Seriously peeps...mind the ratings. Basically, if you aren't old enough to vote, you shouldn't be reading this.
Everything Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I just like to play in her proverbial sandbox.
BPOV
The intruder was nearing the end of the hallway while our luck was running out. Each cool chuckle, coinciding with each heavy footstep, made my mind race impossibly faster. Exits. Weapons. Alice. Jasper. Safety. Edward. Escape.
If only I could…
"Don't move. Don't you fucking move."
I looked up at Jasper, straightening in defiance at his order, whispered angrily in the way I had been accustomed to in the last few minutes that felt like the longest hours.
"You can't stop me, Jazz. One of us has to do something. If you think a loud as hell fire escape is going to help in a situation like this, I'd say you're as dumb as your accent."
The corner of his mouth twitched as he attempted to hold back a smile, which I was grateful for. I wasn't ready to give up all of my anger yet. I needed it to pump up my adrenaline. Plus, he had some explaining to do as well, so I didn't appreciate the way he was treating me.
"You're going to be a hero, darlin'? I don't think so."
"Would you rather we sit here and wait for our little hide and seek to come to a fucking end? I have a feeling this dude isn't here to have a stern conversation with us!"
"Well, of the three of us, it was YOU whose name he was calling. So if you ask me, it ain't hard to figure out who the fuck got us into this lil' predicament!" he whispered back.
"Will the two of you shut the hell up?!"
We looked down at Alice, taking her own angry stance with hands on her hips and glaring right back.
"When that asshole gets to the dining room, it's not going to take him long to figure out there's just one room left that he didn't hit up yet. I don't care whose 'fault' it is! I care about not getting killed! And for some reason I care about the two of you, though you're seriously making it hard for me to remember why right now! So can we please come up with a game plan and get out of here so that I can proceed to kick both of your asses and yell at you with my outside voice?!"
Jasper opened his mouth to respond before snapping it shut, apparently deciding otherwise. Smartly, might I add. I, on the other hand, never had a problem telling her where she could stick it.
"No shit, Al! What do you think I was doing before Rambo here decided he was going to wave his gun around without having the balls to use it!"
"Rambo, Bella? Honestly? I can't stand Rambo. And I think I'd be guns blazing if I were him."
"Okay, do you prefer Terminator Arnold?"
"I dunno. Was more of a Predator fan, so maybe somethin' along those lines."
"Yeah right. You wish! I'm Predator Arnold. You're, like, fucking Last Action Hero Arnold."
"Yeah fucking right! I'll show you Last Action Hero when I wring your neck…"
"SHUT. UP! Jesus! You two are like fucking children! Siblings, I swear. Only two idiots like you…must have been switched at birth…I don't know why I bother…God…" Alice shook her head repeatedly, her whispers turning into angry muttering that made me roll my eyes. I love this girl.
I pressed my ear to the wall, noticing suddenly that the movement on the other side had halted. I could still hear breathing, and the rustling of fabric. He knew we were still in here, it was obvious. There was no way that he couldn't hear the murmurs of arguing and muted movements. The flooring was a blessing, causing echoes of sound that likely kept him from immediately locating us.
I was going to do it. I was going to run out there. If I got to him before he could exit the hallway, he was trapped in that corridor and the few rooms off of it. If he made it to the living room or dining room, we were all trapped. Offense is the best defense, isn't that how it went? Or would this be defense?
Shit. Who gives a fuck. I have to do this and it has to be in the next 15 seconds.
I absentmindedly checked the gun, noticing that it was completely loaded. I counted how many shots I had, thinking back at the cans and targets I shot with my Dad. I was good. I was really good. A natural, he always said. Then again, those weren't moving. Or shooting back.
"Alright, lovebirds. I'm going to fly this coop. I suggest you make like a tree and get out of here."
Jasper sneered. "It's 'leave'! How many times do I have to tell you it's 'leave'?!"
I started creeping towards the dining room and turned to wink at him, realization dawning on his face as he dropped the argument and noticed that I had reached the other side of the room. Alice held on tighter to his arm, tears trickling down her face.
"I know you're not doing what I think you're doing, Bells. Think about us. Think about Al."
I drew in a sharp breath and then sighed. Leave it him to fight dirty.
"I think the appropriate phrase is 'Cover me'. So…ya know…do that. Whatever that means."
I ducked through the doorway before he could respond, moving quickly against the wall and trying to remember in the darkness where each picture frame or corner was. I knew he was going to see me, that was the damn point. But it didn't mean I wanted to lose all element of surprise.
I reached the hallway, pausing against the opening and taking a deep breath, praying that the shaking of my fingers would stop so that I could at least get one good shot off. I closed my eyes, visions of Edward fleeting, flickering across my eyelids like an old movie. His smile, his messy hair, his beautiful green eyes, his loving whispers, the way he held me, caressed me, moved against me in a rhythm so perfect that it was like we were built solely for one another.
"Cullen…yeah."
My eyes snapped open at the name, focus zeroing back on the hallway. I wondered why the stranger's advances had stopped; I hadn't realized in the commotion with Jasper that he was speaking with someone. His voice was quiet, but I could make out some of the conversation.
"Yeah...they're still here, Boss. Gonna let them piss their pants a little before I grab her. They'll be easy to dispose of. Yeah. Only two, like you said," pause, another chuckle. "No, Sir. I've got some time to play. He's right outside between the elevators and stairwell and the floor only has one exit. Yep. I'll let you know. Sure. As far as I can tell, he hasn't been here yet. No one recognized…"
I drowned him out, holding up the gun, back stiffening, teeth grinding and blood pumping. I saw red, flashes of my friends, flashes of Edward as I turned the corner.
Fuck this guy.
BANG!
I had a split second to notice the look of shock on his face before he dove clumsily into one of the bedrooms. I started to step forward and saw a streak of blood on the door jamb. I thought I grazed him, and this solidified it. Good. I was going to more than fucking graze him.
"BELLA!"
Jasper was dragging Alice behind me, his own gun raised and surprise frozen in their eyes.
Just then, asshole started to step through the doorway.
"Get out of the fucking condo and into the hall. You can't take the exits!" I rattled out through my gritted teeth, focus on the cruel grin that was staring back at me from a face that looked so familiar but I just couldn't place.
"What? Bella…"
"Last Action Hero, get the fuck into the hall!"
"God damnit. Predator, Bella…"
I tuned Jasper out as I pointed my gun at the stranger's chest, holding my head high and grinning. His gun was stupidly to his side, and I could see blood pouring down his shoulder, soaked to the elbow. Good. More than a fucking graze.
I felt like a shark, smelling the blood and licking my lips in anticipation. Is this who I am, who I've always been? Why did I fear it? I couldn't recall in this moment. I wonder if this is how Edward feels. I could feel the high, feel the hunger, feel the power. I am a protector. I am invincible.
I am Edward's.
I tilted my head to the side, tsk-ing as he tried to raise his arm weakly.
"You bitch. I'm not supposed to kill you, but I think some situations warrant a fucking exception."
"Every girl loves being the exception."
He chuckled again, twisting his wrist, trying to tighten his fingers and failing. He frowned, realizing his lack of control. I must have hit something important.
Oops.
"How do you know who I am? Why are you here?"
He laughed, shaking his head.
"You think I'm gonna tell you anything?"
I shrugged my shoulders, dropping my elbow without warning and blasting another shot in his direction.
BANG!
He slumped to the side, propped up on he doorjamb as he clutched at his knee, gasping and looking up at me with so much hatred that I briefly faltered.
"You shouldn't have a gun, little girl. You don't know what can of worms you just fucking opened."
"Why are you here?"
"I told you, you stupid bitch, I'm not…"
BANG!
He sagged to the ground now, blood flowing freely from his gut as he coughed and moaned. His arms shook, moving without purpose as if he didn't know which wound to cover or couldn't think clearly enough to.
"Do I know you?"
"We've crossed paths." He coughed, blood splattering from his lips with each rattling hack.
"You know Edward?"
"Indirectly."
"Are you after him?"
"Indirectly. Right now, just you."
"How about you stop with the short fucking answers? You know you're going to die here, right? In my hallway. On my gorgeous floors. And my first shot ended up in the drywall behind you, and I'm fucking pissed about it because I love this wall color and I can't for the life of me remember what it fucking was. Do you know how much that sucks? How are we supposed to patch it if we can't mix the color? I told Alice eggshell but I think she went with flat, but I can't remember for sure…" I sighed, shaking my head at him in disappointment and raising the pistol towards his chest.
"Why the fuck does he want you? You're fucking nuts!"
"Who, Edward? Maybe because I'm fabulous in bed. Shit if I know. I'm not about to kick a gift horse in the mouth…"
"No, not Edward…"
BANG!
The bullet lodged in his ribcage and the blood pooled at a fascinating pace on his chest, spreading in the creeping pattern across his white dress shirt that mesmerized me, and then quiet.
My finger slipped, I swear.
And now I could curse myself for shooting him before he finished talking.
Shit!
I couldn't focus on that. Someone else was in my building, maybe more. I ran back to the kitchen, grabbing my phone and shoving it blindly into my purse, swallowing down the feeling of nausea to steel my nerves. Get out. Get Alice and Jasper. Get to Edward.
Run.
I stepped onto the entry door, my footsteps loud and hollow on its metal core. The sound must have alerted Jasper and Alice, who met me in the hallway, almost knocking me down. Jasper caught me by my arm before being pushed to the side by Alice.
SMACK!
Who proceeded to slap me.
"What the fuck, Al?!" I yelled, rubbing my cheek and the sting that radiated across my face. I'd never been hit before. That shit hurt.
"Isabella Marie Swan, don't you ever fucking do something like that again! What would I have done without you?! Why would you do such a thing? Why did Edward leave you with a gun?! This is obviously his fault! Just a gun! I swear! Why did he leave to begin with?! What happened in there? We were scared shitless! I didn't know what happened to you! We thought you were fucking dead!"
She rattled off more questions as I turned to walk down the hallway, ignoring her pleas and demands for answers. I didn't have time for that bullshit. I knew I owed her a better explanation, but leave it to Alice to have a gift for bad as hell timing. I shoved lightly at the first door to my left, the door splintered and buckled under whatever they had used to force ours open. I started to call out, but jumped back at the sight before me. The family that lived next door, so much red…
I can't. God. Oh God. What have I done?
"Bells, what is it? Are they…Jesus?!" Alice stumbled back out into the hall, pressing her hands against the opposite wall before vomiting on the debris-laden floor. Her body was shuddering as Jasper moved to rub soothing circles on her back, shushing her and whispering words of encouragement and promises of safety, of everything 'being okay'.
This didn't look like it was going to be okay.
I turned wordlessly, numbly, faltering as I tried to find my own footing and making my way to the next doorway. These people were innocent. They didn't deserve this. If I didn't live here, if I didn't…whatever the hell I did…they would be okay. This was…who did this? Why did they do this? What did I do to them? If not after Edward…then why?
His answers blurred through my memory again, his gravely voice riddled with the unmistakable rattle of death.
"Indirectly."
"Right now, just you."
"Why does he want you?"
I turned into the next condo's foyer, keeping my eyes trained directly ahead. I couldn't find focus, everything blurring red in my peripheral. Someone responsible was still here. Right downstairs.
Escape was no longer the only goal. Whoever it was…they were going to pay.
"Bells! Wait!"
Alice and Jasper jogged behind me, their hands raising to cover their mouths, gasps and more unshed tears pooling in her eyes.
"Oh Bella…"
I cleared my throat, halting my steps and straightening my back.
"The fire escapes on this side of the building go to the patio and pool instead of the alley and street. I think it's our best bet. Someone's still downstairs, so the options are fucking limited."
Jasper grasped the hand holding the gun warmly, forcing me to look down and see the shaking of my fingers, ice-cold and white from the grip on the handle.
"Deep breaths, Bells. I know what you have in mind. I've got ya."
I laughed humorlessly, the smile not reaching my eyes. "Now you've got my back, Hale?"
"I've always got your back, Bella. That's what friends are for. Just don't go doing anything stupid again, and we'll get on beautifully as always."
"Stupid? It's like you don't even know me." He smiled, giving my hand one last squeeze before wrapping it back around Alice.
"I do know you. That's why I gotta put conditions on anything I ever say to you."
"I'm sorry, okay? I know I have a lot to say to you but, for now…just…I'm sorry. I'm sorry you guys are in this situation."
"Nothin' I can't handle. Just another day at the office."
I moved my head questioningly, my eyes searching his for some answer that felt invaluable. Another missing piece in the strange puzzle that seemed to be multiplying around me. He lowered his gaze, an eyebrow raised in challenge.
"I have a lot to say to you two. For now, I'm just 'sorry'." He threw my words back at me, causing me to smile truly. It was going to be okay. Everything would be okay. We were Al, and Jazz, and Bells.
Everything was cool.
"Let's get down the fire escape. When we get to the bottom, I'm gonna toss you my phone. Get Al a block or so away, stay in the shadows, don't run. Look normal, you know? Then go in a bar or something with a shit ton of people and call Edward. Tell him where you are. Tell him. Promise me, Jazz. Please." I pleaded, begging him to understand what I was saying without actually saying it out loud.
"Bella, I know what you're tryin' to say, and don't fucking do it." I smiled again, understanding in that moment why I always clicked with Jasper, why I was so happy that Alice had him, and why I clicked with Edward. They really were cut from the same cloth.
"Promise me, Jazz. I love him. Promise it. Tell him."
"There's no reason we can't all stay together."
"Do you see what has happened here?! Do you guys fucking see this?! Someone is after me. ME. I don't know why, but other people are paying the price for it. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to the people I love. You two are family. I can't have more blood on my hands…I just…I can't…I can't…"
Alice rushed towards me, the two of us wrapping our arms around each other silently, squeezing and sniffling, her pouring every ounce of understanding and strength into me that she possibly could, the way that she always has, before she leaned her forehead against mine.
"You got this, Bells. Let's get down there, and then we'll see you in a little bit."
"You got it, girl."
With one last squeeze, I turned towards the living room window, opening the sill as widely as I could before pushing out the screen. It clanked onto the grates, and I prayed that they sound didn't draw any suspicion. I swung my legs out of the window, landing with a silently rattle onto the escape. I heard Alice and Jasper follow as I tightened my hold on the gun and clasped onto the railing.
We walked carefully and quietly, starting to breathe loudly by the second story and sinking in the cool night air and into the darkness, not knowing the threat that waited at the bottom. The moon shown overhead, covered in the haze of clouds, the stars muddled by the city lights. I reassured myself, repeatedly going over the number of bullets I had left. One, two, three…
"Bella Swan!" I heard a man yell from a few floors above us, the sound reverberating in the back of the building.
My breath caught in my throat as I jerked my hand off the railing as if I had been burned, freezing in my spot, eyes darting around wildly in the darkness. Alice rushed to my side, shaking me slightly and pulling me from the fear that had gripped me.
"Where did that come from?" The voice was mine, but I didn't realize it had tumbled from my lips.
Alice pointed slowly as Jasper narrowed his eyes to the window directly below the one we had climbed out of, just a few floors up. We had at least another seven stories to go. We wouldn't make it. There's no way we would make it. No fucking way. We had failed. This was it.
"I'm not sure if there was only one more guy after all, unless he went upstairs to look for his buddy."
"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of, Alice. If there's more…"
Jasper stepped forward confidently, raising his own gun. "Well, then we deal with it. It'll be alright. Let's keep moving."
I nodded, Alice and I now taking his cues as we continued our quiet descent, heartbeats thundering and feet moving at a desperate pace as we raced against the clock towards the unknown.