Here it is, chapter 3. I know I said this would be the conclusion but I made some changes so.. there is going to be a 4th chapter and maybe a lot more too. I'll try to keep it going as long as I can and if I feel like it :) But for now, just enjoy this third part.
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Dylan..
Alex stared at me, waiting for an answer. I looked at Nathalie who seemed pretty anxious herself to hear what I had to say. I had wanted to tell them under different circumstances but maybe I could talk myself out of this, convince them that I didn't know of anything. First, I wanted to have a little chat with Anthony about those bodies myself. I too needed some answers. "Alex, I first hand saw what happened to him. Seamus stabbed him from behind. Then he fell of the roof. Basically he died saving me, that's why I have kept his medaillon all of this time. I don't expect you guys to understand.." Alex remained silent while Nathalie gave me a reasuring smile and a nod. "Well, I do Dylan. I don't have problems with you keeping the medaillon." At least Nathalie seemed to believe me. I smiled back at her and then looked over at Alex who sighed deeply. "Dylan.. I will never understand it but.. if you really want to hold onto it.. then go ahead. But I still think it's him who killed those guys."
"Oh Come on Alex, he couldn't have survived that. He is good I'll give you that but he isn't immortal, he can die you know.." Nathalie reasoned. I decided to jump in. I hated lying but I only had to keep it up for just a little longer. I didn't want them to come down on Anthony before I even had the chance to talk to him about it. I just hoped they would forgive me. "Yeah Nathalie is right. How many other assassins aren't out there? There must be someone else who uses swords or anything like it." I said. "Yeah Dylan's right, we'll discuss it with Charlie when we get back on the Job. If it really is the Thin Man we will know soon enough. Now let's talk about something else, we aren't on a case remember." Nath said with a smile. We both looked at Alex who gave in and reluctantly nodded. "All right, but I will get to the bottom of this." Nathalie nudged Alex playfully and said "Well, if he's alive and we run into him, you can always thank him for saving you." I nearly laughed at the expression on Alex's face. "Ha Ha.. Very funny." She said making a face at me. Now the next thing to do was to go have a talk with Anthony.
Anthony..
It was getting dark outside and I had just finished packing my suitcase. I still wasn't sure where to go but I figured that at the moment about anywhere would be better than my own appartment. I didn't know what those guys were waiting for, maybe they were waiting for the right opportunity to strike, but I sure wasn't going to wait for them to come back and finish what they had started. No way they were going to leave it alone. It just doesn't work that way in the world of crime. I put my suitcase beside the couch and walked over to the minibar to get myself a drink to calm down my nerves. I may have always looked calm on the outside but it was an entirely different case on the inside, I was just really good at deceiving others. I poured myself a whiskey as I thought about Dylan. When would I see her again? Would I ever see her again? Should I say anything about my departure? But then she would probably want to know WHY I was leaving.. and how to explain that? Besides, I didn't want to put her in any danger. If they knew how much Dylan meant to me than they might go after her. She could get killed because of me. The best thing to do was to stay away from her as far as possible until I had found a solution to this problem. But what other solution was there than to kill the others as well? They would keep coming back until they had me where they wanted me.. on the bottom of the ocean or in other words, dead.
One way or the other, I would have to fight my way out of this mess, again. I could feel my ribs hurt just at the mere thought. I was still in no shape to engage in a real fight but my bruised ribs were healing nicely, I had removed the bandages earlier, they weren't going to help much anyway. The bruises would disappear in time as well. Luckily I had always been a fast healer. It was only a matter of time before I would be ready to take them out before they managed to take me out instead. Now that there were only two of them, it seemed a more reasonable fight, one I could definitely win. I wasn't running away, I was just staling time until I was fit enough. If I went down, I wanted to do so fighting but I was hoping it wouldn't come to that. I strolled over to the window and glanced at the streets below. Nothing suspicious so far. I quickly downed the whiskey, grabbed my suitcase and cane and headed for the door. I was just about to leave when I stopped and turned around to look at what had been my 'home' for the past 2 years. Hmm. Why do I have the feeling I forgot something? Ah yes.. I put the suitcase down once more and walked over to the other side of the room to where a painting of a landscape was hanging. I took it off the wall to get to the small safe which was hidden behind it. I quickly opened it and took out my German luger. I checked the gun and found it already loaded. Sometimes guns could come in handy. I put everything back into place and safely tucked the gun into my belt. Now with that done.. I grabbed my case and walked out, closing the door behind me.
Dylan..
"I guess that's about everything?" I asked Nath, who carried a load of bags and boxes inside. "Yeah that's it!" She yelled at me from out the frontdoor. "It surprises me she still has space for all those clothes and shoes.." I mumbled as I closed the trunk and walked inside. "Hey guys I think I'm gonna go. Still got some things to do." Nathalie put everthing down and said "Oh I thought you were going to stay for dinner.. but yeah sure, we'll catch up later. By the way, you got a date or something?" "Yeah Dyl, what's the deal?" Alex asked, looking me over suspiciously. I laughed nervously. "A date? Me? You guys should know I always end up with the wrong guy. So I haven't bothered to look for someone else." Nathalie moved over to the couch and sat beside Alex. "You know Dylan it's about time you found yourself a man." I sighed. "Yeah yeah, you guys are lucky to have such great boyfriends like Pete and Jason. I always picked out the ones who were no good, and even tried to kill me!" Just the thought of Seamus made my skin crawl. It was a memory to last a lifetime. "Wow Dyl, calm down. I didn't mean anything by it. I'm sure you'll find a good guy when the time is right." I chuckled softly. "I already have.." I half smiled at the confused looks I got from my friends. But I didn't feel like explaining right now. I had other matters to attend to. "Dylan - Wait" I turned and walked out the door without saying another word.
I ran to my car and drove off. I checked my mirror to see if I was being followed but apparently not. I let out a deep breath and concentrated on the task at hand. I wasn't looking forward to confront Anthony with those two dead men but I knew I had to. I had a right to know the truth. I wanted to hear it from him, that he had nothing to do with it although deep down inside of me I already knew the answer and it made tears come to my eyes. "Damn you Dylan! How could you be so stupid? Once a killer, always a killer.." I wiped away the tears that were rolling down my cheeks uncontrollably. "No..No don't think like that.. Just listen to what he has to say first.. but it better be damn good." As I almost arrived at my destination I saw the subject of my thoughts passing me by, a shadow himself as he disappeared into the darkness. Anthony? Where is he going? And why is he carrying a suitcase? I pulled my car over and got out. "Anthony!" I yelled as I ran after him. I managed to catch up with him and slowed down. "Anthony?" I asked again but he didn't turn around. He seemed tense. I knew something was wrong. "Where're you going?" Still, no answer. I walked over and stopped in front of him. "I came to talk to you about something.. But I see you already planned ahead.." I said, unable to keep the anger from showing. At first, his face betrayed no emotion, his eyes were cold and distant, but then his expression seemed to soften and he looked at me quizically. "Don't pretend that you don't know what i'm talking about." I wanted to slap him across the face but he caught my wrist just in time. He stared at me angrily, then he let go of my wrist. "I don't." He answered slowly. "Well let me explain it to you then. Two men were found dead in an alley yesterday. Apparently stabbed with, mostly likely, a sword. As far as I know, there's only one person who uses one. You!" I watched him intentively, waiting for an explanation, but none came. "I know it was you Anthony, I just know, so no point in denying." He looked around and then grabbed me by the arm. "Hey, I'm not going anywhere with you until I get some sort of explanation!"
I pulled free from his grasp. I was furious with him, I wasn't going to give in that easily. He sighed. "I will ex-explain it, but not here. We have to get going." "No we will talk about this, right n-" I was interrupted by the sound of gunfire directed our way. What the hell! "Get down!" He yelled at me and pushed me to the ground. "You know what? I think you're right Anthony, it's time for us to go." He nodded at me and we both ran as fast as we could towards my car. I had no idea what was happening but one thing I did know.. this was not good. He threw his suitcase in the back of my car and got in. I quickly started up the engine and sped off, not bothering the speed limits. I was happy to get away in once piece. "So, what was that all about?" I asked, slightly out of breath. He looked at me apologetically and said "They are after me." They were after him? I shook my head not fully understanding. "Who is after you? And why?" I saw him taking a deep breath, then he said "The Italian mob." He looked at me and I nodded for him to continue, which he did. "It is something from my past. When I first started as an assassin I got this assignment. It was to kill a guy, an Italian mobster named Antonio Velocio. I hadn't given it much thought but at the time I didn't care, it.. it was well paid." He fell silent again. Finally, this all started to make sense to me. "What about those bodies? They were Italian.. Wait, were they after you as well?" I briefly glanced over at him and saw him nod. Then he spoke again. "I'm sorry Dylan. I had no choice. I didn't want to break my promise.." At least he wasn't back on the Job like I first thought. He had still killed two men but it was out of self defence. I was glad he had survived and told him so. "I.. I understand and.. I'm just glad you're alive." I laid my hand over his. It still left us with a major problem. I checked my mirror and saw nothing suspicious. "I don't think we're being followed so i'm going to drive over to my apartment." He shook his head. "Yes Anthony, you'll be safe there, or at least for the time being." I squeezed his hand. "No, I can't stay with you, they will kill you. I will not put you in any d-danger." He said, determined to solve this problem on his own but I wasn't going to let him. "Anthony, you're staying at my place. I'm not going to leave you alone. I lost you once and I'll be damned if I let that happen again." He frowned at my ranting, then he sighed and nodded. "Everything is going to be fine. I know it will." Anthony looked at me and gave me a small smile but I knew he wasn't sure of that, neither was I.
Anthony..
The cool night air swepped past me when I stepped outside. I had always enjoyed nightly walks. It was one of the few times that I felt at peace. And occasionally I would stroll down to the Park and sit by the pond, like I had done with Dylan a few months ago. Only this time, it wasn't for my enjoyment. I looked around and concluded the coast was clear, so I started walking down the street, to wherever these legs would carry me, silently keeping my eyes and ears open for anything 'unusual'. As I rounded the corner a familiar looking car drove past me, but it was too dark by now to get a good look at it. At first, I didn't pay much attention so I just kept walking until I heard it stop and an all too familiar voice floated in the air. "Anthony!" I didn't have to see who it was to know who it was. Dylan. I closed my eyes and wished that this wasn't happening. Why did she have to show up just now? This would only make it more difficult. Especially to just walk away and I knew it would be the best thing to do. "Anthony?" Just walk away Anthony, you have to do it. "Where're you going?" Like I could give an answer, I didn't know where I was going either. I heard footsteps coming closer, her hand brushed against mine, as she came to stand before me. "I came to talk to you about something.. But I see you already planned ahead.." I saw anger flashing in her eyes. What was that all about? Did she think I was going to bail out on her? Dump her like she was some sort of trash? How dare she think I would do such a thing. But my anger disappeared when another thought came to my mind.. She didn't know did she? "Don't pretend that you don't know what i'm talking about." Oh she knew. She tried to hit me but I caught her wrist. At first I was angry at her for trying this but I couldn't really blame her, could I? She had every reason to be angry. I let her go and said "I don't." For some reason I didn't feel like admitting the truth. Afraid that she would walk out on me. "Well let me explain it to you then. Two men were found dead in an alley yesterday. Apparently stabbed with, mostly likely, a sword. As far as I know, there's only one person who uses one. You!" She didn't seem very happy with this newfound information. I wondered how she found out. I would have to ask her later. "I know it was you Anthony, I just know, so no point in denying." She practically yelled at me. She had to stop doing that. We had to go somewhere else, somewhere safe.. and out in the middle of the street wasn't it.
Fine. We would talk. But not here. I grabbed her by the arm, determined to get her out of here, even if I had to drag her away myself. "Hey, I'm not going anywhere with you until I get some sort of explanation!" I didn't get far as she pulled away from me. Stubborn as always. I sighed softly. Although I liked this fiery side of her, it was not a good moment to let it out. "I will ex-explain it, but not here. We have to get going." "No we will talk about this, right n-" She was interrupted by the swizzling sound of bullets in the air. "Get down!" I yelled, as I pushed my Angel to the ground. So, the mobs hadn't gone very far. "You know what? I think you're right Anthony, it's time for us to go." I could only agree as we made a dash for the car. At the moment I didn't care about getting killed, I just didn't want Dylan to get hurt. I would do anything to keep her safe. As we reached the car, I threw my suitcase in the back and got in, Dylan swiftly followed and started up the engine. We managed to get away and I sighed in relief, but I still had alot of explaining to do. "So, what was that all about?" She asked after a few minutes. I looked at her and saw confusion and fear written on her beautiful face. "They are after me." I stated calmly. "Who is after you? And why?" I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. "The Italian Mob." I looked at her and I wasn't sure how to interpret her expression, but she nodded and I knew she wanted to hear the rest of it. "It is something from my past. When I first started as an assassin I got this assignment. It was to kill a guy, an Italian mobster named Antonio Velocio. I hadn't given it much thought but at the time I didn't care, it.. it was well paid." I hoped with every fiber of my being that she would understand. "What about those bodies? They were Italian.. Wait, were they after you as well?" She spared me a glance and I nodded. She seemed pretty calm, though I still felt bad about what had happened. "I'm sorry Dylan. I had no choice. I didn't want to break my promise.." I cast my eyes downward, ashamed of myself. How could she ever forgive me? "I.. I understand and.. I'm just glad you're alive." She softly said, covering my hand with hers. My head shot up and I looked at her surprised. I saw her looking in the mirror. "I don't think we're being followed so i'm going to drive over to my apartment." No, no, I had to stay away from her. I shook my head but still she said "Yes Anthony, you'll be safe there, or at least for the time being." I wasn't concerned about my own well-being, or at least not as much as I was concerned about the safety of my Angel. She squeezed my hand in assurance. This was a very bad idea. "No, I can't stay with you, they will kill you. I will not put you in any d-danger." I told her firmly. I appreciated her concern for me but there was no need to put her own life in danger. I wouldn't let her suffer for this, not like Seamus O'Grady had done in the past. "Anthony, you're staying at my place. I'm not going to leave you alone. I lost you once and I'll be damned if I let that happen again." She said and I knew she had to have it her way. This wasn't the time to argue so I gave in and nodded. I guess we just had to protect each other then. Everyone who laid one finger on her would die, it was a promise I made right here and now. "Everything is going to be fine. I know it will." She smiled and I managed to smile back, even though I knew the trouble we were in wasn't to be taken very lightly.
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That's all folks! :D At least for now. I'll start working on Chapter 4 as soon as possible. Just hang in there! :) I hope you enjoyed it so far. R&R.