"My colleagues and I mean serious business, so I suggest you stay out of our way and let us conduct our survey real quick and easy. Rest assured, we'll keep a blind eye and drop all suspicion for possible charges."
XXV - THE ROAD HOME
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JAKE: While Jake stood in front of the mirror, a small frown appeared on his forehead. Lowering the razor, he put it back on the small cupboard and washed his face. The stern features on his face though weren’t caused by the shaving, but the thoughts that he occupied himself with. It was his day off from his work in the bar, but instead he was supposed to have a meeting with a new interested person, interested in his abilities. Of course, he had agreed like always to meet the man, after being sure that it wouldn’t be a trap. That maybe sounded paranoid, but considering the circumstances, it was only natural that the young man was distrustful. But it was a mystery for now, if this would only be a waste of his time or if it would actually lead to a new job that he would actually take.
Since the male hadn’t been able to find anything about the caller, he had set their meeting in the Alibi; to get himself a bit of an advantage, but for the start also just a better feeling. Sure, Jake had to tell Sam - the owner and therefore his boss - that he shouldn’t disrupt them, but with his usual friendly way of dealing with the man, who had become a friend over the year Jake now lived here, it had been no problem. He had just told him a white lie of that it would be an acquaintance of old school days. The older one hadn’t really demanded to know anything more.
Jake dried his face off and got back over into his bedroom and stepped in front of the wardrobe. Eventually, he had decided to just go with his usual outfit; a shirt, for this time a dark blue one and jeans. When people heard the description ‘professional hitman’, most always imagined those cold-hearted, calculating men in a Gucci suit and tie, black gloves and always with a gun. But really, Jake hardly thought himself to fit into that description. He, of course, had gloves, since it was still the best way to prevent leaving one’s fingerprints everywhere and yes, occasionally, he would wear a suit. Yet he only could play his role of that robot-like killer. He couldn’t deny that some of his jobs managed their way under his skin.
His already tousled hair got a little messier when he now wracked his fingers through them. He didn’t know yet what to expect from this. Like usual, he had assumptions. However, his instinct told him that the man he had talked to was a clever guy. As he now got back over into the main room, he took a short glance around, before grabbing his phone to check on the time. ‘A good hour’ he approved to himself and put it into his pocket. Though shortly after, he took it out once more and sent a short message to Sam to assure one last time that he had the evening free from any disruption.
Not really wanting to hang around the rest of the time, Jake grabbed his jacket and pulled it over. It had to look like he was coming from somewhere else and not just upstairs. So, he would take the rest of the hour to get outside, go for a walk to be here again right on time. Without further ado, he made his way outside. He used the backdoor, like always, since the front door was only used when the bar was opened. The young man hardly minded that, because it was far better for him anyway. He headed down the street, soon drifting off into his own thoughts, with which he kept himself busy until it would be time to return to the bar.
==========
HUNTER: Hunter just got himself a new client, one who he's never heard of. With the amount of heat he had in his team's previous heist, he most certainly didn't want to take chances with this new one. He was forced to lay low a couple of months, telling his team to do the same.
"Clifford's a hell of a mad man with resources. I don't want that mad man getting to any of us, understand?"
Titus, the former junkie turned full-time assistant for everything at Thief Tavern gave a salute, "Aye aye, captain."
From across Titus was the co-founder of Thief Tavern, a man in a suit, clean shaven and quite formal opposed to everyone else in the team. More than that, he was Hunter's friend and classmate for the longest time, the man he trusted most: William. He had his arms crossed, but he nodded at Hunter's words.
"And Dayton?" Hunter looked to the only woman in the team, and she was their tech savvy go-to girl. "Duh," she replied as if it was the most obvious and reasonable thing. And he supposed, it was.
---
He stepped out of the cab in his usual gear: a plain black round collar shirt topped with his specially designed dark leather jacket filled with lots of secret pockets at his disposal, a pair of dark jeans folded at the edges, and a pair of sneakers comfortable enough in case he needs to sprint off. His hair was in its typical mess of curls, just the way he likes it. A backpack, which he called his Thief Kit, hung against his shoulders, its weight giving Hunter a sense of familiarity and comfort in what was to him an unfamiliar and unreliable environment.
With his hands in his pockets, he took a deep breath and scanned the surrounding area. Nothing suspicious or threatening here, he concluded before he began to walk. He was a block away from their meeting place, the Alibi. He preferred to walk the rest of the way just to gauge his environment. Hunter might like surprises, but only if it was he who was the mastermind. He can't afford unexpected attacks and the like, and the only way to be sure is to keep his senses on high alert whilst walking down the street.
After a few minutes of walking, he finally reached his destination. The place appeared empty from the outside but with a turn of the knob, he knew the man he was to meet had taken precaution like he did. The door opened and he made his way inside, calling into the dark. "Hello?"
ZANDER: The music was louder than outside once Zander stepped in the club he made his way straight to the bar and waved to order a whiskey for himself settling his ass on a stool. He eyed about the club and the dance floor which was full of humans dancing like crazy, make out season gay and lesbian three some and shit. He blinked his eyes deeply and shook his head but then he found a face that he had been hunting so far."How dare you!" He clenched his fists and raised up from the stool. The bartender placed the glass on the counter at the same time Zander headed over through the crowd to where Hunter was sitting in a sofa. Zander stood up right in front of Hunter without hesitating he grabbed that guy's collar. "It wasn't hard to find you."
=====
HUNTER: Hunter wasn't a coward, he just like to think he is. He knew he couldn't hide from Zander any longer. The more time he did, the more Zan's anger grew against him. He can't have that. He'd like to think the two of them shared an odd, different kind of friendship. Besides, he could really use more allies instead of enemies.
Having heard that Zander was in town, Hunter decided to crash one of his favorite clubs. He had a feeling Zan had eyes on the look out for him, so if he went somewhere public, Zan would here the news quickly. True enough, here was, close to beating the shit out of him yet again. He was with a couple of girls who have now left. "Zander, my man," he flashed a cocky grin, "why would you scare the ladies away?" He didn't bother struggling against his grip while he gulp down the alcoholic beverage from the glass he held.
LYDIA: Lydia had been taken by the one person who had been stalking her and her best friend. She had been forced into being the man's salve and do everything he asked of her. She had been told his friends were coming over today so she was always worried about it. She had been cleaning as her shackles clanked against themselves as she moved around. She had been getting food ready for the guests as they started to show up. Her master had damaged her vocal cords so her voice was raspy and quiet that she didn't talk to anyone. Her owner had thought that he had taken it. She heard the door open and saw the guests arriving and went over to them offering to take their coats since it was cold outside. Lydia had been his slave for 2 years now so she had seen these men before. She took their coats and put them in the closet as a few of them demanded drinks.
Nodding Lydia walked back to the kitchen and fixed everyone's drink and distributed them to the men. "Slave go away We have buisness to talk about." her Master growled pushing her out of his office slamming the door in her face as they spoke. Lydia went back to the kitchen to clean up her mess.
==========
HUNTER: Hunter seemed to have a habit of involving himself in deep shit. On his scale though, this ranks as one of the deepest shit. He refused to acknowledge how he managed to infiltrate this man's group of friends, and after attending a couple of the meetings they held, Hunter was unsure how much more of the violence he can bear to stand still and watch.
Tonight, Jinkins-that was the name the man goes by- was holding another one of his 'gathering'. Hunter was utterly disgusted, but he kept in mind that the goal of this operation was greater than him and his team. No matter how destructive the gatherings were, Jinkins was a smart and cautious man. He knew well how to hide his tracks and leave no trace. In fact, being a part of his group there was intense screening. Those moments are the ones he refused to share with his team, knowing the emotional effect it will have especially on him. He cannot afford an unclear mind during these times.
He put on his disguise of an unruly, hairy man, put on the clothes similar to the group and he took a look at himself on the mirror. "Blimey," he spoke in the rough voice so far from his own, the one he's been using for this cover. He arrived at Jinkins' place and greeted the man. "Oi Jinkins, it's been a while," Hunter greets ad pats the man's back. "Glad you could make it, Procter." The men gathered in Jinkins' office, and as always Hunter noticed the pitiful slave. I promise I'll get you and everyone else out, he thought to himself before the men began discussing their 'business'.
HUNTER: Hunter trailed his target from afar, then sometimes near, varying his position from time to time. He knew who he was up against, at least by name and through stories. The woman was a skilled con artist and killer, and he was just the former. If he got caught, his chances of getting out alive are slim. So he played everything at random, and stayed at a safe distance until he felt comfortable enough to snag the woman's phone.
'Man up, H,' he gave himself a pep talk. His hands were sweating from nervousness, and he kept them in his pockets in attempt to stop them from shaking. It didn't work.
One look at his watch and he knew he couldn't keep up this charade forever. Either he snags the phone now or his window of opportunity is gone for good. Despite the warmth echoed by the morning sun, he pulled his hoodie up to conceal his face and began to approach the woman.
==========
ELEANOR: Eleanor and her friends are going to meet up from a nearby cafe from her apartment. Since the meeting time was less than five minutes, but she actually didn't mind, she actually walked faster. The sky was a little gloomy right now, and she guessed that might help her. She forget her umbrella all the time! And she was carrying a book on her bag.
A movement not from afar made her eyes squint. Was that her friend on a hoodie? Well, she knows the hoodie very well, maybe it was her friend.
"Yohan!" she called out, but her friend just ignored her. What the hell? She walked a little faster, then when she finally had the chance, she wrapped her arm around his shoulders. "Hey," she said, glancing to her friend -- who actually isn't. "Who are you?" she said, a little freaked-out then let the stranger go. She shouldn't be asking that, but she did. "What did you do to my friend?"
==========
HUNTER: Hunter had lost sight of the woman. A part of him was relieved, but then-
"Shit," he cursed aloud, startled by the hug from the woman, making his hoodie fall off. Yohan? What was this, a tactic to make killing him obvlivious from passersby? His adrenaline was pumping and he was bound to sprint to freedom when she asked him a question so genuine it froze him in place. "Huh?" He returned the girl's gaze, both of them were confused at the situation. He finally understands that this was not the assassin. Whether it was a random stranger, or a new piece in the dangerous puzzle he's playing, he was undecided.
He cleared his throat and managed his voice to come out. "What friend?" He kept his hands in his pockets to hide the shaking. His face was exposed, and God knows if the assassin was watching them right now.
HUNTER: Mathieu never attended fashion shows and the after-parties, no matter how much his mother insisted. This was different. It was his friend Spring who'd asked him and Kisa to come to her event.
So here he was now, all neatly dressed up in a khaki Armani Collezioni suit, blue Isaia shirt and a Ralph Lauren tie. His two girl pals were off girly fashion matters while he excused himself as he returned for his third round in the desserts bar. That's when he sees him. The man he'd been looking for.
Hunter found it odd when he took on the job. Locating Mr. Janus Forseth, the son of Senator Richard Forseth, was harder than he thought. Coming to this party now, he assumed his overeating of sweets was due to stress from weeks of working on the job. Just when he'd taken this teensy break, Janus comes into the picture. And he wasn't alone.
From the looks of it though, the lady seemed disinterested in Janus, who kept exuding his charms on her. He didn't realize his feet have led him forward; he must really not like the sight of men force-flirting with women. "Excuse me," he said to the two, looking at the lady first then to the senator's son. "You're Janus Forseth, aren't you? I'm Mathieu Donovan." He stretched out his right hand.
The dickhead that Janus was decided to be an even greater dickhead. He waved a hand dismissively at Mathieu, grabbing the lady by the wrist and attempting to drag her with him.
==========
YZZA: Yzza was one of the model her manager assigned to go for a charity event. She saw some familiar faces from the backstage, who she already worked with. At the end of the show, one of her pal from college approached her and introduced Janus to her. Janus was one of the bachelors in town and the son of a senator, which she doesn't know.
"I'm sorry but I am not going anywhere. I need to go home early." She declined and was about to leave the table where Janus and her were left by her pal.
"C'mon. Just a night. I'll make you scream in bed." He whispered in her ear when he was able to stop her from walking out. It automatically annoyed her. That was what she hated about people, stereotyping that all model were slut and easy-goer when it comes to man. She was about to complain when Janus didn't hesitate to grabbed her wrist. Luckily, a man approached Janus and she grabbed his hand and looked at him, asking for help.
==========
HUNTER: "Hey, you're hurting her," Mathieu spoke firmly after Janus. Janus stopped pulling the lady and turned to face Mathieu. The senator's son had that smug look on his face. "Mind your own business, Pinocchio," Janus spat at Mathieu before turning to Yzza, telling her. "Come on Yzza, let's get out of this place before this weirdo ruins our party."
Wow. Hunter's eyes widened and blinked. "Mr. Forseth, that must be the most accurate thing you've said all night," Mathieu said casually and put a hand on the other man's shoulder. "Let me add another fact for ya," he looked at Janus' tight grip on the girl's hand, "it's never good to hurt a woman unless she gives you permission." Hunter diverts his attention from the narcissist to the beautiful woman. "Miss," he paused for effect, "-Yzza, was it?- Am I right that Mr. Forseth hasn't been in the best of his manners this evening to you?" "Oh for fuck's sake," Janus let Yzza go and forcefully shoved Hunter, but Hunter had anticipated the push so he quickly regained his balance. The senator's son stormed off and began looking for another woman to prey on.
"It was nice to meet you, Mr. Forseth," Hunter waved at the already pissed man, making him more pissed. He returned the expression with a genuine friendly smile before grabbing two glasses of champagne from the passing waiter. "Drink?" He offered it to the girl. "Cheers to freedom," he said, clinking his glass with hers before he took a sip from his.
HUNTER: "Excuse me, sir, can I help you?" A petite middle-aged woman with thin-rimmed glasses called out from her desk as Hunter had entered the nth floor, looking around rather lost. With a small grin, he nods and approaches the desk. "Yes, Ms. Riley," he reads the woman's name off her desk's name plate, "I was told there was a job opening in Mr. Novak's business, so I sent my resume and I passed the first screening. According to the letter I received," and he pulls out a folded paper, opening it and showing it to the woman, "today is my scheduled interview." Hunter points to the date printed on the paper. "Can I hold on to this for now?" The woman asked and Hunter obliged. "And please, have a seat sir. I'll just check with Mr. Novak's secretary." "Okay," he smiles and takes a seat, fixing his coat and tie while examining the room.
One camera in the elevator, one pointed to the elevator door. Two cameras at each corner and an emergency alert button easy to press by Ms. Riley's desk. The same man he was with upon riding the elevator is now to leave the nth floor, and a new man arrives. So they have 10-15 minute interval rotations in this place, he took mental note. For an enterprising company, Mr. Novak sure has one hell of a security. That only convinces Hunter of what his client told him: there's something he's hiding. What it was is why Hunter is here. He will find out.
"Mr. Ryder," Ms. Riley approached Hunter, to which he got up from his seat. "Yes, miss?" He asked politely. The woman returned a friendly grin, "your interview is this way. Follow me." She leads the way and Hunter follows, vigilant of his surrounding.
HUNTER: Hunter ran as fast as his feet would allow him. The rain poured heavily, garnering his clothes to soak wet. His shoes stepped puddle to puddle, careful not to make him slip and lose balance. The man chasing him drew closer, calm as he ran toward his target. Hunter was already far off from the streets he was familiar with, and the heavy rain only made it harder for him to see his surrounding. His heart pounded to the same rhythm of the droplets that hit the ground. An unwilling glance behind him confirmed his suspicions: the blurry, shadowy figure at the far corner who walked toward him as if he had all the time in the world. To the shadow's right, his arm went up and pointed at Hunter. He felt like everything happened in slow motion, but luckily he snapped back to reality and pushed inside the house that garnered him cornered by his perpetrator.
He immediately locked the door behind him and pulled the nearest table against it for added security. In only moments the killer would be here, so after shielding the entrance he began to explore the house. His clothes dripped on the floor, making a trail easy to trace once the killer got inside. There was no way out for him this time, and he even managed to involve a civilian with his shit. Maybe the owner of the house was inside, and he could help get the both of them out of here. He was about to enter a room when he was hit hard on his back, his whole body fallin forward. Hunter was too tired to look up and think of what his fate will be now. He let the comforts of the darkness blanket his tired, cold state. Drifting, drifting unconscious…
HUNTER: Barney arrived with a printed picture on his right hand. Although the picture was of poor quality, there was no mistaking who the man was: Hunter, the thief/vigilante. In one of his past heists, he managed to piss off one of the biggest mob leaders in US. This mob leader- known as Wrecker- was pissed to the point that he'd placed a lot of his resources in tracking Hunter down. Soon enough, Wrecker's goon managed to find a lead. A traffic camera photograph of the thief. And he wasn't alone.
Bobby took the photograph from his twin and began to examine it. Looking closer at the person with Mathieu, it was a girl. Right on cue, some television commercial plays on the screen. "Well, well. Looks like we hit the jackpot," Bobby tapped the screen and tucked the photo in his pocket. "We did?" Barney, the dumber of the twins looked at his brother. Bobby rolled his eyes. "Come on, Barney. I know where to find our mystery girl." The goons left the room where the screen continued to play the commercial, and the model winking before it ends.
---
"Mhm," Hunter grumbled as he rolled over the bed. He could barely remember the events of last night, when Titus managed to drag him to a party. Here he was now, hungover and barely awake to even see if the room was his or not. "Fuck," he tried to sit up, but the soft bed pulled him back down. He mumbled a series of curses and regrets in agreeing to Titus' crazy idea. All he can hope now is this wasn't a stranger's bed.
He though too soon, as an unfamiliar woman's voice snaps his eyes wide open, and he sat up. The girl giggled and handed him a glass of water. "Sober up, cutie," her syrupy sweet words washed over him like a poison. He coughed, but took the glass and grinned slightly at her as his thanks. He gulped down the water and felt so much better. With a clearer mind, he can now tell this definitely was /not/ his room. He decided he didn't want to stick around any longer. He gave the empty glass to her and got up.
Hunter felt her piercing eyes follow his movement as he picked up his pants and put them on. "Leaving so soon, Mr. LeMarchal?" Goddamn it woman, shut up, he yelled in his head as he zipped up his pants. He let a slight chuckle out. "Yeah, it was nice to meet you, miss-" he turned to face her and was taken aback when she was right in front of her, pressing herself against him, kissing his lips. He fell on his back, and now she was on top of him. "You're not going anywhere yet," she teased, and Hunter was a deer in the headlight. "Aha," he chuckled nervously as he carefully pushed her off. He got up, "I need to go," his eyes searched her room and read her name off a diploma, "Sammy." He fixed his jacket and quickly marched toward the door. "But Mathieu-" The door slams behind him, shutting out the rest of Sammy's words. He didn't want to hear anymore of that.
Buzz. His phone vibrated on his pocket. He pulled it out and answered, immediately cursing at the caller, thinking it was Titus.
"You sick motherfucker, how did I-"
"Hunter." Silence. That voice was definitely not Titus.
"Who is this?" Hunter spoke cautiously as he walked out of the apartment building.
"Wrecker wanted to meet your girlfriend, so we're paying her a visit."
"I don't have a girlfriend." Hunter was still a bit hungover but he's on high alert, quickly looking around the neighborhood. Surely they're not referring to the stranger he was in bed with. He stopped walking and looked back at the apartment just to make sure no men were closing in on her.
"Why don't we ask Ms. Breston herself, what do you say?" A loud bang, a door falling on the floor. And a piercing scream from a woman. The call ends. Hunter sucked a sharp breath as his phone fell on the ground. He quickly hailed a cab and hurried his way to Mila's house.
==========
MILA: Last few months had been so damn adventurous in the life of Mila. She was kidnapped and then helped two thieves in their mission and by the end of the day she had become friends with them. From inviting them to her shoots to her home to spending time with them outside she and Hunter had become really good friends. She knew he was a thief but he was a nice guy at heart which she could see so she was ready to ignore his professiom for it.
The last time she and hunter met was at her house when he came for a movie and night stay it was a fun night they talked a lot, teased each other and just had good fun but after that Hunter had some work to sort out and Mila was busy in her modelling assignments as well which required her to travel around.
2 weeks had passed and Mila had finally returned home it was late night and she wanted to meet Hunter but she was exhausted so she decided to call it a night and call him next day to make some plans not knowing what was awaiting for her. Next day it was one of those rare days when she was tired and did not feel like doing her morning working and just stay asleep. Dressed in short shorts with a tank top she finally managed to get up from her bed and headed into her bathroom to freshen up.
After walking out she had just walked downstairs to head to the kitchen to make some coffee when she heard the main door banging as it fell down on the floor. With the sudden noise Mila fell down on the couch and screamed loud seeing the two strangers walking inside towards her. "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS HOW CAN YOU WALK INSIDE LIKE THIS... Help somebody i'm gonna call the cops" she shouted as she stood up and ran towards her mobile to dial the number of cops.
==========
HUNTER: A bullet shoots through Mila's home and hits the table where her phone had rested. "Tsk tsk. Lovely lady, please be so kind and cooperate with us," Bobby said with a smirk on his face. From behind him, his twin Barney walked forward with a piece of cloth dipped in drugs to knock Mila unconscious. "We'll make it quick and painless, pretty blondie." Barney stepped forward and grabbed Mila firmly before he placed the cloth over her nose and mouth. Barney felt Mila struggle and claw at him, but her modelesque hands were no match for his brute force. In just a few seconds, the struggling body fell limp against Barney's hand. The twins looked to each other and nodded, carrying Mila with them.
---
Hunter arrive at Mila's place. He shoved money at the man and didn't bother collecting the change. He burst on his feet and reached the door. It was left open. His stomach fell. He had arrived too late. He gently pushed inside and saw the emptiness of the place. An eerie chill went down his spine as he saw signs of struggle farther into the house. A small smile formed on his lips; he knew Mila wouldn't go down without a fight. Then quickly this thought was replaced. She would never have been in harm's way if he hadn't dragged her into his shitty, fucked up life.
After minutes of examining her home and finding no clue as to where they had taken her, Hunter decided he's left with no choice but to call the men who had taken Mila. He didn't have a plan yet, but his priority was to check if Mila was okay. He stared at his phone's screen and his the call button. His breath was shallow, and he tried to calm himself.
Ring. Pick up, you pricks, he thought.
"The subscriber you're calling is currently unavailable, please try your call later."
Furiously he dialed and called again. And again. No such luck, the kidnappers didn't answer his calls. "Fuck." He threw his phone at the wall and it broke into pieces. That's when he sees the security cameras. Of course. Hunter cursed himself and rushed to check out the camera footage of what went down in Mila's place.
==========
MILA: With the phone close to her ear she rapidly start pressing the keypad to call the cops when she heard the bullet as it made the phone go dead and the bullet noise made her leave the phone as it dropped down and was hanging by the table. "Weapons? More in number even when trying to get a women i see how much you fear me" she said with a growl in her eyes. She knew she was in trouble but in no way she was going down being scared to these prick.
Suddenly she saw a guy who looked same as the other gun coming from behind and it took a few seconds for her to realize they were twins. She could see a piece of cloth in his hand as he started to move closer to her and Mila started to take her steps back searching for some kind of weapon to fight against them. Unfortunately she could not find anything and was into the guy's strong arms trying to fight him but as the cloth came to her nose she slowly began to lose her consious and soon fell in his arms.
She had no idea who they were why did they came after her and where were they taking her while they picked her up and took her away. The liquid they use was pretty strong as well as it kept her unconsious for a long time not knowing where she was and what was being done to her as she just laid there with her lifeless like body with them.
==========
HUNTER: Watching the security footage was painful. The twins were huge, muscled and towered over Mila. She didn't stand a chance against them. "Bloody hell," his hand smacked the table. Hunter gripped its sides and took a few deep breaths to calm himself. If he would let his anger get the best of him, he won't be able to think straight, and that won't help Mila at all. Once he felt that this was the calmest he could be, he began to rewatch the tapes with a more objective mind.
He pulled out a tape that was looking outside Mila's place. He rewinded to the time before the ugly duo arrived. Once their vehicle arrived, the happenings were quick. Bobby-at least Hunter remembered it was Bobby based on intelligence- shot the cameras immediately, and he quickly lost the feed. He rewinds it again and replayed the video, playing it slow motion this time. Hunter zoomed in on the vehicle but he could not get a whiff of a plate number. "Damn it," he clenched his fist. The equipment here wasn't enough for Hunter to find out much, so he decided to gather what he can. He left Mila's place as decent as he could, just in case a nosy neighbor starts poking around. Which made him think... hasn't the neighbors heard any quarrel??
With the tapes in his flash drive, he was quick to go to the neighbor, ringing the door bell furiously. "Hello??" He called out. The door flung open where an open and friendly face of a mother greeted him. "Hey ma'am, I'm so sorry for the intrusion but I was wondering. Did you notice anything suspicious at your neighbor's house?"
"I'm sorry dear, but you are?" The woman took a step back into her house, eyeing Hunter with suspicious eyes. He can't blame her, he looked quite of a mess but he was desperate.
"Please. I need your help. If you didn't notice anything, can I at least have a look at your surveillance footage?"
"I'm calling the police," the woman shut the door to Hunter's face. "Ugh," he grumbled and swiftly left. He didn't need the police onto his ass too. Before leaving the neighbor's place completely, Hunter messed with the house's wiring so the woman won't be able to contact the police. He took his jacket off and flipped it over before wearing it again. He grabbed a ponytail from his pocket and tied his curls into a bun. He had a pair of glasses in his bag and he put them on. Now he looked different from who he was a while ago. He did not stop walking until he was away from Mila's neighborhood. He hailed a cab and gave the address to Thief Tavern. Perhaps in his workplace he'll have better chance of figuring this shit out. That is, hoping Mila is still alright.
'Of course she'll be fine, they're doing this to torture you, H,' his inner voice told him. He sighed in agreement.
==========
MILA: Mila was laying in the moving truck back still not in her senses and passed out because of the liquid they used on her. It kept her passed out for a good amount of hours not making her realize that she was being taken onto some different secret place. The car was moving at a gente speed with few bumps on the road which finally made her eyes open for few seconds. She tried to move but couldn't unaware of the reason that her hands and legs were tied with ropes.
She could hear the two guys voices laughing and making cheap comments about her or maybe someone else but she knew they were the same two guys who came into her house. She tried to move again to release her hands but all the energy resulted in her being passing out again due to lack of energy.
The vehicle kept on moving not even sure where she was being taken to as the truck was completely closed in the back while she again laid there passed out waiting for a chance to fight and escape from theire hands to return back to her home.
==========
HUNTER: Going to the neighbors pretending as an undercover cop was a risky move, but it pays off. He saw the general direction where the kidnappers took Mila. He took note of the timestamp and the description of their vehicle before bidding his thanks to the neighbor of Mila.
Next, Hunter makes a phone call to his friend Dayton, their hacker extraordinaire. "Dayton, are you with your best friend Computer? I need you to do something for me." He began to ask of the traffic schematics as well as the live feeds over a quarter mile radius. They couldn't have gotten too far...
He takes another taxi ride to his place and the moment he arrives, he set a timer on his watch. He has less than 10 minutes to track these lunatics before they get too far off for him to track. He had already switched on his multiscreened set where the live traffic feed was showing. Dayton's software was also running in attempt to detect the vehicle similar to his description. "Come on," he mumbled impatiently as he scanned the screens, in case his eyes catch something the software couldn't.
==========
MILA: She was still passed out in the truck back and soon with a bad bump her eyes open up again. She opened them slowly looking around thr dark closed room before she realized she was in a van and was being taken away somewhere. Not even sure weather someone was coming for her or not or someone even knows that she have been kidnapped or not she slowly sat up there with her back against the van wall.
After a while she felt the ban being stopped unaware where she was she heard the man talking as they stepped out of the car as she started to scream again. "Where there hell i am.. Opened the fucking door you piece of jerks" she shouted more in frustration. Yes she was scared but then panicking or showing them her fear would make it worse for her as she tried to stay tough.
Suddenly the door opened from behind as both the guys smirked at her before they grabbed her wrapping a cloth on her eyes so she could not see as they carried her while she was screaming. Soon she heard another door being shut as they threw her on something soft before pulling the cloth of her eyes as she looked around to see a small house. It seemed they were taking a break here before they continued to move ahead. "Why the hell have to brought me here" she asked again shouting at them.
========
HUNTER: His eyes were strained from looking at the screen for too long. But he was determined and he wouldn't give up. Hunter wouldn't be able to live with himself if Mila got into even worse trouble because of her association with him. He replayed the footage again and again, until he finally saw something. "Dayton!" he yelped from his seat, pointing to the getaway van.
"Hold your horses, Hunter," but Dayton knew how important this was to him and she was on it pronto. She pulled up a picture of the van and managed to track it down to a warehouse outside of town. Dayton cross-checked the location with a live satellite image, and it shows the location was isolated and far from other buildings, making it easy to be discovered if a vehicle arrived, and hard to escape as well.
Hunter began to fix his thief kit up and he even prepped a gun and lots of ammo. The concern on Dayton's face was unmistakable. "Are you sure you're going there alone??" "I'll be fine," he said, putting on his bullet-proof jacket and leather gloves. He was all set, flexing his fingers and he takes his bag with him, plus the helmet for his motorcycle. "You're going to be my eyes and ears, D. But if things go south... just don't watch." He put the helmet on and got on his bike before he began to drive off, leaving Dayton behind.
---
Meanwhile, in the warehouse, the dumber of the twins began to grab a splinter wood placed on the corner. He held it on his hand, weighing it down. The wood was splattered with blood from the previous usage of Barney from another hostage victim. "Bro, do we beat her up like the last one?"
"No," Bobby said firmly while he was texting his boss. They already have Mila tied up in the wall post with a chain so there was no way to escape. And if she tried, or struggled against the grip the chain would make a clanking noise that would alert them what she was up to. "Listen up Barbie Doll," Bobby kept his phone and walked toward Mila, holding up her chin so she would face him directly. He spoke to her, his breath an awful smell, "If you behave, Barney won't hit you with that thing." Like a psycho teddy bear, Barney waved his hand from behind, his smile genuine yet teeth blemish with rotten teeth scattered all over. "But if you try anything, Barney won't be a friendly dinosaur." He pats Mila's head down before leaving the room, which made Barney in charge.
"So, is your name really Barbie Doll?" Barney took a seat near her, grinning like a kid with his murderously dangerous toy.
HUNTER: "Senator Timothy Bradshaw, thank you for having me," Hunter arrived at the Senator's mansion, wearing one of his least favorite attire: a black Giorgio Armani coat and tie. Add his facial prosthetic to change his appearance and long brown wig tied in a poiny tail to hide his messy curls, his irritation of his getup amassed, but he forced himself to relax. He already missed the comfort of his casual clothes and jacket, but he can't exactly come unpresentable in front of the renowned New York politician.
"Yes, of course," the balding fat man Timothy smiled delightfully at Hunter's presence. "Right this way, Mr. Newton." he gestured his hand for Hunter to follow. Hunter nods and walks after the senator. Out of habit, he stored information about the surrounding. Plush pillows placed perfectly on a lush velvet couch, faded flower print curtains decorated the windows, the cliche diamond chandelier hung atop. There was nothing in the house that Hunter didn't already expect, including the 7 cameras scattered from the living room and in the hallway they were passing through, some motion detectors concealed by the window sills and a guard or two posted at every room. Mr. Bradshaw was a cautious man indeed.
Timothy and Hunter arrive by the intricately designed wooden doors which were the fanciest set he'd seen from all the other doors. This must be his office, Hunter thought, such a no-brainer. "If you'll excuse me," Mr. Bradshaw grinned and Hunter caught sight of the lock pad beside the door. "Of course," he grinned and looked away. Timothy typed his pass code and click. Hunter took it his cue to return facing the man. A guard pushed the door open and Timothy walked toward the chair behind his elegant desk. Hunter nodded his thanks to the guard before going inside. The door was shut behind him and he reached the seat across the senator's.
"I heard you organize the best auctions in town, Hans," Timothy decided they were immediately down to business. With humble yet undeniable confidence, Hunter nods with a small grin. Timothy bellowed unexpectedly, catching a surprised look from Hunter. "My boy, you a perfect for this job!"
Hunter-or should we say Hans- chuckled slightly. "Why do I have a feeling we are no longer talking about the event?" he adjusted his tie, one of the nonverbals Hunter decided best for this character. The senator regained his composure and looked straight into Hunter's eyes. Hunter looked right back at them. "They were right, you are a smart lad."
Here we go, Hunter thought and braced himself, as the real business discussion began.
---
"I don't trust him," Hunter said flatly as he removed the wig and prosthetic.
"Duuudee, that's disgusting!" Titus yelped as he chewed on his pizza.
"Yet you want to accompany Hunter on almost every business dealings," William spoke bemused at Titus, before looking back at Hunter. "Ah, free at last," he shook his head to let his curly strands fall back into their rightful, messy place on his head. "Why do you doubt this charity auction?" William asked once Hunter had kept his disguises back to his kit labeled Hans Newton.
"The stuff he's auctioning, they're stuck in customs. He said there's been a mixup, his artifacts were mistaken as smuggled, and stolen among other things." Hunter said and settled on the couch, taking a slice of pizza for himself. He took a bite and chewed, "I also noticed how nervous he was, but he was a very good liar. And he kept glancing on a photograph framed by his desk. Titus, can you check i-"
"Already ahead of you," Titus placed his laptop on the table for Hunter and William to see. "Thanks to Dayton's software, we had access to Senator Bradshaw's cameras." He pressed rewind and stopped, hitting slowmo play. "There," he points on the screen and it zooms in to the framed photograph Hunter referred to.
"It's his brother," William said, resolute.
Hunter nods in agreement. It was no secret that the senator had a brother. It was in the file they had all read before taking on this case. The problem was, the brother was already dead. "Whatever the senator's dirty secret is, it has something to do with his brother," Hunter said.
"Uhm guys," Titus cut off William and Hunter's shared moment of realization. "Guess where the brother's last residence was."
"Gotham," William and Hunter read from the laptop screen at the same time.
"2 months ago?" Hunter furrowed his eyebrows. How was that possible?
"Looks like your smarty pants gut was right again, Mathieu," Titus mocked and pats Hunter's back. "I sense something shady and dangerous in our future, lads." William frowned at Titus then at Hunter, "We're going to Gotham, aren't we?" Hunter's eyes remained fixed on the laptop. Titus and William looked at each other and nodded. Hunter's engrossment and silence meant yes, they were.
They were going to Gotham to find some answers.
==========
TRINITY: The sound of flesh hitting flesh with a bone-shattering force echoed through the air as the man awoke with shock and pain. The woman, who’s face was mere inches from his now, smirked so wickedly it seeped up into her violet eyes. “Oh good, you’re awake. I thought a nice backhand would do the trick.” The husky, sultry voice drew the man’s attention back to reality. He was clearly in an abandoned warehouse of some sort, far off from anyone who would care if they heard noises, or screams, coming from inside. It was huge, and cold. The smell of the ocean on the air. This woman didn't seem too concerned with him working out where they were...maybe because she had no intention of him leaving.
She stood up right, her posture perfect, and looked down at him. When the man had lost consciousness it had been a pale, colorfully dressed red headed woman who had hit him. The woman in front of him was her polar opposite. Not only was she tan, but her dark hair contrasted harshly with her eyes. Her outfit was completely leather, pants as well as a fitted vest. It would be an arousing sight if she wasn’t holding such a large blade and looking at him like she wanted to eat him for supper. She was covered in dark tattoos, it seemed every inch of her besides her face. To make matters worse, her eyes seemed to be swirling…as if the color itself was moving.
“Now, Gerald was it?” She asked and the man sputtered a weak response of “Barry.” She smiled, a truly horrifying smile. “Gerald, an annoying little birdie told me that you had some information that I am very much interested in. Do you know what information I’m looking for?” The man shook his head, trembling with fear. She smiled again, the extent of his complete absence of courage was more than just disgusting, it was promising. “I heard you have information regarding an old friend of mine. Some call him Jack-“
“I don’t know anything about him or where he is!” The man shouted suddenly. An instant later a terrible sting filled his leg with pain. She’d sliced the knife right along it faster than a blink. Then her face was in his again and her smile was gone.
“Do not, ever, interrupt me while I’m speaking, Gerald. It’s rude.” The man nodded and she stood upright, smiling yet again. “I know you don’t know where he is. But I do know that you know where his men are, and that they may know where he is. Where they both are.” She looked at the man with an expectant grin, “Who do know who I’m speaking of, don’t you?”
“Y-yes. Miss Qui-“ A finger was pressed against his lips as she moved closer in a seductive sort of motion.
“Yes is enough. Now, tell me, Gerald…love, where are the men of our mutual friend?” She sat down firmly on his leg and he moaned in pain. “I don’t like to ask more than once.”
---
“All he had were dead ends. Roads already traveled.” Trixie was wiping blood off her knife as she walked away from the warehouse district, the smell of smoke in the air. A growl sounded in her mind and she sighed, so very annoyed.
“I didn’t tell ya ta kill him!” She heard, then smirked a much too amused smirk.
“I know babe, that’s why I took care of it. Because you were being an idiot.”
“He was important, Trixie! Someone will notice!” Another growl. Miss Goody Two-shoes was angry.
“That’s why I-“ An explosion sounded behind her and she smiled, “-used Wade’s gift. No one will have a clue what happened to him. Relax.”
“If ya get me locked up in Arkham again, so help me Trixie, I’ll-“
“What?” She asked, amused, “Kill yourself? Fat chance. We’re in this together sister, like it or not.”
“Let me out. Now!” The growl echoed in her head so loudly she stumbled slightly, placing a hand on the wall to brace herself as she grimaced.
“Oh come on, Trin. You never let me out for anything but bloodshed anymore. We have other needs you know. Just because you’ve gone all chastity since-“ The sting was felt by both of them, right in the ticker. How annoying. “Just let me find a man first. One good romp will set us right, maybe even-“
“No. Let me out!” A sigh so heavy oozed from her lips it was as if her soul were leaving her body. Resignation, full resignation. In an instant the tan faded, the tattoos morphed, the hair color bleed and the violet receded from her eyes. Joints cracked and popped as her pale arms reached for the sky, her dark red locks falling into her eyes. “Thank ya.” Her hands roamed over her crimson, satin corset and down her black skirt. straightening them out. “An’ next time, lotion before the leather. You’re tearin’ our skin ta shreds with that shit.” Her soft, smooth voice mumbled, clearly still stuck in the physical relief of being out. A husky laugh echoed in her mind.
“So where to now? Back to the big apple?” The whine mixed with annoyance was clear.
“No, not yet. We’ve still got more business in Gotham, so for now, we’ll go back ta the hotel. Tomorrow night, we’ve got another man ta see.” Trinity sighed, already tired of all these dead ends. Trixie, on the other hand, practically purred with delight. Another night in Gotham meant another night of fun for her. But the bloodshed was taking it’s toll on Trinity. /You’re not your parents,/ the thought floated through her head, to which Trixie chortled.
“No…not yet.”
==========
HUNTER: "Are you sure this is a good idea, Hunter?" Titus shifted uneasily on his seat while he drove. Hunter was busy by the passenger seat, looking through his notes as he scribbled furiously his additional thoughts. His handwriting was jumbled up and the paper filled with scribbles and squiggly lines instead of his ideas. Hunter sighed and leaned back on his seat, instead looking out the window to admire the view. Gotham was just moments away, he could already see from the horizon. "We'll figure it out," he replied in a quiet voice as they finally reach the city.
---
The hotel they had reserved was true to its word. The place was well-lit and its decorations simple yet elegant. Hunter almost shrugged as the fancy environment reminded him of his trips with his mother and his uncle. They weren't his fondest memories. As he and Titus accept the key card from the reception desk, the two with their stuff went to the elevator. The door almost closed, and noticing there was someone inside he called out, "Wait up." He hit the open button which caused the doors to open. Titus grinned happily and stepped in first, followed by Hunter. He pressed floor number 4. Hunter held onto the straps of his bag and looked around casually.
He couldn't help observe their other companion. Her hair color was quite an attention stealer. Hah, a thief's attention is stolen, he thought to himself the corny joke. Titus was obviously just as attracted, even worse than Hunter was. Hunter glared at him, daring him to not do anything. Titus was about to open his mouth to say something witty to impress the girl, perhaps, but Hunter knew it wouldn't work. Titus returned Hunter's glare until the 'ding' of the elevator sounds. The doors swung open and Hunter grabbed Titus's arm to save him from the embarrassment. "Nice to meet you too," Titus forced and waved goodbye to the woman while Hunter dragged him out. So much for saving Titus from embarrassment.
==========
TRINITY: "And why the hell, exactly, are we staying here?" The voice rumbled in her mind as Trinity pulled a suitcase from the back of her emerald green '69 Mustang, the color of the car matched her natural hues perfectly. She shut the trunk and sighed at the annoyance roaming her mind.
"Because I said so, that's why. Now quit your bitchin'."
"We have a place in Gotham, already. A glamorous, well-equipped, place. With feather pillows and-"
"An' every baddie an' his mother in Gotham who want us dead know where it is, don't they? I wonder who's fault that is." Trinity bit back with annoyance of her own.
Trixie wasn't the type to show shame, in any form. Instead, her response was something of a...moan. "But you didn't see him, Trin. He was gorgeous! And fit, and oh god, he was h-"
"What he was, was a spy! Somethin' I could have told ya if ya hadn't blocked me out the second ya spotted him."
A resigned sigh emitted from the voice inside her head, and then silence. Trinity knew well that that meant Trixie was pouting in a corner. She took this as her opportunity to check in with silence in her mind.
---
The man behind the desk arched a brow at her, his fingers pausing over the keyboard as he stared at the woman before him. Ah, that look. Trinity hadn't missed it in the slightest. It seemed everyone in Gotham knew who she was by face alone. This would have been a good time not to come in as herself, but a girl had to have hope...however hopeless it might be later.
"You said...Smith? Heather Smith?" The man looked at her in utter disbelief.
"Yes, Smith." Her tone was sharp, but her smile never faltered. "Is there a problem?"
Gulping, the man quickly shook his head and got to work. In a matter of minutes she had the key to the penthouse suite in her hand and she was making her way over to the elevator. She wouldn't be able to stay more than a night here. The man was terrified of her, yes, but no one in Gotham had even a tiny peck of honor in them. He'd squawk like he was paid for it at the first sign of questioning.
A heavy sigh emitted from her lips as she leaned back against the back wall of the elevator, her suitcase tucked against the wall beside her. When she heard a shout from the lobby as the doors began to close she stretched her leg out, a Converse clad foot interrupting the closure of the doors enough to cause them to open again.
Trinity had been raised for this town. She was a pro at observation, especially while looking completely unfazed. Even with her eyes on the chipped black nails she held in front of her, the glances from the men who entered, and the one man's smirk, were far from lost on her. Slowly, a smirk of her own crept onto her face. Mentally she was almost daring the man to make a move, curious as to what he thought he could do to catch the attention of a Gotham girl, because it was obvious from the second they entered that they were not from Gotham. Sadly for her, a significant gaze from one of the other men cut him short.
That's when she chose to glance at the man, curious as to whether is look of warning to the other was a 'were not here for that' sort of look, or a 'don't you know who that is' kind of look. Trinity's money was on the former. As the doors opened the man she'd held her gaze on forced the other from the elevator and she chuckled at the poor man's words as they left.
"Ya ought ta listen to that one, sugar." Trinity said with a tilt of her chin in the direction of the man who held his arm. "This is Gotham, which is precisely why I'm the last person you should be glad ta meet." Her gaze quickly flitted from man to man, her smirk growing a little wicked. "Too bad for it, really..." Raising a hand to wave her fingers playfully at them, a small wink to the man who'd intended to hit on her, she cooed "Welcome ta Gotham, boys."
==========
HUNTER: Titus' mouth was agape, as he only waved goodbye to the woman, not a single dumb word escaping his lips. That's a good thing, Hunter thought and shrugged. "Did you see the way she looked at me? Ahh," Titus' legs felt wobbly and he barely managed to stand, much less walk after Hunter. Too tired from their drive and from glaring at his bud, he just took Titus' arm and dragged him roughly to their room.
"Ouch," Titus complained as he rubbed the slight throbbing on his arm. Hunter ignored him as he unlocked the door to their room. The two men made their way inside, and without wasting a second, began to set their stuff up. Titus worked on securing their room, filling it with audio-visual bugs in places no one would think to look. Hunter was on the bed, his laptop pulled out as he began to hack into the hotel security. Consider them paranoid, but it was obvious that they weren't from the neighborhood. The least they could do was make sure they had eyes in as many places around them as possible, in case someone decided to snoop around and ask why they're in Gotham in the first place.
Titus wiped an imaginary bead of sweat off his forehead as he placed the seventh and last bug they had allotted for their room. "All done, pal," he said as he landed beside Hunter with a soft thump. Titus grabbed the remote and turned the TV on. "How's the hacky pokey dance?" Titus whistled as he flipped through channels. Hunter was almost done, and with a final key, he pressed enter and his screen became filled with live footage of the hotel. "Finished with a pirouette on top," he grinned in satisfaction as fell flat on his back.
Thoughts of the danger they were going to face swirled in his mind like a tornado. Sure, their lives were always on the line; that comes with the job no doubt. What bothered Hunter most was their lack of information on Gotham, how the city's system worked and how the people here interacted with each other. They will have to find a resource person, someone they could trust, in the loose sense of the word.
Hunter fished a small piece of paper tucked in his pocket. He read it over and over, as if he hadn't already memorized it before they came here.
Midnight Delirium.
Two words, which were their sole lead in finding Timothy Bradshaw's grave and digging up the skeletons that came with it. Something about its name haunted him, but perhaps it was just his paranoia kicking in. And also the tiresome drive they had all day. Hunter glanced at Titus only to find him snoozing quietly. He eased the remote away from his friend's grip and switched to a local news channel. His mind and body were already weary, but hey, it wouldn't hurt getting to know more about Gotham. He could use the information for tomorrow endeavor. He sat upright and leaned his back against a pillow, as he allowed himself to be doused in the words of the reporter. "In tonight's news flash..."
==========
TRINITY: As the doors of the elevator shut Trinity laughed a loud, hearty laugh. Oh, the look on the man's face: priceless. Even the voice gave a hearty laugh to the way he'd been struck mute. Messing with men would never, ever, get old. For either one of them.
---
With a heavy, relaxed sigh Trinity stepped out of the bathroom, snuggled up in the soft robe with a towel wrapped around her hair. "I don't give a fuck what ya say 'bout this place, that shower is fuckin' awesome." The voice chuckled in response, 'Yeah okay, it was good.' It agreed.
Trinity plopped down and turned the TV on, mildly curious as to whether or not their earlier adventures would make the news yet. Trinity had hoped not, but Trixie was crossing her fingers for coverage. Her timing couldn't have been better. Just as she got to the news station the words "Breaking News" flashed onto the screen, and the report began.
"We've just been told that an explosion heard in the Warehouse District earlier tonight turned out be some kind of home-made bomb." The serious yet surprised tone of the woman's voice caused Trinity to roll her eyes. "Authorities on the scene were witnessed removing a body from the fire, which seems to have been at the center of the explosion."
The report switched to the male anchor, "There are speculations that this was some kind of suicide-bombing attempt, however the man found is thought to resemble Barry Witshire, a known accomplice of the infamous Joker. Now, neither Joker nor his sidekick, Harley Quinn, have been seen in many years. However, is it possible that this is a signaling of their return? Or, perhaps, could it be the work for their eldest -and only living- daughter, Trinity Quinn?"
"Fuck me!" She shouted, sitting up right and pulling the towel from her hair just as an image of Trinity from her modeling days flashed onto the screen. She had far less tattoos and was only about 18, but it was her all the same. The voice in her head shrieked with laughter, 'OH MY GOD! Did you really look like /that/?! This is priceless!'
The female anchor continued, "Trinity, ex-owner of Stardust Modeling Agency and current club-owner of Midnight Delirium has had her own run-ins with police from a young age. Including a stint in Arkham Asylum following the murder of her sister, from which she earned her release. While Miss Quinn has never been formally accused of any crimes in her adult life, there has been a constant fear from all law enforcement agencies that she may, one day, follow in her parent's footsteps."
The male took over again, "The commissioner denied to comment on the events at hand, but did say that there was no evidence to indicate Trinity was in anyway involved, as she hasn't been seen in Gotham since she moved to New York City."
Trinity shut the TV off and groaned, chucking the remote at the wall. "I fuckin' told ya, dammit!" She yelled, to which the voice groaned in annoyance. 'Relax, it's purely speculation.' Crossing her arms as she breathed deeply, Trinity shook her head slightly. "Either way, you know what this means." The voice practically whined, 'Really? Do we have to?'
"I won't have those fuckers in my club, Trixie! An' Ed doesn't have spine enough ta keep 'em out." Trixie could protest all she wanted, Trinity was settled on it. Trixie wouldn't have her night out tomorrow after all. Trinity needed to be at her club when the vultures, or worse, came looking for quotes or information. She wouldn't have cops storming her club, ever.
==========
HUNTER: Hunter paid as much attention to most of the reporter's words, despite the tiresome journey he and Titus made. He wasn't the one who drove, but he did stay awake the entire time. He was about to dismiss the news when familiar words hit his ear: Midnight Delirium. He already had the remote at hand, so he quickly turned up the volume. His dazed state was no more; now he was alert as ever.
There were speculations on the return of The Joker and Harley Quinn with regard to the recent explosion, but then another suspect was put on the table. The picture of their daughter Trinity Quinn filled the screens momentarily then it was gone. Hunter felt like he was punched in the gut; he and Titus had just seen the woman on the elevator. "Shit," he mumbled to himself. He grabbed Titus and shook him, but his friend grumbled and pushed his hand away.
"Titus, you have to see this," Hunter tried to wake him again while his fingers flew across the laptop, researching everything he can about Trinity Quinn. There wasn't much about her that the reporter hadn't already told in summary. Further digging lead him to read about the woman's parents instead. Now that turned up a lot of files which didn't actually make him confident or comfortable of their presence here in Gotham. 'Why did I have to be such a curious lil' bastard,' he thought to himself as he read of horrific crimes done by Trinity's parents. His fingers were crossed that nothing too extreme greets them by surprise tomorrow.
'Isn't that the point why you're researching, Hunter? To be prepared?'
"Ha," he responds to his inner voice. So much for knowing. All Hunter was sure of now was this place is dangerous. He glanced to his side where Titus slept peacefully, whereas here he was seated with his laptop, deeming how he won't be able to sleep for tomorrow's endeavor.
---
"So wait, we're going clubbing to the hot chick's place?" Titus was filled with joy and energy.
"Did you forget the part about the explosion and violent murders?" Hunter scoffed at his friend, and immediately Titus was pale. The duo were both cowards, it just so happens Hunter was good at pretending he wasn't. Titus wasn't as fortunate. In his dark clothing, he looked like a dead body that was about to die. Exaggerated, yet accurate.
Hunter, on the other hand, in the same dark clothes of a shirt, jeans, shoes and his favorite leather jacket, he put on the calmest expression he could as the cab stopped at their destination: Midnight Delirium. "I feel hella delirious right now, H," Titus nudged Hunter. Before he could respond, the driver spoke, "That would be $23.50." Hunter shoved three $10 bills at the driver's hands. "Keep the change."
The thieves stepped out of the cab and into a whole new world of unfamiliarity as they made their way inside Trinity Quinn's territory.
==========
TRINITY: Trinity slept that night, but not well. The anxiety brought on with the idea of cops in her club showed itself in her dreams. Dreams that went from tussles with officers to dark streets littered with dead officers. Only two though, two in particular. The same two over and over, all over the street. It was less a dream and more a memory at that point. Then a wisp of silky blonde hair floated in front of her, an arrogant smirk, and a child-like glimmer in her eye. She tried to reach out for the girl, to stop what was about to happen, but there was no stopping the past.
With the bang of a fired pistol and a scream Trinity sat bolt upright in bed, drenched in a cold sweat. The bang was in her mind, the scream however was from her. She only knew because of the raw feeling in her throat. If anyone had been around to witness it, they'd see the pure whiteness to her eyes. Then a husky coo from her mind soothed her. 'It was just a dream, that's all.' Trinity released a shuttering gasp and with a single sniffle promptly made her way to the shower. She didn't care if it was the dark hours of the morning or what that meant for how much sleep she got. She needed a distraction, and her club was going to be it.
---
It was almost as if she hadn't even been away. She had arrived at the club before anyone else, per usual, and scared the living hell out of Ed by already being there. He thought she was there because of something he'd done. He's paranoia was hilarious. The hours passed as they got the club ready for yet another busy night and then finally, every thing was right again. Trinity was behind the bar serving drinks (and looking out for cops) and Ed was in the back having a panic attack.
There were hundreds of clubs in Gotham as well as New York, but Midnight Delirium remained in a class of it's own. It could be the fact that it was something of a hybrid, with both a lounge-like bar area as well as a high-energy dance floor area. Or, it could be the intoxicating energy of the place that promised an opportunity to lose yourself and truly /live/ for once. But most likely it was it's reputations. The most popularly known reputation was of it being unfriendly to officers. The more underground, and lesser-known one was for it being something of a hot-spot for the elusive and legendary 'meta-humans'. Some still didn't believe they existed, but if you wanted the chance to meet one, you eventually wound up at Midnight Delirium.
Whatever the reason that brought them in, the club was never short of bodies. Tonight was no exception. The music was loud, the crowd was pulsing, and even Trinity found herself in a sultry/sweet kind of mood. Of course flirting was always part of the job, but enjoying it wasn't usually. The fact that she'd gotten a few hours into business hours without a single cop-sighting had put her in the good mood. Perhaps her fears were all for naught.
Everything shifted slightly, however, in energy as well as mood when she spotted a pair coming into the club that looked strangely familiar. It took only a moment, however, for her to realize it was the same pair from the elevator the night before. A smirk slid onto her features as the voice in her head chimed in, 'My money is on coincidence.' Trinity chuckled and spoke under her breath, "Because ya believe it, or because-" The voice interrupted, 'Because I want to bone him.' Shaking her head Trinity asked, "Which one?" 'Either,' it replied, then moaned gently, 'or both.'
Trinity made her way to the far end of the bar, the less crowded end. She knew it was no coincidence, and if they were here for her she wanted to know why. "They aren't here for that, and ya know it." The voice groaned woefully. 'Are we going to have to kill them?' Trinity laughed more genuinely this time as she focused her gaze on the pair, her smirk growing slightly as if to call them in like a beacon. "Lets hope not."
She knew they'd notice her, because she knew they weren't here to party. They weren't dressed for it, stood out too much. She waited patiently until they did, and once she had the attention she'd beckon them over with a finger. Sure, it was more than a little seductive of an action, but she was trying to keep up the flirty mood as her facade until she knew what they wanted. She wasn't sure if they'd fall for it, but she had a feeling she could at least get some information out of the flirt. Even if he needed some...coaxing. When they approached, at last, she slid her teeth along her lower lip and giggled playfully, "Well well, what a surprise. Y'all aren't stalkin' me now, are ya?"
==========
HUNTER: Midnight Delirium stuck true to its name. It was unlike any club that Hunter had been to in his life, and that says a lot. Titus, on the other hand, was very drawn to the odd, electric environment which Hunter considered dangerously hypnotic. The pulsing music, bright lights, unfamiliar scents of liquor. Hunter's keen senses were experiencing massive overload that he struggled to keep his focus. "Who exactly am I looking for," he murmured under his breath as his eyes go back and forth while keeping 'a leash' on Titus. "Don't be stubborn, T, let me focus," Hunter gritted his teeth.
"But man, this place is the hots. It's perfect for me! And I know you kinda like it too. What's the term you use again?" Titus wondered, only to have his attention get caught by the girl from the hotel. "Holy crap."
Hunter frowned in his contemplation, "Titus, not n-" he glanced to his side only to find his partner walking toward a particular direction. He rushed after him, pushing through the crowd and putting a hand over his eyes just so the lights don't blind him. When he was closer to Titus, he could now see who his friend was walking toward to. "Oh," he mouthed and lingered right behind Titus.
"Yes we are," Titus was the quick respondent, as always. "No, we're not stalking you," Hunter countered simply, making Titus look at him with a deer in the headlights expression, "but we are looking for answers and they lead us here. What do you think?" Hunter tilts his head slightly, a lot of thoughts running his head. Not the kind that is probably in Titus' head right now, but the kind that is considering the presence of the woman. Her features, specifically. There was something vaguely familiar about her that he can't quite put a finger on.
MERRICK: The plane touched down in Paris, France. The private run way had been cleared of the carts that would normally be transporting goods off of the industrial cargo planes here. Instead, the only vehicle parked near the run way was a sleek truck, complete with four wheel drive and tinted black windows. Merrick could just feel Victor trembling besides him as his friend ogled the car. Some things just never changed. The private jet had been loaned to them by a close contact, the entire was plush, lavish almost with all of the commodities no one really needed on a plane. Seriously, a hot tub? Who the fuck--- No, how the fuck was someone going to be bathing in a plane that could A) Experience a buttload of turbulence or B) Go down in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where yes, if whoever was on this plane lived through the crash, they would be surrounded by more water. If was like building a bathtub in the middle of a pool.
Still, his team didn't seem to mind the spoils. Reno, their commander had his eyes closed as the plane began its descent, being the only smart one of the six who had decided to get some shut eye before having to hear up for their assignment. From the sounds of high pitched pinging from Macey's computer, it was obvious their tech expert was playing some online video game. Chaz, their demolition expert was practically leaning over Mace's lap as he pointed out something the other had missed, or complained about how he was playing the game right. From the twitch of the red head's brow, Merrick could tell Mace was one second from jabbing Chaz in the throat -- all in good fun, the two of them fought like cats and dogs over everything, and he did mean everything. Last but not least, Kell. By the far the most silent of them all, he was undeniably part of their close knit family, he just didn't have any of the quirks the others had. He was reclining in his own seat, eyes focused on the passing scenery of the runway as the neared the ground, although Merrick knew his mind was far, far away.
The six of them left the plane, heading for the parked vehicle on the runway. The interior was pure leather and opulence was the flavor of the day. Merrick was almost afraid of laying his ass anywhere near those seats, but the others didn't seem to have that problem. They clambered in, duffle bags hitting the floor at their feet, unabashed as they lifted to plant firmly on the seats in front of them. Sliding into the rear bench seat, he shut the door and leaned against it as Reno and the others launched into a discussion he only half heard as the French landscape began to flash across the window as they drove past. The windows were closed and the air conditioned air was sterile, although he knew that once they were released into the heart of the city they would be assaulted by the smell of pollution and the tempting scents of baking bread and sweets. The car turned off into an enclosed parking space and somehow a key card nearly materialized in the center of his hands. Climbing out of the vehicle, the six men made their way silently to the service elevator that would take them to their top floor suite.
The moment the door shut behind him, Mace and Chaz were at it again. "No, we're not going to the Red Light District Chaz, we have work to do."
"But this counts as work!"
"No it doesn't, it counts as you being horny and wanting to get your rocks off with some half anorexic French girl who's very likely riddled with STDs."
Merrick shook his head with an exasperated sigh, leaving the other two to argue out as he placed his duffle on the table. From the corner of his eye he saw Kell and Victor slip from the room in opposite directions. Kell moving to the bathroom outer laying areas and Victor towards the bedrooms. With both Mace and Chaz both continuing to argue loudly, he knew that if any listening devices had been installed, the only conversation they would be able to pick up was one that included an almost nauseating description of what a blue waffle was. It looked like he wasn't going to be having waffles for breakfast after all. Ever.
Merrick settled with his hip against the table, watching the little set up that Mace and Chaz were putting on. Reno was silent, watching the two of them with a faintly disgusted expression. Obviously he was picturing the grotesque visage of an inflamed vagina-- shaking his head hard, Merrick refused to go down that road of the thought again. Luckily for him, both Kell as Victor materialized as if from thin air and Reno hastily cut off the conversation that was taking a turn towards genital warts. Thank God.
"Enough of that. Chaz, you sick fuck." Reno interrupted, setting down the assignment folder on the main table and flicking it open. "Merrick, you're heading here to rendezvous with our contact. They have have info on our latest target."
"Kell, Victor. You two are going to head down to the shopping district. To keep an eye on this clothing store, Le Madam Legume--"
"Madame peanut." Chaz snorted in amusement before he was cuffed over the back of his head by Reno. "Shut up. You're on file duty while Mace works his magic. Mace, I want you monitoring traffic, document every large truck leave the area. I want it all, every speck of information on it you can find. License, registration, blood type of the driver how often he stops to piss."
"You got it." Mace nodded once.
"I'm going out. Im meeting with the French commanders involved in this assignment. Have to kiss ass and make nice. I trust you guys will do what you have to." They all would. Being quirky idiots was one thing, but while on the job they were as serious as death. Or as serious as Mace and Chaz could get about anything. Leaving the others to continue talking, Merrick slipped out of the suite, heading down to borrow the one car they had been given -- cheap much? And drive down to the location he had been told to go to.
==========
HUNTER: "Thank you for coming on such short notice," Hunter greeted Parker, Hardison and Eliot. In the dirty, beat up top floor apartment of the building across from Le Madam Legume was transformed into a mini head of operations.
"You know how my girl is, she loves danger," Hardison spoke in sarcastic enthusiasm as he went straight to setting up his tech. Parker, his girlfriend made a face at him before plopping onto the bed. "This place is disgusting," she comments. Eliot rolled his eyes and went about the place, checking out its security and their view of the clothing store that held more secrets than fashionable garments.
"Are you sure about this, Hunter?" Eliot spoke while peeking through the dusty velvet curtains hung by the window. His muscular build and piercing eyes made it obvious he was not the person you want to mess with. Hunter suddenly felt a cold sensation nagging at his back. Despite the humid air, he rubbed his hands together and shoved them into his jacket's pockets. He'd only stumbled upon this job by accident.
---
Bleep. No results found.
The screen had scolded Hunter for the nth time. "Ugh," he grumbled and forced his eyes to stay wide open. Almost 9 hours of scavenging the internet using Dayton's specialized program that allowed him to listen through communications done by America's premiere and top secret organizations. Illegal as it was, he supposed, but he was that desperate for a new job. Dayton Black- Thief Tavern's hacker- her departure from the group took a toll on him. Something he himself didn't realize.
There has to be something, he encouraged himself with these thoughts and took a swug of his fifth energy drink. Hunter cleared his throat and sat upright, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. "Come on, come on," he mumbled at the screen. As if the computer heard him, the screen refreshes and a single result pops in. "Shit," he grinned in excitement and immediately hovered the mouse on the result. He double-clicked on the result and a new window opens:
Le Madam Legume. Paris, France. 7/23/2015. TRAP.
Just then the screen blinked thrice, and the display was changed.
Le Madam Legume. Paris, France. 7/23/2015. SAFE.
After 7 seconds the screen went black and it returned to the application's home page.
No results found.
"What the hell..." Hunter's eyes widen as he leaned forward the screen to make sure what he saw was not made up by his half sleepy, half desperate brain. His gut told him what he just saw was true, but in his state he can't rely much on himself. Whatever the case, Hunter pulled out a piece of paper and grabbed the nearest pen and began to jot down the words he remembered. "Le Madam Legume. Paris, France. 7/23/2015," he recited. It was a week from now. Lastly, he jotted down the words TRAP and SAFE together, and he encircled the former word, adding a question mark beneath it. There was only one way for him to find out the truth. He grabbed his phone and called his mother.
"Bonjour, mère. About that business trip of yours to Paris..." He made a face but kept his voice in control.
"Oui. I changed my mind. I'm coming along. One of the private jets are still here in New York, right? Yeah. I'm more surprised than you are. Bye." He ends the call. Lidija LeMarchal, CEO of LeMarchal Media, mother of Mathieu LeMarchal. She had no idea what his son did for a living, and it was gonna stay that way. She'd been bugging him to accompany her to one of those fancy business get-togethers, which he had generously declined. He only hoped his mother doesn't get suspicious with his sudden change of heart. He just needed the fastest transportation possible so he can do some recon of the place mentioned in the secret message he intercepted. Now that's settled, he just needed help.
He got up from his seat and dialed a friend's number. "Hey, Parker. No, I'm not going to challenge you to see who can get through Yamamoto Industry's newest security the fastest, though maybe some other time..." he scratched his head and grinned. Parker, a fellow thief, she sure loves proving she's better than Hunter every time she gets the chance. "...but I am going to ask something which will interest you just as much."
---
"There." Hardison finished typing on his laptop, and it brings Hunter back to reality. He, and Parker move toward Hardison's set up to see what he was about to show and explain. "The surprising thing about this Peanut Shop, is they have a /lot/ of security cameras and staff."
"They're hiding something," Parker put on her serious, all-knowing face and nodded.
"If they're hiding something, and what I saw on the message said trap..." Hunter trailed off.
"Someone arrived." Eliot breaks the discussion of the three. "Two men casually parked on this side of the street, but they mean business."
"It's about to go down." Hunter said grimly.
"What do you want us to do?" Hardison inquired.
"You can't see what the shop is hiding, can you?" Hunter answered, and Hardison shook his head. "Guide Parker a safe way in to snoop around."
"Yeepee!" Parker said gleefully and got her stuff ready.
"Eliot, have my back, I'm going to approach the newcomers."
"Copy that," Eliot said and shut the curtains close.
The team of four took their earpieces provided by Hardison and he gave the go signal. "All right, gang, let's do this."
IVY JUNE: Ivy looked over to the sun trying to peek through the window and sighed. She just worked a double shift at the bar. She didn't mind working late, but what irked her was the way the manager kept pushing her around, all while being very inappropriate.
"Why do you even put up with him." Ivy turned her head and almost laughed at her friend's disgust. "I told you. He has something I want." Ivy replied simply. "Maybe. But he thinks you're after something else." And that, Ivy thought, is exactly why she's here. Amy had been undercover for months, just waiting, observing, hiding. A familiar feeling lingered in her stomach, which normally meant that it was time for her to make a move. "Divide and conquer." she whispered to herself before wiping out a small group that was an extension of a notorious mafia.
After cleaning up after herself, she walked the London streets as Ivy once more. She had the innocent look going for her. You wouldn't think that she'd be able to murder a group of men each twice her size. That was normal routine, really. But there was something with this case in particular that bothered her greatly. One of the men she just murdered looked awfully much like her brother. The hesitation cost her a scratch on her face, but like professionals go. She could leave no business unfinished.
Had her past come to haunt her? Or maybe it was just a coincidence. "I might just need sleep." she kept reasoning out, but something told her that it was something. The question was if she was willing to uncover what she's spent so long trying to hide. It was too late, though. If anyone was playing her, that person knows that her curiosity is one of her biggest weaknesses. Unable to contain herself, she pulled out her phone and tried calling one of her colleagues.
==========
HUNTER: "Ready to get your ass kicked, Hunter?" Parker said gleefully.
"Are /you/?" Hunter teased in return. Atop one of the tallest buildings in London were the two thieves, harness and all. Securing the end of Parker's ropes was Hardison, her hacker boyfriend, and Hunter had William on his.
"You're both crazy," Hardison shook his distastefully at the two.
"But the heights, and falling 100 ft below, the wind on your face-" "-okay I get it. You're the craziest," Hardison cuts off his girlfriend. "Exactly!" Parker pecked his lips.
"Mate, this is crazy and stupid," William whispered to Hunter. He shrugged and patted his friend's back. "You're not the one free falling, man. Don't sweat it," he gave an encouraging grin. William gives a signal to Hardison, and he leaves the three alone the rooftop. William will be waiting below to assist the removal of the thieves' harnesses.
Now that each thief's equipment has been secured, they walked closer to the edge. The city lights and traffic loomed below them. It was a spectacular sight. "Whoa," he breathed in amazement. "Want me to push you?" Parker smirked. "Hell no," he shook his head. The thieves back up.
"Okay. On three," Hardison said. Hunter and Parker nod at each other.
Hunter: "One."
Parker: "Two."
Both: "Three!"
The lunatics ran toward the cliff and jumped.
---
"Yeah?" Hunter picked up his phone while he hung upside down. He glanced sideways to see William aiding Parker in taking her harness off. "Woohoo!" She cheered. "Let's go again." Hunter couldn't suppress his smile.
"Ivy," he returned to the caller. "What's up?"
"Couldn't wait to get down before answering your phone huh?" Parker greets him. "Is it a girl?" Hunter ignored her while Parker and William helped him get down.
==========
IVY JUNE: Aware that she wasn't her best self, she went straight to her flat and locked herself in to avoid blowing her cover. "Hunter." Ivy answered after hearing some ruckus on the other end of the line.
"Is this a bad time?"
she held the phone to her ear with her shoulder and went through some files from the back of her closet. She threw the papers into the fireplace and absently watched as the flames destroyed the evidence of her last mission. Her attention snapped back to the conversation on the other end of the line and she couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
"I wouldn't want to interrupt you in the middle of one of your adventures but I just encountered something very puzzling and I couldn't think of anyone better equipped to help me." A coy smile played on her lips as she waited for an answer.
==========
HUNTER: "No, not at all," his feet hit the concrete and he gave a pat on Parker's and William's back as his way of thanking them. He did his best to help pack up the equipment with his free hand while he listened to Ivy's on his phone on the other hand. "My current adventure involved competing against a fellow thief to see who can free fall fastest on the Millennium Tower, so I consider your interruption a blessing." As he spoke those words, he looked at Parker with mock contempt. She scowled and Hunter earned a smack on his shoulder.
"Oof," Hunter frowned and rubbed his shoulder. Parker grinned in satisfaction and waved her goodbye to Hunter and William, as she and Hardison left. "I would be delighted to help," he smiled. "Let's meet up somewhere private to discuss things further. Phones, no matter how well secured, can never be relied upon." Hunter gave her address of a popular bar downtown and before ending the call, "See you tomorrow, Ivy."
"New job, huh?" William asked. "Yup. Thanks for coming with me today, Will. Now go, and send my greetings to Mir," Hunter pats his friend's back. William nods with a grin, "Will do," and the friends go their separate ways.
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