A Lovers Spat (Feat. Lara Croft, Terry Sheridan, Jackie Estacado, Sara Pezzini, Kenneth Irons and Al Simmons)

Eyes of brown and green peered out into the level sky. Dark clouds and the promise of rain stretched across the horizon casting shadows as they crept along and over the New York City sky-line. Lara found it almost fitting, the rain as a few drops splashed about her softly. She stood outside, the plan had been dealt the game set; Now all the Raider needed was some players to show up and play. Slender fingers curled around the railing of the balcony to the penthouse, her form dressed in black pants which clung to her figure nicely and a tank-top of the same color. Long legs extended beneath the pants and into her usual black combat boots. Yes, she was dressed to work guns and all. Her long auburn locks braided in the normal fashion, the woman's mind was full; full of her best friend of wanting to know if she is okay and also of two men both after her affections. A sigh as she leaned against the railing now, arms drapping over it slightly as it did indeed begin to rain.*

Now the spy had a bit of an upper hand on matters, and information he was not soon going to disclose. After leaving Sara he headed back to the small apartment he'd kept out of knowledge and slipped inside. Fingers went to work over the keyboard as he searched the reference the detective had spoken to him. He saw the worry in her face when he'd been there, that had taken over the slight joy she first expressed. But it was tight, Iron's place well guarded, even now he knew the change of the guards. Still. His chin turned over his shoulder to glance back at the monitors he had set up. He'd given Sara a few gifts, things that would also help him out. The pen camera's feed came to his systems as did the tapping equipment.Leaving her brief notes that he'd gathered some files from Iron's and to watch over herself. the small mic. and ear piece would come in handy for conversations and he had the ability to tab into it when he needed. And she also had a way to contact him. The back of his fingers rubbed slightly against his cheek as he turned back to look at the computer and the information he now had of Gabriel. The rain was starting outside he could hear it and a sigh drained from his lips. Lifting his cell phone to his ear he dialed a number and it rang twice before it was answered. "Chang..thanks" there was another pause of silence before another voice came to the phone. "Hai" was his response into the voice then the other responded slowly "It is ready." Hanging up he tucked the phone away. Sheridan still had his guns in place and moved, picking up a black pack putting a few other small items in it. Eyes glanced outside to the water running against the glass panes and he moved. Exiting he headed up the stairs to the roof. It was his way of doing things no need to make the other residence question. Easily his form cleared the gap between the two buildings and he headed down the fire escape opposite the building he just left. Now, he had to deal with the Tomb Raider. The black helmet was slipped on and he moved onto the all black Ducatti. leather gloved hands moved against the clutch and the handles as he started the bike then slowly the engine revved before he moved. The bike was moving against the slick roads of New York straight towards the Penthouse. Shifting gears the engine revved slightly and he maneuvered past a slow taxi and in-between the traffic. Soon enough he stopped under the on-ing of the large building in which Lara's penthouse was located. One boot rested against the ground as he looked up droplets falling against the front guard of the helmet. Still the Brit was weary of this idea, more so than having Jackie put in the mix of it. Shifting he moved off the bike then pulled the helmet off setting it on the handle. There was a shake slightly as he moved to the doors to enter the building.

as the rain poured, the area seemed to evacuate within a moment's passing. All with exception to Jackie anyways, not being the typical person after all. New Yorkers weren't too found of being out when It started raining only due to the fact that the rain lasted a pretty long time. It could've possibly rained for hours for all they knew. Jackie's arm rose up and stretched along the headrest of the city park bench. He had been here all morning just about and now afternoon was starting to slip by. Where was the time going and why exactly had he been outside instead of in the security of his home. Jackie himself most likely couldn't produce an answer to that question. His dripping wet hair was pushed backwards, as so not to drip on his clothes which would eventually get soaked if he continued to just sit in place. Jackie was feeling mixed emotions now... The image of Lara & Sheridan together pressed into his mind. Why had she not told him of this and what was there to really hide? Did she still have feelings for this man. Jackie was one to always do his homework and Terry Sheridan was an A+ assignment for him. With all of Jackie's contacts, it wasn't hard to look up the name and match it with the face. The darkened sky and rain matched his current mood for the time. His spies gave him enough information to keep him like this for a long period of time. And beneath that gloominess was lain a puddle of hate for Sheridan. Jealousy perhaps but more so beyond the point of having been with Lara but.... He broke the rules... He shot at a Darkling and that was a touchy area for Jackie. He didn't trust many but the Darklings were always gonna be there for him and if you shoot at his most trusted, there was instantly a big problem created between Jackie & whomever. Lara would then again replace the rest of the thoughts flowing through his mind. His trust for her was lacking right now, but he couldn't just drop her like he did most women. It was much more complicated than that. He knew where she currently was but he felt no need to go there right now. There was much more thinking to do and he had to figure some things out while he had time to himself. But knowing him and the life he lived... some type of action would consume most his time. Jackie's eyes glanced down to his Nextel, scanning over the time basically. It read, 3:13 p.m. on the digital clock.

She seemed not to care that as the droplets fell they soaked her hair slowly, her clothing and rolled off her bare arms, face and neck. Like tears that weren't really there. Lara Croft doesn't cry or so she lets people on to believe, but she like anyone else is human and with emotions there of. So much was aloft in her life right now, so much that at one point she had tossed her suitcases out of her closet and started to fill them with her belongings. But she couldn't do that, she could not abandon Sara' She could not become petty and insufferable about all of this. Why was it so hard? Eyelashes fluttered a moment, closing tight to conceal eyes threatened by real tears. She had taken out all frustrations on the punching bag earlier. The still slightly present pain at her side had driven her all the more, combining with her anger; The bag now rested in the corner with a broken chain. It almost satisfied her urge to kill Irons, she blamed him for everything now. Had he not taken the artifacts she would not be here, but Lara was forgetting, no one creates your problems but you, nor can anyone solve them but again yourself. Another desperate sigh left slightly parted full lips as she tasted a rain drop rolling across them catching it with the pink tip of her tongue," Angel tears." Whispered the aristocratic accent the words her Father called them, he used to call her Angel too. A soft smile found her lips as she remember a moment of happiness, a better time then now. Her clever well trained hawk like gaze picked up a black motorcycle pulling towards the area. Instantly she recognized the figure apon it," Bugger." It was the only word suitable for the moment as the now rather soaking wet Archaeologist moved inside and stood by the door waiting and knowing what was coming. Everything was eerily quiet now save for the tap tap of the rain on the windows. A possible calm before the real storm? Only time would tell and it would soon, very soon.*

Still his thoughts were lingering on the situation. Perhaps allowing Lara to know that the Detective, Sara Pezzini was alright would give her some comfort. But he didn't rely upon that fact. If there was anything he knew, it was to never really rely on someone other than yourself. It wasn't to say he didn't trust in the Tomb Raider. She had skills, a cunning charming and a way of making trouble. Still he moved. Boots shuffled against the ground and moved to the elevator but stopped slightly eyeing it. His other thoughts dwelt on Jackie, he wouldn't trust the man at all. He couldn't. not with what he knew now, and he sighed out heavily. Moving his finger pressed the button for the elevator, he'd gotten there before Lara had and stepped inside. Pressing the button the elevator moved up and stopped on the floor just below the floor for the Penthouse, but he'd also pressed the button for that floor as well. After getting out he took the stairs and moved the flight past it onto the roof. The rain hit his face as he stepped outside and now he glanced around moving to the ledge he set up a small dish and then moved. Hands placed against the sides of the ledge as he drew his body over it arms holding his weight a moment before allowing himself to drop. Form crouched with his landing upon the balcony and he rose, eyes scanning up the figure inside. Drawing back slightly he moved glancing up to the small set up on the roof before he moved silently inside from the balcony. Stopping only a few paces behind the Tomb Raider herself.

a light sigh escaped from his vocals. His eyes closed as his head faced up to the sky. All he wanted was some answers but like always, he was the last to know everything that seemed to go down. A great many things have been withheld from Jackie's knowing and what he did know, he had to work for... nothing in life came free or easily with him. Always a technicality, a problem, some sort of setback between him and the truth or what he felt he needed to be informed of. His unoccupied hand reached down and tapped along his waistline, the metallic sound echoing barely audible though. That was where his Desert Eagle was of course. The walking war monger was always prepared to unleash his own private wars. Two guns opposing one another at his waistline, two more strapped in holsters beneath his arms, a long sheath containing his newest sword addition (which proved to be even more lethal than his last), at his back was another gun, much different from those at his front as this one was to serve a special purpose. He also wore a coat which contained some gadgets to further serve his special purpose. Jackie thought for a few more moments then he got up and started walking He hadn't parked the motorcycle anywhere nearby to him this time as he usually did... walking seemed to relax him more than the roar of his engine did.

A brow arched, she had left the sliding glass doors open.. was that a sound? Lips pursed a moment, after all the things with the Yakuza, Lara took no chances. Hazel orbs swept side ways, falling onto a mirror which showed a figure on the balcony. Her eyes shot back at the door," Hmm." Her voice barely if at all audible. Her left hand flexed near the gun on that side, Terry did have a habit of making strange unpredictable entrances. Could this simply be one of them? One way to find out; Her movements were quick and to the point of perfect execution. The British Brat whirled around, turning on her heels the gun off her left coming out as her arm came to a perfect attention straight line. Incase it was indeed Mr Sheridan she would not shoot at him, but close enough to make him a little green she hoped. He had indeed pissed her off with his parting comments the night before and so it was indeed time for a taste of payback. In was him, hazel orbs narrowed as the trigger was squeezed and a shot rang off cutting sharply into the tap tap of the of the gently falling droplets. The bullet missing Terry by quite a bit on purpose," Oh. It's you." She placed her gun back within the holster," Come to apologize?" Her tone was dark, her face clearly expressing her displeasure in seeing him, but it held the mix of surprise," You know if you used the door like a normal person you would not get shot at." Of course he knew she knew that it was him from the get go, a small hint of a smile fixed on her full lips," I didn't think you would come." Honesty there she didn't. Long arms folded as she kept her features within the boundaries of displeasure, surprise and slight amusement. The amusement just to tick him off.*

Terry had heard the click of the hammer even before the shot was fired. The British spy stood his ground while the bullet whizzed by his head still though a distance off. "And 'ere I thought your aim was better than that, Lara." He mused slightly when he moved. It was clear from her eyes that she was still sour towards him and he shrugged slightly. "Hm. Perhaps." He said briefly to her comment of being shot at for not using a door like a normal person. "And I've come to keep you from doing something stupid. By the by, how's your side. And you can tell your boyfriend I've his sword left quite a nasty lil' bite." He rolled his shoulder slightly while moving. The spy was dressed in all black as well, then again even in a normal time it was his state of fashion. Eyes glanced over the Tomb Raider once again while he shifted walking about the penthouse slightly a hand running through his hair taking some of the water from it. The backpack was set down by the chair need the balcony window as his form dropped into it. But he didn't say much more on the fact, he acted almost as if it was nothing at all. A brow arched slightly towards her while his hands clasped together resting his elbows on the arms of the chair, "I told you last night, that I'd be here." He said simply towards the dark haired Surrey woman while glancing out the window. "I'm just mildly surprised I arrived before a -real man- did." The corners of his lips pulled slightly while he managed to maintain the cheeky smile he'd wanted to flash knowing that remark would be a button. As Lara had shouted at him in the early morning that as she put it anyway 'one of them would be man, about it.' Implying he'd not be it. And Sheridan couldn't have seemed more content with himself at that point.

He simply continued onwards through the rain which had with time begun to pass. It'd rain for a little while longer but this was of course no real concern which played over Jackie's mind. Rain was to him just one of those things that he couldn't control and there weren't too many of those in the world he figured he might as well not dwell on those types of things. Certain people having struck him as problems though. Not everyone was easily controlled and Jackie wasn't real eager to work for his stuff as he had to all his life. His GSX was only out of the park and a block away and he was just about at the exit of the park. It seemed to merge right into the sidewalk and act as it naturally belonged this way. With closed hands, he would place his fists into his coat pockets and cross along the street, heading a little faster now to his bike. When he did get there, he knew not where he would go but a drive was necessary. His head kept tucked low... he was still somewhat of a fugitive to the city but he would never allow himself to be too noticeable and right now, he was one of the few people actually still out in the rain which made him easier to spot. Shuffled feet swished through the rain pounding into the ground around before his body swiftly overlapped onto the motorcycle. The key to the ignition was shifted into the slot and a right hand revved violently. The engine of the Hayabusa roared loudly, giving off an echo due to the surrounding glass on the numerous skyscraper buildings. The back tire smoked as he pressed for gas, then finally after letting off the brake it blasted forwards. Shifting quickly into one wheel motion at first before falling back down allowing for two wheels to press the concrete. Jackie's image was that of a black blur due to his profile and habitual tendencies of wearing all black.

She arched a brow, a cheeky look coming over her own features. An annoyed cheeky expression, hazel orbs remained indeed narrowed," My aim wasn't for your head,However," She re-drew the weapon," If you like I can correct it anyhow." Her tone was purely sarcasticly harsh.Lara never moved as the weapon was returned to her hip and arms refolded," One, he's not my boyfriend and two you can tell him yourself." If Jackie wasn't her boyfriend just what was he then? As of late the most male interaction she had was with him. Full nude lips pursed a moment, hazel orbs fixed on Terry. She was glad it was rather obvious she had been standing in the rain, for it didn't appear she had been indeed crying. Her brows knitted a moment and the woman began to pace now, nerves very raw. In truth she almost felt like a caged animal,"Thirdly, I never got a chance to inform him of this little meeting." A slight pause as she turned to face Sheridan," However, He still might show up." A dark look over took her face, lips drawing into a frown," And if he does I expect you to behave." Snidely came the word behave rolling perfectly puncuated off her tongue. Quite visibly her expression changed to complete curiousty, she had a feeling she knew what he had come to stop her from doing," What do you know Terry?" Her gaze fixed on him coolly, like an icey wind of green and brown," My Side.." She let him view the scar, as slender fingers lifted up the hem of her shirt before letting it fall again," I know how you work, it's about Sara isn't it?" Lara was not stupid by any means, nor did she miss a beat," And you had better tell me the truth and leave nothing out." Fingers now rested at her hips dangerously close to her guns.*

"If you were going to shoot me, Lara..you already would 'ave." He spoke mater-o-factly towards her. "You were never one to 'old back on your guns." Still his form remained in the chair as he looked back up towards her from watching the outside a brow arched slightly. Had he seemed a bit curious as to why she hadn't informed Jackie, perhaps still his lips didn't utter any questions of the matter. "I behave to my own accord Lara, or 'ave you forgotten?" he knew full well she wasn't the type to forget something so easily. Black clad form shifted slightly as he stood unclasping his hands now shrugging off the leather jacket, "Never could pull the wool over your eyes when it 'ad to deal with another woman." The leather jacket was discarded into the chair he once sat as he moved again. Now he looked out the window resting his forearm against the wall slightly his other tucked in his pocket. The holsters he wore had both sigs within and against the back of his belts full magazines for both. He was silent for a while before turning to look back to the Tomb Raider. "Iron's is keeping a close watch on his bird." Moving he rested his back against the wall near the sliding glass door, "He keeps his systems tightly checked and rechecked. There's not much that goes on at 'is place with out 'is knowledge. Are you starting to get the picture, Lara?" arms folded against his chest while he continued talking. "But don't over worry that pretty lil' 'ead of yours. She's fine. And from the look of 'er patched up better than you or I. Prolly more the Witchblades doing than Irons medical staffing. Nottingham was there, but I've a feeling 'es not keen about Iron's keeping Sara. Can't go storming the castle. Things run deeper than you think, Croft. Somethings going on 'bout Iron's place. But it's not clear as to what yet." Shifting some he looked away before looking back "And because, I could never get quite a straight answer..from all my shadowing Irons, I was never able to get a tap inside. But, with Sara there it's more of a possibility of finding out things. Iron's got his ruddy fingers into everything. Leaving Sara in there for now is a bit safer than trying to play 'rescue hero' and get her out. And I don't trust that bloke Jackie." He held up his hand and waved it slightly "And don't pull that -jealousy- bit with me Lara. Im pretty sure part of this mess 'as 'im wrapped up in it too." Then the spy fell silent.

The fierce machine would hit about 100 in about 3 seconds. The rain would of course give it an added leverage in speed but would reduce it's total control. Jackie was a good driver though so this reduction of control would only mean he would have to drive a little harder than he normally would've. the machine's engine gave loud expulsions of rage in form of engine roars. He was putting a lot on the bike, more so than when he normally drove it. But then again the bike was made for experts only and he was as good as they come. The bike would hold up nicely in the end. The helmet less driver tore the roads with his beast of a machine. All speed limits were destroyed with his passing. The loud 'Woosh' sound was heard by him as he passed car after car on the freeway. No car or truck stood in the way of his coming. No time was ever wasted while on the motorcycle so he thought fast on his designed location and soon soon to be location. Within his peripheral vision was a few penthouses, looking much like that of his own. Now he figured he might as well go stop by and make his usual round to his previous home which was being currently rented out. His right hand pulled forwards and the bike kicked forwards, a louder sound hitting now. The freeway barely had turns which made it safer for him to go faster. He sped up a bit, hitting about 190 now. He was going to get some of his questions answered now.

She frowned. Damn him," So." He got under her skin, no she wasn't going to shoot him. Hands slacked, then dropped from her waist," I have not," A cool look brushed aside her frown," I've always been rather shocked you can behave at all Terry Sheridan." Lara smirked all to knowingly.Yet somehow she remained snide and indifferent. Then she frowned again quickly, her moods shifting from overcast to cloudy," No you couldn't, it was one of your downfalls with me." The normally almost seductive smooth British accent became dark as did her features," Perfume was another one of your downfalls unless it was mine." She spat at him, how dare he bring up this. Of course though it was only serving to dig his hole deeper with her. He moved quickly to business. Smart move Terry, Lara thought to herself a bit of a grin flashing as he did," I figured that one.Kenneth Irons keeps a very close eye on all things he wants or has in his collections." Arms returned to being folded. Hazel orbs rolled as she scoffed," I had the picture. Don't talk to me as if I'm a child and have never done this sort of thing before Terry." Within the foldings of her arms fists clentched tightly. He knew better then to talk at her like he was painting a picture so she'd understand. Lara laughed," Of course Ian's not keen about it!" Her tone was almost mocking him," He loves her, hello couldn't you see it?" Was Terry really that daft? A few more amused chuckles escaped the Raider's lips before once more she drew up serious again," If you're going to spy on Irons by using Sara I want reports of what you do find." A clever little grin spread across Lara's lips," Of course you don't trust him Terry dahling," The snideness of the grin seemed to spread through Lara's whole being," Afterall he is putting moves on your old territory isn't he." Her gaze shifted a moment to glance at something behind Terry, the Lillies Jackie had sent last night," And you are jealous." The brass balled Brit sauntered up next to Terry, she felt like being mean now," I know that look in your eyes," She ran her index finger along his jaw," The tightness in your jaw, everytime you mention his name." Her eyes slowly moved over Terry a moment before returning to his face," Hm." She moved passed him then and into the kitchen," I need to water my lillies." With that she went to the sink with them and added a bit more water.*

Form shifted slightly and he gave a slight nod. Digging up an old grave that was never fully buried. They both knew it. Still he continued on and paused slightly, though his emotions hadn't changed any. When it was business his emotions weren't really any where to be found at all. "I'm a Spy, Lara, I know more than I let on." he said simply while she seemed amused at his words of Nottingham. Shoulder shifted slightly, Sara wasn't the only way he was spying on Irons. "Like you have with everything else?" he questioned. He knew about small details Lara was keeping from him and he moved arms uncrossing and hands moving into his pockets. And his lips pursed slightly for a moment before he moved slightly he'd seen the flowers then a brow arched. Then she moved slightly against him brushing her finger under his chin while she spoke of Jackie. Eyes followed after the Tomb Raider as she moved to water the flowers she'd gotten. And he moved. Form followed silently behind her and stopped when she did at the sink. "Lara..darhling.." he drawled from behind her "believe, what you want." He breathed out before his hands pressed against either side of her on the sink and he leaned forwards, "If you think my distrust of that bloke is from him, snogging you. Or maybe it's the fact that most of my life was spent around blokes like him." Lips brushed dangerously close to her ear lobe while he breathed out. "Maybe I am jealous. Maybe I'm not." He was pressed lightly against her back before his lips brushed against her cheek and he slowly pulled back. "At least when you were with me.." his hands moved from the sink while his form pulled away before turning and walking from the kitchen back into the sitting area "..there weren't assassins after you for it." Still his tone held that manner he'd had since he got there. Calm, slightly smug and simply put. Fingers moved into the jacket he'd discarded and pulled out a few photos that had been in the folder from the other day and he moved back some to the kitchen dropping them upon the counter. they were images of her and Jackie together, and some of just her. "Enjoy.." he moved away once again picking up his jacket and pulling it on once more. "For now, we wait until I've heard something from Sara. Seems at least a bit more of a plan than risking things with Irons at this point." Form bent slightly as he picked up the pack pulling it some over his shoulder. "Well it would seem our meeting is talked out. You know how to reach me." He spoke before moving across the floor of the sitting room towards the door.

Jackie's jacket waved back and forth, left then right thru the air. It flowed as if having a mind of it's own like a symbiote due mainly to the fact that he was doing about 200 on the freeway, passing cars left and right. His jet black hair did the same as the wind pushed past it like fingers, his once wet hair instantly dried up. His location and his place of intentions was about to collide. His right hand slightly eased up on the handle controlling the gas and thus the motorcycle slowed itself down gradually, about 10 mph less each 5 seconds till it was on cruise speed of about 80-90 mph. The GSX slowed itself down as he hit the brakes a bit away from the penthouse. Putting down the kick-stand, he continued forwards, hands in pockets and a rather evil look upon his face. In one hand now lay the keys to the penthouse. Jackie took his sweet time in climbing up the steps, the sounds from his walking barely audible if not even at all. The key's did give away his presence though as they jingled once he reached the top of the stairs. Inserting one of them into the slot followed by a simple turn, he'd enter into his penthouse... nothing was expected just yet as he would see no one from within the path of the entranceway.

A brow arched slightly as her voice carried in from the kitchen," Really? And again I know." Eyes rolled, he always thought he was just one step ahead of her didn't he? And like always in truth he never was, Lara had always been quick; Even with Terry and his spying. A frown fell into her lips, brows furrowed," It's not really your business is it?" She poised it as a question for him to answer on purpose," Afterall Terry, sure we had a few moments in China.." A slight pause and a nice and yet painful memory insued apon her mind a moment," But still that clashing issue." Clashing...what if she and Jackie clashed? Most men who Lara had romantic relationships with soon or later she clashed with them. A bit of a sigh, though not autible for Terry to pick up. His hands came against her sides, a sharp breath was drawn," Don't....touch me.." Her voice quivered, eyes shut a breif moment. His touch....how she remembered it, her body wanting her to turn around and forget everything else. Jackie, his touch...even now her body joined the torn world of her head and her heart. Her hands dropped the glass and the Lillies into the sink with a crash," Bugger.." The word was a sharp hiss, an out take of air. He was too close, way to close. His body pressed lightly against her's causing her to remember things, how it was, how it could be. hazel orbs openned slowly, staring more like glaring rather at her slightly shakey hands and the mess in the sink. As his lips brush acrossed her cheek, the brown and green orbs dissapeared again behind fluttering lashes. And then it was over. He moved away, her slender hands gripped the sides of the sink tightly as the Brit steadied her nerves and took a deep shuttering breathe," You," her voice still quivered, Lara straighted head held high," You forget, I too have dealt with his type. You being one of them." There, accented voice strong again. Eyes went wide, of course," Bloody hell...you mean.." She turned to gaze at Terry now able to look at him without rather interesting memories flashing through her mind, but just as she turned to look guess who should walk in," Mary Queen of Scots.." This was not good," Jackie." Lara stood frozen in place, lips slightly parted," Oh shit." Lara muttered the curse under her breath as her lips remained still parted.*

"I remember." He breathed slightly as she spoke towards him "So did you clash with Alex West as well?" a brow arched slightly and his from shifted "Lara, I think you do this to yourself." He knew exactly what he was doing to her. It was like he'd done when they were together. Yet still his own unanswered questions danced around his mind. Sure she had needed his help and got him out of prison for it, but she could have easily sent him back. Muscles tightened a moment as the glass shattered in the sink and the lilies for Jackie fell about it. Then her reaction to what he had told her and he posed a question "You think they were after you because of meddling or trying to find that book?" he watched her as he headed into the hallway and stopped. There was Jackie standing almost right in front of him and the spy stopped in his tracks. Shifting his shoulder some along with the pack he looked straight at Jackie. "Hullo mate. 'Ow's the arm?" his brows had narrowed slightly before he glanced towards Lara "You'll 'ave to wait until our next meeting to 'ave your other sword back." Shifting once more he moved taking a step towards Jackie in the hallway "Now if you'll excuse my manners. I was just leaving.." and his form moved towards Jackie once more brushing past the sqeeze in the hallway and his should to the door and the open hall where the stairs were.

Jackie slid the keys quickly back into his pockets where they would further remain for the rest of the time. Both hands would remain concealed within the confinements of his coat pockets. The leather feel was soothing to the touch thus why he loved the coat and took care of it well. The rain never was a issue as he kept a special spray which made it rain proof to an extent, but it hadn't rained long enough or hard enough for him to have worried. He took some steps forwards then the sight of Terry Sheridan and Lara Croft came within sight of his peripheral vision. He wasn't at all expecting to see him in here. He was a problem from the start, from the exact moment they focused eyes on one another. He was lucky for his life that Lara's life was more important to him than Sheridan's death or else Terry might not have made it to this day. Jackie did nothing but stare at Sheridan for now. They were face to face. He could care less for anything that was about to be said cause to him most the verbal antics that escaped from the mouths of British men was mere bullshit. Jackie slowly took his arm from his coat and pulled back his sleeve. He showed the area where he was shot at. a evil smirk shown on his face as the muscled arms was seemingly unscarred and almost as if nothing had eve happen to it... "You're a smart man I suppose, you should know that the Darkness wouldn't let me stay hurt... I advice you never to shoot at me again. For your own protection... There is a good reason that you didn't die on the day I gave you that scar."... he stared the man down as he set his clothes back into their original place. His body was very poised as he, with an eyebrow raised, stared the man over while he walked past him. He took the brush as nothing this time as his attention shifted to Lara. Jackie stared her over with the same face he stared Terry with. No change in emotion. He would walk over to the couch then take a seat, lounging for the most part, nothing more was yet said.

Lara's eyes went wide," He stole my Prayer Wheels." Her jaw set indifferently and cruelly," Don't mention that Double Crosser again." Hazel orbs narrowed," Do what?" She knew what, but perhaps it would do her some good to hear it from some one else. Then again perhaps she didn't either. A little too much had been said in front of Jackie, she wondered did he hear the goings on of the place beyond the door? Lara hoped to high heaven he did not. Her mind drifted back to the Lilies and broken glass in the sink, if Jackie saw those.. more questions would arise indeed She didn't move, she almost didn't dare too," I figured...well I had a few ideas." Hazel orbs moved to Jackie again then back to Terry," I thought perhaps it could have been because they had seen me with him." She swallowed and looked now back and forth between the two men. Back and forth back and forth. When would it end? She followed Terry as he moved to leave with her eyes, speechless now, not wanting to have to face Jackie at all. But he left, leaving her alone indeed with Jackie. Lara watched as Jackie stared at her, his eyes almost looking right through her it seemed and gathering all that he had missed just barely. The Tomb Raider did not like that feeling at all. Silently she turned around, and cleaned up the mess in the sink setting the flowers into a fresh glass of water and then...Hazel orbs drifted to the man who was on the sofa in front of her his back facing her. A deep breath, head held high, shoulders back and back straight. She was dry now for the most part having stood out in the rain so long, her long braid still a bit soaked due to the thickness of her hair. In she went out of the frying pan and into the fire. She stood before him, but somewhat away from him as well. Her gaze fixed on him, slowly she found her voice," I'm sure there are some things you are wanting to know isn't there?" She could see it in his face and wanted desperately to look away, but found she could not. So let judgment be passed indeed.

Eyes watched her for a moment when he shifted and she growled at his bringing up Alex West. He wasn't stupid, he had done his homework and still he shifted "Don't worry I wont." He breathed out slightly and then tipped his head slightly "..you know what. Your -clashing- .." still Jackie was there and he wasn't about to bring things about he and the Tomb Raider out in front of him. With another glance he looked back to Lara, "It runs deeper." He said simply while moving before Jackie. He had done nothing but stare back for a while until the man shifted showing his arm "I'd show you mine but unlike yours its not quite as pretty." He said casually eyeing Jackie giving a bit of a nod. "I would have figured as much. Seeing as the Darkness is much like the Witchblade is it not?" still brows where slightly narrowed "As for that shot to Sara's throat. It looks much the same as your arm." Terry knew his stuff fairly well he liked being informed "Perhaps its why the Witchblade reacts to the Darkness.. lashing out, to destroy it." Sheridan was standing full and a brow arched slightly "Ah yes.." his fingers moved from his pocket against his shoulder "..as I assume Lara is once again to thank for my breath.." he drawled slightly "Guess you'll 'ave to try to kill me when she -clashes- with you too." He stopped behind Jackie now as he had been heading out and brows narrowed some even though they couldn't be seen "If you 'urt 'er I will. As for now, I won't.. but keep your bloody Darklings away from me." And his form began to move once more leaving them as he headed down the stairs. still he had other questions for Lara, ones he wanted to question her alone.. not with Jackie sitting around.

His eyes sparked internally with a sense of rage. He felt that the man whom he knew nothing of. The man must've had some type of death wish or something. Jackie's composure was straying a bit but he was a strong willed man and held together rather than unleash his wrath in full upon him. As he took a seat his head cracked to the left then to the right... "Hey Sheridan... Thought I'd let you know that you make my Trigger Finger Itch badly... like a rash, I'd stop with the speaking altogether... Little Man."...seemingly the two had been in here a great while and had been talking up a storm. He hadn't heard to much while he was outside, anything that he could make out didn't fit so he dismembered the thought altogether. He had a bit of trust in her character so he 'Hoped' she would bring things into his plain sight and allow him to pass his own judgment. For the most part, she was playing a game with him and basically he felt as though she may have been manipulating his emotions. He narrowed his eyes though as she said absolutely nothing to him as he sat there. But he wouldn't say anything still, not yet... She finally then came over to him and he tried to clear what could've possibly been the worst look he had ever given her in their experience of knowing one another. His attempts were to put on a face that was suitable to his usual calmness but it didn't come as natural as it always had. A stone cold killer would've been frightened by the emotion he was showing... but whatever he presented on the outside was how he was feeling on the inside. He never felt the need to hide emotions as most his usual emotions presented his normal character and nothing more or less. His ears met with Lara's finally... "What's the matter, Lara, no small talk? Straight to business now? Hmm... "Well I suppose you're a psychic. Anyways how about you start filling me in now..."... his voice held no real emotion on the last comment, no sense of smoothness that it usually always held... no sense of anger.... but neither of joy.

She had chosen to ignore Terry's parting words to a point, however the glare she shot at him before he left was down right bone chilling. Ass, she wanted to say; Insufferable ass. But she didn't, Lara held her tongue. Though it took alot for her to do so, she did and it was pobly for the best indeed. She could tell he wanted to ask her some more questions, but not with Jackie around and a funny feeling namely a cold chill up the spine told her Jackie was in the same manner of thinking. Dangerous people, all three of about the most dangerous people you could get in one room. Never a good thing. This whole situation slightly turned odd, probly because Terry was giving up? She doubted it and then alone. Hazel orbs fixed on the Hitman resting on the sofa. The room suddenly became cold, eyes darted to the sliding glass doors which had been left open, then back to Jackie," No. No small talk." Her eyes wanted to down cast almost in a guilty sense. She refused to let that happen, no one would see that Lara Croft could be weak and vunerable. No one, but something told her that the man before her already seemed to know this to a small degree. Such a thought made her nervious, and then the look on her face made her knees seem to bend against her own accord and for her body to sink into a chair behind her," Small talk would not do me much good right now." She seemed to almost be commenting to herself, however dispite the chilling look his features gave of she still remained all the fearless woman she was; Head held level, back straight and shoulders forward," Jackie, let me tell you something about me." Her gaze leveled with him," I'm not an easy woman to intimate, so save your looks please." Her tone wavered slightly. She wasn't sure what was going through his mind, nor did she think she wanted too," Well, to make this short and simple Terry is one of my ex-lovers boyfriends whatever you want to call them." Slender hands rested on the arms of the chair, which placed her directly across from the man," All of them at one point having clashed with me or betrayed me at some point." Her gaze flitted to the door," Some still clash." Quickly though she returned her orbs onto Jackie, giving him her full attention. A slight shrugging of shoulders occured in her frame," Infact at one point I was engaged to be marrried five years ago, to a Lord. An arranged marriage somewhat, but I left him standing at the alter to go spend the day at the harbor with that double crossing gree-- I mean Alex West." Now to Terry, who she knew actually before Alex and the Lord, who's name skipped her mind at the moment," Terry Sheridan I've known for a while. I knew him when he was a spy, when he got put into prison and when I got him out to help me with recovering an artifact." he let the silence ring for a moment now, outside a slight roll of thunder heard and a bit of lighting streaking across the clouds. Hazel orbs shifted quickly back to Jackie realizing what time it growing nearer too," Anything else or does that cover it for you?" The British Brat played his game with tones, her own holding little to no emotion as well.

Rain trickled down against the twin French doors of her new bedroom. It overlooked Central Park, and usually the view was exquisite, today was an exception to that rule. As the sheets of rain pattered against the glass doors and curved nook of the classic bay window it shrouded the room with intermittent ripples of darkness and light. The detective had been busy in her preparation for dinner with Kenneth. Although she had wanted to install the hardware slipped to her from Terry, an opportunity had yet to present itself. The brunette was changed into suitable clothes for the evenings schedule and as she sat before the vanity making her finishing touches she looked down to the gift from Irons which sat at the hollow of her throat. The tiny triangular blue diamond beset in platinum. It glinted as her breath worked her bosom up and down. Here Sara sat, the lights were extinguished, as she allowed the weak grey light of the windows and rain illuminate her. The shadow play upon her pale skin rippled against the curves and strong lines of her lean muscles. She stood, the silk dress shimmered as she moved, its light grey material denoting her mixed emotions with perfect symmetry. She wore a pair of slippers of matching hue, their lacings wrapping up her calves in a crisscross like that of a dancer. As she turned to leave the room her eyes cast over to the large wardrobe, and she thought back to where she had hidden the package from Sheridan. Earlier she had stepped out of the view of her bedroom's video camera and slipped the small package into the inner coat pocket of her jacket. "I'll be right there Mr. Irons. Kenneth." Sara called out toward the dining room, as she closed the bedroom door.

he blinked a moment then held his eyes closed. Did she say what he thought she did?!?! Was she serious?!? He shook his head then reopened his eyes, a look a real serious on his face now... "Save My Looks?! Are your serious?! I'm not playing any type of silly mind games!"... her remark almost made him feel as though they were enemies once more like when they first met. He closed his eyes again then concentrated with all his being, forcing himself in all ways to calm down... The night sky was taking over and to be mad now wasn't for the best. The Darkness he controlled was usually controlled through his concentration which she was seemingly throwing off or to put it simply she was tearing it apart. He pulled himself together and looked her in the eyes... a sharp stare for the most part. He listened intently to her words, adding everything told to him into his knowledge. But she wasn't adding everything in yet... things were still missing... all the things she told his was fine and dandy but the information was wasn't giving was her true feelings towards Terry Sheridan. With her question he made sure to ask that question right away... "Well since your asking... Tell me what's going on with you and Sheridan??? And while your answering that question.... What's going on with us??"... those were two things bugging his mind as well as many other things but they didn't have as much effect on him as those did. He needed to know badly what was going on with her and Sheridan. His eyes showed the real desperation to know the answer to that question. He was hoping that with her answers, he could make a decision and go on about his business... Emotion wasn't something he was very used to and it was in a way killing him from the inside out. He himself didn't want to deal with it but if he found it to be worth his enduring then he go through with dealing with it.

As if his eyes where never closed he found himself once again perched, gripping the iron cross that rose high above the city.. only to witness the sunset that was well underway, now it seemed he something to take care of.. the same feeling he got every night.. the one of guilt.. that he needed to redeem.. Leaping from the cross he bounded with grace high above alley ways searching for those in need and in danger.. The large red cape out stretched a following while fluttering in the wind quickly making sounds as the hard and long winds passed over the city.. He would occasionally stop.. dropping into such situations he looked for.. most didn't stay long.. the deep and horrifying eyes of the former Al Simmons struck fear into even the strongest of people.. While moving as he did night by Letting the suit he wore take him where it wanted.. yet then he stopped and focusing on the flat windowed wall of the Irons building.. he didn't know what he was doing here.. yet it must be important.

She remained unmoving, a statue almost save for the steady rise and fall in of her chest as she breathed. Oddly enough it was steady despite the current situation abroad. Lara's keen gaze seemed fixated on Jackie now, her mind on what exactly she felt towards him. Slowly she did make a movement other then her inhaling and exhaling of breath," I did not say you were Jackie." The hazel irises watched as he became overly serious, intruth she had never seen him become serious like that at all. It almost shocked her, but somehow she found some comfort in it oddly enough. She knew deep down he wanted to be angry beyond measure. Did the Brit blame him on this? No. Infact she wouldn't act no different then he was at the moment. His gaze became sharp as he stared her straight in the eyes. Lara returned the gesture in full, not even blinking. She hadn't said everything he wanted to hear she knew this. However, Lara also had an idea that most all she said he had a pretty good idea off. Like Terry, Jackie liked to know who he was dealing with. Same inturn with Lara, the boys were not the only ones who do their homework. Then he asked an easy question," Between Terry and I? Nothing, not since about a year ago." Her answer was indeed honest, nothing really had. But the Hitman went on adding to the question," What is going on between us Jackie?" She simply tossed his own question back at him, curious as to how he would answer. A flicker in his azure pupils, Jackie Estacado almost begging to know something? Lara almost let out a gasp, could he possibly be that taken by her? This was just some strange dangerous attraction between two people of similar molds and make? Intruth it almost scared the Tomb Raider, but she hid this slight twinge of fear well.

Throughout the meal, Sara sat quietly allowing Kenneth to amuse himself with the sound of his own voice. Her head remained lowered and she responded in short one to two word phrases to any question poised toward her. To even the most untrained eye it appeared that she was a docile wife, scared to have any overt opinions. Inside the detective burned for an opportunity to escape Kenneth's presence if only for a few hours. The grey slip top dress didn't suit her. True the Witchblade's touch was rough and coarse, and it bruised her when it unfurled, but these soft clothes and demure attitude was such a contradiction to her persona it was appalling. The sinister entrepreneur stood from his seat and walked to the side of Sara's chair. "My darling, you have barely spoken a word all night, is something upsetting you?" he poured more Chianti into her half-full wine glass as he spoke. The graceful eloquent sounds of classical music echoed from the flat-panel wall-mount stereo. The brunette looked up from her lap and matched her gaze with Kenneth's grey calculating eyes. Licking her lips, "It's not that I'm not thankful for all of this," She felt a wave of turmoil in her stomach, "I just want time to myself, frankly I miss things. " her glance turned to the window. "On a day like this I would be walking in the weather, letting the raindrops hit my upturned face as I took the opportunity to actually walk on a New York sidewalk without being overrun by a thousand mindless faces. Days like this the streets are 'wonderfully' empty." She shook her head. "It doesn't matter really, forget I mentioned it." Irons laughed and Sara felt a pang of fear, could he really see though her bullshit? Stop it Pez! The drill sergeant in her head bellowed, get it together you can do this. She controlled her emotions and continued to play the wounded animal, her green eyes cast to the floor as she hoped to play off of his sympathy. "Although I prefer to ensure you're safety Sara, I don't see why a walk would be out of the question. In fact I'm sure you want to pick up a few things from home. If you like I'll have James bring the Bentley around." It was all she could do to conceal her excitement. Of course she wanted to go, anything to get some time any time away! "Thank you Ken," She smiled and stood from her chair. "I really do need a few familiar things to brighten my room. I wanted to get some things that feel like home, to help with this transition." The detective fell back upon her undercover training (after all if one wasn't a good actor then one could kiss their ass goodbye) as she leaned up to meet his lips with hers. In thirty minutes she was climbing the stairs in the paint peeling hall of her building.

he paused for a moment, all his thought had ceased for at least a second... it was like the power to all of New York having been cut off for a minute. Her answer to his first question gave him a sense of reassurance but then she reversed his question on him. He was the one looking for answers and obviously for her to ask a question like that she must've either been testing him or might've herself wanted to know how he felt about her. But he thought that she would've known that already by all their previous engagements. She was a quick to learn kinda girl for the most part. He thought about the question nonetheless and somewhere he felt reluctance to even answer it. He looked down then just reached a hand to her hand, pulling it up calmly so she wasn't leaning in on the couch he was positioned on. He would then after raise his body and start away from her. He felt this as some type of game now... "Heh, and I almost thought..."... his sentence was stopped by his light laugh... "I was a fool for even thinking anything..."... his words were to himself but he purposely said out loud... "Lara... I'm sorry for wasting your time and my own. I'll see you around.... I Guess...."... He gave her a last look and absorbed her image into his memory... "You can continue to live here as long as you need."... with that he turned away from her totally, walking towards the sink first. He looked into it, seeing his flowers and broken glass. A light laugh escaped him again. His hand touched on the cold water handle and he made a cup with both hands together, filling it with water then splashing it on his face before running his right hand thru his hair. He would shift his body again and head for the direction of the door. His hands slowly slid down his sides and took refuge into his pockets.

Still he had left, things were teetering on a dangerous edge between he and Jackie. Threats, tension, Lara. He grumbled slightly and pulled the bike under dry cover of the garage. Lightning flashed in the sky throwing Sheridan's shadow against the metal door. Shifting his weight he moved knocking once with the back of his knuckles upon the small glass window. There was some shuffling sounds behind the door before a shadowed figure appeared in it and it opened. A woman with black hair opened it and Sheridan looked up "Lin.." a brow arched slightly as she motioned him inside. "I heard you were in town Terry.." the woman spoke towards him as they moved to the back offices of the garage. Yea.." he said almost numbly while watching the woman move brushing back her hair, and he shifted slightly moving his eyes away. "Where's Chang?" she looked at him and quirked a brow before moving and placing her hand on his shoulder slightly "It wasn't your fault. I know you asked Lo about me. I'm fine really." When she saw he didn't really want to talk about it Lin moved and motioned to the back "He's back there. We weren't expecting you today though, Terry." Sheridan moved across the concert floor towards the back "Plans change." Then he turned and looked to her slightly "I thought you were going to try not to be enveloped with all this again, Lin." The woman sighed and sat down in a back seat that had been taken out of an SUV" People can't change who they are. I knew the risks, so did Chow.." there was a slight sigh from the spy as he moved opening the door to the back open area of the garage. There it was, and Sheridan let that roguish smile of his pull upon his lips. The man who was obviously Chang stood up at the sound and moved from the car, pulling a rag softly over the hood. "Ah, Sheridan.. you did not say you come today." His hands moved into his pockets "I wanted to see her. She's brilliant, bloody wicked." Now his movements headed towards the car. It was all black, and his fingertips brushed over the hood. "Took some time getting it from London.. you like?" Sheridan turned to look over towards Chang "Of course I do." His hand moved over the frame of the car as he walked and moved around the back, which popped open thanks to Chang. The trunk was full of cases some holding weapons the others holding gadgets and techno things. "Lovely." He said and closed the trunk. "Lo always liked the work you did, Sheridan.. Lin acts like she's alright. But I hear her cry at night." Sheridan looked up and moved taking the keys from Chang while putting his hand on his shoulder "I'm sorry about your sister, mate. Really I am. Watch over her, eh." Chang gave a nod and moved showing Sheridan with him "Oh.. I almost forgot." He pointed inside the car to the steering wheel. The Brit gave a chuckle. "You sure know how to make a bloke feel right at 'ome." He leaned in the open window touching the wheel it was on the right side. He stood back up and opened the car door getting in "Look after the bike. I'm going to take the car for now." He grinned and the door opened once again and Lin looked towards him, and then the metal doors opened and the car started. And he went out in to the growing darkness with his new toys, heading back towards the safe apartment he had.

Lara quirked a brow at his sudden silence. Was he thinking about his answer or a way to get out of it or...? The Brit hated the silence to be honest and from Jackie all the more so. What the hell was he thinking? She wanted to know, it was driving her mad Almost. However she somewhat did not want to know either. Intruth she didn't know why she had asked it back, well the brash tough as nails Brit did know why; She didn't know how to answer it herself. This possible? Lara Croft unable to answer a question? Possibly. But she wanted an answer to her sending it back to him. hand took hers almost sadly, it seemed and Lara found herself fixated on his gaze. Hazel meeting blue. Yes Lara was indeed a quick learning girl and she did indeed know what was between them a brow arched, then rather slowly lowered. She listened to him, saying nothing not wanting too. Or rather having nothing to say just yet. It was no game, not at all. Lara rarely played, well so she did...but it was how she was and no one yet had broken her of the habit. Wasting her time? Bloody hell, he had not wasted her time. Actually, probably more she had wasted his? Possibly. Eyes followed him to the kitchen. He disappeared into the kitchen and with that Lara calmly sauntered for the door and placed herself leaning against it, arms folded loosely and legs crossed at her ankles," What do you want Jackie?" Hazel orbs leveled on him in a serious manner, more serious then he had probably seen her before, obvious she wasn't about to move til she got an answer.

Keys clinked into the dish on the small end table, a small purse flopped onto the couch and a light shawl fluttered to the floor as her slippered feet ran into the living room. Her emerald eyes were wild as she spun around and around. Clearly her apartment had been rifled though recently. Her desk was a clutter, paperwork everywhere. God damnit was nothing sacred? She spun to the breakfast nook, "Son of a. Bitch!" Frustration emulated into irrational anger as she picked up her small dining table. Small oddments that were left in her hurried lifestyle flew into the wall as she growled, turning it upside down with a restrained cry. Her face fell into her hands as long cold coffee and shards of porcelain began to pool across her linoleum floor. Sara wanted desperately to call Lara, warn her about everything, hell just hear her Surrey voice again, but her better judgment realized the phone here was more then likely tapped. Irons' eyes were everywhere hell even James was sitting out front, waiting for her to return... "Fuck it." She cursed again. In a few minutes the overly decorated Pezzini was on her knees and shuffling to the back of her desk with a butter knife. Mutterering to no one she unscrewed the panel covering the housing for her phone line. She had assumed correctly, her sleuth's eyes caught sight of a blinking LCD light and a small wiretap affixed to her line. "Gotcha!" she whispered as her well trained hands worked to remove the line of subterfuge. She smashed the circuit board with the palm of her hand with a satisfactory grin and after brushing the debris from her hands picked up her phone and rested it in the crook of her neck. She began to sift though the papers looking for her little black book. It was 'right' there all her contacts, her list of phone numbers and now where?! Utter panic, Sara felt dread wash over her. "I don't believe this; I don't have her blasted number!" She sat down cross legged on the floor until her eyes widened. The small oval purse was in her hand in a few seconds. Sara had hidden the slip of paper from Sheridan in its lining and quickly her fingers tore away the fabric. Her green orbs scanned over the paper as she numbly dialed the only number etched across it.

Eyes once again were made to meet up with her own as he took note to her motions at the door. What was she doing? What did she plan on keeping him any longer for? Their conversation was done or at least he had thought it was. Lara had been one of the few females he was unable to fully figure out... most others did something and he picked up very fast on the way they worked but this one was so... Unpredictable, so random with even her thoughts. He raised a brow then stood silent a moment, thinking of what to say. A hand came free from his pocket and he simply set his hand onto her arms which were folded. His index finger would then point upwards at her chest in a point... "What I want..... Is something I don't think I can have. It seems that it's reserved from what I can tell..."... He gave a compassionate smile then simply took a step backwards... "Is that what you wanted to hear? Or am I throwing you off balance again? If so then... I'm sorry once more."... His words seemed to urk himself, Jackie was going too soft as of late and it was because of this very woman... The very thing that was the overview of Jackie's Life... Women.

The car handled great, the engine purred as he shifted gears and easily maneuvered around any traffic in his way even if it included taking alley ways. He'd been used to the small streets and areas of England the city of New York wasn't much different. His mind went over though thoughts of his past working with Lo and his gang, that's how he knew Lin and Chang. And Chow. His head shook lightly at the thought and he tried to block it from his mind. A friend, dead. Perhaps it was part of the reason the British spy tried not to become too involved with people he worked with. Still some habits were harder to kill than others. His foot moved to the clutch as his hand upon the stick shift and he shifted once more, and the Beamer tore down the alley, before the wheels screeched slightly taking a sharp turn out of the alley back onto the street. It felt good to be in that car, as much as he enjoyed the bike and the advantages it held in New York traffic, the car was something he was looking towards. There was a beep from the front concole and a little green light flicked before he heard the ring tone of his cell. An ear piece was put into his ear as he turned another corner pressing the answer call button. "Sheridan.." his British accent fell as he drove now pulling onto the freeway entrance. He stepped on the gas cutting off a taxi before zipping across the other lanes of traffic and weaving in and out to avoid slower moving cars.