The Aftermath: Final Chapter
(Part One)
I fled Mexico that night. I drove the black minivan back into the motel parking lot. Then I went to my room and fleetly packed my belongings. Afterwards I took a long hot shower. When I was done I slipped into a simple white T-shirt and blue jeans. Then I went to the incinerator and burned my blood soaked clothing. The only trace of the murders I left behind was the van. I made sure to thoroughly wipe it down as well. I didn't want innocent vacationers to take the fall for something I had done. Hopefully, the trail would go cold back at the Gunn ranch. Hopefully.
After I had prepared everything I went to the motel lobby and returned my keys to the front desk clerk. I whispered a silent thank you upon witnessing a different motel attendant.
"Oh, Ms. Villareal, why are you leaving us so soon?" The desk clerk, Marisol, asked, as she ran my identification through the machine.
"Well, I only planned to stay for a few days. My family is probably worried sick about me." I replied. I managed to smile and keep my composure. The police would come here eventually, and I didn't want it to seem like anything out of the ordinary had occurred. So I played it cool,"I really enjoyed myself. I'll probably comeback again."
Maybe in another lifetime
"Well, I am glad that our accomodations were to your liking…Wouldn't you like to stay for breakfast? It is early."
She asked, in her softly accented voice.
I nodded my head no, "I appreciate it, but I should really get going. I really need to get back."
"Well, it was a pleasure having you. Take care of yourself."
"Muchas Gracias." I responded. With that I left, as fast as I could.
As I drove across the dusty roads of Mexico I allowed my mind to go blank. There were no cars, turns, or road signs, for miles. That gave me permission to temporarily go on auto-pilot.
Early in the morning when there is nothing but you and your thoughts it is amazing how much clarity one can ascertain. Everything, in those moments, made so much sense to me. I thought that achieving my goal of revenge would somehow make me happier. I was satisfied, yes, but joy did not even enter the equation. When I stared into Beatrix's eyes at the moment of her death I stood frozen. To see another human being die, up close, is nothing short of an epiphany. I felt a sudden surge of elation and sadness, all at once. The wounds within my broken heart had finally healed; however, new ones had opened. When I killed Beatrix the old Nikki died with her. The little girl whose body had been fashioned into a lethal killing machine was now dead. In my thoughts I could, literally, see the child, with her thick mane of curly hair, school backpack and lunch kit,walking away from me. I saw my mother's face, staring out at me from the beyond. She was smiling, as my former self walked into her loving arms. There is no glory in watching another person die, no matter how much you hate them. But what I did get was closure. Closure on a horrific chapter in my life. All of the nightmares and unrest would cease. I was finally free of her.
A faint smile touched my lips.
I pressed down on the gas and let the car accelerate.
I couldn't believe it. I was finally free. Now, I could go back home and be Nikki Bell again.
All I wanted to do was get as far away from Mexico as I possibly could. I drove my car past the borders and into Texas. I did not stop until I ran completely out of gas. I ended up back where I began, in Austin, at the La Chica Inn. The hotel that Elle and Sofie ran together. My feelings were mixed about seeing them again. They were apart of my life that I didn't wish to revisit, but I knew that I owed it to them. Were it not for Elle I would not have accomplished it.
I slowly walked into the lobby towards the front desk. I smiled ever so slightly as Sofie diligently typed on her keyboard, unaware that I was approaching.
"Hi, I'm looking for a room, please..." I said politely.
Sofie looked up. At first there was a profound expression of surprise.Then she smiled. Sofie stood up from her seat and embraced me, "Nikkia, how are you?" She asked.
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"I am great..." She replied. Sofie gave me the once over and looked into my eyes, "How did things go in Mexico?"
"They went as planned."
The expression on Sofie's face remained still, yet underneath her veneer appeared to be elation.
"Elle is in her office, if you would like to see her."
"Yes, I would appreciate it."
"Follow me." Sofie led me towards the manager's office.
"Hold on..." Sofie opened the door, "Elle dear, you have a guest."
"Who is it?" Elle asked, gruffly.
"Our little Mongoose has come home."
"Holy Shit." Elle laughed aloud, "Let her in."
Sofie held the door for me as I slowly walked into the office. Elle was seated within an enormous dais like chair. She was reading a Braille version of War and Peace, "Have a seat Nikkia. Long timeno see..." She said. A very broad smile crossed her face. She was pleased to see me, so to speak.
"Well in your case "a longtime" should suffice." I kidded.
"Oh you have jokes. I see you've lost none of your cheekiness?"Elle laughed, as she closed her book. She reached for her pack of Marlboros and lit one up. She passed the end through her thin lips and sparked the lighter.
"You know those things are going to kill you, eventually." I said.
"So what, everything is bad for something." She mused, as she took a deep drag and exhaled. She delicately tapped the ashes into the tray and looked in my direction, "So, how did it go. Pretty well, I presume, being that you're here." Elle's smile turned devious.
I didn't know how to answer. It was as if I were in a world of fog and I couldn't find my way out. I just sat quietly, pondering an answer that sounded appropriate...
"Don't worry. You will get used to it. We all do. At some point it becomes routine." said Elle.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked, afraid of her reply.
"What do you think I meant, Mongoose?" Elle dashed out her cigarette and pulled out another one. I really hated the way that she chain smoked. It seemed like the only time she ever did it was when I was around. Elle loved to piss people off, and she knew that smoking was a pet peeve of mine. I decided to let it roll off my shoulders.
I remained silent. For some reason coherrent words were eluding me.
"So, was my new fighting technique to your advantage?" Elle sparked the conversation by changing the subject.
"What do you mean?"
"The Mongoose fighting style. I invented it myself, and you are the first one that I ever taught it too. So grasshoppa, should I write my own instruction manual or what?" Elle laughed, but her question was serious.
"Obviously it did. I killed the snake didn't I?"
"That you did. Damn, I am good. I would have my notes published, but that would entail betraying my relative anonymity...So I'll just settle for knowing that my protege killed The Black Mamba."Elle giggled and lit another cig. "Not so dangerous anymore are ya Kiddo?" She mumbled, speaking to the spectre of Beatrix Kiddo. "Well I guess some gratitude is in order. Thank you for killing that motherfucker. I only wish you had brought me back a souvenir...like her spine or something."
"Why didn't you tell me that she was married and had a family? That was vital information that I needed to know--" I said, abruptly changing the subject.
"You didn't need to know that. Those were minor details. I've had to take out entire tactical teams just to erase one target. You can't make an omlete without breaking some eggs, my dear..." Elle paused and then continued, "What if I had told you? Would you have still gone through with it or would you have chickened out? Was your resolve strong enough to withstand that bit of information? "
I pondered her question...
"The acid test was to see how you would react when faced with that level of adversity, and you passed Nikkia. Anyone else might have just walked away from a family of highly trained warriors; however, you remained and came away the victor...Just like Rikki Tikki Tavi.You are my little Mongoose--"
"Stop calling me that..." I whispered.
Elle started laughing, "Why should I?" She asked sarcastically, "You were quite fond of it several months ago. Oh I get it. You actually entertained the idea that all of this was going to end, and you would find your little boyfriend and live happily ever after? Aw, how sweet. Well, here's a little Newsflash for you, youngster. The game is not over, not by a longshot. You killed Beatrix, but you aren't done killing. You never will be--"
"Shut up!" I said. I couldn't find any other words to say just then. As Elle spoke I kept flashing back to the conversation I had with Cutlass three years ago, Besides, you have it in your genes. That quote kept echoing inside my head. I didn't want to listen to what she was saying. I was done living this life, and I refused to make the same mistakes that my aunt and mother made.
Elle smiled, "Tell me you didn't love it, Nikki. Is that why you are so conflicted right now? I'll bet, when you saw that bitch die every fiber of your being came alive with ecstasy. Tell me I'm lying...Tell me I am lying right now and I'll leave you alone."
I could not say anything. Elle was right. I felt my eyes begin to moisten. Don't you dare cry Nikki!
"See, you can't say anything because you know it's true. You know how I know? The first time I killed someone it was for revenge. And It felt good.
I was 13 years old when I murdered my father. My dad was a perverted son of shit. For most of my life he sexually abused me and my sisters. Then one night, when daddy dearest was particularly inebriated and randy, I kept a rusty pair of scissors underneath my bed sheets. The moment He came to me I thrust the scissors into his pot belly and gutted him like a fish..." Elle hissed. She clasped her left hand into a fist. Her flesh started to turn red as she clinched harder. I could hear her breathing. It was quite obvious that the memory of her father struck a chord with her. Then she smiled,
"And when his entrails spilled onto the floor all I could do was laugh. As I watched him die all I felt was rapturous exhilaration. Bliss that I was finally free of that lecherous bastard. But the power itself was the ultimate aphrodisiac. With that rusty pair of scissors I held life and death in my hands. I could have easily let him live, but I chose to kill him. The choice was mine, and I never felt that much power. I craved it, and I embraced it. You see, Mongoose, I know exactly how you feel...I was there, only I never felt remorseful for any of my actions. I didn't let my inhibitions or societies mores influence me. I had allowed myself to become primal, and what I felt was the ultimate freedom...Freedom that I have not relinquished to this very day."Elle mused. Suddenly, she stopped speaking. She appeared to be thinking. The silence lasted momentarily, and Elle picked up where she left off, "That woman killed your mother, right in front of you. Your father killed himself, leaving you an orphan. All the years of training and the treacherous path you took to get to where you are, and you feel remorse? I don't believe it Nikki. You still didn't answer my question. Tell me you didn't love it. Tell me you didn't feel that same enthusiasm. Believe me, it won't make you a monster." said Elle, "It makes you human."
In truth I identified with everything Elle said. I tried to rationalize it as much as I could. But I kept coming back to the same conclusion each and everytime. "Yes. I did." I whispered, my voice came out in a hoarse croak.
"I know you did." she said, "And I also know that given the chance you would do it again. You are alot like me--"
"But, I'm not like you. I don't want this life. I didn't ask for this life. All I wanted was justice." I interrupted.
"You are more like me than you think...deep down inside. The difference between me and you is that I never had it as easy as you. I didn't have a fucking suburban family. My parents didn't give two flying shits about me. My father was a pedophile and my mom was a drunken whore. However, the only difference between you and me is...I know that I'm a killer, but you are still in the closet about it..." Elle lightly blew a puff of smoke.
The tears started to fall, "No I'm not..." my voice was barely a whisper.
"Well, it's not up to me to decide, now. The hard choices belong to you. I didn't bring all of that up to bullshit with you, Nikkia. I asked you because I care about you. I wanted to know whether or not you have the capacity to survive, on your own..." Elle paused. My attention was now rapt on her.
"Right now, as we speak, Beatrix's bodyguards are assembling to kill you. A few days ago I got a call from Snitch. Oh, remind me to change my phone number. I hate that smarmy Pei Mei lookin fucker egg." Elle grimaced, "Anyway, He told me that there is a price on your head, a big one. Whichever one of her agents takes you out first gets to claim Beatrix's twenty million dollar, post mortem, trust fund. It was set up should her untimely death occur outside natural causes..." Elle looked in my direction and blew another puff of smoke, "You are a marked woman now, Nikkia." Elle's voice was low and serious. Her face looked concerned. She was telling the truth.
I got scared. My stomach dropped.
"I thought all the bodyguards were dead?"
"You're kidding right? Honey, you only scraped the tip of the iceberg. You played the first round. Now, it's Black Mamba's turn. Even when she's dead the bitch won't stay down. Believe me, I know." Elle said, "Furthermore, you need to stay the hell away from Mexico City for a while. That job you did will send you infront of a firing squad for sure."
"What am I going to do Elle?" My voice was shaking. I couldn't believe this.
How could I have been so stupid? I was so hell bent on killing her that I did not consider the long term ramifications.
"Still doubting yourself after all that I have taught you?" Elle stood up from her chair. She walked from behind the desk and found the seat next to me. Elle turned her head and I swore she looked me directly in the eye. She was the most able bodied blind woman I had ever seen, "Nikki, the last time I checked Beatrix Kiddo is dead, by your sword. It is THEM that should be doubting themselves now. You are The Mongoose, The most dangerous woman in the world!" Her words were filled with conviction. She believed in them, and me. "I only gave you the tools you needed to better yourself. The natural ability and desire was all yours. I was Beatrix's equal, but you are her superior. You could be the best in this business if you wanted to be..."
"You don't understand, Elle. I don't want to be in this. I want out. This life is not for me." I said, still shaken by the revelations. "There has to be another way..."
Elle sighed. Apparently disgusted by my resolve, "Alright, remain in denial if you wish." She said, leaning back in her chair, "Besides killing are you good at anything else?" Her voice was laced with sarcasm.
I really didn't care. The news hit me like a two ton anvil. I thought it was over. I never felt so alone in my entire life.
Elle stood up and went into her desk drawer. She reached in and retrieved a huge manila envelope, "Take this..." She tossed the envelope to me. I started to rumage through it. "Those are the keys and papers to my mansion in Rio De Jeniro, Brazil. I haven't been there in years, but the property is still in my name. The house is all yours if you want it. I'll have Sofie wire you some plane tickets out of Texas. You just have to stay away from here, for good--"
"But why Rio? How long?" I asked, trying frantically to take everything in.
"Because, if you stay in America you are going to be drawn into the business, one way or the other. Ultimately, Beatrix's agents are going to find you if you stay here. Since you are so reluctant to fight it would be best for you to leave the country, permanently..." she said. Elle got on her cell phone and called Sofie in the lobby. She started wiring me the tickets that moment.
Forever? I thought. I couldn't wrap my psyche around the entire concept. I was a wanted woman. I was probably going to have to change my identity as well. I shook my head in disbelief.
Elle clicked the phone off and continued where she left off, "The first thing you need to do is destroy all records of your life as Nikkia Bell. That ends right now, today. Leave your car here. Sofie and I will take care of it. Take the next plane out--"
"Wait, could I possibly see my family and friends before I leave..."
"Oh goddamnit! Fuck me! You and this insatiable need to hang onto your civilian life..." Elle griped, "Okay, you know what? Fuck it. I am going to get you some more tickets to NYC. My offer still stands, but if you end up getting killed then it's all on you Amiga, Comprende?" She said, "Alright, after you take a little hiatus in New York City then get the hell out of there and run to Brazil. Your flight leaves in seven days. I am only letting you do this because your Aunt was in the game. So she will know how dire this situation is."
"Thank you Elle." My voice started to crack, "I honestly don't know how to repay you--for all that you've done for me..."
"Look, I may be a cruel, callous, sociopathic bitch, but you're like my daughter, Mongoose. I spent too much time on you to let you go to waste." said Elle.
I walked over to Elle and held her tightly. I was surprised when she reciprocated my gesture. In truth, Elle had become like a second mother to me. In her own condescending way there was nothing that she would not do for me.
"Don't worry, everything will end up the way that it's supposed to." Elle reassured me. I don't know what it was, but the very statement sent chills up my spine. I didn't dare ask her what she meant by it.
Before I left the hotel Sofie helped me destroy all of my records. My drivers license, social security number, and all of my credit cards were destroyed. All I had was cash. The remainder of my inheritance I withdrew from an ATM machine, all two million of it. Sofie even helped me to alter my appearance to match a new fake ID I had in my possession. I lengthened my hair with long flowing extensions, and wore the garb of a traditional lady of Hindu heritage. My identity, for now, was Amilah Patel, a Pakistani national.
My life off the grid had begun.
I boarded my flight to New York City the next day. I had to see Aunt DeeDee and Kenny, for what I feared would be the last time.
To Be Continued in part two of
The Aftermath
Hello everyone. The next and final segment of the story will be posted very shortly. Sorry It took so long, but I guarantee the next sequence will be up shortly. Anyway, the second part was hard for me to write, but since the story is practically over I may as well go all out. I am not going to give out any hints or anything, but I hope it surprises you. Now, just to answer a few questions from some of the readers...
Silvercry: First of all I am so glad you pointed that out to me (The misspelling of "torcher!")lol. I am so embarressed about that. That particular word, for some reason, whenever I write, or type, it my mind goes on autopilot. I am going to go back and correct those hiccups right away. Thank you so much for pointing that out. I am glad you liked the story.
Lightning Scarlet: Thank you for taking the time to read and critique. I sincerely appreciate it. However, I think I need to explain a few things. Regarding the argument between Nikki and Beatrix I think it is rather debateable who suffered more. True, Beatrix was beaten, raped, left for dead, and had her child taken from her. All of that was heinous, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But, saying that one suffered more is somewhat of a misnomer. I guess it has to do with individual perspective. As a movie viewer, I always thought that Beatrix deserved to die for what she did to Nikki. Nikki was an innocent four year old baby who had to watch her mother die, violently. To me that is something that can scar a child for life. The adult Nikki knew that her mother wasn't a saint, but she didn't care. Her reality was that her mother loved and cared for her. That was all she knew. Then oneday, out of the blue, some person comes in and murders her for no reason. Whenever I write for certain characters I always put a little of myself into them. I know if someone killed my mother I would want them to suffer...regardless of what she might have done in the past. In that regard I tried to come from Nikki's point of view. True, Beatrix deserved to have revenge, but there are consequences and repurcussions for your actions. Yes, she got revenge on Vernita, but she also poured gasoline on a fire by allowing Nikki to witness what happened.
As for the fight between Nikki and Beatrix, and Nikki not getting scratched, there is a reason behind that too. In the previous two chapters I began parralleling the paths of Nikki & Beatrix to that of The Mongoose and The Snake(referencing my favorite story, Rikki Tikki Tavi). That was all for a reason. True, the black mamba is a deadly venomous snake, but it has to bite it's target in order to kill it. The Mongoose on the otherhand relies on speed and agility. If the Mongoose is bitten even once it will die, and the fight is lost. Hence when Beatrix and Nikki fought I tried to showcase that. Nikki likes to wear her opponents down, and when they finally begin to tire she goes in for the kill. In my mind there was no possible way that Beatrix was going to hit Nikki. Nikki has been training all of her life. Furthermore, Elle Driver was also trained by Pei Mei. True, she didn't learn the five point exploding heart technique, but she did learn enough to be Beatrix's equal in battle. Couple that withNikki's natural ability and intense desire to kill Beatrix then you can see why she won the fight. When Nikki finished her training she essentially became a new woman. Nikki is vibrant, energetic, young, and has an axe to grind. Beatrix is an older woman, past her prime, whose skills have more than likely began to fade(which is why she hired all of those bodyguards).
Moreover, I did not want it to end up the totally cliche hack and hack and hack until one falls dead. I wanted to showcase who the superior warrior was in this instance. Ultimately, Youth will overcome experience in certain situations.
Lastly, Nikki did not defeatBeatrix easily, as evidenced by the first part of the final chapter(muahahahahaha).
Anyway thank you for your input.
Sassy Lil Scorpio: Thank you so much for reading the story, and I am glad you liked it. Anyway, yes I did pulled that quote from Batman Returns(lol).As I was writingthat particular scene with Alejandro Solis murdering the prostitute seemed to parrallel Michelle Pfieffer's appearance as Catwoman. So yeah, I was sorta paying homage to it. Glad you caught it. I have other quotes that are famous as well. I like to pay tribute to pop culture in certain instances.
Thanks!
Joe England: Thanks for reviewing, and thank you for the suggestion. It was a really good suggestion, and I was going todo something that parralled it. But, I just kept thinking it would be out of character for B.B. She has spent her life fighting and keeping her mother out of harms way, and then to suddenly have a change of heart after her entire family is murdered would have been "out there" for me.However, as evidenced by this chapter, Nikki now sees that she will have a price to pay for her own choices. What goes around comes around.