It was risky, she knew, almost regretting the move as soon as she made it, thinking of his life alone. The door was right there. It would have been easy to just get them both out of there, find him some help and be done with this particular task. Tucking tail had never been a lesson given all those years ago when she had first held a gun in her hand. Even now it flooded back. How she had landed on her ass with the kickback and the first words she heard. Get up. Try again.
The boys behind the counter said nothing, but she heard the footsteps. Go check it out…she knew that was coming with this physical manifestation of Russian roulette. She looked down at him, nodding with the actual seriousness of the situation plainly on her face, listening as they moved closer, before her back was pressed against the counter once more.
The instant she saw legs, she moved, the dagger tucked into her boot driven completely through the kneecap of the man sent to finish them both in irritation, and almost quicker than any mortal should be able to move, she had him by the throat, now standing behind the human shield.
“Bad form old man…” She looked over the shoulder still gasping and writhing in pain, while she pulled the gun from between her breasts. “I don’t really expect you to fear for this man’s life but you know…” She chuckled. “Tit for tat and all…” Her grip tightened, and his eyes bulged as he strained to breathe, the gun pointed right at Guido’s head.
Jasper followed her movements in surprise. It took him a moment to clear his head when she grabbed the thug. He watched as Guido’s smile quickly faded, the barber looking just as shocked as he was. He got to his feet and rushed over, close enough to Briella to mutter in her ear. “Leave it,” he whispered and then leaned back to look Guido in the eye. “The last thing we need is a turf war with my father. We’ll let the boss decide what to do about this.” He didn’t like the idea, himself, and he clenched his teeth and glared at the man who’d shot him.
Then he took Briella’s arm and moved toward the door. When he’d made sure that none of the men were going to follow them, he threw it open and ran out into the night. He slowed up after they were safely back in their own territory and turned to Briella, “What the hell was that?” he demanded. “I’ve never seen anyone with moves like that.” He eyed her suspiciously and then a smirk slowly crossed his face. “I can see why the boss sent you to me. You’re secretly a ninja, right?” he joked, but then winced as the pain in his shoulder flared up.
Though they were in their own territory, Jasper thought it was a good idea to lay low anyway, in case of retaliation. He led Briella to a safe house, though it was little more than a rundown studio sized flat in an empty building. “There’s a little food in the kitchen,” he said as he locked up behind them. “And medical supplies in the bathroom. I think you’re gonna have to play nurse,” he added as he slumped down onto the bed, feeling weak. He shook his head, trying to avoid passing out and snorted as he saw his entire sleave soaked through with blood.