*Nevermore* *Prologue: Maxine Shadow*

The Bentley limo stopped slowly in front of the deserted church. A window opened slightly and a thin stream of smoke blew out. Inside the passenger section of the limo, four figures sat.

Two were clad as wealthy business in Armani suits of black. They both wore dark sunglasses, although outside it was the dead of night. The third man was silent, but strong. His bulging muscles were no secret inside his own dark suit, but he was not what the business men's attention was on.

In the back of the limo, a woman holding a long cigarette sat. She almost blending into the dark black leather of the limo as she was clad in a long black dress, slits in the side, and a black fur wrap. Her black hair was swept up into beautiful creation, set with diamond clips. Her ears bore diamonds as well, and her wrists were iced with them, over her long black gloves.

She suck in slightly, inhaling more of the cigarette, then blew the smoke out the window, "Now that we are in a desirable location," she said, her voice smooth and regal, "How can I help you gentleman?"

The first man cleared his throat, "Well, Maxine, if that is your name," he added. Maxine smiled, her dark lipstick glinting in the dim light of the limo, "I need some certain, eh, goods, as you might say."

Maxine grinned wider and flicked her cigarette, sending some ashes into a crystal ashtray, "What sort of goods, Mr. Fey?"

Fey hesitated then spoke, "Arms," he said, "I believe you can help me."

"That I can," Maxine said, "What kind of arms to you need?"

"Explosive," Fey said promptly. Maxine's eyes flickered.

"I see," she purred. She raised an eyebrow, her eyes traveled to the second businessman, "And who is your partner, Mr. Fey?" she asked.

"Jeremy Cornus," the man said, extending his hand. Maxine just stared at him, her violet eyes never leaving his face. Cornus cleared his throat and withdrew his hand, "And you are the infamous Maxine Shadow," Maxine nodded her head and turned back to Fey.

"How will you be paying me?"

"Cash," Fey said smugly. He opened a silver briefcase filled with money. Maxine smiled.

"And what are these explosive for?" Maxine asked, lowering her voice seductively.

"Demolition," Fey answered.

"A man of few words," Maxine mused. She took another breath from her cigarette, blowing more smoke out the window. She looked out the window, "Demolition on what?"

"Capsule Corporation," Fey said. Maxine coughed slightly and her eyes widened.

"Capsule?" she asked. Fey detected a hint of anxiety in her voice, "Why?"

"The Briefs have it coming," Fey almost laughed. Maxine pursed her lips and threw her cigarette out the window. The larger man, who had said nothing and was Maxine's bodyguard, shifted in his seat.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Fey," she said coldly, crossing her legs, "No deal," Fey flared his nostrils and clenched his fists. Maxine nodded towards the door, "Get out."

Jeremy's hand dove into his pocket and pulled out a gun, "I'm afraid you have no choice, Max, now," he nodded at the car phone, "Call your supplier, and get us those explosives. Now," he growled, but Maxine didn't flinch, neither did her bodyguard.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cornus, but, I can't do that," Maxine purred seductively. She re-crossed her legs, showing some more of her perfectly tanned skin. Jeremy lowered the gun slightly. Maxine smirked and brought her leg up quickly, knocking the gun out of his hand. Her legs were quite long. After all, she was 5' 11".

Maxine's bodyguard caught the gun deftly and placed it in his jacket pocket with a growl. Maxine dusted some ash off her knee and pulled a silver gun out of the folds of her fur wrap, "Sorry," she said, faking sadness. She quickly pulled the trigger twice and Fey and Jeremy fell dead.

Maxine nodded her head at the dead men, "Clean it up," she pulled out her compact and examined her reflection, "I don't want them ruining the car," the bodyguard nodded and easily threw both men out of the limo as it sped away.

"Good," Maxine said.

"Thank you, Miss Son," the man grunted.

"I told you," Naiya Son, alias Maxine Shadow, spat, "Never call me by that name!" The bodyguard bowed his head and nodded.

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