The next day...
Rock woke up at the loud noise coming from his alarm clock. He grunted and reached over to hit the mute button. It was still dark outside only a few sunbeams were coming from behind the mountains in the distance. He got up and walked unsteady into the bathroom. He was tired but he wanted to get up early today to prepare. He showered, brushed his teeth and got dressed. He holstered his gun, a Walther P99, and walked towards the door. He wanted to get a smoke outside, maybe this will wake him up a little. He stepped out of his room and leaned onto the railing. He got out his cigarettes and lit one while gazing into the distance, seeing the sun rise.
„So you're up already?"
Rock jumped back and almost fell. He didn't see someone when he got out. He was frightened to death, his heart was racing.
„Revy. You almost killed me. Never do that again!" he fought to bring out his words, pressing his right hand on his chest over his heart.
She just glared at him uninterested. She was leaning against the railing, a cigarette hanging from her lips, with her hands in her pockets.
He breathed in deeply and relaxed against the railing again.
„How are you?" he asked trying to brighten the mood. He smiled softly at her.
She just ignored him turning to face the parking lot in front of them. She rested her forearms on the wood and starred into distance, watching the sun rise.
„Revy I'm sorry for what happened. I won't speak of it again if you don't want me to. Let's just forget about it." That was simply a lie, but he had to hold back.
She glanced at him from the side, her look was horrifying.
„It's a little too late now for that, isn't it?" her voice sounded cold and annoyed.
Rock got scared. He knew she wouldn't harm him unless he would give her a reason to do so. But he could feel a certain distance between them. He couldn't tell what it was but it felt like the days he was new to the Lagoon Company. Right in the beginning she wasn't trusting him, she was looking down on him. After some time that changed, they got along better, after their little argument about what had happened in the submarine. She was treating him like a partner and was even protecting him. When he took that bullet to save her life he could feel her opening even more to him. She was his best friend. But now she looked at him like if he wasn't worth breathing around her.
That's not what he had expected. Yeah sure, he expected her to be mad at him or threading him again swinging around her Cutlass. Maybe, he thought, she could have tried to ignore that incident completely. But that look she gave him he had not expected. She seemed disgusted and not willing to talk to him at all.
„What's wrong Rock? Did you see a ghost or something?" she spoke condescending as she stepped on the butt of her cigarette and turned to her room. She walked in and slammed the door shut.
He was starring at the point she had disappeared, not knowing what to do.
„What crawled up your ass and died?" Eda asked Revy who had just closed the door behind her.
„Shut the fuck up" was all she got as answer. Revy walked into the bathroom and again slammed the door shut.
Revy leaned onto the sink, her head hanging down. Her hands tightened around the cold ceramic and her body began shaking. She felt rage building up inside her. She was so pissed at Rock, at her own feelings, at this whole fucked up situation. She punched her fist hard into the mirror in front of her. Shards of glass and drops of blood fell down on the floor and into the sink. She looked up and saw her face in the remaining, broken glass that was still hanging in the frame. She looked terrible. A loud knock came from the door.
„Revy? What are you doing in there?" Eda called.
Revy raised her head and turned around. She sighed and opened the door.
„What the...? You know we have to pay for this? What's wrong?" Eda knew it had something to do with Rock.
Revy just walked past her and sat down on her bed. Her cell started ringing so she picked it up.
„Yah." She answered
„Yeah I know where that is." She nodded even thou the other person on the phone couldn't see her.
„One hour, ok. We will be right there." She hung up.
„We will meet up at the Gardenia Hotel in an hour. It will take us about 20 minutes to get there, I think." Revy looked at Eda.
Eda still stood next to the bathroom door, looking back at Revy. She crossed her arms over her chest with a serious expression.
Revy let out a sigh and let her head hang down. None of them said anything. After some tense seconds Eda broke the silence.
„Tell me." She demanded calm.
„What shall I tell you?" Revy breathed annoyed. Eda didn't react, she just kept starring at Revy, waiting for a proper response. Revy realized Eda won't give up. She breathed in deeply and grabbed her head with both hands, trying to somehow control her frustration. Eda walked around her bed and sat down in front of the confused woman. She offered her a cigarette and took one for herself. She lit both of them and then waited for Revy to finally answer her.
„Yesterday he finally crossed the line. I hoped he would be to cowardly to ever make a move, that fucking asshole." She ended bitter.
„So now what? Just forget about him while we're here." Eda suggested with a shrug of her shoulders.
Revy looked up at her face and then looked away.
„Don't tell me you're fucking considering to fucking give in now?"
„Of course not you bitch." Revy burst out.
„So what's the problem then?" Eda was having way to much fun, Revy noticed.
„There's no fucking problem. I'm just pissed at this fucking dipshit." Revy inhaled deeply and slowly let out a stream of grey smoke.
„Yeah sure, just keep fooling yourself." Eda grinned as she leaned back on her bed and propped herself on her elbows, half lying on the bed.
Revy was to tired to get loud again and scream at Eda, She rolled to her side and on her back, glaring at the ceiling.
„What exactly did he do?" Eda asked inquisitively, grinning like an idiot.
„He fucking tried to kiss me." Maybe it was better to feed the beast with a little information then none. Maybe she will let her have some peace then.
„What do you mean he tried? Did he or did he not?"
Revy glanced at her.
„He did." She finally answered.
Edas grin was getting vicious. „Poor Rockyboy. What did you do to him?"
Revy got nervous. She would rather take on a fight with whole Roanapur on her own, then telling Eda she did nothing but started crying like a baby.
„I fought him off and left." She simply said.
„That sounds like he tried to come at you like a hormone-driven youngster and you had to be the grown up one."
Revy didn't want to go on with that pathetic conversation.
„I'm leaving now. We gotta find that hotel. I only know more or less where it is. I don't wanna let the boss lady wait." She got up and walked to the door. Eda was still grinning but followed her. Revy walked down the stairs not waiting for her.
„Hey don't you wanna tell Rock we're leaving?" the blond yelled holding in at his door. Revy just shook her head and continued walking. „Damn that bitch is pms'ing 3 weeks a month." Eda said to herself.
„I can hear you, now swing your fat ass over here or do I have to drive myself?"
45 minutes later they pulled onto the parking lot in front of the gardenia Hotel. The captain obviously wasn't being cheap when it comes to her choice of hotels. It had a big pompous entrance. The two women got out of the car and Revy led the way to the reception. She asked where room 215 was and then they proceeded to the elevator.
„It think I'm gonna hold myself back a little from now on." Eda said kinda annoyed. Revy just nodded, she knew Balalaika and her rival didn't get along to well. The elevator doors opened and they stepped out. Revy knocked at the door. Boris was the one who opened revealing the suit where Balalaika was sitting on a huge expensive looking table. Next to her was standing none other than Rock. When the two women entered, Revy shortly glanced at him but then pretended like he wasn't there at all.
„Two Hands. Glad to see in a proper condition." Balalaika greeted her. She shortly nodded in Edas direction but didn't really gave her much attention. Eda just frowned and then crossed her arms and walked along to lean on the wall to stay in the background. Revy stepped in front of the table and said:
„Hey sis."
„I already heard from your rather unpleasant incident." The captain motioned to Rock who had a plain look an his face. Revy faltered and almost thought Rock had told her from last night. But then she remembered she got shot at and quickly regained her composure.
„Good, less explaining on my side." Revy replied stiff.
„So you surly wanna hear about the plan, right?" Balalaika smiled at her and motioned her to sit down.
„That's damn right Sis." Revy sighed and sat down in front of her. After she did, Boris stepped behind Balalaika and Rock sat down too but in safe distance.
Balalaikas eyes went to Revy then to Rock and then back to Revy. A subtle smile flew over her lips but then she spoke again: „So Mr. Chang had some information for me yesterday. Before I tell you I'll have to apologize."
Revy frowned.
„I didn't tell you his name yet because we weren't sure yet. Yesterday we finally found out."
Revy snorted . She knew there was something up with that. Fucking excuses. Why shouldn't Balalaika keep such an important information from her otherwise.
„So?" she asked impatiently.
Balalaika clapped a cigar and leaned back in her chair. „His stradgedy was to only go by the name Weasel for his business but his real name was the true cover. He owns a place here and is known as a normal gas station attendant who lives in the center of this small city. It's just a farce to allow him to move around freely as he pleases. His name is Nathan Maxwell." Balalaika obviously paused to let the new information sink in.
Revy was surprised at the name. It sounded pretty common. Strangely she didn't feel anything hearing it finally. Balalaika watched her features closely. As she came to the conclusion she wouldn't get any reaction she went on.
„Mr. Chang found out as he was trying to get information about some drug smuggle not running under the Triads or Hotel Moskwas custody. So I might wanna say we owe him for that." An amused grin spread over her face and she finally lit her cigar.
Revy just nodded. „So the plan?" she asked.
„I heard he is aware we are after him but I'm surprised he isn't trying to flee." Balalaika obviously wasn't mad at this fact.
A grim grin spread over Revys features. „I made sure of that."
Balalaika exhaled a cloud of smoke and leaned forward. She took out a map of this small town from a drawer and spread it out on the table.
„This is were he lives. We will pay him a visit this afternoon about 5 pm. The Visotoniki will make sure he has no way out." She pointed at a street called Khlong San street. Everyone got closer to take a look. Eda stepped behind Revy and even Rock leaned in but shortly peeked over to Revy before he did. She totally ignored him and looked at Balalaika again.
„I have proof that comrade Akim and comrade Milan are still alive. I'm sure he wants to use them as some kind of insurance. But we already made sure he's at home and if he would leave we have someone to tail him. So there should be no problem."
„But Sis, I thought he has his own men? I'm sure he won't be alone." Revy just wanted to mention it. It wouldn't really change anything.
„I heard you took out the majority at the warehouse?" Balalaika smiled even wider. „And most of his other men are not in the country. So this will be like a walk in the park."
Now Revy grinned too. She wouldn't mind a big ass gunfight after all the tension that had built up this last two days. It would have been a good chance to let loose and go a little crazy but this time she preferred the safer way. She wanted to make sure to get her hands on him.
They kept discussing about ways to go in and the weapons for a little longer but all in all the plan was set up. Revy Eda and a really quiet Rock then finally left the hotel to get some rest before the big showdown. They got back to their cars and Revy still did her best to ignore him completely. They drove back to the little inn and Revy was the first to get out of the car and up the stairs. She wasn't sure if Rock had waited on purpose for her to get up before him and she didn't really care. As Eda caught the door almost swinging in her face behind her she yelled. „HEY! The fuck? Watch it stupid bitch." Revy fell down on her bed and again covert her eyes with her arm. Eda entered and closed the door. She propped her fists on her hips and said: „You know you two are acting like fucking 12 year olds?"
„I got him. Barely 7 hours then I'll get him for sure." She more whispered to herself then anybody else. Eda sighed and walked over to the small table and sat down. She filled up a glass of rum still standing there and relaxed in her chair. „You want some too?" She asked looking out of the window.
Revy sat up looking at her. „No." Her eyes were wide as she obviously was thinking about what is going to happen soon. She slid out of her holsters and began taking her guns apart. It's not like she had to clean them. She already did but she was just making sure everything was alright. When she shoved the mags back and then rounded a bullet in each of her guns, she was looking satisfied. Now she began to get restless. She got up and started paceing up and down in the small hotel room. In her head she tried to make up different scenarios and thought about what other weapons she should bring with her. She would take some grenades but hopefully not have to use them. She wanted him alive. She would wear her other belt on which she had more clip holders.
„Oh my fucking god stop it!" Eda finally snapped at her. „You're driving me fucking crazy."
To her big surprise Revy halted and turned around. Eda knew that look in her eyes but this time she almost got scared herself.
Meanwhile in Rocks room...
He also was checking his gun preventing it from giving him any surprises, and then got a cold one from the fridge to sit down and think.
He came to the conclusion it would be best to hold himself back. He made sure Balalaika had no problem with him coming along. He decided to pay more attention on Revy than to catch their target. With Balalaika and the Visotoniki around he would be redundant anyway. Revy would be his bigger problem. He was sure she was trying hard to hide what's going on inside of her. His job will be making sure she's alright. He knew how she could be when pissed off. He had no idea how she could be when she got really emotional. This man sure made himself some serious enemy.
4:45 outside of Nathans house.
„Two Hands, Rock, comrade Sergeant, myself and the nun will be going in. The rest off you all will join the already set up troops to guard every entrance around the building." Balalaika declared to all attendants. Revy, Eda and Rock were all sitting in a black Van together with Boris and Balalaika. The captain gave her orders via radio to her subordinates. They were ready to go in.
Revy was preparing herself mentally. She concentrate on her breathing to keep her calm. She was anticipated and wanted nothing more then just storm out and get that little Fucker. But no, she wanted to do this right here and she had to remember there was still another reason why they were all here. If she would kill him before the captain gets her information she will have another big problem afterwards.
Eda nudged her with her elbow softly. Revy snapped out off her thoughts. „You ok?" the nun asked trying to hide her concern.
Revy closed her eyes but nodded, then she spoke: „ Never felt better my whole life."
Eda grinned behind her sunglasses and took out her Glock. Like she gave the sign to start, Boris opened the door of the Van and stepped outside. He held the door open for Balalaika to excite the car followed by Revy, Eda and then Rock.
„You hungry Two Hands?" Balalaika asked viciously.
„Starving." Revy said cold and cross drew her boys.
No time for any courtesies Revy kicked in the front door and took aim at any possible enemies. The hallway was empty. She stepped in and shortly was followed by the others. It was silent and almost seemed like nobody was home.
That little fucker sure had some money. The house was huge. Inside they could tell the furniture had to be worth quite something and he even had some really expensive looking paintings hanging on his walls that looked quite familiar.
Revy hid behind the corner to the living room and listened. Nothing, so she swung around her cutlass at the ready and then suddenly a loud shot was heard. The others were still standing in the hallway so they didn't see what happened. Rock wanted to run into the living room but Boris held him back grabbing his arm. Balalaika shook her head at him and then slowly approached the door. Before she could reach it they heard someone laughing inside the living room.
„So you finally found me huh? Rebecca darling." Everyone haltered and listened.
„Don't hide from me. Let me take better look at you darling. I already heard you grew up to a quite impressive woman." Again he laughed his disgusting bleak laugh.
„You know I'm not really into full grown women but for you I guess I can make an exception." He finished his voice turning from a cold chuckle to a serious threat as he spoke.
Balalaika swung around the corner and again shoots were heard. Boris hurried after her followed by the remaining two. As Rock halted next to Balalaika he saw the man must be hiding behind a big couch but she must have hit him. Blood was staining the right armrest of the couch and the floor beneath it. Rock looked around in fear but he quickly found Revy covering behind a huge old cupboard. Looked like she had a graze on her arm but nothing serious. He quickly thanked god for her almost inhuman and fast reflexes. He must have been waiting for her but unfortunately for him he also must have thought she would come alone. How stupid, Rock grinned. Revy stepped next to Balalaika and spoke, almost whispered: „Dead End fucker."
„Remember what I told you Two Hands?"
Balalaika asked kinda amused. „Just get it out of him and he'll be yours."
Revy quickly nodded and approached the couch. „So you want revenge little Beccy?" they heard him laugh again but this time he didn't sound so secure. Suddenly he jumped up from behind the sofa and immediately opened fire at Revy. She jumped to her right using the small table as cover and fired back at him. Everyone in the room reacted as planed before. Balalaika took cover behind the door with Boris on her side, Eda jumped to the glass door leading to the patio so he couldn't run away. Rock jumped to Revys side and wanted to help her out of the fire line but she had other plans. She just shortly remained on the floor and then quickly jumped up again running straight towards Nathan. It was a miracle none of his bullets hit her. She jumped over the couch and pinned him down. She had knocked his gun out of his hand as they hit the ground and pressed her right cutlass at his fore head.
The man slowly raised his hands in defeat and spoke: „Guess you won Beccy." His oozy grin never leaving his lips. Revy pistol wiped him across the face knocking him out.