I let the beast in too soon, I don't know how to live
Without my hand on his throat; I fight him always and still
Oh darling, it's so sweet, you think you know how crazy
How crazy I am
You say you don't spook easy, you won't go, but I know
And I pray that you will
Fast as you can, baby run free yourself of me
Fast as you can
I may be soft in your palm but I'll soon grow
Hungry for a fight, and I will not let you win
My pretty mouth will frame the phrases that will
Disprove your faith in man
So if you catch me trying to find my way into your
Heart from under your skin
Fast as you can, baby scratch me out, free yourself
Fast as you can
Fast as you can, baby scratch me out, free yourself
Fast as you can
Sometimes my mind don't shake and shift
But most of the time, it does
And I get to the place where I'm begging for a lift
Or I'll drown in the wonders and the was
And I'll be your girl, if you say it's a gift
And you give me some more of your drugs
Yeah, I'll be your pet, if you just tell me it's a gift
'Cause I'm tired of whys, choking on whys,
Just need a little because, because
I let the beast in and then;
I even tried forgiving him, but it's too soon
So I'll fight again, again, again, again, again.
And for a little while more, I'll soar the
Uneven wind, complain and blame
The sterile land
But if you're getting any bright ideas, quiet dear
I'm blooming within
Fast as you can, baby wait watch me, I'll be out
Fast as I can, maybe late but at least about
Fast as you can leave me, let this thing
Run its route
Fast as you can
Fiona Apple-- "Fast As You Can"
--
Julian sat next to Dorian in the back of Ken's car, panting, praying Dorian couldn't tell he wasn't the only one shaking. That was close, too close. Yeah, he'd run scared. Guillermo knew him, and with his father's death… it could seem a power play. Never mind Julian's true intent. In that bar, for a moment, he'd considered it. He let himself feel that release, all responsibility gone, never having to give a reason for anything, any action. To be king, leader of the Latin Kings meant that. His word was law and it meant death to those that opposed him. That was the kicker. A life of always having to prove yourself the strongest, most ruthless, most feared. It followed him, even now, the looming clouds in the sky behind him were almost ironic, poetic. Being leader meant a life of killing, death after death…seeing Dorian about to kill that man made it all sink in. He simply wasn't that man, never would be. No matter how easy it seemed, eventually it always went to hell. And he had Dorian now, that was most important. Earlier, he'd seen himself when he was young, about to pull that trigger, the feel of the cold gun against his hand, the cheers of encouragement…he shook his head. He'd stopped it this time and he'd deal with the Latin Kings later…alone.
The sky was almost entirely dark with clouds when Ken's car turned into the driveway of the Guile home. There was seriously a basketball hoop over the garage door. From the outside no one would know the horror the family inside had seen. It made him smile, there was hope for him yet. Despite all the bad he knew the Guile family had been through, he could still very clearly picture Guile shooting hoops with Cammy, Wagner and Melissa.
Dorian rushed from the car but was stopped by Julian's firm grip on his arm. He nodded at Ken, having already informed him on what might be Juli's whereabouts. They had a starting point, hopefully they'd get there before Shadowlaw got wind. Knowing this family, they were probably ready to go already, just waiting for word of a destination. But there'd be time to deal with this now, there might not be the privacy later. Dorian pulled from his grasp but only stepped a few feet away. His face was cast downward, looking at his feet kicking pebbles along the cement driveway. Julian spoke.
"So what was that?"
Dorian shrugged his shoulders. Julian continued.
"Come on, it's not like I caught you with cigarettes…you had a gun in his fucking mouth. That was so not in the plan."
"What about you, what had you running scared?"
"I wasn't afraid until I saw you, like that."
"I had it under control."
Julian stepped towards Dorian, and grabbed his shoulders.
"Look at me. That's not control. Never was for me and never will be for you."
Dorian nearly crumbled under Julian's gaze.
"It just escalated so fast, and he was ruining everything. Once I started, they were all there, watching, I--I couldn't stop."
"You did."
"You had to hit me, pretty hard by the way."
Dorian rubbed his hand across his chin smearing the dried blood. Julian hoped they hadn't ruined the upholstery in Ken's car.
"Sorry, kid. That's the second time today, huh? Here…"
He pulled the handkerchief off of his arm and reached to wipe Dorian's face.
"…don't want to get Jane's place all bloody, again."
Dorian snatched the handkerchief and finished cleaning his face.
"So that's it?"
It was aggressive, his point must not have sunk in.
"No…it's not. You've really got to understand, that's not how we work."
"I was just helping, that's what we're here to do, right?"
"That's my mistake. A sixteen year old shouldn't be worrying about this stuff."
"But that's the thing, at least I'm doing something."
"Death is never justifiable…regardless of the cause, the reason. It's a weight you have to carry with you, always."
"Is that all?"
Julian sighed, Dorian was agitated, still pumped from the encounter before. All that energy needed a place…gangsters twisted that youthful energy into something they could use for evil. Regardless of the intent, the energy needed a place.
"You stay here from now on. This was my mistake, not yours."
"But I'm being punished? This is bullshit, I was just protect--"
"Stop it, now! You stay here, understand?"
Silence. Julian reiterated.
"Understand?"
"Yes."
"Eighteen and therapy and I'll think about it again."
Then Dorian smiled and Julian couldn't hold his own grin at the thought of his future with his son. He wondered what God had in store for them. He hadn't overlooked the miracle of having his son returned, and he wouldn't anytime soon. For now there was hopefully only one last fight.
--
Military mode had now totally taken over in the Guile home. In just a few hours Wagner, Cranky and Julian would be leaving and it was everyone else's responsibility to make sure they had everything they'd need. The huge dining room table held no space for food, instead it was now totally covered with more than enough equipment for the three men. Vests, knifes, sheathes, holsters, all in their appropriate sizes and in individual piles. If she couldn't go and fight she was going to make damn sure the guys were prepared with everything they might need. The contrast of the peace of the dining room table and the rage of war wasn't lost on Cammy. It was her life personified. She felt awkward, lost in the everyday, but this, this was order, it had clear goals and power, felt solid to her, something that she felt competent in. This was the only answer that made sense in the wake of the past weeks' horror. She wasn't sixteen and Shadowlaw couldn't do this to her and her family anymore without paying the price. She was done suffering and the time for action was at hand. Oddly enough, it was when she reminded herself that she was staying behind that a tight knot formed in her gut.
She shook off the bad feeling and reminded herself to concentrate. She didn't want to make any mistakes here, Cranky, Wagner and Julian needed to be prepared, and the right gear was step number one. She reached for the twin Brownings she had procured just twenty four hours ago. She pumped the empty clip out of the gun and began refilling it. Guns leave trails and judging from the location Julian had told them about, there'd at least be an investigation if something went wrong. They probably wouldn't need it, Shadowlaw didn't want any trails either. Besides, Wagner was carrying it, technically he was the only one of the three who was properly trained to use a firearm. She slammed the full clip back into the butt of the gun and strapped it into a holster that was alongside Wagner's equipment.
"Hey sis."
Cammy turned and found Wagner behind her. Peeking out from behind his black tank top, a tight bandage was wrapped around his injured shoulder. She stood attending to him quickly.
"Hey, how are you feeling?"
He shook her hold off and walked past her.
"I'm fine, if you keep being like this Guile and Jane are going to worry."
"We're all worried…Just promise me, don't go in if it's too much to handle, scope it out and then we'll go from--"
"Cammy, I know."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it, instinct is hard to fight, huh? You promise me you'll try and relax some. You need rest."
"Alright, it's a deal."
"I'm going to go get Cranky and Julian so we can suit up."
"I'm almost finished here. You should have anything you'll need."
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
He squeezed her arm as he turned and left the room. This had to be okay. There was no way she could handle it if something happened to one of them. Cammy reached and grabbed the remaining Browning. Ken, Guile and her would be here tonight, not to mention Kenny wasn't too shabby of a fighter. They should be fine, it was Cranky Wagner and Julian who'd need the help. She released the clip from the gun and let it drop into her hand before she tucked it into a pocket on Wagner's vest. Now things were ready.
Cranky came in, bandages in tow.
"Ready to strap me in?"
She nodded and reached for the bandages. All she could figure to do was wrap him tight and give him some padding in the chest. It was going to hurt like hell, but he'd be better able to fight if needed. She couldn't believe they were sending the most injured of the group into battle. But Guile had to man the fort, be the one to fight, but then someone had to protect the ones who couldn't fight, that'd be Ken. No way in hell was Wagner staying behind, that much she could understand, but Julian…he was key, could get them past any resistance from the Latin Kings. So that left her, Jane, Melissa, Kenny and Dorian to be the protected ones. Sure Kenny had a few moves up his sleeve, but Cranky would have a heart attack if his little brother was expected to fight. Besides, children shouldn't have to fight. And she could fight, but no. It felt odd, but right, she had to protect her child. Cranky sucked in his breath.
"That's good, pull it really tight."
"Sorry, I know it hurts."
She'd been on the opposite side of Vega's claws numerous times. It felt like you were cut to the bone when they sliced into your skin…
"Cammy! You done?"
She shook her head and tucked the end of the bandage in.
"Yeah, this should help some."
"Thanks, babe."
He kissed her cheek quickly and reached towards the equipment.
"Which ones mine?"
Cammy nudged her head towards the equipment in his size and he began to suit up. She'd never felt so helpless, but she took her place, and sat back, waiting for Cranky to finish. Every possible thing that could go wrong began running through her head…it could be a trap, the location could be wrong, someone could die, Juli could be dead already…
"…did you hear me Cammy?"
Cammy snapped back and stopped wringing her hands.
"No, I-"
"I said this feels great. The suit-up I mean."
"Yeah, good, that's real good."
She was obviously distracted. She and Wagner had gone on missions together, plus it was more than understandable that he go to rescue Juli. But Cranky…he stepped towards her and grabbed her chin. He spoke softly.
"Hey, I'm coming back to you. I promise."
No, no, no, don't promise! She was suddenly that girl again, begging her Dad not to leave her. To just stay. Promises were damned, but what else could he say to his pregnant fiancé besides just that?
"Cranky, don't promise me, just do it. Come back to me."
"I will. But the family needs me."
And they all were just that. They all have fallen in line to protect one another at some point. This was what they did, plain and simple. She kissed him pulling him tightly to her. He grunted, a slight expression of pain, but she caught it and had to resist the urge to squeeze tighter. Please come home.
--
Vega stood under the awning of some rent-by-the-hour horrid motel in a simple rage. Genta was headstrong and needy. He had the inner workings of a brash street thug. And yet he had perfectly taken the information he was given and turned the tables on him. What a fiend, a rat, one day he was going to destroy Genta for what he'd done. The audacity of him to believe he deserved to be ranked next to Vega, even above him. Ha! Soon enough he'd be taken care of, but as it was, Vega was waiting to meet a contact, a job a lowly soldier like Genta should be handling. Bison hadn't let Vega's history die with him, he knew all too well what he was capable of. Bison rarely asked him questions, only expecting orders to be followed and results be made. It helped Vega enjoy his job, he was free to be...a killer…himself. Genta threatened that today. He'd found an alternate route to solving Bison's dilemma. While he'd been distracted with Camilla. Bison would not let that alone.
Guillermo sulked in and stood next to him. The man was shaken, angry, agitated. That wasn't good. Bison liked his help happy, sharp, on guard. This was a disappointment. He'd been saddened not to have had time to deal with Francisco Marquez personally. Timing with Camilla was most important, she was delicate. Marquez got it the way he deserved it, by betrayal.
"My dear friend, what is wrong?"
"You said I could do Marquez and it'd be a done deal."
"And it is not?"
"Not when I seen a ghost today. This one fucks it all up you see? I'm supposed to be successor, and now I'm gonna have to deal with rumors that the true heirs to the Latin Kings are running around LA?!"
"Calm down…now who did you see?"
"I remember his son…his grandson. They're both mezclado, their eyes. I thought if I killed him I'd be next, that was the deal. You said they were taken care of."
"They were."
"This is bullshit. I did everything…even got you the place in the railroad district."
"What place?"
"For the girl."
"That was not my order."
He'd wondered how Genta pulled it off. He's been sneaking around more than Vega realized. Guillermo continued.
"That's what he was asking about…trying to pin Francisco's death on Shadowlaw. I thought you'd be worried."
Worried? No. This was wonderful. Genta's operation was about to have an onslaught of angry street fighters. He didn't have to figure out a way to deal with Genta, he would simply let him self destruct. Vega laughed. It was so perfect he could have concocted it himself.
"Guillermo, go to the location you procured. You can deal with Julian Marquez there. Do whatever is needed."
The man smiled. He'd wanted this for so long it was pitiful. He'd fail, that Vega was sure of. He was also sure that Genta was in for a siege, sooner than later. He knew that the street fighters would react, they always do. Normally he'd call this in, warn his fellow soldier, but Genta had brought this on himself the day he thought he could compete with Vega. He would simply let fate take it's hold. Only the beautiful deserved to survive. Now, now it was time to pay Camilla a visit.
--
The rain had begun to fall by the time they arrived at the location. It was dark, the rain took the lights they did have and twisted it, making it into a light show rather than a source of guidance. But Wagner, Cranky and Julian were too experienced to be distracted by the light or their rain soaked clothes. Black had been the garment color of choice. They were technically working under the law…Wagner liked to think of it as over the law. Whatever it took, he'd have done it. Hell, when it really came down to it, this could all be a bust. He prayed, so hard it wasn't. That they weren't too late, that he'd save Juli. He shook his head. He had to concentrate on this as a mission. His head was clouded enough by the pain killers Cranky'd slipped him on the ride over, he couldn't afford further impairment, Juli couldn't afford it. They knelt behind a loading crate.
--
Julian pointed over to a lone warehouse.
"That's it."
The three men headed towards the side entrance of the building. Shoulder to shoulder they were a force to be reckoned with. Men hardened in some respects by totally different circumstances yet the similarities shone through; delinquent youths pushed to the edge before becoming the men they now were. Now they fought like hell to keep that…to do what was right.
As they approached the door like a ghost from his past, Guillermo stepped from the shadows. Wagner and Cranky almost instantly fell into ready stances, but Julian eased them back before the he spoke.
"You and me have unfinished business young Julian."
"That we do. But just us…let them pass."
The man nodded and Cranky and Wagner looked at him, puzzled. They'd understand, but for now, they didn't have time for an explanation, Juli needed help and was most assuredly inside given Guillermo's presence.
"Go and get Juli out, this won't take long."
Wagner and Cranky wasted no time and moved forward, leaving Julian alone, in the rain, with a man who wanted him dead.
Guillermo launched himself forward, much faster than Julian would have thought a man of his age could move. He struck Julian twice, once in the chest and again, grazing his shoulder. Julian followed through with his block and brought his elbow around, smacking against his foes forearm. The rainfall increased around and over them as they lunged into combat again. Julian was knocked back by a kick to his gut. He fell, his body splashing down into a puddle. Guillermo kicked him again, his booted foot finding it's mark against his ribs. The air left his lungs and he rolled to his stomach. He rose, using his hands to push himself up with and extended leg aimed at Guillermo. His parry pushed him far enough away for Julian to stand. It was hard to see, the street lights acted more as strobe lights as the pounding rain fell. Torrents of water ran along the rivets in the cement like raging rivers. If he wasn't soaked to the bone before, his roll in the puddle assured that. He went for him again, aiming his fist at Guillermo's face. He found his mark with a resounding splat against the gagster's face. He pushed him off balance, bringing him to his knees. Guillermo turned, wrapping his arms around Julian's legs, bringing him down to the ground with a huge splash. They struggled for the upper hand in the raging water. Guillermo gained headway as he was able to get above Julian, pushing his face to the side as he punched him low in the gut. It hurt, bad. They were trained to fight dirty, winning was key in a real street fight, not honor, not glory, coming out alive, that was all important. Julian struggled to breathe as water rushed against his face. Guillermo's voice came through the sound of rushing water.
"I killed your father for this, don't think I won't kill you and your boy just the same!"
--
Cranky rammed his shoulder into the door. What could he do really, Wagner had to cover him with the gun and Julian was dealing with that guy. Whoever he was, something about his presence told them they were in the right place and damn was that a relief. So what if now they were short a man, he and Wagner could handle it. The door gave way on the third excruciating try. He stepped back, letting Wagner lead the way in.
The building was a completely empty dark expanse of space save for a metal grate staircase and walkway leading to an office-like area overlooking the floor space. He and Wagner pulled back to the shadows. The sound of the pounding rain on the metal roof echoed throughout the expanse of space and most likely had covered the sound of their breaking in the door. Still, it was strange there was no one to be seen save for the man outside. Wagner whispered.
"I think that office up there goes further back, there may even be a few rooms."
Cranky nodded.
"Let's go then."
They headed up the stairs. The lack of security was amazing, it told him they weren't expecting to be found. Wagner lowered and holstered his gun as they continued forward. As they approached the door it opened. He was stunned, but Wagner was obviously more attuned to him because he pulled Cranky back quickly, tucking their forms against the wall. A voice Cranky would never forget rose in the air. Genta.
"…something had to take. You tell Master Bison it's all under control--"
Cranky didn't think, he just acted and launched himself towards Genta, using the wall to push him forward at a lightning pace. He collided with the youth and hit the metal grate walkway hard. He yelled to Wagner.
"Go get Juli!"
Wagner didn't hesitate, he dashed past Cranky as he struggled with Genta. They grappled for a moment there before Genta scrambled away. He wasn't stupid. He knew he couldn't take Cranky in a fight of brute force. Plus he'd been surprised by the onslaught. They stood face to face as he heard Wagner enter a confrontation. Genta spat.
"How'd you find us?"
"Doesn't matter, you're finished. You should really know better by now, Genta. Shadowlaw, Vega…they're bad news."
Cranky couldn't help but to reason. To see a child Kenny's age like this, caught up in this…it was hard. Worse off he knew first hand Genta's circumstances. But none the less he was trouble. He bit back.
"A lecture, really, I'm touched. Shadowlaw has always delivered what it's promised me."
Cranky knew how to push his buttons, play on his pride.
"And Vega?"
He scoffed.
"Like he's in my way. He is insane, only useful until the day he finally snaps, totally loses control."
To think that just that very thing hadn't happened yet frightened Cranky, so he persisted.
"You know this is over. If you had back-up they'd be here by now."
Genta's face squeezed into a rage.
"A minor setback…it can be blamed on a subordinate. You trying to get out of a fight…come on."
Genta dropped into his stance. Cranky didn't want to fight him, injuries aside, he was a little uneasy putting a beat down on a kid, though he would if he had to. But then again, that part of him that was essential to his surviving on the streets, to being a good con man, was nipping at the back of his mind.
"I'd rather make a deal. We both want Vega out of the picture, right?"
Genta smiled, at that level being exactly the same as Cranky…always looking for an opportunity.
"I'm listening."
"Just go now, this never happened. And I'll contact you."
Maybe it was because Cranky hit just the right spot with Genta, maybe he knew he'd lost anyway, maybe he was just trying to survive…regardless, he nodded, turned and dashed out of sight, down the stairs without asking for more. He just took Cranky at his word. He didn't know if this was good or bad, but at least now he could help Wagner.
--
As soon as he rounded the corner Wagner saw Conner at the end of a long corridor. Even though his and Cranky's presence must have stunned the hell out of him, (he and Genta were the only two soldier's present by Wagner's count, obviously not expecting an attack) he met Wagner with a smile spread across his lips.
"What a surprise. How's the shoulder?"
Wagner didn't want to waste any time. He could feel his rage building with his need to wipe the smug smile of his face.
"Where is she?"
"Resting, it's time for us to play now."
The two men headed towards one another, almost marching, each trying to act in haste yet resist just enough to remain somewhat in control. Conner acted first, an open fist wrapping around Wagner's injured shoulder. It almost hurt, the pain was fuzzy, hazing just on the edge of his mind. Thank God for Cranky and pain meds. Wagner looked at Conner's gripped hand before he slugged him in the jaw. He fell back, the wall of the corridor the only thing that kept him from hitting the floor. Conner rubbed his jaw as he pushed his support from the wall. Wagner stayed light on his feet, waiting for Conner's next attack, but he couldn't keep his eyes off the door at the end of the hall. Juli.
He forgot Conner was quick but soon remembered when he retaliated with s flurry of quick punches. The guys reach was amazing, but his strikes were weak, cautious even, like he was waiting for something.
"What are you waiting for Conner? Isn't this what you wanted?"
Conner's hands slipped past Wagner's defense and wrapped around his throat. His body was slug to the side like a rag doll, shoulder slamming hard into the wall. This time the pain was less fuzzy…but it woke him up. He couldn't play into this, he had to get to Juli ASAP. He ducked, narrowly avoiding a right hook aimed at his jaw. Conner back was to him and Wagner shoved him forward, slamming his head into the wall. He left him and headed towards the door at the end of the hall, but Conner jumped him from behind, knocking him to the floor. The tussled there for a moment before Conner got the upper hand. He slammed his fists down his Wagner's shoulders, pinning him to the floor as he gloated.
"Don't run away…not this time. This time we finish it."
"Finish what? Conner, you're one fucked up person."
He slugged him hard in the jaw. Pain exploded throughout his face and he felt blood run down his cheek from his lip. That was it. Wagner used his knees to push Conner forward and off balance. As soon as he was far enough he struck hard, pushing into a roll. It looked clumsy and definitely wasn't a move that would pass in a fight movie…but in the small hall, it worked. He got to he feet and was face to face with Conner. He walked forward, forcing Conner to act. He lunged at him, fist extended, aimed at Wagner's nose. Wagner pulled his face back at the last second and caught Conner forearm in his hands. It wasn't the time for mercy. He twisted as he shoved him into the wall. The crack was sickening but no more than the blood on his hands, the bone having torn through skin. Conner slid down the wall and onto the floor, screaming.
"You broke my fuckin' arm!"
Wagner ignored him and made his way to the lone door.
--
Julian screamed with rage. He pulled his legs up and pushed Guillermo away. His father had been betrayed by his highest officer, killed for power, money, control. Shadowlaw had helped him do it, that much he was sure of, but now he knew Guillermo had done the actual deed. Julian charged him, aiming an open palm at his throat. Guillermo slapped it away yet gave a cry of pain when Julian's fist smashed into his nose. Blood flew, mingling in the droplets of rain in the air. Guillermo toppled over and it wasn't long before Julian stood above Guillermo, his neck pressed under his boot. His mind was screaming. He knew how to fix his problem…it was the simplest of dilemmas. Kill him. It'd be blamed on a rival gang, just like his father's death and he'd be free and clear…until it snowballed. In his rage he forgotten that for a moment. Death always led to more death. If he killed Guillermo today, it would eventually lead to another death, and another, and still… Guillermo voice was broken, filled with sputtering water and contempt.
"I've waited for too long to be king…I refuse to be subordinate to a boy I watched cry as he got inked. We are not brothers when it is only blood that holds you to us. You never should of had the right to be one of us"
He'd been right. Guillermo was next in line to rule the Latin Kings, Julian and Dorian's existence notwithstanding. Once the aftermath of Francisco Marquez's death faded, Guillermo would have taken power. Without them, he was to become leader. Julian's voice boomed over the rainfall.
"I could kill you now and be done with it. For my father, for all of the innocent people you've hurt. But what I offer, brother, is peace. Take it, take the Latin King's, take it all, you can have it! Enjoy your life, what the fuck ever, I don't care. Just leave me and my son alone. Déjenos en paz, para siempre. We'll do the same."
He let his foot off of his neck, allowing him to rise to sitting. Guillermo showed his age now, his breaths coming in loud pants.
"You give it all away, for what?!"
Julian smiled and shook his head. The answer would have been obvious for someone who knew the all encompassing love of a parent for their child, but that was apparently lost on Guillermo.
"For my son."
--
Wagner approached the door with caution even though he was pretty sure that Genta and Conner had been alone. Otherwise someone would have been helping them fight or reacted to Conner's screaming in the least. Now, he still laid on the floor, leaning on the wall, holding his broken wrist to his chest as blood slowly spread over him. Good.
If the door was unlocked, Wagner wouldn't had noticed. He'd reacted on instinct when he saw Juli's lone form crumpled on the floor in the corner of the room, and kicked the door in. When there was no reaction from Juli from the sound of the door, Wagner yelled.
"Juli!"
Her head popped up in and instant, the right side of her face badly bruised. He ran for her instantly, kneeling beside her fallen form. Her fingers reached for him, finding their place twisting the fabric of his pants. Her voice came out soft and cracked.
"You came."
He nodded, wanting nothing more than to pull her into a tight embrace but he wasn't sure if he'd hurt her of not. Dried blood blotted her skin and the tattered remains of her clothes. Wagner could feel anger burning tightly in his chest, but he pulled it back, kept it at bay, for her. Juli was far more important in this moment.
"Yeah baby, I'm here to get you out."
He reached around her form and softly pulled her into his arms. Even though he could feel blood from his shoulder wound seeping, like before, pain meant nothing. Juli had been badly injured in more ways than one, her silence said that much. Right now he wanted her safe. He stood and headed out of the room as Cranky approached, with Julian and spoke.
"Hey Wagner, everyone's been taken care of let's go."
He nodded.
"You two get Juli out of here, I'll be right behind you."
He handed Juli over to a dumbfounded Cranky. Before he could question, Julian pulled at his arm, giving Wagner a slight nod. Wagner knew simply by his coming tonight that he could trust Cranky and Julian to keep Juli safe while he finished this. He waited long enough that they should have cleared that stair and were on the way out the door. It only took a few steps to be in front of Conner, who now laid still, calmer than before. He smiled at him.
"I guess you're wanting to know what happened, huh flyboy?"
Wagner shook his head. He felt devoid of emotion, that was going to make this easy. He pulled the gun from his holster and pointed it at Conner. His breathing quickened, the void slowly becoming a sort of excitement. It made his hands shake, or was it that he'd never killed someone, not like this. But the moment he saw Juli he knew he was going to do this. It had been almost automatic; he must die. Conner must have felt Wagner's seriousness because his eyes grew and waved his good arm in that air as he began begging.
"Please, don't--I--I just, we didn't hurt her that--"
Wagner squeezed the trigger and the gunshot filled the tiny hall. Conner was hushed in that instant, forever. Wagner let the dead body slump to the floor before he turned and left to take care of Juli.