Justice and Mercy
-Chapter Five-
"Change my attempt good intentions... Crouched over. You were not there. Living in fear. But signs were not really that scarce. Obvious tears"
Ten Years: Wasteland
Rose's P.O.V
"Your father awaits you, Miss," The guard said as I stepped from the cab. The man, tall and bulky, seemed to be the perfect gentlemen as he opened the cab door for me and held out his beefy hand for me to take. Such chivalry. However, I knew his dirty little secret. I knew all their secrets.
This particular man actually happened to be a serial rapist. He takes new recruits, naïve teen girls, and has his way with them with or without their permission. Nothing is ever done, this behavior is not uncommon and some people even encourage it. It's the Gates of Hell, and I'm about to enter it.
For the Gates of Hell, it's actually very pretty. The land stretches across for miles and filling that land was my father's enormous estate. A quarter of this estate dwarfed the estate back in New York. The estate rose to three stories. From my blueprints of the land, it had over ten sub-levels, reserved for hiding criminals, torture and stashing drugs and prostitutes. It had the traditional Turkish look, with the dome ceilings and some stain glass windows. The garden consisted of large trees and plants, managing to look tamed and untamed. It seemed a bit like an old castle in a history book – if I was ever one for history.
The large Turkish sun was right behind me, using its rays to provide some warmth. The winters here were colder than I originally expected, so I was snuggled up in a black fall jacket and a scarf. However, the high humidity was no friend to my hair and the fog coming in from the city was almost blinding – making the scene slightly creepier. I half expected my father to appear from the smog with thousands of red, beady eyes behind him.
I took the man's hand and we walked down the cobblestone pathway to the double doors that were wide open. A few onlookers were littered in what served as a lobby; their tan skins, exotic figures and cold stares identified them as my father's minions. I suppressed the urge to cower. While I grew up around people like them, I knew the ones in New York, knew their strategies and limits.
Those in front of me were strangers, and from what I observed on the cameras, they were reckless, possessing no strategies and had no limits, qualms or morals. They were the definition of savage.
However, I did have the upper hand; I was Abe Mazur's daughter. They had a lot of respect and fear for their leader and by association me. I glare at those who dared meet my eyes, smirking in satisfaction when they quickly averted and scurried away. In time Too soon we made it to my father's office, which in my opinion resembled a throne room. Large floor-to-ceiling windows covered the walls, the windows tinted and without a doubt bullet proof. A massive stone fireplace was on the left side, which I know from seeing it through my cameras that my father had tossed people into that he didn't like.
Then There stood my father, with a crisp gray suit and flashy scrap with many rings adorning his long, dangerous fingers. His hands were clasped behind his back and when he heard me enter, he turned around, a smile spreading on his lightly aged face. "Ah, look, my little girl has finally joined us." He held out his arms for me and I didn't hesitate stepping into them, needing to keep up the act.
I don't remember the last time my father hugged me – if he ever hugged me. He gave me a tight but brief embrace before stepping back, looking down at me. I nervously stood in front of him, hoping he didn't see the little baby bump. Apparently the black outfit and girdle worked.
"We only saw each other a few months ago, yet you seem to have grown in that short time," he observed.
I simply gave a tight lipped smile in return.
"Your mother will join us for dinner tonight and then I can introduce you to some of my business associates." He went on to explain everything I would be doing while here. I was pretty much his eyes and ears. I'd report to my father on all doings around here and he told me that I'd also have to forge allies for myself when the time came for me to take his place. But for now I was free to roam, not that I wanted to – I knew the layout of the place like the back of my hand. I knew every crack and corner in this place and didn't need a tour. I only wanted to go to my room. I knew keeping this girdle on for long can't be healthy.
The guard that had escorted me to my father brought my stuff to my room.
It was on the top floor, overlooking the vast plains. The room was large and elaborate, reminding me of something a princess would reside in. The walls were a gold color with hardwood, slick floor and an enormous king sized bed, one that left a lot of wiggle room. A flat screen T.V was embedded in the wall and two small, silver chandeliers hung from the domed ceiling. An adjoining bathroom was included. Something I might need considering that the morning sickness wasn't completely gone just yet.
The guard placed my bags near the bed and stood there, as if expecting a tip of some sort. I rudely dismiss him. Apparently I wouldn't be making allies with him. Not that I minded. Once alone, I let my mind wander. As usual, I thought of my little fetus, Dimitri and even Sydney. It was an odd knowing that we were in such close proximity; however I couldn't talk to her. Not today and probably not tomorrow. Hell, I didn't know when I'd ever be able to talk to Sydney. Or Dimitri. However, I could still talk to my baby.
At least in pregnancy, I'm never alone.
While in my room, I took off my clothes, that dreaded girdle included, and soak in a bubbly bath calming my frazzled nerves and relaxing my aching muscles from the too long plane ride. Once done, I sought clothing for the dinner tonight. I decide on a loose fitting ebony dress. The dress fell down to my lower thigh and didn't hug any of my curves but gave a great show of my legs. In this I won't have to be suffocating myself and my unborn in the girdle. Once ready I headed down to the dining room – right on time it seemed.
This was one of the many dining rooms in the estate. Somewhere private, for specific residents and their dates. Others were more like school cafeterias, or restaurants that housed most people at the estate. My father rarely dined with the others; whether it was out of paranoia or not I couldn't say for certain. I did know that he enjoyed spending the evening with my mother. They were sometimes accompanied by some people in the business. Those same associates who often slip my mother drugs under the dinner table. She then proceeds to mix in her food, just something to hold her over to stop the shaking.
Once I stepped into the dining room, I could hear soft classical music playing from the corner. One had a violin, another piano and even a harp. I would have never pegged my father as the classical music type.
The room was lit by candles, casting a soft glow over the area. It made it seem more peaceful and less threatening. Oh, how looks could be so deceiving. From my cameras I once saw my father slaughter a man in here, in cold blood. His blood slipped over these tiles and my father continued his meal as if it meant nothing. With that thought, it was a bit unnerving going into the room. I immediately spotted my mother, who was already seated at the table. She didn't acknowledge me, only continued to stare down at her lap. She looked even worse since the last time I saw her, her skin, once pale, was now translucent with blue veins going up her arm and around her neck. She looked sickly.
The table at which she was seated held four placemats. I could see for me and Abe, but who else? He did say he wanted me to meet some of his associates. I took a seat next to Janine and with neither of us striking conversation, we were swallowed up into an awkward silence. Luckily it didn't last long because my father came in, trailed by a fairly attractive blond. Abe's eyes drew to me instantly and a wide smile spreads across his face.
"Nathan, this is my lovely daughter, Rosemarie," Abe said, gesturing to me. I stood up and to shake this Nathan's hand but was surprised when he planted a kiss on the back of my palm instead. He had sparkling, yet devious blue eyes and a strong jaw and tall built. I combed through my memory for his face, trying to see if I could recall seeing him show up on my cameras, but nothing came up.
"Rose, he's new to our part of the woods but already showing himself to be very useful." The words had a sinister underline to them, but everything Abe said was sinister.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Nathan," I said, but even to my ears the words sound flat and uninviting.
Nathan didn't seem discouraged; he just smiled before taking his seat at the table. I sat back down with my mother. I might be wrong but it seemed like she hadn't moved during the introduction.
Seconds after Abe sat, servants brought out our plates, filled to the brim with delicious food. At that moment, I didn't care that I was in the presence of a mobster, drug addict and a yet-to-be-identified, I was hungry. Before I could dig into my food, Abe stopped the wonderful process.
"Can't eat yet, Rosemarie." Are we going to hold hands and pray or something? Before I could voice my objections, Abe beckoned forth a girl who stood against the wall like a shadow. She looked to be around 14 and trembled with each step. I could guess she's either a druggie or prostitute – maybe both. She came to the table and with a shaky arm took a small bit of chicken off Abe's plate. She chewed it for a moment and then swallowed. She then moved to Nathan's, Janine's and finally mine. Even though my pregnant instincts wanted to slap her hand away, I let her taste test. When she was done she resided back in the shadows.
"Taste testers?" I asked Abe. "Has it come to that?"
He looked over to me, our eyes meeting. His eyes the color of my own, yet that seemed darker, colder. He nodded subtly.
"My enemies crave my death, Rosemarie," he told me grimly. He didn't need to elaborate on 'enemies,' It was a broad range, going from common criminals to the Alchemist or the Guardians – both who I knew hated him and had the means of carrying out his death. "Which is why you are needed, we need you to build strong bonds with our few allies – like Nathan's father here." My eyes then turned to Nathan, who had a satisfied smirk on his face.
"Combining our forces may help in the long run."
"I can almost guarantee it, Mr. Mazur," Nathan said. "With me and Rose, nothing can stop us. Right, Rosemarie?"
I didn't feel comfortable answering that question.
Luckily I didn't have to because at that moment, Victor Dashkov burst through the doors. The guards in the room tensed at the abrupt entry. His chest puffed out with haggard breaths, his ailing body not meant for such work. Apparently he never heard of this new invention called a 'cell phone.'
"The Alchemist, she's gone," he finally said, composing himself and straightened his tie and suit. "The guards were immediately alerted and all exits have been sealed off." Victor continued to speak, but my ears were filled with static. Dimitri. God, he's here. He may be in the same building as me. I haven't seen him in so long, not since I saw his fading form from the side view mirror after I dropped the bomb on him that I was pregnant.
Abe was in action immediately, dinner forgotten. For him anyway. I stuffed a few more bites in my mouth before I decided to just take the whole plate. This is for the baby – not me. All for the baby, god, the sacrifices I make…
"Nathan, please escort my daughter to her room. Keep an eye out for anyone unusual," was all Abe said before he left the room with Victor, with my mother finally out of her coma like state following like a lost puppy behind. That left Nathan and me in the room together, alone.
"Well, shall we being going Miss Rosemarie?" I forced a smile and took his hand as we walked out of the room. For some odd reason, I wanted Dimitri to come out from around the corner and get me away from Nathan; however the halls were silent as the grave.
Nathan decided to fill the void. "So, I heard you stayed at the institution in New York, any memorable missions there?" he asked, seeming curious.
I wasn't fooled though, I knew his type. I could tell my story, simply for him to top it. "Nothing worth mentioning," I said, trying to defuse any other attempt at conversation he might try to strike.
"I'm sure a pretty face like yours got into trouble here and again," he said, throwing his arm around my shoulders when I slipped my hand out of his. "Crazy break-ins, hot arsons and maybe steamy hook-ups…"
Steamy hook-ups?
I only had sex once, and it was with Dimitri. I wouldn't classify it as a 'hook-up,' I would call it more like love making. Even if I wasn't sure if what I felt, or feel, for Dimitri is love. I refused to believe that my child was conceived in anything less than beautiful.
"Like I said, nothing worth mentioning," I said coldly. I hoped he'd catch the drift; however my icy attitude seemed to fly around him. "You know, I can really walk myself to my room." I slipped out of his arm and start a speed walk back to my quarters but it took little time for Nathan to slip in beside me.
"You know Rose, we'll have to be together for some time. Better to get used to my company now." Now his voice took on an icy tone, his carefree attitude nothing but a memory. I abruptly turn around and gave him my best Mazur glare. However, being from a very powerful family himself it did nothing for him.
"Are you implying that there might be some relationship between us, strictly forged by our families?"
He gave me a charming yet chilling smile. "Your father, more like. My family is not so desperate to hook me up to a Mazur whore."
"Fuck you," I spat. I had no words beside those two to say to this asshole. My father was dreaming if he expected something to become of me and him. With any of these shits, really. I walked away from Nathan, leaving him in the hall.
Once I got to my room, I slammed the door behind me. I kick off my shoes, feeling my feet slightly swell in them. I leaned my head back against the door and closed my eyes. I wanted out and I was only here for a few hours.
At least Dimitri was out with Sydney.
"Roza?" a voice asked from the darkness.
I opened my eyes and my heart sped up in an impossible rate. I dart my eyes from corner to corner, even if my eyes can't see in the dark.
"Viktoria?" I asked in disbelief.
She gave me a Cheshire worthy smile.
"What are you doing in my room?" I asked. I manage to keep my voice down, scared of attracting attention outside. Her eyes drifted to something past my shoulder. I turn around and met the chest of the person I wanted to see the least.
"Dimitri?" I said, looking up. His warm brown eyes looked down at me, those same brown eyes. Yet I couldn't consider him the same person. "Wha-what are you doing here?" I stammered, taking several steps back, trying to put much needed distance between us.
"Saving Sydney," he answered. He didn't look nearly as nervous as I felt. His stance was the definition of cool and collected. "Like you asked." I couldn't say anything else, fearful that I may stutter out anything embarrassing.
With that, I looked around my room. Nothing had changed except the bed obviously had been slept in and there were some large blood stains. I pointed towards the bed. "Is Sydney injured?" I asked. Looking at Viktoria and Dimitri, I could see that nothing was wrong with those two – except for a case of extreme attractiveness.
"She was shot," Viktoria said so casually. "Someone caught sight of her leaving and took it upon themselves to fire the bullet."
"Don't worry about it," Dimitri said, his voice still able to cause chills to run down my back. "We took care of him." Didn't need to be filled in on what 'took care' meant. "However," Dimitri continued. "The bullet drew attention and for those reasons we had to hide out in your room."
"How did you know where my room was?" I asked, finally getting my nerves under control enough to talk to the man.
This time he seemed a bit edgy, which was rare for Dimitri. Never seen him so unsettled. Before he could reply, Viktoria smugly beat him to it. "He wanted to see you," she chirped happily.
"No, that wasn't the case," defended Dimitri. "I simply overheard several men talking of Mazur's daughter coming to his headquarters."
"Yeah, we didn't totally eavesdrop for the sole reason that you were mentioned or anything…" said Viktoria sarcastically.
I turned back to Dimitri. I couldn't keep the smile off my face, didn't know whether it was because Dimitri was caught or the fact that he cared. But then I remembered why I still wasn't on friendly terms with Dimitri and the smile was quickly wiped away.
"I was worried because I didn't expect you to be coming to the heart of hell in your condition," he said with arms crossed. His tone held much accuse and it reminded me of how someone would be scolding a child. I narrowed my eyes.
"I'm fine," I stated. He didn't look convinced with the two words.
"You've been here for one day and no offense but you look like hell," he said. "This stress that you'll accumulate here can't be good for the baby."
"Baby?" exclaimed Viktoria, a wide smile spreading across her lips. "You're pregnant?"
"Who's pregnant?" asked a new voice, peeking its head out of the door. My eyes widened as I took in the sight of Adrian's green eyes and brown hair.
"You brought Adrian?" I asked, but the question seemed to drift in the air as Viktoria got more and more excited about having a niece or nephew. She started rattling off names and hit Dimitri and a few times for not telling her.
"Can't believe you got her knocked-up," commented Adrian, still in the bathroom. "Is that why you and Tasha are on the rocks?"
On the rocks? Did that mean he was still with her?
I wasn't not sure if that was a good or bad thing.
"Why'd you bring Adrian?" I asked, then turned to Adrian. "No offense."
Dimitri shrugged and ran his fingers through his hair. That luscious hair was the same way I remembered it. I could even recall running those brown locks through my fingers as we made love that one night. I wondered if our child would inherit my dark locks, or his lighter hair. I could even imagine a little boy looking just like Dimitri.
"Adrian hates the Royals more than me. Plus they have his sister. If Mazur dies, it might be easier to extract her from their grasp." I didn't want to be the one who popped Adrian's dream bubble. Mia was there on her own free will and had no intentions of leaving. He'd have to take her kicking and screaming, Abe or no Abe.
"Fine." I said waving it off. I'd rather have Dimitri having help than getting hurt during the process. "Where is Sydney?"
"Bathroom," Dimitri answered. "Adrian's trying to heal her up enough to escape."
"Please tell me you didn't leave a blood trail," I said. It would be an amateur mistake, one worthy of a smack upside the head. I just hoped Sydney wasn't too badly injured, and with Adrian caring for her…
"Of course not," Viktoria said, looking slightly offended at the accusation. "We wrapped something around her. Plus the wound isn't that bad, just a flesh wound."
"I wouldn't call a bullet hole through her leg a 'flesh wound,'" Dimitri said, and after seeing my dismayed expression quickly assured me. "She'll be fine once she gets proper medical care." Adrian's not proper medical care. Hell, a first aid kit by itself is better than Adrian.
"I would," Viktoria said. "It'll help calm my nerves."
"Fine, whatever. Just get Adrian to bandage her up and you all have to leave. If my father finds you in here…" I couldn't even imagine. Paranoia is second nature to Abe, he'll accuse me of aiding his enemies – which I am. The punishment for traitors is a terrible and grisly death.
"Come with us," said Dimitri, catching me off guard. I regarded him with suspicion. One part of me, a small part, wanted to nod my head vigorously and jump into his arms so he could carry me into the sunset. The larger, more rational, part knew I had to stand my ground. Plus, it wasn't as if I could totally trust Dimitri either. He did lie to me for the better part of our 'relationship' and knocked me up in the process. I couldn't trust anyone, anyone except Lissa.
But since she was god knows where, it's just me.
"No," I said, my voice was strangely icy and cold. Dimitri's expression melted into one of sorrow and confusion but only for the slightest of moments before shifting back into the stoic F.B.I agent. I wanted to elaborate, but it was left best unsaid. I turned away and faced the bathroom where I could make out Sydney and Adrian's voices and a few painful moans.
"This is all I can do, Sage," Adrian said. I peeked inside the bathroom to see Adrian leaning over the tub. Sydney laid in the tub, her head resting against the porcelain back. In person she looked ten times worse, and I didn't think everything had to do with the bullet wound. Her skin was a sickly pale, almost gray. Her eyes were closed and her blond hair hung limp around her shoulders. It was obvious she's lost weight, her already stick figure form seemed to go to two dimensional. All that was not counting the bloody wound that was in her leg. Adrian wrapped a white cloth around it, however it's hard to distinguish the white all I can see is a dark red.
"I need a new cloth," Adrian said, running his fingers through his hair. It was the first time I'd ever seen Adrian stressed out. I didn't know him that well but I got the vibe that he was more of a relaxed kind of guy. Here he was perspiring, and his green eyes darting over Sydney's limp body. Viktoria must have heard his request and in seconds came to the door with a piece of clothing – one of my shirts. I didn't argue; it was pointless and Sydney's life was more important than clothing. Anyway, it was out of season.
"You have to get her out of here," I told Adrian. "They know you didn't leave the grounds. They'll start searching the rooms."
Adrian nodded grimly. Sydney moaned painfully as Viktoria wrapped another layer over her wound. Viktoria quickly apologized but didn't stop till it was securely wrapped around.
"We'll have to carry her. Once we get to the boat, they'll lose our trail anyways," Dimitri said, coming to stand next to me in the bathroom's threshold. Only a few inches closer and we could be touching. How would it feel to touch him again? I could only think of one word – painful.
Adrian opened his mouth to say something, however all was silenced when a banging came from the other side of my door. Those of us who were still conscious nervously stood huddled in the bathroom. Dimitri was the first to come out and into action. He gripped a gun that was previously concealed in his jacket. He nodded to me, a silent understanding going between us. I walked out of the bathroom and to the door.
"Rosemarie Mazur, open up!" I recognized the voice belonging to Nathan. Now he wanted to be all formal and proper?
I sighed. "No way in hell, Nathan," I yelled back. No way was I letting that creep into my room and the reasons had nothing to do with me hiding Royal enemies.
"We're doing a room check, this is mandatory." Shit, just like I suspected. I curse a few times before turning to Dimitri, silently asking for help. He seemed to be scheming for ideas.
There are hundreds of rooms in this estate. Why did he check mine? Mine wasn't even near where Sydney was being held captive. I could only conclude he was checking my room to piss me off. Mission successful.
"I have to let him in," I whispered to Dimitri. "You have to shoot him, point blank. If he's dead, he can't tell my father."
Dimitri gives me an indescribable look. "Just shoot him? Are you so casual about his death?" I was taken back by his words. Not to mention highly offended.
"Like you should be talking, Dimitri. You're part of the Guardians. The last time I checked they weren't so anti-kill."
"And that was why I left them."
"Sure? It wasn't because you were following some tramp?" The words slipped out before I could process what I just said. The words themselves weren't bad; I mean I could call Tasha worse. But the fact was, it made me seem…dare I say it – jealous. I was not jealous of Tasha. "All I mean is that you can't have morals when it comes to this business," I said, trying to deter Dimitri from my last comment. While my words were simply a distraction, it was true. If Lissa has the guts to kill Whore one and Whore two, then I can kill this Jackass. "If you're not going to do it, give me the gun."
"Like I'll give a Mazur a weapon," he practically spat the words, causing chills to go up my body and not in the good way. He considered me one of them. I guess I was one of them.
How could I possibly think we could have a future together? Baby or no baby, we were just too different. When we were 'dating' we were both pretending to be someone we weren't and now the veil was torn and the image clear.
"Rose, I'm coming in." Nathan seemed to joyful about it and before I could really react, the door shook several times as Nathan's body crashed against it before loosening and falling to the floor.
The noise echoes throughout my room, hopefully alerting Sydney and Adrian – not that they could do much. In only a matter of seconds, my body was torn from where I was standing and crushed against a hard body – Dimitri's body. I couldn't enjoy it – I mean be repulsed by it because the cool metal of a gun to my temple shocked me.
"One more move and she's dead," Dimitri said and drove the point home by cocking the gun.
Nathan halted which gave Viktoria the perfect opening. I didn't even see the girl sneak up behind him; she reminded me of a spider. It took only seconds for her to use the bottom of her gun and smacked Nathan in the back of the head. Something must have tipped Nathan off, whether it be my eyes unconsciously moving with Viktoria or something reflecting her image. It was a little too late but Nathan moved the slightest, Viktoria missed her mark but not by much. Her hit still gave a sickening crack.
I could only guess that she meant to knock him out but it only caused him to fall down on the floor, writhing in pain. He dropped his weapon and Dimitri immediately released me and I kick the gun up into my hand.
"Leave," I said, my voice low enough that Nathan couldn't hear with his screaming. Viktoria took no time fleeing the room. She almost tripped over the pooling blood by Nathan's head. Adrian took that moment to carry out a bloody Sydney from the bathroom. She didn't look any better, worse actually.
"Is he dead?" he asked, looking at Nathan. Nathan's screams turned to whimpers as he searched around for his gun, which I still held in my hand. I cocked it and pointed it at his head. He didn't bother looking up so he didn't see me. All I had to do was pull the trigger. I aimed but before I could pull the trigger the gun was ripped from my hands, courtesy of Dimitri.
"There is a thing called mercy," Was all he said before following closely behind Viktoria.
Adrian slowly followed, going as fast as he could with Sydney in his arms. True to Adrian's nature, he flashed me a wink before leaving. Sydney tried to say something, but it came out incoherent, mindless mumbling.
Once everyone was out of my room, an alarm went off. They weren't being sneaky now, they just wanted to get the hell out of here. While I hated Dimitri, I wouldn't mind joining them and just saying 'Fuck it.' I sighed and squatted down to where Nathan lay. I managed to do it in a ladylike fashion which was hard considering I was wearing a dress.
I wished Nathan was unconscious (or dead) but sadly his eyes were wide open, staring at me.
"I'll get you a doctor, okay?" I said. My voice wasn't gentle or caring. He may be bleeding to death but it wasn't going to become some bonding moment for us.
As I stood, he spoke. "You were with them, weren't you?"
The words caused me to stop and stare down at him. Didn't he know he was at my mercy, or lack of it? I could just stand here and let the bastard bleed to death, which was not a bad idea when I think of it. "They held me hostage, asshole," I said, not trying to hide the venom in my voice.
"Will your father believe that?" His voice was raspy, full of pain.
Would he believe it? I was supposed to be someone Abe could trust. Even the smallest seed of doubt could dethrone me. Abe knew blood only goes so far when it comes to trust, an idea that I inherited.
I couldn't let Nathan be that seed. Abe was already showing favor for him, I couldn't let him live to tell this tale. I was pretty sure a few kicks to his already injured head would knock him out. I could find something heavy enough to finish the job. I could easily shuffle the blame on the others, no one would be the wiser.
Just as I was about to put my plan into action, a few guards stormed into the room. Likely sent by my father to check up on me – so caring. I cast one last look towards Nathan.
Next time.
A/N – Uhm, sorry? I know, I know a few months for an update is so not cool. I hope you'll didn't forget about me. Bright side I'm picking up the slack, already four pages into the next page. Hope to get it sent to my Beta tomorrow meaning it'll be up Wednesday and now that I said it, it must be done! Thanks for the reviews for the last chapter everyone, see you next time!