Story 1 — Alexandra Adams
Part 2
Twenty.
"Hey." The nonchalant voice of a woman caught Alex's attention.
Glancing up from the work bench she wiped her greasy hands with an old rag, "Yeah?"
"I asked around and people told me to come here. Ya see, I'm having trouble with my ride. I can't go much farther with a giant smoke cloud shooting out the exhaust pipe." The woman explained, removing her sunglasses to reveal stormy grey eyes. There was a calm and stubborn air to her which would have given her a dominate businesswoman feel had she not been dressed down in the latest clothing off of the hoochie clothes line.
"This place isn't in business anymore." The blond said simply tossing the rag back on the bench.
"So I heard." The stranger dismissed, taking an unwelcomed stroll around the garage.
"If you heard then why are you here?" she questioned adding a quick, "Don't touch that." As the woman's hand brushed the cover protecting some sort of vehicle underneath.
She retracted her fingers and pursed her lips, "I also heard you fix cars from time to time. Apparently you're pretty good at it." She disclosed swinging her glasses carelessly around her finger.
"I don't feel like playing mechanic today."
"I can pay you pretty well." To Alex's surprise the woman flashed a wad of cash.
The blond snerked, "And where exactly do you come off flashing money like that? If you're not careful you'll be an easy target for robbery."
The lipsticked female smirked, "There's no need to worry about that. I'm a big girl, I can handle myself." She ran her free hand though her short burgundy locks, "So will you help me out?"
Alex turned in her stool and crossed her legs, "Sorry but I don't take dirty money."
"I wouldn't call it dirty. I have a job. I was paid just the way everybody else is."
"Oh really? And just what job might that be?"
"I suppose you could call me a spare hand." She shrugged eyes staring at the covered car before giving Alex a once over. A slender finger pointed to the goggles resting around the girl's neck, "You race by any chance?"
The amateur mechanic raised her eyebrow, "Not necessarily. I practice. How—"
"You don't seem like the type to just fix cars. You look like you have an itch that needs scratching," she cut off.
"Heh."
The woman strolled closer, "Tell you what. Fix my car and I'll race you. If I win the fix is free of charge, beat me and I'll pay you—you look like you need the money."
Alex though it over, "…Sounds interesting."
"We got ourselves a deal?" she held out her hand.
"Fine." She took the appendage and shook it.
"I'm Donna by the way."
"Alex."
xXx
Alexandra sighed in exhaustion.
Two weeks had passed since she had beaten Donna in a race around the old quarry and every few days she received visits from the minimally dressed woman, who would proceed to stand over her shoulder or prod around the shop while she worked on fixing the woman's car… multiple times—apparently not only was she a horrible driver, but she was horrible at taking care of her car too. It felt as if she was being evaluated for something each time the spare hand came and honestly it was a bit irritating.
Her train of thought was ruined as said woman stormed through the old building with a crooked grin on her face. "I've decided."
Turning away from the hood of her car she frowned at her current pest as the grey-eyed bunny plopped down on a stool. Alex didn't have to know Donna though long to cringe when she held that kind of expression on her face. "Decided what exactly?"
"We should partner up, duh." She explained as if the answer was as plain as day.
"Me and you… partner up." Alex couldn't help but snort. "We've only known each other for like—what—a few weeks?"
"Yeah? And?" Donna pulled on the edges of her skirt, "Look. As fun as this whole playing mechanic thing might be for you, I think you have some pretty good potential. You shouldn't let it go to waste."
"No thanks."
"Aw, come on. What are you going to do? Sleep in the old storage room and fix cars all day? I've seen the cot so don't tell me you don't." The woman leaned forward, "With your help we can really roll in the dough. And you know, money equals better car parts and we both know how much you wanna upgrade that fine piece of metal you have sitting over there." Donna grinned jamming her thumb behind her to the mystery vehicle until the tarp. "With your driving and my business skills, nimble footing, and charm we'd be awesome."
"Uh-huh. Sure. Awesome." Alex nodded unconvinced.
"Just think about it."
She sighed, "Aright, I'll think about it."
Twenty-one.
Alex closed the trunk and stepped around to face her newly modified Ferrari F430. Seeing the finished product ignited a sense of pride in her belly. She smiled. This was probably how her father felt whenever he fixed up a car on his own. It was a completely different feeling when you know you did all the work yourself.
"Alex!" Donna came bouncing into the shop, her ballerina-like skirt flaring, and mischievous grin in full swing.
The blond shook her head and—despite being amused—sighed, "That look can only mean one thing…"
"We got us another job~" The older woman sang, confirming Alex's suspicions.
"Who needs us this time?"
"Jimmy. Frank's thugs took something valuable from him and he wants it back."
Alex noticed the vague details but didn't push for any specifics, the least she knew the better probably. Leaning against the hood of her baby, she gave the woman her full attention, "He and Frank still on bad terms?"
"Of course." Her partner smiled, "Now. Jimmy wants this to be done quietly. Getting past Frank's security shouldn't be too hard—I've been in rougher spots, but the getaway is going to be tough. The guy is quick at noticing when something's amiss. So, what I need you to do is—"
"Be on standby, as usual." The driver cut in, blowing a stray hair out of her face.
"Precisely."
"When does he want it done?"
"Tonight."
She grunted, "Of course he does..."
xXx
Alex's Ferrari slowly pulled up the alley, the Calzone estate in full view as it slid to a quiet stop.
Leaning her elbow on the driver's side door the blond took a glance at her passenger, "Don't get killed."
"Never." Donna grinned, sliding on a black beanie and leaving the vehicle.
She watched as her friend disappeared stealthily over the stone wall and sighed running a hand though her hair.
Not in a million years did she think she'd be doing jobs like this. She reflected on it many times but she never really could pin point why.
Honestly she really didn't know. Maybe it was for the thrill. Alex didn't really have a goal for the future, cars were the only thing that seemed to keep her interest. College wasn't even something she considered, though she probably could if she wanted. Ray had even tried to convince her a few times—who speaking of which was someone who she barely saw anymore. Last time they met he was going to be a daddy. But back to the topic, in her mind this was the only way to both make a living and satisfy her 'itch' as Donna had so correctly put it. The pay was good too, so she was able to do the things she wanted with her car—after subtracting living expenses of her new apartment.
Sure she was breaking a few laws, and it was a dangerous job but what fun would it be otherwise? Alex had always had a rebellious streak in her, meeting Donna had just brought it out into the light.
Alex snapped out of her stupor when the back door swung open and a little pigtailed girl scooted into the car. The door quickly closed and Donna jumped into the passenger seat soon after.
"The stolen thing… was Jimmy's kid?"
"Niece." She quickly corrected matter-of-factly.
"Ah." Was the only reply Alex mustered before starting the engine just as the estate burst into a frenzy of orders after realizing their little 'guest' was missing. Questions would have to wait. Going full throttle, the cocky blond speed passed the front gate just as the four black SUV's exited behind her. Two split off heading down separate streets while the others tried to keep up with her.
Gold eyes locked on the small child through the rearview mirror, "Kid." She caught her attention, "Get down and buckle up."
Just as the young one did as she was told, the first few rounds of an automatic fired, ricocheting off on the car's exterior, a bullet putting a nice crack in the thick glass of her back window. Their new passenger screamed and Alex frowned, so much for all her hard work... and her eardrums.
"Tch. They don't waste much time do they?" Donna grumbled whipping out a .357 Magnum from the concealed holster at her thigh. Rolling down the window she stuck her face out and sent a few bullets their way before retreating back into the car.
One of the clunkers that split off before reappeared from around a corner and pulled up beside her, matching her speed. Every time she sped up the ass matched her again. Deeping her frown Alex watched as the he prepared to ram her. Getting her timing right, she spun around and out the way letting the annoyance screech into a parked car.
Blocking out the ongoing cross fire between Donna and the thugs, she clutched the wheel and quickly floored it, heading down the street the wrong way as she narrowly avoided her two other tailers and swerved down a narrow avenue, just as a stray bullet punctured the back tired. They swerved and her arm slamming against the side door. "Motherf—"
"Kid in the car." The trigger happy woman to her right reprimanded.
"Says the woman flaunting the gun."
"Touché."
Turning off onto a more crowded scene, she weaved through the light traffic, ignoring the honking and occasional profanity as she tried to lose her followers. Veering down another street, she huffed at the bright headlights waiting down the other end of the one lane street. Spotting the other cars roll up to her only other exit she slows to a stop.
Donna glanced over at her partner, "Looks like Frank's gotten better drivers than the last time we had to deal with him…"
Alex smirked, "Better, but still not good enough." The way she saw it there was only one way to get out of this, setting a challenge she revved her engine. The SUV copied soon after and the motion went back and forth as they sized each other up.
The lady in shotgun gave a knowing look, "You're not thinking of playing chicken again… are you?"
Alex replied with a smile as she punched the gas, the car's tires spun rapidly in place before pushing forward. The SUV complied and advanced milliseconds after.
Donna tensed and the young girl in the back whimpered covering her eyes as the two vehicles went barreling for each other. At the last moment possible she veered off the road and down the sidewalk, ramming into a newspaper dispenser.
Listening to the car pileup she ungracefully placed the car back on the road.
Donna let out a held in breath, "You're going to kill us one day."
"Have a little faith." Alex chuckled and eased into another alley as the sound of obnoxious sirens sped down the road.
When the streets were clear she cut through a parking lot and bee lined it for the train tracks—which happened to be the territory divider.
Re-holstering her gun the eldest relaxed, "We should be good now, Frank knows better than to send his boys into enemy territory without a plan."
"Mn." The blond glanced back at their small passenger still curled up in a ball. "Hey kid, it's safe now."
The small girl slowly sat up with a lour, "My name's not kid, it's Amelia." She looked her over, "I know Donna… but who are you?"
"Alex."
"Best wheelman on this side of Cali." Donna added with pride.
"What's with the smartass tough act?" Alex questioned scanning the girl's features.
"It's not an act. I am tough. Uncle says strong women don't get scared. I've gotta be strong."
"Sure they do."
"Donna doesn't." Amelia countered.
"`Course she does."
"Feh. No I don't." Said female scoffed crossing her arms.
"Liar." Alex shook her head before turning her attention back to Amelia. "If you aren't scared, why are you shaking?"
"H-Huh?" It seemed the young girl hadn't realized it herself as she glanced quizzically at her trembling hands. It was understandable though, she was just a kid and all.
"Donna, open the glove compartment."
Lazily doing as she was told the woman raised an eyebrow, "Hmmmm ~ What are you doing caring around lollipops?"
"Calms the nerves."
"Aha." She realized catching on and handed one to Amelia, who stared at it as if it were some contaminated specimen. "Eat it." Donna reassured with a smile.
"…Thank you." With that the rest of the ride was silent, surprisingly even Donna didn't speak.
Five minutes later they found themselves pulling into a what looked like an abandoned warehouse. Stopping in front of five rather nice cars lined up in a semi-circle, a group of men were spotted scattered around old tables. All eyes glued on them as the three stepped out of the car.
"Amelia." A pleased breath called, filling the room as a tall, dapper, boss-like brunette stepped out, his arms opened wide.
"Uncle!" The youngling raced to Jimmy, rapping her arms around his ankles.
The man knelt and wrapped her into a long embrace before whispering in her ear. Amelia ran over to play with a tough looking male in a corner and Jimmy's attention was brought to Donna as she advanced toward him—her partner staying back, as the business part wasn't what she liked dealing with. The two adults exchanged kisses on the cheek.
"Thank you, Donna." He glanced over to Alexandra, who nodded, "And Ms. Alex too of course."
"You're welcome, Jim." Donna slid an arm around his shoulders, "Though I'm sure you know how you can really show us your thanks." She cooed, leading his away to discuss payment—and probably flirt, Alex had always wondered about that relationship of theirs.
Closing her eyes, she let her head fall back and rest on the car window, a hand rubbing her bruised shoulder.
"Looks like they messed up your car pretty bad… it's a good model though." A deep unfamiliar voice commented.
Alex opened one of her eyes and took in the stranger. The guy was obviously new. She hadn't seen him around before. His shaggy bleached hair stood out from the neatly trimmed haircuts of jimmy's usual boys. "Not as messed up as I left their pieces of junk…"
He grinned—kind of like someone she knew, she noticed. "I heard a lot about you Ms. Alex. The guys here gossip more than you'd think."
"Wish I could say the same about you, newbie."
"Damien Mercer." He introduced himself holding about his hand.
She shook it, "So what are you doing working for Jimmy."
He shrugged, "Trying to survive just like everybody else."
"Mn."
"How 'bout you?"
Alex crossed her arms, "What about me, I wonder."
"What brought you to the wheelman business."
"Donna."
"Aha." He nodded. The name explained it all. Everyone knew Donna could be pretty… persuasive.
A comfortable silence rested in between the two as they glanced around at the occupants of the warehouse. Everyone seemed pretty absorbed in their own thing, Damien turned to the woman next to him, "Wanna go for a walk?"
She raised an eyebrow, "They'll notice we're missing."
"We won't take long."
She gave him a skeptical look.
"Come on, I don't bite." He joked, grapping her hand and leading her out the warehouse.
Twenty-two.
"What?" Though her eyes were closed, Alex could feel Damien's eyes on her as the stroking of her hair continued.
"Nothing, just thinking…" she heard him reply.
"What about?" Opening her eyes she turned her head slightly to look at him.
He smiled, "I told you. It's nothing."
Alexander gave a disbelieving look, but didn't question any further. Turning back over, her eyes strayed to the clock and she frowned, "Don't you need to leave soon?"
She attempted to sit up fully but Damien held her down gently, "I've got time."
Alex rolled her eyes but simpered, "No you don't. If your late Jimmy'll get angry, he likes him men punctual." The guy may have been a good leader, but he wasn't a push over.
"Jimmy can wait."
"Yeah. Right." She elbowed him playfully and successfully sat up this time. "Get dressed."
With a protesting grunt, her bedmate reluctantly got up grabbing the first pair of pants he could find. "So what are you going to do while I'm gone?"
"If Donna doesn't have anything planned then I'll probably be at the garage, like usual." She stated a bit unenthusiastically.
"Mn." He stared at her as he buttoned his shirt.
"What?"
"Nothing." He grinned leaning forward to give her a light peck on the lips, "Don't miss me too much."
Alex smirked, "Isn't it you who'll miss me."
He kissed her again and gave a jocular, "Maybe."
She laughed and gave him a smooch of her own before he left with a, "Remember to lock the door this time."
Pleased eyes watched as the door shut with a click before the blond flopped backward onto the comfy mattress. Exhaling, Alex glanced around the room. It still felt a little odd waking up in Damien's apartment. Months they'd been going out, but she'd only slept over a hand full of times. Despite her boyfriend's constant prodding sleepovers were never really her thing.
Rolling over onto her stomach she pressed her face into the closest pillow and took a relaxing breath. She was tired. Juggling the ever so demanding Donna and quality time with Damien wasn't as easy as it looked. Though she couldn't complain, they kept her life interesting and she cared for them more than she even realized herself. Neither could replace her father's memory, but she didn't feel as lonely as before. Curling up under the covers she decided to take advantage of her time and have a quick nap—the bed was much softer than she remembered.
Snuggling into warm comforter, she slowly began drifting off. However, before she could completely fall into a slumber she was interrupted by the obnoxious ringing of her cellphone. Groaning she sat up and flipped the device open, clearing her throat. "This is Alex."
"Hey. Damien did leave yet?" The casual voice of Donna questioned.
"Yeah. Just now." Scratching her head she crisscrossed her legs, "Why?"
"Aha, I see. Just missed him…" There was a pause, "Well, I guess it doesn't matter. Alex, hurry up and head down to the warehouse."
"What for?"
"Jimmy needs a favor." The female stated simply.
"What kind?"
She hummed, "I wonder."
Alex sighed, knowing she wasn't going to get anything else out of her partner. "Alright, I'm coming."
"See yeah there."
xXx
Stepping out of her Ferrari, Alex frowned at the serious atmosphere plaguing her surrounds. The emptiness of the warehouse itself was off-putting—it was never this empty. For Jimmy to call his boys away meant that this was probably something serious, though just the fact that the man was asking for a favor gave that away.
Just as the blond caught sight of the only occupied table in the building, Jimmy stood up from his seat next to Donna and waved her over. The only other occupant at the table, she noticed, was Damien. As she neared the table he gave her a light smile, obviously just as clueless as she was about the matter. After giving a questionable glance at Donna she turned her gaze on Jimmy.
"So what's this all about?" she asked flopping carelessly into the old chair next to her boyfriend.
Jimmy gently sat himself back down and laced his hands together, leaning forward. "We've got problems."
"What kind?" she heard Damien questions from her right.
"We have… a possible rat problem."
"So were talking traitors?" Alex's eyebrows knitted together. That would explain why the hideout was so empty. Everyone would be on edge if they heard this, knowing Jimmy he probably didn't want any unnecessary tension.
He nodded, "Exactly . I've been looking into how Frank could have possibly gotten his hands on Amelia. As you know, I have my enemies so I'm not the type of person who just lets his niece walk around unguarded."
"So you think it was an inside job?"
Jimmy nodded.
Alex leaned back, "So, I've been meaning to ask, what's the whole deal with the kid? Frank isn't the merciful type, but when me and Donna picked her up she was in pretty good condition."
Donna decided to take up this explanation, "Well you know about how the Patella family used to be one big organization, right?"
"Yeah, I remember being told something like that…"
"When the head died he left the position to both Jimmy and Frank. They never really liked each other and their personalities clashed constantly. The only reason the organization hadn't split sooner was that Jimmy's sister and Frank's brother where married with a baby. They both had a soft spot for their siblings, so they tried not to put them in a tough situation."
"Amelia's parents died in a car 'accident' years back and she was put into Jimmy's hands per their request. Frank was pissed and left the organization taking half the family and the west territory with him." Damien cut in, ignoring Donna's pouty expression for stealing her thunder.
Jimmy sighed, "Frank was never one to share. He wants Amelia and my territory for himself."
"So what does all of this have to do with us?"
"Frank's been inactive for a while, we think he's up to something. With possible traitors within the family it'll be too dangerous for Amelia to stay here… I need people I can trust to look after her. A few months tops." He explained.
"So you need a babysitter?" Alex leaned on her hand, "You do realize that isn't in my job description."
"That's why I'm not asking a wheelman, I'm asking a friend. Donna recommended you and I trust you both."
Upon hearing it was her idea, Alex cast Donna a glare. The woman grinned, "Come on babe, do it for the kid."
"I don't mind." Damien decided stretching his arms behind his head. He smiled at his girlfriend's raised eyebrow, "It'd be like watching my younger sister all over again."
"So?"
She felt the pressure as all eyes fell on her. Letting out an exasperated sigh she waved her hand lazily, "You'll owe me one."
xXx
Ten minutes. TEN MINUTES, they had been in the shop and Alex had already heard the girl sigh in boredom at least one hundred times. Was watching someone fix a car really that boring? When she had been the girl's age she'd loved watching her father and Ray work.
"Is that what you do all day?" A small voice called to the blond laying under a half-finished BMW.
"…Sometimes."
"I don't get it."
Alex's hand paused mid turn, "Get what?"
"You're a girl. Why do you like cars?"
Sliding out from under the vehicle, she stared out the mini person, "Since when couldn't a girl like cars?"
Amelia shrugged, "Isn't it weird?"
"No." The driver answered simply helping herself into a standing position. "What makes you think that?"
"Well. At school, I wanted to play soccer, but the boys said that it was weird for a girl to play boy games…" she explained with a frown, playing with the hem of her skirt.
"Well, Boys are stupid. A girl can play anything a boy can."
"….Damien is a boy."
"Exactly."
The child giggled.
Alex gave her a light smile, "Don't tell him I said that." Walking over, she reached behind Amelia for a rag and wiping her hands she glance at the girl, "Still bored?"
"I little, I guess…"
The woman nodded, thinking to herself for a moment before turning her attention back to her guest, "Let's watch a movie or something. I'll tell Damien to order pizza on his way home, kay?"
Amelia gave a wide grin, "Ok!"
Twenty-Three.
"Alright, next one. Would you rather… Live for a day and not have to work for anything you wanted or live for a lifetime working for the things you wanted?" Alex asked the group in front of her.
"I say live for a day." Donna leaned by and rested her feet on the table. "Sitting in the lap of luxury is my dream."
"What a Donna-like response," Damien chuckled resting his chin on his knuckles.
Amelia scrunched her nose in protest, "But isn't that kinda sad? If that was me I'd probably spend the whole day worrying about all my friends, 'cuz I think they'd be sad if I died. And, I think me and uncle would miss you if you were gone Donna." She pointed out with a yawn.
The small minor's comment made the adults around the table smile. She was very smart for an eight year old.
"Oh, would you look at the time…" The only man at the table hummed tapping his wrist watch before standing up, "Time for bed little one."
"But—"
"Shall I call Uncle?"
Alex and Donna watched with amusement as she went wide-eyed and scurried out the living/dining room. A chuckling Damien in tow.
"Well looks like she's doing well." The elder woman scratched her head, "That's good. Jimmy keeps getting worried about her…" she mumbled taking a sip of who-knows-what out of her water bottle.
"Yeah. She's been good." Alex admitted a ghost of a smile on her lips.
"And you seem happier too." Donna pointed out with a hum and a knowing glance.
Blond eyebrows furrowed, "Whatever do you mean?"
She couldn't help but scoff, "Oh come on. When I first met you, you were a bit grouchy. I loosened you up a bit, Damien loosed you up a bit more, and Amelia came in with the finishing blow."
"Oh, really?" If it was true she hadn't seen the change herself.
"I think so too." Damien cut in taking his place back at the table.
"You've grown a little soft there too, Mister." Donna grinned.
He raised an eyebrow, "Well, I don't know about that."
"If I didn't know any better I'd say Amelia was your guy's daughter or somethin'."
The joke received an awkward chuckle before Alex changed the subject to the real reason he partner had probably visited, "So, has Frank made a move, yet?"
Taking another sip she sighed, "So far there have been just roomers but he may be getting help from the Armani's..."
Damien frowned, "But they've been neutral for years. It'll be trouble if they get mixed up in this…"
"The best thing to do is just keep on our toes. So far there are only a handful of people that Jimmy feels won't betray him…" Donna sighed and then glanced at her watch. "Well, I'm going to head out. Jimmy's waiting on an update on how Amelia's doing."
Alex stood up and led her comrade to the door, "See ya later."
"See ya." She gave the woman a wink before waving to Damien and exiting the apartment.
Shutting the door, Alex and her counterpart exchanged a look that said everything. For some reason they were both having a bad feeling about the whole situation…
xXx
"No, No. Ah—wait. Wear this one." Amelia giggled pulling out a white blouse.
Alex scrunched her nose, "…I don't even remember getting that."
"So? It's pretty." The girl hummed and held it up to the woman's torso. "See?"
She huffed, "Alright. But we have to hurry up. Damien will be here soon and—"
"We're supposed to be ready to go before he gets here." Amelia recited boredly, "I know, You've both told me over a million times." Placing the blouse on the bed she went searching for shoes as Alex changed. "Where are we going, anyway?"
"'Somewhere fun' apparently… He didn't say where exactly." Alex explained biting her bottom lip and shrugging. She was just as clueless about the man's plans as Amelia was.
"Not even to you?" The small girl pulled out a pair of white flip flops and slid them over to Alex's feet.
She shook her head. Sliding on her jeans she was distracted by a knock on the door.
Everything seemed to go quiet.
"Is that Mr. Damien?"
Alex frowned and shook her head a second time, "He has a key. He doesn't need to knock."
Ameila drew closer to her temporary guardian, "Then… Who is?"
"I don't know… but that's a good question."
There was another knock, a bit louder and a little more impatient.
The blond held up a hand, "Stay here." The command was quiet and calm, but let the small one feeling absolutely frightened as the adult left the bedroom.
Scampering over to the door, her foots steps barely made as sound as she crossed her small apartment. Rising to her tippy toes she glanced through the peephole. She tensed at the two figures standing out in the hallway, the both screamed the word thug just by their hardened faces. Alex cursed under her breath and backed away from the door.
Frank's men had somehow found her apartment, which meant she needed to get Amelia out of there.
As a more aggressive knock flooded the room accompanies by a 'polite' order to open the door, Alex made her way back to the bedroom.
"Alex, What's—"
"Shh."
Taking Amelia by the hand, she slid the window open and—after making sure the coast was clear—helped the girl out onto the fire escape. Grabbing her by the shoulders she made her make eye contact, "Ameila, I'm going to buy you some time. Run as fast as you can down the street. Damien was on his way so he'll probably see you. Don't stop for anyone else. If you don't see him go to that 'safe place', we talked about. He'll defiantly find you there." Her words were going so fast that the poor girl would barely keep up.
"What about—"
"I'll be fine. Now go. Try not to be loud about it."
As Amelia started down the fire escape Alex shut the window back, just in time to hear the door splinter as it was kicked in, the knocker probably finally fed up with waiting.
Moving with quiet and caution, she went for her nightstand and pulled her revolver out from its drawer.
Placing her finger on the trigger, Alex positioned herself behind the bedroom door and waited in silence. If asked, she wouldn't have admitted it, but she was scared despite her pride. She could practically feel the beating of her heart rising up into her throat and heard it drumming in her ears.
There had only been a handful of incidents were she'd needed to use a gun and out of those situations only two or three times had she actually had to use the darn thing. Plus, Donna had been there with her and she was much more experienced than Alex was, not to mention she had deadly accuracy.
Her job didn't really need her to go face to face with anybody, she was a wheelman. Driving was her thing, not using a gun. Any fighting she needed to do, she did on the street. Not saying that she didn't know how to defend herself but most of what she knew was fist fighting and fists weren't going to cut it when guns and knives were involved. Alex was sure this was a guns and knives situation seeing as it was Frank's men.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she watched as one of the men entered the room slowly—the other she assumed was checking the other side of the apartment. When he was far enough into the room, Alex stepped forward and held her gun to his head. He froze instantly. "Don't move." She warned, using her foot to push the door closed.
The intruder chuckled, amused at her attempt to try and turn the tables. "Woah there, Princess. Don't be so hasty. All we want is the kid."
"There's no kid here."
"So it seems…" he trailed off giving the room a once over. He glanced back at her, "So where is she?"
The gun clicked as she pulled back the hammer, "Why don't tell me this. What's Frank want her for? He doesn't seem like the family name type so I doubt he sees her as a memento from his dearly departed brother."
"Who knows." He turned slightly, "Say… You don't use a gun much do ya?"
"Wha…?" Alex reeled her head back at the out of the blue question.
"Thought so, your stance is all wrong."
The thug dropped long before she had a chance to reply and kicked her legs out for under her. She fell on top of him, her wrist hitting the bedframe, and the gun slid out of her reach. Pushing herself up she caught sight of the male fishing in his coat pocket for his weapon, her first reaction was to grab his arm and prevent him. Eventually they both ended up struggling for the gun. It went off. The bullet ripping a hole through the leather material of the man's jacket and cutting through Alex's left thigh.
The blond hissed clamping a hand over her wound and didn't really pay much attention to the next few events. Her attacker's partner had come at the sound of the gun shot and the two seemed to exchange a few words… Probably deciding on what to do with her…. She guessed. She had already figured something like this would happen, but she was sure Amelia had gotten a good distance away so it didn't really matter anymore.
A light, "Looks like you'll live another day. Lucky you." Was heard before a she felt a sharp pain at the back of her neck and darkness soon over took her.
xXx
Moaning, Alex felt herself slowly become conscious. Even without opening her eyes she could feel the damage done to her body. The ache at the base of her neck was easily drowned out by the numbing pain from the nice sized hole carved into her leg. And if she thought it couldn't get worse then she was wrong, as she tried to move her wrists she found that they were subdued and moving her good leg she realized that she could feel no floor under her, which meant she was most likely being suspended above ground.
Heh.
Wonderful.
Fighting the want to just drift back into sleep, Alex slowly opened her eyes in an attempt to scout her surroundings.
Though, little good that did.
There wasn't really much to see. The room was so dim she could barely make out the dried blood caked to the jeans of her wounded thigh. The room had no windows or doors, the only source of light came from a staircase that seemed to lead to were her kidnappers were enjoying themselves—now that she was paying attention, she could hear their hardy laughter echoing through her prison.
Glancing up she found that they'd tried her wrists together with thick chains that'd been drilled into the concrete celling. Worming a bit she tried to see how tight they were, but her wound throbbed and she was convinced to stop. Letting out a defeated breath she hung her head, obviously she wasn't going to be muscling her way out.
But really, that was the least of her worries. For now she was just hoping that Amelia got away safely. After all, by staying behind she'd figured she'd end up in a similar situation. Alexandra hadn't thought for a minute that'd she'd be able to take on two grown men on her own in a surprise attack. She hadn't though Frank would find the girl so soon, her apartment wasn't in a place where Frank's men could get easily nor would think to look.
The sound of heavy footsteps descending the staircase brought her from her thoughts. Taking a deep breath of courage she raised her head to see the man from before rolling his sleeves up, a half smoked cigarette jammed between his teeth—one more reason to hate the damn smell of smoke.
Their eyes met and he grinned, "Oh. Would you look at that, the princess finally came to."
Alex glared, and against her better judgment growled a "Bite me." The venom in her words were lost by the hoarse, scratchy tone of her voice.
He chuckled, "Believe me. I'd love to. Really would, but my boss wouldn't like it too much." He explained, casually strolling up to her. "He's got a few bones to pick with you… but how about this. Let's just save everybody's time. Tell me where the girl went and it just may save your life."
"How about you step a little closer and let me end yours." She snorted.
The figure let out another dry laugh before he took a step forward and gave her a good sucker punch to the abdomen. Alex hacked, and gasped for breath.
Sighing, he grabbed her sides to steady the swinging of her bindings. "You know… you're making this much harder than it has to be. I was hoping to be civil, but it seems you're just too feisty." He searched for eye contact, "So, because I'm so nice. I'll tame you before the boss gets here." He clapped his hands together and shrugged, "Think of it as… home training. Frank has far less patience than me. If he'd been in my place, you'd be dead already." Alex didn't pay much attention to the crap coming out of his mouth, but she pretty much knew where this was going.
After taking a long drag he flicked the cigarette from his lips and crushed it under his heel. Rolling his neck he brought a fist back in preparation, "Alright. Let's get this over with."
Alex closed her eyes and prepared for a beating of a lifetime.
xXx
A dousing of water brought Alex from her unconscious state. She shivered at its cold temperature and snapped her eyes open. The room was a lot brighter than before and her eyes burned as she tried to see the figures gathered in front of her.
"Wakey wakey, Princess." The light hearted voice of her attacker greeted placing a bucket down.
Ignoring him, she focused on the three newer faces. The first two didn't look important, probably just more of Frank's goons, but the third man on the phone caught her attention. His short stature and graying hair was something she remembered seeing from a picture… and then it hit her.
He was Frank Calzone.
Those in the room stayed quiet as the older man finished up his phone conversation. She couldn't hear was being said into the device, but it seemed important.
When the phone call was finished he closed it and glanced over in her direction. She wasn't sure what kind of face she was giving him but he gave an amused smile, "That was your boyfriend, Damien, on the phone. Apparently, Amelia's back at the mansion… he just couldn't bring her too me because someone else was with him. Just like he couldn't bring her all those times she was with you. …Honestly I'm having doubts about just how reliable that man is."
Alex stared dumbly at the boss man and he frowned mockingly at her confused face.
"Damien works for me. He has since the beginning."
The girl shook her head, refusing to believe his words.
"I'm surprised he hasn't told you—He seemed pretty fired up when I said you were our guest. I assume you're pretty important to him…" He popped open a few buttons of his coat.
"….Your lying." Her voice was the only thing that made her realize how upset she was at the accusation.
"I don't blame you for not believing me…. But here, I'll call him back. This is all the proof you need." Walking toward her he dialed in a number on his phone before holding it up to her ear. Alex started to move her head away from the device, but it was pressed on her ear with more force.
The other end picked up on the fourth ring, there was a sigh on the other end, "What is it now? I told you there's nothing I can do about the girl at the moment." The voice sounded irritated and high strung, but it was one that she'd notice even over the phone.
"Heh… Damien…?"
It took a few moments for him to answer, "…Alex?"
"W... What are you doing taking with Frank?"
"…Alex, I—"
"Are you kidding me?" She whined with force.
He didn't answer. Her body felt like crap and now her heart did too.
"Get it away from me." The blond hissed, retracting her head away from the phone as if it were on fire. "Get it the hell away from me!"
Stepping away, a pleased Frank took over the conversation leaving a panting Alex jostling her chains. She didn't bother to listen. Hot tears threatened to fall, but she did her best to hold them in. They wanted to see her cry and she didn't dare give them the satisfaction.
"…Look forward to getting a present." Shutting his phone for the second time that evening, Frank turned his attention to his men who'd been quiet for the whole episode and nodded in the woman's direction. "Lower her down."
As the three hopped to it, the short man loosened his tie and located an old chair pressed up against the wall. Grabbing it, he spun it around and leaned on its back. He watched as Alex was lowered to her feet, "So… With that taken care of I've got some unfinished business with you don't I?" He didn't wait for a reply, "You and Donna have been causing some trouble in my plans…. It's about time you paid for it." He ran a hand through his hair, "I'll make you an example. Through you I'll send a message to that punk Jimmy and his skanky whore, plus get rid of Damien's distraction."
One of his thugs grinned, "So what do you want us to do to 'er boss?"
"We'll throw her in the American. She'll float right into the Sacramento River." Frank rubbed his hands together, "But before that, I heard she's an amazing driver. I'm thinkin' her hands must be pretty special to her…" he paused in thought. "Cut off her right arm."
xXx
There were really no words for how she felt as she weakly struggled against the tight grip around her one good arm. Her body ached, her wounds were numb… She was exhausted to say the least. There was really nowhere to go and she didn't waste her energy calling for help. There wasn't anyone around to hear it.
Basically she was screwed… and oddly she didn't know if she cared anymore.
The small rowing boat rocked lightly over the ripples created by the full moon, the night was so peaceful it was almost suffocating—overwhelming even. It was like nature was reminding her that even after she was gone the world would keep turning and it bothered her.
Amelia and Donna would defiantly be upset about her departure, but they had Jimmy to comfort them so she was sure they'd be fine eventually. Then there was Ray, who she'd lost touch with. She was starting to regret not answering his phone calls. Apparently, he and Carla had a kid… She had always meant to visit them. They probably wouldn't even know she was dead if her body was never found… And lastly Damien, right now she felt like giving him a good punch to the nose. Jimmy was going to kill him when he found out he was the traitor... and it sickened her that she was a bit sad about the thought.
Taking a deep breath, Alex watched though a black eye as the man in front of her stopped rowing as the one restraining her made sure the rope tying her hand to her side was tight enough. They both stood up steadily and she was pulled to her feet. One of them whispered a light, "Good Luck." —Whatever that was supposed to mean—before they pushed her off the boat and into the cold waters below.