Alright I'm not going to be home for the next three days so I'm sorry to say I will not be updating until I get back.
Saphira exploded.
"What the hell, Eragon!?"
He turned and gripped her shoulders, needing her to get control of her emotions and understand the severity of the situation.
"We need to get out of here. Immediately. Go get ready and grab your gear. Get anything you deem necessary and wait down here. Now move."
Her face clearing, she nodded and sprinted toward the steps. Eragon followed with Arya close behind them. He burst into their room and made his way to the hidden gun. Without word he tucked it into the back of his jeans. Arya went to the closet, changing from her shorts and t-shirt into black skinny jeans and a loose white shirt with her own black Chucks. She did the same as him, sliding the weapon into her jeans before heading for the closet that held all of their major gear.
After taking one last glance around the bedroom he met her there. She had opened the false wall and begun loading a plain black backpack. He mirrored her actions, shoving a flashlight, coil of rope, lockpicks, a ski mask, four boxes of ammo, a silencer, two knives, a green cargo jacket, and smoke grenade inside. Anything he might possibly have use for. Lastly he jammed a container of medical supplies and three grand in cash in and zipped it up. Arya had already started on Saphira's bag and so he threw his over his shoulder and jogged to the steps. When he arrived downstairs Saphira was already there, waiting impatiently beside Firnen. She looked up as he arrived.
"What's going on?"
He looked towards the stairs.
"Wait for Arya."
She crossed her arms but did as he said. Finally Arya appeared and he went into his explanation of everything he saw and remembered as he left Devon's house, ending with,
"I think the men are going to try and grab Firnen as he heads home. We need to get him to the safehouse immediately. I will distract them, pretending to be Firnen, and you two get him out."
Saphira nodded grimly and took the bag that Arya held out to her. He picked up Firnen and carried him to Arya's Audi. A pensive look crossed his face.
"We need to put him in the trunk."
Saphira's eyes widened.
"No way in hell. He'll wake up and have a panic attack."
Arya pulled something from her pocket and walked forward. He realized quickly that it was a needle. She slid it under the boy's skin and injected the medicine.
"There. He'll be out for at least twelve hours. Put him in the trunk."
He nodded but turned to his Corvette, knowing the Audi front-trunk would be much too small. Still, it was a tight fit as he laid Firnen down on the black carpet. Arya shoved her bag in on one side while Saphira put hers on the other, successfully trapping the kid so he wouldn't slide about and hit the sides. Eragon closed the lid, glad that Firnen's hair was relatively his color. There's was a high chance that he would pull this off. He went back into the house and grabbed Firnen's jacket, pulling it on and digging out the boy's keys. The garage door was opening as he walked out and Saphira and Arya were already inside the car.
He nodded brusquely to them and strutted out to Firnen's ride, getting a stroke of luck that Saphira's Range Rover blocked the enemy's view once he was beside it. Sliding in, he pushed the key into the ignition and backed out, taking note of the Chrysler slowly beginning to do the same. It wasn't until he was on the highway and he'd led them safely away from Arya and Saphira that he let out a relieved breath. He still had these goons to deal with but it wouldn't be much of an issue.
Suddenly blue lights were flashing behind him and he glanced at his speedometer. He was going the limit. . . Still not knowing why he was being pulled over, he brought the car to a halt and rolled down the window some. Eragon covered his gun with the backpack on the passenger seat. He really didn't have much of a choice in whether to comply. After a minute or so the cop strolled up to his car, a stern look on his face.
"I need you to get out of the car, sir."
Eragon frowned.
"What for, officer?"
"Do as you're told, boy."
In his mirror he saw the black car slide into the grass beside the cop car and realized then that this had been their plan. Firnen wouldn't just stop for a random car, but he'd pull over for a cruiser. It eliminated the need to them to extract the boy from his house where the neighbors could see them. Eragon sighed, knowing he'd have to make a scene in the next few moments. The cop told him to exit his vehicle again, his voice raised. Eragon held up his hands.
"Alright, alright."
Making sure the dash cam couldn't see his face, Eragon slid out of the seat and stood.
"Up against the car."
He turned and did so but before cuffs could be dropped on his wrists, he drove his elbow back into the dirty cop's gut. Still keeping mind on the camera, Eragon whirled and drove his knee into the man's face, sending him to the ground. Quickly leaning inside the car, Eragon yanked the pack over and unzipped it, taking out the mask and sliding it over his face. He grabbed his gun just as doors to the Chrysler slammed shut. Shouting rang out and Eragon hoped with everything he had that what he was about to do would not be witnessed by any children.
He rolled to the front of his car and creeped around the side until he saw the approaching figures. They were all carrying tazers and had the builds of linebackers. There was no time to fight them all and if he let them get close, he was down.
Staying low, he raised his gun and fired four shots without space in between, bringing them down. Tires squealed as people panicked in their cars at the noise and he opened the passenger door, yanking out his bag and crouch-running to the Chrysler. It would do no good to drive in a car that had been caught on police cam. Eragon shot into the cop car, eliminating the camera so that when he drove past he wouldn't be caught on footage. He stood and leapt into the enemy car, speeding into traffic and making people swerve out of the way.
Dialing Arya's number he tried to calm his nerves. She answered on the fourth ring.
"Are you ok?"
The concern in her voice would've warmed him if he wasn't too busy trying to decide what to do next.
"Fine. I just caused quite a scene though. I'm on my way to Richard's work. Once Devon realizes that he's lost Firnen, he's going to try and gain leverage to get him back."
Arya agreed.
"I know. Saphira and I are far enough out and I'm going to pull over and let her take over. I'll get Mary."
He frowned, turning off onto his exit.
"I don't know if that's a good idea."
Saphira's voice broke through.
"If we let his parents die he'll never forgive us. And saving them is the right thing to do either way, Eragon. It's happening."
He slammed the wheel in frustration.
"Do you even know how to drive stick, Saphira."
The blonde responded with attitude.
"Of course, dumb ass. And I know how to watch for a tail. I'll be fine."
He growled but accepted their plan.
"Fine. But how are you going to get back, Arya? You don't have a car."
As she responded he could hear the crunch of gravel from the car being pulled off the road.
"There's a hotel we passed just seconds ago. Plenty of choices."
He nodded to himself and turned right onto the street was just adjacent to Richard's buildings.
"Good. Heading in now. Good luck and stay safe." Before he could stop himself he added. "Please stay safe, Arya."
Her response was a second late and her voice was terse.
"Will do."
She hung up and he tossed his phone onto the seat.
-A-R-Y-A-
She ended the call, worry carved into every line of her body. She was desperately worried for him as well and Saphira knew it. She gripped Arya's wrist reassuringly.
"He'll be fine, Arya."
She bobbed her head in agreement, pushing out of the Corvette and waiting until Saphira had climbed into the driver's seat before closing the door. The window rolled down and Saphira grinned tightly.
"Good luck. See you in a few."
Arya went to the trunk and pulled her backpack out of the car. She slammed the hood and tapped the side of the car twice, motioning for Saphira to go. Tires spun and Arya turned her back on the cloudy spray of dust. She headed toward the hotel parking lot, gun tucked safely in her jeans again. As she ran, she tugged her cargo jacket from her bag and pushed her arms through as quickly as she could while holding a bag. Reaching the lot she scoured the cars, trying to find one that wouldn't have a fuel shut-off circuit that she needed to disengage. Spotting an older Ford, she beelined for it, looking around for any witnesses. She crouched out of sight and went to work, getting the door unlocked in seconds.
Once inside, she was about to begin the hot-wiring process when she spotted the keys under the gas pedal. A small snort escaped as she snatched them off the floor and threw the car into reverse.
It took her almost twenty-five minutes to arrive at the firm and she hoped desperately that she wasn't too late. Jamming the car into park she hopped out and took a small amount of time to change the location of her gun to the left side front of her body, the butt of it towards her right hand. She hesitated and then opened the passenger door and grabbed the silencer out of the bag. No need to cause a panic if she didn't have to. She twisted it on and pulled off her jacket, wrapping the cloth around the weapon and holding it with one hand like it weighed nothing.
She made her way inside, swiping her badge that she'd grabbed as they left the house and walking to the elevator.
She bounced impatiently on her toes as it inched towards Mary's floor. Her heart stopped cold as the doors slid open. Standing in front of her was Mary, three men at her back. Her eyes widened at Arya but she didn't react beyond that, obviously having been threatened. Arya moved back, making room. One of the men frowned.
"Are you not getting out?"
Arya shook her head, hoping that hadn't been paying attention to the direction the elevator had been coming from. She moved forward slightly and subtly pushing the lobby button.
"I'm from the floor above. Heading down to the lobby."
She noted the man directly behind Mary slide something into his jacket, most likely a gun, as they walked as one into the lift. Mary was watching her with confusion. She knew Arya didn't work today. And if she had come in to get ahead on something, she wouldn't be working a floor up. Feeling somewhat upset at what she was going to do in front of the woman she clenched her jaw. The doors closed and Arya dropped the jacket to free the gun, whipping it up and firing at the two furthest from her and closest to Mary. The agent beside her smacked the weapon from her hands as Mary yelped.
A hand slammed across Arya's jaw and she stumbled into the wall, bringing her arms up to block the next strike. She ducked a third and drove her fist into the remaining man's face. He grunted in pain but shook it off, lunging at her. She side-stepped, driving her elbow into his side. While he was still turned away from her she grabbed his head and jammed it into the wall, leaving a sizable dent. Blood seeped down his face as he whirled on her, swinging wildly. The strike was going to miss her yes, but it was aimed directly at Mary.
Arya swore, sliding herself in the blow's way just in time. The impact threw her to the side and she felt a burly arm snake around her neck. Before he could tighten his grip, however, she used his body as a set point and ran up the wall, shoving out from under his arm and landing behind him. Arya kicked into the back of his knee, bringing him to the ground. She took the chance to snatch her weapon off the floor, aiming it at his chest and pulling the trigger. Mary yelped again and Arya glanced over.
"We need to get out of here. I have a safe place for you and your family set up." Mary was shrinking away from her and Arya gripped her collar, yanking her forward. "I know you must feel terrified right now. I know I must look like a monster to you. And I know that there's no reason for you to trust me. But I need you to do as I say. Only then will we get to your son and husband."
Mary was breathing heavily and trembling but she nodded her consent. Arya looked around.
"Alright, this is what we'll do."
Seconds later the door opened and people screamed as they saw the bodies and blood inside. Arya ran out crying with Mary, fear in her voice as she spoke.
"They just killed them!"
Two security guards ran up to her.
"Ma'am what happened? What's going on?"
Arya's hands were shaking convincingly, the jacket with her weapon inside it shaking with them.
"Two guys were waiting on the fo- no, fifth floor and they just killed them and ran. My friend was in shock and I didn't want to leave her!"
The man motioned for a perimeter to be set up and spoke quickly into mic, obviously telling other guards to check for the shooters. Arya and Mary were ushered away and as soon as they were in the crowd, she gripped the woman's arm in a vice lock and slipped around the corner, dragging her towards the stairs. She wiped her false tears on the jacket and as soon as they were out of sight, began to sprint down the steps. They made their way into the garage and she froze as they ran into Asher. The man glared at her but said nothing as he passed by. She looked at Mary.
"Do you have your keys on you?"
The woman nodded, fishing them out of her pocket and giving them to Arya. She would've preferred taking the car she'd stolen but there was a possibility that it would have a bolo out on it by now. They reached the Porsche and Arya sat Mary in the passenger side before sprinting around and getting behind the wheel.
It took another ten minutes before they were on the highway and that's when Mary turned a steely glare at her.
"Who are you?"
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
He ran inside the building, ignoring the front receptionist and making his way straight to the stairs. Reaching the fourth floor he pushed into the hall, relieved to see the desks empty. He ran and burst into Richard's office, surprising the man into dropping the file he was holding.
"Chase . . .what the . ."
"Richard I need you to come with me right now."
The man looked at him with confusion.
"I'm at work, Chase. What could be so important?"
He wanted to just knock the guy out but there would be no way for him to get out with the body.
"Your life, Mr. Henders. Let's go."
Richard was about to follow him when a voice speared into the tense room.
"He's lying to you."
Eragon's heart dropped. He'd been hoping that Devon was being used in some way. Had thought that maybe the man himself wasn't directly involved. And he was wrong. He watched as Devon walked into the room like he owned it and closed the door behind him. Richard looked back and forth between them.
"What the hell is going on?"
Devon folded his arms nonchalantly.
"This man has been getting in with your family for the past few weeks, has he not? Needling his way in, becoming close? Am I right?"
Richard looked at Eragon, now backing away somewhat.
"Yeah, so?"
Devon glanced at Eragon.
"So he's been baiting you. Getting you to trust him so that when your guard was down he could get you. He knows what your worth to your company and to your wife."
Richard looked with disgust at him now and Eragon tried to right the situation.
"No, no, don't listen to him, Richard! We are friends!"
Devon laughed.
"That's what he wants you to think. I was sent here to get you to safety. Come on."
Eragon knew he'd lost the debate so he brought out the only thing he could. He stared Devon down.
"It doesn't matter who you think I am or who he is. I have your son. Are you willing to lose him by going with this stranger?"
Richard's face fell and Eragon had him. Seeing it, Devon sighed.
"Oh well, it was worth a try. Sorry to have to end it like this."
He pulled his gun, but Eragon was just as quick and they found themselves facing off, both weapons raised. Devon smirked.
"You're good, friend."
Eragon gave an unamused smirk.
"I know."
Devon tsked.
"Oh but cocky. Not smart."
Eragon shrugged.
"I don't really see it as a hinderance."
A short laugh escaped the man's lips.
"Chase you are a sly one. But I think we should settle this like men. Obviously I'm too valuable to injure even though you would die in the process, so why not make this a fight with fists?"
Eragon nodded.
"I'd be down for that."
"I knew you would. Always one to try new things now aren't we?"
Eragon chuckled darkly.
"So we drop the clips on three? Obviously we both already have one in the chamber so I think it's a safe bet."
Devon bobbed his head in agreement.
"I can agree to that." He looked at Richard. "Care to do the honors?" The terrified man just looked at him like he was insane. Devon shrugged. "Alright. I got it. 1. . . .2. . . .3."
Two clips hit the ground and Eragon tilted his head in surprise.
"I for sure thought you were going to try and pull a fast one."
Devon chuckled and tossed his gun to the side, leaving him wide open for a shot if Eragon so chose. But instead, he dropped his gun as well. He would keep his word. Even if this man was his enemy, he had been, for a short period, his friend as well. They both got into stance, taking in each other's styles. Devon was the first to attack with a quick jab at Eragon's chest. He blocked it and shot one back at Devon's face, which was also stopped. Eragon didn't wait, immediately sliding into another attack. He feigned a blow with his right while coming up and under Devon's guard with an uppercut to the chin.
It was knocked away and instantly countered with five successive punches from Devon at Eragon's torso. Using 360 defense Eragon pushed each blow out of the way and gripped his opponent's arm, pulling it across his body and moving into the beginning stages of a throw. Much to his surprise Devon twisted out of it and put several feet between them, a grin on his face.
"I haven't had a good fight in quite some time. This will be an enjoyment."
After that everything happened quickly. Blows and kicks were exchanged, neither really gaining any advantage over the other. Their skill was matched perfectly and they seemed to anticipate each other's moves. After almost fifteen minutes, Devon was the first to land a hit. He'd feigned twice before dropping and swinging his leg under Eragon's, making him jump over or risk being knocked down. Taking the opportunity Devon slammed his fist into Eragon's jaw. He saw stars but kept his guard up, trying to clear his eyes of their blurriness as a couple more punches slipped by his guard and glanced off his body.
Seeing victory, Devon advanced past safe distance and Eragon went into action, throwing himself forward and shoving the man with all his strength into the wall. Devon slammed heavily and stumbled, disoriented. Eragon crushed his fist into his face once with crippling force before Devon regained his balance. They faced off again, both gasping for air and both sweating profusely. At that point, everything became much less precise and planned. They both took hit after hit, not trying as much to block as they were trying to just last longer than the other. Eragon leaned exhaustedly against the doorframe as Devon rested on the desk.
"Damn, man."
Eragon gasped out a laugh, still calculating how he would win this. He had almost nothing left and this needed to end quickly. Devon pushed himself up, shaking out his arms. This was it. Gathering his remaining strength, Eragon did the same and made it look like he was too tired to raise his arms. He would definitely be taking a hit, but if Devon fell for it, he could finish it. He did. The man swung a hook that Eragon half-dodged, letting it catch him across the shoulder as he grabbed Devon's arm and spun into him. In the same second Eragon thrusted back and pulled, using his other arm to grip Devon's shirt to give him leverage. He threw him over his head and into the ground hard, knocking the wind out of him.
Not waiting to see if he could get up, Eragon brought his fist down across Devon's cheek and knocked him out cold. He turned to Richard only to have his own gun aimed at his face.
"Back off! I warning you!"
Eragon held up his hands.
"Richard I need you to trust me."
"Why should I! You brought a gun in here! You are not who you say you are! For all I know my son is safely at home doing his homework!"
Eragon wanted to ask if the man was truly willing to gamble that, but knew it would only make the situation worse. Instead he motioned to the phone.
"Call your wife. Taylor is taking her to a safehouse as we speak. She'll tell you."
The man didn't move.
"Phone lines are down, I already tried to call the police."
"What about your cell?"
Richard frowned.
"I left it plugged into the wall at home."
Eragon wanted to scream. He didn't have time for this. Devon might have men waiting for him.
"I'm going to hand you mine. It's in my jean pocket alright? I'm getting it now. . . ."
Richard's eyes widened but he didn't object as Eragon slid his iPhone out and tossed it on the desk. Keeping the gun trained on him, although straining, the man picked up the phone and dialed. After a couple rings a woman's voice could be heard.
"Hello? Richard?"
The man's face brightened as she spoke and he gasped in relief.
"Mary my gosh I thought you were hurt. Chase is here."
He tensed at something she said and Eragon hoped that Arya had been able to sort it out. Suddenly the door burst open behind him and startled, Richard pulled the trigger. Pain tore through his shoulder and the assistant who'd just burst inside screamed and ran back the way he'd come. Annoyance more than anything flared in him as he gasped.
"FUCKKKK ME! Son of a bitch! I can't believe you just shot me!"
Richard dropped the gun, horror etched in his eyes.
"I didn't mean to! Are you going to be alright?"
Eragon nodded and held his hand out for the phone. He'd only been grazed. Richard hesitated before handing it back.
"Mary give Taylor the phone."
Seconds later, she was there.
"Eragon are you hit?"
Just the sound of her made him smile and forget for a moment that his shoulder was in agony.
"It's just a flesh wound. You got out unscathed I assume?"
"Somewhat. We'll be at the safehouse in four hours. Saphira is just an two and a half out but I told her to drive around town until I call her so we arrive at the same time. You leaving now?"
Eragon looked at Richard.
"It depends on if he wants to cooperate now." Richard nodded vehemently and Eragon spoke back into the phone. "We're headed for the car, now."
"Good. See you soon."
"Bye, Arya."
He hung just as a talkie's static interrupted the silence of the room.
"Murtagh? Are you there? Murtagh?"
Eragon made note of the name coming from Devon, well, Murtagh's walkie, motioning for Richard to follow as they made there way past empty desks. The assistant was nowhere to be found and Eragon didn't bother to waste any more thought on the matter. Eragon led Richard to the Chrysler and told him to get in the driver's seat while he collapsed tiredly into the back, lying down and gasping in air. This was going to be a horrendous trip.
-A-R-Y-A-
She glanced behind her again, hoping it wouldn't be there. It was. She swore and cut across two lanes, exiting the highway and turning right. Mary shot her a confused look and Arya motioned behind them.
"We're being followed."
Alright, everyone should just take a moment to go check out this video? I've watched it a thousand times and it's hilarious. MonsterJunkie told me about it. It's called, "Batman Can't Stop Thinking About Sex." Omg it's fricken great.
Prince Xylux: Thanks :)
A Dark Noon: I think we'll be able to dual-wield guns as well. Thanks! And yes but since he's actually Murtagh, you know everything will be all good.
pie6013: Lol no lemons in my stories anymore :P Sorry
Microbat98: Good list. David Tennant would top mine though. And I don't get in any way hoe you think Clara is annoying. Her character is awesome. Did you hear that they're going to announce the next Doctor this Sunday? I'm so excited.
Taeyeon: Yay! I'm glad you gave it a chance :D
Elemental Dragon Slayer: Lol yeah but necessary I'd say.
funnelwebs: Yeah pretty much. And The Great Gatsby was actually my favorite that I read in high school. It's so good. It's not really as sad, no. Not in the same way at least. See that's the thing, Galbatorix didn't make them get a tat. Just like the army doesn't make you tattoo yourself with anything. People just do it. I'm glad you liked the chapter though!
My Generation: SWAT is on their way to save it so you better watch out. Lol :P
BlossomHunt: Hehe
Blueasice24: Yeah Paolini didn't advance certain characters and aspects as well as he could have in a lot of parts. Thank you!
Tinker: Sorry I had to moderate it haha. Yeah I apologize for that as well. That's just an expression I use for anybody. I call everyone dude lol. But no I'm not a guy. I've actually written 250 pages of an original story but I was younger so I have to start over.
eragonfan117: Thank you!
Renaissancebooklover108: Lol nooooo :P He's just getting ready for action
Thaimex17: Thank you and I'm glad it makes your day better! And you were totes right with the Murtagh thing haha. Just pretend I didn't forget about personal hygiene and assume they all took really awesome showers all the time lol.
burningbook: Lol I think that's the longest review I've ever gotten
Elrond Half-Elven Bjartskular: Well at least the graphics will look awesome on PC. Thanks!
Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Thank you haha! And yeah Tamora pierce is one of my all time favorite authors. Her books are the reason I got into fantasy. First with The Song of the Lioness Series, then the Immortals, Protector of the Small, and especially the Tricksters series. I actually haven't finished the Beka Cooper series either. But I think my absolute favorite was the Tricksters series and then second would be the Immortals. Aly and Daine were the coolest. Yeah that does suck :/
Gazamidori: :D You got it! And it was a'ight. We didn't do much but I got to spend time with the family so that was cool. Lol 'keep gettin buckets?' I'm not familiar with that phrase.
The Hero of the Dark: I'll check that one out. I'm getting into them more and more as I listen. Their stuff is funny.
Flyflyaway: It's all good! How was it? Well it was more Murtagh actually enjoyed Eragon's friendship and he's not totally evil so he wanted to say goodbye basically. Thanks :)