I looked at him without any fear. That glar held no threat for me. I'd seen much worse and a conspiracy theorist with a bruised ego wasn't going to make me budge on my position in all of this. "No, we're going to see that you're dead, like, in the ground, bottom of the ocean, or ashes spread to the wind, just give this up before you get yourself killed or worse, like being sold into slavery and worked to the bone every day until you finally just lie down and die, or get stuck in a bed in a coma feeling nothing but pain until, god willing, the machines shut off and you can pass on." I said, I sighed deeply. "Word, I don't know you well but I know this situation will put you into a lot of danger, that woman, she isn't normal but she isn't up to anything as of this moment, and if she does get into something then let the authorities handle it, just... drop it before you go and get yourself killed." I said, my voice softening.
"Wow Joe...that was...descriptive." Anita says slightly weirded out by his long narrative. "but you're right." Anita face softens a little as she gazes back upon Word; the boy was serious and, passionate about his cause. It was almost admirable, stupid, really stupid. But, admirable. "Wor- Miguel, can you at least agree to calling it a day? Just for now? Trisha is long gone; nothing good can come from trying to follow her on foot all banged up like this." She puts a hand on his shoulder. "Let me take you home, we can figure out what to do later okay?"
The blade in Vampire's hand spinned as if it were to be alive and was now pointing at Shep. "What are you doing??!!!, I wasn't going to hurt her, just finding what was she plotting." She slowly walked pointing her blade at Shep's neck. "You attempt such big crime with a non functional group and more than once caused damage to your own members. What's wrong with you, you..... drughead..." said with a stern tone and certain difficulty in finding an appropiate offense for the man.
Word sighed hearing his real name spoken but gave a soft nod. “Fine, let’s go.” He said following Anita along. “Sorry about all this.” He muttered --- Shep barred his teeth at The Vampire his eyes seemingly becoming blacker then they already were. “She was moaning to loud and I had to shut her up.” He snorted. "Could of woke up the entire building and plus now she knows we are serious." “By what?” Brice said helping Eliza up off the ground. “Beating your own team?” Shep rolled his eyes. "If you do something dumb then I hit you." He shrugged. "Its logic, you put a blade to her and she screamed so I punched her. You guys take things waaaaay to seriously." --- Gale watched both Word and Anita both depart up the street back to his car. He left without a word (pun intended) of apology and hell most of this entire thing failed anyway with the exception of Jessica’s tracker. Gale let the Word’s binoculars hang over his neck. “Well this was a fun little outing wasn’t it?” He gave a nervous chuckled. “Sorry about all this…..I didn’t exactly expect her to be, ya know? Like that.” He shook his head. "Thought they were blowing things of proportions or making crap up, but man ...damn this is freaky."
Eliza accepted Brices help, then let go of him moving towards the kitchen as Shep spoke. She quietly grabbed an icecube and some paper towel, placing it over her swollen lip. She moved back to her seat at the bar and opened her laptop, her fingers clicking across the keys, before she turned the computer to Shep with a timid yet fierce expression, "If I am to help you on this heist, then I am going to make one thing fucking clear. Regardless if I am scared out of my mind and crying or doing something, you would specify as "dumb" and believe me I am sure you make use of the action on a moderate occasion. You will never lay a hand on me again. It doesn't take me long to find out information on a person, Shep, and it takes me an even shorter time to hack into their bank accounts, and properties." She stood up and cocked her head to the side,"I think your pompous arrogant ass might not get the picture so listen up. One hand on me, and I'm taking your Methhouse. Another hit, and it's your money, oh and if you try to kill me, "I'll take your name, and everything that goes along with it. Understand?"
Brice gulped taking a step back from Eliza in case any bullets came heading her way, in fact he was starting to suspect this group was filled with bullet magnets. Shit. He didn't have much of a chance against that asshole Shep or that crazy red eyed pale ass white bitch. Shep held up his hands giving a nervous smile. “Chill out.” He said with a chuckle. “We don’t want know, it ain't no thang.” Shep sat back down. "Besides I don't really like having Mikkish scrap bitch brain off the wall." He leaned back. "Anyway.....we've come into your house and scared you and I beat you but the money is good and it will be a challenge....soooo you in?"
The hard truth Anita shrugs. "I would say it's not your fault...but, it totally is." She says teasingly walking up beside him. "That being said, honestly Word, up until I got my nose smashed in...I was, actually kinda having fun. Which, is also your fault. and I don't see any fun in my own life. So, I suppose, I'm...thanking you?" Anita frowns at her self. "being social with something other than a book is, as you can see, a new thing for me." "Yeah." Word said rubbing the back of his neck. "I am no social butterfly either....or well you see how I am, being social isn't exactly a fun thing for me." He smirked. "Sorry about your nose Nita." Anita shrugs, "I'm not much to look at anyway, it won't be missed." He raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me? That wasn't good for confidence." "I am a very confident person. But I'm also a cynic, and a realist. And the truth is, I am painfully average." She laughs, "And that's with out the hair, which is it's self a few genes shy of being a literal den of snakes. Put it together and you have a woman who is unremarkably meh..." She speaks so openly and comfortably, if there was any genuine shame or embarrassment about her appearance one could not tell. "Not a big deal though, looks are over rated, I'm still smarter then 90% of those blond anorexic ignorant barbie dolls and I wouldn't trade it for a thing." "All I'm saying is you're not bad looking." He chuckled. "Quite the opposite I'd say...or well once your nose heals you'll be even easier on the eyes, I mean I'm no Romeo or nothing." He scoffed. "Who the hell would wanna be that? Still I like think I can clean up well." He shook his head. "But only the G Men dress nice." "Well it's good to know at least one guy thinks I'm adequately fuckable. On the other hand, this guy also thinks the government has been hijacked by reptilian aliens for the past 150 years." She sighs, "A girl just an't catch a break huh?" It's clear from her subtle smile she teasing him again, as per usual. But then, she gets more studied, serious, looking straight at him she asks. "Word, be honest, do you actually believe all the crap you preach. Like...do you really believe Trisha an alien? Or that all that other string theory nonsense. Do you...truly believe it?" Word stared back at her his face serious. “Yeah…yeah pretty sure I do.” He gave a small smile. “It just kinda explains a lot of stuff to me.” He put an arm on her shoulder. "I know I'm probably wrong about a lot of stuff but I personally believe the government is hiding extremely important secrets from us the people, secrets about space and monsters....manipulating us with the daily things of life like games and TV to make us blind." Anita sighs, it rings with disappointed. Then as if her mood reverted back to usual she says cynically. "Word...there is only one thing that manipulates to those in power, money. No alien with the most advanced hypno rays can stand up to money. You want to the truth about the government? check their pocket books, and the companies who line them. Not their space stations. In fact, if they had actual aliens, they would in a heart beat monatise that shit FBI secrets be damned. Money makes the world go round Word not E.T. I hope one day you'll realize that...as depressing as it is it's the truth. The hard truth." The frowned at her as they stopped in front of his car. "That's not very fair of you to dismiss what I believe." He said. "What about you?" "Was raised muslim. belive Angels, prophets, miracles talking bushes, old guy in the sky judging your every sin. All that jazz." She pauses for a second looking off at a sudden thought. "Huh...truth be told I don't think I put a lot of faith in my religion. Then again I don't put a lot of faith in much of anything. I guess I am what the christians would call, a doubting Thomas. Allah have mercy, I'm talking like an infidel." She shakes her head. "Oh well, at least hell will give me a nice tan." "See." Word replied. "Exactly my point, hell and heaven and God is a hell of a lot crazier then what I believe and I'd argue what I believe is a lot more plausible then this spiritual nonsense." Anita opens the care door, and with a scholarly tone rebuts. "The key difference Word is that Islam like all the Abrahamic religions are faith based and most moderate religious practicers accept that they can not be proven using fact . While you on the other hand are claiming that your believes are evidence based and can be proven. Which you can't because there is no credible evidence." "I simply deduce as I see them." He replied getting into front seat. "You mean you deduce what you wish to see." Anita corrects as they begin to pull away from the curb. "And the truth is, the truth is that's all that the truth is. What we wish to see...try saying that ten times fast."
Super Soaker "I hate you and your dirty relatives." Harley muttered as she tossed a bread crumb on the grass that was gobbled up in an instant. The eager beady eyes stared back at her while she ripped off another piece. "You wanna know why?" A quack resounded in the midst of the peaceful park. "Alright guess I'll tell you." She dropped the bread and sighed. "One time I bet a friend of mine that I could get hold of a duck and I did of course...but it thought I'd be nice to poop on! Then it attacked me." Harley pointed at the duck. "So let's get this straight. If you do the same, I'm not afraid of PETA!" A hard object pressed into the back of Harley’s head, it wasn't metallic but it was as cold as any piece of metal but the movement of liquid was clear to her ears as was the jovial voice that spoke. "Don't feed the ducks ma'am." It said with a chuckle. "I'm part of the duck police." "Ow!" Harley rubbed her head as she spun around to confront the 'police officer'. He looked like he had stepped out of one of the boring clichéd drama shows her mom would frequently turn on, complete with a sleek suit and dark sunglasses. He also held a weapon in his grasp, pointed in her direction. Wait. Was that a...water gun? She squinted at him. "Duck police, huh? Let me see a badge." "Hey no need to get all concerned." He smiled a white smile. "Just be a little cooler little lady." And before Harley could utter another witty retort she found herself sprayed dead between the eyes by ice cold water for several seconds of pure freezing agony until he finally let up. "Us duck police shoot first and ask questions later." He raised an eyebrow. "Actually that's a lot like most police officers today, which is totally not cool." Harley brushed her dripping wet bangs out of her eyes as she spat water at his feet. The shock had delayed her anger, but her shouts still didn't go unheard. "What was that for?!" She moved closer to him, fist upheld. "Tell me who you really are, right NOW!" "Name is Colt." He replied. "But you can call me cool Cole." A thumbs up was quickly shoved into Harley's face. "That was for all the trouble you been causing." "I have no idea what you're talking about." Harley muttered, crossing her arms. "You must have the wrong person." "Oh I do now?" Cole smirked. "Are you the legendary Harley who is just so uber and badass that she steals from a dangerous drug dealer." He raised the water gun again. "The Harley's who's mother is rumored to have also kidnapped this very same dealer." He pumped it. "You sure I'm mistaken?" Harley bit her lip as she backed away. "How...did you know that?" “Welllll this is gonna be a clichéd line, so I apologize in advanced.” He replied. “But it’s my job to know these things.” Cole let the water gun drop and held up two fingers in a peace sign. "I come in peace and everything." His smile got friendlier. "But I do want to ask you some questions, kay?" "Depends on the question." Harley said. "And I don't have time to stand around, so make it quick." "What can you tell me about your parents?" He asked simply. "You're free to decline on speaking, I won't hurt you or nothing but I will ask something else if you refuse that one." Harley sighed. "I live with my mom, which you probably know with being a stalker and everything. But yeah, she's an overall happy person, she does a lot of stuff for people. Works with kids and is always busy. I honestly don't see how she'd kidnap someone, let alone Shep." She paused and her gaze turned to the ground. "I don't wanna talk about my...other parent." "Trust me kid." Cole replied. "I don't like the scum bag either but he's important in these events.....soooo what exactly do you believe about your mother?" "Wait." Harley said, looking back up at Cole. "You know him?" "A bit." Cole replied. "Why? Thought you didn't like him." "But you said you didn't either. So I guess that means it's normal that he pisses people off?" Harley frowned as her forehead scrunched in thought. "What did he do to you?" "Stirred up a lot of trouble where I lived when I was a kid." He said. "He wasn't the worst of it, but he certainly didn't help." Cole ran a hand through his hair. "A lot of people I've associated with have compared him to a snake that is most dangerous when backed into a wall." Cole shrugged. "He's a criminal, a user, not to be trusted and honestly still.....not half as bad as the other people I met back then." "Criminal..." Harley mumbled. "Have you ever met an Edgar Copperfield? He's part of the duck police too." He blinked. "Who?" Harley swiped the water gun from where it lay and quickly took aim. "Don't play dumb with me. Admit that you're with him or you're gonna get it!" Cole cocked his head to the side. “Wow…..” He said. “You’re pretty fast but you do know its still a water gun.” He took a step closer. "Besides you don't look like you know how to handle a real weapon and if you did...." His voice trailed off. "I'd of disarmed you." Cole stuffed his hands into his pocket. "Look little lady, I don't know this Edgar but I still got some questions about mommy and daddy." "Obviously it's a water gun." Harley said as she sprayed him hard, leaving behind droplets on his sunglasses. "Next question please." Cole’s lips slanted into a frown. “Awwww man.” He sniffed. “I just got this shifty looking suit so I can appear mysterious but also look suave while doing it.” He tugged on his tie. "You're one of them disrespecting kids.....ehhh, oh well. What do you know about that Devil Dove? Your mother ever bring it up?" "Only when it was on the news, just like everyone else who's been talking about it. Who can blame them though, not everyday do we get attacked by aliens." Harley cracked a teasing grin. "I hope they find out who actually did it, cause I'd sure like to know." "As would I." Cole replied. "But it seems at the moment we can't always get what we want." He hummed. "You know you should really stop acting like you're in control kid." He said in a very matter of fact tone. "It makes it that much harder when life gives you a wake up call." "I'm not acting like I'm in control, I am in control." Harley said firmly. "I make my own choices and whatever life throws at me, I'll still make them. Let someone or something control you and that's where it all goes down. There's your true wake up call." Harley threw the water gun and nodded. "Well, it's been fun but I've gotta get going." Cole caught the gun with one hand and gave her one last shining smile. "Be careful." He said. "Careful is boring!" Harley called over her shoulder as she marched away, laughing to herself.
Eliza let out a small breath of air, as she listened, thanking the good lord for her brain. She shivered, pulling away the ice,"I should tell you to leave...but I like money apparently more then my own sanity. I will join you." To be frank, at this moment Eliza could care less about the diamonds. Shep could hurt her. Kill her. He threatened her peace of mind, and that was something she valued more then any cent she earned stealing. He needed to be put down and she was going to be a part of it. Revenge for the moment could be on a hiatus. She pulled up her knees, in thought, before turning to her screen, confidence filling her, "I am going to need details on site placement, and what type of security systems are at work. Once you get details, you know where to find me." She shut the laptop, pulling her legs up to her chest, waiting for them to speak or leave.
With the drama over and the final member of the party agreeing to join in on their little group dateSo the group once again disbanded for the day, leaving Eliza to wallow in her new found bloody employment. Later The Night....... Giving Minds "Knock, knock! Guess who's here!" Trisha exclaimed, strutting into the hospital room. A get well soon balloon bounced in the air behind her, tied to the flowervase she held in one hand. In her other was a colorful giftbag which she managed to toss on his tray. "It's me!" she said, peeking above the giant sunflowers. Dexter stared, his gaze flat and emotionless. "What. In. The. World. Do. You. Want." "To see how you're feeling, of course!" Trisha said and smiled at him. "I brought gifts too!" Dexter blinked several times, pain on his face clear. "Look Trish you don't have to be nice to me or nothing." He chuckled. "I'd deserve it." He admitted with a sigh. "No Dexter, I'm visiting you because I want to!" Trisha put the flowers on a table and moved to sit on the edge of his bed. "How much longer did they say you have to stay here?" “Not exactly sure, have to be out at least a day before our little project though.” Dexter replied, leaning back in his seat. “What did you bring me anyway?” He asked with a smirk, not hiding the fact his eyes hadn't left her face or ….her body for that matter since she’d entered. "Flowers are nice." He shrugged. "Bring any cigs?" "I didn't think you were allowed to smoke in hospitals." Trisha said. "But open the bag! There's a surprise." Dexter produced several pieces of paper, each one with disproportioned and just flat out bad drawings of green lizard monsters, those power ranger thingies and a couple of Disney characters. Most of them he could only tell by the fact their names were crookedly written at the top along with an even more crooked name. .......Harley's crooked name. "Oh." He said quietly. "Are um these...." "Yes! Harley did those when she was five, aren't they cute?" Trisha scooted closer to him and pointed at the drawing of Cinderella. "That one has always been my favorite." He swallowed, a small smile showing itself on his face and Trisha saw something that she’d never seen, water stung at his eyes. "They...." He mumbled. "Are the best things I've seen all day." And they were. Oh God, they were the best damn drawings ever! "She was quite the little artist." Trisha said, patting Dexter's arm. "You can keep them if you want to. I have a ton of other ones laying around." Dexter narrowed his slightly puffed eyes at her suspiciously. “Why would you give these to me?” He asked. "Trisha there better not be some kinda damn catch for these or so help me I-" Trisha's laughter broke through his words. "Well, it's flattering that you think I'm always manipulative, but this is just a gift. That's all!" Dexter arched a golden eyebrow, their eyes meeting. "Thank you Trisha." He said sincerely. "But." He sighed regaining his composure best he could. "I'm not stupid enough to believe you just came here to drop off our daughter's things for me to get all watery eyed over." He gritted his teeth. "I don't exactly trust you." "Don't be so paranoid! It's not good for your health." Trisha said, shaking her head. "Yeah." Dexter said wiping his eyes. "A lot of people have been given me advice for my health lately."
Eliza watched them leave, pushing up her glasses as she locked the door behind them. She then rushed to her main computer set up and digitalized the images. She had a picture of everyone who had just entered her apartment, and before the night is through she needed more. This was dangerous territory she was walking into. The analytical response to being a situation is accepting the fact that she was probably going to be seriously injured or possibly killed, unless she was useful. The main rule with working for criminals, is never trust them, and always put yourself before others unless their lives become beneficial to you in the future. She rubbed her temples, before turning on another monitor, preparing to boot up for the night. As it was preparing itself, she grabbed her phone and left a cryptic message on Brown's phone. It insinuated calling her, and that she had critical information on his case. She wasn't sure how much information to leave in Brown's hands but enough to protect her or at least leave a standing case against Shep was worth the betrayal. She stopped counting, and moved out to her ledge to watch the group leave. She took a few more pictures with her phone then shut her windows, when a knock was finally heard against her door. Her breath caught, fear rolling through her again. She hated being so weak, but it wasn't in her nature to fight back. Well in a physical sense. She moved towards the door opening it to see a young man with shaggy blonde hair, hazel eyes and slightly large build, "Hey...I know that this might be a bit invasive, but I heard some screaming up here, and was checking to make sure everyone was okay." Eliza let out a breath, rubbing her forehead against the back of her hand, "Yeah, sorry about that was just me..umm..I enjoy uh...tantric sex on occassion...I guess..anyway I'm fine. No need to worry." The young man gave a large smile as he looked her over, blushing slightly,"Okay...well if you ever need some help. I mean...help with...if someone's attacking you...not the...sex...I guess...unless...you want...Oh bollux I'm screwing this up. Jeremy. Two B. If you need me, just knock. I'm good at lending a hand..not...okay. See ya." He turned blushing profusely and moving downstairs. Eliza blushed as well, shutting the door a small smirk on her face, before she turned to her work.
In the dimly lit meth house in the run down ghetto of Graves County, Mikkish leaned against a wall near Shep, staring dumbly off into seemingly nothing at all. He thought about his awesome movie idea from earlier, Gordon Levitt's Revenge, but remembered that talking about it quickly led to Shep suggesting Mikkish should jerk him off. Mikkish, believe it or not, didn't like trashy areas like Graves County, despite living in such areas all his life, and wished for more out of life. He really did want to make movies some day. For now, though, with his boss in the room, he kept quiet about it. "Hey Shep, weren't we gonna do something and make some money doin something? Mind reminding me? I forgot what it was." Mikkish didn't forget so much as he didn't pay attention to most of what had happened the past day. He had a tendency to space out a lot.
DATE, RUIN AND PAIN Woodrow's knee bounced nervously as he sat in a chair in the coffee shop waiting for his date. A small yellow rose sat before him. This would be the first date he'd had since his early college years. Back then there had been only one girl from him...but she'd moved on before he'd gathered the courage to say anything. It was one his biggest regret, now among many. "Oh you're totally a nice guy!!" Exclaimed Anne as soon as she arrived and noticed the rose. She wore a red dress that enhanced her beautiful appearance. Her hair long and black and sunglasses, probably to cover her face's defect. "Thank you Tiffy! Sorry for having to bother you, but my car is simply not working" said the woman to no one other than Trisha herself who accompanied her. "No problem girlfriend!" "Hope its a success!" Replied Trisha "Thanks! High five!" exclaimed Anne. Trisha cheerfuly gave her the high five back and then left. The woman sat down in front of Woodrow, took her glasses off and with a smile she said. "I present myself again. I'm Anne Reynolds, I work at the library." Again, Thomas was taken aback by the beauty of her features, despite the terrible scar. Her eyes drew away from that. Not just their unique color but the story he could see behind them. She'd seen alot. Alot more than she let on. She'd seen pain and survived, becoming stronger. Unlike him. "And you know me, Thomas Woodrow. Uh, I'm a...Janitor at the high school here in town." He'd never been ashamed of that before, but sitting before this unique woman made him wish he wasn't so plain. "A Janitor? That Tiffy told me you were a super cool teacher. Well doesn't matter, is not as if I'm a true librarian myself, I'm just helping there. So tell me about you Woody, you don't mind me calling you Woody right? Had you always been living here at Kentucky?" Asked the woman curiously. "Heh, Woody is fine. I used to be Teacher. Loved it. But it wasn't here in Kentucky. It was in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I moved up here some time after my Neice's mother died. She needed someone to look out for her." He took a sip of coffee. "What about you? Have you always lived here?" "I've been moving a lot, so arrived Kentucky a few months ago. Is a funny coincidence though, I lived in Great Barrington years ago, then I moved to another place but it's not something I would like to talk about. So far I like here, is a nice place if you don't count the crazy things that had been happening lately. So, is your niece a little girl?" Asked the woman. "More like a young woman now. She's hard working, kind. Despite everything she's been through...she's still strong." Woodrow's lips turned up in pained smile, but it was quickly hidden behind a cup of coffee. "Do you have family?" Anne smiled and as Woodrow had, she hide her smile. "I used to have a husband years ago, but he passed away. I have a daughter, she is grown up now though." replied Anne. "Oh? How old is she?" "21 years old, but she will be 22 in a few months. Kids surely grow quick. I still remember when she was just a little girl." Said and then took a bit of her coffee. "By the way Woody, how did you and Tiffy met?" asked curiously. Woodrow tapped a finger against his coffee. This was it. In about two minutes this date would be over and he'd be alone. Again. "She kidnapped one of my students, tortured another, tried to have them all killed, put several in the hospital and succeeded in forcing one to suicide." He looked up, his expression sorrowful. "Trisha, who you know as Tiffany...is a monster. Being near her is only going to get you hurt and maybe even killed." "Uuum.... what?..." mumbled the woman confused. Certainly Tiffany had never told her about her past, and on the late days she finds she goes for another name, Trisha. Woodrow is a man who should be teaching at school, instead he is a janitor, could this be linked to that unbeliavable story somehow? Although she got hooked on this man simply by looks, thus could she actually believe his word? Still, would this man have a reason to lie with such bizarre story?. "Is this a joke right?...." asked confused. Thomas sighed and shook his head. "I wish. God, more than anything I wish that past had never happened. So many good kids...innocent kids. Hurt, killed, mentally scarred forever...because of her...because of Dexter...because of me." "Dexter?....." mumbled the girl as her face quickly became pale. She instinctively pressed her wounded eye with her left hand. "That man, that monster actually did that??" asked, this time her tone became angrier in fully contrast with her happy attitude of before. "No...he actually tried to help. Though things only ended up becoming worse." Thomas noticed her reaction. "You know the name....how?" The woman calmed down, though it took her a bit of time. "Is funny, thought you were a totally unrelated person but apparently we both got our lives ruined by someone the other knows." The woman took a bit of her coffee. She closed her eyes for an instant. She wasn't intending to reveal too much of her in the first date, but the conversation took a different course. "I once did some bad, criminal things, like thieving. It happened 16 years ago. My husband had died some years before and I was in a very desperate economical situation. I had a daughter to raise, thus I did all I could to get some money, always regretting it. Then in that year I met Dexter at Great Barrington. The man seemed like a delinquent of course, but for some reason I thought I could trust him in certain business. I was desperate and foolishly trusted that man. Stuff happened... things went wrong.... and then... then...... that monster put me.... in a dangerous situation..... There was a big explosion, never knew why..... I.... I lost my eye and ....got some serious burns...... it was......horrible................" Said with difficulty as tears came to her eyes and quickly turned into a cry. Woodrow put a hand on her own. "I'm sorry." It was all he knew to say. "No..... I'm sorry.... didn't want to bring this topic.... shouldn't had asked for Tif..... I mean Trisha... I assume that all the story about her is true right?......" The woman produced a handkerchief and wiped out her tears. "It is. And, I can't say I'm surprised about Dexter. Deep down, he's a good guy...but he tends to bring alot of crap to those around him." He leaned back in his seat. "Shall we talk about something more pleasent?" "I can't believe you can say he is a good guy..... is he a friend of you? Then please, avoid him for the sake of your family, your niece..... I'll take your advice regarding Trisha..... Please do the same..." replied the woman still agitated. "Believe me, I would if I could." Thomas stood. "Shall we walk?" "Yes... that would be fine..." said Anne. Woodrow and Anne walked and talked for several hours. It was the first time he'd felt normal, even excited in a very long time. When he finally dropped her off at her house, he sad that the date was ending. "It was very nice getting to know you, Anne." He said as he walked her to the door. "I don't suppose you'd be up for another date?" "You seem like a nice person with a similar bad luck, Woody. Of course would like to see you again. Sorry for ruining the date..." replied Anne with a smile. "Are you kidding?" he smiled brightly. "You didn't ruin anything. In fact I think it gave us a connecting point." Woodrow stepped back. "See you next time then." "See you again Woody"
Time Skip Weeks upon weeks passed and meeting after meeting took place among the crew Shep had assembled. Dexter remained in the hospital recovering for the big day which was right on the horizon. Things remained partially civil or as civil as they could be in such a crime ridden area. But of course nothing was as it seemed. --- “Shit is coming quick Lacey.” Shep gave his ‘woman’ a wide grin. “Soon your cute little ass is gonna be swimmin’ in more money than ya already are.” He said standing up from her game room sofa. The two had spent the afternoon discussing Shep's little operation over a game of air hockey and Call of Duty Zombies. Which they needed to quit before Shep smashed the TV out of frustration. "We are gonna be so damn loaded!" "Money...yay." Lacey muttered as she sunk further in the soft cushions. "What are ya gonna blow it on this time?" "Whoa...." Shep said, holding up his hands. "Why ya gotta be bein a bitch bout it all of a sudden?" He gave a toothy smile. "I'm be expanding my territory with my cut, ya know? Investing and all that complex shit." "Thought so." Lacey said. "It's always the same stuff." Shep shrugged. "Well what the fuck do ya want me to do?" He snorted balling his fist. "Ya ain't gotta look down on me just cause I choose to actually do something with my life." He leaned close to her. "Unlike you, I ain't got time to let people be fuckin' me." "Be a little grateful you can choose." Lacey's eyes turned dark as she glared at him. "I just graduated high school, I got plenty of plans. And if I get it my way, I'm sure gonna do more than you in a couple years." "Shit!" Shep snapped at Lacey throwing his fist at her face but stopping a short inch of her nose. "Why the fuck do ya have to piss me off like that!?" He grabbed her shoulders. "You need to learn to not make me angry." He gave her a vicious shake. "Ain't ya supposed to have more manners then that dumb little blonde shit friend of yours?" "Stop!" Lacey reached out and grasped his wrist. "Don't talk about her like that!" Shep smirked. “Or what? You’ll leave me? We both know your ass can’t do that.” He tightly gripped a handful of her hair. "You're not going no where." He snorted. "Live here, die here and that's that." Lacey took in a struggled breath, fighting back hot tears. She believed life was much more than living, it was an adventure full of bumpy roads, twists, and turns. Some paths you choose while others are chosen for you. But in the midst of it all, there is good with love right at the center. Not the love that lasts a night, but real love. The kind she had caught glimpses of through others, but had yet to find for herself. She was just stuck in a ditch on her adventure. Shep was wrong. The words lingered on her tongue, but she couldn't say them. If she did there would be bruises. Or worse. Instead she placed a trembling hand over his and whispered, "You're right." --- The Word hadn’t been on the streets for some time or well he wasn’t exactly eager to show his face after that botched following. Not to Lacey, certainly not Harley and not even Anita who’d he’d become rather close with over the last month. Course he couldn’t stay mad at himself forever, no matter how he tried. Joe, Anita and Gale had been right. They were playing with fire….. Of course the fire in front of Anita’s house, a fire which happened to take the form of three adults. The three of them were only a few inches from stepping on the porch when The Word’s big mouth reached their ears “Hey!” He shouted picking up speed and stopping in front of them. Word’s dark eyes flashed with anger but two of the three before him simply replied with familiar grins. And familiar they were. Two males and one female but the Word swallowed and rubbed at the back of his neck at their gazes which had all locked on to him. “Hiya spic.” The taller man greeted and tall he was…..tall and ugly. His bold head covered in a wonderful array of tattoos from swastikas to ones that read ‘white power’ and various other offensive markings. Jack Adler. Word knew him or he knew his fists as they’d beaten him on more than on occasion due to his heratige of course, which was always a lovely thing to be brutalized for. "Me and Maia here were just planning to have a little talk with the sand nigger." Adler said showing his yellowed teeth to The Word. "We actually heard you and some of your other buddies been gettin real cozy with her." “I saw you, Marie and the sand nigger getting your heads stomped in by some woman a couple weeks ago.” Maia whom looked like the Aryan Nation’s wet dream let out a chuckle. “What was that about?” Adler asked. “Leave.” Word said doing his best to sound intimidating. “Right now.” "Shut up spic!" Maia snapped giving a satisfied grin. "You'd think you learned by now to do as we say." “Well Anita calls me hardhead.” Word smirked. “So maybe I’m not a doing kinda guy.” He shrugged. “Just leave her alone, kay?” Adler moved forward and motioned his head to the much shorter man whom also stepped forwards. “Word.” He said carefully. “This is our newest inductee.” The Word’s eyes shifted to the stranger and despite his size the man looked to be into his mid to late twenties. Unlike Maia and Adler he sported a black leather jacket, The Punisher’s skull on his and a very large pair of sunglasses covered his eyes. Didn't have the skin head look either, brown hair sat messily a top his scalp. "Didn't know you all were recruiting." Word gulped. “Fuck the sand nigger.” Adler snapped and gave a smirk to sunglasses guy. “Yo Fritz watch how we handle these wetbacks when they out of line. This 'Fritz' simply regarded him with a stoic expression. Not that Adler cared him and Word had already begun brawling, more accurately Adler had already hit Word twice in the jaw and forced him up against the car in Anita's driveway sending vicious blows into his stomach until he collapsed to the ground. "Thought you were gonna put up a fight this time." He said kicking away.
I had been cutting through one of the neighborhoods when I saw four people, three unfamiliar, two men, a woman, and then there was Word. He was getting beaten up... part of me knew that I should just stay out of this... another part knew that I couldn't let this go on... a tiny part of me was yelling 'Be brave, if you can't stand up to three bullies to defend someone else, how can you even stand up to your father and defend yourself?!' Silly logic, I know, I didn't even know how to fight, but... I couldn't ignore it. I took a deep breath and picked up a decent sized rock, nothing too big or too heavy to do too much damage, but enough to at least harm him and get his attention. I threw it at the back of his head. "Oi, ugly, can't fight someone who can defend themselves, have to prove you're a big man by beating up someone weaker than you?" I called out.
Just then Anita opens the garage door, lazily she walks out with a tired yawn. What she wore was casual just a blue t shirt, jeans, sneakers. And a dazzling pink head covering that rested snug around her shoulders and neck. Today she was just getting the paper the boy dropped off on her lawn, and only after she passed her car did she spot them, and they her. She was still tired, so it took a moment for her to register what was happening. Albeit a small moment. It was a mixter, anger and fear rose with equal fervor with in her. Anger for these peaces of out dated filth standing on her lawn, fear for these pieces of out dated filth standing but a few meters from her. She tenses, her eye's narrowing fists curling in a fight or flight response, her mind torn between the two options and leaning towards the latter. Then she saw Word. And the former won out. "Leave him alone. Get off my property, do it, NOW!" She ordered in that moment, fearlessly.
"Coincidences of coincidences, it seems anytime I decided to visit Word something bad happens" This time it was Marie, contrary to the time they followed Trisha, her leg seemed completely fine. Despite maintaining a fair distance she got closer than both Joe and Anita did. "I would listen to that girl you know? I heard she is pretty good with explosives" Said with a smile in her face. Hey, you're with each passing day a bigger fool than before. You're just going to get yourself killed. Thought the girl readying the cellphone in her pocket just in case.
Adler gritted his teeth his intense eyes turning on Joe and was soon stomping towards the boy. His pathways blocked by Marie whom he simply shoved pass and ran full force at his primary target. "Forget the spic." Adler growled. "Friz you take care of the sand nigger and Maia you handle this other bitch, I got this kid."Fritz responded with silence but made his way calmly over to Anita and Maia gave Marie a small smirk before producing a switch blade. "Hey girl." She said. "You really wanna be helping out these people." --- Pressuring Release "You really shouldn’t be leaving the hospital, Mr. Craftian.” The nurse whom was gripping the back of his wheel chair scolded. “Yeah.” He took a puff from his cigarette, releasing smoke into the air. “And you damn nurses shouldn’t throw your opinions.” “We are not opinionated.” She sighed. “Your ass hasn’t stopped giving opinions since you wheeled me out here.” He snorted. “Shut up, my ride is here.” A red Volkswagen beetle rolled to a stop beside them and out stepped a woman dressed for a night on the town, not exactly for being a chauffeur to a released hospital patient. "Dexter! You're looking better." Trisha called, walking nearer to him. She nodded to the nurse. "Hi! Is he all set to go?" "Yep." The nurse said, giving a relieved sigh. "Got the car fixed?" Dexter said with a painful grunt as he pushed himself out of the chair and hobbled over to the car flicking his cigarette on to the ground. "Bout time you got here." He smirked, taking the passenger's seat. "What's with the get up?" Trisha got in and slammed the door shut. "After I drop you off at Woodrow's, I'm going on a date!" “Ah.” Dexter nodded, his blue eyes flat at what she’d said. A date? Wonderful, just fucking wonderful. “Soooo what are you gonna tell the guy’s family once he ends up in a river somewhere?” "Send a sympathy card like always." Trisha laughed, pulling away from the curb. "But that's not going to happen, not this time." Dexter felt a tingle up his spine at that one. Jesus…… “Trisha.” He said with a pained voice. “Just how many of your boyfriends have you killed?” "Hmm..." Trisha's lips moved as she counted in her head. "Five and a half." His eyes widened. "Five and a half? Wha...w....who the hell is the half!?" "He was short and happened to get cut in half." She shrugged. "Long story." Dexter groaned, running his hand over the bandage on his chest. "How the hell haven't you been killed or arrested yet? Good lord Trisha...." He face palmed. "Harley better not know about any of this." Trisha threw him a disgusted look. "You expect me to tell my baby girl about things like murder?" "Well shit you're so damn open with everyone else." Dexter said. "I'm surprised you didn't turn her into some sort of little murdering teen." He rolled his eyes. "I'd of taken her from you but ....you....did a better job parenting then I expected." "Wasn't easy, but it was worth it." Trisha smiled, staring at the road. "Harley has a mind of her own, but she's a good girl and I want to keep her that way." "Well aren't you noble?" Dexter teased as Trisha rounded another corner. His gaze shifted to the passing cars in the street. "So you're really going on a date?" "YES!!!!!!!!!!!" Trisha shouted and removed her hands from the steering wheel, extending her fingers like cat claws. "RAWR!" “Trisha! Trisha!” Dexter said, pointing. “Hold onto the wheel!” He snapped. "Before the damn date of yours gets cancelled." "There you go getting all paranoid again." Trisha shook her head in disapproval. "You never used to be like this. Did any of those doctors say you had high blood pressure?" "I've got to deal with Shep, a daughter who hates me, someone who might be trying to kill that daughter, psychotic assholes burning me, the worst crew I've ever pulled a job with and if that's not enough I have to deal with your crazy fucking ass!" He snapped. "You're right I got high blood pressure!" "There is medicine for that, maybe you should look into it. Or you could do yoga, that's really relaxing!" Trisha parked the car in front of Woodrow's home and patted Dexter gently on the back. "It will all be okay." "What I need." Dexter said. "Is bed rest." He said getting out of the car without another word and heading towards Woodrow's.
"Hey.... watch out you asshole" Exclaimed as she was pushed away by the man. She quickly recovered her stance only to find herself facing the woman in the group. "A knife? That's so old fashioned ma'am" Said Marie with a grin Shut up you idiot. The girl's right hand didn't listen to her thoughts and produced a gun. "I prefer long range, they're more stylish" stated SHUT THE FUCK UP AND RUN. By this point she already pressed her cellphone, of course she couldn't just take it and talk in this situation but once the person she called noticed she wasn't answering, her position would be tracked and then there will be nothing to fear. The only problem is that even if close it will take a time for that person to arrive, and a battle can end in less than a minute with anyone severly wounded or perhaps worst. Even with that she wield a malicious grin covering her fear. At least the gun is an advantage. Thought aiming at the woman
Anita takes a step back. "Run." Yes that would be the most logical, but... "Miguel, Listen to me carefully, do what I say, run inside the house." First make sure he was safe...now...stall for time. As the man approaches her she veils fear and puts on a strong face. "I called the police before I came out! They'll be here soon, hit me and it will be impossible for you to prove your innocence. Run. and you may get away, and that's a big may!" She completes her buff, stepping forward in a show of deviance.
I watched the man come toward me... this guy'll kill me... but... something dangerous flashed in my eyes. I started to move purely on instinct. When he was about to strike, my fist suddenly shot out and connected with his throat. I then quickly grabbed the collar of his shirt in one hand and the hem with the other, I then turned around. I used all of my strength to throw him over me and slam him into the ground and then jumped backwards so then I would be out of his reach, you could never trust an opponent even when they seem incapacitated, they could leap out and strike once more. "Not so tough now, are you?" I asked, I was surprised with myself... I didn't know I could do... that. "Best leave the nice young lady and man alone in the future." I said.
Shades..... Maia’s face went ghost white her smile vanishing almost as quick as it came and she slowly back peddled away from Marie. "Sh...sh....shit." Maia's knife dropped to the ground and she raised her hands in the air.Fritz stopped in his tracks at Anita’s words and …finally a smile briefly stretched on his cracked lips but like Maia’s it vanished at seeing Marie pull a gun. Both he and a shocked Maia turned to see Jack crash into the ground with a loud thud. “Argh!” Was all Adler managed to make as the wind was driven out of him. “Hah!” The man with the sunglasses, Fritz snorted out a laugh. “Hahahahahha.” "Hey asshole!" Maia snapped at Fritz looking at Adler with concerned eyes at her boss. "This bitch has a gun!" Fritz stared at her with a blank expression for resuming his cackling. "Bahahahahahahahaha!" Adler coughed several times getting back to his feet sending a vicious glare at Joe and then at Fritz. "What the fuck is so funny!?" Adler snapped. "Your mom." Fritz responded with a yawn. Maia's mouth dropped open. "Hey newbie." Adler snorted still gripping his throat. "You didn't even get your tats yet or nothing yet, we can still kick your little bitch ass out of the Fourth Reich." He sniffed. "Now stomp that fucking sand nigger's face into the ground." Fritz fixed the sunglasses on his face his smile turning into a scowl. "What." He said calmly. "Did you just say?" "I said." His tone was hard. "Fuck that sand niggin whore up!" Fritz was in front of him in mere seconds and just as quickly a the heel of his boot met Adler's jaw once again sending him on his back this time with a couple teeth flying in various directions. Fritz snorted. "I can't stand when you racists talk about my new gang like that." Maia let out a frustrated scream and took off running down the street and Jack Adler spit up some more blood. "I'll be back." He muttered following his hysterical team mate along. Fritz's shark like smile returned. "Good riddance!" He yelled. "I don't need know damn racists in my town anyway." His turned towards the remaining four. Word was pulling himself off the ground wiping the blood from his mouth a little stunned at what just happened. "Is everyone alr-' but was cut off before he could by Fritz. "Congratulations!" He said pointing a thumb at himself. "You've all managed to impress I, Fritz a lot more then those scrubs we just laid out! I'd like to speak with you all."
"Uuuum..... what?" mumbled Marie dumbfounded at the turn of events. Her finger accidentally pressed the trigger and a thin stream of water came from the cannon of the well crafted toy gun that looked like a real Her phone ringed, she quickly answered and mumbled "Yeah... nothing is wrong... bye" with the same dumbfounded expression as before.
I gave Adler a calm look. He wasn't tough. He needed two others to beat someone up. Even I could take him. Then... I watched their newest associate suddenly run up and kick Adler right in the face and then proceeded to watch Adler run away with his tail between his legs. I blinked a few times, confused about what had just happened. "Um... you're not going to attack us...?" I asked tilting my head.
"What, the, fuck?" Anita frowns at Fritz and at the whole jarring situation. "What is WITH, this town?!" She throws her hands in the air. But her annoyance is put aside, she heads over to Word placing her hands on his shoulders and giving him a good once over. "You and trouble Word, honestly, you two really need to break up." She scolds, Then more softly adds. "How badly are you hurt? You break anything?" Her voice , it was the first time he heard it in a manner void of snark, or attitude. She sounded surprising lovely when she wasn't berating someone.
