Destiny Rocks

Ch. 10

Inner Reflections…

Veronica stared into the mirror in front of her. Wow, how life changes you, she thought. Her hair was dyed almost white blonde, with chunks of red and black lowlights in it. Her eyes were shielded by colored cat like contacts, her makeup heavy and gothic almost like a mime with its white and angry colors. I'm porcelain, she laughed.

Knowing people in this business had taught her how to apply various kinds of makeup and styles to sculpt her face; and YouTube for added measure, although that had been short-lived with all the ads it now played.

Life was all about business now. They'd landed in Neptune, a concert was in place, and just hours away. All she knew was the time this would all go live.

It occurred to her that she could be anyone now, but she longed for her old simple life. I'm not one to wither away, she thought bitterly. She felt the desire to make them all pay, and pay they would. Even her red attire was that of a doll. She could barely breathe in the corset that looked more like bedroom lingerie rather than a costume. "Hey, at least it gives me boobs," she murmured looking down at them. "If they don't fall out of this, that is."

She felt totally hyped that the plan ahead of her was sound and strong. In all her years, she never thought this would be her life, per se. You are going to save some lives tonight, she told herself. They think you are dead, and Mac's got our asses covered. She'd seen things-things she couldn't unsee and she was going to make sure no one would be able to walk away unscathed. Earlier, Veronica had made copies also to ensure the backup plan had a backup's backup plan.

Her face paled when she thought of her video being shown everywhere. It was sort of how people felt after they'd been duct taped to the flagpole at school. She'd always be that girl who'd been …had. A small shiver ran through her body at the memory. Christ help me, she thought inwardly. I still can't even say it yet. Several times she'd thought about keeping the two identities separate. But this isn't my life, she thought bitterly. This wasn't home. An image of her dads face resurface, and Veronica had to breathe to keep from crying. Everything was changing. She forced herself to swallow though her hands shook with nervousness.

Maria had been cooler, Brent had been trying to get closer, and she'd noticed all of it while playing dumb. It was easier to play the frightened victim. Maria was not her type-as in all girls for that matter. It will only cause dissension to even consider Brent. Truth was, even as a younger teen she'd had a huge crush on him. The pausing caused by his touch was the right response, but the terror that came with it told her she wasn't ready. "Will I ever be ready?"

She'd help to sober him up. That made some of the bitterness leave her tense shoulders. Drinking, sex, and rock and roll went hand in hand. Everyone knew it. She was glad he'd stayed the course. Veronica didn't want to complicate it. "We need good singers. Everyone hates when the lead dies to drugs. Same ol' shit."

Blankly, she closed her eyes after staring back at the face that was hers in the mirror. It looked right, but everything about it was wrong. Dad, I wish you were here. She placed his picture behind one of the many items she wore. There was always room for a memory somewhere on her attire. She smiled and let her mind drift.

Tonight was as much about setting her friends free and nailing the bastards that hurt her, as it was for those kids stuck in the sex or drug rings. She wanted nothing more than to get them out of the hell they were in. That was most important to her. She checked her cell phone, registered under Maria for safety reasons, and noticed how big her balance had grown. Between this and royalties, she was set for life. And some.

She turned in her seat and eyed the red high heeled boots that took a half hour to lace up and sighed. Hooker shoes, she thought inwardly. Lily would have been proud back in the day. She frowned at her smaller chest and shrugged. Some things never did change.

The Club…

The beat was like a pulse as it pumped through the bodies moving in unison to the sounds. This tops karaoke, Veronica told herself. Despite wearing this ridiculous stuff, she was having fun. They were on their third song, and as it came to a came to an end, Veronica had counted at least five of the ten people she was looking for. If everything went to plan, Mac would finish it. Not only did they have her video, but the video of the men entering, changing, and leaving the night of her attack.

It would also show Weevil as the innocent party and support his claim of self-defense. No matter how high their reach went, there was always the threat of being tied to these members that would keep it public for years to come. It would leave it in the hands of the people to decide what to do. No one could be trusted-people could be bought off. And when she did show her face, it was with her approval she had let it release. If they claimed the video was inadmissible, they claimed to have it in the first place. Perjury. Ten different ways I fuck you back, she thought as she sang.

The news was out, but that was a weapon for later use. She expected their performance to be interrupted as word hit the airwaves when Mac launched her feed. For now, she counted heads and waited for them to roll.

Logan…

It was quite the drive back to town. Logan spent a mere moment in the driveway before deciding against going home. A few trees lined the outer driveway, but he saw lights on and turned off the key. There he sat as he ran a hand over his face. He didn't want to deal with his asshole father or drunk mother. He turned the car on with the full intent on sleeping by the beach.

In true fashion, Destiny was announced as a last-minute concert at one of the more elite clubs. How did I forget? After a brief stop at the store, Logan changed his attire and set out to drown the day in blissful music. After all, what else was there to do? That new singer was hot, her voice was sharp like a whip, lined with pain, or vengeful.

Logan walked up to the club line. From here he could see where it began, but not where it ended. No doubt ended around the building, he thought and ran a hand through his hair again. Cursing inwardly, Logan shrugged as he looked up to the band's picture displayed at the top of the theater. He tossed out a few hundred to the bouncer and slapped it in his hand when he moved in front of Logan. After their eyes met, he moved aside and let him in without a wait. Money talks, he said inwardly. Dozens of people displayed their displeasure and being his old self, Logan smiled, flashed them his teeth, and flicked them all off. Remain casual and like your old self, he told himself.

As soon as the doors closed behind him, the lights became dim as flashing orbs circled the walls and roof. His eyes took it in; mounds of people swaying to the music that was hard rock mixed with other various music types. He carefully made his way to the bar with his fake id already in hand. His ears would be gone for at least a day, but it was worth it. Destiny played few shows, and he was shocked to learn they'd be coming to Neptune of all places. "This place is packed," he said to no one in particular.

He wanted to hear her voice.

It was haunting as it was beautiful, something eerily familiar and soothing at the same time. He swirled in his seat briefly looking over the crowd for familiar faces as he waited for the bartender to come over. There were a few, but it was hard to say. Maria came over the mic and said they'd be taking a break, but everyone hooted knowing that meant she was coming out to sing. Harlequin was the newest member and had taken them from midline success to off the charts.

No sooner did he think it, did she appear as a shadow behind the dark lights. The crowd roared for her as she slowly emerged in killer boots, laced in red that met the upper area of her thighs. She wore a black and white checkered leotard, blood red belt, and black gloves. Her face was masked in white makeup and various lines he had a difficult time making out from where he sat rooted to the chair. Covering her upper face in a mask, also red, and threads of red and black hair framed her face. Her head held a small top hat in place as she made her way forward.

"Damn, she's hot," someone near him whispered. "What I would give to be those boots", someone else muttered.

Logan felt his lips part as she came to the edge of the stage. This had to be one of the more revealing clothes she'd worn. It was not her looks, but more the presence she gave off. He'd done some shit in his days in bed, but she oozed sex appeal, unlike anyone he'd known.

He looked around seeing similar stares from those around him.

Harlequin never spoke on stage, she only sang. The crowd went wild the moment she breathed in. I must meet her, he told himself as he made his way to the VIP area. After she began to sing, he flashed more money, talked some shit, and eventually got pooled in the meet and greets after the show. He continued to a seat and their eyes just happened to meet.

Veronica…

Fucking A. Class act asshole is here, she thought and almost faltered on her lyrics. Steady girl, she heard Maria say in her ear. Each band member could hear one another in their earpieces. Veronica felt her hands begin to shake but was not certain why. On side curtain, Maria seemed to have noticed, appeared singing with her. Slowly the aching numbness that threatened to take over calmed and let Veronica let go. I am not me, I am someone else tonight.

There was a loud blast over the TV's that lined the walls.

Here it comes, she thought and faltered as several people groaned in protest. The video was not hard to make out. She could only assume that it was Mac who talked, ranting and raving quickly, files being displayed one after the other, hacks, scams, laundering, and missing girls. She dropped the mic when her video began to play. She knew the time was coming when the feed would be shut down, and just as she thought, Weevil came in, held a gun to a man's face as he grabbed her and dragged her limp form away. She cried, and instantly felt Maria grab hold of her and other band members drag her off stage.

There! Self-defense showed right as the feed caught off.

The crowd was an uproar, people began to run for the doors. Chaos ensued.

Just as she was lifted up, her eyes met those of her adversary. Confusion entered them as he ran at her.

"Guys hurry!" Maria belted out. "That's the shit who stomped on my girl. Don't let him near."

Guards swarmed them and lined the back hallway as they ran for the door. "Does he know?" Terry asked while pushing against waiting fans. Some people didn't give a shit, while others fled. Once outside, papers were falling from the sky. Pieces of copied evidence seemed to come from the sky.

"Your friend is something else…" Maria remarked. "remind me to never piss you off."

Mark came up behind them. "Guys, they've blocked all roads out. We are gonna have to stay in a hotel. All I could get-and some people are gonna be pissed is Neptune Grand Hotel."

Hotel….from Hell…

"Logan lives here!" Veronica nearly yelled.

Brent shrugged not really getting it, "so what. Just stay inside."

She chuckled, "you have no idea who he is and what he can get into." She paced, "he walked right into VIP and the meet and greet."

Mark came in, "look we are all in the penthouse and we will share it. I'll hire a person to wear makeup and feign you."

She slowed her pace, "I guess."

"No one has heard you speak. What? Are they gonna ask you to drop a tune in the hallway?"

She looked at him, some of her old demeanor returning. Mark smiled, "they we go. I thought the mistress of pure hell had fled away."

"That's my name," Maria strode in next. Everyone looked at her. Terry was about two minutes behind her and came in after locking the door.

"We are on lockdown. Little prick won't get in and I got people watching outside over there in case he gets crazy and tries to come from outside."

Terry pointed to a building across the way. "I know a few buddies who were snipers. They will keep watch."

Veronica looked down, a heavy sigh releasing itself from her chest.

Terry came to her, took her gently by the arm and sat her down. "Look kiddo…what we saw…"

Veronica flinched.

He paused and looked to Maria for assistance. She knelt and took both of Veronica's hands in her own. "Kitten, when you are ready, you have to come out and show your face. But that night is not tonight. When that night comes, you will be the tiger I know you are. And you will get the justice you seek. For all of them. If I knew…that was…"

She lifted her gaze, mortified by having them see it. "nothing to what else I endured at that bastards' hands. God knows what else he's done." She cleared her throat, "he once threw me in a pool, let me drown and revived me three times for some sadist to watch. Fun times," she finished with a faraway look."

Mark spoke first, "Look, I know I am an ass, but that was…" He paled when he realized he said ass and how that pertained to her attack. "Christ," he covered his mouth and turned. He rubbed a hand through his hair. "I'm not good at this stuff. I mean, that was really bad. That guy dragged you out...they can't convict him."

"But they will try. They still think I am dead." Veronica stood, shaking like a leaf she knew she wasn't and soaked in Maria's words. "My dad deserves justice." She looked at them all. "It's not just for me. If I must …put myself out here like this I need to toughen up. I just..."

"Didn't want us to see it?" Brent finished for her. "No one wants anyone to see what is in their closet."

"Yeah," Veronica stated and clasped both her hands together.

Terry cleared his throat, "another girl went missing."

Veronica closed her eyes, "they will not be letting witnesses go."

Terry nodded, "how do we get them out? Do you remember anything?"

Veronica thought, "they auction off ones that they've lured. The sadists usually do what they want with the bodies after they are done. It's an entire network. Terry, did you give Mac's description to the guys out front?"

He nodded, "Yeah."

"I hope she comes soon. I told her we'd be here. I must go to her…the makeup idea is not a bad one. I just need something to hide in also. I know where she'll be here, and only for what amount of time. Make sure Logan is not here…total his car if you need to.

"I got it," Mark said and began to dial on his phone. "You sure you want her in the same place as you?"

"I have no choice." Veronica started. "We need to go live once they do after Weevil."

Maria asked, "Veronica…who is the 'man'?

Veronica turned, her mouth trembling as she mumbled the words… "His name is…"

A/N: yeah this took way to long to get past the writer block that sat here forever. A year maybe? My apologies. Some asked when Veronica and Logan will come together. It will not be nice at first so don't lose hope. She has a large grudge she needs to trust that that happens over time 😊