It's going to take some time before my writing flow comes back. Just a heads up, but at least I finally started working on something. Not the story I thought but who am I to judge. Any who, as always an OC story combined with romance and maybe tragedy/angst/mystery, not sure yet.

Some details are a bit sketch, I haven't seen the movie in some time (plus its hard to find information) so I'm just sort of winging it. Story is set before the events of the film. I hope this wont be too long of a story. A few chapters maybe 10 or something. I'd like to keep it short, I lose focus with long stories. As for updating, ehmm I'll try to update regularly. But this is all coming off the top of my head so who knows.

I don't own Takers only my own characters.

Friday 17:00 hrs

"I hate Fridays" Rose couldn't and wouldn't contain her dislike for the end of the work week.

For most Fridays were liberation for Rose there were far more tedious than any other day of the week. Also the never-ending invitations from Linda, a sales associate and a long time friend. Who just never got the hint that Rose preferred to be left alone. Always too chipper for her own good or perhaps Rose's own good. Having to reject her constant good natured attitude was always disconcerting.

"ROSE!"

As always five o'clock on the dot Linda came through her office doors yet again.

"I'm busy"

"You're always busy. Come on I promise you'll have fun."

Looking up from the endless paperwork, Rose looked over to her only friend in this place, actually her only friend period.

"I have a full schedule today with"

"It's five o'clock Lander quitting time. Please, there's this club I really want to go to. Please"

"Linda I really"

"I promise this time will be different. I've heard really good things about this place, no bump and grind, I promise."

"The last time you promised me no funny busyness I knocked out two drunken idiots who wouldn't leave you alone."

"It's not my fault I'm so"

"Yes yes delicious, irresistible and what was that other one?"

"Nice."

Rose returned the paper work to their folders, stood form her chair and placed them in the proper filling cabinet all the while knowing Linda was watching her like a hawk. Waiting for any sign of weakness, she always has a knack for knowing just the right words to say.

"Well if you really don't want to come this time it's ok. I'll just go by myself. I'm not really familiar with that neighborhood so I guess I'll have to leave early just to find the place. I'm sure it'll be ok it's just past the docks, nothing bad ever happens there."

"Calculating."

"Huh?"

"The one I could remember."

Linda for all her overly good spirits was a master negotiator, she would have made a hell of a sales man. Convince you to buy anything and everything all the while your thinking it was your idea to begin with.

"I just need to make a perimeter sweep then a few details then we can leave."

Linda knew better than to gloat, she went back to her station to check out while she waited for Rose. Rose was always the last to close checking and double checking, you'd think she was the only one that worked there. She was just detail oriented or as Linda would say anal, paranoid, a workaholic and a variety of other terms.

Friday 18:00 hrs

"Rose let's go!"

Rose took her time as she activated every piece of security, all the while listening to Linda's nonstop ranting about being late. How could they be late? It's not like they had a reservation or anything. With her luck they would probably get stuck in line for half the night, while Linda danced the night away with some handsome stranger, Rose would most likely spend the night dodging dance request form the all too hands-y strangers.

By Rose's estimate they still had plenty of time, by Linda's they were already 30 minutes behind.

"Move it."

Of course Linda would never allow Rose to enter a club in her pants suite, hell the club probably wouldn't let her in unless she was the accountant. They traveled to Linda's apartment to change; there was no end to Linda's influence. Skilled enough to make Rose wear a dress, make up and to top it off high heels. In Linda's mind these were all adjustments that would in her words 'finally get you laid'. Just the thought made Rose queasy; she broke out in a rash when dealing with new customers at work, a sexual escapade with a complete stranger would probably send her to the emergency room.

"Do I have to wear"

"Yes"

A simple answer to an unfinished question, Linda had all the right intentions but just couldn't see the bigger picture or Rose's discomfort.

"Let's get this over with"

"Try to smile a little more, we want to attract men not repulse them."

"I don't repulse men."

"Your right, the interrogation you give guys who ask for your name is all part of your master plane of seduction."

"I don't interrogate them."

"Really? So asking a guy if he's ever been convicted of a felony is just small talk."

"…Let's go"

Traffic was terrible and the location was shady, all indications that Linda was going to have a wonderful time. Rose parked the car and was already surveying the perimeter for an exit strategy. It wasn't that she didn't want to have fun; she just had a hard time easing into unknown territory. Walking towards the place Rose could see the line went around the block dampening her already knee high expectations. As Rose made her way towards the back of the line Linda made her way towards the front.

"Hey Rickie long time no see, how're you doing?"

"Same old same old and yourself?"

"We're doing fine and we would be even finer if you could lend us a hand."

"Hahaha, You know I love you girl but"

"Rose hurry up before I leave without you."

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"Rose don't be rude. Rickie this is my friend Rose, Rose this is Rickie ~smile will you~"

It took one look and Linda knew instantly that Rickie would let them in along with complementary drinks. Rose looked without a doubt drop dead gorgeous, as long as she didn't attack anybody that is. A little black dress wouldn't do, for Rose Linda knew red was her color. Short, delicate and curved in all the right places. Her long flowing black hair and hazel colored eyes, how the hell could she still be single?

Walking past a crow of overly heated individuals, Linda and Rose made their way to the bar. Dragging with them all those with attention yet divided. Linda wasn't one to go unnoticed either, red might be Rose's color but black was most definitely hers. With her short red curls and sparklingly green eyes, she was mesmerizing. A dynamic duo if there ever was one.

Drinks in hand Linda went to work, scoping out the crowd for a good time. Rose did the same but in her case potential threats; even in the most luxuries of places Rose had a way of finding at least one.

"Would you like to dance?"

It didn't take long for either lady to receive gentlemen callers and Rose was in no mood to at least act civil.

"NO"

A look of slight shook and dejection overcame his handsome features. Walking away the man had no idea how to respond to such straight forward rejection.

"Rose at this rate vasa quedar para vestir santos."

It wasn't often that Linda switched to Spanish but on those rare occasions Rose knew she was pissed off and more specifically pissed at her.

"I don't dance you know that."

A feeble attempt on Rose's part but an angry Linda was never a good thing.

"What about him? He looks cute."

When all else fails Rose knew Linda's attention could always be diverted with men.

"Ooh he does, ok I'm going in. Let me know if you need help getting one too, ok?"

All Linda received was a nod and she knew Rose wouldn't be finding anyone. She would sit at the bar drink and watched while Linda had all the fun. Of course Linda knew Rose only watched to make sure her gentlemen friends didn't get to friendly and she was grateful for that. She had lost count of how many times Rose had saves her, when a NO just wouldn't do.

"Why don't you go out and dace with your friend? Can't let her have all the fun."

Turning towards the bar Rose was greeted by a beautiful woman as she gathering a bottle of champagne.

"I'm not much of a dancer, besides I have to keep an eye on her. You just never know."

"You're a good friend but I can't imagine sitting here all by yourself being that much fun."

"With a drink in hand anything can become entertaining besides of all the places I've been dragged to this is actually the most pleasant."

"Well thank you. I've got to get this upstairs. If you change your mind I know a few people you could entertain yourself with."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Lilly"

"Rose"

Rose was left alone once again watching Linda dance quite closely with some gentlemen. It wasn't Rose's place to tell Linda what to do and over the years she'd learned that Linda would make her own decision whether she approved of them or not. The men she "dated" were always a topic of conversation, that would lead to periods of record breaking silent treatment. So Rose kept out of it, if there was no imminent threat in the first hour he was all Linda's.

Friday 23:00 hrs

"There you are, Rose I would like you to meet my boyfriends Jake. He wanted to come down and say thank you after hearing how this place compares."

"I didn't mean to bother you."

"It was no bother I'm always grateful when someone takes the time to complement all our hard work."

"Well, you've done a wonderful job. The atmosphere along with the décor and the music are all very charming."

"I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying it."

"Along with this fine scotch, I'm "

"Sitting all alone at the bar like always."

Linda had come over to the bar to "check" on Rose like she always did after an extended period of absence.

"Oh I'm sorry, am I interrupting?"

"No no of course not."

Jake was rather polite in Rose's opinion either in an effort to hide something or perhaps just long lost manners. You could never tell now a days, everyone always had their own agenda.

"I just wanted to check up on you. Make sure you didn't get into any trouble."

"Funny, considering that's my job."

"Well I hope you enjoy your night ladies."

"Thank you."

Jake returned to who knows where. Mingling with customer, harassing friends whatever it is that club owners do. Lilly stayed at the bar tallying up drink, taking orders all the while keeping an eye on Jake. For what purpose Rose wasn't sure, was she checking up on him or did she just miss him? Coming back to reality Rose turned towards Linda.

"So you made a friend?"

"Yeah his names Taylor and he works in business acquisition."

"You know that's probably a fancy way of saying"

"Don't, don't ruin the guy. He's perfectly nice and cute and employed."

"Yes that dose sound like a winner. Go I'll wait for you here."

Rose's sarcasm would normally receive an ear full from Linda but this time she had her own agenda in mind, so the lecture would have to wait.

"Ehmm actually we're getting out of here."

"Ok, I'll just grab"

"Taylor and I. Your ok right? You can stay here a bit longer; you said you liked the place."

"So let me get this straight you drag me all the way out here, dressed in this and now you're leaving me for some guy you just meet."

"Rooossseeee, come on he's really cute and"

"Yes so you've said."

Rose couldn't help the annoyance she felt, although in retrospect she shouldn't be surprised Linda always found her own way home.

"Rose if you want some company, I've got some friends I could introduce you to."

Lilly's offer was the green light and the distraction Linda needed but for Rose she could already feel her palms start to sweat.

"Oh that's perfect, Rose you go with uhh I'm sorry what was your name again?"

"Lilly"

"Linda, it's nice meeting you and thank you so much."

"I don't think this is a good"

"It's a wonderful idea, Rose you stay here mingle a bit maybe make a friend. I'll go with Taylor, it's a win win."

Lilly could only laugh at Linda's desperate attempt to take off without Rose. Lilly couldn't help but feel sympathy for her, her girlfriends had on more than one occasion taken off without her. Linda was at least courteous enough to tell Rose she was leaving.

Linda walked around the bar giving Lilly a hug in gratitude. While whispering "She doesn't know how to dance, don't let her near tequila and if someone dares to grab her ass. I'm sorry, I'll pay for any collateral." Lilly was left a little worried after those departing instructions.

"You don't have to"

"No no its fine, besides you look like you could unwind a bit."

Lilly grabbed Rose's hand, ignoring the fact that they were clammy and sweaty, and pulled her up towards a private room. A select bar, comfortable chairs and a grand piano. Rose had to admit this place was growing on her, a nice quite and relaxing atmosphere. The room wasn't so large but roomy enough for the small group. There were four men finely dressed sitting around a table, in what looked like a card game.

"Jake, guys this is Rose."

All four turned to look at her with interest; it was obvious that they wouldn't deny her company.

"Hi, how are you doing sweetheart?"

Irritation was the first thing that came to Rose's mind. The man next to Jake was obviously over confident and didn't know a thing about flattery, they only reason Rose hadn't deflated that over sized head was because she was a guest. Intentional but a guest none the less.

"You'll have to excuse my little brother Jesse."

Lilly leaned over whispering "he's harmless" into Rose's ear making her even more uneasy.

"This is John and AJ. Personal friends and part owners."

"It's nice to meet you. It's a lovely club you have here."

"Thank you but those two are the ones you should praise. Jake and Lilly are the ones that run the place and take our money."

At AJ's comment small chuckles were had by all, even Rose. At first glance they seemed friendly enough, it was always the first glance.

"You in?"

"In what?"

"Poker, Johns heading out we could use a fourth."

"I don't play."

"No worries, we'll team up."

"Hey."

"Oh shut up Jesse. You could use your big brothers help, you suck."

Rose couldn't help but smile at Jesse's sour face; it's never easy expecting help especially from your big brother.

"Alright guys I'll see you later, good luck with the game."

John excited the private room leaving his empty spot to Rose. Treading lightly and with Lilly's encouragement she sat down next to AJ. Pretending she didn't know how to play.

"Alright you guys ready?"

It was obvious Jesse was uncomfortable with the current events, preferring to play on his own and lose then to play with his big brother. On the other hand AJ was a bit too comfortable with the events of the evening. Leaning over to Rose showing her the cards, whispering in her ear what their next move should be. According to Jake Rose had an excellent poker face.

As the game continued Jesse took off deciding to partake in a private party, while Jake and Lilly had to leave to attend to the rest of the place. Leaving Rose and AJ playing or learning how to play. AJ would deal the cards pretending he had something when he in fact didn't. Rose could read him enough to know when he was lying; it was completely obvious if not intentional.

"You're a horrible liar. 2"

"Says the girl who can't tell the difference between a straight and a flush. Dealer takes 3"

Despite it all Rose had to admit she was enjoying herself. She hadn't broken out in a rash in the first half hour, in her book that was a successful encounter. Although the alcohol might of had something to do with that. They continued to play, never keeping track of who was ahead. In this game their objective was to tell whether or not the other person was lying.

"I like this song."

Over head "the way you look tonight" by Sinatra was playing and Rose couldn't help but smile. One of her favorites, she much preferred, in her words, the classics to today's hits. It was the slow and steady rhythm along with the catchy lyrics that always captivated her. Silently singing along while having had a few too many shots of tequila, Rose was in fact tipsy and could not find a way out of AJ's request.

"Come on"

"Oh no I don't dance."

"Just cause you can't doesn't mean anything. I promise we'll go slow."

AJ didn't wait a second before he took her hand and lead her towards an open space. Placing her left hand on his shoulder and taking her right hand in his. He led her in a ridiculously slow dance.

"I'm not that drunk."

"I don't know, we did finish half that bottle. Better safe than sorry."

Rose raised an eyebrow in contemplation; perhaps it was better to take it slow. The room was starting to tilt.

Rose rested her head on his shoulder waiting for her equilibrium to catch up with her. AJ places her right hand around his neck while his hand traveled down to her lower back.

"Grab my ass and I'll kick yours."

AJ laughed, never had he been threatened to physical injury from a drunk women that was curled up around his neck. Bending down slowly to whisper in her ear "I wouldn't dream of it" earned him a yelp from Rose, the shock of his voice being so close to her. It was obviously the alcohol was taking effect; she should have been covered in hives by now yet all she felt was her face burning red for a completely different reason.

Still whispering AJ spoke "Rose, can I kiss you?"

Rose barely looked up to see him smiling down, too focused on the request. Never in her life had she been asked for permission, she rather liked it. Her bright smile was all the invitation AJ needed before reaching her lips.