Yep, changin' this chapter too. _ I should have been kicked repeatedly for all my grammar mistakes ;_; Thanks so much to those who put up with them!
Disclaimer; see chapter 1
**************
It was starting to rain again. The noise played above my head as our business limo drove down the highway toward the airport. I really hated to fly. All the noise and children who couldn't be controlled by their parents...It was all just a really big pain in the ass.
Flying was a crucial part of the job, however, and it got you where you needed to be. The difference was that this flight wasn't just for a job, one of the few exceptions beside the one vacation I'm alloted every year. I was going to meet with the head of the organization, the same person that brought me into this world of kill or be killed. Them and about every other head of operations in the United States. Yearly get together. Good times.
Funny how sarcasm doesn't taste so bitter after a decade or two.
"We're almost there, Mr. Briefs." I nodded at him and sat up in the leather seats, focusing my attention on the water blurred scene beside me. I'm sure it'll just be a dream to fly through that. At least I was in first class and can get a heave drink or two to ease my nerves before hand.
An umbrella was held up for me while I exited the limo. The temperature had dropped dramatically since earlier and my business jacket wasn't doing me any good at all. Growling softly, I wrenched the umbrella from the man and marched towards the building. I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this flight.
**************
"Son Goten? Will a Mr. Son Goten please report to gate 29?"
Well, I was pretty lucky this time. For once my car hadn't given me trouble and I got to work on time. I could remember what had happened the last time I was late for boarding preparations. Ooh, that had not been nice. I'd been lucky they'd let me keep my job.
They wouldn't fire me, though. I'm too good at my job. Not to seem arrogant or anything, I just really had a way with people. Even the most angry of customers laugh by the end of the flight.
I greeted a few pilots before I sse Eveline, my fellow attendant for this flight.
"Hey Ev!" She looked over at me and smiled. She had had her first flight with me and ever since, we'd almost always been together flight wise and had become pretty close friends.
"Hey Goten. I see you actually made it on time for this one."
"Yeah, yeah." I shook off her comment and smiled in return of her own. I reached into my carry on bag and looked to see how my day looks. It seemed like this'd be my only flight for the next couple weeks. Guess they finally approved my application for vacation. I wish they had choosen to tell me *before* I'd left home so I could've packed a tad more.
Rolling my eyes, I told her to go on and head towards the nearest pay phone. The number I dialed took a little time to remember, but I soon got it. She picked up on the second ring.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Susan? Is that room of yours still open?"
"Goten? Of course, it's always open. You know me, they come and go." She laughed and I joined her in it for a moment. I hadn't seen my friend for awhile and I could already tell it would be a nice visit. They always were when she was involved.
"Great. I just found out that I'll be off for the next couple of weeks after my flight tonight. Is it okay if I stay with you?"
"Sure it is! Wow, you haven't visited me in ages! Do you need me to pick you up from the airport?"
"Nah, I'll take a cab. I won't get in till pretty late anyway."
"Oh, okay. Just let me know. I'll leave the key where it always is." I nod, then remember she can't see me.
"Right, anyway, I gotta go. See you later!" I quickly hung up the phone and began to run towards the terminal. They had just called my name again and if I wasn't there by the third time I may lose my job, great people skills or not.
**************
My eyes narrowed at the woman in front of me. Check my bags. Right. I hadn't had to do this for awhile. Now how to get out of it...
"Excuse me, uh," I glanced at her nametag, keeping to being discreet. "Brook. Could you come over here for a second?" She looked around, a good sigh that she wass nervous. Good. No matter how much I loathed how I got it, the power that came from being able to intimidate others can never be replicated.
I resisted the urge to put my hands on the side of my face and yell "Boo!" just to see how she'd react. She must've deemed me as safe, the stupid girl, because she walked closer to me. I lead her to a small nitch in the hallway containing no more than a payphone, clear from most people's sight and far enough out of the way that no one would notice unless they were looking. As soon as she was there I pressed her against the wall and covered her mouth with mine.
Ugh..... I could tell she liked onions. Her breath reeked of it.I kept my eyes open the whole time, trying to seem as though I was enjoying it while sliding a small card wrapped with a hundred dollar bill into her skirt pocket.
"There's a card and a hundred dollar bill in your left pocket. Both will help you find me. I won't be there if you don't let me pass. So," I looked her deeply in her eyes, using the affect of my blue eyes to it's upmost potential.
"What d'ya say?"
* * *
Walking down the terminal, my carry-on on my back, I couldn't help the grin that came to my face. Women were so easy to manipulate. Most of them anyway...
Now, on to more important things. Unfortunately for me and the headache that's now arrived, my business branches out from the meeting in New York. I had a meeting on the flight with Aaron Bronoviche, the Boss' oldest and closest associate. He headed our branch in Los Angeles. I saw him a lot as a kid, but I only remembered him because he never brought me gifts. He wasn't the very sensitive type, then or now. You can't really be the sensitive type when your in this business as far as that goes, but hell, he took it a step too far sometimes.
It made him good at his job and that's probably why the Boss had me train with him. I had him to thank for my rank as head of our branch in Chicago.
Like I was saying, the reason we were meeting was because there'd been some problems in his branch and people were getting worried. So worried that myself, all the way in Chicago, needed to be involved. From what I'd heard thus far, a few people in L.A. were finding they're tongues looser than we'd like.
He was not the grand statue he used to be which was probably part of the decline out west. It could have been the job or the fact that his son was a recklass child, but whatever it was, it was wearing him down. See, under normal circumstances Mr. Bronoviche would never ask for help because he didn't need it. Ten years ago, you didn't mess with Bronoviche and live. In that town in that line of work, he was the one who made you or broke you. It was as easy as that.
Nowadays, things have changed. Personally, I believe that his people aren't the only one's we, we being me and the Boss, had to worry about. Not with the cops and like getting closer and closer with every passing year. Time was the only one to tell in the end and from the looks of my watch, I had ten minutes before they began boarding.
I think I need some coffee.
**************
A figure stood in the shadows of the room, their breath visible in the overly air-conditioned room. Glimpses of light shined on expensive glass collectibles through the large window, curtains drawn aside. It's expanse was impressive, taking up more than enough space to suit their needs. They were a group of the most powerful people in the world and they could (and did) have whatever the hell they wanted. The figure frowned.
Two other people sat in chairs six feet away, both men distinguishable by the broad shoulders and short shaggy dark hair. Both seemed bothered, uncomfortable you could say. Why was unknown to either of them. They were following orders, though these orders were definately cause for question. Their own bosses, workers for this mysterious figure who stood before them, were out of town. This wasn't unusual, the figure often made them leave the city for jobs, but the odd part was that the annual meeting of their organization was that night and it was imperitive they be there. Instead, they sent the two men, and that was what made the situation so wrong...
"Gentlemen." The voice cut through the silence, the sound echoing from the shadow at the window, eyes gazing without seeing the chaotic scene of traffic below. Rain streamed steadily to the streets, the noise lost against the three inches of glass.
"Thank you for coming. It is very unfortunate that your bosses, one Huston Hughes and Jerad Broke, were unable to attend my little gathering.." A smirk could be heard and one of the men, Andrew, fiddled with a crease in his pants before speaking.
"I find it most peculiar, sir, that they would not arrive. It is not their way to miss something that is as important as this." The second man nodded in agreement. The figure's head turned, the light now reflecting off their mouth. It curved up in a smile, revealing an impure soul hidden behind pure white teeth.
"It is very unfortunate indeed. Odd, no. It has happened before, and it will happen again. I'm sure that their replacements will not act the same." Andrew leaned forward, confused.
"I'm sorry, but replacements? What happened to them?" The figure's head fell back and the laugh filled the room.
"I think I'm going to like you Andrew. And yes, replacements. I am the Boss, and this meeting does not go unattended, be it missed by the head of a city's branch, or a limo driver. Therefore, your bosses," the voice paused to sneer at the word.
"Have been taken care of, and you two will replace them."
"But-"
"Don't ask questions that needn't be answered. I have much to do before tonight. I can't waste my time explaining everything to you. Andrew, you've been working under Houston for twelve years, and Crew, you the same for Jerad. I wouldn't have let you up here if I didn't think you would be able replacements. Now, any questions that will not annoy me." The voice was steely, not asking but commanding anyone to challenge.
"Just one," Crew said, speaking for the first time. His low voice was gruff, revealing the affect of twelve years with death and carnage on a man.
"Who are you exactly? Besides the Boss?" He leaned forward, squinting into the darkness.
A small breath was released before the figure walked into the light. The person leaned forward into their faces, a smirk crossing their lips.
"You're...." Crew began but the words were cut off.
"Your worst nightmare."
**************
"Good afternoon, and welcome passengers to Chicago O'Hare International Airlines. Flight number A-276 nonstop from Chicago to New York City has now landed and is ready to board. Please have your boarding passes ready..."
Hm. Those ten minutes flew by pretty quickly. The styrofoam cup crushed with ease under my hand and got tossed in the trash as I push past the standing passengers for this flight. I was in first class, so first dibs for me.
A blast of cold wind hit me as I entered the short hallway that led to the plane's entrance. Thank god for thick cotton trenchcoats.
"Ahh..." Much better. A few attendants were moving around in the back, cleaning the aisles. I found my seat and waited.
I wasn't left there long. A few minutes later a man, salt and pepper hair neatly cut and suit fresh from the cleaners, walked in and sat beside me. We didn't speak, just stared in other directions. He reached up, his hand gloved with tan leather imports and pressed the assistance button.
The attendant came up from behind and his eyes looked us over, pausing at me. It was amazing...his eyes were just-
"Is there anything I can get you two?"
"Yes," Aaron answers, his voice gruff. "Vodka straight. He'd like the same." My eyes narrowed at his assumption, but I let it pass. The dark eyed, dark haired man would be here again.
"Well Aaron, as assuming as always." I decided to ease into the conversation. There was no need to rush things. We had a good two and a half hours before we got there. He snorted and turned to me, his thick eyebrows almost covering his faded green eyes.
"And you're as much of a smartass as the Boss. Not that I expected you to be any different," he added, light beginning to sparkle in the green specs.
"Of course not. The Boss taught me everything you didn't. Good thing she affected me more than you did, eh?" He hit me and shook his head.
"Thanks for nothing, Briefs."
"I was kidding, you know it." I laughed. "You're just being a picky old man."
"Hey! I could take you out for that you know." He tried to say it seriously but couldn't, humor coming from every word.
"Yeah, I know, but you won't."
**************
The Chief of Underground Investigations sat at his desk, piles of papers stacked high, tie undone and hair sticking out at odd angles. His glasses were large and squared and slid down his nose as his dark eyes flashed over a file. It was slammed shut and covered with another one.
Pan looked at him from her place on her desk and sipped at her coffee, gripping it with both her hands.
"Dad, you shouldn't work so hard..." His eyes flashed up at her and she frowned in return.
"Pan, it's almost two o'clock. I know that they're having that gathering tonight, and if I get there I can finally capture all these people! All these papers and years of research will finally pay off! I can't just lay back now!" She cringed at his tone. He was right. He'd been searching for this group of organized crime leaders since before she was born.
Sighing in defeat, she set the cup down and walked over to him, kissing his cheek.
"Okay, Dad. I just worry about you. You don't hide your sleep-deprivation well."
"Gee, thanks for the compliment," Gohan responded dryly, taking off his glasses and setting them on the desk. She smiled and hugged him before walking towards the door.
"No problem. I'm gonna get us some lunch. Subway okay?" He nodded and she left after one more lingering glance.
Gohan leaned back in his chair and pulled his feet atop his desk. Pan was right. He had been lacking sleep lately, but that was understandable, right? I mean, anyone would when they're life's work might finally be paid off.
He spun the chair around and looked out his window. It was dark out, clouds covering the sky and rain dousing the city. A perfect match for his mood.
The chair resumed it's normal position and he returned his attention to the files.
It was only a matter of time...
**************
The drinks had arrived, the exact moment inviting all the coach passengers to find their seats. It was only a few seconds before the attendant was whisked to the back of the plane and I silently cursed each and every person that passed. The humorous mood was lost on Aaron.
"Okay, Aaron. Let's talk." The green dulled in the older man's eyes and he slouched in his seat, looking anywhere but at me.
"Aaron, we both know how much I hate this flying stuff. You can't just go and not tell me."
"Trunks, don't give me that shit. We both know why I'm talking to you. And you're flying because the meeting is tonight, not for me." My lips formrf a frown, but I wasn't as put out as it seemed.
"Please?" The tone of voice used for that one word must have hit a chord in the man as his body language revealed that of a beaten man.
"Alright, Trunks. The thing is, things are falling apart. I don't know how, but the police are getting more money and equipment which has enabled them to do two things. One, they can track down everyone's boys, and two, they can pay them enough to reveal even more people. It's risky nowadays just finding a man to buy your groceries from!" He sighed. I began to regret questioning him.
"Anyway, they caught Jim last week, and as we both know, he's worked for us both and was never very good at keeping his big mouth shut. He could never produce anything that would be solid evidence against us, but someday there's gonna be someone who can and personally, I don't wanna be involved when that day comes..." That caught my attention and it showed.
"What do you mean, Aaron?" He sighed, rubbing at his eyes before replying in a voice barely definable as a whisper.
"It means that tonight at the meeting, I'm gonna reveal my retirement from this business, kill my men, and then kill myself."
My body froze as my mind raced with the possibilites. The affect of his words hit home.
"E..Excuse me?"
"Trunks, what choice do I have? If I don't, more people are gonna be affected and that's not what I want. I lost my son because he was stupid, and I was stupid enough to let him go."
"WHAT?!" My eyes widen to an un-fathomable size as he stared at me, surprise etched into the worn features of his face.
"You haven't heard? He was planning on taking one of our hits in the more shady suburbs alone and got himself shot in the head."
"No... I hadn't heard. I'm sorry." He nodded at me, meaning for me to forget about it. I felt inclined to do so to be able to hold up any conversation for the rest of the flight.
"I don't think the Boss'll like that idea very much," I spoke up after awhile, my gaze leaving the clouds and blue sky to face him. Aaron scowled and grinded his teeth.
"Well, your mother can think whatever she'd like Trunks. No matter what... this is how it's gotta be..."
**************
Disclaimer; see chapter 1
**************
It was starting to rain again. The noise played above my head as our business limo drove down the highway toward the airport. I really hated to fly. All the noise and children who couldn't be controlled by their parents...It was all just a really big pain in the ass.
Flying was a crucial part of the job, however, and it got you where you needed to be. The difference was that this flight wasn't just for a job, one of the few exceptions beside the one vacation I'm alloted every year. I was going to meet with the head of the organization, the same person that brought me into this world of kill or be killed. Them and about every other head of operations in the United States. Yearly get together. Good times.
Funny how sarcasm doesn't taste so bitter after a decade or two.
"We're almost there, Mr. Briefs." I nodded at him and sat up in the leather seats, focusing my attention on the water blurred scene beside me. I'm sure it'll just be a dream to fly through that. At least I was in first class and can get a heave drink or two to ease my nerves before hand.
An umbrella was held up for me while I exited the limo. The temperature had dropped dramatically since earlier and my business jacket wasn't doing me any good at all. Growling softly, I wrenched the umbrella from the man and marched towards the building. I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this flight.
**************
"Son Goten? Will a Mr. Son Goten please report to gate 29?"
Well, I was pretty lucky this time. For once my car hadn't given me trouble and I got to work on time. I could remember what had happened the last time I was late for boarding preparations. Ooh, that had not been nice. I'd been lucky they'd let me keep my job.
They wouldn't fire me, though. I'm too good at my job. Not to seem arrogant or anything, I just really had a way with people. Even the most angry of customers laugh by the end of the flight.
I greeted a few pilots before I sse Eveline, my fellow attendant for this flight.
"Hey Ev!" She looked over at me and smiled. She had had her first flight with me and ever since, we'd almost always been together flight wise and had become pretty close friends.
"Hey Goten. I see you actually made it on time for this one."
"Yeah, yeah." I shook off her comment and smiled in return of her own. I reached into my carry on bag and looked to see how my day looks. It seemed like this'd be my only flight for the next couple weeks. Guess they finally approved my application for vacation. I wish they had choosen to tell me *before* I'd left home so I could've packed a tad more.
Rolling my eyes, I told her to go on and head towards the nearest pay phone. The number I dialed took a little time to remember, but I soon got it. She picked up on the second ring.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Susan? Is that room of yours still open?"
"Goten? Of course, it's always open. You know me, they come and go." She laughed and I joined her in it for a moment. I hadn't seen my friend for awhile and I could already tell it would be a nice visit. They always were when she was involved.
"Great. I just found out that I'll be off for the next couple of weeks after my flight tonight. Is it okay if I stay with you?"
"Sure it is! Wow, you haven't visited me in ages! Do you need me to pick you up from the airport?"
"Nah, I'll take a cab. I won't get in till pretty late anyway."
"Oh, okay. Just let me know. I'll leave the key where it always is." I nod, then remember she can't see me.
"Right, anyway, I gotta go. See you later!" I quickly hung up the phone and began to run towards the terminal. They had just called my name again and if I wasn't there by the third time I may lose my job, great people skills or not.
**************
My eyes narrowed at the woman in front of me. Check my bags. Right. I hadn't had to do this for awhile. Now how to get out of it...
"Excuse me, uh," I glanced at her nametag, keeping to being discreet. "Brook. Could you come over here for a second?" She looked around, a good sigh that she wass nervous. Good. No matter how much I loathed how I got it, the power that came from being able to intimidate others can never be replicated.
I resisted the urge to put my hands on the side of my face and yell "Boo!" just to see how she'd react. She must've deemed me as safe, the stupid girl, because she walked closer to me. I lead her to a small nitch in the hallway containing no more than a payphone, clear from most people's sight and far enough out of the way that no one would notice unless they were looking. As soon as she was there I pressed her against the wall and covered her mouth with mine.
Ugh..... I could tell she liked onions. Her breath reeked of it.I kept my eyes open the whole time, trying to seem as though I was enjoying it while sliding a small card wrapped with a hundred dollar bill into her skirt pocket.
"There's a card and a hundred dollar bill in your left pocket. Both will help you find me. I won't be there if you don't let me pass. So," I looked her deeply in her eyes, using the affect of my blue eyes to it's upmost potential.
"What d'ya say?"
* * *
Walking down the terminal, my carry-on on my back, I couldn't help the grin that came to my face. Women were so easy to manipulate. Most of them anyway...
Now, on to more important things. Unfortunately for me and the headache that's now arrived, my business branches out from the meeting in New York. I had a meeting on the flight with Aaron Bronoviche, the Boss' oldest and closest associate. He headed our branch in Los Angeles. I saw him a lot as a kid, but I only remembered him because he never brought me gifts. He wasn't the very sensitive type, then or now. You can't really be the sensitive type when your in this business as far as that goes, but hell, he took it a step too far sometimes.
It made him good at his job and that's probably why the Boss had me train with him. I had him to thank for my rank as head of our branch in Chicago.
Like I was saying, the reason we were meeting was because there'd been some problems in his branch and people were getting worried. So worried that myself, all the way in Chicago, needed to be involved. From what I'd heard thus far, a few people in L.A. were finding they're tongues looser than we'd like.
He was not the grand statue he used to be which was probably part of the decline out west. It could have been the job or the fact that his son was a recklass child, but whatever it was, it was wearing him down. See, under normal circumstances Mr. Bronoviche would never ask for help because he didn't need it. Ten years ago, you didn't mess with Bronoviche and live. In that town in that line of work, he was the one who made you or broke you. It was as easy as that.
Nowadays, things have changed. Personally, I believe that his people aren't the only one's we, we being me and the Boss, had to worry about. Not with the cops and like getting closer and closer with every passing year. Time was the only one to tell in the end and from the looks of my watch, I had ten minutes before they began boarding.
I think I need some coffee.
**************
A figure stood in the shadows of the room, their breath visible in the overly air-conditioned room. Glimpses of light shined on expensive glass collectibles through the large window, curtains drawn aside. It's expanse was impressive, taking up more than enough space to suit their needs. They were a group of the most powerful people in the world and they could (and did) have whatever the hell they wanted. The figure frowned.
Two other people sat in chairs six feet away, both men distinguishable by the broad shoulders and short shaggy dark hair. Both seemed bothered, uncomfortable you could say. Why was unknown to either of them. They were following orders, though these orders were definately cause for question. Their own bosses, workers for this mysterious figure who stood before them, were out of town. This wasn't unusual, the figure often made them leave the city for jobs, but the odd part was that the annual meeting of their organization was that night and it was imperitive they be there. Instead, they sent the two men, and that was what made the situation so wrong...
"Gentlemen." The voice cut through the silence, the sound echoing from the shadow at the window, eyes gazing without seeing the chaotic scene of traffic below. Rain streamed steadily to the streets, the noise lost against the three inches of glass.
"Thank you for coming. It is very unfortunate that your bosses, one Huston Hughes and Jerad Broke, were unable to attend my little gathering.." A smirk could be heard and one of the men, Andrew, fiddled with a crease in his pants before speaking.
"I find it most peculiar, sir, that they would not arrive. It is not their way to miss something that is as important as this." The second man nodded in agreement. The figure's head turned, the light now reflecting off their mouth. It curved up in a smile, revealing an impure soul hidden behind pure white teeth.
"It is very unfortunate indeed. Odd, no. It has happened before, and it will happen again. I'm sure that their replacements will not act the same." Andrew leaned forward, confused.
"I'm sorry, but replacements? What happened to them?" The figure's head fell back and the laugh filled the room.
"I think I'm going to like you Andrew. And yes, replacements. I am the Boss, and this meeting does not go unattended, be it missed by the head of a city's branch, or a limo driver. Therefore, your bosses," the voice paused to sneer at the word.
"Have been taken care of, and you two will replace them."
"But-"
"Don't ask questions that needn't be answered. I have much to do before tonight. I can't waste my time explaining everything to you. Andrew, you've been working under Houston for twelve years, and Crew, you the same for Jerad. I wouldn't have let you up here if I didn't think you would be able replacements. Now, any questions that will not annoy me." The voice was steely, not asking but commanding anyone to challenge.
"Just one," Crew said, speaking for the first time. His low voice was gruff, revealing the affect of twelve years with death and carnage on a man.
"Who are you exactly? Besides the Boss?" He leaned forward, squinting into the darkness.
A small breath was released before the figure walked into the light. The person leaned forward into their faces, a smirk crossing their lips.
"You're...." Crew began but the words were cut off.
"Your worst nightmare."
**************
"Good afternoon, and welcome passengers to Chicago O'Hare International Airlines. Flight number A-276 nonstop from Chicago to New York City has now landed and is ready to board. Please have your boarding passes ready..."
Hm. Those ten minutes flew by pretty quickly. The styrofoam cup crushed with ease under my hand and got tossed in the trash as I push past the standing passengers for this flight. I was in first class, so first dibs for me.
A blast of cold wind hit me as I entered the short hallway that led to the plane's entrance. Thank god for thick cotton trenchcoats.
"Ahh..." Much better. A few attendants were moving around in the back, cleaning the aisles. I found my seat and waited.
I wasn't left there long. A few minutes later a man, salt and pepper hair neatly cut and suit fresh from the cleaners, walked in and sat beside me. We didn't speak, just stared in other directions. He reached up, his hand gloved with tan leather imports and pressed the assistance button.
The attendant came up from behind and his eyes looked us over, pausing at me. It was amazing...his eyes were just-
"Is there anything I can get you two?"
"Yes," Aaron answers, his voice gruff. "Vodka straight. He'd like the same." My eyes narrowed at his assumption, but I let it pass. The dark eyed, dark haired man would be here again.
"Well Aaron, as assuming as always." I decided to ease into the conversation. There was no need to rush things. We had a good two and a half hours before we got there. He snorted and turned to me, his thick eyebrows almost covering his faded green eyes.
"And you're as much of a smartass as the Boss. Not that I expected you to be any different," he added, light beginning to sparkle in the green specs.
"Of course not. The Boss taught me everything you didn't. Good thing she affected me more than you did, eh?" He hit me and shook his head.
"Thanks for nothing, Briefs."
"I was kidding, you know it." I laughed. "You're just being a picky old man."
"Hey! I could take you out for that you know." He tried to say it seriously but couldn't, humor coming from every word.
"Yeah, I know, but you won't."
**************
The Chief of Underground Investigations sat at his desk, piles of papers stacked high, tie undone and hair sticking out at odd angles. His glasses were large and squared and slid down his nose as his dark eyes flashed over a file. It was slammed shut and covered with another one.
Pan looked at him from her place on her desk and sipped at her coffee, gripping it with both her hands.
"Dad, you shouldn't work so hard..." His eyes flashed up at her and she frowned in return.
"Pan, it's almost two o'clock. I know that they're having that gathering tonight, and if I get there I can finally capture all these people! All these papers and years of research will finally pay off! I can't just lay back now!" She cringed at his tone. He was right. He'd been searching for this group of organized crime leaders since before she was born.
Sighing in defeat, she set the cup down and walked over to him, kissing his cheek.
"Okay, Dad. I just worry about you. You don't hide your sleep-deprivation well."
"Gee, thanks for the compliment," Gohan responded dryly, taking off his glasses and setting them on the desk. She smiled and hugged him before walking towards the door.
"No problem. I'm gonna get us some lunch. Subway okay?" He nodded and she left after one more lingering glance.
Gohan leaned back in his chair and pulled his feet atop his desk. Pan was right. He had been lacking sleep lately, but that was understandable, right? I mean, anyone would when they're life's work might finally be paid off.
He spun the chair around and looked out his window. It was dark out, clouds covering the sky and rain dousing the city. A perfect match for his mood.
The chair resumed it's normal position and he returned his attention to the files.
It was only a matter of time...
**************
The drinks had arrived, the exact moment inviting all the coach passengers to find their seats. It was only a few seconds before the attendant was whisked to the back of the plane and I silently cursed each and every person that passed. The humorous mood was lost on Aaron.
"Okay, Aaron. Let's talk." The green dulled in the older man's eyes and he slouched in his seat, looking anywhere but at me.
"Aaron, we both know how much I hate this flying stuff. You can't just go and not tell me."
"Trunks, don't give me that shit. We both know why I'm talking to you. And you're flying because the meeting is tonight, not for me." My lips formrf a frown, but I wasn't as put out as it seemed.
"Please?" The tone of voice used for that one word must have hit a chord in the man as his body language revealed that of a beaten man.
"Alright, Trunks. The thing is, things are falling apart. I don't know how, but the police are getting more money and equipment which has enabled them to do two things. One, they can track down everyone's boys, and two, they can pay them enough to reveal even more people. It's risky nowadays just finding a man to buy your groceries from!" He sighed. I began to regret questioning him.
"Anyway, they caught Jim last week, and as we both know, he's worked for us both and was never very good at keeping his big mouth shut. He could never produce anything that would be solid evidence against us, but someday there's gonna be someone who can and personally, I don't wanna be involved when that day comes..." That caught my attention and it showed.
"What do you mean, Aaron?" He sighed, rubbing at his eyes before replying in a voice barely definable as a whisper.
"It means that tonight at the meeting, I'm gonna reveal my retirement from this business, kill my men, and then kill myself."
My body froze as my mind raced with the possibilites. The affect of his words hit home.
"E..Excuse me?"
"Trunks, what choice do I have? If I don't, more people are gonna be affected and that's not what I want. I lost my son because he was stupid, and I was stupid enough to let him go."
"WHAT?!" My eyes widen to an un-fathomable size as he stared at me, surprise etched into the worn features of his face.
"You haven't heard? He was planning on taking one of our hits in the more shady suburbs alone and got himself shot in the head."
"No... I hadn't heard. I'm sorry." He nodded at me, meaning for me to forget about it. I felt inclined to do so to be able to hold up any conversation for the rest of the flight.
"I don't think the Boss'll like that idea very much," I spoke up after awhile, my gaze leaving the clouds and blue sky to face him. Aaron scowled and grinded his teeth.
"Well, your mother can think whatever she'd like Trunks. No matter what... this is how it's gotta be..."
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