"Tom, I fucked up" She said, hearing him groan. She laid in bed, her iPhone cold against her cheek. Her head throbbed painfully as she forced herself to stand, the cold marble floor almost painful to her warm feet. She padded to the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. She looked awful.
"Fifteen minutes, the café" he said, putting the phone down. Sienna managed to brush her teeth and pull a cream sweater and blue jeans on, tying her hair into a messy ponytail. Janette's café was a little place they met when particularly hungover, and Sienna definitely was. She ordered a coffee and water, unable to look at the food Tom was scoffing down. The neon orange of the beans made her stomach churn. But she focused on talking, and when he had finished the meal, he put his knife and fork together. The busy chatter of the rest of the people enjoying their mornings comforted Sienna.
"Well, you fucked up" he said. Sienna raised her eyebrows at him.
"Not helpful" she said. "What do I do?"
"You're supposed to seduce Moriarty, not his chauffeur"
"He's not a chauffeur, Tom"
"Oh so you're defending him now? Jesus. Look, Sienna, we can't bullshit around. This is dangerous. If that boy falls in love with you, he'll do something stupid"
"he won't. it was just a kiss for fucks sake, he's not going to propose" Sienna said, sipping at her strong coffee.
"And if he gets jealous seeing you with Moriarty? Says something? Does something? Sienna, I mean it, you can't go down that road"
"Christ- I know, Tom, okay?" Sienna said, trying to calm her voice down. "I know, okay. I'll get this under control. Sebastian's not stupid, he won't say anything. It'll be fine"
A small part of her brain wondered who she was trying to convince. Her phone rang and she held her finger up. Unknown number. She answered.
"Hello?" Sienna said, with Tom glancing at her.
"Miss Wolfe" the Irish voice said.
"Mr Moriarty" Sienna replied. "What a pleasure to hear from you so soon"
"I don't like to dilly dally around, my dear" he said "How about breakfast, tomorrow, to discuss business?"
"That sounds perfect. 8:00 sharp?" Sienna asked.
"Certainly. I'll pick you up at 8. I look forward to seeing you, Miss Wolfe" and with a click, he was gone.
"Meeting, tomorrow at 8" Sienna told Tom, draining her coffee.
"What does he want?" Tom asked.
"I think we'll discuss territories, clients and the such. Otherwise they'll be awful mix ups"
"Sienna, remember that we're not actually forming an alliance with him. You're only doing this to get him to trust you. Don't get caught up in your own lies"
"I won't" Sienna promised him, standing up. "Let's have dinner soon, to discuss progress. How's things going at your end?"
"I've started working on his smaller contacts, buying them off or merging them into our business. I'll let you work on the higher up ones further on" Tom said. Sienna nodded, kissing his cheek and leaving into the rain.
The car pulled up outside her flat, and Sienna glanced at herself in the mirror. She'd chosen a plain white dress, cut at her knees, a soft material that hugged her curves. She'd worn a small diamond necklace and blood red lipstick, with her hair straightened, falling either side in an auburn waterfall down the her bosom. She grabbed her laptop and put it in her briefcase, folding a small black jacket over her arm and walking out. Then she saw Sebastian. She froze for a second, unable to think. She should have expected him to be here, he was Moriarty's best man, after all. But still, she walked up, tension between them. They said nothing, shared a look as he opened the car door for her.
"Thank you" she murmured quietly, stepping into the car. Moriarty sat there, greeting her with a smile as she elegantly slipped into the car.
"Good morning, Miss Wolfe" he grinned.
"Morning to yourself, Mr Moriarty. Please, call me Sienna. I think we're past formalities now" she smiled.
"Agreed. Beautiful name, Sienna. It's suits you perfectly" he purred at her, and she fluttered her eyelashes. Everything was going so smoothly. "Anyway, I've booked us for a breakfast at the Shard, at then we can go back to my flat to discuss things that are better said in private" he said, and she nodded in agreement.
Sitting in the restaurant was very uncomfortable. Sebastian wouldn't look at her and seemed bored, while Moriarty seemed oblivious, grinning away and staring at her.
They ordered breakfast, sitting there until Moriarty finally spoke.
"So, Sssienna, tell me about yourself?"
"I'm sure you know everything there is to know, Jim" Sienna said, taking a sip of her wine. Mmm, chardonnay.
"Well, Thomas brought me up, and from age I understood his way of life. He taught me everything I could. I had a high IQ, but he wanted me to advance on physical skills too. I can safely say there was not a boring moment in my childhood. We went for hikes, rock-climbing, skiing. I had to learn different languages. I was driving at 14, riding a motorbike at 15, boxing and learning martial arts. He then sent me away to a French boarding school where I learnt other more delicate things"
"France? Delicate? Ohhh, how fabulous. Please, go on" Moriarty said, leaning in eagerly.
"Nothing dirty, you sick man" Sienna winked at him "We were taught about manners, fashion, art, culture"
"Hm, well aren't you little Miss interesting? Are there thing's you can't do, Sienna?" Moriarty asked.
"Of course. Im not a robot, Mr Moriarty"
"But still, a childhood like that must've been lonely. Did you have many friends?" he asked. Even Sebastian looked uncomfortable as Sienna almost squirmed. She kept her cool, but it was like being at a therapists office. If this was his way of trying to mind fuck her, he could forget about it. She did a course in psychology and she was better than that.
"I understood from a young age that I didn't need anybody else to survive. I find independence refreshing. It doesn't hold me back from anything"
"But when does… independence" moriarty leant in further, whispering "Become isolation?"
"Well I'm sitting here with you fine young gentlemen, so I can't be doing too badly for friends, can I?" She offered him a polite smile. Moriarty laughed, and she could see he backed off.
"So, let's get down the business" Sienna said, after their plates had been taken away. She opened her laptop. "When I left, the Consortium was the only business in dealings with what we do. However, I've recently learnt that you've been doing very well for yourself, Mr Moriarty. Now I'm back, I want to bring my business to its full glory. We need to discuss how we work separately and not stepping on each other's toes"
"Quite, Sienna" Moriarty said. "in fact, I've been thinking the exact same thing. I've heard all about your reputation, the last thing I want to do is push you out of work"
"Oh, that'll never happen" Sienna said. "When I first arose, creating my business, many doubted me. Because I was a woman, because I seemed weak, unpractised. Those who survived soon changed their minds"
Silence fell among the table as the conversation turned serious, threatening. Gone were the flirtatious compliments and small talk.
"And how I… admire you" Moriarty purred, leaning in to her. "in fact, I have a proposition for you"
"oh?" Sienna asked.
"Let's make an alliance. Work together. Create a new business. Share clients, do it all together. We'd conquer the world, you and I. The King and Queen of crime" he declared loudly, holding up his glass. Thomas's words echoed in Sienna's head. Moriarty's eyes were boring into her, waiting for her answer. This was all for pretence anyway, right? Sienna wasn't so sure now. The temptation of power was irresistible.
"Agreed. Well, Mr Moriarty, it seems that we're business partners. It's done" she clinked her glass against his, and he broke out into laughter, so loudly that the other tables glanced round.
"Brilliant! I've got the perfect place in mind! Let's scope it out and see if it's worthy, shall we?" Moriarty stood abruptly, placing a wad of notes on the table. Far too much. Sienna gave a small roll of her eyes. She appreciated a man tipping well, but this was pure extravagance and showing off.
They left and got in the car, and Sienna noticed Sebastian had barely said a word.
"So, it's a bit out of distance, but it's a fabulous place, modern, all the staff- hand picked by us, of course- will have brand new equipment. Sebastian had the idea to put in a gun range so we can train young people up and such"
"interesting idea" sienna said, catching the blue eyes in the rear view mirror.
"Well, we don't want amateurs botching the job, do we?" he commented.
"Ah- actually, there's one slight condition" Sienna said, pausing. "I should have brought it up before we've agreed, but I have a certain… rule about what we do"
She saw a flicker of annoyance in Moriarty's eyes, but annoyed it. She would not let him take away her principles- no matter how small.
"What we do is considered morally wrong. We kill people- amongst the rest of our crimes. I have a code that I've stuck to since the beginning, which brings me a small comfort. Our targets, the people we kill- need to be guilty. I will not kill an innocent person. For instance, I will not kill a man simply because his wife is jealous he's sleeping with the maid."
There was a long silence. She knew Moriarty was not happy about it, it was clear. The question was, how badly did he want to collaborate with her.
"Well" he began, in a singsong tone "It limits our… ah, workload. But, if this is something you believe in, strongly, then I will abide by it completely"
"I mean it, Jim. Every kill needs to be for a reason" Sienna said firmly. She knew it goes agasint his madness, his chaotic way, but she needed to reign it in slightly. "When it's personal, one of yours, then fine. But when it comes to our business, this is the way we have to do it"
She was almost scared, to demand this. She knew Moriarty's power, his reach. She'd been out of the game for a while, and it would be tough to go head on agasint him. But then she remembered where she came from, what she'd done. She thought of her parents, brutally murdered. This is what she had to do. It still wasn't right, but this was her decision.
"Fine" he said, in a sulky, petulant voice. "It's taking away a lot of the fun, but… I suppose I could manage that"
They arrived at their destination, what looked like a derelict warehouse. Sienna smoothed down her white dress and got out of the car, walking in. There was a man, sitting outside, looking like some kind of meth addict. Moriarty held up his gun, but she shot him a look and he sighed. Sebastians mouth curved to a slight smile.
"Get out of here" she ordered to the man, who looked at her up and down, licking his lips. He appared to have one, blackened tooth.
"I like a woman giving me orders" he croaked, then grabbed his crotch "but you won't be so bossy when I've got you bent over"
Within a flash Sienna grabbed his finger, twisting it round so he was bent over. He gave yelps of pain, and Moriarty cackled like a madman in the background.
"That's funny" Sienna said, with a short laugh "You were saying?"
"Bitch" he shouted, spittle flying from his mouth. Sienna cracked his finger, breaking it. When she let go, he swung at her wildly, but she ducked quickly, her reflxes fast.
"I'll fucking stab ya!" he shouted. She grabbed a short penknife from her jacket pocket and pressed it to his throat.
"It's like you never learn" she sighed. "Now, do you want to take my advice and leave, or shall we see what happens next?"
He hobbled off.
"I don't see why you didn't just kill him" moriarty pointed out "he wouldn't rape and killed you"
"oh, everybody deserves a chance" Sienna said, walking into the building. Well, that was a surprise. It was beautiful- black and white, with long stairs leading up to a row of offices with glass windows. It was nice. Sienna gave a low whistle.
She got the grand tour; Moriarty wrapped her hand round his arm, dragging her place to place.
"And finally… the basement. Obviously we haven't got around to it yet" he pointed out.
"No, no, I see the potential" Sienna said, glancing around the giant room, with stone walls and a dusty floor. "In fact… how about we make a training arena? You know, boxing ring, gun range, gym equipment?"
She turned to see faces full of approval.
"BRILLIANT!" Moriarty shouted, his voice reverberated off the walls. Then his phone rang. After his call ended, he turned to Sienna.
"I apologise, Sienna, but I have to go. Sebastian, would you please give our lovely Sienna a ride home. I'll meet you back here later" Moriarty said, kissing Sienna's hand. He left, and Sienna and Sebastian were left alone. What was she supposed to say to him? She wrung her hands, trying to get words to come out. They stood there for several minutes.
"Mr Moran…" she began, trying to articulate her words.
"No need" he said bluntly. "The other night… Let's not. It was a catastrophic mistake. We're lucky Jim doesn't know"
"What would happen?" Sienna asked, curiously.
"Kill us both, most likely" Sebastian said casually. Sienna thought as much, but she was still confused.
"Why?" she asked. He looked at her quickly, and then reverted his eyes away.
"He's obsessed with you. In his mind, he's claimed you. Other people aren't allowed to touch his things. So he'd kill me. He'd probably forgive you, though" he said, as they pulled up to the flat.
"I am not an object" Sienna said, her face hard. "I am not one of his things"
"I know, Sienna" he said, with a sigh. Why did it give her such pleasure to hear her name from his mouth? "Look, it's not my place to warn you… But earlier, when you were stating your demands…"
Sienna's eyebrow rose. "What?" she asked her tone flat.
"I'd just be careful about how far you push it with him. If he really is against an idea, then… don't push it"
"I will not lose my morale's just because Jim is fussy" she hissed at him, suddenly unreasonably furious at the man standing there casually, hand in his pocket and looking slightly sheepish.
"Sienna, I know- but I've seen him snap. Partners or not, he might turn on you"
"Do you think I'm foolish? That I'm an idiot. I know what I'm doing, Sebastian, and you second- guessing me is an insult. I know Moriarty is unpredictable, but I can handle him. And don't you dare presume to tell me what to do" she said, walking out of the room. When outside, she suddenly realised that he was her ride home. God, she fell like an idiot. She wasn't an overly emotional person, where the hell did that come from? She'd never felt so… Well, she didn't know what she felt, but there was something in Sebastian that made her feel things. That in itself was dangerous enough. She lit her cigarette with fumbling fingers, smoking angrily. He came outside, standing next to her. Without another word, they both got into the car. When they pulled up outside the flat, Sienna sat there.
"Seb… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled like that. Jesus fuck, I don't know what came over me" She turned, surprised at his close proximity. Damn these tiny sports cars.
"It's fine, Sienna. Look, I'm not trying to insult. But I've seen first-hand again and again what happens to those around Jim"
"Why not you?" she asked. He thought about it.
"I don't know" he replied honestly. He rubbed his neck, and sighed "Honestly? Honour? I have no idea. All I know is that I'm the only person he's kept around without killing. I just… I don't want that to happen to you"
The air suddenly got thick with tension.
"Why?" Sienna asked, knowing that she shouldn't have. She couldn't help it. "Why do you care what happens to me?"
"Don't make me answer that" he said seriously. They looked at each other, and Siena's stomach was flipping like crazy. She could feel her hands having a slight tremble and didn't know what to do with them. She tried to draw in breath, but his eyes on her lips made her unable to fucking do anything.
His eyes flickered with some kind of internal struggle, then a final determination as he grabbed her face, dipping his head into a kiss. She melted into his, desperately trying to pull him closer- Damn the handbrake! Suddenly he was gone and her hands were empty and her lips felt cold. He looked furious.
"I'm sorry-" she began, but he punched the steering wheel, hard.
"FUCK" he shouted, voice full of anger. "God- sorry, Sie- sorry. It's me- just, just get out"
Sienna didn't wait for him to say anything else. She got out the car, getting into her apartment and slamming the door.
"Fuck" she said, looking at her trembling hands. She went to grab a glass of wine but she couldn't even pour it. She threw the glass on the floor, it shattering into pieces. She sat on the floor, trying to catch her breath. Why was this happening? She'd never, ever, not been in control of herself. Suddenly her… emotions, her own body, was just a big mystery to the enigma of Sebastian Moran. This was not the plan. Not at all.