Justice and Mercy
-Chapter Two-
You spend your days alone still hoping for the truth oh but all you hear are lies. But no one else is gonna tell you what to do now. No one else is gonna help you hold the line.
- Parachute: Something to Believe in.
Sydney Sage was an alchemist.
She'd helped me on numerous occasions and pulled the plug a while ago, only to put it back in a few weeks ago. She's an unreliable source of help, but a source of help nevertheless. She doesn't want to get involved in the nasty politics of The Royals, even if they are responsible for her father's death. So she therefore helps me whenever the mood strikes her. I learned that Alchemist are buddies with another secret organization called 'The Guardians,' which may or may not have been with The Royals a long, long time ago.
The Alchemists are just as the name implies. Fronting as a medical research organization when they actually make illegal drugs but not the crack and cocaine type. The types that will mess with your brain so much that you are beyond recognition. The anger between the Alchemist and The Royals was because the Alchemist stopped supplying them these dangerous drugs.
How my father's people gotten hold of Sydney Sage, a girl who rarely leaves that building, I might not ever know. But I'm sure as hell going to find out. I turn on the volume just as my father enters, two of his closest business men flanking him. On his right was Eric Dragomir, Lissa Dragomir's father; she also happened to be my best friend. Eric looked similar to his daughter with his fair hair and pale green eyes.
Victor Dashkov was on his left. His face was aging, due to some disease he had. He was actually around forty years. I haven't spoken to him in years, but I'm pretty sure he hates me. I was accused of killing his daughter Natalie Dashkov. To the Royals, I did kill her, something that was actually encouraged. To the law I didn't, I'm innocent because my father proved me to be so. But truthfully, I didn't. Natalie's death was an accident and she died because she has two left feet – not my fault that Victor Dashkov raised a klutz. I'd never admit it, but 'killing' her gotten me major street cred.
"Sydney Sage," My father said, walking up to the chained girl. Her emotions didn't falter, she didn't show fear. Actually she managed to look a mix between arrogant and bored. "You've grown up so much, haven't you darling?"
She rolled her eyes, so my father continues. "Haven't seen you since your mother…passed away. How tragic." His attitude portrayed a different emotion. Most likely he had something to do with her passing. "You were such a small child then. I deeply regretted hearing of your father's death as well. But as they say, when a window closes, another opens. I couldn't help but to think of this as a golden opportunity if you will. I was actually hoping that the Alchemist and Royal would reconnect."
"No way in hell, Mazur!" Sydney spits out. "The Alchemist will never be subjected to your Royal schemes."
Abe simply laughs, which Victor and Eric imitate. The laugh is patronizing and belittling. Sydney glared at the trio. "We'll see, darling. Till then I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay here." He said. They all walk out of the room, leaving Sydney alone. She stays motionless for a moment before looking up to the hidden camera in the room. She knows I'm watching. Her eyes convey that the situation was not as it looked. Of course it wasn't; this is Sydney Sage we're talking about.
Her gaze switches in a mere second, concentrating on other parts of the room, trying to not look suspicious. I have no doubt that my father has implanted other cameras in this room, all having their eyes on the Alchemist. I record the footage and mute the sound again before walking out of the closet.
Sydney's a big girl, I'm sure she can handle this situation. For all I know, she purposely put herself in that situation. Though, I must admit that Sydney didn't seem like the spying type. For heaven's sake, the girl didn't go anywhere without a crowd of bodyguards.
I tried to push my troubling thoughts away as I slipped into my bed and eventually fell into a peaceful slumber.
I walked down the steps to the mailboxes of the residents of the apartment. I usually only got bills and advertisements; never any personal letters, for which I'm thankful. Lissa never sent any letters, due to the risk of someone finding her location. Truthfully, I think Lissa had gone a little paranoid ever since we departed. Maybe a bit insane. Every time I talked to her, which is on a precise schedule created by her, I tried to remind her that technically we were not 'on the run'. My father wasn't looking for me and her father thought she was on some shopping frenzy. However, that didn't calm her fears; I could hear it in her voice.
Times like that I wished I was there with her, wherever she may be. Her location switched every couple of weeks and she had yet to disclose any of her locations to me in fear of someone tapping the phone line. I can just thank that Christian is there with her; I don't think she could manage by herself.
I walked to my mail slot, pulling out the letters. The only reason I decided to come the mailbox is because I gotten a notice on my laptop this morning from the Alchemist. Not from Sydney directly because the last time I check, this morning, she was still chained to that wall, nodding off.
The message was vague, only telling me to come to my mailbox and retrieve a letter.
Some of my neighbors were around their mailboxes as well, such as Jill. Jill was a perky, energetic 15 year old. She had curly, messy brown hair and wide pale green eyes. When she saw me she ran over to me, and I cringed.
"Hi Rose!" she said enthusiastically while waving. "How's your day?"
"Good till two seconds ago." I muttered, flipping through the mail. Jill was a sweet girl. I was always a bitch to her because she always happened to catch me on my bad days, when I just wanted to curl up in a corner and cry. Today was one of those days. Mainly because I had a sexual dream about a certain Russian, only to wake up hot, bothered and broken hearted.
Jill just nodded and smiled.
"Anything interesting?" She asked peering over at my mail. I held it to my chest and give her a smirk.
"Wouldn't you like to know," I said and walked back up the steps to my apartment. I closed and locked the door behind me before setting the mail on my kitchen counter. Like predicted, it was mostly bills and advertisements, although one caught my attention.
It was a white envelope and instead of any addresses stamped on it, it only had a large golden lily. I quickly ripped it open, smelling the faint scent of an actual flower on the paper.
Dear Rosemarie Mazur,
The Alchemist have assisted you in many dealings, and in our darkest hour we need your aid. As you may know our late leader's daughter, Sydney Sage, has been abducted by the Royals.
I couldn't help but notice how they didn't refer to Sydney as their leader. Makes me think that the Alchemist don't fully accept Sydney. She is young, my age, and she did help me which may not be accepted by the Alchemist. I kept reading on.
Her abduction occurred when an agent was transported to Mr. Mazur's headquarters. The reason was because of the messages Mr. Mazur has been getting, all referring to you and your betrayal to his 'cooperation'. The agent was killed several hours before they kidnapped Miss Sage.
I could see the underlying guilt that they were laying on. They were blaming me for getting their agent killed and having Sydney abducted.
The Alchemist and you, Miss Mazur had been close these past few months and we'd hate to have to sever that friendship due to technicalities. We may even have to bargain with Mr. Mazur… So, as partners, we ask you to assist us in bringing Miss. Sage back. For more information please go to Oak Lane at Midnight tonight. There someone should enlighten you.
Out of safety, please burn this letter after you have read it.
Sincerely, The Alchemist.
The message was obvious, help us or we tell your father. Bitches. I crumple the paper and turn on the stove. The fire lights and I throw the paper on till it's half-way consumed by flames and then throw it in the sink, pouring water over its flushed down the drain. Once the smell of smoke was out of the apartment I was left to reflect on the letter.
I didn't want to face my father so soon. I wasn't ready, mentally and physically. I had my baby to think about. Going in there I'd most likely have to kick someone's ass, and how can I do that when I complain about going up a flight of stairs?
But the Alchemist couldn't care less.
I had to push these thoughts aside, right now I just needed to get ready for the meeting tonight. Maybe it'll be better than I thought.
A/N – Told you I'll get it to you by the end of the week! Granted, it is 10:54 but forget that close call. You all may be sort of disappointed with this chapter because Dimitri isn't in it. But don't worry, he'll be in the next one and in the next one the ball really starts rolling! Also I need to thank my awesome beta - Tatiana Belikova and everyone who reviewed the first chapter! 33 reviews in total! Thanks guys.