Chapter 4.
A/N- Okay, I didn't update in some time now, so as "I'm sorry." here comes an extra long chap. Enjoy.
Ben's POV
I was in the middle of the strangest situation on the world. Like literally. I looked around myself with huge eyes. I was in some kind of glass house. Fancy furniture, deep green forest outside.. I mean I had no idea what was happening, when even weirder thing happened. A strange buzzing sound filled the air and my surroundings started to fade. Well more like flicker like a bad TV reception, but eventually they faded.
When I came to in the real world, I discovered the buzzing I'd heard was from my cell phone, but it took me some time to find it. It was lost in the covers. I just barely answered in time and squinted at the bright morning sunlight coming in from the window I'd forgotten to cover last night.
"Ben? It's Sebastian." a mechanic voice answered. "I am going in Spain for informatics conference and specialization. I will be gone for a few months, but I think it is very important for you to continue your meetings. That's why I arranged you sessions with my colleague. He doesn't know, and shouldn't, about you, but I think you will be able to resolve your problem without spilling everything."
He said that all in one breath. Or type...whatever. It still took me some time to process all that.
"Okay..." was all I managed. He must have heard the doubt in my voice.
"You shouldn't quit Ben. It could ruin you." I rolled my eyes, glad he couldn't see me and assured him I will continue.
Suddenly I felt amazing. Free. I hated those meetings with him. I know it is bad thing to say since he is sick and all, but he kinda freaked me out. I got up from bed with much lither step. Not even ratzilla, my unwelcomed pet, or wet patches on the wall could ruin my good mood. I was just about ready for my morning dose of coffee, when I was proved wrong. The hairs on the back my neck rising was the only warning I got before I was slammed against the wall with my front, the intruder holding my arm in very uncomfortable position, behind my back. So much of my good mood.
I could feel warm breath on the back of my neck, and the sickest thing in this whole situation was that the breath wasn't the scariest part. It was something inside me.
Something dark and twisted. It was my anger. It got hold of me and I had nowhere to go. So...as usual, I embraced it. My whole body buzzed with excitement before the fight. Why did I ever stop hunting when it got me so high?
And so..my instincts took over.
I turned around, unnaturally fast and swept the intruder's feet from underneath him. The man fell with a loud thud and I stood over him, ready for another blow when something cracked my darkness. I recognized his golden blond hair.
Moment too long I stared at my brother, fighting with an animal inside me, and soon I found myself on the floor as well.
"What the fuck Zack?" I yelled, realization hitting me. My brother attacked me.
"I should ask you the same thing!" Zack answered, yelling too. "You're leaving a huge trail for Lydecker to find you. Have you completely lost your mind? And of all the places, Seattle? Like she isn't reckless enough, you have to drag more attention to this place?"
"Okay...time to calm down... " I started in soothing voice, talking more to myself than Zack. Damn he was annoying me! I had to fight so hard not to punch him.
"Calm down?! I leave you for a couple of months, and you start killing people? What the hell is wrong with you?!" Zack continued yelling, while getting to his feet. Me following suit.
"Apparently PTSD." I said in low voice, making Zack stop. I succeeded sounding both regretful and dangerous.
Zack opened his mouth couple times, but still ended up silent.
"It's being taken care of." I said. "I met Max. She's beautiful." I tried not to show guilt that was building inside me. She fought so hard for me and I'm just quitting now. New thought came to mind and my guilt was replaced with whit that crazy anger again. "She's also all alone and unprotected. You left her here alone and without the safe number." My voice rose.
"She's reckless. I warned her to leave, but she won't listen. Her stubbornness is gonna get her caught or worse and if she knew the number it would put the rest of you in danger." Zack defended himself sounding like he was repeating some mantra for the hundredth time.
"But never mind if something happens and she has no one to turn to?" it was my turn to yell. "I thought you cared for her!"
"And what the hell do you think I'm doing here? You're attracting unneeded attention to her! " Zack have finally had enough. Attack is the best defense. That technique was something he learned ages ago and still almost failed to notice while used on him.
We were both breathing hard, staring in each other's eyes. No one faltering.
"I'm not putting her in danger. Safety in numbers and all." I smiled. "Besides, she's helping me out. Helping me get through this."
Zack didn't look pleased. "You two shouldn't be together. It's too risky."
I crossed arms over my chest, trying to make a physical barrier between us. "I'm not going anywhere." I said defensively, but resolutely.
Zack growled angrily. "Why do you have to make everything so difficult?"
I shrugged seemingly untouched. I was well thought how to guard my emotions.
"And we're not done with your dental bullshit thing."
He just wouldn't let it go would he?! Asshole!
"Yes we are." I said calmly. "It's PTSD and I'm taking care of it." Lie!
Zack huffed. "Yeah...you're not getting rid of me that easy. Better start talking."
I finally sighed and sat on my couch, patting the seat by. A huge dusty cloud rose from the couch and I wrinkled my nose in disgust. Eww. I really didn't want to talk about this but still... I owned the truth to my brother. "I hope you have time."
Max's POV
Since I woke up this morning I kinda felt a bit cranky. There was a very annoying throbbing somewhere inside my skull, my limbs felt heavy and all my nerves were a bit... itchy.
Splashing cold water on my face didn't help. Neither did a cold shower. My last hope was a coffee. I entered the main room and found Cindy with her back to me. I grabbed my favorite mug and nudged my best friend with a shoulder. "Morning."
"Morning." Cindy turned to me and I jumped, surprised. And damn was it a hell of a surprise.
"What the hell are you doing?" I half yelled.
"Exfoliating."Cindy explained the creamy mask that was covering her face. "Deep cleaning pores and dead skin cells and equalizing areas of depigmentation."
"All before 9am?" I joked, my hearth still beating rapidly.
"You should try it girl. Your face could use a little refreshment."
"What's wrong with my face?" Refreshment? My face was supposed to be flawless according to crazy Manticore geeks.
"Nothing, it's just all clogged up, tired and dull." Cindy said seriously, nodding her head vigorously.
"It is?" I didn't want to be clogged or what not. Ben's face popped into my head. I didn't want to look dull in front of him!
"We're living in dirty world boo. It can play with girl's complexion." Cindy continued.
"What's in that stuff? "I came closer looking inside the bowl, cat's curiosity getting the better of me.
"Milk, oat meal, rosemary, hibiscus, half 'n egg, some vitamin from Normal's private stash while he wasn't looking and little something for micro-circulation. So you can start a new day with your skin all hydrated and glistening. "
I reached for the milk, listening to my best friend, but sudden, uncontrolled movement caught my attention and I snatched my hand back, hoping Cindy didn't notice it shaking.
"I don't think I'll be going on work today." I spoke as calmly as I could muster. "I have some personal things to deal with." Man, why the hell this shit couldn't just stop. It was making my life miserable.
Cindy turned around and looked at me again. "What's up boo? Everything aiight?"
I just nodded and faked a smile. "Don't worry 'bout it."
Cindy glanced at me worriedly once again, before continued toward bathroom to clean her face. In the meantime, I locked myself in the room and sat on the bed, pulling my knees to my chin. Vaguely, I heard Cindy's goodbye, but failed to return it. The bad ones started and soon I lost myself.
Ben's POV
When I finished explaining myself to Zack, we both just sat there in silence. Finally Zack nodded.
"Okay... so baby sis figured it all out..." he smiled proudly and again that sudden urge to punch him in the face returned.
"You gonna come with me on work? Guess you wanna see her. " I asked reluctantly. Please don't go.
"Nah... have some business to take care of first." Zack answered looking at me warily. Yeah...whatever, as long as you don't waltz on my territory buddy.
"You sure you're capable of going to work and stuff. Shouldn't you...I don't know...fix it first..." he asked. He was really pushing my nerves today.
I could feel my temper rising but refused to show it. "No. This is fine."
"But..." Clenching my jaw, I interrupted him. Some of those dark thoughts and moods started to swirl in me, but I tried to push them down. Last thing I needed now was to kill my big brother. Not that anyone would really blame me..."Let it go Zack." I warned instead of throwing him through the window.
So we just stared at each other manly, standing chest to chest.
"Fine. Tell Max I sad hi." with those words he turned aroud and left the apartment. Ugh.. I just wanted to go back to sleep now.
He left me feeling exhausted and guilty. The whole reason he left was 'cause I was taking care of things. I hated to lie...not to him so much as to Max. And it was inventible in this stupid situation I found myself in.
I continued ruffling through my rooms, preparing for the job. When I finally got ready, I was already ten minutes late. To lessen my delay, I had to blur all the way to Jam Pony. Not to mention, it started to rain. Once I arrived, my hair and clothes were sticking to me, wet from Seattle's horrible weather. I just hoped Max was even more late. She would never let me live down this wet-rat look.
"Good morning Normal." I said, smiling charmingly, trying to ruffle my own hair. Maybe get a more manly look.
Normal didn't even spare a glance to me. "Sector nine. Bip, bip."
I took all three packages the bossman gave me and put them in my backpack, going back in the rain. I made two more runs, but still didn't catch the sight of Max. Finally, around the time of lunch, I saw OC's bobbling black hair. She was heatedly explaining something to Sketchy and Herbal. I made my way to them.
"Hey guys. You seen Max?"
"Mhm, she stayed home. Some flu or shit." Cindy explained.
There was some worry in her voice that set my alarm bells on. Instead of eating my lunch, I got back on the bike and went to her apartment. I knocked a couple of times, but nobody answered. After trying once again I heard some noise from the inside.
"Max?" I asked, "It's Ben."
Still no answer.
Finally I got tired of waiting so I picked the lock and entered as if I had the key. With a style, Jondy would say.
Going through the apartment I heard another noise. Louder this time. It sounded too much like a whimper for my liking. I hurried toward the source of the noise only to find Max's room locked. Without further thought I kicked it with a shoulder and entered.
Max was lying on the bed with legs pulled to her chest. Her whole forehead was shimmering with sweat and her eyes were firmly closed. For a moment I didn't understand what was happening but once her little body convulsed I jumped in the action. In a second I was by her side.
"Max? Max! Where're you're pills?"
She opened her eyes but just barely. "Here."
The bottle was clutched in one of her hands and there were maybe four pills left.
"Did you take any?" I came closer to the bed, crouching down beside her, stroking her forehead.
"Yes. I just have to wait it out. It'll stop." she said closing here eyes as once again her body worked against her will.
I climbed on the bed and put my arms firmly around her.
"I'm right here." I whispered in her ear hoping it made the difference.
Jondy's POV
When I came to, the very first returning sense was hearing. Well sort of.. people were talking around me, but my groggy brain wouldn't comprehend what was happening... then I figured my eyes were closed..ahh, well that explains my blindness. I pried my eyes open, but my vision was blurry.
And then the pain came.
A horrible stinging on the back of my neck. The pain was so overpowering, I almost blacked out again. I took a deep breath and an antiseptic smell filled my nostrils, making me cough. I was lying on my stomach on some hard...table? I couldn't be sure. I was still fighting off the drug in my system.
"Holly shit, she's awake." a panicked voice somewhere on my left finally made some sense.
There was some shuffling but soon I felt lightheaded again and lost myself in the darkness.
Zack's POV
Not even knowing how, I found himself in front of Max's apartment door. I let myself inside quietly. If she's at work I'll just wait for her here. Just as I was about to settle myself in front of a tv I heard a light breathing from the other room. Two breathings actually.
"Max.." I called out but there was no answer.
Slowly I approached and knocked once on her door. "Max." I repeated, louder this time.
After some shuffling, the door finally opened and there, standing in a doorway wasn't Max. It was Ben.
His hair was ruffled from sleep and his eyes still seemed to be focusing.
"Zack?" he asked confused. Yeah..he was going to work...
I could feel the blood leaving my face. That son of a bitch!
"Dude, you okay?" Ben asked frowning.
"You sleeping with her?" was all I managed to hiss out. My vision was turning red.
"What?" Ben still sounded confused.
His innocent voice and expression only made it worse.
I growled, deep in my throat and Ben took a step back. His new position allowed me to see Max, sleeping in a bed, cowers rumpled around her.
Finally Ben composed himself and pushed me out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"I'm not having sex with her. And if I were it would have been none of your business." Ben slowly explained as if he were talking to a child.
"Then what exactly were you doing?" It was so hard not to just strangle him!
"She was having a seizure."
"Oh..." well now I just felt like an ass.
"Yeah...oh." Ben said coldly.
"Don't get all sarcastic on me Ben!" I was still pissed off. If nothing more, then just because Ben was the one holding Max when she needed it.
"What's going on?" a question came from the doorway. And there she was. Max. We were so occupied, we never heard the door open. She was still pale but tremors were gone and she looked ...okay. Kind of.
"Hi sis." I said gently.
"Zack?" the information finally reached her brain and she launched herself on me, hugging me tightly. Or at least attempting to, she was still weak from her seizure. Not letting the last thought freak me out too much, I wrapped my arms around her slim waist and pulled her very close.
"Soo... what brings you here?" she asked letting go of me. I wish she had stayed in my arms a bit longer. This touchy-feely moments were quite a rarity in my life.
I quickly glanced at Ben, a bit uncomfortable. I just hope he wouldn't spill what went on in here before she entered.
"He came to drag me away from Seattle." Okay.. better than he thought we were getting it on, worse than a simple bro came to visit...
Max was about to say something but ringing of my cell stopped her.
I got it out of pocket and answered quickly, but not before Max and Ben caught Zane's name on a display.
"It's Zack." I answered ending an annoying ring tone. I should really change it. Using my moment of distraction, Ben came closer to Max putting a hand on her forehead, checking her temperature.
"Of course it's Zack. Who else could be picking up your phone?" a sarcastic replay came from the other end. Great, Zane is having a bad hair day...
I just rolled my eyes. "What do you want Zane?"
"I was wondering have you heard from Jondy lately?"
Oh Jesus! "For the hundredth time Zane, I'm not telling you where she is". I said tiredly.
Both Ben and Max looked amused so I turned my back on them. Unfortunately, I still saw them in a window reflection. Ben held Max's face in his hands, looking in her eyes. She focused on his face, amusement dancing in her eyes. He was satisfied with her state, although she was still a bit too pale for my liking.
"She was here last week." Zane distracted me from my jealousy, dropping the bomb as he always did. Totally unexpectedly and seemingly untouched by it.
"What?!" I couldn't even control my voice! I am trying so hard to keep them safe, yet they just keep doing the opposite of my every order. "How did she even know where to find you?"
"Well... she put a bug in your phone the last time you came to check on her. Don't worry it's not transmitting anymore."
I growled. "Why does she always have to be so difficult? And you...did you call me just to rub it in?"
"No. I really meant what I asked. She left, but all her stuff are still here. And...I mean she didn't say she was leaving...I'm worried. " he finally admitted, some of that worry creeping in his tone, confirming what he said.
"Oh don't worry 'bout her. She'll probably show up in a couple of days saying she was in...Vegas..." I only half-joked. It wouldn't be weird. One time I came to check on her, she escaped in Amsterdam.
There was no answer from the other end, just a loud exhale.
"Seriously Zane...it's Jondy we're talking about. " Please let it be just one of her crazy quirks. I can't lose another one!
"Yeah, yeah...I hope you're right..." Zane sounded almost convinced but still a little suspicious.
"And when she returns I'm gonna kill her for disobeying. And recklessness or whatever." I said strictly, killing the connection. Hopefully that'll convince him. Meanwhile, I gotta check on that kid.
"What did they do now? " Ben asked, still looking too amused for my liking. Also his hands on Max didn't help to subdue my annoyance.
"You mean beside Jondy bugging Zack's phone and meeting Zane?" Max asked innocently. With their transgenic hearing it really wasn't much of a task to hear the other end too.
I just rolled my eyes at them. Now I couldn't wait to get outta here. Brin's last moments with us in the car kept popping in my head. I just couldn't go through that again.
"So you really think it's nothing? She really does take off like that?" Ben got serious again.
"I don't know man. She's horrible. Never listens. Always does what she wants. But Zane sounded worried." I rubbed my forehead unconsciously.
"Zack... If she's really in trouble...we can't lose another one of us." Max said gently ,taking a step toward me, voicing my thoughts.
"Another one?" Ben sounded honestly surprised.
"Brin has been taken back." Max said in quiet tone. Now I could almost hear Brin's begging voice in my head.
"What?! Zack! You should have told me!" Ben jumped to his feet.
"I never got the chance. It wasn't so long ago and I haven't seen you since anyway." I brushed him off as if there was nothing to worry about. No need for him to lose sleep over that as well. It was my fault.
"Both of you, stop this right now!" Max said harshly. Well this was turning out very similar like old Manticore days.
We both stopped, but continued to glare at each other. His green eyes held something else. Something I rarely saw in there. Something a bit...mad... It scared me, but I didn't have time to ponder on it. He said it was under control.
Max rolled her eyes. "Now that your stupid, testosterone male contest is hopefully over... we can discuss business." Well, in old days she definitely didn't have this... classy vocabulary. Wait up... business?
We both stopped glaring at each other to look at our sister. Oh god, don't let it be one of her plans again..Ben looked apprehensive and it only fueled my suspicion. For a moment we caught each other's gaze. Max suddenly hit us both on the back of our heads and we both grinned. Putting arms on her hips, she said "We are going to get Brin out of there."
Jondy's POV
I woke up staring at the boring white ceiling. A filtered white light shone down on me. I felt strange, kind of disoriented, but I didn't hurt.
For a few addled seconds, I had no idea what had happened or where I was. As drowsiness wore off, the events on the street came slamming back to me. I sat upright, all of my defenses kicking into action, despite the slight wooziness in my head. Time to figure out where I was now.
I was lying on a semi comfortable bed covered with soft sheets. The room smelled clean but not medical. The room itself had boring- white walls, white sheets and fluorescent lights above my head. The floor tiles were gray but one of those expensive, shiny ones that could be seen only in richest sectors. There were steel door on my right, also gray, with a small window. I slid off the bed, my senses on high alert as I tried to assess the danger. Looking down at myself, I just now noticed what I was wearing. Light gray sweatpants, black top and white socks. By the bed were black snickers and zip-up hoody was neatly folded on the foot of the bed. Ignoring both of it I took a few steps and peaked through the window. All I could see was a long corridor with the same gray, one-window doors. Slowly, I tried the knob, but it was locked. I tried to open it with force, but it wouldn't bulge. Looking around the room, I couldn't find anything to pick a lock. I growled furiously and looked around for the camera or some other surveillance, but nothing stood out.
For the next hour, I tried everything but I was still stuck in this boring colorless room- furious and exhausted, lying on my bed, glaring at the ceiling.
Suddenly the door clicked and I jumped to my feet. There, standing by the door was mid-thirties man. He was wearing a suit and had neat stubble and sharp eyes. He was pointing a stun-gun at my chest. He looked dangerous, not that it scared me, but still, I had to acknowledge it.
"Sit down, nice and calm, so we can talk. I ask nothing more." he said in pleasant voice.
I huffed loudly, very unladylike, and cooked my head to the side. "Could've fooled me." I said glancing quickly at the gun.
"It's just a precaution. I don't wanna harm you."
Finally I shrugged and sat down. Although I found myself in this strange place, I could tell it wasn't Manticore and what harm could it do to listen to him. At least until I figured where I was and what to do about it. God, Zack would have killed me if he saw me now. Curiosity killed the cat Jondy. I could almost hear his voice.
The man nodded and closed the door. "My name is David and this place is Spokane facility of Zhar."
Max's POV
"No way Max! No way!" Zack answered angrily on my proposal.
"What?" Ben was looking at Zack and I was so glad he was here with me. "Why not? We can't just leave her there!"
"It's too dangerous! She made her decision." Ohh, God. I could almost forget why I was so happy to see him just seconds ago.
"What decision?" I yelled. "Die or go back! It's not a decision! It's choosing between two evils!"
"It doesn't matter Max! You need to except what happened and move on! There's nothing more to do." Zack said, sounding final.
"But she's our family Zack." I tried again, this time quietly. I just couldn't forget my beautiful sister, looking so old and sick.
"But we know nothing! We don't know if she's even alive." his voice faltered. Now he was sounding more like a brother and less like a CO.
I closed the distance between us and gently put my hand on Zack's forearm. "Still, we need to try. That's what family does."
Jondy's POV
"Zhar? I don't think I heard about it."
"It's Russian name-"
"Oh.. what ardor? Or heat...glow maybe?" I asked digging around my brain for the exact translation.
"You speak Russian?" David asked amazed.
"I used to... haven't in a long time. But I'm like really smart so I can remember in like days or so." I wasn't even paying attention to him anymore. Or to my words for that matter. My conceit and arrogance just poured out. Oh well... whatever.
"Ok." he smiled a bit, one of those sideway smiles. "So back to the explanation, Zhar is a black opps government-"
"Ohh for crap's sake... " I interrupted him and put my head in my arms. Not again.
"Is there a problem?" he asked confused.
"I had a few... encounters...with secret government operations... I don't think I wanna repeat it."
"Yeah, I know." he kept that smile on.
He knows?! Yeah, right! "You know?"
"Yes. You see, when you woke up earlier, we figured something was off. You were supposed to be unconscious at least eight more hours. So we did some blood tests to see what happened and discovered...well something weird. Thankfully one of our doctors used to work for certain other government program..."
"Manticore." I said waiting to hear more. Things were really starting to get interesting. I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I had a good feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"Yes, Manticore. He explained what the program was all about and how twelve kids escaped in 09."
"Okay. Now you know who I am, but I still know nothing about you. You're black ops program, which means you pretty much have same goals as Manticore. But what's with a Russian name?"
"Yes and no. We do similar work as Manticore, but since the pulse we became sort of free lancers. The Russian name just kind of stayed. It used to be something like European Manticore, only using different assets. We took people from the street that had some talents in certain areas or kids to train them.
My hands curled in fists as I listened about training kids. I could almost hear Lydecker's sharp voice and pounding of our feet as we marched down the corridors.
Seeing my face, David stopped talking. "It's not what you mean. We aren't monsters. Zhar is all about second chance. Manticore is one of our biggest rivals." Okay a little better. But I still didn't like them.
I probably still looked like I might kill someone any second now so David hurried with further explanation.
"Look, just calm down and let me explain. We took you in because we believe we could make a good partners. Life is hard these days and what we offer here might not sound so bad for someone like you." my eyes narrowed at his words and he let out a long exasperated breath "This came out wrong. We offer you money, shelter, food and everything you want. Most importantly- protection from Manticore."
I just raised my eyebrows very high. "And of course you're doing it purely from the goodness of your heart." my voice dripped sarcasm.
David just smiled. "Well you know what they say...enemy of my enemy..." he let the sentence unfinished.
"Just another thing standing in my way?" I asked sugary sweet with wide fake smile.
David rolled his eyes. He obviously had no idea this was gonna be so hard. "We can help each other. But we have to work together."
I was looking at his gorgeous eyes. It was stupid. I was supposed to be able to just say no, kick his ass and get the hell out of here. Except...I didn't really want to. It was horrible thing to even think about...but I kind of didn't mind working for the black opps organization. Working for them meant having some kick ass weapons and traveling around the world... plus they promised protection from Manticore. Did I mention the big guns?
I let out long loud breath before I spoke. "Fine... I can see what's going on in here and we can work together...but... If I'm not satisfied I'm outta here."
He opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it and closed his gap. "Good." he smiled. "Let me show you around."
I put on the rest of my dull uniform and followed Dave out of my room. The corridor we passed, the one I saw through her window, had some of the room doors opened, door ajar. After some left and right turns we found ourselves in an open corridor. On my right was simple fence that was separating it from one very big gym. The gym itself was separated in two. Left side was occupied with trainers and recruits while on the right were some serious fighters and operatives, all older than twenty five.
"You'll start training with recruits since technically you are one."
My gaze followed his arm and I looked at the left part. There, in the middle were mats for hand to hand training and around was different equipment for training, including benches and boxing bags.
On the other side of the corridor was glass wall and behind it- dining area that was currently empty.
"If you follow this corridor you reach the operation room. That's the hearth of this whole institution and access is gained only to those who finish their training and are sent on operations."
I nodded my head, gazing around. I was honestly impressed with this complexion. He put an arm on my shoulder and lead me to those other recruits. He nodded his head to one of the trainers. He looked like a blob fish a little. Pale, big headed, big nosed and with small black eyes.
"Hello. This is our new recruit. Her name is Jondy."
Some of those misfits looked at me nastily but I just flashed them one of those dangerous smiles I picked from Zane and Ben. It always worked miracles and made me feel like a badass.
"She just needs a little reminder on the skills and weapons, but she will probably be ready for the missions next week." Dave said to the Blobfish. He looked me up and down skeptically. Ohh God I couldn't wait to kick some ass. If nothing but to wipe that grins from their faces.
"Okay... Why don't you show us some hand to hand... Mike, you up for it?"
And so we begin...
Ben's POV
It's been two weeks since Zack left. Two weeks since he promised to come back with some information and back up so we can get Brin the hell outta that place.
It had also been two weeks since I stopped taking care of my OCD. Sebastian left for Europe and I just had no real reason to continue. I mean, I felt fine.
Right at the moment we were sitting in Crash, drinking our bears. Everything was going great. Max was sitting by my side, touching my hand with the back of hers.
Suddenly, Sketchy toppled down from his chair and both girls groaned.
"That fool!" Cindy smacked his confused form with her booth.
I flashed them a smile. "I'll get him home."
"No, Ben, you don't have to..." Max started to protest, but I quickly kissed her cheek and got to my feet.
"No worries Maxie. You girls enjoy, see ya tomorrow." I picked my drunk friend from the floor and half dragged, half carried him out. I left him in his apartment, passed out on his couch, with a glass of water close by. I heard detoxicatoion could be a real bitch.
Leaving his apartment, I noticed a young women walking on the street, all by herself. I could smell fear coming from her, and couldn't blame her. This was dangerous part of the town and she really shouldn't be walking around all by herself. Still, her face looked confident. She seemed to be very good at hiding her emotions. That's when I noticed that she was clutching something around her neck. Looking closer I saw it was a necklace with a cross dangling from it. A cross.
Suddenly I felt those dark thoughts creeping up on me. Its dark tendrils slowly making their way under my skin. And then, as on cue, I heard her voice.
"My beautiful boy..." she sing-songed in my head.
"Go away! You're not real!" I growled out loud.
"Then how come you answer me?"
"I don't know!" I put my hands on my head, trying to chase her away.
"You were side tracked from your mission my boy."
And then my body turned cold. I felt like my blood turned into ice. I failed my mission. I stopped myself on the street thinking of all those weeks I spent here with Max. Then I remembered her seizures. That was my fault. I didn't fulfill my mission and something bad happened to her. Then I remembered Jondy missing and Brin being taken by Manticore. It was all my fault. Everything could have been stopped if I just gave The Blue Lady what she wanted.
I turned on my hill and run after the girl. I hit her on the back of her head and she slumped in my arms. Being watchful not to be seen, I took her to my apartment. I was ready to continue my mission now.
Max's POV
Cindy and I were still sitting in the Crash when I noticed a pair of keys on the table.
"Ohh, Ben left his keys here." I said taking them in my hand.
OC raised her eyebrows and looked at me with that all knowing look.
"Leme guess...you wanna go afta yo boy?"
I just rolled my eyes. "No, I'll just leave him to stand in front of his door all night."
"Well, maybe once he figures he can't enter, he'll just come to us, sleep in your bed again..."
I barely suppressed my face from reddening.
"I'll see ya later boo. Gotta give him this keys back."
She winked me and I left.
When I got to his apartment, he was still out. Probably still dragging poor Sketchy home. That boy just didn't know how to hold his liquor. I sat myself comfortably on the couch, and ten minutes later I heard someone approaching the door. He put something heavy on the floor and started rummaging through his pockets. I smiled and opened the door, keys dangling on my fingers.
"Looking for this?" I asked him with a smile.
The scene that looked back at me wiped it away immediately. Ben looked at me guiltily, but there was also that mad glistening in his eyes that I haven't seen since that day in the woods. Looking down, I saw a fainted girl by his feet. My brain worked so slow, it just wouldn't comprehend what the hell was happening here.
Then, slowly, I started to piece information together.
"Ohh God!" I said quietly, crouching by the girl, noticing blood on the back of her head. Thankfully, she still had pulse.
Ben took a step back and I saw that the full effect of what had happened was sinking into him. I didn't know whether to be relieved or feel bad for him.
I pulled the girl up and put her on couch. She moaned quietly and I tapped her cheek with my hand.
"Hey... you wake?" I asked.
She opened her eyes and looked at me groggily. Seeing me, she started to wake, fear shinning on her face.
"Hey...no, don't be scared. You fainted on the street." I told her, hoping that she hadn't seen Ben when he hit her. God, I didn't even know what happened. All I could do was lessen the damage he did and hope there would be no witnesses or victims.
"What did you say?" she asked confused.
"You fainted on the street and hit your head on the pavement. We saw you. You're in my apartment now." I told her slowly, hoping she'll buy it.
"Ohh..." was all she said. "Do you have a phone? Can I call my brother?" I dared to glance at Ben and he took out his cell, throwing it my way. I couldn't read his face and it scared the hell outta me. But first I had to take care of the girl.
She called her brother and ten minutes later he picked her up, leaving me alone with Ben. In the meantime he opened a bottle of scotch and started drinking directly from it.
When I turned and looked at him, he just gazed at me back. "You can go now. I won't do anything stupid tonight." he said with a shrug, his voice icy. I just stared at him, my moth hanging open.
"What?" I asked dumbfounded.
"I said-"
"I heard what you said. I just can't believe it!" I almost screamed at him. "You said you were getting better! You said your meetings with Sebastian were going well!"
He just averted his gaze and I felt tears stinging my eyes. I came closer to him and pulled the bottle away from him, grabbing both of his hands. I looked him in the eyes. "Ben... what happened tonight?"
He still wouldn't look at me. I brushed the back of his hands with my thumbs, hoping to give us both a little comfort. All this just felt so unreal. Last couple of weeks I almost forgot all that has happened with him. I just wanted him to be okay, and I thought he was...I blinked couple times, trying not to cry.
"I tried. I tried to hold on." he finally said quietly. "But the way I felt tonight ... it was like the world started crumbling around me. Every doubt, every fear , everything that happened to you, our family... it weighted me down until I was swallowed in blackness and couldn't tell what's real or not. And even when I know something's not real ... like hearing The Blue Lady ...well, it's still hard ..."
I went cold all over "How often do you hear her?"
His voice was barely whisper. "Not often. I haven't in weeks. It's so crazy. I know she's not real. I know she's not there. She can't be, we made her up. I understand that, but I can imagine what she'd say, and it feels real ... it's like I can practically see her. I haven't yet, though, but someday ... someday, I'm afraid I really will, and then I know I'll really be lost..."
I was so floored, I didn't know what to say. I drew him to me and finally found words.
"Ben, you have to get help. What happened with Sebastian?"
"He had to travel to Europe on some conference. " he said quietly. I barely heard him.
"Why didn't you tell me Ben?" I asked, trying hard to replace the fear and sadness with anger.
"Because I hated it!" he snapped at me, taking his hands back, leaving me empty. "I hate him rummaging through my brain, I hate his electronic voice that gives me creeps, I hate that he came from Logan, Logan who constantly takes you away from me, who acts all better and more noble than anyone but still constantly puts you in danger. I had to protect you from that danger!"
I came closer, trying to take his hands again, but he wouldn't let me, he just moved away.
And at that point, I couldn't hold my grief in any longer. The tears started as just a few trickles and before I knew it, I was consumed by full-fledged sobbing. I buried my face in my hands, and all the sorrow, all the fear I'd held inside for him came bursting out. I almost never cried. I certainly didn't sob, especially in front of others and although I considered most of Lydecker's lessons completely useless these days, I'd still clung to the idea that breaking down like this and showing so much emotion was a sign of weakness. But I couldn't help it. I couldn't stop.
I felt Ben's arms go around me, and although they felt safe and strong, his voice wavered. "Maxie... do you ... do you hate me?"
It took me almost thirty seconds to speak without choking. I looked up at his beautiful face in shock, unable to believe he'd think I would hate him because he was sick and suffering. "What? No! Why would you think that?"
"Then what will happen?" he asked in little boy's voice.
"I don't know Ben." I started sobbing again. "I am so afraid for you. We need to find a way to help you. Okay you hate Sebastian, we will find another way!"
He pulled me closer to him and I snuggled into his side, clutching to his t-shirt. He run a hand through my hair and I did my best to stop crying. I was a soldier for the love of god. Soldiers didn't cry!
Still it left me so exhausted, I fell asleep in his arms.
Tinga's POV
I was lying on the beach, drinking one of those crazy cocktails when my phone started buzzing. Both I and Charlie froze. He reached over me and grabbed it cautiously.
"You gave anyone this number?" he asked, looking at the phone like it might explode.
I took it from him, ruffling his hair with my other hand. "Just my brother Zack." By now he knew all about my family and how we spent our time in Manticore. I also told him how Zack always kept an eye on us.
He visibly relaxed by my side and waved me to take the call.
"Tinga" I said in a phone, looking at my husband lovingly. We kind of got married last week. It was beautiful, just the two of us, a priest and a bartender we met that night. It was on the beach, under the sun and I loved every second of it.
"Hey Tings. Everything okay?" I rolled my eyes at my big brother.
"You're calling me Zack. Maybe I should ask you that." I said gently.
"Yeah... right..." he started all... distracted.
"Zack, what's going on?" I asked sitting up. This was so unlike him that it scared me.
"I met Max. She's with Ben in Seattle."
"What?" I said loudly. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Manticore got Brin." he proceeded, without giving me a real answer.
Ohh God! "Zack, cut the crap!" I snapped "Tell me what the hell is going on!"
There was a loud sigh on the other end and then he finally started talking.
"Brin is in Manticore and Max and Ben know it and plan on getting her out. Damn Tinga, you know those two. When they set their minds on something, there's no going back." he sounded so tired I instantly felt sorry for him. "Also Zane called, Jondy found him but now she's gone and nobody knows where she is... I don't know should I be worried or angry. And Ben has been doing...crazy things Tinga."
"Do you want me to meet you somewhere? Help you what you need. I mean, find Jondy, or talk to those two...not that I can say anything to change their minds... maybe I can help you get Brin out..." I said carefully.
He sighed again. "When can you be in Seattle?"
I looked at my husband and exhaled. We were having such a wonderful time here. "I can be there by the end of the week."
"Okay. Call me when you get there." Sensing he was about to end the conversation, I had mere seconds to debate whether to tell him about Charlie or not.
But I owed it to him. "Zack wait..."
"Yeah?"
"I... " I steeled myself and tried again. "I have to tell you something too. I'm sorry all of us are making you worry so much, but you have to understand, it's not your fault for Brin and Jondy. I'm sure of it. It's just...we're not kids anymore. Well, Jondy and Max are still teenagers, but we're old enough to make our own decisions. It's our own fault if we make wrong ones, also we learn by doing them. You can't protect us from everything. Okay?"
There was a silence on the other end and then finally "Thanks Tinga. It means a lot." He said earnestly.
"Well good... because now comes the bad part... I got married for a black ops ex agent...he knows what I am..."
Oh yes... well done Tinga... give him a heart attack!
"Well... " he said and then burst out laughing. I started laughing too. Maybe he finally lost his mind and as SIC his duty would fall on my shoulders. Shit.
"Well congrats sis. At least he can protect you. But that sentimentalities will get you all killed." he said. "So you think he's safe?"
"I'm sure he is. And I love him a lot Zack."
"I hope you're right. See ya next week. Prepare your husband to meet our family." He laughed a bit nastily at that but at least he didn't overreact.
Oh god... meeting the family, I don't think I will ever be ready to see Charlie in the same room with Ty or Zane. Or Syl and Jondy...shit... they'll eat him alive.
"Charlie, honey...
Jondy's POV
I was just applying some gloss on my lips when my handler walked in the room. Well, handler might be a bit too much, but technically, that's what he was. He was twenty something Mexican guy with very short hair and adorable dark eyes. He was also my absolutely favorite person in Zhar.
He popped himself on one of the sofas in the room. "I like your dress sweetie."
"Don't call me sweetie, Jonny." I answered looking down at my dress. It was adorable tight, midnight blue dress. Short and sleeveless with open back. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it.
"Have you read about the mission?"
"Yup. Shouldn't be too difficult." I said standing up. I was really enjoying this new lifestyle. And the job was way too fun.
Jonny gave me his arm like a gentleman and I hooked mine through it, letting him lead the way out of the room.
On my mission, he stayed in the van while I entered the party that some big-deal mobster was having. One of those fancy parties with dress code and champagne. For now, everything was going fine. I was chatting with mobster's annoying daughter when a hand slid around my back and husky voice whispered in my ear. "Wow, you look fantastic. I didn't expect to find you here. Wanna dance?"
I felt goose bumps rising on my skin at his sexy voice. I turned around and flashed him one of my most charming smiles.
"How could I ever refuse a pretty boy like you."
I could hear Jonny's not so subtle cough in my ear, but I ignored him and focused all my attention toward green eyed, sandy haired guy in front of me. He rewarded me with one of his trendmark smirks and pulled me closer. This wasn't our first encounter, but it was certainly first one so up close. As we started dancing, he lowered his head to my ear and spoke again. I tried to ignore a tingling sensation that spread through my spine.
"So, honey, what exactly are you doing here?"
"I'll tell if you tell." I whispered sexily.
He chuckled and I remembered the very first time we met.
I just slid through the roof window of this fancy house, in the middle of the night. I hid in one of many spare rooms and pressed a button on the phone that allowed me to hear what bad guys were talking about in the main room, couple floors down.
I was comfortably lying on the king sized bed in my cat suit, chewing a gum and letting the words engrave in my brain- one of finest transgenic perks. Just when they reached the important part of the conversation, the door of the room opened and this guy entered. He was dressed all in black, and there was something weird happening in the pit of my...stomach when I saw guys in black shirts. But at that moment I didn't have much time to ponder about how hot he looked. I jumped from the bed and was about to point a gun to his chest, but he obviously had the same idea, only he did it faster. I had to give it to him, the man knew the fine art of our job. At the same time I was checking him out (for the danger of course) and listening to the heated conversation downstairs.
"Don't move." he said quietly "Put your gun down kitty cat."
"But then I would have to move." I said grinning.
He rolled his eyes, but grinned back.
"Who are you?" I asked putting hands on my hips.
"Hello" he said pointedly "Gun. Means question time for me."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever honey."
Figuring he isn't one of the guards, I turned my back on him. He must be here for the same reason that I was. I sat back on the bed, by the phone and concentrated on the conversation bellow. I heard him huff an air of expiration and smiled. I kind of liked him. He seemed funny.
"So... you gonna tell me your name this time?" he asked, while swirling me around the room.
"You gonna tell me yours?" I asked, easily falling back to our previous banter.
"Alec" he whispered, his tongue snapping at c a bit. Damn he was hot.
"Jondy" I purred in his ear.
"Who do you work for? I racked my brain to figure it out but-"
"Your whole brain? Bet it took a whole minute." I rolled my eyes. Like I was gonna tell him.
"Now now, no need to be rude Kitty."
"I told you my name so you could use it, ya know."
He shrugged his shoulders, pulling me closer. "Why are you here?"
"Like you don't already know." I said and as the song ended, I untangled from him with a mild regret and let for the lady's room.
"Wow that was...intense. You sure you're up to this job. Seems to me you're too... distracted. Who the hell is Alec?" Jonny commented in my mic.
"A guy I met while I was doing a recon on this house." I said nonchalantly.
"Great. So good you mentioned that in your report."
"Well I'm telling you now. Besides, I wouldn't wanna have him eliminated. He's funny." I said while doing a touch up on my makeup.
"The coast is clear." Jonny said and I left the room going on the first floor. We knew the target will be there.
As I approached the room, I was grabbed by my forearm and pulled to the side.
"Where are you going?" Alec asked me irritably.
"To do what I came here to do." I said pulling my arm away. I bet that was his assignment too.
"To kill Marcus?"
"Oh, how do you know?" I asked sarcastically, debating whether to just knock him unconscious and do my job. But I really didn't wanna ruin his pretty face.
"It came to me in a dream. I was naked. You loved it." I was so taken back by his joke that I burst out laughing out loud.
Damn that was stupid. The guard heard me and rounded the corner. I smacked him in the head with my fancy high hill and he toppled down unconscious.
"Did you see how I took care of that? I'll teach you that sometimes." I winked at Alec and entered the room, him hot on my heels.
"Hey jackass." I called Marcus. He turned around and I shot him straight in the head. He toppled on the floor. It was so easy. So final. For a moment I just stared down at him. A memory of Eva popping in my head, but I buried it deep down and turned away from the body like nothing happened. This was my job and he was a bad guy.
"That was my job to do." Alec said and crouched down by Marcus's corpse. He turned his pockets around and took something out. It was a small USB .
"What is that?" I asked.
"My mission." Alec said like I was asking nonsense. "Thought I was gonna fight you for it." he shrugged.
"Uh..no, I just had to eliminate him. Can you copy it on this?" I asked him, pulling another USB from my purse. It was disguised in a lipstick. "Bet my bosses would love to have it."
He raised his brows. "Aren't we like... competition?"
"Well I can just take it from you, you know." I said with a shrug. He rolled his hazel eyes but still copied it like I asked.
"So... what do I get in return for this?" he asked waggling his eyebrows.
I tried to take it from him, but he sidestepped me shaking his head. "Uh huh, no, no."
"Your life?" I threatened.
"Sure..." he didn't look convinced. And...well... he was right. I wouldn't wanna kill him. He's way too good looking to die this young. So I took a step closer and kissed him on the cheek, grabbing my USB in the process.
He smiled. "I can live with that... for now."
Okay guys, I really need to know what you think, so review! Thanks for reading. xo
