A few things. I know nothing about PayDay. I briefly looked up a timeline summary and Bain and the core four. This idea spawned, it won't go away. I have no desire to play PayDay, so details being amiss, feel free to point out but do not expect things to match up perfectly, time passing/time frame of things taking place might feel a little screwy. Rant is done.
The blue eyes of the caucasian ten year old boy stared on as the bullet shot to murder dug into his father. The police officer having so bravely tried to quell crime going after the man walking away from the scene fell down limply. He wanted to scream. But he didn't. Wanted to cry right then and there, but didn't staying hidden, sirens blaring. The man getting away. But not in the boy's mind. Where the criminal's face stayed, embedded forever imprinted. For years to egg on the thirsty revenge growing year after year in that boy, step after step taken to hone any and every ability needed to kill the man in the future. The footsteps weren't registered as the boy stumbled out of hiding shaking towards his father but before he could reach him, a blanket to comfort was thrown around him, other officers dear friends of his father pulling him away from the scene as mobsters from different groups came rushing in while more cops beat them back the howling of an ambulance rushing closer. The child rode in the back of the car quietly, only one thing forming in his mind. That face had to die.
He wanted to run into a hug. But his legs didn't move recognizing that face. His father's face.
"Hey, you can't just…" Her voice broke off having run after the sixteen year old teenager having taken off out of the blue feeling drawn away by instinct. "I'm sorry, I tried." Her eyes shifted to the adult, a police officer in the bank building. The teen's black ruffled hair was still damp from the sudden sprint as it rained outside, his mouth trying to move but nothing came out never going for that hug. His blood felt cold, like he was seeing a ghost. Of course, he had always entertained a grand fantasy in the back of his mind. But that didn't prepare to see what had to be a walking corpse because back then the world told him he had died.
"You did your best. He always snuck into work even when little, remember?" The police officer eyes shifted to the kid taking a step closer seeing the painful confusion. "I'm sorry, I fa-"
"What the fuck!? How could you say nothing for years!?" Anger flashed in the hurt eyes.
"You're angry of course… you probably want nothing to do with me anymore… I won't try to explain it now, it'll be too mu-" He didn't get to finish as arms flew around him and the teen began to sob, his father hugging him tightly back. Softly he began to talk. "There is so much I want to tell you but you have to stay away for now. You probably don't remember but years ago I chased a very bad man-"
"I remember, I remember his face perfectly." As much as it was impressive, that detail also send worry growing in his father. He had only ever seen his son being a loving person even from the shadows when he could keeping his distance but sometimes the most loving, are the most terrifying when they snap. He was glad his son hadn't gone for revenge despite remembering the man's face and seeing his father alive, the older man hoped he never would. However today, anything could happen. For it wasn't coincidence for the police officer to be at this bank. He knew who was planning to come.
"I'll see you later, after work. Now go with Lisa." They pulled apart but before Lisa could even get one step in, the alarms sounded with the building turning to chaos rapidly with exits dwindling. His father rushed to action, Lisa unable to stop his son hightailing after him causing her to run along too as all available security got called to action. 'So I was right!'
'What the hell just happened!? It was supposed to be a stealthy entrance… Felt like a damn trap… Plan B then.' "Alright, gentlemen, we'll have to switch to plan b!" Bain announced to the four.
'Damn, he's fast!'Trying to call him back did no good, his father's plea to go get to an exit with Lisa falling on deaf ears. The trio slowed, as the father led a stealthy approach hearing footsteps unsure if friend or foe making their way to the vault.
Dallas didn't recognize the man at all, to him just another cop he would murder oblivious to whom he faced. Finding himself surprised as a bullet found its way in his shoulder, his opponent calling the angle ahead of his shot. And what followed would stir him up even more called out for the families he ruins ever questioning the pain the survivors feel asking what he would do if somebody shot his brother. But before Dallas could say anything, shoulder dripping with blood, Wolf barged in brutally assaulting the cop but not without suffering a knife slash from the hidden blade. Lisa, staying hidden could barely hold onto the boy, limbs threatening to move watching the barbaric display of Wolf furiously gouging with his bare hand into the bullet wound in the gut he inflicted after being slashed with the other two coming to the scene as well. Hoxton spat on the man trying to scream despite finding Wolf had a problem and Chains mocked him. Despite being beaten to a bloody pulp, the gun whipped out almost catching Hoxton in the head with Wolf too close to his face for it to work trying to take at least one with him but Dallas caught the movement his own bullet digging into the officer's skull first. Their eyes shifted to a perceived commotion, Lisa's heart jumping in her chest. Steadying herself, the woman shoved the teen back, hiding him under two corpses adding a jacket to completely cover him whispering for him to stay quiet for her. Lisa jumped out of hiding pushing them back for a moment as they hollered insults except Dallas but the retaliation riddled her body in wounds falling limply to the floor as blood pooled around her.
"Ah, it's so much better when they're quiet!" Hoxton exclaimed."Bunch of wankers! What are you looking at Chains?"
"Thought I saw a twitch…" He crept closer, a fallen man's hand twitching and the bang resonated in the building from the head shot.
"It's going to get heated in there, get the money and get out guys!" Bain called.
"Tch"Chains turned away after narrowing his eyes again, only to jump around as a bang caught all four off guard, the bullet grazing his leg, bullets rained on the corpses. Tension lay thick, as no one moved, Wolf muttering a "Damn cops!" More adversaries drew them away before they could investigate, the teen biting his lip in hiding with his heart pounding, his warm blood sliding down his chest from the bullet having grazed him. It was the one in a million situation, damn lucky that the bullet hadn't pierced his neck instead having grazed in extremely shallow by the shoulder, the edge of his shirt torn but enough to leave a scar he would carry. His shaking hand let go of the borrowed pistol as he laid between the corpses, hiding. He didn't know how much time had passed but eventually it all quieted down to start up again with rescue, ambulance and more cops flooding the scene with the clown mask wearing criminals having escaped but not without wounds of their own that day.
It annoyed Bain to no end having no answer for the crew wondering what had happened. Bain wasn't used to having no answer. Not used to being in the dark. And he was completely in the dark. His eyes watched the live footage for anything, anything at all. It was risky to do this, they had the money all activity should cease but he had to know. To expect no scrapes was idealistic to say the least but something had felt off how it all went down. Bain had seen the recognition in the officer's eyes. Must've been from Dallas' past and had managed to have Bain miss him. The scene looked as usual after a bank robbery, various personnel running around, hostages sobbing in relief. His eyes stayed on that room, narrowing as he spotted someone rise from the corpses, a young male from what he could see, hood obscuring his face. Medical and first aid responders rushed to him, a blanket thrown over him as the survivor managed unwittingly to attract even more personnel to a ridiculous odd degree managing to make Bain feel nervous. Who was that? As if the hood wasn't enough, the blanket hid him more as he got escorted out but a different path from the former hostages. Bodies were bagged and cleared out, Bain having failed to notice, one first responder tucking in a note hidden on the father's clothing before going to the teen. Confident in his ability, the crew handler got another metaphorical slap in his face as he lost track of the group leaving the building as rain poured down like a flood completely wiping away the chance of catching a glimpse of the face.
Different Bank, 2 years later
His eyes strayed to the sky, pouring rain drenching the city. Just like that day. But instead of gloom on his face, spread a smile as he slipped into the fortified bank as if it meant nothing. He knew today they're coming. He had waited so long. Trained so very hard.
The crew smiled, it had been a while. With how the First World Bank went down it had been odd, odd enough for the gang to have to lay low with Bain worried about something having done smaller robberies like stores. It seemed though that Bain worries were quelled, the gang in front of a different bank right now.
Wolf, confidence bolstered at the hit on the cop, laughed. The laugh abruptly stopped as the acid fizzed chewing his clothes splashed onto his side barely missing his face. Wolf had barely moved his head and raised his arm suffering part of the splash instead, as his clothes tattered and skin suffered chemical burns, the cop having ambushed him sporting a big grin, the container instead of just thrown to the side booted kicked against Wolf severely bruising his elbow almost breaking it causing the man to holler a scream in fury and pain shouting profanities well heard by the other crew members turning their heads. The criminal had to dive for cover to avoid the bullet his body in agony as Dallas shouted for him to do so catching the very young looking cop in the shoulder. Blue eyes stared back, cold and thirsting for blood tanking the shoulder bullet with only a twitch shooting another bullet right after the one meant for Wolf at Dallas managing to catch the clown wearing man in the arm with a grin and flipping the middle finger before darting into hiding.
"Bain, who the fuck is that!?" Wolf shouted. Bain didn't want to say it but he didn't know. What he did notice is that this one seemed to act in self-interest, there was no attempt to shield the vault, no attempt to play formation with other security and no attempt to help other security either. All eyes strayed to Dallas who had to make the call. Their odd attacker had slipped out of sight, Wolf couldn't move right now or rather barely. Dallas himself had a nasty bullet in his arm and for once Bain seemed at a loss too. It looked bad for them, really bad but the vault beckoned close by.
"Hoxton, cover Wolf keep em' off us. Chains, we're going to the vault."
"Hurry up, something is fucked up here!" Bain said trying to spot the odd one while keeping eyes on the crew, Hoxton reaching for a pager as a voice checked in.
"Chains? Where's Dallas?" Hoxton's eyes narrowed noticing the body shape didn't fit. Wolf's hand closed around his gun, but the pager suddenly crackled on with a 'peekaboo' before blasting an awfully shrill sound causing his aim to be off as he twitched. Just before fake Chains had arrived, the alarms were going full throttle, Dallas and Chains rushed at the vault pushed back and having suffered a tear gas grenade out of nowhere almost getting them shot as they retreated. To their surprise, their attackers jumped back too in confusion though that didn't save the criminals' having to retreat without a penny in their hand. Bain on his end, cussed in frustration as hacking and generally keeping an eye on things went haywire, a sudden contact called 'Leto' causing trouble on showing up out of the blue and specifically with their heist. 'Chains' dashed at him and the knife rushed into the man's gut, gun knocked out of the hand with a well placed kick first. The protective vest the clown mask wearing man had stopped the knife but less than it should, the youth still smug but Wolf managed to wipe off the smile for a second as the two struggled, Hoxton overwhelmed by the street fighting prowess seemingly having every martial there is thrown in. It scared Wolf for a moment to see Hoxton overwhelmed, steadily bloodied and the youth brushing off punches received with his eyes flooded with intensity. Wolf's bullet managed to hit his back, Hoxton using his chance managing to shove his attacker to the other gang member. The bullet didn't pierce but managed to damage the vest badly, further damaged in the front by Hoxton able to break away and land a shot in the chest. The knife got abandoned to be thrown to Wolf piercing his hand sending the man yowling and dropping the gun, hand stomped on and gun kicked away, the youth stumbling over his body managing to trip out of another shot from Hoxton grazing the tips of his hair. Despite in agonizing pain, Wolf went for a grab to pin the odd cop but suffered a fast kick into his face in return, kicked again in the gut as a shot drove Hoxton back hiding behind a desk with Leto jumping over the gang member. Instead of coming around the desk or over it, Leto opted to slam his body into it scrambling Hoxton behind it caught off guard causing his leg to come into view for a moment. That's all his enemy needed, immediately dropping down for a shot embedding a bullet in the man's leg. Hoxton, grinding his teeth whipped out hearing footsteps turn figuring the youth went for Wolf again but to his chagrin it was a fake out only pretending to go to Wolf on the floor in pain. The gun fired, Leto suffered a graze on the arm having managed to grab onto Hoxton's arm due to being so close screwing with the aim, another hidden knife flashing into view going for Hoxton's throat. The man let go of the gun, now lying by Leto as the two slightly circled each. A punch missed deflected with a martial art move and got followed by a kick to the leg which Hoxton smugly brushed off. For a moment, then his leg dragged going limp and his assailant grinned, the knife rushing into his gut with all his might managing to get past the vest more this time still stopping a lethal blow but leaving Hoxton bleeding and in pain, his one leg useless now from the kick. Wolf at this point was calling for the other two. Hoxton suffered a fist to the face only his reaction saving him from a punch to the throat leaving the youth with a bruised hand who didn't seem to care at all. Bain finally managed to get it under control but even though rather quickly, the heist had already fallen apart seeing Hoxton kicked in the ribs. Dallas and Chains both managed to land a bullet, one in the leg and one in the young male's back saving Wolf and Hoxton from the deadly assault, Chains having to stop a throwing knife with his arm and Dallas suffered a bullet in the same shoulder years ago as the youth still managed to shoot them dropping down in pain. With a grunt and intangible yell, eyes filled with anger, grin wavering but still cropping up. The dressed up cop managed to yank out a smoke grenade hobbling away as fast as he could. With the place smoked up, sirens blaring and more force than they could handle swarming the place, Bain yelled for them to get out profusely apologizing as Dallas directed the retreat, Wolf and Hoxton helped to limp out the group barely avoiding the cuffs. In the underworld, things stirred at the news. The PayDay gang had their reputation tarnished after such a flashy entrance at the first world bank. They had failed, wounded.
Dripping blood Leto limped along, a contend smile resting on his lips pulling his bruised body into the room dropping himself on the bed with a sigh. His bruised hand brushed over his lips finding no blood meaning he had gotten darn lucky with the shot in the back and the 18 year old erupted into laughter.
"What the fuck happened there!? We got fucking wrecked! That damn cop! I'll rip off limb after limb!" Wolf bellowed, his burns treated as he cussed nonstop about the young cop. Dallas shoulder shot twice sported a bandage, Hoxton in rough shape but having received stitches in time sporting bandages himself with Chains wearing one on the stabbed arm, the entire safe house atmosphere a grim one with everyone except Wolf howling being silent. To their relief, Hoxton's leg would work again and completely heal finding out a nerve had been kicked but not without going through intense bruising lucky to regain function. They had never failed before. After having faced police, security and FBI it should only be logical that a horde could only make them leave without money. How could this bank go so wrong after robbing the first world bank?
"Bain, know who that was yet?" Dallas asked.
"Nothing, I'm sorry. This will not happen again, guys! But it seemed personal Dallas, I think that punk knew you. Must be someone from your past. All four of you, with how much force he used on Wolf and Hoxton. He was out for blood."
"Great, lotsa fellas probably don't like me from my past." Dallas groaned though a memory flickering by, Hoxton catching the look and asking what came to mind.
It wasn't usual that Dallas took the bus but this time he did. It was normal, nothing stuck out. Later in the day he'd forget about it again but that moment did feel weird back then. It's not like the man had an awful looking face or horrid scar but the black haired, kinda pale kid sitting cross legged looking up from his book stared him right in the eye. With those blue eyes. It wasn't the shade. The intensity making them look icy but without hostility or it was masked away. He stared for a while before returning to his book, Dallas quick to look away swiftly and try to keep a side eye on him catching his continued staring. Nothing ever bore of the encounter, at least none of Dallas knowing.
"You didn't find that suspicious!?" Wolf exclaimed.
"Of course it was weird, but it was just a kid staring!"
"That fucking kid gave me fucking chemical burns! And kicked the shit out of me! *Swedish swearing *"
"That fucker carved my mask Dallas, to every last detail to trick us." Chains snarled. "Bain's gotta find something or you need to remember more. We're the fucking PAYDAY crew and just got punked by that little fuck!"
"Ow! Fuck!" Leto pulled himself up with a cuss, the bed stained in blood as was the floor and the little bit of yard leading up to the door. The first aid was pretty well done, wounds dressed quite professionally but Leto didn't want to take chances. Deciding to deal with it later, the youth left the house eyes straying to the red decorated pavement. "Oh yeah…" 'Well, it's not much I pressed the wounds, deal with the house later.' Leto quickly grabbed the hose grabbing a bleach jug from the house before locking it. The bleach got generously poured, the jug tossed in a bush as the water washed the away the escaped blood, the property well planted to afford privacy. The bike taken from the garage quickly got discarded, put back as his leg complained switching to the car. He gazed at it for a moment. That car held lots of memories.
Bain wanted to curse profusely. 'Leto' on turned out to have been a one time run program, the man still working on trying to find out how it got there in the first place. It didn't help that it seemed to have scrubbed itself after serving as distraction clearly the work of someone experienced. And he still had nothing on their attacker. Despite having brazingly shown his face, no digging brought Bain anything, not even records of a driving license. More and more, Bain felt like he wanted to look over his shoulder as if to constantly look for a threat. He didn't like where this was going at all. His hand reached for a phone wondering if he would even get the help. It was a big ask as Bain didn't have anything concrete. All he could think of was revenge as motivation. It was so simple yet they had never thought of such a thing but now he considered it; What if a cop's child sought revenge? Revenge was a beckoning thing for many people. And all four had cop corpses under their belt.
"Leto!" The woman yipped whipping around startled. "You can't climb through a window!"
"Come on Vanessa, the front door is boring!" The youth slipped in with a muttered 'ow', her eyes narrowing.
"And what was that about?" The older woman, age fitting to be his mother, scolded him on him like a hawk.
"What?"
"What trouble are you in now? In which martial art did you get cocky now? Don't tell you got into another street fight!"
"I'm fine, I just need a little favor!"
"What's that favor now? Turn around."
"Thanks, knew you would understand."
"Didn't say I'll give you your favor punk."
"Come on, you did under the books stuff for my dad."
"You dad had earned my respect." Vanessa growled poking the bandage going around his back causing another hidden 'ow'. "You damn punk. Spit it out, what did you do?"
"Ow, lay off! I'm a hero, actually… but anyway, can I get an x-ray. Or whatever can check for shot organs and I need a bullet out of my back. Please."
"You-calm, Vanessa, calm."
"I thi-"
"Shut it, Leto." The woman sighed, motioning for him to follow. 'You owe me… stupid kid…'
"Leto, I told you. You can't keep sneaking after me to work." The man sighed the six year old looking back at him, the police station eyeing the busted kid sticking his head out from under a desk.
"I miss mom…"
"You have your aunt at home with you. I'll be back after work."
"You work longer now!" His face scrunched up in a pout before softening. "I miss you too… Daddy, please let me stay." The station 'awwed' all eyes on the sighing man with his hands on his hips with Leto gazing up at him. His hand ruffled the boy's hair.
"Only for today!"
"Yay!" Leto smiled bright as sunshine running to his father's desk pretending to do police work reciting 'you have to right to remind silent'
"He looks tiring." Lisa, a co-worker, chuckled.
"He is… but he's a good kid."
"I know. I'll help keep an eye on him." The woman smiled. It never stayed at 'only for today'. This wasn't the first time.
"You would be dead without your damn good wound treating, even without an organ hit. You got damn lucky, you hear!? Now, I don't want to see you back here again!" Vanessa huffed, Leto putting his shirt back on with the bandage back on and exchanged for fresh ones.
"Got you…" Bain grinned, hours upon hours of watching and grinding coming to fruition as he caught a blip in medical records. No face or name to match to but exactly sporting the wounds as their heist wrecker to the correct time frame to boot. "Dallas, I got a place for you to check out."
"Finally!"Wolf snarled.
"You all stay here fellas. I'll scout a bit first. Don't worry, I'll make sure our little buddy gets to meet everyone, proper this time."
Leto added ice on his hand with a grunt, leaning back on the couch.
"Each single one? That's a big task Bain even though not every cop has a son. But I'll do it. Just remember, I did this for you. It will take a while."
The phone ringed in the safe house, Hoxton and Wolf signifying with groans that neither would pick it up leaving Chains to do it. "What's up Bain?"
"Put it on speaker."
"Alright, you're on speaker. Hoxton and Wolf can hear you."
"I'll fill in Dallas separately and this isn't a 100%. But I remembered seeing some young guy escorted out of the first world bank having been hiding under two or three corpses where you mauled that cop Wolf. Couldn't see the face, got fussed over too fast and I had to pull out quick with it getting heated. But we might be looking at revenge here. Civilian revenge, possibly a child, friend, relative or co-worker off duty from any cop that was there."
"Fucking civilian! Motherfucker! Fuck!" Hoxton let loose. "A fucking civilian does that!? What the fuck, did he spend all those years fighting and planning!?"
"How likely do you think it's the one that got fussed over more?"
"Likely but we're talking possibly a civilian here. I want to be sure before we go after anyone. I'll call as soon as I know more. I got an eye on the safe house, he won't be able to come anywhere near without being spotted." Bain hung up, Hoxton motioning for the phone.
"Give me that."
"Who you're calling?" Chains curiously raised an eyebrow.
"A few more hands on deck to punch the shit out of that wanker. Fuck, my body! Aldstone?"
Leto looked back at the car sitting in the garage with a smile, closing the door. 'I got them dad. Got them good. I'll finish them soon.' "What a drag…" He sighed, his eyes now falling on the mess he had made when coming in, shot up. Leto jolted awake at the ringing of his phone, the house smelling heavily of cleaner, hand going to the ruffled mop pushing away the dream of haunting clown masks for now. "Hello?"
"Franklin Steele just left, going somewhere he was on his phone. Uh, so how long am I shadowing this guy again? I want pay, remember!"
"As long as I say, don't worry you'll get paid."
"Hey, how dangerous is this guy anyway on like a scale of one to ten, like one he's a con guy and ten I'll wake up mutila-"
"You'll get paid, don't worry you'll be fine just don't stick your neck out." Leto hung up cutting off the worried helper. His phone buzzed again, the name causing a frown. "What do you want?"
"To meet, I want to talk about the next match."
"I'm busy."
"Make time punk, you wouldn't have money without me."
"I got in an accident, I'm banged up." Silence followed only for a chuckle to resonate.
"Get your ass to the restaurant. Within this week, stat."
"Annoying ass... I would have money, he just makes it easier."
Dallas glanced around the clinic, not small but not big either meeting somewhere in the middle. While not equipped like a full blown hospital, it was staffed better than a shabby small clinic barely keeping afloat. Bain's words repeated in his head, with it only plausible to be worried. This place wasn't the closest to the bank. The guy had dragged himself here skipping closer options with a bullet in his back and leg. However, the strength he must have also made it certainty more shaky again. Would he really do such a thing? Nurses and other personnel scurried about seeing nothing out of the ordinary. "Can I help you?" The receptionist asked with a smile.
"Maybe." Dallas smiled back in a friendly manner. "I had a call that my nephew got into trouble involved in a shootout. Anyone come in with bullet wounds or officers today?"
"I can't give you any specific information on patients without ID-"
"Of all the days to forget me wallet with as much worry… damn… he's always been trouble…"
"I can tell you that no one came in with bullet wounds today."
"Thank you, that's already lots of help." Vanessa glanced over her shoulder passing by at Dallas going unnoticed, worry growing in her for Leto. Sure, he was trouble all the way but the woman also knew that he was still just a kid. A grieving, angry kid that still had lots of kindness and love in his heart able to do well in life if he would just stop looking for trouble.
Bain looked through the files from his inside FBI contact, pausing on the file of the cop the Wolf mauled. Up until now he had searched high and low finding cops with kids but no one befitting Leto. A display like that would probably haunt a child witnessing it for years. His fingers razed over the keyboard to dig, after a while a smile starting to play only to turn into a frown suddenly blocked from accessing the lead. Bain tried again only to be veered off again. He wasn't sure if he was being countered, if he was the whole was thing perfectly smooth.
"Shit! Shit! It's fucking happening! Pick up the phone Cody! Fuck! Fuuuck!"
"What do you want?"
"Get your ass over here!"
"Can't, going somewhere. Gotta run."
"No! That guy is looking you up! He's got a lead somehow! Get your butt here, I want pay and out!"
"You'll get pay, don't jump out!"
"He's good, I can't keep this up forever!"
"Fine, I'm coming!"
"I'm so fucked! Why did I agree!?"
"Oh you're still in here?" The FBI agent poked her head in, the man despite his shift having ended half an hour ago still in the office. Specifically to ponder the payday gang having made their big flashy entrance at the first world bank, only to be seemingly low profile before having their most recent bank heist go south. Very south. It was still the buzz despite them having escaped it was celebration for the cops to have them go running licking severe wounds rendering them unable for now to pull off anything big. His thoughts though lingered on what was agreed to be a mysterious third party person. No one had really managed to really catch wind of Leto only one surviving eye witness recalling there was a cop he had never seen at the bank but didn't manage to talk to him. The only other instance was the tear gas agreed not to be thrown by anyone surprising heisters and law enforcement alike. He liked to think having someone against the payday gang capable of such feat would be good to have but Murray was a skeptical man. He didn't trust that it would be all that good. Not as freelancer anyway. "You still thinking about the mystery, huh? You know maybe it was a one time thing."
"Maybe, maybe not. As much as it is important to catch the gang, we must find out who that was was. We have no clue if he is willing to cause harm to bystanders or cause collateral damage."
"True but that guy would be one heck of an FBI agent, don't you think? I mean shit, fucked up those clowns. That's a feat, all by himself."
"I'm here." Leto announced himself coming through the fire escape from the apartment building. "Geez, how much do you have running?"
"Too much, all for you! I'm so tired. Aw fuck, he's going at it again!" Leto watched, a chair pulled up to the talented young man but he could see it was exhausting to fend off Bain plus the inherent danger.
"Here, let him find it."
"B-but, he'll find the address to your dad's house and know he had a son."
"It's fine, you're exhausted. Bain is going to last longer than you. You're in his virtual backyard, right?"
"Sort of but hey, wait! You know, I don't know what you're going through but if this is so dangerous whoever you picked a fight with will probably try to kill you man!"
"Let them try." Leto smiled. "Thanks for buying time, helping me out."
"Take the money back! You're going to need it, I don't know where you get this but it must be hard to get!"
"Keep it!"
"No-"
"Bye" With that, he was already out the window again.
"I hope you make it Cody… known him for two years…" The young guy sighed shutting it down and grabbing himself a sandwich from the fridge. Bain smiled finding the trickle. It wasn't much but the officer having matched the face of the one that had the misfortune of encountering all four thieves at once did have a son. He couldn't find the name of the son but already had the last name now through the father and a residence.
"If he is in there, Matt is ready with a car close so you can nab him." Bain said.
"Hey, Leto Nathan Steele is almost at your door right now."
"Shit… Thanks, Jerry." Leto slid the phone in his pocket spotting Dallas from the window, quickly rushing or hobbling rather really fast to grab his pre packed bags. He had hoped it wouldn't come to that but was prepared anyway. The youth quickly slipped out the back door.
Dallas flipped the two options over in his head; sneak in and try to surprise creating a real awkward situation if the kid didn't live there or knock on the door and pretend to see his reaction. Only thing gnawed on him. Did the youth remember his face or the mask? He wasn't quite sure about that. With Hoxton and Wolf laid up, he wanted to to avoid gaining more heat where they could. He did know one thing; their enemy was tough. His hand closed around the door handle to find it open, quietly closing it behind him. The whiff of cleaner he had picked up on intensified, the place a little messy but otherwise clean definitely lived in. A few dirty dishes laid in the sink and Dallas eyes stopped on a cardboard box with a cassette tape sticking out, gloved hand sliding it into the player under the TV.
'Shit, I forgot the tapes!' Leto quickly turned around only to hide in the bushes by the living room window spotting Dallas watching the tapes sitting on the couch. 'Fuck, he's still here…'
"Leto, don't run so fast!"
"But I have to be faster than the bad guys to catch them!" The seven year old giggle, his after sighing but sporting a smile as he hurried to catch up to his son on the hike.
"What is he doing with those cuffs?" Lisa joined his gaze watching the boy put one circle around a table leg.
"Practicing apprehending criminals." The woman chuckled.
"I have stop letting him sneak into work… before he starts hitching rides in the cars too…"
"You know he'll be one heck of a cop. He's got the talent and instinct. Little scrawny but fast and you said he wants to learn martial arts too huh?"
"Yes, he's been bugging me nonstop. Are you filming this Lisa?"
"What he's cute! It's adorable, you'll thank me for the memories when he's all grown up."
"Dad, uh I haven't practiced enough yet to open them. They're stuck on the table leg…"
"I'll get them buddy…"
"Hey what are you doing in here?" The man poked his head around the corner to see his son rummaging through a closet pulling out a rabbit plush.
"Just looking at things… Mom loves rabbits."
"You miss her huh?"
"Yeah…" Tears started welling up the camera crouched down.
"Me too buddy, come here." The camera went dark and got shut off as he pulled his son in a tight hug.
"Come in, unit 5."
"We got a call!" Leto popped his head out from the backseat startling Lisa and his father turning their cams to him.
"Leto, I told you to stay at the station." He swiftly pulled over hitting the brakes parking the car. "Here, for a ticket. Get on the bus and go home. I'm serious! This is dangerous!"
"I just want to help…"
"You-" He sighed in frustration. "I know. But you have to be older first. Help me by watching over our house, alright?"
"Fine…"
"Purse Snatcher!" A woman suddenly screamed and before he could grab his son, Leto had dashed at the purse snatched and managed to bowl into the man throwing all his weight of 8 years old at him ending in them both stumbling and falling. His father took out the cuffs and approached starting the 'the right to remain silent' with Lisa behind him but the snatcher suddenly pulled out a knife pressing it to Leto's throat grabbing the boy.
"Fuck off cop or he gets it!"
"Drop the knife!" Lisa commanded going ignored. Leto's eyes shifted to the arm holding him and suddenly squirmed tugging to pull out causing a nick on his cheek biting the man with all his might. The snatcher howled up with pain dropping Leto swearing profusely but whipped around catching Leto with a kick in the ribs along with an insult. Lisa shot his hand causing him to drop the knife, quickly cuffed by the boy's father while Lisa checked on him, his dad right behind her after cuffing and putting the purse snatcher in the car. "He doesn't look good, it's probably cracked if not broken…"
"Watching Robin Hood again? You like that movie, huh?" His father lovingly ruffled the boy's hair smiling up at him sitting in front of the TV with a few more movies next to him in a messy pile.
"I think he's playing detective again… maybe I can sneak up..." The father quietly chuckled but got found out Leto whipping around to him. "What are you up to-"
"No!"
"Huh?"
"No, don't use my name! I'm on a case! Oh, we should always use code names on every tape!"
"Each single one?" His father raised eyebrow, Leto nodding excitedly. "Alright, what's your code name detective?"
"Hmm… I know! Leto! It'll be Leto!"
"Hmm, interesting code name Detective Leto! What are you findings?" Leto beamed with a smile, pulling his dad along and pointing to his imaginary case.
Dallas watched silently finding another of Leto's sneaking into work shenanigans and simply a loving father capturing memories of his son at a young age, the boy full of joy, kindness and energy when not grieving for his mother showing up in a few tapes all from the point the code name was insisted upon before bumping into a vastly different one.
The boy in the video sniffled, his face tear streaked, shaky hand holding a picture. Slowly, it came up. "I know you can't see this dad, o-or maybe you do. I-I will never forget! Never! I'll forever remember that criminal! I-I drew a picture dad, I don't really need it but… I-I know being prepared is better. Look, I did my best." Dallas didn't like it; that was accurate. A perfect sketch of his face, clearly talented hands. "I'm going to train a-and fight. I'll get him. I'll fucking get you out there, I swear!" Yelled with passion and anger, the boy broke down crying, the mutter barely audible. But Dallas caught it. "I'll watch the house for now, like you said dad. I'll watch over home. And get stronger. So strong, I'll catch that man. Lisa wants me to come live with her, but I'm staying here. I stay. Watching the house…" Face covered in tears and snot, still crying the boys' hand shut off the camera. Dallas eyes shifted to another tape, dated years later than the others and the man popped it in to watch one more.
"This is stupid... it's not you, it's a camera… but..." The voice was bitter, sad, angry and heartbroken all at ones able to even have a hardened criminal like Dallas feel something. "How fucking could you!?" The outburst was explosive. "I just got you back! I tried tracking you, I was fucking confused. I showed that picture but everyone at the station brushed me off! They knew, didn't they!? You playing dead!? I thought you fucking died, why dad!? I just saw them murder you! I see your corpse, over and fucking over! I want you back dad! How could you leave me!? I-I had you back for one day!" It was screamed, raw emotion, cries taking over the teen. "N-Not even one fucking day…" Choking down cries, eyes flashed with darkness, lips in an angry snarl. "I'll end those fuckers dad… I'll get them all… They will suffer! For making you suffer! And me! I'll get them all, EVERY FUCKING SINGLE ONE! Those fucking clown fuckers! They're as good as dead." Another tidal wave of anger washed over, Leto smashing something backing away, a female voice coming running tiredly trying to fuss over a bloody wound his outburst caused pointing out the bleeding. "I don't care!" Emotion riddled, Leto coldly brushed her off snatching the camera walking away and turning it off.
"Bain? I just found some tapes. That kid has been holding to revenge since he's been ten. That's serious vengeance."
"Fucking damn it… this is bad...He's outside that window, don't look. Other house has one of those door cameras." Dallas shifted his eyes but didn't move his head, standing up and bagging those two tapes. It was tempting to take the whole box with still plenty of unseen tapes but too impractical. He'd rather take the kid however Dallas would be lying if he said he didn't feel slightly for the youth but that didn't stop the man from caring about money more. Bain was even more distraught, the situation ugly to say the least as that kind of vengeance didn't go away over night. And the picture and the vows having stuck meant they had no clue how much the youth knew or didn't. One thing was for sure. He knew Dallas. Far too well. And still determined to be out for blood. He pondered why Leto hadn't pounced yet despite being outside the window.
Leto's eyes shifted to the next door camera cussing under his breath. 'Sorry man… I'll replace it.' His hand snatched a rock, the bushes neatly rimmed in and threw with deadly accuracy smashing the lens. It took Bain's breath away. Leto knew he was watched, some people were gifted in sensing such things. Or he knew about Bain. Maybe even both. "Dallas, I lost eyes on him. He sensed or knew he was watched."
'Well, he shouldn't care about the tapes, I can get them later. What if he does though...They found me really quick, oh well.' His finger pushed the number as he had watched Dallas, a grin spreading hearing the wheels pull around the corner. Dallas flipped over his options, he had a couple; return to the safe house, confront Leto, try to corner baiting him first or ignore the youth. Dallas flashed a tape lifting it up and pocketing it right in his view. 'What the hell!? Wait, which one was it? Does he know my birth name? I don't know if it would matter but still… that was on purpose, so I was watched, must've been Bain… he's trying to lure me…' Dallas eyes widened for a moment, sirens suddenly going off right outside and cars coming to squealing stops. Cop cars. Only the back door wasn't approached yet and the man slipped out unable to pocket more if he wanted or go for any options. He was barely missed able to get out of sight.
"He's got cops by his house Bain."
"I didn't pick up any call, I've been listening over this area."
"Pay up, every time we show." The man demanded, handed the money. "How long you gonna have us pretend be cops? This is costly you know, and dangerous."
"I'll relocate, you won't have to worry anymore or about breaking the law. Officer."
"Don't be sarcastic punk…" Leto entered the house checking the tapes noting the two with his revenge vows are gone easily identifiable by the time gaps compared to the other tapes.
"I'm back." Leto announced himself coming through the fire escape from the apartment building, the landing shaky as his one leg with the bullet wound grew exhausted from all the running around. Vanessa would rip his head off if she knew he wasn't doing bed rest, at all. It had been a long walk in his condition the first time here, the car always a risk to take having gotten lucky the few times he did. Having no driver' license meant one less thing Bain could find to identify him. "By the way, I'm stashing these with you. 'Thanks for the ride guys.' Don't lose them. I'll want everything back when it's over."
"What, you can't just dump things on me! Are those tapes?"
"And other personal stuff, I'll pay you for watching over it."
"Are dumping a shit ton of porn on me right now?"
"No!"
"Hey, you want a drink or something? You look a little tired…"
"I'm fine, gotta run."
"But you limp…"
"That's fine." Leto smiled back out the window again, with a backpack still with him.
'He's nuts...'
"That fucking civilian punk!" Hoxton seethed.
"Still cussing huh… Dallas is on his way, he's found the punks' place lived in his father's house." Chains informed. "Had cops show up though but he's coming back with something, didn't say what."
"Please let it be that guy so I can make him suffer." Wolf growled. Their eyes moved to the phone ringing, receiving Bain. And not with a good message.
"Get out, the safe house got compromised cops and feds are going for a raid!"
Leto grinned, the phone discarded after the tip off, the fake cops paid a small fee for the ride with the storage door pulled up revealing a sturdy dirt bike. Donning gear and helmet, Leto jumped on the machine roaring into motion quickly speeding to the laundromat.
"Drive faster Matt, safe house is getting hit by a raid!" Dallas said.
The three men listened carefully for the raid to commence hidden in the basement, Chain's eyes narrowing on a screen showing one of the well hidden camera feed to spot enemies before they come into the building. Hoxton and Wolf both held a gun each ready helped downstairs, Dallas not back yet. A dirt bike pulled up outside, the helmet coming off turning his head to oncoming sirens, the heister recognizing Leto in biker clothes. With the raid pulling up at the front door, Leto still out of sight for now the youth grinned and slowly out of sight rolled away the dirt bike. The grin slowly faded though, Leto staying a pace away hidden with good sight on the building but felt uneasiness creep in; He hadn't seen anyone bolt like he had wanted them to and he felt like he had to keep dodging someone's gaze. And his gut was right as Bain had placed someone in a spotting position from afar trying to keep tabs on the inside as best as possible while also trying to keep track of Leto. It took every bit of self-control for Hoxton not to swear and Wolf to keep quiet as well as the raid commenced upstairs with Leto out of their sight, his appearance and the grin having caused almost outbursts.
It was close, they had almost come into dangerous range, the raid ongoing as Matt and Dallas arrived carefully passing by to park somewhere safe. Unfortunately for them, Leto had managed to spot them having moved again, quick on his dirt bike but his shot leg weakening for a moment. He was using it way, way too early. But with revenge fueling him he pushed off and rushed down the alley with the helmet back on quick to be on Matt's behind. Dallas' instinct started to rumble at first having ignored the dirt bike on the road as they headed to a safe parking spot too occupied thinking of the raid to notice it suspiciously hightail out of the alley after them. The bat lifted to bash into a window leaning the bike dangerously close to the car, tipping a little too far as Leto flinched his bruised hand cramping on the handle but managing to steady himself rather quickly able to pull away from an attempted shoulder checking by Matt. He quickly leaned in again, having switched the bat to the wounded hand before leaning out for a moment allowing room to swing the bat enough to shatter Dallas' window. The glass flew everywhere, all tires managing to avoid shards as they pushed down the empty narrow road. His hand closed around the small pistol to point at Dallas, Matt suddenly slowing down and Dallas opening the door managing to knock it into Leto's dirt bike sending him veering off having to abandon the shot to stop himself from crashing with Matt quick to jerk the car sideways trying to pancake him at a wall but Leto managed to pull up and go over the hood although with shaky execution. "What the fuck is with this guy!?"
"Go for ramming him again, Matt."
"It's kind of tight in here! Is he going for that gun again?"
"No, that one is a silenced bigger pistol. Duck."
"Fuck!" Matt cussed ducking with Dallas, the bullet breaking the rear and front window. A quiet hiss let them know that the tires got flattened as Matt tried to back up. Dallas whipped around returning a bullet but Leto struggling to hold the bike up standing on his leg made him stumble allowing for Dallas to miss. Suddenly yelling, struggling with his bruised swollen hand Leto scrambled behind a trash can. After a few rapid swears he managed to throw the molotov stashed in his backpack, the jerky ride almost making it a suicide device barely tossing it in time. Dallas and Matt dove out of the vehicle setting on fire consumed in a blaze quickly. Dallas' shots missed due to the smoke and ensuing chaos, sirens starting to howl close by and Leto managed to pull himself away no matter how badly he wanted to rush Dallas now, dragging himself on his dirt bike and rushing off with the last bit of his strength. Matt and Dallas stumbled down the street leaving the scene as the car roared up with a bang sending a darker plume of smoke into the air.
Bain didn't know which one he was more; pissed or impressed, it was a blend of both. They now had to get a new getaway car too, at least the raid having subsided. One single guy. His crew wounded and unable to pull off heists. But Leto was licking his own wounds too and with how much he had pushed himself, Bain was certain it would bite him very quickly now making him a sitting duck. And he swore to himself, they would be ready for the opportunity. No matter how they dealt with him, Bain was certain Leto wouldn't just quit going after them.
"Where is that jerk? Ugh, not home fucking owes me. Oh well, this one is the last one, pretty sure that fucker is eighteen now or so close I couldn't care less. Richard!" A kid around the age of twelve timidly came closer. "Fuck, stop ducking like that you make me look bad! Listen up, wait here and call me when he gets back."
"Got someone at the house, looks like he's looking for him."
"Alright, try to get a picture of the guy, license plate any of that then come over here. You know where to go, right?"
"Yeah, I'll be on my way." Franklin hung up, quickly moving into action.
Leto pulled the door on the storage unit shut inside with the bike. It sported some scrapes but not too many and still in perfect working condition. Unlike his hand, shaking as he moved it closer to look muttering a small f- bomb. His leg throbbed too and his torso complained as well, Leto sitting against the wall catching his breath.
With enough time passed past the raid, Dallas and Matt carefully entered given the clear from Bain meeting Wolf and Hoxton helped up by Chains out of the now open basement. "Fucking pigs trashing our place…" Hoxton growled, the laundromat a mess.
"Tip off was highly likely that punk." Chains mentioned. "Saw him grin in a camera when the pigs showed up forcing us to hide in the basement."
"I met our fucking endearing fan outside, tried to shoot me and maybe Matt too. Burned the getaway car to a crisp. He's been running around too much though, he's got a limp going and busted hand from punching your mask Hoxton."
"Punching his mask was an odd move… unless he went for breaking it, there are possible techniques but he must have faltered to fail. What about the gut shot?" Chains inquired.
"Well, he can't be hit in an organ if he's running around like that. Granted, we can't be chasing him much either at least not you two but I called my brother. He's trustworthy, he'll be joining us. Someone visited the kid's house looking for him, we can find him whenever we want for intel. Well, fellas want to watch a little tape instead of cleaning up?"
"Where did you get these?" Wolf asked.
"The brat's house. They are about him. There was a whole box but I could only grab these."
Leto suddenly jolted awake, breath hitching in his throat with his heart pounding pushing the image away of them laughing reliving the nightmare, sometimes it featured him on the bloody end. He's had so many versions and often enough just those clown faces tormenting him usually laughing at him. Pale and tired, his eyes shifted to his hand for a moment bandaged heavily with as much cream against bruising he could slather on there. Lying on his back on the mattress, his eyes wanted to fall shut again narrowing open in annoyance as his phone rang, the number causing a scoff. "Sawyer, just making sure you don't forget about our meeting. You seem in a bad mood lately so I'll set a day for you. The upcoming lovely Saturday at lunchtime. Be sure to be there."
"Maybe, maybe not."
"You-" The heel of the boot stomped on the phone crushing it, Leto having pushed on his hurt hand letting out a 'fuck' before plopping back on the mattress staring at the ceiling, a pop drink on a tiny table next to the mattress. A small fridge occupied the storage unit as well overall a little cramped. 'I'm running out of phones… and money… I fucked up not getting them right the first time. Still, got them crippled pretty good I just need to find a way to push myself if I keep it up now those clowns will be rotting in no time.' A yawn escaped him, the eyes slowly falling shut uneasy again hoping he wouldn't face another nightmare.
"That kid will never stop…" Chains pointed out. "He would be the military's dream if he followed orders."
"He'll stop with a bullet in his skull…" Wolf huffed, the four on couches watching the two tapes.
"Not before I get to make him suffer." Hoxton snarled. Chains suddenly had a laugh. "What's so funny!?"
"Nothing, I'm excited!" Chains hollered. "That fuck is a thrill!"
"He's fucking lost it…"
"Do you know what I love about heisting Hoxton?"
"The money?"
"Everyone loves that. Love the thrill too, that kid is dangerous. Did a kidnapping back in the military… you wouldn't believe how fun the hunt can be… You two are laid up, your shoulder is pretty wrecked Dallas. That pig's son will be feeling his wounds by now. I'll go out for a hunt." Chains grinned.
"Not alone, I'll help. It's just my shoulder I can still help out and he will too. Bain has someone to chat to. Kid might not be coming back to the house now." Dallas nodded to his brother having arrived.
The doorbell rang, the man grumbling in annoyance even more annoyed to find no one there. With another grumble he turned into the kitchen to go the fridge only to be met with two clown masked men in the kitchen, another coming to cut him off from stepping back into the hallway. One of the ones in the kitchen held a knife to a kid's throat being Dallas. "Let's talk buddy." Chains blocked the hallway, the man slowly sitting down clearly scared but angry too. Not so much about the threatened child but the gun pointed at him by Chains. Franklin, dubbed Houston on the fly, had a mask done quickly without really any personal touches.
"Wait… you are those robbers in the newspaper!" He tried not letting the realization scare him.
"Cozy home you have." Houston remarked.
"Yeah, not too shabby I would say. Not expensive either, don't take this personal but you don't look like a man who works much for anything."
"You-"
His eyes strayed to the gun pointed a little closer. "We have a question. Who's house did you go to?" Chains asked adding on the street name as the lips loosened rather slowly.
"Some punk that pays me, what's it you?"
"How about a name?" Dallas encouraged, the knife a little tighter against the skin.
"Fuck me… that fuck was trouble… what fucking ten year old offers you money to check in to appease child services? Leto, that's the name."
"Try again, his real name this time." Chains demanded, a hefty punch thrown almost knocking the man from the chair his face bruising.
"Fine! It's not like I'll probably get another payment from the bastard anyway. Cody, add last name."
"Tell us more about Cody." Houston said.
"Lives in his dad's house, when he was ten or eleven I don't remember he came up to me. Don't know how he picked me, fucking creepy actually. But offered cash every time for me to play dad without actually being involved in his life. He knew every single day child services would check in, orphan that kid. We play caring dad and son, he paid, we split. He caused trouble, didn't he? It's in his eyes. Mouthy too. Tried to school him once being rude to me, fucking went feral when I tried cornering him. Fuck, I should've done something with him. If guys like you are after him, I could've probably cashed in way more than the measly acting stunts. Get out of my house, that's all I know."
"Did he mention where he was from?" Dallas asked.
"No, didn't ask either."
"Nice chat buddy." Dallas motioned for the other two to leave, Chains keeping the gun on the man until out of sight quickly out of the house and the masks hid away.
"One thing bothers me Dallas; if he's from your past and it was that cop you thought you had killed doesn't that mean he's from Chicago? Then why is his father's house here? And if he's from Chicago with his dad, he's been shadowing you for years…"
"All probably true, his father could've switched houses after faking his death and Leto, or rather Cody, took the newer house as his new home. Tapes are probably from his dad except those two. The hand writing labeling them is different too."
"But who's paying for the house? If your guy, Bain, can't find the house under Cody's name and still his father's somebody else must be seeing to it that Cody doesn't show up playing ghost." Houston pointed out. "This is set up very thoroughly… revenge must have been all he's bothered with for years preparing that much."
"Well, his planning is about to fall apart." Chains smiled.
"You look stressed, Vanessa. Cup of coffee?" Her co-worker offered. She took it swirling in a little cream.
"Have you ever wondered if what you thought was help was actually the opposite?"
"That's grim, patient problem?"
The woman chuckled. "Not really a patient."
"Alright, give me the rundown."
"Hm, a story huh? Alright, your friend has a troublesome child, you admire your friend, you want to help. But your friend passes away, the child bawling in the now empty home. Your friend would want the troublesome kid to go back to Chicago where all his friends live that know his child able to look after him. But all you see is those tears and that child on the floor hugging a pillow, your friend used to use for his back on the couch. And you don't make the kid go back to Chicago, hoping to give time to grieve, keep that house afloat. Now you wonder how much that kid chased trouble wondering if it's all your fault for not having your friend's wish in mind."
"You know, I can't say much about kids but it strikes me anyone who looks for trouble will find trouble no matter where. At least this kid has an excellent doctor looking out. Maybe letting the house go would help, how old is the kid now?"
"Eighteen."
"Legally an adult, can't run around looking for trouble if there is rent to pay." Her coworker suggested.
"He does and still finds trouble that's the issue."
His eyes widened at the voice hearing the voice on the phone. It had been years, his voice had changed but there was still a little bit familiarity. "Leto?"
"Yeah, been a while. It's me."
"Where-"
"Don't trace it! I'll break it anyway, just in case… Hey as long as you don't change it, no one can change it right?"
"Leto, what are you talking about… you sound hurt… please…"
"No… dad's house, it stays in his name unless you change it right?"
"Well yes but eventually I'll have to change the file instead of excusing it over and over. Don't get me wrong Leto, we want you safe and okay but why, why don't you come back to Chicago? Everyone misses you here, you know. My sister, Lisa would want you out of trouble."
"Everyone does." Leto smiled to himself. "Can't go back. Well, I'll let you know when my dad's name can go from the house. I just want Vanessa to cut all ties with it first."
"Leto, you remember it was your dad's decision to keep it under his name even after passing as long as possible right?"
"I do."
"Vanessa there, his friend, if she has it now… wait, you live in it now. If she's not owning it where will you live? Are you going to buy it? Leto? Shit…" 'Oh Cody...please don't be after that man…'
'This is my home now… crappy little storage unit… I have to let Vanessa know to let go of the house… but if she sells it, they could find her if they keep an eye on it… I need a plan… it has to change names…' "Hey, I need a favor. Could you buy and flip a house? Quickly?"
"You want me to do a house flip as favor?" The man was amused. "I've never had a bodyguard ask that… but you're special… I don't do favors for free though…"
"My fee will disappear three times." 'Although I could really use the money if fancy pants would go somewhere soon…'
"Alright, your fee is high. You got skills to back it up though. I'll help you out. House you live in right?"
"Yeah, I'll be your contact for the one who's got the ownership to it."
"Ah, a friend you sound protective. Don't worry, I won't pry. I don't care kid, you make a good bodyguard wouldn't want you pissed at me. Anyway, it's convenient you called I was about to call you soon. Going to a party, want you along."
"Gentlemen, I made some tea. I came as quickly as I could. You're in terrible shape, sir. Messy place… I'll take care of things. Call for anything needed." Aldstone offered, the british butler distraught about Hoxton's shape upon arrival quick to tend to the men, make tea and busy himself tidying up more from the raid.
"Fuck, my leg… how long did the wanker say again it would be like this Wolfy?"
"A while, I don't remember. Fucking burns… Hey, what would El Hoxo do first to the brat?"
"What to do first… I want that fuck to last a while. Get him to run, break his leg and then splint it so the fucker last a bit longer." Hoxton grinned.
"Wise words… hurt, let a little heal, till he a goner… I want to gouge an eye out but leave one so he can see everything… no, burn one eye out! Fucking poetry!" Wolf exclaimed, having started calm ending in a shout." Wolf grinned himself. "
'Shit, I fell asleep again. I need to get to Vanessa.' With a grumble, Leto pulled open the garage type door dragging himself out on the dirt bike. At least sleeping did seem to help slowly though how much restful sleep he actually got was questionable going through another nightmare. They seemed worse now, maybe from having come face to face with them now. But he wouldn't let bad dreams stop him, his hand a pain to close around the handle. And he wouldn't let them falter him in a strike again. Hoxton's mask was supposed to shatter. Eyes cold and determined, Leto pushed off to wind through the streets.
Vanessa saw the dirt bike pull up to her but not all the way, the bike parked and Leto tumbled off removing the helmet. The youth walked to her falling in her arms as his leg pinched, his skin pale. Bain grinned watching the screen, the camera from the positioned spotter by the clinic just in case he would return zooming in. He could see Leto's eyes widen for a moment, he definitely had that instinct. Bolting wouldn't do anything now, he already walked to Vanessa instead hiding his mouth in her shoulder. "I put a cheque in the your pocket, fill it out for the house, I'll fill out the rest, pretend you don't know me. Quickly."
"Leto..." Her voice was a whisper but she couldn't help herself before quickly acting. "Sir? Sir? Where are you hurt? I need help out here! Try to walk with me sir…"
"Dallas, he's at the clinic. And he's weak."
"Thanks. Chains, would you like to lead the way?" Dallas smiled.
"Thank you sir. Hope that brat still has enough fight left to entertain me."
Nurses rushed to her side, Leto a bit steadier now. "I'm alright now, thanks."
"You need to take it easy. And eat right too." Vanessa pointed out. The nurses were sent to get a few meds, the two alone now in a room in the clinic.
"See you at your house Vanessa."
"Why do you want the house sold?" Her eyes narrowed. "Leto…"
"You should vacation, you look overworked. Somewhere tropical, out of country."
"Whoever shot knows where you live, isn't it so?" Vanessa growled, using Leto's wound to stop him from getting up. "You really jumped in the fire this time, didn't you? Do you think this is what your father would want?"
"He's dead… it's what I want. OW! Stop worrying, alright?"
"How? Does it ever occur to you that people still exist that give a fuck about you!?" Albeit angry she kept her voice low, finishing her sentence just as the nurse came in.
"Thanks that's all, I've got the rest. I'll finish up before I leave." Leto averted his gaze stubbornly. "Listen up punk, I'll sell that house. I won't go on vacation. You'll stay with me until you're healed up or that house isn't getting sold. And you're going to tell me every fucking detail or guess what."
"It won't get sold…"
"Correct."
"I gotta go." Vanessa thought about pushing him to ride with her but gave him an opportunity to prove he could follow through giving him the meds in a little bag and leaving with a 'See you later.'
"Vanessa, use a side door. Got a bad feeling."
"You better show at my door."
"I'll have to." The woman left, taking the suggestion heading for a more discreet exit.
"I prefer our own masks." Chains sighed glancing to the one in the bag not being a clown mask. But the crew didn't want to show them around where it didn't seem to matter but with Leto likely to cause a scene they had to hide their faces. "The bike is still here so he's here."
"We shouldn't leave it like that… usable for him…" Houston muttered eyeing the bike.
"Fair point, be quick." Dallas agreed but before Franklin could reach it, Leto stepped out of the front door, eyes meeting them coldly. The three men with masks on, rushed at him as the youth turned around to dash inside, Chains right after him, Houston told to quickly cover an exit and keeping an eye on the fire escape leaving no time for the bike while Dallas joined Chains but split off to internally to cover the third exit. Vanessa glanced at the cheque in her car hoping Leto had a plan just missing the three men. Lucky for the heisters, the clinic didn't have a panic button though that didn't stop yelps and screams as people jumped out of the way with Leto tearing through, Chains rapidly closing the distance with two good legs, the youth constantly throwing things in his way pushing a dolly in the man's way shoved aside. He didn't bother heading for an exit they would obviously be blocked nor would the fire escape work. The hallway would lead him past an exit, Leto certain he would have to expect an ambush barely staggering away from Chain's grasp almost snatching the hood of his sweater having an unused bed weakly shoved in his way easily moved by the robber with a concealed grin.
The straight dash easily allowed Chains to catch up seeing Dallas coming around the corner to cut him off, Leto
suddenly turning around on a dime to trip Chains with a sweep but the robber was quick to recover tackling him down suffering a quick thrown elbow to the face followed by a kick that almost had Leto falling again scrambling up and making a mad dash ahead, Dallas and Chains raising their guns aiming at his legs. Leto had his gun out but instead of aiming at them which they had expected continued to run almost missing his target; a fire extinguisher. With a hiss it went off obscuring the men's view for a moment in which Leto slipped into a room barely making it into the targeted destination. Hobbling over, huffing and puffing, his finger quickly pushed open the window. He only had one choice hearing the door in the room next door kicked in.
"That brat! Houston, he's jumping the window!" Chains yelled as loud as he could, watching the youth's head disappear, the man watching the landing less than graceful as the execution was wobbly but stopped a twisted ankle or broken leg. Leto could feel his leg bitch about it but didn't care hobbling as fast as he could to the dirt bike. He knew Dallas and Chains and the duo aimed their guns at his legs. Franklin rounded the building. Leto knew he was a sitting duck. It was a parking lot after all. If they didn't shoot him dead, he'd be stopped from running away for sure. He might as well write the dirt bike off now because there was no way they would leave it usable, the way Franklin just looked at nor could Leto reach it before him. They hadn't shot him yet despite chances at deadly opportunities. Maybe they wanted to find out who they're really up against first. Or figured, Leto hadn't been able to pull it off alone. Which was true, though the youth would die before he would let names slip. Having not bothered to learn them in the first place would help. Keeping a gun on the youth, Franklin made a clear move over to the dirt bike; he wouldn't take the chance from what he had heard about their adversary from Dallas. Dallas kept his gun pointed on him from the window. Chains had left the window and now came out the front door, sirens starting quietly in the background. Franklin's eyes narrowed; he didn't like it. The standing still. Sure, he had beaten him to the dirt bike, the knife ready to slash the tire but the stillness creeped him out. Instead of a panicked mad dash, Let now took a step backwards, towards the wall of the building, guns following the movement immediately, Chains steadily closing the gap between himself and their target. Franklin slashed the tires going flat with a hiss but figured whatever he was up to, Leto didn't care about it anymore. And that worried him. Chains closed the gap, Leto managing to pivot out of the way but still sustaining a punch meant to knock him out throwing everything into grappling Chains from behind and yanking back with his whole body effectively using Chains as a meat shield and the building's wall to cover his back. His arm slipped around the man's neck squeezing as hard as he could, refusing to make a sound being jabbed in the side with an elbow, the gun's barrel pressing against his leg as both their limbs flailed in the struggle leaving Franklin and Nathan unable to shoot without seriously risking Chain's life. Chains despite being choked out grinned thoroughly enjoying the struggle. The sirens neared and Chains pulled the trigger but Leto had managed moving his leg behind his in an attempted groin strike, the bullet hitting neither but dangerously ricocheting off the wall. Chains, not a stranger to physical combat used all his weight and threw Leto over his back managing to make him let go barely prying the arms off him having to drop his gun to do so. Cody tumbled forward on the pavement, the heister quick to grab his gun and attempting to pin him lunging forward as Cody scrambled back, gun pointed straight at Chain's face with narrowed hate filled eyes and an audible snarl making the man laugh in amusement. Leto pushed himself up just using his legs feeling the one bitch to keep steady aim on one of his enemies impressing Dallas and Chains. The police cruisers pulled up blaring, the officers piling out shouting to drop all guns unable to see anyone's face with Leto having his hood up since the chase started. No one put the gun down. And shots rang out rapidly. Dallas made cops cover, one cop shot Leto in the shoulder causing his shot to get skewed which would've otherwise gotten Chains in the throat, Chains shot Leto in his already recovering leg and Franklin caught a cop square in the face moving himself behind Leto to use him as a meat shield. Chains and Franklin then turned all their gunfire on the cops causing them to take cover, Leto hesitantly catching a cop in the hand to avoid being shot the officer pulling back behind the car. Dallas jumped out the window himself covered by Chains, also twisting Leto's wrist before he could fully swing his aim to the man again forcing him to drop the gun. It didn't take much though, far less what the robber had expected noting the youth's weakness with bullet wounds bleeding and his skin pale which it already was during the chase. The man grinned to himself because he knew Cody would hate this right now. The cops were just as willing to shoot at him. He needed their help especially as long as they were anywhere near him. Franklin held onto Leto's gun, shooting with his own keeping cops to cover with Dallas having stuck the landing while Chains pulled Leto's arm, purposefully using the shot shoulder to have leverage to yank, over his own shoulders to move him along. The man mused if he could actually feel the anger right now radiating off the youth being dragged along, a sniper from afar giving the four an opening to get away assaulting the cops losing them in the streets between buildings. Anger bubbled inside of him, the sirens further way now. They were right in his face now. Dallas just next to Chains dragging him along, Franklin left of the youth. Dallas had made a phone call for a pick-up. He knew once in a car it was over. He wouldn't hold out much longer anymore before passing out. Above all else if he could only pick one of the four, he would want Dallas to die for sure. He would only have one chance. His heart pounding, he tried to bury the creeping fear as the nightmares had messed with his head and even though he would never quit he did know how dangerous these men were. The fact that they hadn't shot him back there and dragged his ass around slowing them down meant they didn't plan on a swift disposal. "Wolf and Hoxton are really going to enjoy this… but I want a piece too, this guy is fun!" Chains chuckled with a holler glancing to his victim casting a venomous glare exciting him.
"Well, cool it a little first if this fella is going through beatings from all three of you he's gotta be able to last you'll have to play nurse first for our buddy here." Dallas pointed.
"I'm not your buddy!" Leto spat. Trying to to keep it down, Cody yanked away with all his might and a scream as his shoulder cried out in agony, good arm pulling out a knife and lunging at Dallas. Franklin had stepped in too quick though yanking him back on his hoodie, Dallas quickly stepped forward taking the knife away twisting the offending wrist before they passed him back to Chains slinging him over his shoulders again the shoulder yanked brutally as warning making Leto stumble and unable to suppress the scream, Franklin covering his mouth so they wouldn't draw so much attention in case someone was nearby the pick-up point only a block away now.
"Hey, no more tricks! Keep those tricks for later when Chains is in the mood again!" The robber growled referring to himself. Silence spread again, the youth less and less able to stagger along, dependent on Chains dragging him disgusted with himself. It was never supposed to go this way. He could feel his eyes flutter again. Franklin noticed.
"Hey keep moving you can snooze in the car." The younger brother scoffed. Snooze? Leto would do everything not to. But he knew he would lose this battle. There was one thing he knew about this particular street these guys didn't. It would require ridiculous luck. Even more to get to Vanessa's place in the area. Then again he was already lucky they even passed the spot giving the sliver of a chance. But other than luck he had nothing left. Only burning desire for blood. And a stubborn will to make even the most thick-headed mule proud. It came up. Four steps. Three steps. Wimpy barricade. But no workers present. They were notorious for leaving sites unattended for a quick coffee. And things wide open, construction tools strewn about. Two steps. It was indeed open, the cover neglected behind the barricades anyone could walk past. One step. He didn't bother hiding a scream. With a deep breath too late noticed by his disliked support, Leto yanked away feeling the outright damage he did managing to squirm out tackling into Franklin managing to shove him out of the way and diving for the sewer manhole. The three, taken aback scrambled after him for noses to be disgusted by the smell watching the just turned adult hit the awful water having been to too weak to fully descend the ladder himself fall partway. Neither of the three were going to go after him, the water suddenly surging with some speed causing the trio to write him off as a done for case. "There is no way he'll survive that with those wounds. If he can manage to actually crawl out, infections will kill him real fast." Franklin almost snorted. "What an idiot."
"Well, to be fair here he would've died anyway. Just differently. Wolf and Hoxton will be pissed. Should be change the story?"
"Chains angry too! He was a real fire!" Chains lamented.
The fingers fished it out of the crack, the man quickly checking the envelope to check it. Upon arrival to the destination, the recipient looked over with an intrigued amusement. 'Asking me to flip a house… What kind of guy are you Leto? I can't have a bodyguard with baggage.'
"Sir, a cop used to live at that house." The butler informed having been tasked to look into the house. "Also, the lined up buyer has arrived."
"You lost him in what!?" It was amazing how Wolf could look angry and sad at the time. Not that he would miss the youth but his grand revenge just got flushed, literally, Hoxton miffed as well.
"That wanker thinks he can survive that?"
"Or he sees it a better option than being dragged back here." Dallas shrugged, eyes straying to the news report.
"And here is more news on the intense chase that broke out at Crosswood clinic. It is to note how quickly the police were done questioning the staff. Can you elaborate more Officer Hughes?"
"No one could get a look at the pursuers or their target."
"There is no way somebody didn't see the brat's face." Chains scoffed.
"The clinic must be covering then. Someone in there is personally tied to him or they get a lot of street kids in and lie to keep them out of jail hoping they will turn around." Dallas observed. "Franklin, what's the matter?"
"Why cover for a corpse? The cops will just try investigating covertly with those responses."
Her heart almost jumped out of her chest stepping back after opening the door only to stumble forward upon recognition. She barely caught him in time he body stinking horribly, his clothes and hair drenched, skin pale, blood splattered body limply falling forward from passing out.
Vanessa sighed glancing to the boy, his skin so pale. He almost looked like a little boy covered in blankets, his sleep currently peaceful. With the promise kept, the cheque had been signed by her. Showering had been more than a challenge but she had managed, wounds dressed, bullets removed and iv hooked to his arm. It saddened her to see him this way on his birthday. She was scared to find him gone when getting back.
"There is some detective here to see you." Her co-worker greeted, grabbing a cup of coffee, a slow day at the clinic. Vanessa found the man sitting in a chair in the pointed to room.
"Morning, miss. I'm Murray."
"All the staff already answered police questions." The woman pointed out calmly.
"True though I believe the police isn't paying enough attention. You see, I don't believe no one saw the victim's face. Perhaps not in the chaotic chase but I'm certain before trying to leave through the front doors."
"Are you implying the staff here to be liars?"
"Someone must be, that's what my personal experience and instinct tell me. I'm not the bad guy here."
"Like I told the police, I didn't catch anyone's face. Now you'll have to excuse me, I have work to do."
"Keep my card." The man gave a smile with the card, knowing she wouldn't back down on her statement. It wasn't the first time Crosswood clinic had in his opinion covered for someone but there was never any proof to contradict what the staff said. He left without another word. With Murray gone a coworker let himself in.
"Is this the friend's kid that gets in trouble?" He raised an eyebrow, Vanessa sighing deeply taking a sip of coffee.
"Yes… I'm glad he got a good head for thinking except it doesn't override his nose for trouble. At least no one actually did see his face except me, that punk kept his hood up after falling into my arms."
"Yeah but I heard a cop say those masked guys dragged him away shot up… I'm so sorry…"
"Why sorry, it's not your fault he's a stubborn arse…" Vanessa dryly chuckled, keeping her own emotions down unwilling to cry in front of a coworker, even a friend. "I'll be fine, you can stop worrying." She caught his sad gaze expressing silent condolences. "Got work to do."