name ruined among my peers because of my daughter's inability to handle simple situations."

She sighed. "The issue was simple and so was how to solve it but instead she makes a big game out of the entire thing. Then there is that fool Laplace who is trying to make moves against my corporation and trying to ruin me every chance he takes."

"And your trusted daughter is clearly offering weak spots to other groups." stated Wolfger.
It wasn't as if he cared about what happened to Vector, however Doreen was offering them the best deal regarding Icarus and also had been the most stable partnership since a while. Those are details that have meaning in the world of business.

"We really don't want to see you in a hard situation though. I'm already devicing a maneuver to deal with your issues, it may even destabilize that other group that is messing there" stated Wolfger as he pulled a folder with several documents inside and showed it to Doreen

Doreen's eyes widened for a brief moment as she read the contents inside. "I see." She shook her head. "I can assure you I have not been working to sabotage your company in anyway.....do I have a mole somewhere or is this someone else attempting to frame me and ruin you?"

"At the contrary" replied Wolfger, "Nothing is going on... this is a document manufacturated by us with no real meaning more than a simple joke. What would happen if a fool kid were to stumble upon this though?" asked the man smiling.

"It depends." Doreen replied. "When Stella found the information to our company she went to the press but we managed to stop her but even now she is attempting to spread the word around." Doreen leaned back. "But I figure most fool children would simply disregard it....no?" She blinked. "But which child are we speaking of?"

"Wilhelm Dietrich, I suppose you know him. His viewpoint regarding Vector's business had always been negative, In short he's just been waiting for an excuse to trouble your group, that's what will be forced now.... however the mean in true is to trouble or outright eliminate that small problem. Wilhelm is in partnership with the meddling kids for whatever reason a kid would only think"

Doreen's eyes flashed. "I see and you say you're making movements to solve these problems?"

"They're already on. You could say that to predict people's behaviours is a supernatural gift on me" stated the man confident.
"So... is this meeting adjourned or is there another matter to discuss?" asked

"No." Doreen replied. "If you handle the problem before my daughter does then I can assure you of my funding."

"You're wrong" replied Wolfger. "I'm giving you a hand for the sake of the relationship, yet even if the problem can't be solved easily we'll still require your collaboration"

"Then I'll be on my way, I hope that this is not the only and last meeting I have with you. Your group had never failed me and we haven't failed you and I want things to go on like that" said Wolfger before leaving the room.

Doreen frowned but quickly perked up into the same unhinged smile her daughter had. "Hahahhahahah!" She busted out. "You're a smart one, very well you have a deal. It will not effect the funding." Her smile faded. "I do love a driven man."

 

The Leone's were alive. One fear put to ease only to be replaced by another just as scary. The question now wasn't "if" they were killed, but rather "when." Tina sighed as she sat on a branch in a tree outside the house, keeping guard.
Will I be able to protect them next time Trisha targets them? Did I just doom them by not doing what she ordered?

Grass crunched and crunched as footsteps neared Tina from her backside and soon enough a man appeared under her tangling feet, black bowler hat atop his head and a cheap suit tomatch.

His long brown hair was visible under the hat as it hung down. His hands shoved into his pockets as he looked up at Tina, his bloodshot hazel eyes meeting hers.

He didn't smile or glare.....just simply stared.

"Who are you?" She asked, prepping to attack at the slightest hint of a threat. "If you're here for the Leone's, you'll die before you get close."

"The who?" He asked. "The name is Garrison and I'm here to stare at you ominously."

"Huh?" Tina's expression was a glare mixed with confusion. "What do you want? Other than to stare at me?"

"Well do you have any wine or something in your house?" Garrison asked.

"Why? Are you a drunk bum or something?" Tina scoffed.

"Hey brat!" He snapped. "You're looking at the manager of a Shop N Stop.....well was until I was promoted." He yawned. "But yeah a drink would be nice."

"Why do I care if you used to be a manager of some store? You're not getting a drink here, so go away." Why do the crazies always come after me?

"Please." Garrison said putting down his head. "I'd totally kill for just a nice sip of whisky or something."

Tina felt a shiver go down her spine from his tone. She pulled her feet onto the branch, balancing carefully. "No. Now go away, before I call the cops."

Garrison's head snapped back up his eyes studying her. "You do know that's dangerous right?" He asked as he leaned against the tree.

"Heck, everything in my life is freaking dangerous right now." Tina scoffed bitterly. "Cops dragging away some drunk bum sure aren't going to make it worse than it already is."

"Don't be stupid." Garrison shook his head. "I didn't mean cops dragging me away. I mean walking around on the tree like that." He snorted. "Get down before you break your neck."

Tina raised an eyebrow as she tightened her grip on a nearby branch. She was becoming more annoyed by the second. Why was this guy bothering her? Didn't he have better things to do now that he knew she wasn't going to give him a drink. "I'm perfectly fine up here, thanks mom." She mocked. "Don't you have something better to do than annoy me?"

"Well if you must know I work for the Vector Corporation." He coughed. "But!" He shouted suddenly. "I'm trying to make sure you don't get hurt and I'm not your mother. I'm simply a concerned adult."

The moment she heard the word Vector her free hand slid into her pocket for the small handgun. "Like hell you are." She hissed, barely managing to restrain herself from shooting him right there. "Vector doesn't care about people. They're murderers and sociopaths. All of you should rot in a pit for the things you've done and put us through."

"Actually some very lovely people work in that company." He replied his eyes narrowing at her gun. "You and your friends just happen to be dealing with company corruption. To be honest who ever dragged you guys into this is a dick."

Garrison huffed and his face paled. "Is it really all that smart of a little girl to carry a gun and walk around on top of a tree with it? I ain't gonna like kill anyone with rockets or a super ray gun. Who do I look like a James Bond villain?"

"First off, I'm not a little girl..." She growled. "Second, anything's possible with you Vector devils. So, if you're not here to cause more problems then what are you here for? Don't tell me you saw me sitting in a tree and decided to randomly talk to me."

"Good point." Garrison clasped he pointed a finger at her. "You aren't a little girl so you should know better then to talk back to your elders, play with guns and get bums a drink!" His eyes locked with hers. "But you're correct on me being here also. I came to announce a truce with you.....a treaty sort of thing with you and your friends."

Tina's guard dropped slightly. "Oh? And why would Trisha and Vector Corp be interested in a truce after everything they've done to make our lives hell?"

He shrugged. "Beats me. I'm just a delivery boy but if I had to guess its probably something to do with the fact that the fighting has gotten nobody nowhere." He looked up into the sky. "I mean as for as I know we only have one thing to deal with and this all turned into a big mess."

Garrison's gaze came back to her. "So basically. We stay out of each others way is the deal Trisha is throwing down."

Tina couldn't help but wonder if this was too good to be true. If there was some sort of catch other then that they couldn't keep trying to rescue Roxy, which was fine by her. Yeah she felt bad for the girl, but Roxy, a person she hardly knew, wasn't worth her family and friends' lives. All that mattered to her was getting back to her life without living in fear everyday. "Deal accepted on my end. I'm sure everyone but Stella will probably agree as well."

Garrison gave a sincere smile. "Well there is still the matter of Stella that needs to be settled, but Trisha decided she'd simply try to negotiate with the girl once she finds her. As for the others spread the word that all is dust in the wind now." His smile faded. "Either way I'll probably be paying visits or sending them letters.....something.....I'm kinda lazy, this job freaking bites kid."

"Yeah, well maybe it's time to find another profession. Perhaps one that doesn't support the murder of innocent kids."

Garrison opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out.

He simply straightened his tie and walked away.

 

Sniper Wolves​

The plan was already being executed, Wilhelm felt nervous, he had felt nervous before but this time was different, something ominous was going on, he told to himself to follow the logic and not his hunch, yet this one was too strong for him... however the plan was already being executed.
---------------------

The blonde guy followed by his sister desperately tried to make contact with different groups, yet curse his luck, nothing could help him. It was logical of course, no one would risk themselves to infiltrate on Vector based on a young boy's ideas, also many of them did not worry about Anzhën's group position.

Damn... I can't enter there by myself, neither I have the right men to do it... thought Wilhelm, such thoughts would be interrupted by the apparition of an unknown person.

Cold gray eyes narrowed on Wilhelm as the boy turned around to face the source of the shadow. It was a man, much older man then most other adults he’d been involved with as of late.

The man’s wrinkled face and balding head save for a few strands of white hair on the side of his face, his back was slightly hunched and a diamond ring sparkled on his middle finger but the scowl on his face was all too clear as were his yellowing teeth.

"Good evening." He said. "We need to talk."

Wilhelm on his usual arrogant tone replied "Could you on the first place give me an appropiate reason for I, Wilhelm to waste time talking to you?"

"Because." The old man coughed. "You've been involved in Vector affairs as of late no?"

"Hoh?, so it had become public knowledge?, I'm in a hurry so whatever you have to say do it quickly!" demanded the younger.

"Not public." He replied. "Simply noticeable enough that other players are getting involved. I've come on behalf of another company who are business partners with Vector Corp."

"I see, so why is that an ally of Vector comes to me, Wilhelm?" inquired the boy.

The old man grinned fully showing his teeth. "Simple." He said. "You're an enemy of Vector, correct? You've been helping the others who seek to topple them."

"Heh, you know too much" replied coldly the young man

"What is exactly that you want?" asked

"Are you deaf? I'm the old one here." The man said rolling his eyes. "I said me and my company want to help."

"I could use some help, but can you actually prove that you're indeed on my side?" demanded Wilhelm.

The old man nodded . "I'm with the Anzhen corporation. I have parts of a document which suggest Vector is attempting to frame us.....frame your father."

The boy raised an eyebrow, this caught his interest and quickly he made another demand. "Show it to me, I won't trust you until I see the real thing!" exclaimed

The man produced the document and handed it off to Wilhelm.

Wilhelm studied carefully the document and after doing it he smiled.
"I see, this could be of use... yeah I think I, Wilhelm can trust in you" He quickly read the document again as if he were confirming something and assented with his head.

"If we can steal one or two more of these incriminating documents we can make it reach Wolfger, then father will break the relationship with Vector making it more vulnerable. So... what's the plan?"

"Your friends are causing trouble for Vector which causes trouble for us." He sighed. "Your father and the rest of us would like you to handle the problem, handle your friends."

"My friends? I have no friends, just a mere partnerships due to common interests." exclaimed the younger slighty nervous.

Suddenly Wilhelm felt hot breathe on his face as the old man leaned close. "Just make your friends or whatever they are to you stop getting in the way of our business partners."

"That'll take some work that I'm not willing to do unless you give me a good reward in exchange, in other words even if we share the same interest I have to ask, what'll you do for me if I get rid of them?" asked Wilhelm

"Me? I can do nothing." He said smiling. "But your father can do much, he can do much right?"

"What do you mean?" asked

"Imagine what he'd think if his precious son helped the company." He said clapping his hands. "You'd be sure to be rewarded."

"I'm acting in secrecy, that's not needed." Is it not right?... wondered for an instant.
"Provide me with men to deal with the classmates and provide me with men to steal Vector's documents, only under that I'll listen"

The man considered this for a moment. "And if I agree with this.....you can get the job done?"

Wilhelm thought to himself for a while, it remained in silent until her coat begun to be pulled by his sister, he quickly looked at her surprised that he even forgot she was there, she mumbled.

"So.... we can get people to enter into Vector right?.... so they can rescue Roxy?"

Wilhelm fixed his glance on empty space even if it seemed as if he was observing Karla. Roxy meant nothing to him, yet Karla nailed a point with her statement, they'll gain personal enough to execute a stealth mission... that was key.
He closed his eyes and the faced the strange man while saying one simple word

"Agreed"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The plan was already in motion and Wilhelm wait nervously recalling the events of the previous night.

I just need to take them out of the guy... is not a big deal thought to himself more than once.

Each one of his classmates were separated, dealing with their own personal matter, but this distance between them was what made Wilhelm's plan easier.

Each classmate was being observed, readied on strategic locations there were several men, each one for each student, they were trained snipers who patiently waited for they target to show up.

Wilhelm on his hideout felt nervous once again, yet he quickly discarded it, he himself ordered the snipers to use tranquilizers instead of real bullets, to kill his classmates was not necessary, just put them to sleep and drove them far away, after that he could move into Vector. Still a feeling of uneasy dwelled inside him.
And unknown to him it was because the men he borrowed from the strange man had their own different orders, sure they were following Wilhelm's strategy, however they were using real bullets.

At several points of the night each one pressed the trigger with their targets in sight.

 

Tina was out jogging. Sleep didn't come easily and she found a long run before bed always seemed to help. It was a quiet night. No one was out and the crickets sung happily. She slowed to a stop at a traffic light, bending to rest her hands on her knees and catch her breath. Just as she did, she heard a crack, and felt something sharp cut through her hair.
Her instincts kicked in and dropped behind a nearby car just as another shot rang out, a bullet eating the spot where she'd just been standing. She drew the gun that she now always carried with her and took a shot at the sniper that was attacking.
She heard a loud yelp signaling she'd hit her mark. Damn Vector bas*****. I thought they said Truce! Lying devils from hell, the lot of them.
Tina didn't wait around for the sniper to decide to shoot again. She sprinted off into the night and back home, hoping they hadn't hurt her any of her family.

 

Nick was limping down the sidewalk with his crutch. His father was already back at work, being that no real damage had been done to him. Plus, he would need to work a lot of hours to keep paying for their hotel room. The only reason Nick was out was because of the doctor's orders. He was supposed to go out frequently and see how his foot was. It hurt to out pressure on it, but his injury wasn't as bad as before. His bone was not damaged too bad, and he would be off the crutches in less than a week.

By dumb luck, as Nick was walking, his crutches slipped as he heard a loud gunshot. As he fell sideways into the nearby grass, the bullet wizzed less than an inch past his face.

So there was Nick, on the ground, with little idea what was going on. All he knew was: someone had just shot at him. From where the bullet came he had no clue. Not seeing any other cover, he rolled and crawled as fast as he could behind it, not sure if the tree was in the right place to protect him. He figured, however, that the shot came from the other side of the street. The tree was between him and the road, and he prayed he wasn't about to die.

What kind of bastards were they? These Vector scum? Did they only recruit right out of the psycho wards? Nick imagined the grin on the snipers face.

 

As I walked through the streets toward my house, I kept looking for anything out of the ordinary, this whole Vectorcorp business has had me on edge. I'd been using any advantages that I could, reflections from windows, puddles, anything reflective really... that's when I saw it... light that was reflected off of a lens that had come from the fourth floor of an abandoned building's window, it had been brief, but I was sure that I had seen it... a sniper rifle's scope. "It seems that they've finally gotten serious." I thought, I took out my cell phone and put it to my ear. "Hello? ...Okay ...Nah, I can come and get it right now, it'll only take a minute ...Thanks for that, it would've been bad if I had lost it, I'll see you in a bit." I said, pausing between each sentence, to pretend that someone on the other end of the non-existent phone call, I knew that the Sniper must've seen me and was getting ready for me to get into the best spot for him to shoot... big mistake to let me have spotted him.

I turned around and went back up the path I had gone down and then once I was safely out of the sniper's field of vision, I quickly weaved through the alleyways to get to the back of the condemned building, it was the perfect spot, he could easily slip in here unseen, take me down, and then make his exit as everyone is scrambling to find the shooter or get the police, and I often took this route home because it was the shortest and quickest way to get to my street. I silently slipped through the already unlocked door and crept upstairs, doing my best to minimize the amount of noise I made, though I had often made no noise whenever I wasn't thinking about it, I had tended to sneak up on people without meaning to do it.

Soon, I had gotten to the fourth floor after a few minutes, I saw that a door was open, I visualized the building and knew that this had to be the room that the Sniper had snuck into. He probably didn't expect that anyone would come into an abandoned building. Big mistake. I crept silently into the room, the Sniper was still at the window in the dark room, likely looking for me, I silently pulled out my knife. The man was looking through his scope intently, expecting I'd be walking down the road at any second... he was so enthralled with his task, he didn't hear me... though he certainly felt the steel piercing through his back and into his heart, he let out a strangled cry and then slumped over, dead.

I hid the man's body in the closet, shut the window, disassembled the sniper rifle, and then put it inside of the briefcase that the man had brought with him. "Something good to have for a rainy day." I thought, I walked out holding the briefcase, I wasn't afraid that I had left anything behind, I had worn gloves so no fingerprints, and it's likely no one will know about the body, it'll probably be a while for anyone to notice his disappearance, they might assume that he failed and out of fear, he ran to avoid the consequences, plus, it'll take a while for anyone to notice the stench of the corpse, since we're on the fourth floor and all of the windows in the room are closed and he's inside of a closed closet, it'll help keep the smell within the building. The building was also set to be demolished soon, any evidence will just get torn apart, hell the body might not even get discovered at all...

I returned to my house with the briefcase, everyone was out, I headed to my room, made sure that the curtains were shut so then no one could see inside, and set the briefcase on my desk and went to a picture hanging on my wall, it was just a family photo, everyone was smiling, it must've been a few years ago, before I lost him... much happier times. I took the frame off of the wall and opened the back, I took the key that had been taped onto the back and went over to my desk, I knelt down and opened one of the desk's lower cabinets and opened it, it had some books inside, I pulled them out and took off the false back of the cabinet, revealing a door with a combination lock and a key, I put in the key, put in the combination, turned the key, then pulled the handle, inside another key was hanging, and there were a bunch of binders inside, labelled with an assortment of names that I had for cases, most said 'solved' at the end. I looked at the most recent binder inside, 'Xalider Murders and Kidnapping - Ongoing', it was probably one of the thickest binders inside, it had all of the information that I had gathered thus far, documents, thoughts, pictures, autopsy reports, witness statements, and profiles.

I took the key hanging off of it, then went over to my bed with the briefcase, I set it down on the floor next to me,, and then threw up the sheets from my bed, underneath everything was neat, apart from the occasional empty can of cola or junk food/candy wrapper, I brushed it all out and then pulled the carpet away, it was completely seamless, you'd had to have known that something was there to have noticed it, underneath was a cryptex and a keyhole, they were both built into the floor, the cryptex just rising a few centimeters from the floor, I put in the combination and then put in the key and turned it. I slid it open to reveal a large cavity beneath, it was where I stored physical evidence... didn't think I'd ever be hiding a sniper rifle inside though. I slipped the briefcase into the opening and then shut it, took out the key, rolled the cryptex's tumblers, then carefully secured the carpet over it, making sure that everything looked natural before throwing my sheets back down.

I went back over to the desk, returned the key, shut the door, took out the other key, rolled the tumbler, replaced the false back, making sure that it was even with the other side, put back the books where they belonged, shut the cabinet door, went back over to my bed, replaced the key in the picture frame with fresh tape, and hung it back on the wall. It was an arduous process, but I made everything this way so then it would be difficult for people to figure everything out. I didn't want anything to be traced back to me, so I did everything by hand, it took a long time, made a dent in my budget, using cash of course, didn't want to leave a paper trail, but in the end it was well worth it, no one would think that anything this elaborate would exist, or that I built everything by hand.

 

Garrison sipped at his bottle of bourbon from a pink straw a distant look in his eyes, as his head bobbed back and forth.

“Hey Blondie…uh…I mean Goldie.” He mumbled. “We been driving f..f…for like this many.” He said holding up ten fingers. "We there almost there?" He burped out as he leaned back into his seat.

Focusing on the road, Goldie dug her nails into the leather steering wheel. Being stuck in a car with a drunk had to be the best job ever.

Not.

She thought about ignoring his questions again, but she'd done that several times with the same result. He just babbled on and on....and on.

"Another five minutes I'd say." Goldie stopped at a red light and glanced over at the passenger seat, wrinkling her nose. The car was filled with the putrid smell, coming from either the bottle or his pores she couldn't tell. Quite pathetic how the man drank himself this early in the day.

"Garrison, why don't you take a nap and I'll wake you when we're there?" Goldie offered as she stepped on the gas.

"Nah no naps." He replied lazily. "I have pretty bad night terrors I wouldn't wanna throw off your driving. So who we going to meet?"

Goldie cursed under her breath as she turned onto another street. They'd been over this twice already! Idiot.

"We're meeting a contact of Ms. Sparkles and that's all I know." she answered in a sharp tone.

"Cool." Garrison said. "Mysterious contact...." He snorted.

"Exactly." Goldie frowned as she drove behind a cluster of buildings. Why the contact had to be a mystery just wasn't logical. It would've simply made things easier if she were given the specifics.

Of course Ms. Sparkles would say that was boring.

Well, boring is informational! Boring is needed! Boring gets work done!

Goldie gritted her teeth as they finally arrived in a parking lot that lost its prime years ago. She pulled into a faded parking space and took the key out of the ignition.

Without a word, she kicked open her car door and stepped out into the breezy day. Garrison got out as well sucking in a nice breath of the fresh air as he stumbled along behind his superior.

Footsteps on the gravel suddenly alerted the two…well alerted Goldie of another presence in the area. An all too familiar man appeared like he was summoned behind them.

A freshly lit cigarette in his lips and an expensive looking leather jacket, in fact the tag was still on it.

A grin stretched upon his face at seeing Goldie’s expression.

“Hey sexy.” Dexter greeted waving to the two. “Where is the fire?”

Garrison raised an eyebrow at Dexter and then took a glance at Goldie. “Why are mysterious contacts always smoking?” He asked.

Dexter grinned. “Adds to the flavor of the mystery ain’t that right sweet cheeks?” He asked Goldie.

"No..." Goldie snapped out of her shock, regaining her hardened composure. "No, he's not the contact."

In one swift motion she had her revolver cocked and aimed. "What the hell are you doing here?" She leveled a glare at the man; the one who she'd almost had the pleasure of killing the first time around. "Choose your words wisely."

Garrison coughed as Goldie drew her gun and took a step back.

Dexter on the other hand simply continued his condescending smile. “Come on aren’t we passed this? And yes I am the contact.” He went on. "Me and your supervisor have similar interests. So. I am. Your. Contact."

"Well. I. Don't. Believe. You." Goldie said as she twirled her revolver into the air and caught it. "And no we're not passed this, that's not how I work. Though like I've said before, you're lucky I'm a merciful woman."

A smirk broke through her stoic exterior. "You have approximately fifteen seconds to tell me something I don't know."

"Fine, I know how you can find Stella." He replied taking a puff. "Or at least her hiding spot."

"Yeah, sure you do." Goldie said sarcastically. "Ten seconds left."

"Fella named Cole Colt." Dexter responded as he backed behind her car a little. "You don't believe me call your supervisor."

Goldie scowled at his words. No way would she actually choose to speak with that irritating voice on the phone, she'd had enough of Ms. Sparkles earlier.

"What else do you know about this 'Cole Colt'?" she asked, her aim unmoving.

Dexter grinned. "So glad you asked." He said. "He's lives in a small apartment on Read Street 364 here in Barrington." He went on. "He's her ex boyfriend apparently and from what I've seen the kids and her have been hanging around him lately."

"You seem to notice a lot of things, Sir. But you certainly could not be aligned with us, because I remember you being for the girl's sister when I planned to put a bullet in your skull." Goldie tossed her revolver between her hands as she spoke.

"For someone who displayed such heroic acts, it's hard for me to believe what you say is true or why you'd give up this information. Which brings me to the real question here."

Her eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

"The name is Dexter Craftian." He said. "I was working with The Web to protect Stella and if I could, the rest. They'd give me quite the pay day to get it done but you guys beat to the punch and after making even more of a mess, like dragging a bunch of kids into it and not doing my job right..."

He sighed. "In short they want me dead. So I'm helping you all now since you can provide protection that a bunch of high school kids can't."

"I see." Goldie muttered while spinning her gun around her index finger. "And you became a contact of Ms. Sparkles? I'm curious to know how that came about."

"Simple." Dexter said. "We crossed paths at the school while she was Miss Lockwood and eventually she tracked me down. She was gonna kill me but I cut a deal with her instead to be an informant." His smile got bigger. "As I said, call her if you don't believe me."

"That won't be necessary." Goldie did a final twirl and slid the revolver back into her belt. "If I find out you've been lying to me Mr. Craftian, I still have a bullet saved for you."

"Calm down Courtney Twaddle." Dexter replied as he started walking closer to her. "You don't need me as an enemy. I mean after all you already have to deal with Garrison." He said pointing at Goldie's partner.

Who was currently vomiting up the liquor in his system.

Goldie's shoulders tensed as her forbidding gaze settled on Dexter. "Everyone is my enemy in one way or another, Mr. Craftian. Though, I can't say many are worthy of the title." She took an unpleasant step away from Garrison, back towards the car door.

"Hold up sweet cheeks." Dexter said catching up with her. "I'm tagging along."

Goldie rolled her eyes at his demand. She should have expected this.

"Garrison and I are fine on our own, thank you." She climbed into the drivers seat and started up the engine.

"He hardly seems fine, he's obviously drunk." Dexter said opening the back door and getting in. "And trust me you're not going to take this kid down easily. He doesn't handle easily."

Goldie turned in her seat to face him. "Very well. But if you're going to work with me Mr. Craftian, I must briefly inform you of my regulations."

She gave a firm nod. "First, you are to address me as Goldie and you will give me due respect at all times. A professional upstanding in my presence is required. Any attempt at flattery I will deem as assault and will report as such. Any attempt at violence against me will result in severe consequence."

She tapped the horn to grab his attention. "Being under Vector Corp's protection, you are fighting for Vector Corp and have vowed to give your life for Vector Corp if needed. If you become a prisoner, we will not save you. If you make a fatal mistake, we will not save you. If you are dying, we will not save you. You and only you are responsible for your actions and are to remain dedicated to the cause at hand. Any sign of betrayal will result in death."

Goldie's face was as hard as stone. "I have worked my ass off for four years to get where I am today and will not allow you to ruin it. Have I made myself clear?"

"You'd of made good in the army." Garrison mumbled as he shut his eyes.

"Guy has a point." Dexter said with a shrug. "Why didn't you go into a military field instead of doing illegal work for a controlling company?" He stuck another cigarette in his mouth. "But yeah I understand."

"Yes, well, I'm not in the military because my interests have always been in business and adventure." Goldie pulled out of the parking lot, drumming her fingers on the wheel. "Vector Corp provides both."

 

Heroic STAND!!!

Goldie's blonde curls blew every which way as the air condition went full blast. Anything to get rid of the disgusting odor. The car reeked like a bar...one that she couldn't get away from.

They'd been parked across the street from Cole Colt's apartment for the past forty minutes, keeping watch for any movement. Forty minutes too long, in Goldie's opinion. Stuck with two fools was not what she'd call entertaining. And, they'd hardly shut up!

Being with Silas was better than this, at least she could make him shut up.

With a groan, Goldie smacked her hand on the wheel. "Where is he, Mr. Craftian?" Her sharp voice sliced through the current conversation. "I'm done waiting."

"Look doll face." Dexter said from the backseat. He was laying down twirling an unlit cigarette between his fingers. "A stake out takes time and patience."

"I only have so much time and patience to spare." Goldie said, glaring at him from the rearview mirror. "And get your feet off the seats, you've already done enough damage to the car with those cigarettes."

"Do you have some sort of disorder?" Dexter asked curiously. "I don't think I've met anyone as serious as you are."

"A disorder? No." Goldie said as she kept her gaze fixed on the apartment. "I just hold very high expectations and don't tolerate failures."

"Ah yes." Dexter said with a snort. "Then how do you tolerate yourself? First time we met was a failure for you wasn't it?"

Garrison finally piped up at that giving Goldie a dopey smile. "Wow....you messed up something?"

"Messed up!" Dexter scoffed. "Try failed miserably."

"But she seems so professional." Garrison replied.

Dexter rolled his eyes. "Please she got knocked out by an English teac-"

"Nope!" Goldie shouted, kicking open her car door. "I can't keep listening to you two run your mouths. Something here must get done."

She stepped into the shade and fluffed out her windblown hair. "Stay and waste more time if you want, but I'm going to have a look around."

"Shit." Dexter muttered opening his door as well and following her along. "Are you stupid or something?" He snapped. "If you go in there and start snooping around he'll know something is up and if he's already in there.....well then....shit it will probably just be more work subduing him."

He sighed. "We wait out here and if he doesn't come soon we can try finding him in other places he could be."

"Don't call me stupid again." Goldie said as she rested her hand on the revolver hidden beneath her jacket. "And I'm certain that I've handled more stake outs than you, Mr. Craftian. I know what I'm doing; this is my job and I'm going to do it." She turned away from him to start down the sidewalk.

"Jesus, you're a fucking broken record." Dexter responded simply. "And more stake outs then me? You can barely sit still." He pointed out but continued following her to the apartment.

"Sitting around gets you nowhere." Goldie continued marching onward until they'd reached the door to Cole's apartment. With a flick of her wrist she whipped out her pocket knife and placed it in the keyhole.

Under a minute she'd expertly picked the lock.

"And that's how it's done." she said to Dexter, swinging the door wide open.

Dexter's eyes shifted around the room. "Place is a mess." He said taking note of the pizza boxes and crushed cans all over the floor, the place smelled like a college dorm. "He doesn't seem to be here." He continued walking around the room.

If they were going to ruin the stake out might as well look for some clues. "You should of just listened to me." He said again.

Goldie shook her head in disapproval as she kicked the mess with the side of her boot, moving it into a pile. "You should be thankful that I even hear your voice, Mr. Craftian."

Speaking of voices...

A brand new voice cut into their conversation as did a face.

"You know." Cole said appearing in the doorway. "Its not really cool to break into places." His face was locked in a stoic expression. Dexter could feel the boy scanning them with his eyes beneath those sunglasses.

Shit!

Where the hell had he come from?

Dexter's glare turned to Goldie. Stupid bitch! Should of just waited like he'd said. Risking a direct confrontation was the last thing he'd wanted.

Goldie smirked at Dexter in return. Perfect, she had something to do now! Confrontations were her specialty.

"You are Mr. Colt, right?" She nodded. "Please come inside, we would like to ask you some questions."

---

Cole sighed.

It figures all this trouble with Vector, his friends nearly dying and Stella in danger, now to weirdos were trying to rob him.

He blinked at Goldie she knew his last name…… "Are you a fan of me?" He said to Goldie

Cole flexed his arm for her showing off his muscle. “Cool right?” He asked giving a big grin. "But for real homies, ya gotta get popping for real." He yawned. "I have real problems that I'm dealing with."

Dexter raised an eyebrow at Cole and then looked over at Goldie. Her confusion showed, mixed with annoyance and her constant disapproval.

"Unfortunately we all have problems, Mr. Colt." She said in a stern tone. "Even I have a problem, which brings me to the reason why I and my colleague are here. We thought you might be able to help us."

Cole paused like a deer caught in the headlights. Wait....these weren't thieves.

No......he was getting a bad feeling about this. He recognized the man. In fact Cole had already wasted the sucker once before.

What was his name? Darrel? Doc? Duke? NO!!!

The fool's name was Dexter, that was it. The guy he'd beaten with his kendo stick. "Sure sis." He replied to Goldie with a shrug and shoved his hands into his pocket and took a seat on the mattress in the middle of his floor.

"Shoot."

Goldie cleared her throat as she stared him down. "Well, you see Mr. Colt, it's come to my attention that you know someone I need to meet. Could you tell me where I could find Stella Xalider?"

Ah dammit......

Cole rolled his eyes.

Why couldn't they just be thieves?

"Sorry." He replied shaking his head. "Name don't ring a bell. I was just here to grab my N64, ever play?" He asked.

Which was true all he'd come back for was his Nintendo. He and Stella had so much playing it! He figured it would cheer her up......

"Lying won't save you kid." Dexter responded. "Just tell us what hole she's in. I know you've got to have some information."

"And the sooner you tell us what you know, our business here will be done." Goldie added as she stepped closer. "This doesn't have to be difficult."

And before Goldie knew what happened her leg was swept from under her and Cole was back on his feet.

Dexter moved towards Cole again but like last time, he might as well of been standing still.

Cole made a clean dodge to the left taking a hold of Dexter’s reached out arm and jerking forward. He didn’t apply much power but Dexter’s mouth dropped open.

The conman suddenly found himself sailing to the opposite side of the room. Dexter let out a loud groan as his back went first into the solid wall, his head smashing into the ground sending a shockwave through his head.

Goldie had her revolver out within seconds as she lifted to stand. "Let's handle this in a civil manner, Mr. Colt." she said, her aim leveled on him.

Cole froze as he knew she had a gun to his back.

Bad guys always responded calmly when they had guns pointed at you…..so fricking cliché. Alright then, she wanted to play that way.

Then he would.

Cole reached towards the top of his tv screen and before Goldie knew it something was sent sailing at her.

No not the tv….but a video game cartridge.

Super Mario 64 smashed into the bridge of her nose with expert precision.

A trail of blood was left in its place as Goldie stumbled, blinking rapidly. Raising her revolver, her curses were muffled as she shot off a blind bullet across the room.

Cole watched unimpressed as she fired too far upward to hit him.

He didn’t like this…..well fighting a girl let alone making her bleed.

But, drastic times call for drastic measures so of course. Need a cool line to say. “I wouldn’t hit a woman.” He muttered stalking close to her. “But I’ll smack a bitch.”

And he did…..hell he didn’t smack her, he gave a solid blow to her chin.

Goldie grimaced, but took it like the soldier she ought to be. Her grey eyes glistened like molten silver, holding a glare of silence until she jumped and karate kicked him in the groin.

“Oooof!” Cole coughed out as her foot buried into his crotch.

Shit….

The pain made his knees buckle for a moment as he backed away grasping his damaged area, which was all a now recovering Dexter needed.

The man lunged at Cole.

Cole saw it coming but hardly enough to time to react as Dexter slammed into Cole’s shoulder spinning the boy around away from Goldie.

But not far away enough. Her fist shot out repeatedly as she threw heavy punches at Cole's ribs, then swung at his jaw. "It always has to be difficult." Goldie muttered.

Cole growled at Goldie’s attacks, her final blow stinging his jaw and drawing blood from his lip. He didn't hesitate to reply.

As Goldie found Cole’s knee slam into her abdomen sending her backwards into the TV.

He quickly turned his attention back to Dexter who was preparing a third assault but Cole stopped as a shadow of man crept out of sight and before he could react a glass bottle was shattered into face.

“Fuck!” He shouted as the pieces sliced and got within in his skin, the sharp sensations of pain too high to ignore.

Giving Dexter the chance he needed he quickly scooped up the Nintendo 64 off the ground pulling out the plugs and wire along with it as he rushed Cole.

Cole shot out a fist but Dexter was faster this time and smashed the console over Mr. Cool’s head splitting the new system in half.

Cole staggered backward as fresh cuts leaked from his face and blood began to form at his forehead.

"Hate technology." Goldie mumbled, rolling from the crushed television. She too was beaten up, but she didn't let her pain show.

Swiftly she crept behind the boy, her revolver aimed again much to Dexter's dismay.

Was she crazy?!

No, she wasn't Trisha.

With a scowl, Goldie spun on her heel and struck the gun across Cole's cheek. His head snapped to the side; bloody spit flying from his mouth as he went sideways collapsing into the ground.

The ringing pain going off in his head was too much. Cole did his best to try and force his eyes open but the weight of them won out, trapping him in darkness and unconsciousness.

“Nice job.” Dexter said to the man who’d thrown the beer bottle.

Garrison simply replied with a sigh as he toed the glass with his shoe. “Good thing I finished drinking it in time, huh?”

"No more talking, we're getting out of here." Goldie said while checking her revolver for any damages. "Mr. Craftian, carry the boy and put him in the trunk. Garrison, sober up...you're going to need it. Now move."

She turned her back to them, pride in her steps as she headed out the door.

 

A Lovely Chat
​

'Brrrring'

'Brrrring'

'Brrrring'

Trisha's cell phone rang, rattling away on her hotel night stand. She picked it up and held it to her ear, while hanging upside down over the side of the bed.

"Hellooo, you've reached Trisha Sparkles! Please leave a message after the beep. BEEEEP!"

"Outside now." Her mother's voice sounded and hung up.

Trisha sighed as she slipped on her heels and grabbed her blazer that was draped over a chair. Wasting no time, she promptly made her way through the hotel to find a limousine waiting for her outside. Walking across the parking lot, her steps were heavy with dread. Though she still managed to smile as she pulled open the shiny door.

"Mother, what a nice surprise. So happy to see you!" Trisha said, taking a seat beside her on the black leather.

Doreen crushed out her cigarette and gave her daughter an even look, her dark eyes unimpressed. Like her daughter Doreen was dressed in a woman’s suit but unlike Trisha, Doreen completed hers with a brown fur coat.

"No you're not." Doreen replied, a cold smile appearing on her face. "You'd much rather I never showed up in the first place, isn't that right?"

"Not at all! I always love our little talks." Trisha shifted in her seat as she crossed her legs. "So, what's new with you?"

"I've met with Wolfger." Doreen said simply. "We spoke of business and other things that I found best to inform you about. How have you been daughter?"

"I've been just wonderful!" Trisha replied. "And glad to hear your meeting went well."

"Wonderful?" Doreen scoffed. "Someone wonderful would of handled this mess without making it bigger. So I've taken the liberty of using some outside help to handle the problems you couldn't."

Trisha took a deep breath, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. "Could you please explain what you mean by 'outside help'?"

"Wolfger offered his help to clean this mess up." Doreen's smile never wavered. "Just a warning in case you run into his people. Yet he'll probably handle it much better then you have so far."

"No disrespect Mother, but I doubt that." Trisha muttered as her gaze drifted to the shaded window.

"Oh?" Doreen said, her smile erased. "What have you done that is wonderful so far, that should make you doubt Wolfger?"

"Everything, Mom!" She shouted and folded her arms. "I've done everything!"

Doreen rolled her eyes. "Ah yes how you so wonderfully blew up a school and brought attention to yourself or how you so greatly plotted the deaths of our enemies we shouldn't of had but they all survived?" Doreen asked. "You're a smart girl Trisha dear but sadly you let your desire for flare make you too erratic for this kind of work."

"Well, sometimes this kind of work needs some flare." She said as a frown settled on her lips. "Business doesn't have to be boring."

"Trisha you've been saying that same thing since you were twelve."

"That's because it's true." Trisha grumbled.

"Grow up!" Doreen snapped. "You've been back talking me ever since the day you could speak. Maybe if you listened you'd actually get some work done."

"And maybe you should listen to me too!" Trisha said as she glared at her mother. "All my work has been for you."

Doreen paused and looked into her daughter's defiant eyes. "For me? What have you done for me?"

Trisha groaned as she sat back. "Everything, Mom."

"You shouldn't lie Trisha." Doreen mocked. "Its unbecoming."

Trisha shook her head, gritting her teeth. "Did you call me here to give a lecture? I thought you wanted to tell me information."

"No." Doreen said pulling out another cigarette. "No information just wanted to speak with you." She muttered lighting it.

"What else is there to talk about?"

"What?" Doreen chuckled, her eyes still obvious with malice. "Do I need a reason to talk with my own daughter."

Trisha stared back, unamused. "Of course not, but there's always been a reason lately."

"If you're going to be like that, there is the door." Doreen nodded her head with not so much as a glance at her daughter.

Trisha looked to the door and the temptation tugged at her heart. How badly she wanted to walk out on her, but by doing so it would inflict more pain than her mother's sharp tongue. She knew she had no choice, but to stay.

For the paycheck...

"I'm sorry, Mother." Trisha whispered. "I'll be better."​

 

Woodrow sighed as he was led to the booth where he would be allowed his one call. With the connections Vector had, his lawyer would be useless. If he was going to get out and save his students, there was only person he knew who could accomplish the task. He picked up the phone and keyed in the number he'd memorized without meaning too.
After several rings someone finally picked up.

"Laplace Damon" The familiar voice said. "And this is?"

"It's Thomas Woodrow. Vector is targeting the students, including Stella. They've framed me and had me locked away in a cell." He said with frustration.

"Oh?" Laplace said. "They framed you? For what? As for the others I appointed Gaius to protect Stella. With him and Mr. Colt watching her I doubt Vector got close to her."

Woodrow sighed in relief as he heard that. But the other kids were still in danger. He needed to get out, if only to find some way to protect them. He rubbed his forehead. "I....they found...child porn, in my home. But I would never touch such a thing!" He pounded the wall in anger and embarrassment, drawing a look from the guard. "I'm not asking for me...but is there a way you can pay my bail or find a way to get me out. I need to protect my students. Dexter is with Vector now...they need to know."

"Sorry don't do business with pedos." Laplace replied. "Beeeeeeeeeeeep!" He teased.

"This isn't exactly a joking matter." Woodrow grumbled.

"You live long enough in this business and a lot of things become rather laughable that once weren't." Laplace sighed. "So what exactly would you like me to do first? I'd rather not get involved with the unnecessary, please note I only do this in Stella's interest......well my own. I'll handle it."

There was a several second pause before Laplace continued. "And as for Mr. Craftian, do you still protest that I do not handle him accordingly?"

Woodrow was quite for a moment. "No. I don't care any longer if his sins catch up with him."

"Splendid." Laplace said. "Though he is far from the main priority the man has a tendency to a throw a wrench in things. I'm sure you understand ." Woodrow could feel Laplace smiling. "Anything else?"

"No, well...at the risk of sounding rude or desperate, how long will it take for you to get me out of here? The longer I'm stuck here the more danger those kids are in."

"They'll still be in danger even when you get out." Laplace mocked. "Everyone will be until I take my final action, but yes you'll be out within an hour or so. I'm handling it as we speak."

Woodrow nodded gratefully even though Laplace couldn't see him. The guard watching Woodrow tapped him on the shoulder. "Time's up." He growled.

Thomas waved a hand, "Thankyou, Sir. I appreciate it. Looks like I'll owe you one." He hung up the phone, a spring in his step as he headed back to his cell.

---

Laplace kept his word. Two hours later Woodrow found himself back in his old clothes and being released from the police station. His first thought was to check with Cole and see if the other students were still safe. Getting in his car, he began the trip across town to Cole's hideout.

 

Guns, wheels and fire​

The clouds covering the sky made of that night an even darker night, without even advice a heavy rain begun to fall over the city, still this wasn’t enough to make the snipers wave. Yet the violent sound of scorching wheels distracted the attention of one for an instant.

A van was being driven violently through the streets on that night, the sniper quickly regained his composure and aimed again at the tree, waiting for Nick to come out, however the van stopped abruptly in front of its sight.

The door opened quickly and the figure of Wilhelm revealed in front of the wounded man, and just like him, Wilhelm arm was bleeding profusely. He exclaimed to Nick

“Quick!! Get inside, we gotta get out, I don’t expect apologizes, but I was the one who set the snipers, still I ordered them not to kill anyone, these monkeys betrayed me!!! ANYWAY IT DOESN’T MATTER WE HAVE TO GET OUTTA HERE NOW!!!” said as soon as another shot resonated passing barely above the head of Wilhelm, this brought fear onto him, he comprehended that it was a close call and next time he may not be so lucky.

“Hurry up classmate!!!” exclaimed!.

Nick was overwhelmed by everything and paused for a moment. This stuck up rich kids set this all up? And now he changed his mind?

It didn't make sense to Nick in that moment but it didn't matter. The sniper was shooting Wilhelm too, so clearly Wilhelm was not the most immediate threat.

Not daring to try and stand up, Nick struggled to the car, crawling across the grass with his arms and one leg to the van. The entire time, he was prepared for the sniper to fire off another shot. When made it to the van, he trembled as he grabbed the door and jumped in with one leg.

Knowing the van wouldn't serve much protection against bullets, he yelled at Wilhelm

"Drive! Now! DRIVE!"

“I need to call the others, drive!!” ordered Wilhelm to the driver, one of his own men instead of the snipers. Luckily for someone like him it was an easy task to get the phone numbers of his classmates and thus he quickly dialed Joe’s number.

Answer… goddamit, his thoughts were a furious and disordered whirpool, the music played by the van easied his panic…. “Why is the radio on?!!” asked to the driver who replied it was already turned on when they took the van, the song was Highway Star by Deep Purple. Fitting… thought Wilhelm with the phone stuck to his ear

For a moment he almost fell inside the van as it turned wildly with a devilish speed, a metallic sound echoed, a bullet impacted the car’s body. “Shit they’re trying to hit the wheels… lost them!” exclaimed at which the driver assented, behind them a group of cars arranged into a stream of lights and noise.

“Take the wheel one second” said to Nick while reading a shotgun and with his feet still on the throttle he leaned to the window of the van, half his body outside and fired two shot, one failed while other successfully hit the tires of one of the cars making it lost control and crash against other one. “Thanks…” said while taking the wheel again, a risky move, yet enough to slow down the wave behind them.

------------------------------------

I was sitting on my bed, lost in thought, I was trying to think about how to deal with Vectorcorp... they were after Stella, they'd surely be going after Cole since they must know that he was closest to her, right? They might've found out somehow, I mean they had dossiers on all of us... my thoughts were interrupted by my cellphone suddenly ringing. "Great." I thought, I sighed and opened my phone and put it to my ear. "Hello, who is this?" I asked simply.

------------------------------------

"NO TIME TO TALK CLASSMATE!!! SNIPERS ARE TRYING TO KILL YOU, I'M HEADING OVER THERE, MAINTAIN HIDDEN ON THE MEANWHILE!!" Exclaimed Wilhelm through the phone, a violent sound of unknown source resonated through it, probably another violent shake of the vehicle.

"...Too late, already dealt with that... from the sounds of it, it appears that you yourself are being chased, no? Drive by my home, don't stop there, just keep driving past." I said.

"Got it!" replied Wilhelm, he then gave the instructions to the driver who assented, soon the minibus was passing by Joe's home.

-----------------------------------------

I had gotten the sniper rifle out of its hiding space and just locked both hiding places and stashed the keys into my pocket, if this were some trick, then they'd have to get through me first to get the keys, and trust me... they'd have a better chance of hell freezing over. I assembled the sniper rifle and took aim out of my window, I saw the van drive by, I took a deep breath and waited for the other car that was chasing it to drive by as well, thankfully the sniper rifle had a silencer attached to it, so by the time that anyone would realize what had happened, I'd have the rifle stashed away once more.

---------------------------------------------

Wilhelm was now calling Tina. The rain furiously striked the ground, yet it could not match the mad speed of the vehicle, and to this more sounds were added, bullets and wheels.

“This is bad… they’re faster than us.” Stated the driver. “I’ll have to lose them” his last statement was followed by a violent movement, a car impacted them from behind.

“Shit!” exclaimed Wilhelm and then the car waved violently again, this time however it was due to a quick turn that the drived made on a narrow street.

Tina reached into her pocket and answered her phone as she run. "Little busy right now!" She said between heavy breaths.

"Classmate!! this is Wilhelm! there are snipers trying to kill you. I'm heading to the place as fast as I can" exclaimed the young man agitated through the phone.

"Yeah, your warning is about 10 minutes too late. I already took care of the sniper after me and I'm running back to my house. If you get there before me make sure, Kubi and Max are safe." With that she hung up, running faster as she made it to the last block before her house.

------------------------------------------

Max came into the living room from the kitchen and handed Kubi a drink before sitting back down beside her on the couch. They were watching another Disney movie and enjoying another's company. Even as he tried to relax with his new girlfriend, Max kept looking towards the door waiting for Tina to return. She'd been acting strange since the hospital incident.

Kubi is nodding off on max’s shoulder, it had been a rough night, and for almost 5 hours straight her heart had been racing. Now she just wanted things to be over, she wanted no rest. But she couldn’t, something was off, that’s when she realised.

“Max… where is Tina?” She says sleepily.

"I'm not sure. But I'm certain she'll be back soon." He crooned, brushing his lips across the top of her forehead.

-----------------------------

"Pick up already!!" exclaimed Wilhelm while pressing the phone against his ear after dialing Kubi's number, yet his voice was easily outclassed by the sound of gunfire that followed them.

Kubi reaches over and grabs the phone, hoping it would be Tina. “Hallooo? Tina is that you?”Max sits up, hoping the same thing.

"Snipers.... tryin......... kill.... over ther........." the voice of Wilhelm could barely even be heard but he was clearly transmiting the same message he sent to everybody else.

“What is sniper? and who are you?” Kubi asks sounding a little bored, more so tired. “This call for Max maybe?”

"Wil... Diettr..... They're tryin... kil.... you!!" Exclaimed through the phone at the same moment than the figure of Tina appeared at the corner of the street, the driver slowed down the vehicle just a bit while the others opened the door giving the girl a chance to get in.

"Thanks." Tina said as she jumped into the car. The house wasn't much further but she'd completely run out of stamina. She gasped for air, her lungs heaving after the intense run. "Did they answer!? Are they ok?" She managed to ask after catching her breath.

"They're just a couple of retarded" exclaimed Wilhelm who then ordered his driver to go to them.

"Thing is easy, you're being spotted by trained assassins hired by me. I ordered them to just put you to sleep with tranquilizers... but whoever that guy was had another plans in mind." said Wilhelm in such a casual way as if it were to be a common everyday situation, then he passed the phone to Tina and said "They're your friends no?, convince them or they're dead meat"

Tina so desperately wanted to punch Wilhelm but she had neither the energy nor the time. She took the phone and put it up to her ear. “Kubi, Max!? Can you hear me?”

“Tina? Tina! Oh I was so worried what happened where are you? Who’s the other guy?”

"No time to explain. Get Max and get down and away from any windows. There are snipers out there trying to kill us. Just stay hidden till I get there."

“Kubi? What’s going on? What’s Tina saying?” Max asked, sitting up anxiously.

“Tina says there are snipers at the widows trying to kill us, I really wish someone would tell me what a sniper is.” Kubi responds still a little confused. “I don’t see anything at the window.”

Max grabbed Kubi, pushing her towards the ground just as a the window exploded. He felt something sharp graze his arm as they hit the ground, but he didn't have time to comprehend what it had been. "A sniper is a long range shooter." Max explained, turning the couch so that it was in between them and the window. He heard a dull thud as another bullet hit the couch. "Damn it, I thought this was all over!" He exclaimed.

Kubi grabs hold of Max as the gunshots trigger a crippling panic attack. “Not again,” She heaves. “Not again, it’s too soon.”

"It's ok." Max pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. "I'm here. Nothing is going to happen to you. Tina's on her way, alright?"

Tina jumped out of the van as it pulled up the house. Her heart jumped at the sight of the broken window, but the rain concealed any sounds coming from inside. "You guys go inside and make sure they're ok. I'm going to find the sniper and take him down." She yelled at Wilhelm before running across the street.

As soon as Tina proclaimed, the confused pair got into the van, Wilhelm explained the situation for the third time, this time though he actually got punched by Kubi, he proclaimed a very unapropiate curse at the same moment the vehicle shaked again.

He tried to contact Cole and Stella, yet this time he was unable too and had to give up

“What about Miss Karla?” asked the driver.

And then the world became photonegative as soon as time slowed down.

Karla!... I told her to wait… they’ll go after her…. Thought Wilhelm and in an instant reached the most adequate solution.

“Slow down…” mumbled.

“Sir, we’re being pursued” replied the driver

“Just an instant, just a second slow down, this is an order” demanded Wilhelm.

The driver quickly moved the shift lever as the minibus’s speed slowed down.

“Good… when I jump out go on full speed…” stated Wilhelm… “But Sir” replied the driver, but it was too late, the door opened and Wilhelm jumped out of it without doubt, he fell violently on the ground and rolled until his speed decreased enough. His body completely wet under the rain and his body ached in pain, yet he had no time.

Things were going according to plan…. They were…. Right?

As things were now, Nick, Kubi and Max were inside the van trying to escape from their pursuers on the meanwhile Joe and Tina were knocking down any hidden sniper they could find, Cole and Stella could not be located and Wilhelm had just jumped out from the van to seek for his sister…. Or was he?

--------------------------------------------------

It was all a carefully prepared plan. The snipers were just the distraction from the true nature of it. Wilhelm had hired snipers with tranquilizers to knock his classmates down. After that Wilhelm would take a van to rescue his classmates and the people given to him by the shady guy would fake a car chase, impacting them and even shooting them but missing on purpose, all that so his classmates would put their trust into Wilhelm’s escape plan. After some point the driver would had to remind him of Karla as an excuse to jump out of the van, then he would take the classmates to a far warehouse and lock them for a while, effectively kidnapping them so they would mean no bother to the plan to infiltrate Vector and steal the proof of framing attempts against Wolfger Anzhën, the leader of the Anzhën group specialized in weapon manufacture and the father of Wilhelm and Karla.

Yet as he rolled Wilhelm wondered…. Were these guys trying to kill them in the car chase? Was it really just a fake? They even used real bullets and tried to kill his classmates, this angered the young man, not out of care, but because they disobeyed his orders.

“I’ll have a talk with that bastard later…” mumbled yet quickly was replied by the voice of that shady man

“And what do you want to talk about?” stated the shady person hired between his own clothes

“What were you trying to accomplish?? I thought you would leave this on my hands!!” exclaimed angrily Wilhelm yet the man calmly replied.

“What’s good on keeping them alive? They’re of no use for our group and is a risk to let them go roar free, they are already a bother to our infiltration plan.”

Wilhelm stood silent for an instant his eyes fixed on the shady man’s face. “Where is Karla..” said finally.

“Uuum…. Here…. Brother….” The monotone tone of the girl was a relied to the younger, for an instant he even feared that this strange guy would had done something to her. He was doubting about his decision of trusting this strange man.

“That’s good…. Well we’re finished here” stated yet the man replied.

“I don’t think so…” and then he handed a strange small device to Wilhelm.

“What is this?” asked while fixing his glasses with one hand and taking the device with the other, the water was furiously falling from his wet hair, the same with Karla yet she didn’t seem to care about it.

“What does it looks like?... you gotta finish the job Wilhelm Dietrich… no,… Wilhelm Anzhën…” stated the man.

Wilhelm gazed at the object and his eyes widened…. “This is….. a trigger?...” asked nervously, understanding what was the next step of this mysterious individual.

“The van you took have a bomb ready to blow at any moment, just press the button and they’ll live happily ever after…” said the man in a joyful way.

“This… I…. What?...” Said Wilhelm confused, his thoughts disordered a voragine of chaos, fear and even hate.

I swore… I swore I would never kill someone…. What is this guy trying to make me do?... I won’t… I won’t… I WON’T He repeated those thoughts as a mantra and as if the trigger itself were to be the bomb he extended his hand trying to keep it as far from himself as he could…. And then he felt the weight disappear. The trigger had been taken.

“Wait!!” exclaimed to the man, yet his eyes quickly moved to the right and widened again in surprise.

Karla playfully looked at the trigger in her hands and mumbled “What’s the problem brother?.... He has a point I think…. They’re just… a bother…you don’t need to worry….” Stated and then her finger pressed the black button with ease, not a flinch, the girl had no regret after all, in fact she didn’t even cared.

A loud sound assaulted their ears and then at a very distant point in the city a big red light was ignited this accompanied by the screams of curious and terrified passerby. And as if the rainy night were to be enjoying the irony of this comedy, the sky brightened and a second after the loud sound of a thunder assaulted the city illuminating the despaired eyes of Wilhelm Dietrich who fell over his knees and mumbled.

“Karla…. What have you done?...”

The girl remained with dull eyes looking at the distance, it would had been less creepier if she had smiled at least but she just looked quietly.

 

As the car had slammed into the van, I knew it was going at its maximum speed. "Now!" I thought, I took aim just a little bit in front of the the driver's window... and then pulled the trigger, the bullet went through the window... and drove itself into the driver's temple and lodged itself deep into his brain. I smiled as the car veered off of the road not losing any speed... and slammed straight into an oak tree, the force was enough to cause the car to explode. I calmly stood up, disassembled the rifle, and then stashed it away and put everything back in its case, content with the job that I had done. "Not a bad shot." I mused.

Not long after I had stashed away the rifle... I heard an explosion in the distance. "What the...!?" I asked, I turned to the window and saw in the distance a second fire. "...Dammit." I thought, I rushed out the back door, I wanted to avoid the quickly approaching police and firemen that were dealing with the explosion that had occurred here, if they were to see me running from the scene then I'd be highly suspect.

I had cut through the neighbor's backyards without much fear. They were all investigating the explosion that had occurred just a few blocks away from here after all. I jumped over the last fence that was in my way and made my way to the explosion, though I nearly ran into Leon, he saw me and looked relieved. "Joe what the hell happened?!" He asked. "It's nothing, I dealt with it, we have something else to deal with, come along." I said, with that I took off. "Joe!" He shouted, he sighed exasperatedly and ran after me.

I made it to the scene of the explosion, I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of the blazing van... I knew it the second I saw it... it was the van that Wilhelm had been in. "...This..." I mumbled. "Joe, what's wrong?" Leon asked as he caught up with me. "...Wilhelm was in there... likely with the others." I said, looking at him, Leon's face went pale. "W-What?!" He asked, I merely nodded. "Was it Trisha?" He asked in a hushed tone.

"...No, this is far too direct for Trisha, you know she loves to play mind games, she loves to play with her victims before she kills them, she wants them to know that she was the one responsible for their deaths, no, this was someone else." I said, my hands in my pockets as I watched the flaming van in silence. "Then... who the hell was it?" He asked. "...I have a feeling I know who, the one who called me, the one who was in the van, the one who likely owned the van, the one who likely picked up everyone in there, the one that could have easily have set this thing up and escape with a convenient excuse." I said. "Who the hell is that?" Leon asked.

I looked over at Leon calmly. "...Wilhelm." I said simply, the flames reflecting in my eyes barely disguised the disgust, anger, even hatred that was held in them, I knew we couldn't trust that rat whatsoever... and tonight, he dies.

 

Devil's Den part 1

Darkness……

Darkness……

Darkness…..

Was all Cole could see as he opened his eyes, there was something on his head.

A mask?

No, he could tell it wasn’t that some kind of bag or sack or something. He was bound.

That was for sure. He could feel his hands tied down to whatever chair he was in and if that wasn’t enough something was latched around his neck.

Shit!

Cole pulled and thrashed with as much energy as he had left. The latch around his neck making a metal like noise as he tugged and rocked.

The cold steel of it digging into his naked neck. In fact all of him was naked. He couldn’t see but based on the breeze and the feel of solid ground beneath his feet.

He was definitely not decent.

Wait…..footsteps. Cole turned his head following them as they got closer and closer and……

“Well.” A male voice said. In fact he recognized it, except last times he'd heard it had been screaming in pain. Cole felt someone grip the sack over his head and swiftly pulled it off. His eyes instantly went to the source of the voice and sure enough Dexter stood before him his cold blue eyes showing little sympathy.

“Hey kid.” He greeted.

Cole didn’t respond.

This was most uncool.

His eyes shifted around the area. Well it was dark and cold save for the light that was currently being shined in his face.

It smelled like dust and Dexter’s movement the only thing he could hear was the small drip drops of water somewhere in the darkness.

“Where is Stella?” Dexter asked simply

Cole ignored him and continued his scanning.

What the hell?

He turned his head as much as the latch would allow and realized it wasn’t a latch at all but a metal dog collar. These freaks had him on a fucking dog chain.

“Look kid, just answer the question.” Dexter said leaning down into his face. “Please.”

“No.” Cole finally spoke a defiant smirk appearing on his face. “Alright.” Dexter responded simply and turned his head towards the darkness. “He said no!”

And suddenly more footsteps began moving in the darkness.

---

Vector meeting
Amy sighed as she watched everyone leave.

Well everyone with the exception of her and Trisha.

“Trisha….” Amy’s voice trailed off.

“Yes!” Trisha responded happily as she made her way towards the warehouse exit Amy close behind.

“I know Eugene wasn’t perfect but I hardly think this Garrison meets his qualifications.” Amy sighed. “You can’t just pick random people!” She exclaimed.

“Oh he’s not random.” Trisha back her smile never wavering. “He’s an old friend of Silas and his skills are much more then Eugene’s.”

“What are you talking about?” Amy said raising her eyebrows.

“He works at Shop N Save yes.” Trisha shrugged. “But that’s not why he’s with us; he is with us cause of his work in the Gulf War.”

Amy opened her mouth to speak but Trisha got to it first.

“He did work on black sites.” Trisha giggled.

Amy bit her lower lip as unpleasant images flashed like through her mind. “Black sites?” She asked

“Yes.” Trisha nodded. “Some sort of undercover or secret military facilities. A place where one can conduct things that would be viewed…” She frowned sticking out her lip. “Very naughty.”

“And Garrison worked on these things?” Amy asked.

“YEP!” Trisha shouted. “That means he can intimidate, interrogate and of course.....”I’ve heard he was very inventive.”

---

Cole blinked as the person came into view.

It was the other man he’d been fighting. The one who smelled like booze and had the lazy grin.

Except this time there was no lazy grin, in fact his gaze looked for more concentrated.
Dexter sniffed the air as he lit a cigarette. “You been drinking?” He asked the man.

“Yes.” Garrison replied.

“Sure you can handle this wasted?” Dex replied taking a puff.

A sad smile appeared on Garrison’s face. “I’d have a harder time of handling it if I was.” Cole snorted as he took note of the large duffle bag he dropped to the ground.

The items in it making a clanging noise.

“Look.” Garrison said addressing Cole his smile turning into a frown as he slipped on black gloves.

“I don’t want to do this.” He shook his head as Cole could have sworn he saw remorse flash in his eyes.

“But.” And both he and Cole sighed. “But I have to.”

Cole swallowed as he watched Garrison unzip the bag. Dexter was looking the other way doing his best to finish his cigarette.

Garrison sifted through whatever horrors where in that thing and came up with a tooth puller.

Cole shivered as Garrison stood up and closed in on him.

Nowhere to run…..Cole shut his mouth tightly. But Garrison simply grunted and suddenly without warning.

Garrison’s boot slammed into Cole’s complete bare crotch.

“Ugh!” The young man coughed out his mouth opening up as pain from the swift kick made him jerk and vomit start to work its way up his throat.

That was the opening Garrison needed as suddenly Cole felt those steel pullers close around one of his teeth.

He shut his hands as…..it started.

Garrison pulling and yanking with such vicious force it was causing the entire chair to stay.

“Op..op..arg….!” Cole yelled as he felt one of his lower teeth being removed from gums, the taste of blood beginning to fill his mouth and before he knew it, Garrison tore his tooth out.

Blood and vomit now running out of Cole’s mouth and down his chin.

Happy…..place…..happy….place

But there was no happy only the misery of what felt like a large needle being stabbed into his mouth.

“Where is the girl hotshot?” Cole heard Dexter ask.

Cole blinked away the water on in his eyes. “Wonderland.” He said with chuckle.

“Always the hard way.” Garrison muttered

Come….on Cole….come on….happy place.
---

Somewhere......happy

"Mr. Rabbit, wait!"

Stella yelled in a British accent, chasing a friend dressed in a white rabbit suit across the stage.

"I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date. No time to say "Hello, Goodbye". I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!" The rabbit sang back.

Hearing the audience's laughter in response, her heart fluttered. Not out of nerves, but of the course of action taking place. All the practices, anticipation, and excitement had led up to this very night. Plus, she got to wear a blonde wig which was pretty awesome.

"But, Mr. Rabbit!"

A mock look of surprise crossed over Stella's face as she continued to run in the pretend forest. Cardboard trees leaned against the walls and bushes sat in a row on the shiny floor. To get more feedback from the audience, she suddenly got a brilliant idea. She'd flip over a bush. Yeah, a little improv never hurt...not in Wonderland!

Stella could feel a hundred eyes watching her every movement as she picked up speed. Pressing her hands firmly onto the ground in a starting cartwheel, her adrenaline rushed. Over and over she spun while claps and cheers sounded.

Stella beamed.This was it.No matter what, this was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Act, perform, sing...

"AHHHH!"

Stella's shriek echoed throughout the theater.She tripped awkwardly on the cardboard, falling down not the rabbit hole...but the stage.

Cole’s eyes widened as all he saw was a shadow obscure his vision. “HEY!” He shouted as Stella fell right into his arms causing him to trip. Cole gritted his teeth as his back impacted the ground, the girl on top of him knocking the wind out of him as she collapsed into his chest.

All he'd been trying to do was enjoy the show.

And, all she'd been trying to do was be the best Alice ever! Apparently she'd tried a littletoohard.

"Oh...oh no..I'm...sorry, oh gosh...I'm sorry." Stella stuttered. Time seemed to stop as she blinked in shock, staring at his face.

Coughs erupted from Cole as he tried to take in breaths. "Its......okay." He muttered forcing a smile as he stared into her deep blue eyes.

Pretty.

Alice had pretty eyes much better then those black dots in the cartoon. "Are you alright." He mouthed slowly.

"Yeah, I...I'm ok now." Stella nodded and shifted to move off of him, pink creeping over her cheeks. "Thanks...um, what's your name? I think I've seen you around before, but I can't remember. Sorry." She looked at the ground, smiling shyly.

She didn't know him?

Well that wasn't a surprise at the time he'd just been working the lights. "Cole." He said rubbing the back of his head, his eyes couldn't help but shift to the ground as well. "Cole Colt....but I know you." He mumbled. "You're Stella."

"Yeah, that's me, the clumsy girl who fell on you." Stella joked, laughing at herself.

Before they had the chance to further the conversation, several people clustered around the two, helping them to their feet. They were told to see a doctor, but Stella insisted that the show must go on. As she climbed back on stage, there was no longer a theater full of people. Stella was performing for an audience of one.

During each scene she snuck a few glances at Cole sitting there in the crowd and her face grew hot. She smiled when she saw him smile, suppressed a laugh when she saw him chuckle. When the play had ended and she took a bow with the rest of the cast, she waved.

And just as she hoped, he waved back.

---

“AH!” Cole jerked as a small knife slowly sliced below his left chest area bringing him out of any happy place he could muster.


Cole jerked and thrashed making the blade dig further into his skin the sensation of the steel inside him, grinding his teeth as through the blood that still filled parts of his mouth the taste of iron and the burning pain in his chest was enough to make a bit more vomit spill on to the floor.

Garrison sighed as he carefully removed the knife the weapon a ‘sik’ sound as it exited Cole.

His soft eyes watched Cole take breathe after breathe as he cleaned the blood off the knife with his glove.
---

"You're really cute when you eat ice cream." Cole just had to point as they walked down the street together.

First date and her arm was already looped through his as they both giggled and licked away at their cones.

"And you're way too nice." Stella said, nudging him in the shoulder. "Honestly, I'm so messy I think I need another napkin."

"No you don't." He said as suddenly she felt his sleeve wipe across her mouth, a grin spreading on his face. "There you go all clean."

Stella let out a bubbly laugh, beaming as she stared at him. "Niceandfunny, thank you." she said. "So, you all ready for the big show Saturday? I can't wait!"

Cole raised his fist at the sun.

Her cuteness factor was over 9000!!!

"Yep!" He said with a nod. "It will be most cool ....the King and I!" He exclaimed.

"Totally cool!" Stella nodded. "The dancing is going to be my favorite part, so beautiful." She took another lick of her vanilla cone to hide her blushing cheeks. "Will be lots of fun."

"I scream for the King and ice cream!!" He cheerfully as a blush just as pink as hers form on his face as well.
---

Garrison’s grip tightened around the ballpoint hammer he was now holding as he stalked back towards Cole.

The young man’s face went ghost white as he took rapid breath after rapid breath sweat forming on the back of his neck.

“W…wait don’t” Cole shook his head.

“Will you talk?” Dexter’s voice sounded.

Cole’s eyes narrowed at that and he pressed his lips together.

There was the sound of a ‘snap’ as Garrison brought the hammer down on Cole’s knee followed which was followed by a scream that sounded through out the building.

 

Burning flesh, blood and smoke. That was the first thing Tina smelled when she woke up after the explosion. The van lay on it's side, it's front end was charred and burning, the fire licking it's way to the back of the van. The explosion must've been centered in the front. What the hell happened? Tina untangled herself from the seat belt which had kept her alive when it flipped. Her body felt like jello and blood trickled down her forehead. In the seats beside her, Max and Kubi were still unconscious, bleeding from various cuts. Despite the threat of passing out again, she pushed the sliding van door open and began the painful and slow process of pulling her brother and friend out. After she had pulled them both a safe distance away from the burning van she straightened to head back to the van and check for more survivors. She only made it a few steps before her vision blurred and she passed out again on the pavement.

 

Woodrow walked up the steps that led to Cole's hideout. He knocked loudly on the door. "Cole? Stella? Either of you there?" He called out, looking around to make sure no one suspicious heard him.
Woodrow felt cold steel of a shotgun to the back of his head. “I’ve really been itching for this all day.” The gruff voice of Gaius muttered. "Do me a favor and spin around. I like to look a man in the face before I put a hole in him."
Woodrow sighed and raised his hands. He was getting sick and tired of having guns aimed at him. If he'd wanted to get guns shoved in his face, he'd taken a job as a policeman! He turned and sighed in relief when he saw it was Gaius. "Easy Gaius. Or have you forgotten we're on the same side right now."
"Oh its you." The criminal replied casually as he lowered the weapon. "I was informed by Laplace you'd probably be coming here but I can't help but be paranoid what with all the blood shed as of late."
"What's happened? Are the kids safe? I know Dexter's been looking for them and that makes me nervous."
"Well the idiot Cole made me do plenty of legwork saving those kids asses once." He sighed. "Last I seen them they were all just peachy, as for Stella she's here safe and sound." Gaius leaned the shotgun over his shoulder. "As for Dexter what's the big deal about him? I'll ice that fucker once I see him. I highly doubt those kids would be dumb enough to fall for anything he pulls."
Woodrow nodded gratefully. "Mind if I go in and see her?"
Gaius produced a key and unlocked the door. "Right this way." He said as he walked in Woodrow shutting the door behind them.
"Mr. Woodrow!" Stella shouted when she caught sight of him. She was coming back from the kitchen with a bowl of chips in hand. "Oh my gosh, hey! Would you like something to eat? Drink, maybe? It's so nice to see you!"
"Some tea would be nice." He replied. He took a seat as she ran into the kitchen. "You look like you're well. How are you doing?"
"Tea coming right up!" Stella called while she put water on the stove. Leaning over the counter, she beamed a smile at Woodrow. "Yeah, I've been great! Have you heard anything from the others?"
"Ah...no. I'm afraid I've been incarcerated since we returned from Chicago, up till this morning. I was actually going to ask if you knew how they were doing."
"Oh, I haven't heard from anyone either, but...you were incarcerated?" Stella's smile faded into a frown. "Gosh, are you ok?"
"Oh, I'm fine." Woodrow waved his hand. "Just a little misunderstanding. Do you know when Cole is coming back?"
"I...I don't really know for sure." Stella dropped her gaze from Woodrow as she turned to watch the kettle. "He should've been back a few hours ago."
A few hours? He didn't like the sound of that. "Did he say where he was going?"
Stella shook her head. "He didn't mention it. I'm guessing he went out to get me something for a surprise since I was a bit down, but that was this morning." She said in a shaken voice.
Woodrow stood as a red flag went up in the back of his mind. He tried not to worry, but after everything else that had happened these past few weeks...."Don't worry, Stella. I'll go find him and make sure he's alright. I'll have him back to you in no time." He smiled encouragingly.
"Or you'll die looking for." Gaius interrupted. "Hell has been broken loose and Mr.Damon is almost ready to be making his final movements to end this game but Vector's people are probably everywhere looking for Stella or whoever's close to her." Gaius set down his shotgun. "Chances are they already took Cole and either way if you didn't you just put yourself at higher risk leaving this place."
"Be that as it may, I would not be able to sleep properly knowing a student of mine was in danger and I did nothing to help. If you have any information of whereabouts, I would be grateful."
"Sorry." Gaius said. "The kid just ran off said he was gonna grab something to perk Stella up. The idiot didn't even where he was going."
"Hmm...Where's his house?"
"He lives on Read Street, apartment 364." Stella stepped up to Woodrow, handing him a thermos mug and teabag. "I appreciate you willing to do this, Mr. Woodrow and I trust you can find him but, please...be careful if you can."
"Of course. And thankyou for the tea." He replied and patted her on the head. Woodrow moved towards the door and raised his mug to Gaius before stepping outside. "Take care of her, alright."

 

Devil's Den Part 2

“Please talk.” Garrison begged as he reached for the middle of Cole’s neck chain giving It a nice tug to make sure of its strength.

“Tell us.”

“Sorry ….cool guys don’t talk to total nerds like you.” Cole simply replied and before another bit of crass humor could leave his mouth the metal collar on his neck was pressing into his neck.

Cole’s mind instantly went blank as he began rapid movements in every way possible he could manage.

Trying desperately to get just a small taste of air as his face began to turn red as the last bits of life were being squeezed out of him.

That is until Garrison let up the chain dropping as Garrison released it.

“Done?” Cole asked in a barely audible tone as he spit blood to the ground

As Cole regained his consciousness his mind went back to his time spent on the plane

---

"No way, you're really good at it! See, you've already helped me, I'm smiling! Cheese!" She beamed a large grin at him, bumping his shoulder playfully. "Seriously though, I wouldn't have been able to get through these weeks without you."

---

No…..

No way was he letting her down not let yet at least he could hold on….hold out till help came. Yeah soon enough Tina or Leon or Max or hell maybe even Joe would come bursting through the door.

Then these posers would be in a world of pain.

Cole leaned his back his neck feeling like numb jelly as he relaxed waiting whatever was next.

---





Oh shit.

Cole's breathing quickened once again as Garrison once again held another object in his hands but unlike before it was small and metal Cole could tell as the silver of it was shining in the darkness.

What was it?

But Cole's question was quickly answered as Garrison gripped his wrist and slip the tip of it under the boy's index fingernail and wrenched it up.

For an act so brutal it was over in moments a clean and sufficient way to tear someone’s nail off Cole let out a yelp of pain his teeth grinding as he heard his nail drop to the floor.

Cole sniffled as a tear ran down his face.

That….was….ugh

Cole’s finger was on fire but still managed to shut his hands into fists before Garrison could try to up root another nail.

Garrison through a swift fist into Cole’s face crushing his nose Cole grunted at the flash of white pain as he felt the warm liquid from his nose and dripped down his lips.

---

The torture carried on for three hours.

Every nail on Cole’s finger and two his toes had been taken his once handsome face was black and blood. His back and body had various cuts and lashes in it.

The puddle at Cole’s feet covered the entire room in the smell of urine.

“You’ve held out longer than expected.” Garrison sighed. “I didn’t want it to have to co-“

Garrison was cut off by a mutter that escaped Cole’s lips.

“What was that?” Garrison knelt down to eye level with his chained victim, Cole sticking out his tongue at the smell of booze on his breath.

“I said I’d..t…talk.” He whimpered.

The torturer frowned as his gaze met Cole’s. That look, it was always such an ugly look when one sells out another.

“Thank you.” Garrison nodded. “Where is she.”

Water stung at Cole eyes as he opened his mouth. “She’s…………”

---

Dexter sucked in the smoke from the death stick in his mouth as he leaned against the side of the building.

There was the sound of a door shutting and soon enough he found himself in the company of Garrison.

Jesus the guy had seen better days, his hair a mess, blood on his clothes and bags under his eyes. He wasn’t even wearing that fancy bowler hat.

“He talked.” Garrison mumbled.

“Yay!” Dexter exclaimed. “I’ll break out the champagne.”

Garrison ignored Dexter’s crass. “Should I call Goldie?”

“Nah we’ll tell her when she gets here.” Dexter sniffed. “Did you kill him?” Garrison shook his head. “No that would have been wrong. For one I don’t kill kids or teenagers and two if he’s lying and we killed him we’d have to go through the trouble of finding another method of tracking this girl down.”

Dexter shut his eyes as the cigarette loosely dangled in his lips. “I’m actually surprised the kid gave in.”

It’s a damn crying shame.

“He seemed strong, an unbreakable type.”

Garrison shook his head. “That’s flawed thinking man. He was strong but you can be the strongest man in the world and still give in to new levels of pain that you’ve never felt before.”

“Interesting I’ve never looked at it like that before.” Dexter flicked his cigarette to the ground. “Just one last thing.”

“Yeah?”

“Why do you smell like piss?” Dexter asked

 

Murdered Proposal ​

“Need a ride, mi dama?”

A sleek black car pulled up beside her. Goldie gave a sideways glance, peering over her large sunglasses at the driver.

“I don't know. What's it going to cost, Sir?"

The man grinned, tapping his fingers on the wheel in tune to his blaring radio. “How about dinner at Castle Street Cafe?”

She pondered for several seconds as the wind lapped at her sapphire blue dress. "If it’s at Athena's then you have a deal.”

He shrugged. "Too bad I already made the reservations."

"I suppose I can settle." Her heels clicked on the driveway as she went around the car and sat in the passenger seat. She stared ahead, not looking at Silas while he made his way out of the apartment complex. AC/DC's Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap continued to blast throughout the car and she switched it off, popping out the cassette.

"Bad day?" Silas muttered.

She glared out the window. "No, I hate that song."

"What happened this time, chica?"

"This." Goldie said through gritted teeth. She removed her sunglasses to reveal two band-aids across the bridge of her nose.

Silas chuckled. "Another sexy battle scar."

"From a damn video game!" Goldie shouted. "I would've smashed that kid's brain into the wall if I could."

Silas went silent, looking away from her scowling face back to the road. "Which video game?"

"Shut up."

"Hey, I'm curious." He reached over and grabbed her hand. Goldie's shoulders relaxed under his touch as their fingers intertwined.

She sighed. "How would I know? I was too busy fighting him. Practically had to handle the kid all on my own."

"Does that mean you won't leave me for Garrison?" Silas said, running his thumb along hers. "Good, now I won't have to wring his neck."

Goldie rolled her eyes. "That man doesn't know when to stop."

"You should see him at a bar."

"No, thank you." Goldie said.

Silas' gaze flicked towards hers again as he turned onto Main Street. "You underestimate him, but he's a Jedi-Master at what he does."

"Oh, I'm sure he stocks those light-sabers on the shelf like a pro."

Silas' grin twisted to the side. "He does a lot more than that, chica."

When they stopped at a red light Silas leaned closer and his soft whispers tickled her ear. Though what he said made her pull back, deep lines etched on her forehead.

Silas continued onward through the heavy afternoon traffic. "Gary's not only been a friend, he's been a mentor."

***

The lighting cast a warm glow on the two as they sat at a corner booth. Live jazz music wafted through the Cafe mixed with a chorus of voices. Goldie swirled red wine in her glass, watching the scenery beneath her sharp gaze.

"Tell me more about the other man." Silas said while he cut into his steak.

She lifted her glass, downing the sweet liquid. "Must we talk about work here?"

"But that's your favorite subject, isn't it?"

"Mr. Craftian isn't worth speaking about." Goldie said, stabbing at her salad.

"Oh come on, he's nothing you can't handle." Silas set down his silverware to refill her glass. "I knocked him out in three moves."

"You haven't had a real conversation with him. He's close to intolerable."

Silas nearly spilled the wine as he laughed. "Dramatic today, aren't we?"

"But it's true!" Goldie exclaimed, bringing her hand into a fist. "I hate him...very much."

"You used to hate me too, very much." He winked.

"That was an entirely different situation." Goldie said. "And he's nothing like you."

"Oh, how so?" Silas asked.

"Well for one, you don't smoke."

Silas' eyebrows reached his hairline. "You hate the guy because he's a smoker?"

She grimaced. "It's a filthy habit. And, that's not all. He doesn't have a work ethic like you either."

"Not many people do." Silas replied. "But chica, if Sparkles had him as a contact he has to be someone high in rank."

She shrugged. "I don't believe so."

"Why do you say that?"

"He mentioned he worked for The Web. From what I gather, they hired him to nab the girl too but he failed miserably, so he jumped the fence out of fear." Goldie said, bringing her voice to a whisper. "If he's failed them, he'll fail us. I don't trust him."

"Ah, so there's your biggest difference then."

"What do you mean?"

"The biggest difference between me and the chimney." Silas said with a smirk. "You trust me."

Goldie took another light sip of wine. "Perhaps."

"That's nice, because I don't trust you."

Her lips curled around the rim of her glass in a teasing smile. "A wise choice."

The crowd cleared out the longer they ate, leaving only them in their section. Goldie found the silence odd, but Silas appeared not to notice as he dug into their shared slice of chocolate cake.

"Are they closing early tonight?" she asked. "I've never seen this place so empty."

Silas glanced up from the dessert. "I don't know, maybe it's one of those special days."

"It's Tuesday, hardly anything special about that."

Silas placed his fork on the plate to take her hands in his. "Any day can be special with you."

Goldie jerked her hand away, erupting in laughter. "You should've ordered the cheesecake!"

"I'm serious." Silas said, leaning across the table. "We've been together for awhile, you know?"

She nodded. "Four years now."

"Actually, five...today." Silas flashed another cheeky grin. "It's our fifth anniversary."

There was a pause as she titled her head. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Silas caught her eye, his brown iris meeting her grey. He cleared his throat. "These last five years between us there have been many challenges. But more importantly, my challenge has been to make you happy. We've been through a lot, but you're still the one that I want."

Silas reached into his pocket and out came a red velvet box. "I can't promise you perfection, but I can promise that I'll fight through hell for you."

He stood, bending down on one knee and gently took her hand once again. "Courtney Twaddle as my co-worker, my chica, I've never stopped loving you." Silas said and tightened his grip to steady his voice. "Would you do me the honor of living the rest of your life with me?"

The reality of his words closed in around her, constricting her of breath. He was going to say it...

"And will you marry me?"

Goldie's heart leapt in her chest as he opened the box. The diamond ring rested upon a soft cushion, shimmering in the light. Silas lifted it from its home, eagerly waiting for her answer.

"I...I..." She stuttered as her vision blurred with tears. Sliding out of her seat, she stepped away from him. "I...I...I think I need a moment."

Silas called after her, but she didn't stop. She couldn't stop. Not until she was in the safety of the women's restroom did her strong demeanor break in two. Goldie pressed her back against the stall as sobs wracked her frame.

The thought of marriage made her stomach lurch; her shoulders shake. Her tears came harder as Silas' face replayed in her mind. His nervous smile, his warm touch, his genuine loving gaze. She swallowed through her tears as she was reminded of the past, where they came from...

**********
​

Goldie strode down the blinding white hallway, heels clicking in time against the marble tile. She couldn't be late, well, actually she was quite early. But she couldn't make a mistake on her first day. She'd practically fought tooth and nail to grab this opportunity. The Vector Corporation only chose the best.

Of course, that's why she was here.

Goldie grinned as she turned a corner, nearing the elevator the receptionist had informed her about. Excitement fluttered in her heart, but she stifled it as she stepped inside.

Up she went, towards success. She could literally feel herself gain more authority in those sixty seconds she was in an actual Vector Corp elevator.

And when she walked out, it was like she'd arrived to a whole new universe. Technological equipment lined the room, complete with computers and massive TV screens mounted on the walls. A few men who sat in the large cushioned chairs turned to stare at her. Beneath their gaze, she gave a polite nod.

One of the men rose from his seat and approached her, brushing a hand through his thick black hair.

"Courtney Twaddle, huh?" he said as he gave her a once over, more like a twice over. Slowly, he brought his eyes back to hers, letting out a low whistle.

She stumbled back at his demeaning behavior. "Excuse me?"

He smiled. "You mean, you don't remember me? It has been what... seven years?"

"No Sir, I don't believe we've met..."

"Silas Rivera." He offered a strong hand, not hiding the satisfaction in his voice.

Goldie scooted backwards again which caused her to nearly trip over a cord tapped to the floor.

No.

Way.

That couldn't be Silas Rivera! He'd been the weird Mexican kid that never went a day without a busted lip or black eye. The one her friends called illegal and other nasty remarks in hushed whispers. Everyone avoided Silas, praying they wouldn't get stuck with him for a school project. He'd even accused a teacher of discrimination and got sent to the principal's office, at least a dozen times. He'd been the bad luck, little, wimpy...kid.

"What happened?" Goldie choked out.

Silas chuckled, a rich, deep laugh. "Same could be said about you."

Goldie's eyes flickered as she crossed her arms. "Times have changed, Mr. Rivera."

Had they ever.

"You’re right, where are those glasses that took up half your face?" Silas asked with a smirk.

Goldie didn't budge, but chose to counter his question with her own. "How long have you worked for the Vector Corporation?"

"About a year and a half. I was promoted to Security after the first six months." he said. "But I gotta say, you're the last person I'd expect to find here. Thought for sure you’d died.”

Goldie took in a sharp breath. How could he remember her? She hadn't been popular in school, the opposite in fact.

“I moved away.” She replied. “A long time ago.”

“Hell, you fell off the face of the earth! Those rumors though...” Silas said, shaking his head. “Hilarious.”

She bet they were.

Goldie took her attention from him, glancing around the room. “I’d love to exchange gossip all day, but isn't there work to be done?”

Silas nodded. “I’m your corporate trainer in Security. If assignments go as planned, then you’ll be on your own in a couple weeks.”

Her gaze flicked back to him, her jaw set firm in a frown. “Why is it that I need assistance? I hold a degree in my field and have extensive training already, I’m quite certified.”

“Oh I know that, but she doesn't.” Silas said as he swiped a gun lying on a desk. “Don’t worry Ms. Twaddle, I’ll make you fit for security.”

“But I’m already fit for security!” She said between gritted teeth.

"Great. Less work for me then."

She hadn't the opportunity to respond as he was already making his way towards the elevator, his heavy boots stomping on the tile. She walked briskly after him.

"Excuse me Sir, but aren't you going to tell me where we're headed?" Goldie snapped once they were inside.

"Nobody told me a thing on my first day, made me suffer. But since you asked so nicely, I'll tell ya." Silas punched the button to the lobby floor. "We're gonna practice some shots."

**********
​

Silas' strained voice rang through the women's restroom. "Goldie, come out, I need to talk to you!"

​

There was no answer.

​

"Either you get your ass out here or I'm coming in!" He shouted. And, another ten seconds later, he did exactly that. Goldie sniffed as she noticed his feet land at the bottom of the locked stall door.

"What's wrong with you?" He muttered.

Goldie lifted her head, wet curls sticking to her cheeks. "I can't."

"What?"

"I can't, Silas!" Goldie repeated, her shout bouncing off the walls. "I can't marry you."

**********
​

Silas let off a few bullets, landing directly into the heart of the human outline. He gave a smile of approval as he turned to find Goldie twirling her revolver.

"Having baton practice instead?"

She sent him a glare in return. "It helps me concentrate, which is quite hard to do when you're running your mouth, Mr. Rivera." Lifting the gun she shot two bullets, each hitting their targets.

She could feel Silas staring at her back and she did a quick peek behind her shoulder. "Any comments, concerns, sad stories?"

"I've got a question." Silas said as he walked nearer to her. "Why'd you choose to work in Security? I thought you'd be more interested in quiet office work."

Goldie leveled a glare on him. "I wanted to give use to my skills, Mr. Rivera."

"Yeah, but where'd they come from?" he asked. "I mean, hell...you used to sit out during dodge ball."

She tossed the gun between her palms. "My life took a turn."

"A sharp turn apparently."

Goldie's cheeks flushed red. "I'm here to work, not to chat, or make friends or acquaintances, Mr. Rivera." she sneered. "I'd appreciate it if you would keep personal questions to yourself as I'm sure it's against your training policy."

She squeezed the trigger, landing another bullet deep inside the target.

**********​

"Well, why? I deserve some answers here."

At Silas' tone, a shudder went though her. She opened her mouth to speak, but she had nothing to say in defense; she couldn't put her emotion into words. Fear blocked out love, it pushed it down deep. She snapped her eyes shut as her breaths came quickly.

A few seconds later, she yelped when arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. She squirmed beneath his firm grasp, pulling free to lash out a fist.

"Look I had no other choice, no ones in here anyway." Silas muttered, catching onto her wrist. "Tell me now, why?"

Goldie's red, puffy eyes were big in her pale face. "It...it's too much, Silas." She sighed. "It's all too much..."

Silas' shoulders sagged as he stood there dumbfounded.

"Besides, married or not won't we have the same relationship?" Goldie said.

Silas released his hold on her to unlock the stall door. "I should have expected this." He shoved passed her, towards the door.

"No, Silas...wait."

He stared her in the face. "It's been five years, Goldie. There's been ups and downs, sure, but I don't need anything else but you. Yeah, that's a damn sappy thing, but it's true. Now you've got to be this way..."

He paused, running his fingers through his hair. "Do you...not love me anymore? Is that it?"

*********​

Weeks passed. Those torturous weeks she was almost tempted to kill him. In between shift breaks, his annoying charm got her to talk, but the rest of the time she remained tight-lipped, business focused. Exactly like it was supposed to be.

Until Vector Corp announced their annual Christmas Party.

"I'm not going. Not even if I was paid to go." Goldie informed Silas as they were on guard duty.

"You can't miss out on this, chica." He said. "If you want to be on Sparkles good side, you have to attend."​

​

She rolled her eyes. "Knowing her, I wouldn't be surprised if confetti falls from the ceiling."

Silas chuckled. "Confetti? Have to be a little more creative than that."

Goldie shrugged, tossing her revolver between her palms. "I'm still not going."

"Yeah, you are." Silas said, his smile smug. "And you're coming with me."
​

***********
​

"No!" Goldie shouted. "Silas, no....I....I do love you...I..."

"Forget it." Silas said, swinging the bathroom door wide enough to slam against the wall. "I know you love yourself more than anyone else, you always have."

"Silas...no, it's not that..."

She went unheard as he stormed out of the restaurant. From under the harsh streetlamps, Goldie watched him drive away, leaving her alone in the cool of night.​

 

End of Days

“Hey Dexter guy!” Garrison shouted.
“What!?” Another voice fired back from inside the warehouse.

“Goldie is back.” Garrison replied as he watched her blonde hair bounce as she made her way over. “And she looks disgruntled.”

Dexter swung open the door and as usual a cigarette was between his lips. His white button shirt had traces of blood and water on it.

He’d been treating Cole’s wounds. “Fuck.” He muttered. “She always looks disgruntled.” Though Garrison had a point her eyes were abnormally puffy.

He didn't know sharks could cry.

"Bad day?" Garrison asked as she stopped in front of them.

Goldie simply ignored his greeting, glaring at the two of them."Give me a report of all details you may have, starting now."

"Yeah bad day." Dexter said and suddenly Goldie found his arm around her. "Look we aren't gonna go over every little iddy biddy thing that happened. Fact is we found where Stella is got it? So now we go and fetch her."

"First, get off of me." Goldie muttered as she pushed him away, hard. "And, second...are you certain that the place she's being held is correct? We don't have time for drawbacks."

"I'm positive Goldith!" He said with a devilish smile. "Garrison made sure of that."

"I did?" Garrison asked.

"Yes." Dexter nodded. "You did."

"Well I tortured the kid to get the information." Garrison shook his head. "Didn't kill him so we can come back and ask him if we have any issues finding her."

"See Goldith." Dexter blew smoke in her face. "As the cliched villains say all is going according to plan."

Goldie didn't waver as she scowled at Dexter, her grey iris' flickering in the dim light. "Alright then, shut up and let's get moving."

"Are you sure nothing went wrong?" Garrison asked opening the door. "Is it a customer service thing?"

"No, nothing is wrong. Let's just get the girl and be finished with this." Goldie said quickly as she exited the warehouse.

---

Laplace exited his office brief case in hand unlike before he’d traded his expensive looking business suit for street simple clothing.

Flannel shirt and blue jeans he never liked dressing flashy just to catch planes it would be about a six hour flight anyway.

As Laplace waited for his cab he couldn’t help but wonder.

Did he have all his pieces in order? But ….not just that he had most of what he needed and if he was correct he’d be able to gain some sort of footing against Vector Corporation with Stella’s findings but he needed more.

Laplace was interrupted from his thoughts as his phone began to ring.

“Hello?” He asked as calm as always.

“Yes is this Mr. Damon?” An unfamiliar voice replied

Laplace scoffed. “Obviously but who might this be?”

“A friend.” The mystery person said. “I think we can make quite the business deal if what I’ve heard about you is true.”

The crime lord grinned like a snake to himself. “I’m all ears.”

---

The next morning was absolute chaos.

After the last night battle many seemed to come to the conclusion the city had become a war zone and highly dangerous one.

In the past months there had been various shooting, explosions, kidnappings and violent act after violent act.

The town of Great Barrington had truly been gripped in fear now but fear of what? Terrorists? Gangs? Serial bombers?

Nobody was certain but one thing was for sure tensions were rising as were the manhunts for everyone who fit a proper description of anyone suspicious seen at the violent areas.

 

Nick awoke to the early morning sun shining into his eyes. He hardly remembered the night before. Everything happened so quickly.

When Wilhelm drove up during the sniper attack, Nick had scrambled in real quick, not bothering to buckle up. The others entered rather hurriedly as well. Right before the explosion, the door on Nick's side flew wide open. The explosion had sent him flying out.

He flew over a barbed wire fence nearby. It came within an inch of catching his face as he flew by, but managed to sink it's spikes into the foot of his healthy leg, inflicting a thin, long cut from his ankle to his big toe. He then smashed into a stack of hay, which halted his flight, but did not halt the danger of the situation. The explosion set the shoulder of his t shirt aflame. Nick swatted the flame in a panic, so as to prevent the flame from spreading to the nearby hay. When the flame was gone, he lay staring up at the sky. His mind was blank. His mouth panting. Various cuts and scratches were now bleeding, not enough to kill a man, but certainly painful. The hay had been soft, but he had him the headfirst, and fast. Drawing a breath, Nick passed out.

Now here he lay the day after, staring up at the sky. He didn't want to call for help. What if Vector bastards were nearby? But what else could he do?

"Help!" He called, from where he lay in the pile of hay.

 

Baby Drama & Bullets​

To call or not to call...that was the question. Trisha had been staring at her cellphone like a foreign object for the past ten minutes. The dread in her stomach coiled tight as she repeated in her mind what she wished to say, but couldn't bare to think of the reply.

Trisha sighed, falling back into the hotel bed. It had to be done sometime, now would be better than later. She could do it.

"Yeah, Trisha you can do this." She said aloud. "Say it, hang up. Just like stabbing or a shooting someone...yeah, quick and easy. BAM!"

Trisha made a fist as she sat up and placed the phone to her ear. The dull tone started....ringing....and ringing....and ringing....

Trisha hurriedly shut off the phone. No she wasn't ready, not yet. Taking deep, slow breaths she closed her eyes. "Quick and easy. Easy and quick." she whispered. "Just two teeny tiny words, that's all. Say it, hang up. Yeah, ok...I can do this."

As she dialed the number for the second time, her heart pattered in rhythm to the tone. Sickness settled in her stomach and she shut it off again, throwing the phone onto the bed sheets.

Nope! Not today.

Trisha snatched up a pillow and put it over her face. But as if on cue her groaning was cut short when her phone started to ring.

She sat up in a panic, instinctively grabbing the device. What to do?! Ignore or answer? She hadn't the time to decide! There was one ring to go before voicemail when she accepted the call, despite her hesitance.

"Hello?"

"I believe you called me, Trisha." Her mother's voice said.

She fought back the urge to end the conversation right there. "Yeah...I tried." Trisha bluffed. "My calls must have not gone through, very...um, strange."

"Well?" Doreen asked. "Don't keep me waiting, is this to do with Stella or Icarus?"

"No, not exactly." Trisha began pacing around the room. "Uh...what are you doing at the moment?"

Doreen snorted. "Talking to you. Why did you call?"

"Mom, I...well...." she stuttered, searching for any way to steer the subject elsewhere. "I'm lonely and thought I'd see what you were up to."

"You called me?" Her voice sounded surprised. "I'm getting ready for bed Trisha." There was a pause before Doreen spoke again. "Wouldn't you be better off calling that secretary or even your sister?"

"Maybe, but tonight I wanted to talk to you more!" Trisha exclaimed with false happiness.

"You do realize you never call me." Doreen replied. "Unless its a work issue why start now? What do you want?" She cut to the chase.

"I'M PREGNANT, OK!" Trisha blurted. She couldn't allow herself to suffocate under the pressure of secrecy any longer. Shutting her eyes, she shouted into the phone. "Mom, I wanted to tell you that I'm pregnant!"

There was a ten second pause on the other end. "Is that all?" Doreen asked calmly.

"Well, uh...it didn't happen by accident."

"What?" She asked, her voice venomous. "I don't remember you wanting a baby? What the hell did you do?"

"A fail-safe." Trisha said as she leaned against a wall. "I...I don't want this baby, I need this baby, Mom."

There was a long sigh on the other end of the line. "Fail-safe? What the hell? Trisha your assignment was simple." She muttered.

"I know, but like I said before, there was a...shift in my circumstances."

"What in the hell kind of shift could that be!" She snapped.

"I found someone, but it wasn't the girl." Trisha swallowed the lump in her throat as she blinked back tears. "It was someone I love." Doreen snorted. "You're not funny." There was a click.

She'd hung up.

Trisha shook her head as she re-dialed the number. There was no way she was going to let mother get the last word, not this time.

"Hello?" Doreen said again. "I don't remember saying you could call back."

"But Mom, it's true!"

"The father?" Doreen asked. "Do I know him?"

"No, I don't think so." Trisha took a seat on the bed, gripping the phone tighter. "His name is Dexter Craftian."

"...........what?"

"Yeah, I met Dexter at the school when I was Anita. Later on he found out the truth, but he still came back because he loves me the way I am." Trisha let out a breath. "And, I love him too. I really do, a lot."

"You stupid fucking cow you!" Doreen shouted.

Trisha cringed as her tears broke though, falling down her cheeks. "B...b...but...Mom...I..."

"He's one of the main reasons we are in this mess!" She screeched. "You spread your legs for that worm to weasel his way in."

"But he's helping us now!"

"My ass!" Doreen snarled. "I want him dead, dead, dead, dead!!!!"

"No! You...you can't kill him!" Trisha's voice strained as she tried to yell over her mother. "No! Please, don't!"

*Click*

Doreen had hung up again.

-----------------------​

Stella hugged a pillow against her heaving chest, crying tears of worry, guilt, doubt, but most of all, loneliness. She felt as if her heavy heart would burst under all the emotion. There were many on her side, but at the same time she had no one by her side, to sympathize with.

No parents. No sister. No boyfriend. No friends. All she had was an old man hired to watch her and even he wasn't paying attention to her miserable self draped over the couch.

She wished she could do something. Anything. But what could she do? Hope? She'd been hoping for better days for the last few weeks and everything seemed to have gotten worse. She knew she couldn't give up though. Not yet, not after everything they'd gone through. For her.

Stella took a struggled breath as she closed her eyes, the last of her tears falling silently.

Her sobbing was soon interrupted by a pounding at the door. Gaius was up in a flash, shotgun in hand as he narrowed his eyes at the door. "Hm." He crept closer to it slowly, his footsteps making no noise. "Stella." He grunted.

She obeyed his warning and rose from her spot, making her way over to the nearest place she could hide. The coat closet. Shifting around the few coats, Stella backed up against the wall and shut herself in.

Gaius raised an eyebrow at Stella's hiding place and rolled his eyes.

It would have to do.

"Who is it?" He said.

"Gary." Said the person. "Gary Garrison I'm with the Vector Corporation. Give us the girl." He snorted. "Oh yeah.....bwahahahahha." The lazy voice drawled out into an even lazier evil laugh.

"Ugh." Gaius huffed.

Of all the people they send this idiot.....no....there had to be more. This guy was just too easy pickings to kill off. Gaius pressed his shotgun against the door way and squeezed the trigger.

The loud blast echoed through out the room making Stella jump and of course leaving a sizable hole in the door. But he quickly took cover again behind the nearest wall.

---

"I guess that's our cue?" Dexter said as he walked up the steps to the back end of the apartment building with Goldie close behind. "Think Garrison is dead?"

"Doubt it." She replied, giving her revolver a spin. "Shutting him up with a single bullet would be much too easy...and too lucky."

"I'm no expert." Dexter turned his head to stare at her gunplay. "But I don't think its smart to do that with a gun." He said as they walked on to the fire escape.

"Oh I've been doing this for years, hardly even notice anymore." Goldie tossed the gun into the air and it made one rotation before she caught it a second later, from behind. With a sly smile she then resumed spinning the weapon around her index finger. "Does it make you nervous?"

Dexter sighed as he opened a window into the building. "Nah not much." He snorted. "But it is the same gun you been pointing at my face."

"Actually it isn't." Goldie said, moving to stand beside him. "I have twin revolvers that look the same, shoot the same, but are entirely different when together."

"Shhhh." Dexter hissed as they slipped in and began skulking through the building.

---

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!

Garrison’s teeth chattered as he’d nearly been blown to pieces by the angry sociopath on the other side of the wall.

He’d managed to duck as soon as he heard something press against the opposite side of the door. He didn't waste time scrambling to his feet and as far as he could from the danger zone.

---

Gaius sniffed the air as he retreated further into the apartment.

Shit!

Couldn't of just been him could it? No that scurvy motherfucker probably with here. He’d blow that smug look off his face if he reared his ugly head.

---

There came another blast, this time from the kitchen as Goldie shot the lock and kicked down the door. Raising her gun, she took aim at the man in view but with no time to spare, she darted to the side to take cover.

---

"Damn." Gaius muttered. "Missed her!"

Fuck!

“Gaius.” Dexter whispered.

He doubted Goldie could take a guy like him in a gunfight most of all when he was toting around a damn shotgun.

Dexter darted forward before Gaius could fire off another shot. “Stop!” Dexter cried. The old criminal’s lips went up into a psychotic grin as he shoved the barrel of the gun into the face of his enemy.

There was a cracking sound as Dexter’s head snapped back, the cold steel had broken his nose.

Bald idiot.

Should have listened.

Dexter coughed as blood leaked down his broken nose. Gaius leveled the shotgun at the downed traitor but once again before he could send Dexter packing he was interrupted. Interrupted by a bullet between his eyes Gaius’ head snapped in similar fashion as Dexter’s did but unlike Dexter he was dead before he hit the ground.

Dexter’s face was ghost white as he stared at the fresh corpse before him. “J…Jesus.”

Dammit! That crazy bastard just had to shoot first and ask questions later.....fuck! He gritted his teeth as Goldie stepped in front of him eyeing her handy work. Reaching into her pocket, she produced her phone and quickly dialed a number.

---

“The girl?” Garrison asked into his phone.

“Yes look for her while I and Mr. Craftian handle this body.” Goldie’s voice replied.

“Fine.” Garrison said and shut his phone, tiptoeing back to the destroyed door. That maniac seemed to be taken care of.

“Hey!” He shouted turning his head back and forth as he looked for his target. “Um miss are you here?”

No. Go away. Stella thought to herself, making her shaking frame as small as possible in the back of the closet. Her tears had started again at the roaring gunshots, praying that she wouldn't be next, that she wouldn't be found. She shut her eyes tight, tucking her knees closer to her chest. This couldn't be the end...she wouldn't let it be.

Just go away.

Stella paused like a deer caught in headlights as the door knob of the closet rattled and shook before finally twisting. She was soon face to face with an unfamiliar man. A sincere smile was painted across his face and his bowler hat sat sloppily on his head and despite the unkempt manner of his suit she could tell he was no less dangerous than any other Vector employee she had met.

"Cooooooooooooooool found you." The man drawled. "Welp come on." He said nodding his head to her.

Stella's blue eyes went wide as she stared up at him. "I...I...can't do that."

"Oh?" Garrison placed his hand on his chin. "You sure? I'm pretty sure we are kidnapping you." He sighed. "Come on kid don't make me do work to get you of out of there. I'm way too totally stressed out for that."

"Stressed? How do you think I feel!" Stella shouted.

"So you're not gonna move?" Garrison asked his shoulder slouching. "That's laaaaaaaaaame." His blood shot eyes narrowed as he suddenly leaned down in Stella's face. "Get out of there before I torture you like I tortured your boyfriend." He muttered, venom clear in his voice.

More tears stained her cheeks as she squeaked out a response. "You what?"

"How do you think we found you." Garrison smirked. "Bwahahaha... I totally tortured that jock into spilling all about where you were. He was kinda crying like how you were when I did it too."

Garrison frowned. "Just like 1984 he sold you out."

Anger surged through Stella as she bit her lip, fighting back the urge to do something stupid. "Where is he now?"

"Strapped to a chair." Garrison replied. "With a chain around his neck but don't worry I ain't planning on killing him. Killing kids would make me feel really guilty and I have to drink just to torture them."

Stella had no answer to give as the sound of footsteps caught her attention.

"Understood." A blonde woman appeared, phone in hand. She came to a slow stop beside Garrison, scowling at the floor. "We'll meet you there. Yes, thank you Ms. Sparkles, yes you too, ok.....I know, mmhm, alright, exactly....goodbye."

Goldie sighed, placing the device back into her pocket as she turned to Garrison. "What have you been doing all this time? I told you to find the girl, not have a conversation with her!"

"You never said I couldn't have a conversation with her after I found her." He said shoving his hands into his pocket.

"He's got you there Goldie." Dexter muttered his face still pale from seeing Gaius get his brain blown out in front of him. He could handle corpses but .......Jesus when you see someone you know bite the big one it's always hard to swallow.

Well he was a prick anyway......besides there was more important details take care of.

Dexter knelt down in front of Stella. "Hello I'm uncle Dex, nice to meet you. I met your sister awhile back."

Stella scooted nearer to the wall, returning his greeting with a steely glare. "I hope you know you're a terrible person."

Dexter's smile vanished her words sunk in.

Terrible person!

You are a monster Dexter!

"Yeah." He agreed but his devil like grin returned. "Doesn't mean I don't know how to play a good one." He stood up. "So what Trisha say?" He asked Goldie.

"What didn't she say?" Goldie scoffed, pulling out her revolver once again. "I was informed that we're to meet at the church tomorrow. We'll hand off the girl there."

"Nice!" Dexter exclaimed. "Now that you got Stella that means our working relationship is officially over." Dexter shoved a cigarette between his lips. "Its been real you two but the lovely Ms. Sparkles has a plane ticket with my name on it."

He eyed Stella. "Go easy on the girl." Those were his last words as he turned and walked out the door before any police could arrive.

Good riddance.

Goldie glared at the doorway, wishing she could have put a bullet in him before he left. Maybe she'd have another chance, not that she wanted to see him again. Ever.

"Garrison go start up the car while I take care of the girl."

Walking inside the small closet, she stood directly in front of the prize that she, not Ms. Sparkles had won. Goldie showed a rare smile as she looked into Stella's fearful gaze.

"Time to go."