Maxie stood there watching the whole scene play in front of her
Maxie stood there watching the whole scene play in front of her. When Jason lifted the gun her knees started to shake and she closed her eyes. The sound was worse than anything she had ever heard in the whole world. She opened her eyes and saw Ian lying in front of her. She didn't have to check his pulse to verify what she already knew. Dr. Ian Devlin was dead.
"Step back." Jason said.
Maxie listened and watched as Jason check Ian's pockets. "What are you looking for?" Maxie asked tensely.
"Anything that tells me who he is working for." Jason said. He took Ian's wallet and he also took Ian's briefcase. "We need to get off this boat, now."
Maxie nodded, "I saw a life raft when Ian led me on here." She said. "It's that way."
Jason placed hand gently on Maxie's shoulder as she led the way and surprisingly the gesture meant a lot to her. It had been a long tough evening.
"I like your dress." Jason said as he put the life raft into the water. For the first time in hours Maxie thought of the designer dress. It was dirty and stained. The dress that hours ago had meant so much to her was ruined. The funny thing was she didn't care.
"Thanks." She said.
Once the boat was lowered into the water Jason helped Maxie into the boat. He followed seconds later and started back to the shore.
"I think I see Spinelli and Sonny." Maxie said looking in front of her.
"Yeah." Jason said. "Look. I am going to let you off at the shore and then I am going back." Jason said.
"Why?" Maxie asked.
"I have to …" Jason started.
"Evidence." Maxie said. "Should have known." She laughed ruefully.
Spinelli and Sonny met the small life boat at the shore. Spinelli put a hand out to help Maxie up. Once she was safely in his arms she instinctively kissed him. Maxie was surprised when he kissed back. They stayed that way for a long moment. When the kiss finally broke they noticed Jason and Sonny were gone.
Spinelli took his phone out, "I am going to call Max and have him come and get you." He said. "He will take you home."
Maxie closed his phone. "I am not going home." She said.
"Maxinista, the Jackal loves your bravery but…" he started.
"But what?" Maxie challenged.
Spinelli looked like he was at a loss for words. "But nothing. Ok, you stay. You should stay." He kissed her forehead. 'Tonight the Wounded blonde one was brave and strong. The Jackal is proud of her."
"Thanks," Maxie said. "What do we do now?"
"We wait." Spinelli told her. "Stone Cold will let me know what he wants me to do."
The two sat down. Spinelli took Maxie's hand. "I think we should talk." Maxie said.
Spinelli's eyes widen. "How did I mess this up already?" he asked.
"No." Maxie laughed. "You didn't. I thought we should discuss us."
"Ok." He said. "What about us?"
"What are we exactly?" she asked.
"We are…" Spinelli started. "Whatever you want to be."
Maxie sighed, "I want to try and be something. I want to be together."
"Well," Spinelli said. "You are in luck because that is exactly what the Jackal wants."
Maxie felt safe wrapped in Spinelli's arms even what she had sent hat evening. His world was exactly where she wanted to be.
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When Jason and Sonny got back they looked grim. "Ian wasn't there." Jason said.
"What do you mean?" Maxie asked. "I saw you…I saw him. He was dead."
"If he's dead." Jason said then someone moved him. "The only other option is he moved himself."
"Spinelli," Sonny said. "We need to find Ian. We need to find him immediately. I want you on this now. Time to say goodnight to Maxie. Take her home."
"No." said Maxie.
"Excuse me?" Sonny countered. "What?"
"No sir." Maxie said.
Sonny looked at Spinelli, "Why is she saying no?" he said. He looked back at Maxie, "Do you not understand? This is not a game. This is serious. People could get hurt."
"I know that." Maxie stated. "I was there when Jason shot Ian. I understand that this is not a game but I can help Spinelli with this."
Sonny sighed and looked at Jason, "Fine." He said. "But do not distract him. I need him on his game. Jason and I have called Max and Milo we are setting off on foot to find him."
Spinelli nodded, "Yes, godfather sir." He said. Spinelli took Maxie's hand and led her away.
"I know Sonny was all super serious do this now but can we stop by my place so I can take this dress off." Spinelli hesitated but Maxie pushed on. "I will be quick. I will grab some stuff and then I can shower at Jason's?"
"Ok," Spinelli relented. "As long as the Maxinista makes it quick."
"Thanks sweetie." She said.
Maxie was grateful Mac wasn't home but that also worried her. Was he called to work because of something with Sonny and Jason? She shrugged off the fear building inside of her and quickly gathered some things. Toothbrush, shampoo, and pajamas were on her list of requirements that evening. And as she promised Spinelli she was quick about it.
Soon they were back at Jason's Spinelli set his laptop up downstairs and then showed Maxie to the bathroom. She took off her dress and felt a pang of disappointment at the site of the stains and rips in the fabric. While she was showering she let herself feel a little bit of the apprehension.
This night was crazy and a little worrisome. Not only was life in danger this evening but she had started a new chapter in her life. The idea of being with Spinelli was nice and comforting but also alarming. She had never had a stable relationship and she hoped she could make this one work. But her track record was noting to brag about.
She changed into her pajamas and headed downstairs. She climbed onto the couch and let her head rest on Spinelli's shoulder. "Find anything?" she asked.
"Nope," he said. "But the jackal's side of things doesn't move as quickly as Stone Colds. There is a lot of waiting and patience on the jackal's part. It may take a moment but it will come to fruition,"
"I am not good with patience." Maxie admitted. "I am all about instant gratification."
Spinelli smiled, "The jackal has noticed." He said. Maxie couldn't help but noticed how his eyes shined when he smiled. "I wonder why I never saw it."
"Saw what?" Spinelli asked.
"Your eyes and your smile." She said.
Spinelli blushed. "I don't know" he said looking back at the computer screen. Maxie scooted closer to him.
"Well, all that matters is I see it now." She said.
Spinelli looked at her again. Their faces moved closer and closer until their lips were touching. When they pulled away Maxie felt breathless.
"The jackal is at a loss." He said. "I cannot believe you want to be with the jackal."
"Truth is I never saw myself with someone like you but I am glad it's happening. I just hope I don't screw this up."
"The jackal will not let you." Spinelli whispered and leaned in for another kiss. Before their lips could make contact his laptop beeped.
Spinelli pulled away and looked down. "Someone pulled money from his account just now." He pulled out his phone and called Jason. Spinelli gave him the location but Jason told Spinelli and Maxie to stay where they were.
When Spinelli hung up the phone he saw Maxie had fallen asleep on the couch. He brushed the hair out of her eyes. He had no trouble following Stone Cold's instructions.
