Disclaimer: I don't own Heist Society or any of the original characters.
She was awakened by the familiar honking horns of impatient taxi drivers and yells of goodbye from families bidding their loved ones farewell. The noise of the airport bombarded Kat's ears as she stepped out of the car and she had to do her best to block it out. Hale got out behind her and made a move to grab both of their bags from Marcus, who had retrieved them from the trunk, but Kat was faster. She quickly grabbed her duffel bag and slung it over her shoulder.
"I can carry my own bag, thank you very much."
Hale shrugged and grabbed his bag. Then he followed her as she began weaving through the crowds. They dropped their bags off at the luggage check then boarded the plane with 10 minutes to spare. She nestled into the soft, leather chair by the window in first class. When Hale had made himself comfortable in the seat next to her she turned to face him, her expression serious.
"Hale", she said getting his attention, "There are some things I need to explain to you about my cousin before you meet her."
He looked at her curiously.
"And what are they", he asked.
She took a deep breath.
"Well, for starters she's got a very bad temper and you do NOT want to make her mad", she said remembering all the times her cousin had gotten angry with her and then made her pay for it the hard way, "Plus, the girl can hold a grudge like no other. Trust me. I know."
He looked at her in disbelief.
"Come on", he said, "She's only 14. What could she possibly do that would be so terrifying?"
Kat laughed at his naivety.
"Let's just say", she started in amusement, "You could wake up in the Egyptian desert with only half a canteen of water, no shirt, and a tattoo you don't remember getting."
He looked at her in utter disbelief.
She let out a soft chuckle and said, "Next time you see Angus, ask him to tell you about the Mario's Spaghetti incident. Then you'll understand."
He stared at her, wide eyed, for a moment longer then nodded.
"What else?"
"She's incredibly strong and fast. And very cunning and clever too", she continued casually, "She's an amazing fighter. A 10th degree black belt in martial arts, ty kwondo, and karate, so don't try to take her on", she looked him directly in the eye, "I mean it. Don't. Unless you want to end up in critical condition in the emergency room. She's one of the best thieves' this world has ever known and can take on the disguise of anybody, even a guy, so watch out for that." Kat let out a small laugh. "Sometimes I think she's better suited to working for the CIA than working as a con artist."
"Anything else", he asked leaning back against the seat.
She tipped her head to the side and thought for a moment.
"Oh", she said remembering something, "She doesn't trust easily and when she does, she's loyal til the end. If you can earn her trust than you have earned not only a lifelong ally, but a lifelong friend as well. And trust me, you'll want to have her on your side in a sticky situation. You got all that?"
He looked at her and grinned.
"Sure", he said teasingly, "But I still think you may be exaggerating just a little bit. She's only a kid after all."
She eyed him carefully.
"Don't underestimate her Hale", she warned, "or you'll be very sorry."
He rolled his eyes and smiled in amusement.
"Alright", she said turning away and settling into the soft leather of the seat, "But don't say I didn't warn you."
He snorted, closing his eyes, then waved her off.
She shrugged and leaned back against her seat.
She gazed out the window, wondering exactly how her cousin would react to seeing them and whether or not she'd say yes to the favor Kat was going to ask her. After all, everyone knows that Scarlett was very stubborn and incredibly strong willed, so there was a chance that she would say no.
And lord knows you can't force Scarlett to do ANYTHING that she doesn't want to, she thought.
She then gave her head a quick shake to get rid of all of the worrying thoughts and told herself to stop worrying. After she had completely cleared her mind, she closed her eyes and settled into a fitful sleep, momentarily forgetting all her worries.
But they were still there, lurking in the deepest parts of her mind.