Chapter X: (Max) Time

AN:

Ok, well… Howdy y'all. Long time no see. I'd love to say I was writing all that time, but I wasn't. I got some hideous illness and basically spent about a week and a half there just alternating between crying in a corner and trying to stop throwing up. It wasn't fun, and definitely didn't put me in the mood to write, or read. So, I'm a little rusty. These chapters are a little shorter to help me ease back into the game and hopefully keep up the weekly schedule again.

On that note, I'm really not sure what my plan is anymore. Before I got sick, I had a full chapter for each story, but I wasn't happy with them and felt I didn't do the idea justice, so I deleted pretty much all of them in a fit of pique. So, those stories are on hold for now while I work out what the fuck I'm doing with them. The current plan is to keep going with the 5 I have posted until they're done and upload the others when I finally get a chapter I like. But, that's pretty flexible for now, so don't hold me to that. I might change my mind.

Well, the rustiness means I'm not really sure how good these chapters are. I'm probably being insecure and hating on my work again, but I'm pretty sure these aren't up to my usual standard. I hope they are, but I don't think they are. It's a weird feeling. I've mostly just decided "Fuck it, I'll let you guys decide as usual." So, please, let me know if these are shit or not. And be honest, if I've fucked up, I'd like to fix it. Constructive Criticism is the only way to know what to focus on for improvement, right? Plus, Max Chapters are always difficult to do. I mean, the girl is supposed to be cold and clinical and it's very hard to write introspection like that.

Holy crap, that was a long AN. Jeez. This weeks song is watch?v=UzVQKRKE4Zw

(Alex Winston - Houdini btw. I know the links fuck up now, so... )

Anyways, thanks, fan-fic-folks, and, as always, please review.

Guest: Thank you! I hope the rest of the story lives up to the first nine chapters then. :)

Gogo199432: Yeah, everyone loves the badass Max, it seems. I guess everyone was frustrated in-game when you didn't get to shoot Frank in the junkyard. :) Stay tuned for more badassitude.

GunRecon11: Thank you! I know it's probably low self-esteem talking, but I'm still baffled at how much people seem to like my work. Insanely greatful, but also hella baffled. I hope you like the rest.

Jim89: Hey, no biggie on the typos. A friend of mine is dyslexic, so I'm used to the whole mentally spellchecking and translating typed stuff. That sounds really cool. I'm so envious of you Americans, I'd love to go to cons.

Yeah, I know that feeling. Eternally GM, that's me. :) I complain about it a lot, but I really love the worldbuilding.

Yeah, she's definitely good at reading situations. I figured 'a friend from seattle' was too obvious an excuse to have the team around to miss, really.

Laura definitely has a few sadistic bones in that body of hers. She's based on a friend of mine who has a similar habit.

Hella right. Chloe is too irreverent to deal with David. It's something all children should learn. Play your parents game and you can get whatever you want out of them.

I hope this chapter answers your question. Honestly, I only briefly thought about the reason before I wrote the last chapter and during this chapter, it definitely didn't seem as logical as I thought. But, then again, with her power, she doesn't really have to worry as much about being caught as before.

Yeah, gun safety is definitely something any gun owner should learn. It seems like every idiot with a gun nowadays thinks they can rambo their way through every problem. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with private gun ownership, but any weapon you aren't fully trained to use belongs to your enemy. There's a reason soldiers go through such intensive training and hardening for gun usage. If you aren't trained to use a gun on a person, you shouldn't own it.

You're right, In-Game Max definitely wouldn't stand a chance. My Max has a lot of training to uh… beef up her chances a little. She's definitely a talented fighter.

Yet another question to be answered. :) I do actually have a plan to answer this one at some point later in the story. Everything you said is true, but I think I have something that answers it regardless.

And yup. Another thing this chapter filled in. Laura saved the day from the diplomatically-challenged Tish. :)

Lycan13: Yup, she most certainly does. I know what you mean, I'd love a rewind power to play with. Stand by for more on that, I've got some ideas on expanding her powers here and there.

Guest: Yeah, that's probably… definitely a risk for Chloe. She's more of a klutz than in-game Max is sometimes. Thank you, I'm glad you like it. And I'm glad you like Chloe, it's quite a worry of mine that I don't get the characters quite right, so hearing they're a good bunch makes me very happy indeed.

MaxNeverMaxine: Thank you, I do worry about how IC my characters are. It's so much easier to write OCs than other people's characters. Good to hear that my efforts are going well. :)

Thanks for the luck, I hope it helped. I've gotta wait another couple of weeks now until I hear back. Basically just trying not to think about it and hoping for the best. Plus, thanks so much for the recommendation. I was listening to those on a bluetooth speaker like, half the time I was sick and it actually helped slightly. They're fucking awesome. You have excellent taste.

Travis stared at me over the rim of his coffee cup.

"You're gonna hafta tell her somethin' eventually, boss."

He always could read me. I guess that's the reason he was the only one who ever got through to me.

I smirked and took a sip from my cup. "Eventually is a vague term."

Travis rolled his eyes and focused on me, directly. "Max. She's not gonna be happy knowin' shit all about you forever. You gotta tell her. Soon."

Damn. I put down my coffee mug. "I don't know if I can. What if she asks about…"

He snorted. "Then she asks. You don't gotta tell her everythin' right now. Just tell her somethin'."

I sighed. Shit. Why is it always bad for me when he makes sense? "I'll think about it, Travis. No promises."

He leans back in his chair. "Good enough for me, darlin'. Let's get the girl some waffles. She'll be here soon."

"Yes. And get some more coffee."

He grinned. "This place does make a Damn Fine Cup Of Coffee."

Kate was in tears, sitting on my bed. I had my arm around her, but I don't think it was doing much.

Sympathy and empathy… They don't come easy to me. Not anymore.

So, when Chloe bolted into my room, barely even looked at me and took over with Kate, I left them to it.

"Come on Katie, this is my favourite top. I'll be hella upset if you cry over it. Might actually have to wash it for once. And we both know how that'll fucking go."

I smiled and rolled my eyes. Chloe's sense of humour definitely hadn't changed. I figured they'd want a moment to themselves, so I headed outside.

Travis was leaning against the opposite wall, watching appreciatively as Dana sauntered past. I swatted him. "Don't even think about it, Travis."

He shrugs and grins. "Nothin' wrong with lookin', boss. Not like I'm gonna pursue anythin'."

I roll my eyes. "You never pursue anything, Travis. You're a habitual manwhore."

He nods. "Yup. Sounds 'bout right. Better me than some schmuck who's gonna feel all crappy afterwards, right?"

I smirk. "Of course. By that logic, Nikki Sixx was just trying to save people from all that heroin."

He rolled his eyes. "Pfft. Like Nikki Sixx rationalises anything he's ever done."

I laugh. "Probably true. So, how did Chloe do? She keep her head?"

He grinned. "No more than usual. She did alright, for a rookie. Why, you plannin' to bring her into the crew?"

I smile enigmatically. "Something like that."

We chat a little more, about this and that. Mostly that. Well, until the conversation inevitably turns back to business. "So, you're plannin' to get inta this Vortex Club, huh Boss?"

I nod. "They're Nathan's support structure. We need to dislodge him from his throne. I figure the easiest way is a coup."

He nods. "Like you did in Oman?"

"Exactly. Fear and Love, Travis. But first, I need to become a member. I'm going to talk to Tori about that soon."

He frowns. "Tori, huh?"

I roll my eyes. "Let it alone, Travis. I'm stronger now, I'm not going to let it happen again."

He sighs. "Maybe, boss. Maybe. Don't mean I ain't gonna worry about it though."

I deftly change the subject. "So… how 'bout them redsox, huh?"

He rolls his eyes. "Baseball? Are ya serious?"

I smile. "It's America's pastime, Travis. Of course I'm serious."

We actually manage a decent sports conversation, given that neither of us follows baseball too closely. I think Travis was taking mercy on me when he let me change the subject.

Chloe stormed out of my room and marched up to me. Fuck, what's annoying her now?

"Can we talk? Like, now?"

I raised an eyebrow. What the hell is this about? Must be something to do with Kate. "Sure."

She turned a glare on Travis until he grinned and surrendered, heading outside. I watched him leave and turned back to Chloe. "Yes?"

"What the fuck is with you and the bitch?"

Ok…? Even I'm lost here. "What?"

She scoffed. "The Bitch? Victoria Chase, Queen fucking Bee of Blackwell? The girl who's been bullying the shit outta Katie for weeks now? Ringing any fucking bells?"

Oh. That.

Sure, Victoria was a bitch, but… she'd gotten me through a tough time. I owed her a chance, at least. A chance to be better. If I gave Tiffany fucking Reynolds a chance, I could give Victoria one.

There's no way Chloe would understand that. Not without me explaining things I don't want her to know just yet.

So, I just shrugged nonchalantly. "We were old friends in Seattle. We lost contact years back. It was good to see her."

She snorted. "Well, ain't you just got a fucking great taste in 'old friends'." I could practically hear the inverted commas. "That it then? You gonna go party with the Vortex fuckers now?"

"If I need to. Why?"

"If I need to." She singsonged back. "You're ditching me for her! I just got you back and now she's gonna fucking take you aw…"

I heard a cough and saw Victoria standing a few feet behind Chloe. I sighed internally, again. Please don't make this worse, Tori.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

I rolled my eyes. This is going to end with Chloe trying to hit Tori, isn't it?

"I'm just here to pick up some books for my next class. What about you? I didn't realise they still let punk trash like you on campus."

Yes. Yes it is. Fuck. I have to stop her before she does something stupid. Again.

I moved over between them. "Don't, Chloe."

Her jaw dropped. "Are you fucking serious, Max? You're siding with that Bitch over me?"

She threw her arms up, disgusted. "Fucking fine then!"

She yelled some more and punched an admirably sizeable hole in the wall next to me. We'll have to get her working on that arm. Then, she stormed out, ranting and raving.

As I watched Chloe leave, I reached one hand up and massaged my brow.

Fuck. Now I really need that drink.

I crept into the garage, closing the door quietly behind me. The room was empty. Excellent.

I pulled a pair of dark leather gloves from my pocket and started rooting around in a tool cabinet next to the door. Skimming through the surprisingly decent quality tools, I found a picture of David in uniform at Blackwell.

I smirked. Probably oppressing someone.

Just as I was about to push the picture back in, I noticed a glint of plastic. Whatever it was, it was slightly buried under a monkey wrench, so I eased it out, careful not to break it.

Damn. Concealed carry license. Something to keep in mind, if I ever need to mouth off to him again. I put both the license and the picture back where I found them and slid the drawer closed, moving to the next one.

Oooh. Security ID for Blackwell, that could come in handy. I scanned the card with a special app Tish had developed. With the card-maker back at base, we can duplicate this easily.

I smiled at the next thing I pulled out. A picture of David, in full uniform, marching along a dusty road. Presumably Afghanistan, based on the flora and fauna.

What? It's very distinctive. You spend 3 weeks in not one, but two deserts running from angry locals and you tend to realise the difference.

He seems happier. I guess the simplicity of war was easier to deal with than Chloe. I slid both items back into the drawer. I can understand that. This is one of the most complicated jobs I've ever taken, and I'm including the one with the pyromaniac midget sextuplets.

Ah. And speaking of concealed carry… I flicked a switch, illuminating the large, fully stocked gun-rack blocking the back door. He had quite a nice collection. With one missing. Hmm. I wonder where that went. Presumably, he isn't wandering around armed, not without his Concealed Carry license. I noted it to look into later and turned off the lights.

There was a line of cupboards above a countertop with a laptop and a collection of files on it. I started at the left.

Heh. Re-sult, as Chloe would say. "Hey Tish. I found that Camera network."

"Ya did? Whose is it?"

"Look's like David's. Seems he's very into home security."

There was a map of Blackwell, with a series of red circles across it. Placement of Cameras.

Interesting. Appears he wants to add cameras to Blackwell. He seems to have a decent coverage. If he succeeds, we can tag on to his network and add some of our own.

"Of course he is. That asshole don't care about anyone's privacy."

I raised an eyebrow at that. "After that job in Calais, I don't really think you can talk, Tish. And I really liked that hotel, too."

She bristled at that. I could hear her grumbling.

I moved on to the right cupboard. Ew. Corned Beef. No wonder he's an asshole. That stuff would make Francis of Assisi psychotic.

The notes on his desk seemed fairly run of the mill. Mostly family records. Bills and the like. The Price's were... not well off. Although, with a waitress and a security guard being the only paychecks, that's not surprising.

I moved to the next set of drawers. Three of the four were just full of assorted tools. Nothing of any interest. The fourth, however, was full of personal items. There was a combat knife with 'to my field angel, keep those wings up' engraved into the blade.

Hmm. Interesting to think, David might have been an angel to someone out there.

I definitely didn't expect the next thing in there. It was a birthday card to Chloe, thanking her for bringing David into the family. Undelivered, of course.

Under the card was a picture of Joyce and David at their wedding. Even I had to smile at that. It was actually kind of sweet. They looked happy.

I refilled the drawer and closed it. Maybe there is a chance for this family, after all.

I scanned around again. Damn. There has to be something else. I flicked my eyes up around the the upper walls. Maybe a vent?

Wait. Is that? Yes! On top of a small cupboard was a stack of files.

I ninja-kicked off the side wall and grabbed them from their little hiding spot, landing with an uncomfortably loud thud on the ground.

Shit. I froze.

One…

Two…

Three…

I sighed in relief. No Joyce. Thank fuck for that. I really had no idea how I'd explain being in here rather than the bathroom upstairs.

I stopped by the car. What if…?

I leaned through the window and opened the sunvisor, finding a receipt for bacon, eggs and coffee clipped there. There was a message from Joyce along the back, talking about how much of a gentleman he, presumably David, had been. Of course she'd made the first move. Joyce always was a bold Georgia girl.

That was the thing about rooting through people's personal effects. It always humanised the target. Heh. Jimmy always used to say that. I haven't thought about him in a long time.

I shook my head, clearing the old thoughts and moved over to the laptop. "Tish, I have a laptop here. Can you hack it?"

"Depends. Do you have one of my memory sticks?"

I checked my pockets. "Nope. I think I gave it to Travis."

"Well, goddamn it woman. You serious? Just ask for more next time. Jeez, ain't like I can't make more like that."

I could hear her tapping a few keys through the earpiece. "Well, then you gotta work out the password your own self. You find any of his personal shit while you were all searching around?"

"A few things." I listed off everything I found. "His family is important to him. Maybe I should try something related to Chloe and Joyce?"

She hmmed. "Try the date from the receipt. Beginnin' of an era and all that."

I shrugged. As good a place to start as any, I guess. I typed the date into the computer and… bingo.

"I'm in."

"Well, wooptidoo. Download the files and email 'em to me."

Jeez. The idiot had all his secret snooping files in a folder on his goddamn desktop. So much for over-paranoid about security. I opened the file and flicked through quickly.

Christ. This is alarmingly in-depth. He'd been following Kate, and Rachel and keeping very detailed notes on their movements. I might have to tell Chloe about this.

I copied the files and emailed them to an anonymous account of Tish's, deleting the record once I was done. Easy. I relocked the laptop and turned to leave.

Fuck. Joyce is right outside. I could always go to the other door, but…

I looked down at my hand. I do need to test this power. See how fast on the draw I am.

I took a deep breath, and pushed open the door.

"Back. Off."

The asshole grinned at me and spat. "You don't have the balls, little girl."

Internally, I rolled my eyes. Like he can say any better. The man was panicking over stabbing Chloe. He was clearly more bark than bite.

He darts towards Chloe, probably to use as a shield. I actually do roll my eyes this time.

Then, I put a bullet in his fucking leg.

While he does scream, the asshole does manage to keep going. I was quite impressed.

He screams in pain. Aww. You'd think the thug had never been shot twice before. I hop down off my perch on the boat and stride up to him, resisting the urge to step on his leg.

I glance over at Chloe. Excellent. She left the knife in. Means she isn't going to bleed to death while I deal with the necessities.

I crack my knuckles and flip him over. I need his name.

*flashback begins*

The man slumped against the wall, hands tied behind his back, was older, all greying hair and grizzled skin. I kicked him awake.

He blinked a few times before spitting a gob of blood and teeth on the ground. He looked up at me and smiled. "Heh. Beat me at my own game… I'm proud of you, girl. Proud of you all… Remember that."

His eyes fluttered shut and he smiled.

I pulled the trigger.

*flashback ends*

"What's your goddamn NAME?! I need your name!"

With his last breath he gasps "Frank… Biddle… Bowers…"

I let him fall back to the ground.

I sigh.

I stand back up.

I look at Chloe.

I raise my hand.

I slide into the car with Laura, immediately raising a hand to stop the word salad I know is coming. "Yes, I should've been more careful. But I needed information on Frank. Chloe owes him big, and it seems a legitimate claim. That makes him dangerous, you know that."

Laura laughed. "Everything we do is dangerous, Max. Rule 7, as you may recall?"

I rolled my eyes. Laura did love to use my own rules against me. "Yes, but we can take the danger. Chloe, as much as she fronts, cannot."

Laura scoffed. It was very unladylike for the eternally composed girl. "She would, if you'd just take her on. You need to train the girl, Max. Or…"

I interrupted. "Actually, I did. Basic firearms training. I left her a cleaning kit."

She stared at me, slackjawed. "You left her with the gun?"

I rolled my eyes. "We shot all the bullets, Laura. And after David found out it was gone, he's going to keep his under tight lock. She'll be fine."

She laughs. "I'm sure. Although, this is Chloe we're discussing. Are you quite certain she can't acquire more bullets elsewhere?"

I frown. "Possible, but unlikely. She'll be fine. I taught her enough."

"As you say, Max. Just keep it in mind."

I glance out the window. "Turn here. Blackwell is the next right."

"So… this Frank fellow has one of Ms Amber's bracelets, hmm?"

I nod. "So Chloe seems to believe. I assume we agree, it probably means Rachel was fucking him."

She rolls her eyes. "Not at all, Max. They were likely just Tennis Partners. Good lord. Yes, of course they were involved."

I nod again. "Damn. Chloe is not going to take that well."

Laura smiles, thinly. "She is somewhat… high-spirited."

I roll my eyes, this time and put on a New York accent. "Jeez, ya think?"

She laughs. "You'll need to approach her delicately."

She clicked her fingers, like she'd remembered something. "Ah yes, speaking of delicate, I managed to take over from Tish before she… instigated an incident with Giovanni and his charming gentlemen. Apparently, they should be touching down later today. Do you want to meet him at the local airfield?"

I nod. "Sounds good. Johnson paid him already?"

"Of course. After you called in Manila, she's been the very soul of generosity."

I smile as we pull up outside Blackwell. "Excellent. Thank you for the lift."

I headed into Tori's room to find… Taylor and Kate staring at me expectantly. I frown. "Where's Tori?"

Taylor shrugs. "I don't know. I keep texting her, but she's not responding."

Huh. From Taylor's slumped shoulders and slightly defeated expression, I'm assuming radio silence is never the norm for Tori. "Should we go find her?"

She shrugs again. "Nah. I think we can just get started. She'll turn up when she's done with whatever, right?"

...shaky logic, but I guess I shouldn't expect too much from Tori's flunkies. "If you say so. Shall we get started then?"

She nods. I head over and sit next to Kate. We spend the next forty minutes or so going over the plan we did in lesson. I'd sat with Tish and researched photography for a few hours, so I was a little more understanding of the technical terms.

Taylor looks up from her phone. "Uh, Max?"

I look at her expectantly. "Yes?"

"Victoria's outside. Dana says she sounds angry."

I sigh. "Finally. I'll go check on her, I guess. I'll try make this quick."

I open the door and step out into the corridor.

Tori is striding back and forth in the corridor. "...a disaster. It's going to be a fucking disaster."

Christ. This job is just endless drama. I sigh internally. God, I need a drink.

I walk over and put my hands on her shoulders, holding her in place. "Calm down, Tori."

She tries to wriggle away, but there was no way that was happening. "Tori, calm down. Tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help."

She glares at me when she can't get free and sighs. "The DJ for the next Vortex Party just fucking cancelled. Asshole!"

I nod slowly. "Ok… and?"

"And there's no fucking way we can have a party without music, dumbass!"

I frown. "Doesn't anybody have a stereo? You can hook those up to the speakers in the gym."

She gapes at me. "A fucking stereo? Are you serious? There's no fucking way these people will stand for that. Every Vortex Party has had live music since the club's goddamn inception."

She slumps in my hands. "Jesus fucking christ, if I don't come up with something, I'm finished. There's no way they'll let me stay a member."

I resist the urge to point out that if that's all it takes to lose favour, she has some shitty friends and just shrug. "Well, if you need something live, I can play."

She immediately focuses on me. "You can? What?"

"Guitar, a little bit of piano."

She thinks for a moment. I'm mildly irritated to see her look unsurely at me for a second before the desperation takes over. "Fine. But I need to see what you've got. There's no way I'm letting you go up there with that indie shit you used to like."

I grin. "Tori, I wouldn't expect anything less. Now, can we get on with this fucking project?"