Chapter 8: Death takes you with this spell

Disclaimer: Read chapter 1

A/N: S.D.G. CHANGED TO CANIDAE

Bold = thoughts, point of view, or dreams

[] = phone conversations

            There was an hour before the hearing and Kira was getting ready while Jade took a quick shower. The night before they had gone to Kira's place to get an extra change of clothes; and luckily for Jade she had something for her in her size that she kindly let her borrow. Then they had found a decent but cheap hotel in sector four to stay at for the night, they got to eat some decent food and had a good night's sleep.

            Now it was morning and as Jade took her shower she felt her muscles were very tense; and when the water hit her upper back it hurt like a bitch. Jade knew she had a fat bruise there because she got it when the hit man pushed her into the bathtub last night. At Canidae they gave her and the others so many pills and drugs to make their bodies heal faster but apparently not fast enough…for Jade anyway. When her shower ended she got out and got dressed. Kira had given her some baby blue sweat pants with flares at the bottom, a baby blue zipped-up sweater to match, and a plain white spaghetti strapped shirt.

            Jade came out of the bathroom and saw Kira lying on the bed watching TV; she walked over to a chair, sat down, and put on her adidas shoes. They had a couple of more hours to kill before the trial so Jade suggested they go out for breakfast and Kira agreed. Jade checked them out of the hotel and then they headed to a small café in sector seven that Jade had recommended they go to. 

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~~~~~Logan's Penthouse~~~~~

            Logan had gotten an early start that morning, after spending a passionate night with Max, he decided to getup and make breakfast. While in the middle of making chocolate chip pancakes, Max came in wearing only one of Logan's buttoned up shirts.

Logan (cheerfully): Morning beautiful.

Max (in a sleepy daze): Morning.

Logan: Coffee?

Max (smiles warmly): Yes please.

Logan (grabbing a mug and the pot of freshly made coffee): Sleep well?

Max (going over to him and wrapping her arms around his waist): Very well, especially in your arms.

            For a few minutes they forgot about the coffee and breakfast; and Logan captured Max in a passionate, hot, long kiss. They didn't part until Zack came in and cleared his throat purposefully, letting them know that he was there.

Zack: Morning.

Max (grabbing her coffee): Morning, coffee?

Zack: Sure.

            Max grabbed a mug and poured him a cup, and then she handed it to Zack as he grabbed a seat at the table.

Logan (finish making the last few pancakes): Want some breakfast?

Zack: Umm…sure.

Max: Where are Syl and Krit?

Zack: Still asleep I guess.

Logan: Well they better get here before all of this is gone.

Max (digging in): It's their loss.

            All three of them ate their breakfast in comfortable silence till Max had to go get ready for work. When she came back Logan saw her off at the door; but before she left they had shared a long kiss goodbye.

            Logan retrieved back to the kitchen and started to clean up, while doing so he made a mental note to himself on calling Jade to get an update.

~~~~~2 p.m. Courthouse waiting area~~~~~

            Jade sat in the waiting area as they called Kira's name so she could go give her testimony. As she waited her cell rang and she checked the number only to reveal that it was Logan's

[Hey Logan.] [Hi Jade, how'd you know it was me?] [Did I forget to mention I was psychic?] [Very funny, so how is everything?] [Good, Kira's giving her testimony as we speak.] [Alright, well, drop by with her when she's done.] [Why?] [I have some papers and money for her; she can cross the border tonight and start over.] [Okay, I'll see you in a bit.] [Bye.] [Later.]

            She hung up and waited a few more minutes and then Kira came out. Jade filled her in on Logan's plan and then they headed over to his place.

            It was an hour later and they were still at Logan's.

Kira: I can't thank you both enough for helping me out.

Logan: It was our pleasure.

Kira (looks at Jade who was just staring out the window blankly): Somehow I don't think she would agree to that.

Jade (hearing herself mentioned): Did I hear something about me?

Logan (dismissing it): Kira was just thanking us.

Jade: Oh you're welcome. So are you finished here?

Kira: Yes, I just need to drop by my place and grab a few things.

Jade: Okay when does your bus leave to Vancouver?

Kira (looking at her ticket): At four-thirty.

Jade: Then let's go.

Logan (seeing Kira was a little hesitant): What's the matter?

Kira: I wish I didn't have to go, I mean I still don't really understand why I have to. Calderon's on his way to jail, he can't hurt me anymore.

Logan: Doesn't matter, just because he's in jail doesn't mean he can't get the job done, all he has to do is order another hit out on you.

Jade (getting a bad feeling): Alright let's go. Logan thanks for everything and I'll see you later.

Kira: Yea, thanks, bye.

Logan (smiles): Bye.

            Right when Kira and Jade were at the door to the computer room on instinct Jade turned her head to see out the window, only she didn't see much but the glimpse she caught horrified her. Logan was standing in front of the window but Jade could see from above his shoulder. A man on the rooftop across the building was aiming to shoot at them. She yelled for Kira to get down and then sailed across the room to Logan; she knocked him to the ground so he wouldn't get shot.

            As the shots continued Jade was still shielding Logan with her body as they lay on the floor. Finally the firing stopped and all was quiet throughout the penthouse.

Jade (getting off of Logan but still on the floor): You okay?

Logan (confused): Yea but what the hell was that?

Jade: I'm thinking the other hit man.

She called for Kira to see if she was alright but there was no answer. She got up from the floor and helped Logan up as well, when she turned around, she dreaded what she was about to see. Kira was lying on the floor, not moving, with a pool of her own blood surrounding her. Jade quickly went to her and saw the hit man had made a clear shot and she had taken a bullet right between her breasts. Kira was barely conscious and she had a weak pulse, Jade shouted, "Logan, call 911 and hurry!" as Logan did this Jade took off her sweater, knelt down beside Kira and applied pressure to her wound. 

~~~~~Metro Medical~~~~~

            As I stood watching through the window of ICU, I saw Kira fighting for her life. How was I going to live with myself knowing I was the one who put her there? Kira was dying because of me…I had failed. Deep down I knew this wouldn't have worked yet for my own selfish reasons I had done it. If only I hadn't let my guard down or done something sooner. We wouldn't have to be in this situation right now.

            The doctor finally came out to talk to Logan, I slowly approached them with my blood stained clothes and guilty conscious.

Jade: How is she?

Sam: We've done everything we can; now, only time will tell.

Jade: Can I see her?

Sam: Yes but only one at a time.

            With that the doc walked away, I looked at Logan and he nodded telling me to go ahead. I walked in and took a seat next to her bed; but I was surprised to see that she was awake.

Jade (weak smile): Hey.

Kira (in a hoarse voice): Hi.

            There was some silence between us until I spoke up.

Jade: Kira, I am really sorry about this.

Kira (jokingly): Why, you didn't pull that trigger.

Jade: I should have followed my instincts and not let my guard down.

Kira: Well, you win some you lose some.

Jade: I don't think this is the time to joke.

Kira: All I've got is time.

Jade: You need your rest, I'm gonna go.

Kira: No, don't go. Please, I don't wanna die alone.

Jade: You're not gonna die.

Kira: Yes I am I can feel it. The life inside me is slowly draining away and I can't stop it.

Jade: You have to fight and you need to be strong.

Kira: Fight for what? I have nothing or no one to live for.

Jade: You need to live for yourself.

Kira: I'm just so tired.

Jade (getting up): Okay you get some rest and I'll be back in a few minutes.

Kira: Wait, I'm sorry.

Jade: For what?

Kira: Being such a pain when you were just trying to help me and thinking you had a hidden motive.

Jade (feeling guilty about the last part): Forget it, I already have, but, I think it's time I tell you the truth.

Kira: About what?

Jade: You were right, I had a hidden motive. I made a deal with someone and it was: if I kept you alive then that person would help me find someone from my past.

Kira: Was that person who wanted me alive Logan?

Jade: Sort of but also the person he works for.

Kira: Who are you trying to find?

Jade (long pause): My brother.

Kira (takes a moment): I hope you find him.

Jade (wipes some tears away): Kira, I'm so sorry for everything. For being a bitch to you but most of all I am sorry I couldn't protect you.

            She didn't respond so I got back up again to leave. As I reached for the door I heard her reply, "Don't worry everything will workout, it wasn't your fault, and I forgive you for being a bitch." I couldn't help but smile at the last remark, and with one last glance I left.

            Outside I saw Logan on his cell; I walked over to him as his conversation came to an end.

Logan: How is she?

Jade: Barely hanging in there. Who was on the phone?

Logan: That was Detective Matt Sung, he found our guy.

Jade: Where?

Logan: He was heading to an old bar called "Fisherman's Bucket," it's down by the docks.

            Before I replied I heard the EKG go off and it was in Kira's room. I stood by and watched as the doctor and a couple of nurses rushed in with a crash cart. I could hear the doctor yelling for her to hang on; but the funny thing about Kira was she never did what you asked her to. Then Sam came out and told us she was gone. I couldn't take it anymore so without a second hesitation I ran out of there. Logan called after me but I just couldn't stop, I needed to run. Once I reached the outside steps of the hospital I saw the sun setting and it was raining. The steps were damp but I didn't care, I fell to the ground. As I had my head in my hands someone came up behind me and put their hand on my shoulder, I turned and looked up, only to have Logan staring back at me. I brushed his hand off, got up, and started walking away, he tried to stop me but I wouldn't listen.

~~~~~Loft~~~~~

            Jade had gone back to get her bike from the alley and now she had arrived at her own front door. Standing outside she could hear voices coming from the loft, so she knew one belonged to Lee. Before she went in she wondered what she was going to tell Lee when he asked her why she had blood on her clothes. Jade took one deep breath and entered the loft.

~~~~~Penthouse~~~~~

            Logan arrived home and saw Max sitting on the couch he called out to her but she didn't acknowledge him, when she wouldn't answer his calls he went to her. Logan sat on the coffee table across from Max and he slightly shook her.   

Logan: Max?

            Max blinked once then came out of her trance, when she saw Logan, she hugged him tight, and didn't want to let go.

Max (tears coming down her face): Logan I thought I had lost you.

Logan (confused): What? Why would you think that?

Max: I stopped by and you weren't here, then I saw the broken window and blood. I tried calling your cell but there was no answer.

Logan: I'm sorry Max, I was at the hospital and I had it off most of the time.

Max (worried): Why were you at the hospital?
Logan: The blood you found wasn't mine, but it was the woman's I was helping.

Max (remembering): Right the one who testified against the Columbian drug lord.

Logan: Exactly.

            Logan had told Max about Kira except he left out the part about Jade helping them.

~~~~~Loft~~~~~

            Jade quietly closed the door behind her and stood her bike against the wall. She silently walked down the hall to the living room where she saw Lee and Syl making out. Jade knew she wasn't going to go unnoticed, so it was either now or never. When Jade entered Lee broke away from Syl, he got up---clearly happy to see her---and was going to give her a hug but stopped dead in his tracks.

Lee (thinking the worst and going to her): Oh God Jade, what happened?

Jade (hugging him): No, its okay…I'm okay.

Lee: You can't be okay you're bleeding.

Jade: It's not my blood.

Lee (confused): What?

Jade (lifting up her shirt): See, no wound ergo no blood.

            Lee dragged her to the couch, made her sit down, and as she said hello to Syl, he gave her this 'tell me what happened' look that always worked.

Jade: I'm betting you wanna know what happened. (Lee nodded.) Short version, there was an accident and one of the party involved is currently residing in a hospital morgue.

Lee (putting his arm around her and kissing the top of her head): I'm just glad you're okay.

Jade (quietly): I can't say the same.

            They sat there like that for a while, forgetting about the fact that Syl was there and were having a moment.

Lee: How did it happen?

Jade: It was a shooting; I took the victim to the hospital.

Lee (half heartedly): Always gotta play the hero.

Jade: Wasn't much of a hero seeing as how she died.

Lee: It wasn't your fault.

Jade (If only you knew the whole truth): Thanks.

Lee: For what?

Jade: For this. I really needed it.

Lee: You're welcome.

Jade (getting out of his embrace): I'm gonna go change. Let you two get back to whatever you were doing. Sorry I interrupted.

Syl (smiles): It's okay, don't worry about it.

            With that Jade smiled and went upstairs to change and then she was going to go take care of some unfinished business.

            Jade changed into her black turtle-neck that showed her belly and she wore some low rise dark denim pants. She opened her closet and grabbed a box that was hidden deep inside. It was a box containing the only gun Jade owned, she loaded it, put on her boots and gloves, then headed down the stairs. She hid her gun pretty  well so Syl and Lee wouldn't see, she grabbed her jacket and as she turned to put it on you could see her tattoo of a rose on the lower part of her back.

Lee: Where you headed off to?

Jade (lying): I'm gonna go meet Maria and some of the guys from work, we're gonna go and have a couple of drinks.

Syl: I think I'm gonna head out too.

Lee: No stay, we haven't gotten a chance to talk as much as I would have liked.

Syl (smiles): If I stay I don't think their will be much of any talking.

            This made Lee smile also, since he couldn't persuade her to stay he saw her off at the door with a long kiss goodbye. Soon after, Jade left, once on the street she rode fast and she rode hard, arriving at her destination in record time.

            She knew he was there because she could see through the bar's window, now all she had to do was wait.

~~~~~Penthouse~~~~~

Syl (coming into the kitchen): Hey Max.

Max: Hey, how was your date?

Syl: It was good till Jade came.

Max: How do you mean?

Syl: Well Lee and I were in the middle of a make out session and in comes Jade drenched in blood.

Max: Really?

Syl: Yea, but the thing was it wasn't her blood so she lifted up her shirt to prove to us that it wasn't hers and that there was no wound.

Max: So whose blood was it?

Syl: Apparently there had been an accident and Jade had taken the injured person to the hospital.

Max: What sort of accident?

Syl: A shooting.

Max: Did she mention the gender of the injured person?

Syl: I think she said that it was a woman.

Max: Okay, one last question, did she make it?

Syl: No, she died.

            That was the last thing Max need to conclude the suspicions she had; and before Syl could ask her why the sudden interest in all this, Max had gotten up and was heading towards the computer room.

Max (angry but trying to control it): Why didn't you tell me?

Logan: Tell you what?

Max: That Jade was working for you.

Logan: I didn't tell you because I knew you'd be angry. Besides Jade didn't want anyone to know.

Max: Oh Jade didn't want anyone to know? Since when does anything Jade say matter?

Logan: Max that's a little harsh, don't you think?

Max: Harsh? Logan she threatened you for God sake! And she has been nothing but a bitch and trouble to us ever since she came into our lives.

Logan: I use to know a girl like that.

Max (calm now): Logan, I was never that bad.

Logan: I know you weren't but Max trust me once you get to know her she's not that bad.

Max: Fine but if I feel at anytime that she's crossed a line then I will kick her ass.

Logan: Hey, you got my permission. How did you know she was working for me?

Max: Syl came to me with some stuff and I put two and two together.

Logan: I see, so you won't mind if I ask Syl a few questions of my own?

Max: Go right ahead.

            So Logan hollered for Syl and she came. He asked her some questions about Jade's whereabouts and she told him all she knew.

Logan: So you're sure nothing about her was unusual?

Syl (thinking hard): Now that I think about it she did have something in her hand. It looked like she was trying to hide it.

Logan: Can you remember what it was?

Syl: From the way she was holding it, I think it may have been a gun.

Max (leaning on the desk with her arms folded across her chest): Why would someone who's just gonna have drinks with her friends take a gun?

Logan: Because she lied, she's not going to have drinks; she's going to exact revenge on Kira's killer.

Max: Do you know where she is?

Logan: I think I know where she's headed.

Syl: So let's go stop her.

Logan: We can't, by the time we get there, it'll be too late.

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            The guy came out with a girl draped on his arm. The guy had light brown hair with blue eyes and he was about six feet tall. He was well-built and muscular, he looked to be about twenty-one years old and he was very cute. The girl was equally gorgeous; she had short red hair with green eyes. She was also well-built but petite, she was five foot four, and she looked to be twenty-one also.

            Cloaked by the darkness Jade released the safety of the gun and without a second thought she fired. Since they were heading towards her, the bullet went into his right shoulder, and he yelled out in agony. The girl was trying to stop the blood flow as Jade came out of the shadows. As she stepped closer they took a moment and both looked at her, she stood there, her eyes cold, her heart empty, and no feeling whatsoever inside her.

Jade: It's funny how something so little can cause so much damage.

Girl: Who are you and what do you want?

Jade: I've got nothing with you, my deals with your boy. He did something he shouldn't have and now he's gotta pay.

Guy: I don't know what you're talking about.

Jade: Then I have to refresh your memory, by killing your girlfriend.

Guy: Just tell me what you want!

Jade: I want justice for the life you took, the life I was supposed to protect.

Guy: I honestly don't know what you're talking about.

Jade: Fine two can play this game.

            She bolted for the girl and grabbed her by the neck. She put away her gun and took out the dagger she had used a couple days ago. The girl tried to fight but Jade's grip was to strong and she was fueled by anger and guilt those two combos made her even stronger.

Jade: Let me refresh your memory, this afternoon, you, on the roof across the building of Foggle Towers with a sniper rifle. Ring any bells?

Guy: Okay, but this has nothing to do with her, just let her go.

Jade: Not until you answer my question.

Guy (frustrated): Fine I'll tell you anything.

Jade: Tell me how Calderon contacted you.

Guy: What? Who the hell is Calderon?

Jade: The guy who paid you to kill Kira, you dumb ass.

Guy: No, I didn't kill her.

Jade: Evidence begs to differ, she's currently lying in a hospital morgue because of a bullet you put in her.

Girl: What is going on? Tell her you didn't kill anyone!
Guy (confused): No it wasn't supposed to go down like that. I wasn't sent there to kill her.

Jade (half-heartedly): What? Are you telling me you were sent there to kill Logan?

            He didn't answer her but there was no need because Jade saw the answer in his eyes.

Jade: Who sent you to kill him?

            He didn't answer her so Jade pressed the edge of the blade into the girl's neck making a small cut and she yelled out in pain. Jade didn't release her hold and the guy was looking at her, almost as if he was daring her to put even more pressure on the blade. There was something there between all three of them, some sort of connection.

Girl: Vince just tell her what she wants to know.

Vince: Its okay Gwen she's not going to hurt you, are you…Jade?

            He had figured it out but so had Jade she now knew their connection. She never answered him all she did was thrust Gwen into Vince and backed away.

Jade (still holding her knife tightly in her fist): Stay away from Logan, because if you think this is bad, let me tell you something, this is just icing off the cake. Give your boss a message from me…if he doesn't back off he'll be next.

            Jade started walking away but then turned around as Gwen was helping Vince lean against her instead of the wall.

Jade: By the way I would have hurt her and you, but I would have never killed you. That's not who I am anymore, unlike some people.

            With that she walked off to her bike knowing that Vince knew what her last remark was about.

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~~~~~Penthouse~~~~~

            Everything was quite throughout the penthouse, Logan had fallen asleep at the computer, Max had gone home, Syl was asleep in the guest bedroom, and Krit and Zack were still out. Jade silently broke in and headed to where she knew Logan would be. When she saw him asleep, she sat down across from him and loudly put her gun—barrel facing Logan's forehead—down on the desk. Startled, Logan woke up, saw the gun, and then saw Jade.

Logan (groggily): Hey.

Jade (taking back her gun): Hey.

Logan: Nice time for a visit.

Jade: Thought so, came by to take a look at those pictures.

Logan (handing her a manila folder): Where ya been?

Jade: Around.

            Logan didn't push it anymore because he knew she would tell him when she was ready.

            Jade was looking at the photos and none of them were of Shane.

Jade (tossing the folder on the desk): None of these are him. You got any feeds I can take a look at?

Logan: Sure, come and see.

            Jade went behind Logan as he was in his chair and he opened a couple of windows on the computer. Jade was looking but the only picture that consisted of Shane  was when they were dancing, but even then his face was buried in her hair.

Jade (frustrated): Damn it! It's like he just appeared out of no where! Damn! What am I supposed to do now?

Logan: I don't know but you better think of something fast cuz there is no record of this guy anywhere besides the records of the real Shane Black.

Jade: Are you really sure your friend, Shane, died that night?

Logan: Yes, you still haven't told me which brother you think he is.

Jade (quiet for some time): My oldest brother Conner. I don't know if this is any help but the night I met him, after he dropped me off I followed him.

Logan: Where to?

Jade: Here.

Logan: Here?

Jade (annoyed): Not here as in this penthouse but as in this building.

Logan (typing something on his computer): This is good, it might actually help.

Jade (grimily): That's what I'm here for.

Logan: Jade, what's a matter?

Jade: Nothing I'm fine.

Logan (getting ticked at her façade): No you're not fine; any blind person could see that.

Jade: What are you, my shrink now?

Logan: All I'm trying to be is your friend. Why don't you open up, vent a little bit, it's good for you.

Jade: Logan don't play games, you wanna know something just straight up ask me.

Logan: Look, I told you the truth.

Jade: Right and the fact that you're dying inside to know what happened between me and the killer tonight is not the least bit on your mind.

Logan: Fine what happened?

Jade (nonchalantly): Not much just shot my other brother and almost slit my sister's throat.

Logan: You're kidding?

Jade: Wish I were.

Logan: I don't understand they were sent to kill Kira?

Jade: Whoever sent them—

Logan (cutting her off): Wasn't it Calderon?

Jade (not meeting her gaze): Thing is my brother, not my sister, was sent here to kill you and Kira just got in the way she was never meant to get killed.

            They sat there for a long while in silence and Jade finally sick of it all just got up and left, leaving Logan to absorb and deal with this newly found information.

            Outside Jade kept walking unbeknownst that someone was watching her. When she crossed the street she ran into Zack without realizing it. He was going to say something about how pale and sick she looked but before he could she fainted in his arms.

~~~~~TBC~~~~~

A/N: Thanks for all those who reviewed and I'm sorry it took so long for me to update but hopefully the next one will be up in a couple of weeks because I will be on Spring break soon. Thanks again!