Hey guys! Thanks for reviewing mecca-dog, Luv2Game, Jak fan, DL-Cinny-La-Mejor, StormPhoenix and Ecohorse. It really helps because I didn't really feel as much confidence as with my other stories if ppl would like this one but the reviews are helping. I notice the reviewers who review for more than one of my stories and it encourages me knowing I'm getting "regular" fans that read my work. Well back to the drama and the person out to get Ashelin is probably someone no one expects. I did that on purpose, why make it easy to guess::wink: Also 13 hundred hours is 1 pm.

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Chapter 4

Ashelin squinted her eyes as her vision began to focus on the driver's identity. The gray smoke from the sparks emitted from their tires began to clear between them. She fanned away some of the smoke with her hand, trying to make out the familiar figure coming out of his red and white vehicle. Her jade eyes widened and her jaw hung. She clenched the steering wheel as the figure came closer. She felt like she had been caught cutting school or something.

Oh shit! I'm in for it now! Shit!

He crossed his arms against his chest as he shook his head at her. His green eyebrows furrowed in concern. "If I was the assassin, you'd be already dead for being so hard headed"

"Yeah you gotta death wish or something!" Daxter added, slumped over Jak's shoulder lazily. He seemed tired and irritable.

She exhaled in relief, "Shit Jak, I thought you were the assassin!"

"Well once I saw you I figured it would be safe to follow you in case. You shouldn't be out here Ash…" His voice showed concern for her. She hated feeling like she needed to be protected, like she needed to be watched as if she were a child.

"I'm not a child Jak. I can go where I please" Ashelin unexpectedly lashed out at him and turned her head away from his glaring eyes. "I didn't need a bodyguard before I met you and I didn't need one before I met Torn, I sure as hell don't need one now…" Her voice softened at the ending of her sentence. Torn must be worried as hell about her and she wasn't looking forward to what would be awaiting her in the palace. Still she felt no guilt for what she had done. She was a grown woman and she knew how to handle herself. She didn't need a man for anything.

Jak brought his hand to his crinkling forehead as he shook his head, ashamed of her behavior. He decided it wasn't worth arguing the point with the hotheaded woman. He knew he wouldn't win anyway. It was better that Torn knock some sense into her. He walked back to his vehicle in silence as Ashelin turned to glare at his back. She almost wanted to apologize for lashing out on him even though he was only doing what he thought was best. Her pride held her back her apologies and she bit her bottom lip to reinforce it.

"I'm heading that way anyway so I minus well keep following" He seemed serious now, maybe even angry with her. She pretended not to notice.

She slowly made a U-turn and drove toward the palace with Jak trailing behind her in silence. As the large palace came into view she felt her heart begin to jump. Fear was gnawing at her insides and her stomach began to churn. She felt the warm nervous sweat beginning to layer her palms as she gripped her steering wheel. A part of her was beginning to regret leaving the way she did. She should have at least told Torn even if he tried to stop her. Still she decided that no matter what she'd stick to her firm decisions.

"Atten-hut!" Torn yelled into the bustling crowd of guards and soldiers assembled in front of him. They had all gathered in the main lobby. His husky voice echoed as he yelled for their attention and at the sound of his voice, they all stepped in lines and stomped in unison, raising their hands to their heads.

"Yes sir!" Their respectful roars echoed the large hall and Torn took a moment to pace and observe his soldiers. All their attention was focused on him and the room was silent with the exception of everyone's breathing. He turned to look back at Jinx, the blond headed man was leaning against the wall behind him, clouds of gray smoke spilling from his cigar. He nodded at Torn to continue and Torn nodded back. He returned his attention to the guards.

"At ease" All the soldiers released their stiff stances in relief and brought their attention to their commander. "The Freedom League, as you may know, after the Baron's rule was over along with the KG, we were assembled to protect this city and everyone in it. Now even though you may all rank differently, because of this current situation, that doesn't matter. We will all participate with the mission I have for you"

The guards all looked at him with curiosity, waiting to hear more details. Some of the guards had complained they needed more action and this was the big break that they were waiting for. Some of them complained that they needed a less tense job and this was also the mission they had awaited. However no one ever expected the kind of mission that Torn was about to announce.

"Now as you may know, we have peace treaty with the surrounding cities and we maintain this peace by trading goods and Eco. If one city were to violate our lands or laws in anyway, it can cause a war. This morning at approximately 13 hundred hours, an assassination threat against Haven's governor Ashelin Praxis was received"

Murmurs and stunned gasps filled the room at the mention of this and Torn motioned for everyone to quiet down again so that he could continue. He cleared his throat.

"We do not have the details yet on where the assassin may be from but we suspect they may be from Kras City and they may have spies already lurking in our city. We cannot jump to conclusions until we obtain more evidence so for now, our first priority is to protect the governor. I'd like all of you to continue your daily duties, especially those on guard duty and pay special attention to anything you may find suspicious. I will be assigning some of you guard watch for the governor and to follow every piece of mail and every package that comes in and out of this palace. The moment any of you find something suspicious, immediately radio it in even if you're off duty. This is not just about protecting our governor, but the heart of this city and our strong willed laws established because of her. We cannot allow the stronghold of this city to falter after the time it took us to rebuild and re-establish after the war a year and a half ago"

He looked up at his soldiers, some who had removed their helmets to show their supporting and firm expressions. He nodded, obviously pleased with the firm wills he had trained into these men.

He brought his eyes to the back of the lobby to spot the ruby headed woman walking in with Jak trailing behind her. The soldiers didn't notice because their focus was on their commander. Jak leaned on the doorframe, accompanied by the orange ottsel on his shoulder. He gave a reassuring wave for Torn to continue. Ashelin didn't meet Torn's gaze as she crossed her arms in front of her, standing next to Jak.

Torn shook his head slightly, almost forgetting that he was making an important speech to the Freedom League. He tried to keep his focus on finishing up, trying to tame the rage beginning to erupt within him.

"I will be updating you all on new evidence when it is received and changes in your duties depending on that as well. Those who will have to work over time will be paid for over time so let that be the least of your worries" Torn smiled and the soldiers laughed at his comment.

He shook his head, "Alright men, return to your duties as of today and tomorrow I will be calling some of you to explain strategies and duties only assigned to those individuals. Also, just to make it completely clear so there is no mistake, if you read the handbooks from your training, my authority overrides the governor's when she is in danger," He glared purposely in Ashelin's direction and she scowled at him in reaction, "Good luck men and let us hope for the best. You are free to go"

The crowd of men began to break apart and scatter in different directions. Numerous chattering voices filled the room as they moved about. Some were going home, some still had work to do and some had decided to stay on free will and help anyway they could. The men nodded at their governor in respect as they passed her and shuffled by. As the room slowly emptied out, Jak began to walk toward Torn and Jinx still in the front of the lobby, sharing a personal conversation. Ashelin hesitated to follow but she eventually did.

"Hey Jaky-boy, long time no see again. It's been a while ey?" Jinx gave Jak a friendly shake on his shoulder as he inhaled another puff of his cigar. He exhaled the gray smoke in Daxter's direction.

"Hack hack cough cough!" Daxter fanned away the smoke obviously annoyed. It seemed Jinx did this on purpose to mock the ottsel. Daxter curled his lip in disgust and a sly smile spread across Jinx's face.

Jak nodded at Jinx and walked up to Torn, putting his arm on his shoulder to lead him away from Ashelin's prying ears. Torn beckoned Jinx to follow and Ashelin rolled her eyes in disgust. She unfolded her arms and dug her nails into her palms. She felt the anger rising and her blood boiling as she watched them. She was the governor for Mar's sakes and they were talking amongst themselves as if they were members of a boy's club that she was banned from.

The three men huddled close as they spoke, Daxter leaning in and perked his ears up to listen. Jak took out a piece of paper from his pocket and the crumbled letter, bringing it to the center of their circle.

"Samos found a fingerprint, he made a copy on here so that you could send it to Vin and have him search through his records" Jak handed the letter and piece of paper to Torn and he quickly glanced at the black swirls on the paper. He shook his head deciding he was unfamiliar with the fingerprint and put both papers in his pocket.

"I went to the post office and found out the origin of the letter. It came from Kras City but the exact destination is unknown" Jak's eyes widened as he whispered after him in question, Kras City? Torn continued, "Yeah so Jinx here does missions for me outside the city and he obtains various information. He says the last time he'd been in Kras, he heard rumors that Rayn seemed to be having a bit of a power struggle with the other crime lords. We're not sure if it might have anything to do with Ashelin's threat but we need you to go check it out"

"So you want me to meet up with Rayn?" Jak asked.

"Yeah, meet up with her and see if she spills her guts. Also I need you to do some spy work and see what you could find out from elsewhere, that's where Jinx comes in" Torn pointed to Jinx and he nodded in approval. Jak raised a suspicious brow at him, he was used to working alone. Jinx noticed this and he smiled, putting a firm hand on Jak's shoulder.

"Don't worry Jaky, I got ya covered. Piece a cake" He winked at him and Jak nodded.

"You guys can head out tonight and stay at the Inn till morning. I'll be expecting you guys to radio in at least by tomorrow night with something"

Ashelin stared at the three men avoiding her. Daxter had turned to glance briefly at Ashelin and his eyes widened at the sight. Her death-threatening glare sliced through him and sent a shiver up his spine. His small furry body began to tremble as he saw her step forward. He opened his mouth to warn them but the words got choked up in his throat from fear.

Ashelin pushed through Jak and Jinx, breaking apart their private huddle. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently, "Listen, I don't care what you think you have to hide but as governor of Haven City and the target of this threat, I deserve to know what the hell you're talking about!" Her head waved with her attitude and Jak and Jinx stood speechless. They watched as Torn's gaze met Ashelin's and they burned into one another. It was an awkward moment.

Torn finally sighed from frustration and obviously irritated by Ashelin's behavior. However he couldn't deny the fact that she did deserve to know. "I'm sending Jak and Jinx to Kras City to get some info because that's where the letter came from. I got a fingerprint from Samos and I'm planning to take it to Vin for some more examining. That's all we know and that's all we're planning as of right now"

Ashelin arched her eyebrow at him in disbelief, "Is that all?"

Torn spat through his gritted teethe, "Yes governor, that is all"

Jak and Jinx slowly backed away from them. "U-uh yeah so we'll radio in tomorrow so uhh-" Jak spoke nervously because of the intense moment they were escaping.

Jinx helped to finish his sentence; "Yeah so we'll catch ya later" They both spun around and almost darted out of the lobby. The slam of the entrance doors echoed in the hall as Ashelin and Torn continued to stare at each other. The silence began to build up until Torn couldn't take it anymore. His fists were trembling with all the rage he had been holding in and his knuckles were pale from clenching so hard.

"Where the hell have you been!" Torn yelled. You could see the bulging veins from his tattooed forehead and his jaw popping with rage.

"You watch your tone with me!" She unexpectedly walked up to him and pointed her finger near his nose. "I don't care if you're my commander or other things but don't you dare talk to me that way!"

He swallowed the lump in his throat and continued to stare down at her. They were inches away and usually times like this when they argued, they'd end up on the floor attacking each other with their angry lust. However this time was different. He was so angry and he knew if he even tried to touch her, she'd probably kick him in the groin. They breathed heavily as she released her accusing finger from his face.

"I went to Vin's. It was a pointless trip but now that we have the fingerprint, something should come up in his records" She tried to sound calmer as she looked away from him, crossing her arms once again.

Torn stood speechless. He wanted to scream at her. He wanted to throw her against the wall and scream. Tell her how worried he was and how she can't be doing this to him. He wanted to reach into the depths of his soul and tell her that his life depended on her. That he couldn't live without her and he never meant to hurt her or make her angry. He just wanted her to be safe and be with him for as long as time would allow. His face softened as he looked at her. He looked at her crimson hair and her green eyes. Her full rose colored lips and the curves of her face. Suddenly an urge overwhelmed him and he couldn't resist it any longer.

Without warning he roughly pulled Ashelin into his arms. She opened her mouth to protest but said nothing as she felt his arms clutching around her body. She stood stiff, unsure of what the hell got into him. He leaned his head on her shoulder and whispered into her ear, "I was- I was worried about you Ash…"

Her body relaxed as she raised her arms to embrace his back. She leaned her head on his firm shoulder and whispered back, "I know" Ashelin wasn't the kind of woman who'd apologize but what she said was enough for Torn. They stood locked in embrace with the silence surrounding them, not caring about their image or if any of the guards would see them. They held onto each other, letting their anger slowly subside due to each other's warmth.

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Long chapter huh? I didn't want to end it there but it was getting too long and I wanted to update my story already. I didn't even plan the hug at the end but it just happened. Hope you liked it. I gotta write the next chapter, I promise it'll only get better. Please review!