Chapter 9
"Damn!," Dante cursed. He dropped his gun as a bullet tore through his upper arm, with his other hand pressed against the wound to stop the bleeding.
Rosalie glanced up behind Dante, following the trajectory of the bullet straight to Ian. Ian lowered his gun and raised his hand; gesturing in Black Dragon signal.
Rosalie nodded to him and took action. She maneuvered with all the speed, agility, and grace that she had honed with the Black Dragons. She didn't have the time to fight the Bulls at the minute. It would be much more strategic to retreat; to get Sara and Jake and get out of the warehouse alive, would have more advantages. She picked up Dante's gun.
The four Bulls were quick to realize that Rosalie was a crack shot and she would hit them before she even got close to her friends. They either had to let the other two go and get to cover or keep them and die a fixed target. The Bulls released their prisoners to get to cover.
"Sara! Jake!" Rosalie shouted, "Get out of here, now!"
"Not without you!" Jake yelled back.
Shots were fired from covered spots; signaling that the Bulls had recovered from the suddenness of Ro's attack.
From above, someone began to return fire at the White Bulls, Ian hadn't abandoned them to the Bulls yet. Ian open fire with a submachine gun, the hail of bullets fell as cover fire for the retreating three.
"Who the hell was that guy?" Jake asked as they ran for his car.
"That was my 'informant'; the guy who just saved our asses, Jake," Rosalie said. "Dante's confessions in there would help your case, wouldn't they?"
"Yeah, too bad we didn't think he'd have done that earlier," Sara replied; as they got in Jake's car.
"I know, but there may be a way to correct that oversight."
"Scarlett, what do you mean?" Sara asked.
"I mean we can try to get his confession again, it's unlikely but we might have a chance. At least the three of us heard him confess."
"We all heard him say it, too bad we couldn't wire ourselves before." Jake said, "Hey where did this envelope come from?"
There was a plain white envelope sitting on the dashboard. Sara cautiously picked it up, and looked at it. On the front of the envelope; in sharp, spiky script was one word: Scarlett.
"It's addressed to you, Scarlett," Sara said as she handed the envelope to Scarlett.
Scarlett opened it, once she was able to recognize the writing as Ian's. Inside was a set of keys and a note which read;
My lady,
I left this note along with a set of keys to my place inside Agent McCartey's car. If you are reading this, it means that I arrived in time to help you and your companions escape. My home is open as a safe haven to you. I ask you to use it to stay safe; I shall be there later this afternoon. Until then, My Lady.
Sir Ian Nottingham
"What does it say?" Jake asked.
"We've been offered a safe house for the time being. We should use it."
"That's the best thing we can do right now." Sara replied.
"Nice place, whose is it?" Jake asked looking around at his spacious surroundings.
"Belongs to the guy who just saved our asses. We'll be safe for now here. While we try to decide what to do." Scarlett said, removing the blond wig.
"Who was the shooter, Scarlett? Do you know him?" Sara asked.
"An old friend of mine. We met Danny at about the same time, through work. He wasn't as close friends with Danny as I was, but we're both in this for the same reason."
"So you and Danny were really close?"
"Yeah. He was actually here with me when I saw the White Bull shooting. Danny was the only one I ever told. I've never been able to get the identity of the killer out of my mind."
"Who was the killer?" Jake asked.
"Bruno Dante." she said the name as if it was the most virulent curse on the face of the earth.
"Danny and I never spoke of it afterwards. Then a couple of months ago; he told me to be ready to come forward on his word," she paused, "we were ready to do it. It was the reason I came here. Then, he's dead and Sara calls me to tell me. He was supposed to meet me the next day to tell me what was needed from me."
"Dante was on to him," Sara said, "he pretty much confessed to Danny's murder."
"You said there might be a way to get him to repeat his words, Scarlett." Sara stated.
"It not like we can do anything really." Jake muttered.
"Maybe not."
"Shana is right," Ian said, choosing to intercede, "you could still get something out of Dante."
"How?"
"Dante is typical of most men of his sort. They all share one thing,"
"A big ego," Sara reasoned, "Dante loves to gloat and brag over just about everything. That's why he was telling us what he did. If we could get him into doing it again, only this time one of us will be wearing a wire. He might even mention other Bull's activities."
"That's a big if, Sara. And if this did work who would wear the wire?"
"I will." Scarlett said, "He already thinks that I am the agent. Danny was my friend; I promised him to finish what had been started. I'll do that alone."
The final word had a decisive tone that Ian recognized. One that he'd had enough personal experience dealing with; to know that there wasn't really any point arguing with.
"I can't let you," Jake said, "you're the only witness willing to testify. I'm not willing to lose the only solid evidence I have."
"Jake's right, Scarlett."
Sara met Scarlett's gaze and the two regarded each other for a few minutes. A sort of understanding passed between the both of them. Sara nodded assent to Scarlett and stood down.
"Jake has a point, but we should at least hear Scarlett out."
"Dante thinks I'm the agent, Jake's cover is too good; too convincing." Scarlett said. "At this point there's no way he'd suspect Jake. I'm the only questionable target he knows of. The unknown quantity. I'm the bigger threat here, and in all honesty I might be right."
"The reasoning is logical. But what happens if something goes wrong? There's a good chance that it might." Jake said.
Scarlett seemed to think on Jake's fears for a few minutes.
"Ian, you have a video camera, don't you?"
"Yes." He could see where she was going with this. He was almost surprised that she still remembered that part of the training. Always find a way to ensure your victory in any operation.
"What do you have in mind?" Sara asked.
"A backup plan. If this fails; if we should fail, Ian will have this video someplace safe. From there in the hands of someone I trust with my life, the video will make it to the FBI headquarters in Virginia. We'll end up winning one way or another."
Two hours later, Ian left with the video tape. Only Scarlett knew that the tape was to be left in a locker in a bus depot. While Ian was gone; Scarlett left Sara and Jake alone while she took a shower.
When she came out, she was wearing a jet black one piece outfit. Her long red hair was tied in to a thick braid and she was placing some things into the pouches on her belt.
"What's with the suit, Scarlett? You're dressed like Catwoman." Jake commented.
"Ian had it waiting for me along with this." Scarlett showed them a beautiful long new black duster. "With several little surprises."
"Like what?" Sara asked.
Scarlett took the duster and lay it over the couch, reaching into a hidden inside pocket she pulled out a set of 5 small throwing knives. From another hidden pocket she pulled out 7 shuriken, She continued pulling out various weaponry from the seemingly weightless coat ranging from knives and Shurikens to guns. Sara and Jake watched in amazement as she lay exhibited the small arsenal to them.
"I see you've found my gifts." Ian said as he entered. "The suit is made from the lightest kevlar currently in existence, the material is not even available to either the military or the authorities yet."
"Then where'd you get it?" Jake asked.
"Ian is head of security to Kenneth Irons. Iron's company made the kevlar, right Ian?"
"Being the Head of security does have certain perks, Shana. The knives are a new consideration, and I recalled you prefer shuriken. Check the left side of the lining."
"Left lining." Shana commented as she found what appeared to be a well hidden hole in the lining. "What's in here? Guns, Knives maybe, or more shuriken?"
"You'll see." Ian said with a mischievous smile.
"Oh, my..." Scarlett trailed off as she pulled a katana out of the jacket lining. It was beautiful.
"A sword?" Sara asked.
"It's a katana." Ian amended. "It's lighter and more maneuverable then any other kind of sword. I recalled your skills with one when we used to practice together in the dojo. That one is specially made to your exact specifications."
"Thanks, Ian."
"Anything for you, milady." Ian said, as he reached into his pocket. "Here is the key you wanted."
"Who will have the key?" Jake asked.
"Some one I trust completely and absolutely." Scarlett said, placing the key into her pocket and putting on the duster.
"I'm going out." she said simply to her three companions.
"The Bulls have an APB out on you, you can't go out there."
"The APB is for a Rosalie Daniels, not for Shana O'Hara. I need to get this key to someone."
"Why can't Ian take it?" Jake asked.
"I've asked enough of Ian already, besides they've seen him. This part of my plan must be entrusted to another."
"Are you sure they can do it?"
"I'm positive, Sara. I wouldn't trust this to anyone else, they wouldn't let me down."
"You have complete faith in them." Ian surmised.
"I do." Scarlett admitted.
Later, Scarlett walked down 7th street heading towards Lexington. The plan would be set in motion within hours. Everything had been thoroughly thought out; after her visit to the Carson hotel, she'd put on her disguise and contact Dante to meet her in some discreet area. She'd be willing to turn over her 'evidence' if he'd leave both Jake and Sara out of it. Jake and Sara would be video taping the entire thing from a hidden spot with Ian's camcorder. If the situation went critical; they'd be in charge of getting the tape to Ian who would be nearby in his car, and he'd get it to where the other tape was.
She maneuvered through the streets with ease. Dressed as she was; like being a Black Dragon again, carrying the old bearings and the air and grace of a natural predator. People moved around her; ignorant of her presence as she passed them. The fact that people didn't want to see them gave them the ability to become almost invisible anywhere; no one wished to see them and no one wanted to remember seeing them. It gave credence to the notion that only a Black Dragon could track a Black Dragon.
She was about a block away from the hotel when she became certain that someone was following her. Not losing the pace she'd set weaving through crowds; she turned into an alleyway and her shadow followed.
"Nice tracking, Ian."
"Thank you. I wasn't sure you'd noticed me. I thought you might've lost your touch; but I see that I was wrong."
"Why are you following me, Ian?"
"Just ensuring you arrive at your destination with minimal trouble." Ian responded.
"Don't lie, Ian. It's not your strong point."
"I'm not lying. I assure you..."
"Bullshit, Ian." She hissed between clenched teeth. "They are looking for a blonde with green eyes not a red head with blue eyes. I know you Ian. We both know that there would be no trouble for me to get to the hotel and back."
"Shana, you're the closest thing I have to an actual best friend. You're like my little sister and right now I fear for your very life. I don't like your chances for survival against the bulls alone."
"I have to do it, Ian. Danny was my best friend; there were things that I'd tell him that I'd tell no one else. We'd been through a lot of shit together."
"You trusted Daniel more than me." Ian sounded hurt by this knowledge.
"No. I trusted both of you. But Danny was there when I saw Dante kill that man; I know I could have done something, I should have done something. I could of saved that man and killed Dante before any of this happened. If I had done it, Danny would still be here..." She paused to take a deep breath calming herself.
"But I froze, I was afraid of Dante then. I should have done something other than let my survival instincts take over. I didn't want you to know cause I was ashamed that I froze; that I was afraid of someone like Dante. I knew you held a high opinion of me; and I didn't want that opinion to fall, it meant a lot to me."
"My opinion?"
"Yes." Shana's answer shocked Ian.
"My opinion's never mattered to anyone." Ian said quietly.
"It does to me. It always has..." She said softly.
Ian turned to walk away. "I will make sure all is ready for your plan, my lady."
"Thank you, Dragon." She said before leaving the alleyway for the street.
Slipping through the Carson Hotel lobby and passed the surveillance cameras unseen had been easy, breaking into the hotel room had been child's play for a Dragon whose qualifications included being able to bypass the most sophisticated security systems and breaking into the most secured areas.
The room was empty and dark; she briefly considered turning the light on, but decided against it preferring to wait in the dark. She didn't have to wait too long.
Snake Eyes entered the room and turned on the light.
"Hey" she said softly, drawing his attention. Seeing him gave her an overwhelming urge to tell him everything; about the Bulls, Danny, the actual identity of Rosalie Daniels, Ian, the Black dragons, everything. She pushed the urge aside besides the black dragons were something that could never be mentioned. So she waited for a response.
*Shana. Where were you? Why didn't you try to contact anyone?*
"I've been in the city, baiting some bulls."
*Bulls?*
"The White Bulls; a society of corrupt police officers, or the hounds as a friend of mine calls them. And I couldn't get in touch with anyone because they've taken the bait and are a bit smarter than we thought."
*We?*
"Me and the FBI agent I'm working with. We were caught off guard this morning and it's forced our hand; now they're onto us. There's one chance and I've got to take it."
*Why you?*
"It's for Danny" she answered simply.
*Your friend?*
"Danny wasn't just my friend," she began. "He was my best friend. He started this job; with my help, we were supposed to finish it soon. But they found out, he was killed and the work left unfinished. Now it's up to me to finish it for Danny."
"I can't tell you much right now. But it's my last chance to make things right to Danny; to amends for something I was afraid to do before now, and it cost Danny his life. I need to make it up, finish it for Danny.
*What is this last chance?*
"I won't say. No one knows what exactly I'm planning to do, except for one person, maybe. Do me a favor?"
*What?*
"Take this" she handed him a small silver key. "This opens locker 617 at the bus depot downtown. Inside the locker is a video tape; if you don't hear from me within 24 hours, get the video and take it to the FBI office here in the city, tell them it's about the white bulls. The video is very important and must reach them. If I don't..." she finished quietly.
*If you don't... you mean you intend to die for this?*
"If needed I will. It doesn't mean I want to die, but I'm willing to do so if it means bringing all those murders to justice. I'm not afraid of dying for a worthy cause nor am I afraid of death." She paused.
"As a true warrior, I walk with it as if it were a friend. It is my companion and follows in my wake. Every warrior, every soldier; from times forgotten to now and beyond walk with it. That is the way and has always been the way of all warriors."
*Where did you hear that?*
"From Ian and Danny."
*Ian?*
"I can't really explain right now; I have to move if I want my plan to work." she headed for the door and paused.
"I don't intend to die anytime soon; but if I do die during this task, I'll go happy. Because I had one last chance to see you and talk to you." She slowly opened the door and walked out closing it behind her.
Snake Eyes moved to follow her. Opening the door and looking down the long empty hall. It shouldn't have been possible for a person to completely disappear in less that one minute. (see author's note at bottom) Turning back he noticed a piece of paper set on the small table near the door. On it was three words written in Scarlett's handwriting:
I love you.
A/N: Those of you who are familiar with Witchblade know that Ian Nottingham has the ability to vanish from sight at the blink of an eye. After much deliberation I decided that Scarlett should be able to do that as well.
I apologize for the long wait I moved recently and misplaced my disks where all of my stories are saved. I found them only a couple of days ago and wanted to add more to this one. This one is drawing to an end and I hope people are still reading this. Please review.
Special note: Chapter 10 is going to be the conclusion of this story; although I may post an epilogue. I haven't decided on it yet.