June 10th, 2006
Port Maria, Jamaica
The moon shines high over the bay. A shiny glare reflecting off the water. The tide is low and a few bullets stick in the sand like seashells. Two dead bodies on the beach, turning the sand underneath red. Two women sit a table, one of them holding a crying baby. Her white button shirt covered in blood. Eyes glued to the ground, not saying anything. The other sits back, drinking from a bottle of wine. Staring at her watch every few seconds, waiting for something. She glances over at the other woman, hoping she speaks up.
"My first name's Becky."
The woman remains silent. Looking at her free hand, while rocking the kid in her other hand. Thankfully he finally stops crying.
"Is the kid okay?"
The woman slowly turns her head to Becky, allowing a good look at her face. Her makeup running against a busted lip and black eye. A mix of shock, fear and many other emotions visible.
"My name's Charlotte. This is my son Leo."
6 hours earlier...
Charlotte runs the beach, playing soccer with a few kids. Her hair shoulder length and rocking a brand new bikini with jeans shorts. Laughing and chasing the kids as they kick the ball around. She looks over to see her husband flagging her down.
"Alright guys, I gotta go. Have fun."
Charlotte can't help but smile as her toes flow through the sand and the sun glares on her face. The diamond ring on her finger shining extra bright. She kisses her husband, Italian film director, Arin Deeko. They were on their honeymoon and Arin wanted some inspiration for his next film as well.
"Hello my beautiful bride. You enjoying yourself?"
"Absolutely. The weather is great, the people are nice. A few of the tourists are annoying but what can you do."
"All we can do is be happy. My man Jacob is here too. He wants you to meet his wife."
The newlyweds hold hands and laugh as they head to the bar where Jacob and his wife sit with their 1 year old baby. Jacob Tenp was a Jamaican native who owned over 12 stores in Jamaica alone. A money man who grew up with Arin. Jacob a constant producer and funder of Arin's movies. His wife of 2 years a native as well.
"Hey Arin, glad to see you finally made it over."
"Not a problem. Hello Nijaa."
"It's good to see you. Jacob always had nice things to say about you." Said Nijaa.
"I'm a nice guy. This is my new wife Charlotte."
"I heard about you. You won the Olympic gold medal last year in gymnastics."
"Last three years, but who's counting?" Boasted Charlotte.
"Well congratulations on the marriage."
"Thanks."
Another man on the beach yells over, inviting the guys to play football. Jacob goes ahead while Arin gives Charlotte his white shirt to hold. She puts it on as he chases after Jacob. Charlotte feels a slight tug on her shirt. The baby trying to get her attention.
"Hey little guy. What's his name?"
"Leonardo. Jacob says he's going to be strong like a lion." Nijaa replied.
"He's so cute. I've always wanted a baby."
"What's stopping you?"
Charlotte's smile quickly faded. Clearly remembering something painful.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"You want to hold him?"Asks Nijaa.
"Umm, sure."
"Thanks, I need to go to the bathroom."
Charlotte lifts Leo into her arms as Nijaa walks off. She bounces him up and down as she kisses his face. Leo smiles, making Charlotte's heart melt. Vacationing in the islands were fun. Winning three Olympic gold medals was amazing. Marrying a successful director was fantastic. None of that made her feel as great as holding a child. Nearby, a couple starts an argument. The man trying to walk away as his girlfriend tugs on his arm.
"But I'm not ready to leave yet. We just got here." She whined.
"No way in hell we're staying. You saw what happened to that guy. I'm packing our shit." He shouted, pulling away from his girlfriend.
He hastily takes off, leaving his female friend at the bar. She walks over and takes a seat next Charlotte. Charlotte usually stayed out of other people's business, but the man's tone seemed worrying.
"Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine. My boyfriend Mike is just scared because we went out of town and we saw some guy get beat down. A couple of people said it was gang related, which scared the crap out of Mike. Now he wants to leave on a trip we planned for a year! Can you believe that?"
The woman's phone goes off and she answers it to a yelling Mike.
"Hold on! I was just talki...STOP FUCKING YELLING, I'M COMING!"
She hangs up her phone and apologizes to Charlotte before leaving. Nijaa returns right after, taking Leonardo back in her arms.
"Hey baby. Was he any trouble?"
"No, he's an absolute sweetheart. I was wondering something though. A couple of other tourists left because of a possible gang issue. Should we be worried about that?"
"Some of the locals do take advantage of tourists. As long as you stay away from their territory, you'll be fine."
Even though she was assured safety, the thought still lingered in the back of her mind. Later at their ocean view motel room, Charlotte lays in bed doing her nails while Arin gets dressed. There was a block party going on and Arin wanted to check the location for a potential fight scene in his movie.
"Is the suit too much?" He asks doing a full spin.
"No, you look great."
"Wonderful. Are you sure you don't want to come?"
"I'm fine. Just not feeling it right now." She replied in a low tone.
Arin sat on the bed. Sensing the mood had changed from earlier that day.
"Are you alright? You've been quiet since we left the beach."
"Its...its just I heard some things about gangs beating up someone and I feel a little unsafe."
"That's it! Oh come on Charlotte. I've been here plenty of times, with and without Jacob. I'm also more than capable of handling myself. If you want to stay here and sulk, fine. But I'm going out to enjoy myself. I'll see you later."
Arin leaves, slamming the door behind him. Feeling annoyed, Charlotte reaches in her purse and grabs a couple of sleeping pills. She takes those with a few sips of rum and lays down.
A few hours pass while Charlotte sleeps away. The dead of night rising with the lights from the parties gleaming. The soft jingling of keys can be heard as the room door opens up. A man creeps into the dark hotel room and closes the door behind him. Slowly moving through the room and making his way towards a sleeping Charlotte. He runs his hand across her leg as he gets closer. As he slides his hand up her body, Charlotte's eyes open from the sensation. The man quickly covers her mouth with his hand. He pulls out a knife and presses it against her face.
"You scream and I'll tear that face apart." He whispers.
He climbs on top of her, keeping her mouth covered up. As he messes with his pants, Charlotte sneakily feels around under her pillow, reaching her nail file. Keeping a hold on it, waiting for the right moment to strike. He leans in and forces a kiss, giving Charlotte the proper moment. She stabs him in the neck with the file and he rolls over to the other side of the bed. She runs to the bathroom with the attacker close behind. She tries to shut the door but he sticks his foot in.
"SOMEONE HELP ME!"
The man shoulder tackles the door, knocking Charlotte into the glass door of the shower. He grabs Charlotte by the shirt and punches her right in the eye, knocking her to the floor. He pulls the file from his neck and begins to strangle Charlotte. As her throat gets pressed, she chokes up a little blood. As a last act of desperation, she uses her flexibility to bring her legs up and wrap them around his neck.
Both of them in a stranglehold, the attacker lets go due to the blood loss from the wound. He scratches and claws trying to get free. Charlotte squeezes harder and he falls over. The blood from his wound running down her leg. She squeezes harder on until he stops moving. Breathing heavily and crying, she gets to her feet and stumbles back into the room. She grabs her cell phone to call Arin. Unfortunately, only getting the voicemail.
"FUUUUUCK!"
She heads back into the bathroom to grab the knife from her attacker. Spitting on him before putting on her clothes from earlier and heading outside.
"HELLO! IS ANYONE HERE?" She shouts loudly.
The silence in the air gives the answer. Everyone at the party, visible from afar. Thanks to the bright lights and noise in that direction. She calls the local police department while heading to party. Also getting the voicemail multiple times. She flings her phone in frustration and keeps on moving.
After making it to the street, the smell of smoke is strong. The sound of police sirens blaring and people yelling ferociously. Cars are on fire with clutter all over the streets.
"What the hell happened?" She wonders.
A woman bumps Charlotte from behind and she hits the ground face first, busting her lip. The woman looks back, considering helping, but takes off as voices grow closer. Charlotte turns around to see a group of men heading her way. Charlotte gets to her feet and runs full speed through the chaos. A full scale riot is in motion as Charlotte runs on. A couple of gunshots ring out and Charlotte ducks down behind a car. While catching her breath, she notices a dead body with a bullet through it. Nijaa's dead body.
"Oh my god."
Charlotte covers her mouth as more people scatter and gunshots are fired. Unsure of where her husband was and Jacob not in sight with his wife dead, Charlotte feared the worst. Upon thinking about the next move, she hears a faint cry. Charlotte crawls towards a nearby bush where the cries are coming from. She moves a few leaves to find Leonardo, wrapped up and crying his eyes out. Looking back and forth to make sure no one was coming, she carefully picks up Leo. He buries his face in her shirt and keeps on crying.
"Shhh. I got you little guy. I'm gonna get you out of here."
Charlotte takes a nearby path to get back to the beach. As she exits the path, two men are walking from the left side. Both sides notice each other immediately, leaving Charlotte frozen in place. She holds Leo tightly as one of the men exposes a revolver. Her heartbeat kicks up before she takes off running. The men give chase letting off a shot that misses. Charlotte gives it her all to try protect Leo. The combination of holding a baby and her beaten down body proves too much. She collapses to the ground, shoulder first to protect Leo from the fall.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She cries to Leo as the men approach her.
The men tower over her, taking aim at Charlotte's head. She shuts her eyes and prepares for death. Two gunshots are fired and the men fall to the ground. She reopens her eyes, covered in the men's blood splatter. A redheaded woman in a leather jacket comes to her aid.
"Are you alright?" She asks helping Charlotte up.
"As much as I could be. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but who are you?"
"Officer Lynch of the American Protection Agency. I was helping clear the streets when I saw you take off with the kid. I figured you were in trouble so I chased you. Thank god I did."
"I need to sit down."
The women sit down at a nearby table. Charlotte breaks down and Becky comforts her.
"I don't know what you went through, but you're safe."
"What the hell happened?" Asked Charlotte through the tears.
"As you saw, there was riot. I was sent here yesterday by my employers to arrest Jacob Tenp. He was wanted on conspiracy and drug trafficking. Possible connections to the Cartel. I was working with the local police force in a sting. At the same time, some locals decided it was a good idea to try and jump Tenp. Make a name for themselves with a big score and killing the kingpin. Once we jumped in, all hell broke loose. Tenp got away after a wild gunfight. No idea what happened to his wife."
"Did you find a man named Arin Deeko?"
"Not that I've seen. Is he a friend?"
Charlotte stretches her hands, showing off her wedding ring. Becky lets out a small sigh and grabs a bottle of wine and takes a sip. Leo crying once again as Charlotte stares at the ground in silence. Zoned out with the fear of her love no longer around.
"My first name's Becky."
2 months later...
Portland, Oregon
"You drank all of it! That's my strong little man."
Charlotte sits on a couch in her robe, feeding Leo. Both of them staying in Portland after Arin's death in Jamaica and funeral. With Jacob possibly doing 50 years if caught and no immediate family, Leo was adopted by Charlotte. With no experience raising a kid and unsure of what to do, she moved in with her sister Fiona, who's a kindergarten teacher. Fiona comes out her room dressed for work.
"Okay Char I'm off. You need anything before I go?"
"You got an extra smoke?"
"I told you to quit."
"And I told you, that I don't care."
Fiona pulls out a cigarette. Charlotte snatches it.
"Look I know you're still grieving, but don't get pissy with me. You don't need to be here." Said Fiona angrily.
Charlotte walks away, completely ignoring Fiona's words. She locks herself in the bathroom and lights up her smoke.
"Whatever. You ready to go Leo?"
Fiona picks up Leo and heads out the door. Charlotte sits in the empty tub, fiddling with the two rings on her finger. Her and Arin's wedding rings. The feel of heartbreak coming over her. She grabs a pair of scissors off the sink, holding them near her wrist. Her arm shaking as she has some last thoughts. As she begins to cut and draw blood, a knock hits the front door. She drags herself up as the knocks happen again.
"Stop knocking damn it, I'm coming."
Charlotte opens the door to find Becky preparing to knock again.
"Hi."
"You're the girl from Jamaica. The one who saved me. Oh come in, come in. I look a mess right now, sorry."
"No, no its fine. I wanted to check on you. Did you get the flowers my boss sent?"
"I...honestly don't remember. I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize." Said Becky taking a seat.
"What happened to your hand?"
"Oh this? I had this since 2004." Becky replied, showing her metal hand.
"I didn't notice the first time I saw you. How'd that happen?"
"I used to be in the army. Lost my hand from a grenade. After I got relieved, I was offered my current job and they gave me this hand."
'"Okay, can get I get you anything-"
"That's alright, I wanted to see how you were holding up."
"Held up by thin string." Said Charlotte, ashing the smoke.
"Well I have an opportunity for you, hence my appearance. Only if you're interested."
"I'm listening."
"After telling my boss how you survived the riot, combined with your gymnastics background, he thinks you'd be a great candidate to work with me as a private military officer."
Charlotte sat there confused. Not really clear on what she was just offered.
"So you want me to become a cop?"
"Much more than that. You'll be trained properly in physical and tactical combat. We travel the world doing independent jobs for the government. You'll make a lot of money too. Its a lot to explain, but there's a lot that comes with it."
"Its sounds ridiculous. Why me?"
"We have regular soldiers, but my boss would needs some unique personalities as well. Someone with your height and skill set would be spectacular as a field officer."
Charlotte could hear the conviction in Becky's voice. She meant everything she said. It sounded like a once in a lifetime offer, but one she couldn't wrap her head around. Becky stands up and places a card on the table.
"Take some time to think about it. If you choose not to come, we won't bother you again. However, we would love to get that phone call. Take care."
Becky leaves the house, leaving Charlotte by herself. Once again staring at the two rings on her finger. Often thinking of revenge for Arin, but no one to blame in particular. Leo, who's taken to his new mother graciously, would be heartbroken as well. Charlotte tucks away the card and goes to sleep on the couch.
2 days later...
"HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS!" Hollered Bradshaw over the phone.
He sat at his desk talking smack to a friend as Gail did work nearby.
"Alright Freddy, talk to you later."
Bradshaw hung up the phone and took a sip of whiskey.
"Gail, you know its nice being on top."
"I know sir."
As he went for another sip, his phone rings again.
"Hello this is Bradshaw Layfield speaking. How can I help you?"
"Hi. My name is Charlotte Flair. A woman came by the other day and offered me a job. She left me this card if I was interested."
"I would just so happen to be that woman's boss. I'm glad you called. What can I do for you?"
There was a few seconds of dead air before he got a response.
"When can I start?"