Peering around the corner, Ryan watched the cops as Nikita and Michael snuck into the shop's backdoor.
"You guys in?" He asked through his ear piece. He heard a door open, then Nikita and Michael whispering to each other. "Hello?" Ryan said louder.
"Yeah yeah, we're in. The cops still out front?" Nikita responded. Ryan checked on the cops one last time before replying, "Yes, but I don't know for how long."
"If everyone goes right, this won't take long." Michael added as he led Nikita into the doorway.
The woman and Alex continued talking as much as they could without getting caught.
"I'm Laura." She whispered to Alex.
"Alex."
"What did you mean? Who's coming?" Laura asked.
"I know people. They're smart. They've probably already started looking for me. Just sit tight and try not to move your hands too much." Alex warned her. Laura sat quietly against the wall, and closed her eyes. Alex watched the three men as they started to argue with each other.
"If we don't think of something, those cops will bust in here! Hank, I ain't going back to jail again!" One yelled. Hank pushed him hard into the wall.
"We're not, going back to jail! If they even think of coming in here, we'll kill every single person in this place!"
Behind the storage room door near Alex, she heard footsteps. She glued her eyes to the door, then heard whispers. Nikita, Michael!" She thought. Laura also looked at the door, then called Alex's name.
"Alex, what is that?" Alex turned to her and said,
"Help." She paused. Laura started to think, then came up with an idea.
"Start coughing."
Alex tilted her head and squinted at Laura.
"What?"
"Start coughing!"
Alex did as she was told and began to cough. Hank turned to her.
"What's your problem?" He demanded. Laura nervously watched as Alex stuttered, trying to find words.
"I, just need water."
"Buzz, get this one some water! Be quick!" Hank ordered. Buzz didn't hesitate, and ran to the back door. Alex watched him, then turned to Laura, confirming that she understood. Buzz opened the door and stepped in the small room, then shut the door.
Michael and Nikita hid behind a large metal shelf, and waited until Buzz walked closer. Michael stepped out and snapped his neck in seconds. He caught him before he hit the ground, and Nikita helped him drag the body to the back. Nikita snatched his gun and stuck it in the back of her pants.
When it had been a minute, Hank got angry.
"Where is he!?" He said. Alex smirked. "Ian, go get Buzz!" Ian nodded and headed to the back. Repeating exactly what he did before, Michael snapped his neck as soon as he walked in. This time, Hank decided to go for himself.
"If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself." He said, then walked to the door. As soon as he opened it, Michael punched him straight in the face. He stumbled backwards, then swung towards Michael. Michael ducked, and Nikita kicked him to the ground. Nikita made eye contact with Alex and whispered her name. Hank noticed, and crawled towards her. Pulling her up to her feet, he pointed his gun at her head. Michael and Nikita both immediently aimed for Hank. Everyone in the shop gasped, and closed their eyes.
"Look at that. The heros came to save the day. Either one of you pulls the trigger, she dies." Michael almost lowered his gun, but Nikita grabbed his arm.
"Wait." She said. She lowered her own, and threw it across the floor. "Do what you want with me, but let her go."
"Nikita." Michael started, but Nikita shushed him. Hank pondered on the idea, giving Alex time to elbow him the stomach. He grunted and let her go, then Alex swung her arms around and smacked him in the face with her hands. Michael lunged towards him and violently began pounding his face. Nikita untied Alex's hands and tried to lead her to the back door, but she pushed away.
"We have to get everyone out!" She said.
"The cops can handle that now! We have to leave before they see us!" Nikita argued. Alex turned to Laura, then back to Nikita.
"Hold on." Alex knelt down in front of Laura and started to untie her hands.
"What are you doing?" Laura asked. "Your friend said to leave!"
Alex ignored her, and undid the rope. Laura rubbed her hands, and watched as Alex was pulled up by Nikita. Michael got off of Hank and grabbed Nikita. The three of them ran through the back doorway, but before Alex disappeared, Laura called after her,
"Thanks."
Alex turned and watched her sadly, then ran off.
"Nikita, I'm fine." Alex said. As soon as everyone returned home, Nikita did a full check on Alex.
"You sure?"
"Yes."
Nikita sighed and sat down next to Alex on the couch.
"Why did you leave without telling us?" She asked. Alex grabbed a pillow and held onto it tightly.
"Nikita, I know you. If I had even mentioned leaving to go anywhere, you would have wanted to come along. I just wanted to go out alone. Amanda's been dead for weeks, but it still feels like old times. I want to know what it's like to have a normal life. Even if it's just for an hour."
Nikita looked at her sadly.
"Alex..."
"I know I know." She interrupted. "A normal life's not an option." They sat silently for a minute, then Michael entered the room. He handed them each a mug of hot chocolate; the mug filled to the top with marshmellows.
"Thanks." Alex and Nikita said in unison. They looked at each other then started laughing. Michael smiled.
"So? Everything's good between you too?"
"Of course." Alex said, smiling at Nikita.
"I was just scared." Nikita replied. She took Alex's hand, then lifted her mug in the air. Alex did the same, and the two of them hit them together. They each took a sip, but Alex quickly took the mug away from her mouth and shut her eyes.
"What?" Nikita asked, worried that something was wrong. Alex opened her eyes and inhaled through her mouth.
"It's hot." She said. Michael laughed. Nikita sighed, but turned into laughter. Soon after, Birkhoff, Sonya, and Ryan joined them with their own mugs of hot chocolate, and the group sat together. Just like old times.