Down at the Docks, for Venny

[Maj]

I moved down to one of the empty warehouses, moving like a shadow between the boxes and heavy machinery. My eyes roved over the waist high boxes, depicting the easiest path from all the others. I spotted the right warehouse by the giant number painted on its side. I make a bee line for it, checking my watch as I go. 10 o’clock, right on the dot, which means I’m a little early for our meeting. But knowing this guy, he’s probably here already and prepared to make the exchanged. His live fro quite a nice sum of cash. Of course, my client sends me, ‘cause we both know that, while this should go smoothly, it probably won’t. This target, Renshaw, is a guy who obsesses over every little detail, so I figure he planned on bringing lots of muscle. Which is fine, seeing as how I’m certainly up for a good fight. Sliding over to the door, I peek through the window first. I open the door quickly, and cross over to the table that s set up in the middle of the room. Three men stand on the other side of the table. Two are bodyguards, the type that are all muscle, no brains. Like bears, or rhinos. And the short guy in between them, Renshaw I suppose, is practically a midget compared to both of them. His watery, little beady eyes flick over to me, then to the briefcase on the table, and back to me. I’m probably not what he expected, by the look on his face. He looks surprised, but too pleased for my taste. Maybe I can nock that smug smile off his rat-like face. My reputation might make me sound like some sort of giant, when really I’m more like a 5’11’’ mountain lion. Swift and lithe, but fully loaded and lethal from head to toe. “So you decided to show up after all. I was starting to worry your boss, Macrebe was it, had chickened out on the deal. Changed his mind and all that.” Renshaw squeaks out this sentence, and his voice sounds exactly like a middle school girls when they’re screaming. High pitched and annoying, nearing the range that only dogs can hear. I try to keep the smile off my face, and, thank God, somehow succeed in keeping my calm façade. I merely shrug to his high-pitched statement. I’m already at the table, my back to the door I came in from, knowing that if someone was going to be a peeking Tom, all they’d see is my broad shoulders, the two musclemen and the top of this Renshaw’s obviously fake hair. I glimpse down at the table, and, guess what, there’s a metal suitcase, and I have to wonder if that could be anymore cliché. For once, could someone bring a normal briefcase? Apparently not, but I don’t feel like going into my hate for metallic briefcases, I ask, “Is all the money here?” I’d add on more, but that’d fill up my word quota for today. But my voice easily implies the rest, telling him that Macrebe, my long time friend and favorite client, won’t accept anything less than what he asked for. He didn’t’ like to be cheated, and he’d given me orders to kill Renshaw if he didn’t pay back the dept in whole, up front, tonight.

[Venny]

Gloom. Overcast clouds lingered in the sky scaring the sun enough to keep its rays of gold from shining through the reaper like fog. Damp, a chill in the air discouraging even the most frivolous children from their play. Not yet night nor was it day, the world hung in a mis matched medium. Darkness would soon engulf the land anyway, as it was nearly four. Leena glanced over to her elegant wrist, eyeing the clock face. The girl had a strange obsession with knowing the specific time. Most likely it was her problem with being in control of every situation. Having no idea why she was actually here Leena continued to glide over the grimy docks. Today was her day off, (she was a private music tutor) and she had managed to meander through most of Naples. Through the market, over the city bridge, now into the docks for some god forsaken reason. This place to dingy for anything besides rates repulsed Leena to a degree. Not one to squeal at first site of rodent fur, Leena just liked bing clean. This place was not hygiene forward. Different sizes of wooden crates appear here and there. Almost popping up in the most random places. A water droplet hit Leena's arm with a silent plop, looking Leena rolled the sapphires in her head at the horrid weather. Scowling Leena didn't want to get wet...again, so glancing around she noticed a door a few feet from her. Now, of course the door was attached to a building. Gazing up eyes hit a massive metal sign, IMPORTS AND EXPORTS INC. Wow, because thats original. The lack of imagination in cooperate companies these days drained Leena of all hope to say that the human race was actually intelligent. It is advertising, it isn't that difficult. Walking to the slap of metal Leena gripped the door handle and yanked hard. Misjudging that the door would be so light Leena swung back and staggered for a second. The light streamed into the dark interior, no lights besides a top few were on in the building. Interesting, Leena thought. Leena had no idea what was happening only a few 100 yards from where she stood. She had seen forms, but then noticed that they were actually people. Strange apprehension pricked at Leena's brain, it looked like a weird place to have a meeting. Noticing only four silhouettes Leena couldn't see any of their faces. Curiosity itched her forwards and she managed to hide behind a couple of crates to watch with a smug grin what was going on. It was better than just wandering around, waiting for the rain to stop, at least now she would be entertained.

[Maj]

“Yes, yes, certainly, it’s all business with you. I’ve heard about your skills, you know. You’re infamous for your abilities.” The mouse-man talked while he ran his fingers over the metal case. He looked at me greedily, as if trying to size up the sum of money it would take to buy me off. He’ll have to go to pretty high lengths though; Macrebe pays very well for my services. If he can go higher than Macrebe, then he deserves a chance to hire me. But by the way he’s looking at me, he doesn’t think it’ll be that hard to buy me off. I just nod and shrug, not really caring about what he says. My hand goes out for the briefcase and Renshaw slides it across the table to me. He assures me that all the money’s there, but why would I believe him? He’s probably the dirtiest one in this room, and I’m certainly not talking about hygiene. Flicking open the latches is easy, and the lid is soon open and I’m staring at $25 million in cash. One of the bodyguards stifles a gasp as the other on whistles in amazement. Their boss looks proud, and searches my face for some trace of emotion. But my face is a clean slate, only one eyebrow quirking upward. I’ve seen much more money being transferred to Macrebe before, so really, I’m not impressed. Just after flicking the lid open and fingering through the cash, my cell goes off, its plain ring echoing through the warehouse. I hold up one finger, then retreat a few paces away before actually opening up and answering the phone. “Hello?” My voice sounds bored, and my features mirror that tone. But the voice on the other side is none other than Macrebe. “Change of plans,” he says. His voice is thick with and Italian accent, and he’s speaking quickly. “Renshaw plans to double cross us. Take him out.” I nod my head, then with a sigh reply with a quick yes sir. Macrebe hangs up and I slowly put my phone away. I wasn’t really expecting this, but I still brought back up. Walking over with a slight smile on my face, I start speaking. “Well, there seems to be a change of plans. You see, I was just supposed to pick up the money and take it back to Mr. Macrebe.” My voice echoes in the airy room, deep and soothing with the obvious hint of an Australian accent. “But it seems that someone decided to double cross us. And now it’s my job to clan it up.” I stop at the other side of the table, across from a wide eyed Renshaw. I nod to the two guards on either side of the fretting rat man, and they nod back, then turn to leave the way they came in. “A small piece of advice: don’t hire people who ask for you to hire them. Typically they’ll be working for someone else. In this case, its’ me.” I pull out a gun, and point it straight towards Renshaw’s head. The bullet will land right between his beady rat eyes, and then I’ll be able to go home from this god-awful day. I’ll even do him the courtesy to pray over his dead body before the guards come back to clean up behind me.

[Venny]

Sneaking had never been one of Leena's strong suits. The small but flamboyant girl was usually anything but quiet and reserved. Large metal closed slowly as the light withdrew letting the shadows take back their reign of terror. Feeling the wood under her soft hands Leena knelt down blending in with the background. Wood, unhanded, cheap, splinters that cut through flesh burrowing under the skin. Leena's brow furrowed, glancing down she saw tiny shavings pricking her skin. Nails poised over the minuscule pieces she yanked out each one as the talking people continued on with their own business. Voices soon distracted Leena from her aid, she was yearning to hear more. Frustration flowed through her like a caged animal, wanting so badly to inch a few feet to be a part of that group. Now, although Leena couldn't hear what was going on her eyesight hadn't failed her yet. Cat like orbs glowed in the darkness squinting to make out each feature of the four males before her. Three facing her, but to ignorant to know that they were being watched. One, the view of him was just the back. Leena didn't mind though, it wasn't a bad side to see. Aside from his well formed ass, muscles were prevalent under his shirt. Strong and sturdy with a thick head of hair. Rugged, troubled, and bad ass. In Leena's book: eye candy. The fact that she had yet to lay eyes on his front made Leena thoroughly prejudiced about his looks on her part. Wanting to be fair she figured to expect the worst once he turned around. Moving along to the other beings in the room, (if you could even call them that) Two of them, thumbs. Having no visible neck what so ever from the amount of muscles they possessed. Now doubt dumb as the floor they were standing on. Unable to think for themselves let alone make split second decisions. Animals that followed each and every master's command, looking greedily for a left over scrap or reward. In the middle of the thumbs was a barely visible man, hidden behind the two looming shadows of his body guards. Short and quivering the Napoleon complex clearly plagued his features. Beady rodent eyes darted in an erratic inscrutable patter. Hands positioned in a way Leena imagined a carrot between his fingers. Nails long and dirty, he was a rat. Leena was getting bored, they were just talking, and she couldn't heard them anyway. The rat stepped forward intriguing Leena's potent curiosity. Unstable hands reached the metal case. Hearing a click the shining sterling lifted revealing its hidden contents. 25 million dollars. Leena thought she was going to die at the sight. Legs weakening, eyes fluttering, heart raced. It was so beautiful, so gorgeous, Leena's salivary glands were in an intense overdrive. Not wanting to drool all over herself Leena shut her gaping mouth. Composure slowly returning she gazed in awe, the fact that all of these men were callous when the case was opened was the strangest thing in the world. A strange, unfamiliar, ringing soon broke the glass of silence Leena had succumb to. Tensing Leena watched carefully reading the scene before her. The man with his back to her had gotten a call. Excusing himself he stepped away from the rodent and the thumbs. Leena shot downward below the crate so as not to be caught. The man was close to her, she could make out his pointed features. Smirking Leena decided that the rest of him was just as good as his ass. Whispered breaths creeped out of the cell. A shiver rand down Leena's back, as the rasping cleared a voice rang through the phone. Focusing on the voice Leena's one track mind wasn't listening to the actual words. Something, distant and evanescent, but something was eerily familiar about the voice. Telling from the untenable deepness it was a male, but other than that Leena had no idea who it was. Thoughts on the mysterious murmuring were gone, now as the words being said sunk into Leena's consciousness. Kill. Double cross. Take him out. Oh my god! The voice just ordered the mystery man to kill someone! Leena figured it was the rat, but how in the world was he gonna get past the thumbs??? Reassurance flowed through her body, yes he wouldn't be able to do anything to him, it was scientifically impossible. Besides if the man used a gun the thumbs looked so stable that the bullets would probably just bounce right off of them. Breathing slowed, eyes narrowed, listening for the faintest race of knowledge. All of a sudden the thumbs stepped back, and in the calmest, urbane fashion left their master to his impending doom. All the hope was gone as the adrenaline returned, all that remained was mystery murderer and the rodent, the rat wouldn't stand a chance. A few moments passed, a flash of metal bounced off the lighting. A gun formed and cocked pointing straight between his beady eyes. Gasping quite audibly Leena whispered an uncontrolled “no” Cursing herself at the sudden lack of mouth control Leena crouched down out of sight praying that she wouldn't be found.

[Maj]

The gun in my hand was steady, pointing towards an astonished Renshaw. “No, no, please, no. I can offer you money, riches, power, anything! Name it and it’s yours, all yours. Just please, let me live!” A frown crosses over my face, and I feel kinda sorry for him. I mean, the guy’s a rat, no doubt about it, but he didn’t plan on this. I sigh and lower the gun, but making sure it’s still in my hand. I wasn’t about to let him live, but I wasn’t going to be cruel. “I’m sorry. I’ve got my orders. But…. I’ll make sure it will be quick.” I raise my hand again, this time my finger’s on the trigger. I pull the trigger and the bullet comes flying out of the gun in a movement so fast that no one would be able to see it. You wouldn’t even know that it was shot if not for the small recoil of the gun, the pow of the gun, and Renshaw’s dead body collapsing to the ground. I walk around to the other side of the table to where Renshaw’s body is and bend over it. His eyes are still open, the panic fresh in his expression, but his eyes glassed over. For a moment, I let myself mourn. I didn’t know him, but I know that I ended a life that could have done something great. Or brought more suffering. The corner of my mouth quirks downward in a frown, and I start my prayer. “O God, in heaven, bless this soul that I have taken. May he find peace in his existence in his next life. Allow those who knew him find reason with their souls and pray to you for help. In your name I pray, amen.” I form a cross over my body, then mirror it over his. I run my fingertips over his eyes, closing them lightly. But when I stand back up I notice something that I must have missed before. Apparently at some point I got Renshaw’s blood on my pants. My Armani suit pants, to be exact. And this was my favorite suit too. Now I have to go home and try to get blood stains out of a high fashion suit. Which will probably take all night, so I better call the boys back in. “Marcel! David! Come back and start working on Renshaw.” I shout out as I turn to leave the way I came in. Unfortunately, Renshaw will be leaving in a body bag, but that’s just how meetings with me work. I pick up the metal briefcase as I head over to the door when I spot a shadow on the floor. It’s not mine, and the boys behind me are at the wrong angle for it to be theirs. I pull out the gun again, and move more carefully towards the shadow. “Hello?” My voice is soft and deep, alluring with that weird accent I have and that odd way I have with seeming like I’m from some 14th century thing.

[Venny]

Sneaking around the world with a hidden agenda the beady eyed rodent thought himself as invincible. He would not be harmed, having enough money to pay off even the most vengeful of opponents. Eying the earth through a slitted, beady orb the greed rubbed off casting a black shadow that went rampant to the core. Fake hair gripped his head, glued on tightly as almost being the trap door to the inner workings of his psyche. Although, Leena mused, he must not be incredibly bright to concur that he would be invincible forever. A trait that both he and Leena had in common, she just didn't want to admit it. Pinstriped suit quivering in nervous rodent energy; hands moved up in a fetal like position around his chest. This guy must have studied the way rats acted or something, the similarities were uncanny. Fear grew, building up as a beast in the room, the entrance of the beast was through that cocked gun. The look on his face was quite pathetic really, yes he was going to die, and yes of course the amount of fear one could have for that particular incident would be voluminous. Especially if you lead the path he had been on. Still, does it give him the right to cowering, begging for mercy. Not particularly. Drama swept like a rigorous tide through the space as the intensity of panic grew on the rat's expressions. Nervous twitch set in, growing to more of a seizure like convulsion. Face contorting his back lip disappeared behind his large top teeth, only enhancing his rodent like expression. Holding her breath Leena watched in anxious disbelief as the man raised the gun pointing it squarely between the two black orbs. Thoughts jumbled, confused, and erratic invaded Leena mind, what should she do? Help the poor creature? Or leave it be? If she did in fact make herself more known than she already had, it would mean certain death, two deaths is worse then one. For a fleeting, blissful moment it seemed as though the insane, yet handsome, man had come to his senses. No such luck. Only toying with both hers and his emotions the lowered gun only got repositioned in his hand and then flew back up. This time, the sureness of movement was no mistake, the man wasn't going to stop. Thunder clapped the room, as the inside storm that had been brewing, had been released. The beast sprang out of its ever ready home and like a glutton tore through the space in a blink. Entering the rat's head its fury only started, exploding inside his brains the man literally self destructed with the help of a metal shard. Looking away Leena shuddered, not what you would like to see after eating thats for sure. It had been over before it began, now glancing over at the ending Leena watched, half horrified half intrigued to see the dead body of the rat....who now, looked like nothing more than a pathetic thing called a man. The hit man then exemplified that he was even crazier than Leena had first comprehended. Instead of taking his body and dragging it out to be buried, or stored, or taken care of, the man drew a cross over the corpse saying a prayer. Ew. The man then called for the two thumbs, to dispose of the body. Leena had to get out of here, but how could she make an exit now...she was trapped. Holding her breath Leena watches as the hit man saunters over closer, and closer towards the door and to her. He stops, right next to her. Glancing over in panic she notices her shadow, mocking her. The flash of metal resounds again....the gun was out and now it was pointing at Leena. One word sums up this moment beautifully in Leena's brain. Fuck. What the hell was she going to do!? She couldn't get out without getting shot, but should she try anyway? Or should she stay cool, and hopefully play her way to freedom, and survival. She chose the second, one for her dignity, and two, because it was better than just running and getting shot. Her cover had already been blown, no use in hiding. Standing up straight Leena fixed herself a bit, narrowing her eyes, but not trying to get the hit man mad she raised her brow, “That wasn't quite fair now was it? I mean, the guy didn't stand a chance....”

[Maj]

I’m still in my post mourning mode, so my features are emerged in sadness. My eyes are soft, and showing an age old sadness that I carry around with me at all times. My lips form a light frown, and my shoulders are slightly hunched. I’m expecting some dock rat, some person who just hangs around here because they have no idea where to go. What I’m not expecting is some full grown beauty to unfold herself from behind the giant box. She pulls herself up quickly and gracefully, and her eyes get really narrow as her eyebrow shot upward. My eyes quickly size her up, and I know that if this comes to a fight of a chase, I should be able to take care of her easily. Her lips start to form words, and my eyes instantly dart back up to them. Fair? Stand a chance? Who the hell did she think she was? She had no idea what was going to happen if he hadn’t done that. The money had a tracer in it, which would be used to find out where Macrebe was. When he was found, they would bomb his house, yet make it look like a pipe leak. Or, if he had taken out the tracer and allowed Renshaw to live when his boss had commanded him to die, he’d have gotten whipped. Literally; Macrebe was into the medieval punishments, so he’d get out this antique whip and use it on those who didn’t obey his orders. There was no chance in hell he’d ever disobey Macrebe when that was waiting for him. “Life is not fair. If I hadn’t shot first, he’d have killed me all the same.” I lower the gun so its at my side and straighten up to my full height. My shoulders square off and my head is slightly to the side so I can get a better look at who this girl is. ”I’m not sure what you saw, but I’m afraid that you’ll have to come with me. Unless, you wish to accompany Mr. Renshaw…” I gesture with my free hand over to where Marcel and David are cleaning up the dead body. My eyes dart over to see what they’re doing, then I drag them back to her face. I sigh, not really sure of what to do now. I should kill her, or bring her to Macrebe. Which means I’ll have to kill her anyway. But I’m tired and ready to turn in for the night, not to mention it’d be a waste to kill her. She’s beautiful and her voice is soothing to hear, and the girl certainly seems to be independent and a handful. Perhaps she’ll come along peacefully and not panic. Then he could convince her to remain silent, pay her off even. At least that way he wouldn’t have to kill her, and waste yet another life.

[Venny]

The gun was a fickle thing, as it shined with almost a luminescent quality in the dank light of the ware house Leena thought of just how many lives that particular inanimate object has taken. So many corpses he's prayed over in that eerily beautiful ritual. Leena glared at him and looked away from the gun only to focus on the rest of his features. To her surprise, sorrow dripped from his tired face. Cocking her head to one side she thought, man, what kind of murderer feels sorry for his victims? catching onto his sadness Leena played it to her advantage. Straightening up more to come to her full height Leena shifted her wait. The hackneyed pose still played to the girls advantage accentuating her hips. Eyes twinkling she waited for his reply to her previous question. Frowning for a second she lost faith in his morality. Leena understood the horrendous truth of the saying 'Life's not fair'. Life wasn't fair, it tore at you with everything it had only slipping pleasant moment far and few between to keep you from committing suicide. Only the strong ones survives life's many tedious challenges, and to Leena this was just another challenge, she could take it. Opening her lavish lips Leena replied, "Of course life's not fair." Leena said with brusque tone. Her eyes flashing to her past and pain suddenly hit them. Blinking the pain was gone and Leena focused on the task at hand, softening her eyes and her voice to the point of a child's whisper words formed, "but.....you feel sorry for him..." Looking up Leena couldn't understand how a mercenary could possibly feel sorry for someone he was ordered to kill, someone that at first seemed like he had no liking for what so ever. His next sentence frightened her to the core. Not showing her fear she smirked coyly. There was no way she was going out dead. Peeling her eyes away from mystery man Leena glanced over to the thumbs and the dead rodent. Pity played on her features, but then she saw the body bag. Dragging across the floor the two guards took no emotion into the task they were doing. Looking back to the gun and the man Leena lifted her brows in a fashion that was like come on, you've got to be kidding me. The sassy expression was only followed by a matching sentence, "Sorry, that's not my style." Leena said. Frowning Leena thought of her only other option, apprehension danced along her eyes, "Alright I'll go with you to this boss of yours." Leena said, not moving she waited for him to move and lead her out of the ware house, she wasn't going to move just in case he was feeling trigger happy.

[Maj]

Well, this one seemed to be smart. She obviously valued her life and was trying to play up any feelings of mercy I might have at the moment. She looks behind me to the guys working with the body, and she’s certainly thinking about everything that happened tonight. She eyed his gun, which was pretty visible. I cleaned it before I left the house, disassembling it, cleaning each individual piece, reassembled it, and cleaned it as a whole. That was me, the OCD Hit man. I watched the girl as she straightened up, and played up the fact that she was feminine. I examined her once again, reassessing whether she was a threat or not. She might get away if she was clever, and if she could run away fast enough. But as for strength, it would be a long shot. She’d have to play dirty. And something about her suggested that she was just fine and dandy with doing so. She commented on my statement of life’s not fair. I listened, only partially interested in what she had to say. Nothing at this point was going to change my mind. I still had to take her to Macrebe, but in what condition depended entirely on her. If she put up any kind of struggle, he’d have to hurt her, knock her unconscious, or maybe even kill her. That was the worst case scenario, but it could always happen. I pulled myself out of my pessimistic mind long enough to register that her mood seemed to change in the blink of an eye. She went from smart ass, to quiet, and then finally settling on trying to cover up the sudden change. My eyebrow lifted, in a slight question, but I didn’t say anything. There really wasn’t much of anything to say. The lady spoke once again, and this time she kinda stated the obvious. Yes, he did feel a little sorry for Renshaw. It wasn’t entirely his fault that he died. Granted, he was the one to plant the tracer, and try to double cross Macrebe. But still, if he’d tried to mind his own business, he’d have lived. I merely shrug, my shoulders moving up methodically a few fractions of an inch. My expression was on the brink of boredom, but still being careful. The lady shifted her head, and my mind snapped back to the present. She was looking beyond me once again, at the boys with the body bag. I watched them out of the corner of my eye, thank god for peripheral vision, but mainly kept my focus on the girl in front of me. Her attention soon shifted back to the gun in my hand. She obviously wasn’t dumb enough to run, so I decided I could put the gun away. I lifted it up, showing it to her. The cool metal flashed in the dim light as I pulled back my suit jacket to reveal a gun holster halfway to my back. I safely stowed the gun there. A lot of my associates simply put the gun in their pants. And many of them had gotten parts of their asses blown off from a misfiring gun in their pants as well. Hence, the gun holster. She gave me a sassy look, one that made me want to laugh right in her face. Instead I held it in, as she told me that going out in a body bag wasn’t her style. The corner of my mouth curled as he said, “It is when you’re dead.” But she agreed to come with me, so there wasn’t a need to kill her….yet. Hopefully there wouldn’t be a need to kill her period. But who knew? People were unpredictable, and I was living proof. I moved to the side, and held out one arm towards her and the other towards the door. “Ladies first.” As I said that, I was reminded of the saying, “Age before beauty”, and had to use all the self control I had to keep myself from both laughing and saying it out loud.

[Venny]

Nothing would happen to her. Not her. She was invincible, she was Leena Ricchi. Vanity flowed through her veins as well as the blood of her family. A family that had more secrets then the Kennedys ever dreamed of having. She thought for a moment while she was contemplating on what to do next. She probably had more secrets than this man in front of her, yet he was the one labeled as a mystery. The irony in this situation was extremely irritating. The warehouse acquired an odd stench to it. Even though the body was gone, and newly deceased, it smelled of death. The air hung with tension so thick knives would have to be sharpened. Clearing her throat Leena looked up at the man, she still didn't know his name; not that it really mattered. Why would it matter if she knew the name of her possible killer. However the fact that she could die at any given point was uncompromisable to Leena. Leena didn't know who the mystery man was going to take her to. Now this was just getting repetitive. She was going to be taken to a mystery man by a mystery man. The mystery had to end somewhere, or else she would end up going insane before she could ever get the chance to be shot. Leena couldn't place his features, his emotions. Staying true to his ever irritating nature his whole being was but a mystery. Just call her Nancy Drew. Eyes continued to gaze on him with untenable scrutiny. She wasn't afraid to show that she was judging him, Leena was a perfect example of judging books by their covers. She didn't wait to get to know them, first impressions where everything to Leena, and that met looks as well. The man was far from ugly, actually he obtained features that lesser men would dream of. Raising an eyebrow Leena tapped her foot lightly in waiting, she dared not move, she wasn't stupid. Leena finished her statements. The fact that this callous creature did nothing really to reply to them was half horrifying and half expected to Leena. Rolling her eyes at his shrugged shoulders Leena twirled her hair with impatience, the smell was getting to her, and the darkness of the warehouse wasn't accommodating either. The metal flashed and Leena jumped out of her skin. Cursing herself in her mind composer fled back to aid her wounded dignity. Looking up at him she glared almost as if to say watch-it-if-you-say-anything-about-what-I-just-did-I'll-kill-you look. Finally she realized that he was just putting the gun away. Cocking her head Leena wondered if she was getting anywhere in the trust department with mystery man over here. She must be doing something right to earn the gun being put away card. This time he actually used words to reply to her previous statement, firing back a retort as soon as he finished his she said, "ah yes, hence that not being my style." smirk on her tantalizing lips. Finally moving his stiff shoulders he sauntered to the door opening it letting the gray light into the black warehouse. Stepping out the rain was still pitter pattering on the cement outside. Ladies first. Leena glanced over her shoulder and slid between him and the door brushing her hip against his side. Once outside she stopped again. "So where exactly are you taking me to? And who do I get the pleasure to meet?" she asked with a persistent tone.

[Maj]

Keeping every bit of myself composed as a blank wall, I waited patiently for her to actually start moving. When I’d first pulled out the gun to show it to her, she’d flinched back. An amused smile had passed over my features for a few milliseconds, but what whipped away in the blink of an eye. Which meant that only my lips had quirked upward at the tips and my blue eyes had softened with actual emotion. But it all had been erased by the time she batted her eyelashes. If she noticed anything, she didn’t say a word. I merely watched her, to make sure nothing would go wrong. She’d commented yet again on how leaving in a body bag didn’t suit her. A nonchalant rolling of the eyes was all she got from me. The boys, Marcel and David, came back in the room with cleaning gear. It was the usual stuff; mops, sponges, and some sort of cleaner. I had to remind myself that even though they looked ridiculous, like cleaning maids, that they were some of the best that Macrebe had hired. After they cleaned up they would dirty the scene up once again, making everything look as if nothing had happened. Still, buff men with yellow gloves and lavender aprons over hardened muscle was still an amusing picture. I moved over to the door and opened it easily, the rusty hinges creaking complaints at being disturbed. The girl brushed past me on her way out, her hip barely glancing off his own. He was surprised enough that she hadn’t gone running and screaming away from here, that she’d actually simply stood up and was trying to get herself out of trouble. And the fact that she wasn’t shying away from him was another thing. Typically no one touched him, or even tried to get close. They stayed out of arms reach at all times, no knowing when they would fall out of his or Macrebe’s favor and he’d snap their neck. So when the lady had actually brushed up against me, I was almost sent into a coma. None of this showed on my face, but I had a two second pause after she’d gotten through the door. To make up for time, I quickly moved out into the rain and stood right beside her. She’d spoken, and I supposed she could know who she was going to meet. After all, she was cooperating with me. ”Macrebe’s place. It’s over on the other side of town. We’ll be seeing him immediately. We’re heading over to that silver Volvo.” My hand lazily pointed over to the car. It was pouring down rain, so his car was soaked on the outside. Once inside the car I would turn on the head and head over to the mansion. Until then, I was taking precautions. I made sure that she stayed in front of me at all costs, and never drifted behind me or too far out of my reach. I became her second shadow, sticking to her like glue. I made sure that I was within an arms length of her body, so if she tried to bolt, I’d be able to grab her swiftly. I wasn’t about to move until she did, so I had to make that apparent to her. My hand floated over to her, hovering just close enough over her back that she’d feel my presence without actually having to touch her. If she forced me too, I’d give her a hard push towards the Volvo, and if she still didn’t move after that, I’d drag her over by her arm. And if she really put up a fight? I’d simply throw her over my shoulder and tow her kicking and screaming. But we wouldn’t be heading towards the car at that point. Nope, I’d be taking her over to the side of the dock and throwing her into the water. I’d let her simmer for a while, whether she could swim or not, then I’d get her out. And then we’d be heading towards the car. I looked over at my mystery guest. She was getting wetter and wetter by the minute, but so was I. My suit was starting to drip from all the water, and a few water droplets got into my eyes. She, on the other hand, was starting to look like a strangled and wet cat. Her hair had lost it’s perkiness and was now stringy and wet. Her clothes were soaked through to her skin. Maybe this would help me; perhaps she would want to get out of the rain and into the Volvo. And maybe terrorists would start holding bake sales with warm chocolate chip cookies.

[Venny]

Picture this. Two massive looking thumbs scrubbing on their hands and knees. Yet that wasn't the half of it. The two were in flowing lavender aprons that didn't even go down to the end of their chest which defeated the purpose of having one on. In her mind's eye she just thinks they like them because they like frilly things and running through flower fields when they're not cleaning up dead bodies. The two men were close, constantly touching shoulders their wet sponges scrubbing off the dried rat blood. Leena raised an eyebrow couldn't help but let out a light chuckle. Turning to him as if he was almost a friend she leaned and whispered in his ear, "Looks like they'll have to clean up a little more then a dead body once they are through with each other." Leena pulled back from his ear and smiled, she watched as the door closed, and smirked again leaving the maids to do their 'dirty' work. Waiting as the rain fell onto her body she heard his voice, distant and bored, words rolled off his callous tounge. She had never met a man so lifeless in her life. Shaking her head a little she finally listened to his words. The first syllable that echoed from his barren lips stopped her in her tracks. Macrebe. A name that eerily rang through her mind. Familiar with a hint of hatred. Leena didn't know it yet, but she knew Macrebe. The name couldn't be washed from her face as contemplation set in with cautiousness. Suddenly that invincibility vanished. Leena felt for the first time. The rain, pounding across bare skin. Hair, losing all emotion, drained of color, the twin of Leena's face. Leena stopped walking. The silver vehicle shined like a cold hearted beast, itching to transport her to her doom. She turned, completely petrified to the mystery man. The rain continued to plaster all of her clothes to her body, and forgetting about her own despair for a moment Leena looked down and pursed her lips. Her tank top was now completely soaked, and completely see through, of all the days not to wear a bra. Head snapped back up to meet the man's gaze, tears swelled mixing the fresh water with the saltiness of the ocean inside her crystal stare. "I....I...can't." she whispered. Then in an instant, she bolted. Again cursing herself on her wardrobe choices, for instance, this was not the day to wear heels! Pelting down the boardwalk Leena didn't know where she was going, and she didn't care, all she knew was that she couldn't get in that silver beast, and it couldn't carry her to Macrebe. Not looking back she continued to run for her life. Lungs on fire Leena ran faster than she ever could before, she knew she was faster than him, luck was on her side as well as surprise. But fate and karma were not. The two mischievous and life threatening components wanted to see Leena suffer, and she did. Heel catching on a split piece of board walk wood Leena came down hard on her side. Landing the wood gnawed at her bare body her shirt riding up exposing her back to and stomach to the hungry bark. Lieing on her side the wind forced out of her Leena gasped for air like a fish brought out from his safe home doomed to die and to be served on a platter in the nearest restaurant. And that was Leena. She had just served herself up as a measly morsel to mystery man. Lieing on her back, stunned and scratched the fish flopped and waited for its every impending doom.

[Maj]

She hadn’t moved an inch since I’d led her out the door. I was starting to wonder if she’d turned into a zombie or something. That would be interesting to explain. “Sorry, sir, but while I was trying to get her into the car, she froze and turned into one of the undead. A zombie to be precise.” Like that would go over well. I was tempted to shake her, or start dragging her like I thought I wouldn’t, when she whirled around to look at me. I hadn’t really been paying attention to her clothes, but she glanced down at her tank-top, which was starting to get see-through. But her head snapped up before I could do anything, and that’s when I noticed she was crying. Apparently, she’d broken down at some point, probably when I had mentioned where we were going. I did feel kinda sorry for her. She had no idea where she was going to go, and what was going to happen to her. And to be honest, I wasn’t quite sure myself. I mean, I knew where we were going. How else were we gonna get there? Magical ponies? If she thought the boys were gay, she’d probably think Macrebe was some sort of insane gay-transvestite leader of an entire cult. The Gay Transvestites Club; Admission’s free, but bring your own dress. But as to what happened to her, I wasn’t quite sure. It all depended on how much she’d seen and heard. If all she’d witnessed was me talking to Renshaw, and me shooting him, it might not turn out so bad. And it also depended on how I reported things. I could shine them in whatever light I needed to, and Macrebe wouldn’t question a word of it. Whether or not she’d take a pay off was another thing. If she did, and she agreed to stay silent, she’d get a pretty good lump of cash. So all in all, if she cooperated, she’d be perfectly safe. But there was no way to tell her that. I could tell her, but there was always the possibility that she’d think I was lying. But, apparently God didn’t want things to go this way, because she met my eyes and stuttered out something. I can’t? Can’t what? Then she took off. I’d never really seen people run in high heels, but man, she must have been the fastest. Of course, I had to catch her. Well wasn’t my day turning out to be great. Looking up at the sky, water getting in my eyes, my hands spread out in a questioning way. ”You just had to make her run didn’t you?” Thunder rumbled in the distance, which I just smiled and shook my head. ”No reason to make my job any easier. ‘Cause, ya know, I don’t need a vacation or anything.” And with that I took off after her. My legs ate away at the distance between us, but I didn’t really need to go so fast. She tripped over her heels at the last second, and fell to the ground. Slowing down to a brisk walk, I came up right beside her. My eyebrows were drawn together, and I was looking around through squinted eyes in this blasted rain. My jaw was locked; no one was around. I kneeled down beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Gently, one hand put a finger by her chin and turned her face towards me. My face might have been emotionless, but my eyes sure weren’t. I was trying my best to make sure she wasn’t hurt. One less thing to worry about; Macrebe didn’t’ like it when goods came in damaged. Scanning her face, I didn’t see any blood mixing with the water. I released the breath I didn’t even know I was holding. Well, now what was I supposed to do? ”That was uncalled for. Nothing was going to happen to you. And now we have a problem, and two solutions. One; you cooperate with me, and we forget that you ran away. We go over to the car, I turn on the heat, and we can go see Macrebe. Or option two; you can continue to struggle, and I have to forcefully take you to him. That lessens your chance of living.” My blue eyes bore into hers. I was telling the truth. If she tried anything funny, I’d have no choice but to resort to violence. And that probably would lead to her getting thrown into the water.

[Venny]

Coughing air flooded her lungs. Gasping for breath she watched horrified as the man easily caught up with her. His cockiness showing as he slowed his gate to a walk as he neared her crippled body. Tears spread across her face, she wasn't scared of him, she was annoyed with him, she was scared of that name. Macrebe. Still not knowing exactly where she knew it from she just had this gut feeling that if she walked into Macrebe's office she would never return, and she would rather die in this guys arms than Macrebe's. Her face was fine, but her sides, back, and hands weren't. Splinters grazed her delicate skin and scratches leeched with faint blood that became evanescent with the persistent precipitation. She watched as he got closer and closer to her. Finally he leaned down over her, examining Leena with false emotion. His ruined, bloody suit was saturated with rain. Dripping onto the ground and over Leena she watched as the blood from his soiled suit dripped onto her body. Cringing she sat up a little as he kneeled, she wasn't expecting this and there faces suddenly got really close. Leena didn't feel comfortable laying back down in front of him so she held her position. Glaring she watched her eyes following his hand as he touched her chin slowly turning her head. Pulling back sharply she glared at him more. He spoke as if this happens to him all the time. Drolling on he spoke of her 'options'. Rolling her eyes inwardly to herself she continued to think of comebacks for his emotionless words. The heat did sound tempting, but the destination sounded like suicide. Pulling herself up further she replied, "I'll take option number three." The second after the words tumbled from her mouth she yanked her foot forward nailing him square in the nuts with her heel. That had to hurt even for Mr. Hard Ass over here. Smiling to herself she shoved her heel further into his groin and then got up as fast as she could. The board walk was slick though which made getting up quite impossible. Grumbling as she tripped over herself yet again she finally managed to stand.

[Maj]

I saw the way she looked at me and I couldn’t help but want to laugh. Here was someone who looked like they’d been drowning, fallen down on the boardwalk and scraped a whole lot of skin off of her back. And yet she still attempted to give me crap. Well, she got points for spirit. I wasn’t quite sure what I was expecting for her to choose for her options; I mean, personally I wouldn’t choose any of them either. But what I wasn’t expecting was a two-inch high heel stuck up my ass. Instantly my body recoiled with pain. But I didn’t move, even as the drove her heel in further. She’d simply drawn away from my touch, but I was doing the exact opposite. If she was expecting to get some sort of reaction out of me by doing this, well then she was going to get something. But not what she wanted. My jaw hardened and my eyes blazed dangerously. She stumbled to her feet, and my hand darted out instinctively. It easily clamped around her arm, and soon the rest of my body followed. My other arm swung around her front, barring any sort of movement on her part. She wasn’t going to be able to go anywhere. Her back pressed against my torso as I crushed her easily against my body. I moved my head so it was by her ear and whispered, ”Fine by me.” I swung her around so she was facing me, and I could see the remains of the tears she’d been crying . Her arms were pinned to her soaking wet sides as my hands had forced them there. My features, for once, showed some sort of emotion. Amusement. Her escape had actually amused me more than anything. Yes his ass was hurting like hell, but there was no way he was going to show that. His body didn’t communicate pain all to well. But amusement, it did; his mouth curled in a smile, genuine, and he even allowed his eyes to show the same amount of happiness. But the expression didn’t communicate a relaxed sense of amusement. More like a , ‘you’re gonna pay for that, hope you like it’ kinda thing. And with that look, he grabbed her, one hand moving underneath her arm, the other to her hip. He flung her up and over his shoulder, easily carrying her like she was nothing more than a sack of potatoes. He held on to her legs, so she wouldn’t go head first into the ground. As the thought occurred to me, I decided played around with her. I simply released her legs, for a few seconds, and let her start hurtling towards the ground. Then I’d easily grab her leg once more and right her body on my shoulder. I chuckled lightly; how long had it been since he’d actually enjoyed himself on the job? A very long time indeed. ”You brought this on yourself, you know.” I called out to the girl over the noise of the rain. Thunder rumbled, this time closer. ”I’m not gonna kill her, just… take her for a swim. If she can’t swim I’ll jump in after her.” I looked up at the sky as I quietly spoke those words. The reply of thunder came, but slightly quieter. I rolled my eyes and sighed, but continued to walk towards the side of the docks. When I finally got there, I shrugged the lady off my shoulder and held her in both my arms away from my body. The amused look was still on my face, and just before I dropped her, I gave her a big smile. There she was and there she went, plunging straight into the ocean.