This story is inspired and dedicated to CaptainDarko

Two Years Ago

The sounds of shouting could be heard from the inside of the small building. An argument breaking out as glass was shattering, followed by more screaming demands. A muffled bang went off as two pair of footsteps came running through the door, making a chiming sound you would hear from a corner store.

The duo ran through the alleyway, knocking over trashcans and hopping fences as sirens started to fade into the background. One of the pairs stopped to catch his breath behind a wall as he grabbed his partner behind the wall to hide too.

"*Gasp* Holy shit dude… we did it… Man, that was awesome!" One said trying to catch his breath.

"What the fuck Clyde?!... You didn't have to shoot him. I had it under control!" The other said, pushing his friend against the wall in anger.

"Chill out Lincoln. Besides, your way was taking too long. He was also eyeballing me… I didn't like it."

"Clyde he could be dead! We agreed not to use lethal force." Lincoln was walking around, looking to see if the cops were patrolling near them.

"I shot him in the arm, he'll be fine… Oh boy Linc was that exciting. The rush is amazing!" Clyde was starting to act strange, to strange for Lincoln's taste. He didn't like this Clyde, something was changing him.

"Just-… Forget it. We got the money. Come on, let's get out of here."

Lincoln and Clyde ran over to where they hid their bikes and hoped on, pedaling away back to their block as if they were just regular teens on a stroll.

Present Day

It was a dreary morning in Royal Woods as all was quiet in the Loud house, all of the occupants asleep except for one young man who was just starting to wake up. Lincoln Loud was getting up from his bed to start his day, rubbing the tiredness out of his eyes as he looked to see the time on his alarm clock. 5 o' clock in the morning wasn't usually the time he would wake up. But today was different. Today he had a meeting with his 'boss', and she didn't like to wait.

Lincoln put on his clothes, slipped on his sneakers, and grabbed his keys as he stepped out of his room. He silently walked down the dark hallway, not wanting to wake any of his sisters. He stepped on one of the squeaky floorboards, halting in his step to see if he woke anyone up. He was clear. He reached the staircase and descended, thinking back to earlier times. The Loud house sure seen its fair share of abuse, but it still managed to hold and look new. Now though, with most of Michigan seeing hard times as jobs were harder to come by and lack of property and city repairs… the house wasn't in the best of shape. The rampant corruption of politicians and crooked cops didn't help the city either.

Once Lincoln reached the bottom of the steps and walked toward the living room, he paused to find Lori passed out on the couch, still fully dressed in her work clothes. She must have had a hard day since she decided to crash on the couch, throwing her purse on the table and her heels laying on the floor by the sofa. Lincoln walked over and lifted her up gently, carrying her bridal style. He carried her to her room… which was their parent's old room. He laid Lori down, pulling the blanket over her. He placed a quick kiss on her head as he walked out the room, closing the door.

Lincoln put on his field jacket and headed outside. He was met with the cold December wind against his face. He started walking to his car, his most prize possession, a 1969 mustang. It wasn't much, since it looked like shit. It was rusty and a bit banged up, but the heater worked and could still outrun anyone that dares challenge him. He thanked good old Detroit muscle and Lana, who had the parts and tools to help him repair it. He got inside his car and put the key in the ignition. Once he heard his precious purr, he drove off to his first destination.

He drove through the snowy roads, passing by the mall which soon would be pact with cars as people started their Christmas shopping. He passed by his High School that he was lucky enough to graduate from, remembering all the fights he got into. Before heading toward the outskirts of Royal Woods, he passed by Flip's Food & Fuel. It was boarded up, completely abandoned. He hated driving by Flip's. It reminded him of his childhood… and where his childhood died.

Lincoln arrived, pulling into the parking lot and turning of his car. He reached over to the glove box and retrieved the package for his boss before stepping out and locking the door. He walked toward the establishment, felling the vibration of the music. He couldn't believe they were still open at this time. He stopped and stared at the neon sign of the gentlemen's club, 'The Den' is what they called it. Lincoln hated this place with a dying passion, and for good reasons.

Lincoln entered the dimly lit room as he passed by the bouncer. He observed his surroundings, seeing just a few customers throwing bills at the stripper on stage. He saw the DJ who was leaning back on his chair, sleeping. He set his eyes on the bar and went over to take a seat at the far end. He looked to his right seeing all but one stool empty. The mas was wasted as he drooled onto the table.

"What can I get you handsome?" The bartender asked as she leaned forward, trying to show off her cleavage.

Lincoln just stared straight into her eyes, grinning. He liked seeing their reactions when he didn't fall for their antics. "Just give me a coke, beautiful."

"Heh, you sure you're into girls Lincoln? I didn't see those baby blue eyes linger, and I'm all woman~." She said as she poured Lincoln his drink and slid it to him.

"I'm sure you are… Becky," Lincoln said, taking a sip from his glass.

"Anyway, the 'boss' wants to see you," Becky said as she snatched the cherry in Lincoln's drink, putting it in her mouth as she sucked on it seductively. "Mmmm… If you ever want to meet up… again, you know where to find me~."

Lincoln grinned at Becky as he tipped her. He stood up and walked to the back of the club where the 'boss' was. He reached the door to her office, knocking four times. He waited as he heard the door unlock. Lincoln stepped inside, the door quickly shut closed behind him as her personal guard stood in front of it. Lincoln knew the drill and spread his arms wide. The guard searched him until he gave his boss the all clear.

Lincoln was in front of her desk as she finished eating her salad.

"Hello Lincoln." She said, her voice having a slight Eastern European accent. Lincoln watched carefully as she poured some whisky in her glass. He noticed her well maintained nails as she brought the glass to her lips. They were tender, her lipstick dark red as it left a print on the rim of the glass. Her skin was creamy white with no sign of wrinkles on her face. For a woman in her early 40's, she was beautiful, and he hated her. Hated her for what she has done to him. What she has done to them.

"Sasha," Lincoln replied with no hint of emotion.

"Take a seat. Relax. We're all friends here." Sasha leaned back in her chair, crossing her leg over the other. "Care for a drink?"

"Thanks… but I can't. A year shy, remember?" Not that I've had before.

"Of course, how silly of me. But it's not like it will hurt anyone…. You have done worse things… and great things~." She lightly licked her lips at the end of her comment.

Lincoln didn't flinch even if he felt violated. He went to reach into his jacket when her bodyguard was about to draw his gun. Lincoln raised up his hands, telling him to 'calm down' before opening the left side of his jacket and pulling out a package. He handed Sasha the package, stepping back as she took it from him.

"Everything went smoothly. No one saw us," Lincoln said.

"Excellent work… my Krolik," Sasha said as she opened the package, emptying the jewels onto her desk. She then waved to her guard to leave them. "Ivan, leave us."

Once her bodyguard left, she handed Lincoln an envelope. "Your next assignment."

"We'll handle it. Now, for my cut?" Lincoln asked.

Sasha turned around to open the safe behind her. She took the money and walked up to Lincoln, handing over his payment. As Lincoln was reaching for it she pulled the envelope of money back before he could grab it.

"I almost forgot… I haven't shown you me gratitude." Sasha walked up to Lincoln placing one hand on his chest. She grabbed him by the jacket as she collided her lips with his, giving him a lustful kiss. Lincoln closed his eyes as her free hand slid down and grabbed Lincoln's crotch through his jeans. After a few seconds she pulled back as a strain of saliva connected their lips.

She handed Lincoln his payment as she walked back to sit by her desk. "You are dismissed… Lincoln~."

"Yes ma'am."

Lincoln walked out of her office heading down the hallway as he wiped his mouth of any remaining marks from Sasha. Did he feel anything from her 'gratitude'? Yes, and he hated himself for it. But who wouldn't feel something from a beautiful woman…? Even if she was a cruel, sadistic, mob boss.

Lincoln walked toward the dressing rooms where the girls would get ready. He walked through the red curtains, passing by a few of the strippers who were ready to leave. Another two walked by him, topless, giving Lincoln a flirtatious look and giggling as they stepped on stage to practice their routine. Lincoln just kept his suave face on, but on the inside, he pitied these girls. 'They deserve better' Lincoln thought.

Lincoln entered through the door that lead to one of the changing rooms. His eyes were greeted with the bare back of a woman, light freckles sprinkled on her shoulders, and her soft brown locks ending just at the nape of her neck. Lincoln's hormones got the best of him and slowly lowered his gaze down her back, landing on her plump rear. Lincoln instantly looked away, trying to be modest. 'Damn my perverted mind.'

The girl reached behind her to strap the hook of her bra before sitting back down by her vanity. "Show's over perv, come back tomorrow."

"Ehh… strip clubs aren't really my thing," Lincoln replied back in a teasing tone.

"Aah Lincoln!? You startled me…" The girl said gasping from her surprised.

"Sorry. So… you ready to go?" Lincoln asked her.

"Yep, just let me grab my coat."

They walked out into the main lobby as they headed toward the front doors. They turned to see Becky waving goodbye as she was putting on her uggs, also ready to head out. "Byyeee Lincoln~… see ya around… Luna."

"See ya luv." Luna winked at Becky as Lincoln gave her a quick salute.

They walked through the parking lot, reaching Lincoln's car. He opened the passenger side door to let Luna in. "Your chariot, my Queen."

"Why thank you," Luna said as she sat down in the seat.

Lincoln closed the passenger door as he walked around the front of the car and got inside the driver's side. He started up his car, turning the heater on full blast, and changing to the radio station Luna always loves to listen to. He pulled onto the street, driving back home to drop his sister off before heading to his second destination.

"I can't believe you still drive this hunk of crap," Luna said as she was adjusting the dial for the heater.

"You love this car," Lincoln stated.

"True, I just enjoy seeing you react to the insult," She said, bopping the tip of his nose with her finger.

They arrived home and entered through the front door, introduced with the sweet smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. Luna hung up her coat on the coat rack as her and Lincoln strolled into the dining room, seeing most of their sisters digging into their meals.

"Morning guys, Leni made breakfast," Lynn said with her mouth full of food.

Lincoln and Luna walked into the kitchen, seeing Lucy frying some bacon on the stove as Leni was standing next to her, holding the bundle of joy to her shoulder. "Oohh, look who it is!"

"Momma," The little voice said from Leni's arms.

"There's my little musician," Luna said. She took her from Leni to hold her, nestling her nose in her baby's hair as she peppered her head with kisses.

"Dada, Dada," Luna's baby said, grasping toward Lincoln.

"Awww! She still thinks Linky is her daddy." Leni was hugging herself, completely overjoyed.

"Hey munchkin," Lincoln said as he placed a small kiss on her nose. It always brightened his day seeing Luna and her baby with the family. Luna was a great mother… for the most part. But sometimes seeing the little rugrat crawl around brought back dark thoughts. Back when it all happened. His whole body would fill with rage reminding himself when it happened… when Luna was… yeah. He wanted to find the bastard and kill him. They were all surprised that Luna wanted to keep the child. He still remembers her screaming at them in disgust when they offered if she wanted to take any 'alternatives'.

Luna placed the baby into her high chair as she started to give her baby food.

"Lincoln, can you give Lori her coffee? She's still in bed… That sleepy head," Leni requested, handing Lincoln the mug of coffee. "You want anything? Eggs, toast?"

"Sure thing Leni, and no I'm going to meet up with the guys at the diner before heading to work," Lincoln said as he looked around the dining room table. "Um… where's Luan?"

"Oh, she's still out. Said a 'friend' is buying her breakfast," Luna answered as she brought another spoon full of baby food to her child's mouth.

"Oh… ok then…" Lincoln sounded disappointed, feeling an ache in the pit of his stomach.

Lincoln opened the door to Lori's room quietly as he stepped inside. Lori was waking up as she was stretching, arching her back while the heels of her feet dug into the mattress. He placed the mug on her night stand beside her bed. She propped her head on her hand, looking up at Lincoln.

"What do you want twerp," Lori smirked.

"Brought you your coffee, and judging by the way you look, you need it."

"Smooth little brother. You're sure to get a girlfriend with that. But thanks… and for carrying me to bed… You really didn't have to do that." Lori covered her blushing checks as she took a sip from her coffee mug.

"It's nothing Lori. You work hard… You deserve some relaxation," Lincoln said, patting her thigh under the blanket.

"Well in that case~, you think you can give me a back rub? The chairs suck in the office."

"Can't," Lincoln didn't hesitate to say as he quickly shot up from the bed. "Got to be at work. Bring home some money with my shitty paycheck. But once I get back maybe I'll see what I can do."

"I'm keeping your word on that!" Lori shouted to Lincoln as he walked out the door.

Lincoln arrived at Dave's Diner and parked, seeing the others had already arrived. He entered the diner, glancing through the window one last time to see a police car pulling into a spot. He heard Clyde call out his name and walked over. He took a seat in the booth at the corner of the diner, greeting his friends.

"Sup' Clyde, Rusty."

"Hey bro. We just ordered for you," Clyde said. Just then the officer came up to their table. They all looked up seeing the man in a black shirt and jeans, the badge hanging in front of his chest from his chain.

"Well if it ain't officer limp dick… Glad you can meet us," Clyde mocked.

"Sorry, the chief had me working overtime." He said.

"Don't sweat it… Good to see you Bobby." Lincoln said.

Once the waitress arrived with their meals, and now that everyone was her, Lincoln got to business. He pulled out the plans Sasha gave him as he handed it around the table. They huddled closer so no one could see what they were doing.

"These are the schematics for the bank. The security system isn't hard to crack so Clyde, you won't have any issues. The manager's name is Richard Wolf. Bobby see what you can get on this guy. We need him to unlock the vault so find out where this guy lives, who's his family so we can use that against him. It's a wide space so Rusty, we'll need a couple assault rifles or submachine guns." Lincoln whispered around the table.

"If we do this quick and clean, we'll face no confrontation."

"We'll get on it Linc," Rusty said.

They paid for their meal and walked out as they all headed toward their own cars. Clyde and Rusty drove off, leaving Lincoln and Bobby behind.

"So, is the force still the same as it was?" Lincoln asked Bobby.

"You know it. It's probably gotten worse," Bobby replied. "I can't believe they still let you go…"

Lincoln though back to when he was in the academy and tagging along with on duty cops. Due to the increasing number of crime and the police force's lack of officers, the city started recruiting people fresh out of high school. Lincoln was a good cop, top of his class. But what got him kicked out was because he was a 'good' cop. He was by the book, all about justice, trying to make a difference. A lot of the officers didn't like that since most of them were corrupt. He wouldn't turn a blind eye and take drug money, he wouldn't steal drugs or guns from the evidence room to sell. They felt Lincoln would be a perfect rat for internal affairs, and they couldn't have that. So, they let him go.

"I was a good cop, Bobby… and they don't like good cops."

"Hey, I'm a good cop." Bobby said, pretending to be a little offended even though most of the time he was.

"True, you are. But they still have you on a leash. They know you'll follow orders." Lincoln didn't hide the facts, even if it sounded a bit harsh to his friend.

"Yeah… you're right…" Bobby lowered his head in disappointment. It was true, he always was a lap dog. Ever since his multiple jobs he did when he was younger. He had no backbone… 'It's probably why Lori split up with me…'

"Ah don't be like that, Bobby… You have a family to take care of. We all do. Their pension is great, you don't want to lose that. I don't see you any different. Hell, look at me! I fuckin' rob and shoot people now. So just-… just watch yourself out there." Lincoln reassured.

"Heh… alright little bro, I'll see you soon." They gave each other a hug before both of them headed back to work.

Lincoln stood behind the counter, bored out of his mind, staring at the cardboard cutout of a man looking back at him. He tapped his fingers on the counter top, listening to the fainted sounds of music coming from the ceiling. A small figure then approached the counter in Lincoln's direction.

"Hello Lincoln. I'm here to pick up, please," The sweet frail voice said.

"Mrs. Vecarro! You always seem to look younger every time we meet," Lincoln complemented the old woman.

"Well aren't you so sweet, dear. How can a handsome man like you be single? You know… I have a pretty granddaughter your age that would be wonderful for you."

"Haha, I'm sure she is Mrs. Vecarro, but I'm not really looking for a girlfriend yet," Lincoln said as he placed the cooked chicken in her shopping cart.

"Well my offer still stands, if you ever fell the courage to ask her," Mrs. Vecarro said.

"I'll keep that in mind," He replied.

"Also… It's not really my place to ask but… How is your mother, Lincoln? Is she doing well?" She sounded concern.

Lincoln sighed to himself, thinking about the topic of his mother. His mother was sick in the hospital, and the doctors couldn't find what was wrong. They tried everything but still couldn't find a source. The medical bills kept coming in which affected them all a lot. It's why most of them picked up jobs. It's why Luna chose that job. It's why Lincoln started robbing banks. To help out with the bills… and to get his family far away from this place. Lisa worked 24 hours a day trying to find what was wrong with their mother. But it came with a cost. None of them would see her. She was locked up in whatever lab she was in. It caused their mom much grief that she can't see all her children.

"She's… good… She's doing well," Lincoln lied. He honestly had no clue how his mother felt. But she was alive and still fighting, and that's all he cared about.

"Well you give her my best wishes. Merry Christmas, Lincoln. To you and your family, in case I don't see you," She said as she headed down the aisle to the registers.

"Yeah… Merry Christmas," He said under his chin.

Lincoln leaned back against the wall, sighing out loud when the door to the back where they cut all the meat swung open as his co-worker came out.

"Dang dude, you turned down Mrs. Vecarro's granddaughter? You know she's hot right?" His co-worker/best friend said.

"Hey Kevin… And yes, I now she's hot, but like I said, I'm not looking for anyone at the moment. I'm also a butcher in the meat department at the grocery store, soooo I don't think I'll be a catch," Lincoln said to his friend.

"Not with that attitude. Now does this mean I don't have a chance with Lynn?" Kevin asked.

"I'm not letting you date my sister," Lincoln said.

"I'm not giving up Lincoln. You'll see. I'll be a great brother-in-law."

"Whatever you say. Anyway, I'm out of here, my shifts done. Catch you later, man." Lincoln took off his apron as he walked out through the back door. He reached into his side pocket and pulled out his pack of smokes, lighting one up and taking a puff.

He started up his car and checked his watch. 'I still got time,' Lincoln thought to himself. He drove around town till he turned onto a small gravel path, he drove a couple more feet till he came to a stop. He got out, hearing the sound of the small rocks under his shoes as he started walking down the snowy pathway. He came to a halt, finally reaching the spot.

"Hey Dad."

"…"

"Just wanted to stop by… say hello…"

"…"

"Everyone's doing well. Lori got a new client, Lucy won some award for a poem she sent, and Lily made the honor roll, so that's great news," Lincoln shivered as the cold air was beginning to get to him.

"We miss you dad… Mom especially." Lincoln crouched down as he wiped away any remining snow on the tombstone. He replaced he dead flowers with new ones. "Love you dad… Merry Christmas."

Lincoln started walking back to his car, his hands inside his coat pockets, trying to stay warm. He closed the door as he gripped the steering wheel tight, resting his forehead onto the wheel. He always cried when the holidays were near. He never did get use to celebrating the holidays without his father… and now without his mother as well. Lincoln sucked in a gust of air and turned the key in the ignition, starting up the engine. He sped off back home where the rest of his family was waiting for him. He need rest. He had a Big day ahead of him.

A/N:

Alright! So, if you guys like robbery movies, action, sex, drugs, suspense, then this is the fic for you as we follow Lincoln's rise and fall through the criminal underworld. They'll be some Dark themes ahead of us. Now a lot of this story was inspired by (yes, a movie) "The Town", so if you loved that movie then you'll like this story… hopefully. The character Sasha was also inspired by the Russian chick from the show "Black Lagoon" and from the character 'L.' from the Fic "Can't Keep Myself Away" by BigDiesel1989, which I HIGHLY suggest you check out if you haven't already. Also, there will be some references to "Ganglouds".

Now the questions remain. How did Lincoln end up working w/ Sasha and what does she do? Who is the father of Luna's child? Where is Luan? And how did Lincoln's dad die? Well we'll just have to wait and see.