Disclaimer: I own nothing. The full versions of this and all my fics can be found on adultfanfiction.net author ID Shanastay.
Chapter 19: Revelation and Confrontation
Janessa quickly retrieved her jacket, scoping out the room to ensure she had not forgotten anything relevant. Reconsidering, she also snagged her long leather duster from the bottom of her travel bag. Gazing at her bow she discarded the idea of taking it with her. Last thing I need is people thinking I'm some king of freako Robin Hood throwback. Uncomfortable being completely unarmed she took solace in the feeling of the twin knives pressed against her calves.
The woman sprinted up the stairs and headed out to the garage, donning the jacket and duster, the dual leather layers ensuring she would be protected from the cold mountain wind. Jan waved at Pat as she passed, entering the garage and hitting the automatic door button. She waited for the door to rise before walking her motorcycle out onto the driveway.
The redhead turned and punched the door code into the keypad on the wall, the door lowering in response. As she waited for the door to close she looked around the neighborhood, her eyes settling on the large, black blacked-out suburban parked on the street further up the road. Huh. Pat didn't mention the neighbors got a new truck. She shrugged it off as a simple oversight on her sponsor's part.
Jan climbed on and started up her bike, roaring off toward the other end of Colorado Springs. Intent upon the task at hand she failed to register the aforementioned suburban pulling away from the curb to follow her.
In the suburban…
Hayden sat up sharply as the garage door of the house containing Janessa rose. He fumbled for his cell phone, finally opening it as the woman under surveillance walked her bike out of the structure. He hit autodial and waited for the answering voice. "She's on the move." Taking in the voice's instructions he flipped the phone shut and started up the vehicle as Jan took off down the street. Hayden waited an appropriate span and followed his quarry, making sure to remain undetected.
Back to Janessa…
The redhead sped through the residential area heading toward the freeway and Academy Blvd. Passing the freeway on-ramp she headed for the Blvd, deciding to take the surface street to Citadel Mall. Let's see what's changed in the Springs over the past few years. She still had not noticed the suburban trailing her several car lengths back.
She swung onto Academy from Woodman, roaring past several cars that honked at her ignorance of the Yield sign. She wound her way in and out of traffic, pulling all the usual cyclist stunts that annoyed the hell out of every car driver.
In the blacked-out suburban Hayden was cursing loudly, having a hell of a time keeping up with the dodging and weaving motorcycle ahead of him. With a final curse he gave up, having to be satisfied with keeping Janessa at the limits of his vision. Performing any more dodging maneuvers in the large vehicle would surely bring him too much unwanted attention.
Janessa's gaze swept from side to side, taking in both sides of the main drag through Colorado Springs. She took note of various establishments having gone out of business while new ones popped up. She had to laugh as she passed what had been Jupiter Moons to discover the swing club had closed. She almost lost control of the bike when she discovered ABC (America's Beach Club) had been entirely torn down, an empty parking lot in its place.
Too bad. More than a few cadets spent their twenty-first birthdays heaving in that parking lot. Didn't matter what you drank. If it was your birthday and the bartenders knew it you were guaranteed to get some concoction that would make you puke. I just KNOW they did that on purpose. Baiting/fucking with cadets is after all the main local Springs pastime.
Just as she passed the locale of the former ABC a tricked out street racer sped by, the car's stereo thumping with a song that caught her ears. Linkin Park Crawling blared from the zooming vehicle.
Crawling in my skin
These wounds, they will not heal
Fear is how I fall
Confusing what is real
The song stuck with the woman even after the car had passed. Why do
that group's songs always seem to resonate?
There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing
This lack of self control I fear is never ending
Controlling
Janessa's skin seemed to tighten, goose bumps rising on her arms as her mind filled in the lyrics where the receding car had left them.
I can't seem
To find myself again
My walls are closing in
(Without a sense of confidence I'm convinced that there's just too much pressure to take)
I've felt this way before
So insecure
I try to hide them, all the damage that's been done to me. The physical wounds have healed but the emotional wounds… I wonder if they will ever heal. Talk about emotional baggage.
Crawling in my skin
These wounds, they will not heal
Fear is how I fall
Confusing what is real
Confusing what is real… Now that sounds just like my little "episode" on the stairs a little while ago. Is it fear or something else that's setting me off? That sure did FEEL real enough. Can I really chalk it up to an overactive imagination and unsatisfied libido? Should I just brush it off or should I be more worried than I am?
Discomfort, endlessly has pulled itself upon me
Janessa squirmed in her seat on the bike, trying to keep leashes on her spilt concentration.
Distracting, reacting
OK this is definitely getting distracting. The woman consciously tried to rid herself of the song now stuck in her head.
Against my will I stand beside my own reflection
It's haunting how I can't seem...
To find myself again
My walls are closing in
(Without a sense of confidence I'm convinced that there's just too much
pressure to take)
I've felt this way before
So insecure
God, why do I have to think about introspection and self analysis right now? If I overanalyze things nothing will get done and I may get caught unawares. That would be a BAD thing.
Crawling in my skin
These wounds, they will not heal
Fear is how I fall
Confusing what is real
These wounds won't heal because I have no closure. There has been no end to the wrongs visited upon me. I'm starting to seriously believe in karma, though I haven't done anything in this life worthy of the pain visited upon me. Bad luck only goes so far in explaining everything that has happened to me. Perhaps there are such things as past lives and I did something REALLY bad then. Heh. I was probably Hitler. There's irony for you.
Crawling in my skin
These wounds, they will not heal
Fear is how I fall
Confusing, confusing what is real
Damnit! Bloody song isn't gonna go away till it's done. Janessa almost missed the turnoff for the mall parking lot, catching it just in time. She sought out the bank by the mall Pat had indicated, the final lines of the now-annoying song playing out in her head.
There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing
This lack of self control I fear is never ending
Controlling confusing, confusing what is real
She finally came across the structure she had been looking for and pulled the cycle into a spot in the front. Janessa cut an imposing image all in black leather climbing off the large flaming bike, her boots landing with a thump against the pavement.
Hayden caught up with his quarry just as Janessa was dismounting the motorcycle. He pulled into a parking spot an appropriate distance away. The man took in a hissing breath as she removed her helmet, releasing her dark red hair to cascade down her back. I KNEW she'd look even hotter with long hair. The way the light glinted off the fiery locks drove home to him the fact that the screaming shade was indeed her natural color. We're gonna have some fun before this is all over, believe you me.
The hair on the back of Janessa's neck stood on end and she felt the unmistakable pressure of someone's directed gaze upon her. Janessa spun on her heel, turning in a complete circle, eyes narrowed as she surveyed the area around her, trying to ascertain the source of her intuitive feeling. Her gaze settled upon the black suburban across the parking lot. She couldn't see anyone in it. Janessa shook her reaction off as a result of her usual paranoia. Why is it that people insist on driving vehicles that look like they belong to a police department's gang task force? With a flip of her hair over her shoulder Janessa headed into the bank.
Hayden released the breath he was holding, sliding up from the slumped-down position he had taken when Janessa looked toward his vehicle. That was close. Too close. Apparently she had not registered his presence. The leering man took a moment to appreciate the sway of the retreating woman's stride, annoyed that her long leather coat obscured his view of her backside.
Once he was sure Janessa was remaining at the location for a while he opened his cell phone again. He reported his current status and location, expecting the customary reply. He started in his seat, eyes narrowing as he asked, "Are you sure?" At the affirmative reply he pressed further, "You realize that's contrary to our orders." Hayden shook his head as he answered, "Yes sir. I will be here."
The blonde man snapped the phone shut with a click, settling back in his seat to wait. Well this certainly changes things. Don't let this get personal my ass. He tried to shrug off the news he'd received, focusing back on the building his quarry had entered. What business do you have in a bank on the far side of town Janessa? Your own bank is all the way out in Oklahoma. What could you possibly need here?
Janessa entered the bank with a whoosh of air, her duster flying out around her legs. She frowned as she looked around, trying to identify the safety deposit box counter. She knew it would be walled in and only accessible one way. Her gaze landed on a partitioned door at the far end of the room, the top half composed of specially layered bullet-proof Plexiglas. Aha!
She strode forward with sure steps, ignoring the numerous questioning stares she garnered. Stepping up to the partition she rapped on the plastic, trying to draw the attention of the person she could see inside, just at the periphery of her vision. While she waited Janessa surreptitiously pulled the key in question from her bodice, hoping no one had noticed her actions.
After several seemingly never-ending moments a man approached the partition. He stood stiffly straight, looking every inch prim and proper in his suit. He positively glared down his aquiline nose at her. Janessa tried to smile through the sudden rush of nervous energy that flooded her system.
The speaker in front of her clicked as the man hit the button for the intercom. "Yes?"
"Hi," she answered. "I was wondering if you might be able to help me." She paused as the man motioned for her to continue. Janessa brought the key up to the partition as she continued, "My friend Stephanie Pashenco gave me this. Another friend told me it would fit the safety deposit boxes here."
The man's brows rose at the statement. "And where is Ms. Stephanie that someone else told you that key fit here?" Janessa's mind automatically added a snooty English accent to the man's clipped tones.
"She's dead."
"Oh dear." The man's eyes widened for a second as he immediately turned toward the computer monitor mounted to his right. "Posh-n-ko. How would you spell that?" he asked.
Jan sighed, speaking slowly and enunciating every syllable she answered, "Papa… alpha… sierra… hotel… echo… November… Charlie… Oscar."
"Ah. You are military?" he inquired.
"Not anymore."
"Oh." The man typed in the information and waited for the terminal to return a response. After a moment he turned back toward the partition. "And your name Madam?"
Janessa rapped her fingernails against the small counter. "Janessa Collier. Charlie… Oscar… Lima… Lima… India… echo… Romeo."
"Thank you."
Janessa rolled her eyes, turning away to gaze about the bank floor as she leaned back against the partition. She noticed several people turning away as her gaze fell on them, apparently embarrassed at having been caught staring. Go figure. I DO stick out like a sore thumb. Not that I've ever been one to blend other than in survival/evasion situations.
"Miss?"
Janessa turned back to the speaker.
"Could I see your ID please?"
Janessa pulled the piece of plastic from her back pocket and placed it in the secured drawer that slid out towards her.
The man pulled the drawer back and scrutinized her picture for several moments. Once when he looked up she gave him a sneering smile and he quickly looked back down. "Your name is on the list allowing access. If you would please proceed to the door to your right…"
Janessa looked in the direction the man motioned, her eyes making out a rather well-disguised door she had previously missed.
"…we will retrieve the appropriate box and I will settle you in a private room so you may view its contents."
Janessa stepped up to the door, waiting as she heard several sharp clicks before the panel swung silently open. The man ushered her in, closing the portal behind her before taking the lead into the vault containing the boxes.
The man considered the bank of locked boxes before him for a moment then murmured, "Ah. Here we are." He stooped down and inserted a key into one of the locks, motioning for Janessa to place hers in the other. They turned their keys simultaneously, the box popping out of the wall several inches in response. They each withdrew their keys before the man slid the drawer out and removed the box within. He handed Janessa the box and slid the drawer shut again. The man motioned for her to follow him again and led her to a private room where he left her, the door closing with a soft click.
Janessa waited several beats until she was sure the man had withdrawn before sitting down, placing the box before her on the table. Jan realized her hands were shaking as she reached forward to open the box. What the heck is wrong with me? It's just a safety deposit box.
That little voice in the back of her head suddenly piped up, Yeah, just a safety deposit box that may contain the reason why Stef was murdered. What's in here could mean your death as well.
Janessa shuddered for a moment before pushing her trepidations aside. I'll never know if I don't look. If what is contained within is really why Stef is dead I owe it to her to bring whatever it is to attention and her killers to justice.
That nagging voice again, But what if it has something to do with what happened to YOU?
Janessa pulled her hands back at that thought. What if this DOES have something to do with me? But what if it doesn't? There could just as easily be a bunch of family heirloom jewelry in here she was afraid would get stolen if she kept it at the Academy.
Janessa knew she was grasping at straws with that last rationalization. The secrecy with which Stephanie had given her the key in the first place spoke volumes as to the actual contents of the box. Ignoring any further mental protests she put her hand forward and threw back the lid.
Outside in the parking lot…
A large black motorcycle sporting a blue flame design roared up next to Hayden's suburban. The rider dismounted, circled around to the passenger side of the vehicle and climbed in. Once inside, the rider removed his helmet with a grunt, revealing Janessa's former fiancé.
"Tim."
"Hayden. Status?"
"Subject is still inside," the blonde pointed toward the bank.
"Any idea how much longer she'll remain?"
"None. No idea why she's here anyway," the blonde glared at his superior. "Do YOU know why she's here?"
Tim grunted in response. "If it's what I think it is plans will have to be accelerated."
Hayden's brows rose toward his hairline. "We're not waiting until the competition?"
Tim sighed audibly, "We can't afford to if she's gotten ahold of what I suspect she has."
Understanding swept across Hayden's features, "The Study." It wasn't a question.
Tim nodded silently, reaching over to turn up the radio as they waited for Janessa to emerge.
Inside the bank…
The first things that caught Janessa's eyes were a stack of miniature cassettes, rubber-banded together in their cases. Jan reached in and pulled those out first, noticing the only markings on them were times and dates. These she set aside to look through later.
The next things that caught her eyes were several thick rolled-up packets of paper. She pulled one out and removed the rubber-band from around it. Scanning the typed text quickly Jan ascertained the pages contained transcripts of conversations. She glanced over at the stack of cassettes. Probably transcribed from those I'd bet. Jan rolled the pages back up, replacing the rubber band.
Next she took up the second of the paper packets. Unrolling this one she immediately recognized the standard medical records forms from USAFA. Her eyes instantly flew to the upper right corner where the owner's identity would be written. She caught her breath as she read the name there, Shannon Garner, the second of Jan's friends from USAFA to die, Stephanie having been the first.
Janessa's mind balked. Stef gave me the key before she died. Shannon died AFTER her. Stef had to have put these here BEFORE she died. There must be something anomalous in these records that came to her attention. I wonder…
Curiosity piqued, Janessa flipped through the rest of the packet, her eyes widening further as she continued. There were additional names/files, every one of which she recognized as cadets/officers who had died in recent years from accidents and mysterious illnesses. There's a larger picture here that I'm not quite grasping. What are you trying to tell me Stef?
Janessa carefully replaced the packet, pausing to close her eyes. Taking long slow breaths she willed her heartbeat to slow. After several long moments Jan opened her eyes and looked down at her watch. She started at the time, amazed that two hours had already passed. She sighed, placing her hands over her face, elbows resting against the table-top.
Jan dropped her hands to the table with a slap, eyeing the final packet with clear trepidation. I have no idea how long this is gonna take. I need to take a break. Now. Janessa stood, removing her outer coat that she had not noticed becoming uncomfortably warm. She placed the coat on the back of the chair, reaching up over her head, fingers interlaced, stretching. She was rewarded by a satisfying serious of pops along her spine.
Jan turned around, stepping toward the door, opening it far enough to peek out. Looking left she spotted the man from earlier sitting at a desk at the end of the hall. Steeling herself, Jan called out to him, "Sir?"
Hearing her voice the man immediately turned and stood, moving toward her, "Yes?"
"Could I get a pitcher of water and a glass? I'm going to be here for a while yet."
"Certainly," he turned to go but Jan's voice forestalled him further.
"Could you also get me something in which I can place the contents of the box?"
"Yes Miss," he answered, one brow arched sardonically.
"Thank you." Janessa pulled her head back into the room, locking the door behind her. Several moments later a knock sounded against the wood. Jan swung the door open far enough to take everything from the man, her position and posture preventing him from seeing what was in the room. She quietly thanked him once more and pushed the door shut with her hip. She dropped everything on the table and locked the portal again.
Sitting down with a thump Janessa consciously disregarded the final packet, instead pouring herself a glass of water. She practically downed it, slamming the glass back down to the wood before refilling it. This time she sipped at the water slowly, knowing full well she'd make herself sick if she downed another glass.
Jan set the glass aside for a moment as she took up the last item from the box demanding her attention. She removed the rubber-band and spread the packet flat, taking the glass back up in her left hand. This group of papers had a different look from the others. It was clearly a classified project portfolio. At first glance Janessa took note of various spots where large black marks blocked out information.
Settling down to read through the packet Janessa began to slowly leaf through it. Within the first several pages she realized the project was a study in psychological warfare tactics against enemy populations. The basic premise reminded her of various barbaric techniques employed centuries ago to demoralize the general populace. Back then there was no such thing as an "innocent bystander."
Jan became increasingly disgusted as she came to the portion discussing test cases. The overview outlined what each test case packet contained; specifics of the technique employed, a detailed description its deployment, med records of the subject before and after, and projected long-term repercussions. A quick flip through the pages revealed more of the same black marks as on previous pages.
Feeling increasingly sick to her stomach, Janessa took a mouthful of water, swishing it around as she delved into the first test case in the stack. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she began to read, her unease growing with every second. She was almost at the bottom of the first page of the case study when she suddenly turned her head, spewing the water from her mouth over the tile floor.
Janessa gazed back at the sheet with growing horror, bile rising in her throat as awful realization swept over her. She brought the heels of her hands up to her eyes, rubbing roughly, trying to block out the words now burned into her vision. She slid from the chair, hitting the floor on hands and knees with a strangled cry, the glass falling from her hand to smash across the nondescript tile. She dry-heaved for several moments before she finally got her body under control.
Taking several deep breaths, Jan lifted her head to look at the corner of the packet that hung over the edge of the table. No. There's no way. It CAN'T be. They wouldn't…
That ever-annoying voice spoke up again, Yes, they would. You know damn well they've been doing this for a long time. You've always suspected this.
Janessa dropped her head, shaking it, as if to dispel the reality she had just been introduced to. She slowly put one hand up on the chair and levered herself back up to sit. She closed her eyes again, steeling herself for what she knew would still be at the bottom of that page.
Knowledge, once known, cannot be taken back. Horrible as this is, let's see how far down the rabbit-hole goes. Taking a final breath, Janessa eased her eyes open, immediately looking down to the offending words…
"Subject C4C Janessa Collier…"
Janessa winced visibly as the knife was driven home in her gut. She forced herself to read on…
"…is a perfect candidate for the program. She has a stable background and psychological history and overall well represents the average female, above-average intelligence notwithstanding."
What the fuck is THIS shit? Janessa continued reading.
"Subject has been chosen for implementation of #13 of the sexual assault techniques, specifically rape and humiliation combination."
Janessa closed her eyes and sat back in the chair, the packet falling back to the table-top. Four-degree year. The rape. It wasn't a random assault. I wasn't just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was all planned. It was done to me ON PURPOSE!!!! Janessa's eyes flew open at that last thought, anger winning over horror. It was done to me ON PURPOSE!!!!
Janessa snatched the packet back up again, reading on. If they have my name in here, maybe they have the name of the bastard they sent out to "perform" this duty. Her mind took several steps further. Did they INTEND for me to get pregnant?
Janessa flew through the pages, barely skimming the required elements of "technique #13" as well as the actual report of its "implementation" once she realized the blacked-out areas included the name of her attacker and were impossible to make out. Goddamnit! Give me SOMETHING here!
Jan halted her perusal suddenly, completely freezing. Oh my god. She had to re-read the memo several times before the information finally sunk in.
Subject visited the Cadet Clinic complaining of persistent nausea. Blood test revealed positive results for human growth hormones. This presents a unique twist to the study. Pregnancy is clearly result of study. From entrance at USAFA subject has shown a marked aversion to casual sexual contact. The study is the only explanation for C4C Collier's current state.
Case file was immediately forwarded to the pharmacology division. Several new drugs under investigation were suggested. Subject was relayed a negative result. Subject signed off on waiver paperwork for experimental medications. Pharmacology eagerly awaits the results…
Unable to read further, Janessa closed her eyes, one hand going to her forehead, rubbing at her throbbing pulse points. This is WAAAY more than I ever wanted/needed to know. I WAS right. I suspected they knew from the get-go I was pregnant and lied to me until they couldn't anymore. It was tell me the truth or lose their "subject."
Jan closed the packet, wrapping the rubber-band around it. Head throbbing she carefully transferred everything from the box to the nondescript-looking black Ziploc handled bag the bank attendant had brought her. I'll go over the rest of this later. I need to get out of here NOW!
Feeling like the walls were closing in, Janessa glanced down at her watch to discover another three hours had passed. Bloody hell! I still have a bunch of stops to make before the places close up for the night. Jan drew her duster back on, securing the pouch in one of the copious inner pockets before drawing the garment shut. Damn good thing I've lost weight or that wouldn't fit.
Janessa took a moment to draw several calming breaths. Once she was sure of her footing and not in danger of sprawling flat on her face she strode to the door, pulling it open in one fluid motion. She stepped down the hallway, passing by the bank attendant in a swirl of black leather.
"Miss?"
"I left the key on the desk with the box. There is no further need for it. Take care of it," Janessa tossed over her shoulder, waving one hand dismissively as she let herself out into the bank proper. Her stride dared anyone to fuck with her at that moment. She once again turned heads as she strode purposefully out into the gathering dark of the now overcast day.
Janessa's jaw was set in a grim line as she whipped her helmet off the cycle's handlebar. She roughly twisted her hair up before settling the dome on her head. She climbed on the bike and kick-started it, smiling sardonically at the responding roar. Looking over her shoulder she backed the cycle out of the parking spot before roaring out of the lot as fast as she could handle.
In the suburban…
Tim and Hayden both sat up straight as they watched Janessa emerge from the bank, her every step screaming repressed rage.
"FUCK!" Tim clenched his fist, cursing at the look on his former lover's face. He slammed the fist into the dashboard. "She knows."
Hayden frowned as they watched the woman pull away from building, the blonde's sharp eyes catching sight of an unusual bulge beneath the woman's coat. "She has something with her. In her coat. It's important enough she feels the need to conceal it."
"Follow her," Tim ordered, jumping out of the vehicle after Janessa had passed.
Hayden took off after the woman as soon as Tim cleared the suburban, not waiting for the other to mount his cycle.
Tim jammed his helmet down on his head, kicking the bike to life and roaring off after the receding truck.
Back to Janessa…
I can't just ride around with this stuff on me. I can't take it back to my sponsors'. I will NOT place them in danger. Only one place I can really go. Decided, Janessa turned onto Academy heading for Union.
Tim quickly caught up with the entourage, passing Hayden to take up a position between the two vehicles. Tim managed to get closer than Hayden, the cycle allowing him more maneuverability than the large suburban offered. The unspoken assumption was that if Jan managed to lose the larger vehicle she wouldn't be able to shake the cycle as well.
Jan cut between two cars, eliciting several horns as she cut onto Union, followed closely by her unknown tail.
Hayden cursed loudly, slamming his palm against the steering wheel as Janessa suddenly cut over onto Union. The blonde couldn't maneuver fast enough and was forced to pass the turn-off. Thoroughly aggravated, he was forced to go several blocks before he could turn around and backtrack. Hayden had a sinking feeling he knew exactly where the woman was headed. If she made it there and completed the hand-off they could all kiss their asses good-bye.
Janessa felt cold with the knowledge she had just gained. Her emotions swung from anger to despair and back to rage. Too much was swirling about in her head for her to notice the motorcycle following closely behind her.
Taking a moment to gaze around him it finally dawned on Tim where they were probably heading. Fuckfuckfuckfuck… His worst fears were confirmed as she passed the Golden Bee and turned into a side alley heading toward the back of a small computer shop.
Jason. We should've taken that bastard out when he leaked the info about the latest USAFA scandal. Son of a bitch is so damn paranoid we've never been able to get close. Heh. Perhaps we can take them both out in one fell stroke. Two troublemakers for the price of one. Tim followed Jan to the back entrance.
Hayden cursed again as he turned down Union, realizing he had completely lost sight of both Janessa and Tim. He bee-lined for the computer shop, hoping his suspicions were wrong.
Janessa pulled up behind the shop and climbed off her cycle. She froze mid-way to placing her helmet on the handlebar as an almost identical cycle roared into the parking lot, pulling in between her and the backdoor of the shop. What the hell? Jan dropped her helmet on the seat of the bike as the rider in question dismounted. He simply stood there, looking at her, not moving. The two stayed like that, neither one revealing their hand.
"Who the hell are you and what the fuck do you want?" Janessa challenged. He's clearly barring me entry to the shop, but why? And he seems to be waiting for something or someone… Suddenly she heard the sounds of a large vehicle approaching down the alleyway. Backup. He's been waiting for reinforcements. SHIT!
Just as Janessa made her decision to make for the door the rider removed his helmet. At the same moment a blacked-out suburban slid into the lot in a shower of loose gravel.
Jan gasped, taking a step back against her cycle as she beheld Tim's glowering countenance. CRAP! Now what? Gathering her courage and channeling her rage at her newfound knowledge she stood tall as a black-BDU-clad figure dropped from the suburban. She withheld her surprise at the sight of Hayden stepping forward to stand next to Tim.
Mind reeling Jan knew she had to get the packet concealed in her coat into that building and Jason's hands. There was no use running. Clearly she had been under surveillance for some time. Inwardly she cursed the lack of attention that had allowed them to escape her awareness. I am SO fucked.
Music blared from the open door of Hayden's vehicle. Janessa unconsciously focused on the riffs of Trapt's Headstrong, stepping forward away from her cycle.
Circling your head, contemplating everything
you ever said,
Tim shook his head sadly as he stepped away from his bike, Hayden moving counterpoint to him, the two attempting to flank the woman on either side. "You should have left things alone, yet you went seeking answers I know you never wanted," Tim admonished cryptically.
Now I see the truth, I got doubt,
Janessa's eyes widened as she cursed loudly, "You knew! BASTARD!"
A different motive in your eyes and now I'm
out, see you later.
It hit Janessa then that Tim must have always known, potentially even so far as the identity of her attacker and purposefully kept her ignorant. It must have been some sick fantasy of his to help the "poor little four-degree" and make her dependent on him in her gratitude. Fuck THAT and fuck YOU!
I see your fantasy, you want to make it a
reality paved in gold,
See inside, inside of our heads (yeah)
Well now that's over,
Snapped from her latest realization Janessa registered the two men advancing on her from either side. Thinking the cycle enough of a barrier Tim had left the path straight in front of her wide open. Dumbass.
I see your motives inside, decision to hide.
Both men, expecting her to dodge around the bike in one of their directions were taken by surprise as Janessa shot straight ahead, boots pounding several steps before she leapt onto the spring-cushioned seat with both feet, vaulting off into an overbalanced front flip.
If my coaches could see me now, flitted through Janessa's mind for a split second before her feet hit the ground and she stumbled forward until the shop's steel backdoor arrested her motion. Hearing feet on gravel behind her Jan screamed, "JASON!!!!" as she pounded on the door with her fists, kicking it with her steel-toed boots several times for good measure before spinning about to face her opponents, back pressed against the unyielding metal.
Back off I'll take you on,
Headstrong to take on anyone,
I know that you are wrong,
Headstrong I'm headstrong,
Janessa stepped forward with her left foot, right foot turning out as she fell into an instinctive fighting stance, balanced on the balls of her feet, hands coming up in front of her, curled into loose fists. Her eyes flicked left and right, assessing the dual threats about to fall upon her.
Back off I'll take you on,
Headstrong to take on anyone,
I know that you are wrong and this is not where you belong.
To her left, Tim slowed down, spraying gravel toward Janessa's feet, his hands raised, palms out, showing her he had no weapons. Hayden mirrored Tim's actions to her right, his hands dropping loosely by his sides, his stance wary.
I can't give everything away,
"Jan, why don't we just talk this out? I'm sure we can reach some kind of agreement satisfactory to both sides," Tim pleaded as he continued to inch closer to her. "Just give us whatever you've got there in your coat."
I won't give everything away.
Janessa narrowed her eyes and spat, "Your definition of 'satisfactory' includes me silenced, permanently. That won't work for me."
Hayden smirked at Janessa's defiance. We get to do this the hard way. Wonderful.
Jan suddenly smiled maliciously as the faint sounds of multiple locks being undone tickled her ears. I don't think so.
Janessa turned her head to make full eye contact with Tim, keeping Hayden in her periphery. She visibly relaxed her stance, pretending to actually consider Tim's words. As she heard the light rasp of the doorknob turning she reached up to draw the zipper of her coat down the sound masking that behind her.
Tim stopped dead and Hayden narrowed his eyes, wondering at her apparent cooperation as she shrugged out of her coat, catching it in her left hand as she reached into the pocket containing the packet with her right.
Janessa whirled about as Jason swung the door open, dropping her coat as she pressed the packet into his startled arms, pushing him back into shop as she grabbed the door handle and wrenched it shut again, satisfied as several thunks heralded Jason locking the door again.
Conclusions manifest, your first impressions
got to be your very best,
I see your full of shit, and that's alright, that's how you play,
I guess you'll get through every night, well now that's over.
A fist connected with Janessa's jaw as she turned back, snapping her head to the right, connecting with the metal of the door.
"Fucking cunt!" Hayden roared.
I see your fantasy, you want to make it a reality paved in gold,
See inside, inside of our heads (yeah)
Well now that's over,
Stunned from the double impact, Janessa fell to her knees, shaking
her head, trying to clear it of the encroaching fog as a boot connected with
her stomach, the force of the hit knocking the wind out of her and lifting her
off the ground.
I see your motives inside, decision to hide.
Rolling away from her attacker Jan curled her legs up to her chest, right hand sliding down to pull up the leg of her pants as kicks were landed across her exposed back. She got a moment's respite as Tim apparently pulled Hayden back from his assault, muttering something unintelligible to the blonde.
Back off I'll take you on,
Headstrong to take on anyone,
I know that you are wrong,
Headstrong we're headstrong,
Janessa used the opportunity to turn onto her knees, balancing with her left hand on the ground she brought her right foot forward, exposing the handle of the knife hidden in her boot. With a surge of adrenaline and a pained cry she stood, pulling the blade free, the handle tight in her hand, the length of the weapon flush with her forearm, sharp side facing outward.
Back off I'll take you on,
Headstrong to take on anyone,
I know that you are wrong and this is not where you belong.
Janessa fell back into her fighting stance, left foot forward, right arm curled back against her side, left hand extended to ward off further attacks. She blinked several times, the fog finally clearing as Hayden smirked at her and Tim took a step back. Jan breathed heavily as they considered each other.
I can't give everything away,
I won't give everything away.
Still trying for a diplomatic solution, Tim moved forward extending his right hand. Janessa stepped into the move, grabbing his right wrist in her left hand, pulling it across her twisted body as she brought her right hand up, turning it to slam the handle of her knife up into his nose with a sickening crunch. Tim groaned and crumpled at the impact, falling in pile at her feet.
Janessa had no time to gloat as Hayden immediately came after her, throwing several wild punches she barely managed to avoid. His last one just grazed her jaw and she let her head swing with it, pretending to fall forward as she swung her knife around in her hand, blade extended.
Hayden barely caught the glint of light on metal as Janessa fell toward him, head swinging back as she dropped into his arms, her free hand twisting in his BDU blouse, knife flashing up, the point pressing painfully beneath his chin as the tip drew blood.
Hayden's chest emitted a muted laugh. So our places are finally reversed. He couldn't help himself, uttering a taunt he had only uttered once before to the same woman, "A little souvenir to remember you by?"
I know, I know all about
I know, I know all about
I know, I know all about
I know, I know all about
Your motives inside, and your decision to hide
Janessa's eyes widened at Hayden's words, her mind instantly flying back to a night years ago as she shoved him away from her in disgust. It took her brain bare seconds to make the connection with what she had just read that day. "YOU! It was YOU!"
Hayden laughed outright at the outraged expression on Janessa's face. Straightening his blouse, he mock-bowed to the now trembling woman. "Operative 326, at your service."
Back off I'll take you on,
Headstrong to take on anyone,
I know that you are wrong,
Headstrong I'm headstrong,
Janessa suddenly went still, cold with understanding. Turning her knife so the blade was back against her arm she shifted her weight forward onto her left foot, pivoting on it as she brought her leg up in a full roundhouse kick, connecting with the side of Hayden's face with a loud crack, his jaw clearly broken.
From his position on the ground Tim watched with horror as Hayden confessed his role in Janessa's torment and the woman broadsided him with a powerful kick. Tim blinked as Hayden dropped to his hands and knees, spitting blood onto the ground before glaring up at the redhead in cold fury.
Back off I'll take you on,
Headstrong to take on anyone,
I know that you are wrong and this is not where you belong.
"We're done here," Janessa stated flatly, turning and walking away.
Tim's eyes widened as he watched Hayden reach down, the blonde retrieving his sidearm from its hip holster. As the blonde drew the weapon forth Tim cried out a warning to the retreating redhead, "JANESSA LOOK OUT!!!"
Janessa pivoted back. Reacting on instinct, she brought her knife up across her chest and threw it. Spinning end over end on its side the weapon flew through the air to embed itself deeply in the side of Hayden's neck, the impact severe enough to sever most of his spine.
I can't give everything away,
I won't give everything away.
Everything was still for a moment as both Janessa and Tim stared at Hayden's wide-eyed face, frozen in a comical expression of shock. The silence was broken by the sound of Hayden's M-9 dropping from his insensate hand, followed shortly by his lifeless body.
Open-mouthed Jason watched the sequence of events from the doorway of the shop.
Tim watched Janessa suddenly begin to shake uncontrollably, the reality that she had just taken another's life, no matter how reprehensible finally sinking in. The man scrambled to his feet, rushing forward to catch the redhead as her eyes rolled back into her head and her body dropped toward the ground.
Jason watched as Tim dropped to his knees, holding his former fiancé as the sound of police sirens rose in the distance. Tim raised his eyes to meet the hacker's gaze as Jason waved toward the multiple security cameras strategically placed under the eaves of the building. "I got all of it on tape, multiple tapes actually as well as digital recordings. She's covered. It was clearly self-defense. You on the other hand…" Jason let his voice trail off as the sirens got ever louder and closer.
Tim merely nodded silently, dropping his gaze back to the crumpled woman in his lap. He leaned forward to place a soft kiss on her lips, realizing as the first of several police cruisers slid into the parking lot that he would probably never have the opportunity to do so again.
A/N: Weren't expecting all that were you? Jan will be making her way to ME shortly. Only have a few more loose ends to tie up.