The Chronicles of Valen Ch. 37
*Disclaimer:* “Valen, Nathyrra, The Seer, and several of the other characters are the property of Bioware. If you’ve played the game, you’ll recognize them. The rest is the invention of my twisted little imagination, including Morrighu Badb and the goddess she serves.”
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*At the Inn*
Valen pads out of the bath, still wrapped in his sheet and carrying most of their things, when he encounters Durnan’s daughter, Tamsil.
The girl blushes furiously at seeing the nearly naked tiefling in the hallway.
Valen grins at her, “Just drop the things there. I’ll get them in a moment.”
Staring resolutely at the floor, Tamsil does as he directs and then scampers off. He bends down, scoops the things up, and then opens the door. His gaze is riveted to Morrighu, lounging naked in the center of the bed while munching an apple and reading a book.
He drops their things near the door and shuts it behind him, without taking his eyes off her. She hears the things hit the floor and rolls toward him, still munching on the apple. She levers herself up off the bed and pads over to him.
Morrighu looks up at him and grins, “I have a surprise for you.”
He looks down at her, mouth dry, and sighs, “You mean something other than the sight of you lounging naked on our bed?”
Morrighu chuckles at him and he notices that she’s got one hand behind her back. He lounges against the door, observing her admiringly, and gestures for her to show him. She grins up at him and holds her hand out. He leans toward her and catches the scent of her perfume.
His eyes nearly cross at the combined sight of her and the scent of her perfume. He gains control of himself and holds his hand out to take whatever gift she has for him. He feels her drop something small and warm into his hand. She moves her hand and he stares at what she’s given him.
His mouth works in silent surprise, much to Morrighu’s amusement. Finally, he’s able to force some words out, “How did you get that off?”
She giggles like a mischievous child, “When we were still in Cania, I asked the Knower of Names a couple of questions, and it just came off.”
He processes this quickly and his eyes narrow good-naturedly, “What did you ask her?”
Morrighu looks at him hesitantly and sighs, “I asked her if you were my One True Love.”
He considers this for a moment, “What was the other question?”
Morrighu looks at her feet and clears her throat so he reaches over with his free hand and hooks a finger under her chin, pulling her head up. He smiles at her, “It doesn’t matter what it is. I won’t be angry with you. Just tell me.”
She sighs, “So I asked her who your One True Love is.”
He thinks for a bit, “What were the answers?”
Morrighu smiles at him, “She told me that you are my One True Love and I am yours. I have something else to tell you.”
He nods, “You know my True Name, do you not?”
Morrighu looks up at him and bites her lip, “The Knower says that it can be used to free you from your infernal taint. I’m not sure quite how, I need to talk to someone and see if they know what I’m to do with it.”
He shakes his head at her, “I’m not angry, but True Names are serious business. To know someone’s True Name is to take responsibility for their life and death, their history and destiny, their wrath and their resting place. You are a great warrior and have earned the right to know my True Name. You know everyone’s, don’t you?”
She nods at him bashfully.
He grimaces, “The others might be so…accepting of the notion. Have you considered their feelings? Have you thought that knowing so many True Names might make you a target?”
She sighs, her toe tracing an unseen pattern in the rug, “Actually, I had thought to free you from your taint, Nathyrra from her guilt, and Deekin from his fear. After that, what each of you does with your True Names is your own business. Surely you know that I would never do anything to harm any of you.”
He sighs, “That still doesn’t take into account their feelings in the matter.”
Morrighu shrugs, “Deekin won’t care. Nathyrra might be upset about it, but for this I’ll risk her wrath.”
He sighs, “Why would you do such a thing?”
Morrighu looks at him, “It’s just that…all three of you mean so much to me. I only wanted to do something to repay all of you. I have to go out there soon and face all these people. They won’t see you or give you credit, but I couldn’t have done any of this without the three of you. I just wanted to give you something back. It’s the closest I could come to something that…I just wanted…I just thought that…do something good for all of you…”
He watches as her face scrunches up and she looks as if she’ll cry.
He sighs and sweeps an arm around her, pulling her to him. Keeping his grip on his sheet, he cradles her against him. He can feel her trembling, “I’m sure it will all be fine, my love. It was…kind of you to think of us. Who do you think we should see?”
She sighs, “The Wizard Sobrey would probably be the best choice. Otherwise, we can ask Thesta if she knows anything.”
He looks down at her, “I’d rather not ask Thesta anything unless I have to. Now, let’s get ready. We have a celebration to attend. We can deal with all this later. Go get dressed. I’m pretty sure that they’re already waiting on us.”
She looks up at him, “So, do I finally get to see how you manage with that tail of yours or not?”
In spite of himself, he laughs at her obsession with his tail, “No, you will not. You’ll go get dressed and behave yourself.” He lounges on the bed, still wrapped in his sheet, watching Morrighu dress. He’s struck by just how thin she’s become.
As she bends, pulling her silks on, he can see her hip bones. When she’s done, he smiles at her and she walks over to him, plopping down on the bed next to him. He looks at her sighs, finding her nearly as enticing fully armored as he did fully naked a few minutes earlier.
She smiles back at him, so he props himself up on an elbow, “Now, go next door and see if Nathyrra is ready yet.”
She mock-pouts at him but flounces off after a quick kiss. He chuckles – flouncing in full armor is no mean feat. He dresses quickly and decides to find Deekin.
He knocks on the door and Deekin opens it without really looking, already turning back to what he’d been doing, “Oh, Boss…yous…wait…yous not boss.”
Valen shakes his head at Deekin, “No, I think not. However, I would ask a favor of you.”
Deekin nods, “You Boss’ friend. Deekin do almost anything for Boss.”
Valen chews on his lip trying to decide what to do, aware of Deekin’s curious stare. Finally he steps into Deekin’s room.
Valen sits on the corner of Deekin’s bed and sizes up the kobold carefully before he speaks, “I have not had much of a chance to get to know you, yet I would ask a favor of you. She says that you are a bard and every bard I’ve ever met knows things.”
Deekin nods, curious now as to what has brought the tiefling to his room.
Valen sighs, “First the mundane. I would ask that you not publish another book until after she has left Waterdeep. Second, do you know anything about True Names?”
Deekin shrugs, “Deekin’s notes be such a mess. It take Deekin long time to sort them out and write book. True Names…hmmm…yes…Deekin knows some things about them.”
Valen looks at the kobold puzzled, “How are they used?”
Deekin shrugs again, “Well, yous could use them as a threat, but True Names always be for commanding. Why yous ask?”
Valen frowns, “Command how? What kind of commands?”
Deekin looks at the tiefling puzzled, “You’s commands…you know…like, ‘I command you to pick up that paper.’ …that kind of commands.”
Valen swallows heavily and nods, “Thank you and for a third favor, I’d have you not speak of our chat.”
Deekin shrugs, “Okey dokie, goat man.”
Valen stands and looks at the kobold, wondering what it is that she sees in any of them. By rights, none of them should be adventuring with a paladin. He lets himself out of the kobold’s room and goes to check on Morrighu. If there’s time, he means to speak to Durnan and Mhaere about his plans for keeping her in Waterdeep at least for a while.
He finds her in Nathyrra’s room, deftly helping the drow with her hair. He lounges in the doorway, watching Morrighu while a slight smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. .Finally, she senses him and turns, smiling to see what it is that he wants.
He grins at her and gestures for her to come to him. She excuses herself from her friend and moves toward him. His heart beats faster, just watching her approach. When she’s near enough, he takes her arm and all but snatches her out into the hallway and closes the door. He leans over her and breathes deeply for a moment, smelling the exotic perfume he’s come to associate with her.
She looks up at him puzzled, “What was it that you wanted?”
He opens his eyes, still smiling, and looks down at her, “Nothing much.”
She frowns at him and starts to rejoin Nathyrra, but he stops her quickly and in a single smooth motion bends to kiss her. She finds herself trapped for just a moment in a seething brew of passion and need. He quickly releases her and chuckles as she blushes.
He whispers in her ear, “Go back to your hen party. Stay here until I come for you.”
He turns on his heel and leaves her blushing and flustered to rejoin Nathyrra. He goes in search of Durnan but sees a woman tending bar.
He steps cautiously into the taproom and heads for the bar “Are you..?”
She looks up from the tankards she’s washing and finishes his sentence, “Mhaere? And, yes, I am. Durnan said that you’d come back with her. Valen, isn’t it?”
He nods, taken aback by her friendly manner in the face of Durnan’s obvious opinions of him, “May I speak with you?”
Mhaere gestures to some chairs that sit in front of a huge fire place. She dries her hands and lets herself out from behind the bar. She leads Valen to a chair and gestures for him to sit.
She sits as well and looks at him, “So what brings you down here?”
Valen looks at her hesitantly, “Durnan said that both of you are fond of her. I thought…This isn’t going to be easy for her. Public attention makes her uncomfortable. I have convinced her that she might be able to found a successful temple here, which may keep her here for a time. In order for that to work though, the clerics of Tyr must agree to it. We must also shield her from pubic attention or she will flee as quickly as she is able.”
Mhaere nods, “There must be enough for the temple to be successful, but not too much or she will run from it. I will speak to Durnan about this. The problem is that Durnan simply adores her and is a bit over eager. He and Master Drogan were great friends when they were younger. It’s one reason that he sent for her. She’s the last and probably greatest of his pupils.”
Valen gets an odd look on his face, “She said that with my fondness for paladins that I’d like you. Durnan doesn’t care much for me, though.”
Mhaere sighs, “Durnan is mistrustful of you for her sake. He fears that you have duped or deceived her in some way. I take a more pragmatic view of the two of you. She is quite skilled as a paladin. You would not be with her, as you are, if she were not comfortable with you. She obviously trusts you and I trust her instincts. Durnan will come around. Just give him time.”
Valen looks at Mhaere, “He doesn’t know her all that well. Why so…so protective?”
Mhaere sighs, “You mean Durnan and Morrighu? He sees her as a replacement for one of our daughters. Our oldest girl, Sannah, followed in my footsteps becoming a paladin of Tyr. She lost her life in a crypt full of undead. There wasn’t enough to resurrect. Morrighu is very reminiscent of Sannah in many ways. Durnan feels a very fatherly sense of protection for her. She’s always let him play her father and she’s always been the mostly dutiful daughter with him.”
Valen chuckles, “I wonder if I can convince her to be the mostly dutiful wife.”
Mhaere rolls her eyes and laughs with him, “I have to get back to work, but I’ll be sure to speak to Durnan. I think he knows not to make a fuss over her. She nearly left last time.”
He nods and heads off to find Durnan to see where they are in the preparations for the celebration. He finds Durnan in a courtyard outside, pointing and shouting orders. There seems to be a whole army of people that scramble around with decorations, putting up a platform, dragging up tables, or bringing food.
Durnan gives Valen a dismissive glance and goes back to his pointing and shouting. Valen shakes his head and taps him the shoulder, but Durnan refuses to look at him. Valen taps him on the shoulder once again, but again Durnan ignores him. Valen looks around at all the scurrying people and it reminds him of an army.
He grins at Durnan’s unsuspecting back and shouts, in his best ‘I command abyssal troops’ bark, “HOLD!”
Instinctively, every one of Durnan’s minions freezes in place. Durnan turns to find Valen lounging against a lamp pole behind him.
Valen, still grinning, address him, “I thought if they weren’t running about so much you and I might have a chance to talk.”
Durnan glares at him in irritation but Valen pushes himself off the lamp post before he continues, “It is important or I wouldn’t have interrupted.”
Durnan gestures to the group to continue before turning to face Valen fully.
As the bustle resumes, Durnan looks him over, “What is it then that is so important?”
Valen sighs, “This is about her. You know how she feels about public attention. We need to shield her as much as we can from it or she will flee. She’s fond of both you and your wife. Both of you are also obviously fond of her. She’s had a hard time. None of what we’ve been through has been easy on her, physically or mentally. I’d like to see her stay here, at least for a while. Quite frankly, she needs the rest. Since you seem to want that as well, we need to cooperate.”
Durnan considers his words for a long moment, “The people want a celebration. She is, after all, the victorious hero.”
Valen chuckles, “While we agree on that, she doesn’t necessarily see it that way. She’s willing to have the celebration, and I think I have convinced her to try to found a temple here. That means we need to shield her from anything unnecessary.”
Valen gestures about him, “This doesn’t appear to be unnecessary, but I’d wary of having another one of these any time soon.”
Durnan frowns for a bit, thinking this over before he nods, “Your point is well taken.”
Valen chuckles, “You might also want to tell people not to stare at her. She doesn’t mind speaking to people or being greeted by them. She told me once, because of a similar incident, that she felt like an exhibit. She threatened to erect a tent and sell tickets. She said that if she was going to be on display that she might as well charge admission.”
Durnan rolls his eyes, “I can well see it. Some people are rude and will stare no matter what. Most here will greet her warmly. I don’t think you need to worry on that account.”
Valen nods, “You know that she wants us to be friends.”
Durnan nods hesitantly, unsure as to Valen’s intentions.
Valen continues, “I’d like for us to be friends as well. If for no other reason, than for her sake.”
Durnan sighs and nods, “It would make it…easier for her stay, wouldn’t it?”
Valen nods with a slight smirk, “It would at that. I also think you should go talk to her. Last I saw of her, she was in Nathyrra’s room and the two of them were having quite the hen party trying to decide how Nathyrra should wear her hair.”
Durnan grimaces, “I’m not really sure what to make of any of you and least of all, her. First, she takes up with that crazy kobold. Then she goes into Undermountain and comes back with a tiefling and a drow. While neither of you has done anything, my experience with both tieflings and drow has not been pleasant to say the least. She’s a paladin so I don’t understand why she insists on keeping such company. Mhaere would never do such a thing.”
Valen laughs heartily, much to Durnan’s surprise. Still chucking, he grins at Durnan, “Ah, so now we get down to what it is that bothers you. You fear that we are evil and will cause her to fall. Nathyrra is a devotee of Eilistraee and as such, follows a leader known as The Seer who is one of Eilistraee’s priestesses. I, myself, have followed The Seer for some time. I will tell you something Nathyrra once said about her. ‘She treats all of us as if we were worthy and suddenly we find ourselves trying to live up to her expectations of us.’ That is all that I will say on the matter, other than I do hope that we can be friends.”
Durnan stands for a moment with his mouth open before he closes it and as he takes a quick peek at his minions, Valen walks away. When Durnan turns back to continue the discussion, all he sees is the tiefling’s retreating back.
Valen steps back into the inn and waits a moment for his eyes to adjust to the relatively dim interior of the tap room.
He sees Mhaere working the bar and makes his way over to her, “The celebration doesn’t look as if it will be starting soon. Do you have anything like a hot meal?”
Mhaere smiles, “Do you want to wait here, or shall I send plates up?”
He thinks for moment, “Send plates up. I think all of us could do with some food and I’m not sure I can manage that many plates on my own.”
Mhaere nods and starts to turn away but sees Valen’s puzzled look so she gestures for him to speak.
He sighs but plunges in, “You said that you were a paladin of Tyr. It is presumptuous of me to ask this of you, but can you find out if Tyr’s cleric would be upset over having a temple to Morrighu here in Waterdeep?”
Mhaere looks surprised for a moment, “You want her to stay here, don’t you?”
He nods, looking uncertain. Mhaere grins, “I’ll see what I can do about that. I don’t think it will be a problem.”
Valen grins back before wandering off to find Morrighu again. He finds her sitting her room chatting with a man dressed in wizard’s robes.
He walks into hear her say, “How soon can you find out?”
Sobrey looks at her and says, “Since they burned the school here, all of the books are gone. I’ll have to see if I can get in touch with some colleagues. I’m sure one of them will know.”
Valen looks at her curiously so she introduces, “Sobrey, this Valen. Valen, this is Sobrey, the wizard I told you about.”
Sobrey smiles at Valen, “If you will excuse me, I need to see if I can get a message through to some people. I’m sure someone will know the answer to your question.”
Sobrey leaves and Valen arches a brow at Morrighu, “Anything you care to tell me about?”
Morrighu blushes lightly, “I told you that we should talk to Sobrey to see what to do. He came to see me so I asked him. I suppose I should have waited for you.”
Valen chuckles at her, since she’s almost dancing with excitement as she continues with unabated enthusiasm, “I didn’t want to wait, though. He’s going to try to see if he can reach some other wizards he knows. I’m not sure how it all works, but he says he might have an answer today.”
He laughs, enjoying her excitement, and pulls her to him. He revels for a moment of the feel of her in his arms, taunt with excitement, before he bends down to kiss her. For a moment or two, he gives free rein to his feelings for her and pours them into the kiss.
She melds to him, for those few moments before he breaks off, sighing to look in her eyes.
He chuckles, “No necklace and no taint…I wonder what we’ll find to do without them.”
He’s pleased that she blushes furiously at his words. He releases her when he hears a knock on the door.
Moving slowly to open it and give her a chance to recover, he calls out, “Coming.”
Anna gazed up at Eliza hopefully. “Well?”
“You know, it wouldn”t be fair for me to compare you and Shannon,” said Eliza. “After all, I don”t have all the information.”
“I could tell you who”s better,” said Rose.
“Eliza, let”s trade spots,” said Kirsten. “I want to find out for myself.”
Eliza chuckled at Kirsten”s audacity. It was somewhat unusual. “Sure.” They quickly straightened themselves out and circled around the table into each other”s respective seats. “What are you waiting for bitch, start stucking! Bonnnnng!” Shannon burst into laughter. “Does my pussy look like I”m joking?” said Eliza.
Anna was becoming overwhelmed with the naughtiness of her situation and the positioning of yet another dripping wet pussy before her lips. A few feet south Anna was rip roaring to go too but there was not much that she could do to get out of her position. And her knees were getting sore. “Oh well,” whispered Anna to herself just before she dipped her head to feast again of woman.
While Rose was happy to share, it was more because of the fact that she was taking these ladies home rather than any real altruistic leanings. There would be plenty of time to enjoy them later. So Rose continued to sip her drink and content herself with watching her two friends be pleasured by two of her new friends.
Now that bragging rights were at stake, Shannon and Anna raced furiously to the finish line. Kirsten and Eliza were taken along for the ride, enjoying every moment and every moment punctuated by the odd stare from another club-goer. This time Rose made sure to give Eliza and Kirsten her hands to squeeze rather than the tops of her thighs. When the orgasms hit, however, the result was largely the same; deep red marks made even more crimson from the contrast with her pale skin.
“Well,” said Rose as she rubbed the soreness out of her hands. “My favorite song is calling out to me on the dance floor. Shall we?”
“I haven”t even come down yet Rose,” said Kirsten breathlessly.
“You”ll be going down soon enough,” said Rose. “Let”s go.”
The three seated women got out of the booth. Anna”s head poked up and looked around nervously before the rest of her followed. Shannon simply crawled out from under the table. “Looking for a contact lens,” she said nonchalantly to a passerby.
Some Sean Paul song pounded through the club as the five gorgeous women entered the dance floor. After getting her battery charged (or drained), Kirsten went for the first attractive face she could find, which happened to be a young, sandy haired man who was already working on a gorgeous brunette. A little shake and shimmy, however, immediately drew his attention and soon he and Kirsten were in a near dry hump. Rose and the others fanned out and found (or took) dance partners as well.
After a long while Rose gathered her troops. She gradually worked Shannon and Anna towards the back of the dance floor near the wall where Eliza and Kirsten were dancing. Rose whispered in Kirsten”s ear.
“Now?” said Kirsten.
“You can”t have all the fun,” said Rose. “Don”t worry, no one will see. Unless they look.”
“Fine.” Kirsten approached Anna. “Would you mind taking a few steps back?”
“Um, okay,” said Anna. She stepped back.
“A few more.” Again Anna stepped back. “One more?” Anna bumped into the wall. “Good.” Rose went over to Eliza and Shannon and herded them towards Kirsten and Anna, forming a wall that, combined with the noise and darkness, just might disguise what was about to happen.
“What are you doing?” asked Anna. A deep French kiss from Kirsten answered that question. “Everyone can see!”
“You. Are. Too. Worried,” said Kirsten. If she could survive a bullet wound, she can survive rumors of her getting chummy with a girl in a club. Even when “chummy” meant “nasty lesbian sex.” Kirsten shrugged. “But if you don”t want to then you don”t want to.”
“Wait!” Anna stopped Kirsten from turning around. “Okay! Okay!” Feeling like a cheap slut, she pushed Kirsten down by her shoulders.
Kirsten giggled and peeked under Anna”s skirt. She chuckled again as she realized that she could not see anything. So instead she reached up and felt around with her fingers, discovering Anna”s askew panties. “Looks like I”m batting clean up, eh Shannon?” said Kirsten. She flipped the front of Anna”s skirt over her head. “Guess I”m going to have to rely on touch to find my way around,” she said to herself. “And taste. Hee.”
Like a homing missile Kirsten”s tongue crashed into Anna”s clit, making Anna squeal with pleasure. That was just a tease of course, Kirsten”s tongue slithered back down to Anna”s labia and began licking up Anna”s dew. She squeezed Anna”s butt and made sure that Anna”s growing squirminess stayed in check.
Rose turned around and moved towards Anna. She nudged Kirsten forward until she could comfortably stand in front of the panting woman leaning against the wall. Putting her arms around Anna”s neck, she drew her forward into a kiss. Rose had discovered long before that night that kissing women was much more fun than kissing men. Anna had only figured out this utterly obvious fact very recently but was as enthusiastic as could be.
Meanwhile, Kirsten was showing Anna”s clit just how soft and accommodating a woman”s lips could be. They were like tiny pillows, providing total comfort to Anna”s engorged clit. A comfort that provided the perfect distraction; a wet finger inched slowly towards Anna”s backside and then began teasing her asshole.
Anna”s eyes popped open about the same time one finger sank into her ass. The kiss broke as she gasped in pleasure. “Oh my god! Blonds RULE!” Eliza, Shannon and Rose all stared at her.
Kirsten went on the offensive as Anna”s asshole gripped her finger so tight there was no way another could make its way inside. She slathered saliva over Anna”s clit and then licked it away. She repeated this action over and over, prompting Anna to grip her head with both hands and press her face into her pussy even harder.
Pushing her finger in as far as possible and then back, Kirsten worked Anna to a feverish pitch that had Anna crying out in ecstasy. Luckily, noises like that blended into the general clamor going on around them. Anna eyes were wide open. They took in every flash of light, every writhing body on the dance floor, everything to make sure that Anna knew that she was having an orgasm in front of dozens and dozens of people.
Her high pitched cries prompted Kirsten to ease up on the gas pedal. A few moments later Kirsten took Rose”s place, giving Anna a little kiss. “We DO rule.”
Eliza was rubbing her hands together in anticipation when Shannon”s beeper went off. “Oh no. It”s my husband. I have to go.”
“No you don”t,” said Eliza.
“I”m so sorry, but I do. Rose, I need a ride,” said Shannon.
“Oh so Kirsten gets to have all the fun?” said Eliza indignantly.
“I know I know, I”m sorry. I”ll make it up to you, I promise.”
“If Rose is leaving, I have to go too,” said Anna. “She”s my ride.”
Kirsten shrugged. “Alright, guess I”ll see you guys.”
“Oh yeah, you”re all okay about this you slut,” said Eliza half-seriously.
“This place is dead anyway,” said Rose. “Come on, let”s go.” She and her two underlings walked off.
“What did you call me?”
“I called you a slut, you slut,” said Eliza. “What are you going to do about it?”
“I”ll show you!” Kirsten grabbed Eliza”s hand and pulled her towards the bathroom.
*2:16 am. Monday, July 14. Michael and Thomas”s house. Chicago, Illinois.*
Thomas was standing in front of the mirror in his bedroom. He pulled a black sweatshirt over his head. With some old Halloween makeup, he painted his face black and then straightened his dark jeans out. He almost wished he was strapping on a pair of night vision goggles and sliding a clip into his MP5 submachine gun.
“Yo Solid Snake. Stop staring at yourself. Willie”s here,” said James from the hallway.
“Finally.” Thomas turned around and followed James into the living room. “You guys ready?” Wilson and James nodded.
They piled into Thomas”s car and headed towards the kennel. “Are you sure you want to be the getaway driver?” asked James.
“Would you please not refer to it as a getaway?” said Wilson. “And yes, I want to be the driver. I”m sure as hell not going inside.”
“I don”t know about him driving Tom,” said James.
“It”s a bit late to voice your opinion about that now,” said Wilson.
“Jimmy, as long as we don”t screw up, Willie will be fine,” said Thomas as they stopped at a red light.
“What if we come running out of the kennel screaming with a hundred dogs and a few speeding bullets chasing us?” asked James.
“Then you”ll be running all the way back home because I”ll be looong gone,” said Wilson.
“See? Reassured now?” said Thomas. They drove past the front of the kennel and then around to the back. Thomas and James got out of the car as Wilson slid over into the driver”s seat. James pulled his ski mask down over his head as Thomas unlocked the back door and opened it.
“So which cage is he in?” whispered James after they tiptoed inside.
“I don”t know.”
“You don”t know? How are we supposed to find him then?”
“Easy. These are his favorite doggie treats,” said Thomas. He took some out of his pocket. A dozen mutts erupted in anticipation.
“Put that shit away Tom,” shouted James.
Thomas began flicking the treats into the cages. “I brought them just in case something like this happened.”
“What about when they”re finished eating?”
“Hurry up and find those damn keys then, I”ll find X.”
James snuck out of the cage area and to the administrative offices. He turned his flashlight on and began checking the rooms. A nearly inaudible mechanical whirring stopped him in his tracks. He gradually turned around and looked straight into the security camera hanging from the ceiling.
Thomas flashed his light into each cage, nearly jumping out of his boots when the eyes of a captive Doberman flashed back at him. “X? Speak X, let me know where you are boy come on,” whispered Thomas. He whistled but the other dogs began barking too. “Damnit. Why the hell are there five black labs in here?!” There were no identifying marks on the cages except for a number. He had to find the list matching the cages and the animals.
“The thing has to be around here somewhere.” He found a desk in the corner of the room and began to rifle through it. “Here we go.” He found a clipboard and scanned through the listings attached to it. “Number eight.”
He went back to the cages and found X. “Hey boy, we”re gonna get you outta here okay?” X barked once. “Here.” Thomas dropped some treats into the cage. “As soon as Jimmy gets back here, we”re going.”
James slowly reached for the nearest doorknob and twisted it. Finding it locked, he reached for the next one. Locked. Trying not to panic he reached for the next one. By the fifth locked door he was officially panicking. “They can”t see my face right?” he muttered, trying to calm himself down. He finally happened upon an open door. “No. Of course they can”t.” The cops in a police squad car rolling by could see James standing in the lobby rather clearly.
He quickly ducked under the desk and turned his flashlight off. “Shitshitshit.” James lay still for a moment. Then he slid out from under the desk but something was holding onto the top of his ski mask, nearly pulling it off. “What the fuck? Goddamnit,” said James as he pulled his mask down to find a sticky wad of pink gum stuck to it.
James inched to the side of the desk and glanced outside. The police car had stopped and the cops were getting out. “Fuck. Keyskeyskeys.” As stealthily as he could he checked the drawers of the front desk. Finding nothing, he glanced around the room desperately. Through the darkness he spotted what looked to be a set of keys hanging on the wall. He got into a crouching position, ready to dash at the keys and get back to the cage area.
There was a slight thump as one of the cops cupped his hands on the window looking to the street and inspected the lobby. “There”s definitely someone in there.”
“You”re seeing things,” said his partner.
“I know someone is in there with a flashlight.”
“Well so what? Just a bunch of mutts in there.”
“It won”t hurt to check it out.”
His partner groaned. “Fine. You want to pick the lock or should I?”
“Oh boy” thought James. He took a deep breath and jumped up to grab the keys.
“Hey!”
He ran back into the hallway and into the cage area, locking the door. “Get him out! It”s time to go!”
“What”s going on?!” asked Thomas as he caught the keys James tossed to him.
“Do it! Cops saw me!” said James frantically.
“Oh fuck.” Thomas tried key after key as the cops pounded on the door.
“Hurry up!” The dogs became agitated and barking furiously.
Eight keys later the lock finally turned and Thomas let X out. “Alright let”s go!”
“Gimme the keys!” said James.
Thomas tossed the keys to him and headed for the back door. James unlocked as many cages as he could before he followed Thomas and X out of the kennel. When one of the cops broke the door down he was greeted by a dozen frantic animals running dashing out the door.
“You”ve got to be kidding me.” Wilson started the car and shifted into gear as Thomas, James and X ran towards him. “You were serious about the dogs?!”
“Drivedrivedrive!” yelled Thomas as he, James and X jumped into the car.
A few of the liberated animals chased after the car for a few blocks before disappearing. “I can”t believe you were fucking serious about the dogs!”
“At least there weren”t any bullets,” said Thomas.
“Yeah,” said James. He chuckled. “Slow down Willie, we don”t need to get pulled over. So we”re all getting parts in Mike”s next flick right?”
“Don”t look at me Jimmy,” said Thomas. “My shot at show biz went down the drain along with Mike”s.” X barked a few times. “Oh yeah, X”s too.”
“Dude, X doesn”t know what the hell you”re talking about,” said Wilson. “He”s a fricking dog.”
“Yes he does, don”t you X?” said James.
(bark!)
“See?” said Thomas.
“Man shut up. It freaks me out when you talk to the dog like that,” said Wilson.
“So where”s the post-felony party?” asked James.
“I don”t know. McKinney”s? Joe”s?” said Thomas.
“We should hold them up first,” said Wilson. “I”m a little short on cash.”
“You”re a little short on a lot of things.”
“Hey! We”re dressed for it right?”
“Just drive Willie,” said Thomas. They passed by Joe”s on the way to Thomas”s place. “Besides, Steve would kick the shit out of us, right?”
“Probably,” said James. He looked at X. X looked at Thomas. Thomas looked at Wilson.
“Don”t bother,” said Wilson. “I”m already turning around.”
*1:24 pm. Friday, July 18. Outside Larry”s Guns and Ammo.*
Kirsten looked up at the simple, effective sign hanging over the door to the gun shop. The window display sported an assortment of shotguns and rifles, neither of which she was looking for. She scratched her arm nervously and looked around. Kirsten had been trying to make this trip for the last week and a half. The more she thought about the shooting, the more she realized that she could have done something about it if she were armed.
She could have stopped Michael from doing something so reckless with his dog. She could have prevented him from getting shot. Everything could have been different. But somehow she was still nervous about buying a gun. Kirsten knew she was doing the right thing, so what was the problem? As she reached for the door a patron suddenly came out and Kirsten jerked her arm back in surprise.
“Excuse me,” said the woman as she walked down the street.
Kirsten became more and more self-conscious as she nervously stood outside the small gun shop. Any number of wild rumors and speculation could get started if someone saw her purchasing a weapon. But Allen had told her that this place catered to the rich and famous and was known for their discreteness. That last part did not fill Kristen with confidence but she removed her sunglasses and entered the shop anyway.
“Good afternoon miss,” greeted the young, handsome clerk. “What can I do for you today?”
Kirsten looked around at the two other customers browsing the racks of rifles before answering. “Hi, um, Malik?” The clerk nodded. “I”m here to buy a gun.”
Malik grinned. “Well, I”d guess that you are.”
Kirsten approached the counter, embarrassed. “Um, I mean, a handgun. But I really don”t know anything about guns.”
“That”s not a problem at all,” said Malik. “All the employees here are DOJ-certified safety instructors. I can tell you everything you need to know in order to purchase and carry a firearm in this state.”
“Okay,” said Kirsten. “So what do I need to know?”
“The first-”
“Malik,” said the customer looking at the shotguns. “Come on now, you know the policy.”
“Don”t you start Jess,” said Malik. “This is one of Allen”s clients and he asked me to take care of her.”
Kirsten turned her head and saw Jessica Alba walking towards them. “Hi Jessica.” The two of them were formally acquainted, having met briefly at an awards show, but not friends.
“Hi Kirsten. It”s nice to see you again,” said Jessica. “You know Malik, I”ve never heard someone say “DOJ-certified” as smoothly as you.”
“Thank you,” said Malik. He looked back at Kirsten. “Now miss Dunst, what kind of handgun are you looking for?”
“She said she doesn”t know anything about guns,” said Jessica.
“With all the rounds you pop off back there I”m surprised you heard that,” said Malik. “Anyway, I know what she said, I was getting to that.” Malik pulled Kirsten a couple feet down the counter away from Jessica, who put her hands on her hips. “Are you looking for something for target shooting, competition, personal protection?”
The fact he was asking her made Kirsten feel much more at ease. It was virtually impossible to not know what happened to her but he was acting like she was just another customer. “Personal protection.”
“I know the “perfect” gun,” chimed Jessica.
“Ah, no, Jessica,” said Malik. “Don”t listen to her miss.”
“Kirsten,” said Kirsten.
“Of course, Kirsten. She”ll probably try to outfit you with an AK-47,” said Malik. He pulled a set of keys of his belt and unlocked the display case. “We have a very nice selection of compact, easily concealed pistols that are perfect for self-defense.” He reached inside the case and pulled a pistol out and placed it on a cloth on top of the glass. “This type of pistol is called a derringer. That means-”
“Show her this one,” said Jessica, tapping her finger on the case a foot away from Kirsten and Malik.
“Can you please just let me get my spiel out of the way without interruption?”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “Fine.” She tapped her foot impatiently as Malik gave Kirsten the lowdown about types of pistols. “Okay. NOW will you show her the Glock 19?”
“You know, there”s like a hundred other gun stores you can go to,” said Malik as he relented and showed Kirsten the pistol Jessica insisted she try out. “See how this feels.”
Kirsten gingerly picked up the gun with her right hand. The polymer of the ergonomically shaped pistol grip was cold to the touch but it snuggled comfortably against her palm and seemed to warm immediately. It was surprisingly heavy but only because the last gun she held was a plastic keychain water pistol. She pulled the slide back and found that peculiar “ka-chunk” sound particularly satisfying.
“Glocks are superbly simple and practical weapons. The only controls other than the trigger are the slide release and the magazine release. The safety action is unique in that you don”t have to do anything to make it safe except keeping your finger off the trigger. You can drop it, kick it, or throw it and it won”t discharge,” said Malik. Kirsten pressed the slide release and smiled slightly as the slide clanked into place. “It might be a little too big to carry with you during normal days though. We”ve got some other pistols that are smaller and just as effective.”
“No, this is perfect,” said Kirsten as she held it up and looked through the sights. The weapon felt absolutely perfect. Its size and shape seemed as if it was custom made for her. “When can I take this home?”
“There”s a lot of other options-”
“The girl knows what she wants,” said Jessica.
“Even so, she has to take a safety test and we have to do a background check before we can sell it to her,” said Malik.
“How long is that going to take?” asked Kirsten.
“Not long at all,” said Jessica as Malik was opening his mouth to answer. “Why don”t we let her try out the gun Malik?”
Malik sighed. “Bill isn”t back from lunch yet. I have to watch the store.”
“Let me do it then,” said Jessica.
“I can”t, you”re not certified.”
“You know I know what I”m doing,” said Jessica. “Come on, she”ll be fine.”
Malik put his hands on his hips. “Let me do the instruction first, then you can take her to the range.”
“Fine,” said Jessica. She waited with one raised eyebrow as Malik gave Kirsten basic safety instructions. “Whenever you”re done I”ll be in the back.”
A few minutes later Malik finished up and showed Kirsten to the private shooting range in the back of the store. There were only two lanes and a thin partition dividing them. Malik handed Kirsten eye and ear protection before letting her into the range. Jessica was in the right lane and her purse was hanging on a hook on the wall. She was holding a Sig Sauer 228 at her side. Kirsten watched her closely.
Jessica took a deep breath as she stared lasers into the paper target hanging from the ceiling twenty five yards downrange. In a flash she raised the pistol up to eye level and squeezed off the entire magazine in mere seconds. Kirsten visibly jerked at each shot even though she was wearing ear plugs. With the practiced movement of an expert Jessica ejected the spent magazine and inserted a second clip. Thirteen more pieces of metal flew towards the helpless target at more than two thousand feet per second. After punching the “return” button the target came back to Jessica and her enraptured onlooker, complete with twenty six fresh new holes in a pair of equal sized six inch groupings.
Kirsten adjusted her earmuffs. “Guns are really, really, really loud.”
“Huh? You”re going to have to yell for me to hear you.”
“Guns are really, really, really loud,” said Kirsten again.
Jessica turned around. “Yes they are. That”s why you always have to wear ear protection. Ready to try out that Glock?”
“Mmhmm,” said Kirsten as she stepped into the stall Jessica was standing in. “Is that good?” She pointed at the target Jessica was removing from the track.
“It”s spectacular actually,” said Jessica. “Not to brag or anything.”
“Oh that doesn”t sound like bragging at “all”,” said Kirsten with a playful roll of her eyes.
“Let”s get started.” Jessica showed Kirsten the particulars of loading and firing the Glock 19.
“This is hard,” said Kirsten as she loaded 9 mm bullets into a magazine. Her thumb was already sore and she had only loaded four rounds into the magazine.
“Your hands will get stronger pretty quick. Here, let me finish loading it, I wanna get to the fun part.” Jessica”s fingers dragged across Kirsten”s knuckles as she took the magazine from her.
“Thanks,” said Kirsten. She watched with amazement as Jessica loaded the next thirteen rounds in the same time it took her to load the first four.
“Here you go,” said Jessica. “Twenty feet should be a good start.” She attached a human silhouette target to the track on the ceiling and punched a few numbers into the keypad to her right. The track brought the target out into the range.
“How far was yours?”
“Seventy five feet,” replied Jessica. “See how it feels.”
“Okay.” The magazine glided into the handle of the pistol easily and locked into place. After cocking it she gripped the gun like Jessica had shown her and pointed the gun at the paper hanging from the ceiling. The trigger resisted her pull but relented easily and released the firing pin. The blowback caught Kirsten off guard and she nearly dropped the pistol.
She paused after that first shot to absorb the intense feeling of firing a weapon for the first time. Kirsten had held her arms as steady as possible but the gun still ended up pointing at a near forty five degree angle. She steadied her hands and fired another shot. This time the gun was at more of a forty degree angle, progress Kirsten was happy she made. A minute later the slide locked back, signaling that the magazine was empty.
“You can breathe now Kirsten,” said Jessica.
Kirsten pursed her lips as she let out a long stream of air. “Wow.”
“Better than sex isn”t it?” said Jessica as the target returned to their end of the range.
There was a slightly annoyed look on Kirsten”s face as she looked at the target. There were only eleven holes and some of them were on the fringes of the paper, not on the silhouette at all. “Well I”m certainly better at that than I am at this.”
“Oh really,” said Jessica coyly. “It took a lot of practice before I got good at shooting, so don”t worry about it.”
“I want to go again.” Kirsten began loading the spent magazine.
“Quick recovery. I like that,” said Jessica. “I”ll go grab a few more targets.”
Kirsten adapted to the Glock 19 rather quickly but still had trouble maintaining any sort of accuracy. After a few dozen rounds she found herself sweating from the concentration. She gently put the pistol down and pressed the “return” button on the control pad. Kirsten wanted to pound her fist in frustration when she got a better look at her target as it came back to the front of the range. Her shots were obviously scattered and out of control.
Jessica was a little calmer but only because she was much more familiar with the feeling of power firing a pistol bestows upon its user. Shotguns and rifles had more kick but they looked like they had more kick. The average pistol looked harmless in comparison but there was a lot of spark in that little package and that was what excited her most; the unexpected might.
She suspected Kirsten was feeling the same way, and damn if she did not look sexy holding that black Glock 19 in her hands. Kirsten even made the gawky plastic eyewear look good. Jessica looked back down at her gun and grinned to herself. This was as good as foreplay could get. She looked into Kirsten”s stall and saw that she was loading her magazine again. Jessica snuck over to the door as Kirsten began firing again and locked it.
Observing Kirsten from behind, Jessica waited until she finished her clip and began loading it again. “Can I offer you a little help on your aim?”
“I was wondering how long you were going to let me fumble around back here,” said Kirsten with a frustrated smile. “This isn”t going to be much use if I can”t hit anything.”
Jessica grinned and walked up to Kirsten. “Get into your stance?” Kirsten raised the pistol and aimed down the range. Jessica looked up and down at Kirsten”s legs and hips. “It”s easier if you have a more even stance. You”re in a combat stance, like what you would see in movies. Here.” Jessica pressed her hand to Kirsten”s thighs and moved one leg back and the other leg forward.
“Okay.” Kirsten aimed and fired.
“Maybe you”re not aligning the sights correctly,” said Jessica. “You want the front sight to be lined up with the rear, and aim just under what you want to hit.” Kirsten fired again. “Hmm.” Jessica stepped close to Kirsten and reached around her with both of her arms. Her breasts brushed slightly against Kirsten”s back, her hardened nipples getting a tiny little thrill. Putting her hands around Kirsten”s she carefully adjusted her aim. “Alright. Try that.”
Another shot rang out. Kirsten smiled widely as she saw the new hole in her target. It was dead center of the head. “Oooh, thanks.”
“Let”s try hitting the torso now.” Jessica slowly lowered Kirsten”s hands.
Kirsten took a breath and fired. “Yes!” said Kirsten excitedly. It was a bulls-eye shot. She put the gun down and turned around, giving Jessica a high five. “Wow that was great!”
“You are such a quick learner, it took me a week before I could do that.”
“Oh yeah right,” said Kirsten. She picked up the last target Jessica perforated. “Look at this thing, you didn”t even overlap any of your shots.”
“You think that was intentional?” said Jessica. “Try my Sig, I think you”ll like it.” She went around the partition and retrieved her gun and a full magazine of ammunition. “Safety is already off. Just slam it, cock it, fire it.”
Kirsten put the magazine into the pistol and pressed the slide release. She tried to remember the motions Jessica had shown her and began firing. With every slow, methodical shot her lips curled up ever so slightly. By the time the slide locked back there was a radiant, toothy grin on her face. Kirsten put the gun down and gave Jessica a big hug. “I can”t believe I just did that!”
It felt pretty good getting such a tight squeeze from Kirsten. Especially one where their nipples were so blatantly rubbing against each other that it could not possibly have been unintentional. Jessica gladly returned it. “You”re incredible,” said Jessica softly.
“What?” The two of them were still wearing ear protection. Jessica looked at her and mouthed her words again. “I can”t hear you.” Kirsten turned her head and removed her earmuffs. Turning back she found a pair of voluptuous lips suddenly pressed against hers. She stood surprised for a few seconds before pushing Jessica away. “Whoa.”
“What?”
Kirsten took Jessica”s ear muffs off. “What was that?”
“I”m sorry Kirsten,” said Jessica. “I just get really, really worked up when I”m on the range. I noticed that you were getting kinda excited too.”
Kirsten looked down at her chest and noticed the distinct outline of hard nipples poking against her shirt. “Oh. Well, you know, it”s just that I”ve never done this before.”
“Oh?” Jessica”s excitement increased markedly.
“I don”t mean “that,” I mean this.” Kirsten held up the pistol.
“Oh.” Jessica pouted ever so slightly. “At least I got to take your gun virginity.”
Kirsten laughed. “And it was remarkably painless too.” There was no denying the feelings percolating in her mind. The rush from firing a weapon seemed to go straight to her erogenous zones and watching Jessica wield a gun so effortlessly drove her wild.
Jessica ran her finger along the barrel of her Sig. “We do have some privacy in here.”
Kirsten crossed her arms, never taking her eyes off of Jessica. “And?” It was difficult to avoid grabbing Jessica and tasting those lips again.
“If I don”t get a little relief, I”m just going to have to go home and take care of that all by my lonesome. But now you”re here to take care of it for me. I don”t want to put a gun to your head,” said Jessica. “But I could, couldn”t I?”
“That won”t be necessary. If you want it, take it,” said Kirsten as she pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it in Jessica”s face.
“That was easy.” Jessica lunged forward and took Kirsten in her arms, planting a lengthy kiss on Kirsten”s lips. As their heads twisted and turned Jessica flicked the clasp open on Kirsten”s tight bra and drew it off her shoulders. She broke the kiss and went immediately down to Kirsten”s chest, eager to play with those hard nipples that were teasing her earlier.
Little shots of pleasure hit Kirsten”s brain as Jessica sucked on one nipple while tweaking the other. She leaned back against the partition, clasping her hands on top of her head. Jessica rabidly licked Kirsten”s flesh, going back and forth until each nipple was glistening with her saliva. Then she reached for Kirsten”s jeans but Kirsten pulled her face up to hers and let Jessica suck on her tongue.
Now it was Kirsten”s turn to get a taste of breast flesh. She unbuttoned Jessica”s blouse and was somewhat relieved that Jessica was braless. In the heat of the moment Kirsten always seemed to fudge up the removal of the other woman”s bra. No matter, she had two handfuls of exquisiteness and proceeded to lick them like sweet scoops of ice cream.
Jessica”s hands were not content to sit on top of her own head, instead guiding Kirsten as each nipple became too sensitive for her aggressive attack. Kirsten”s blond locks smelled of Froot Loops, making Jessica chuckle.
“What?” asked Kirsten.
“Nothing baby,” said Jessica. “But I think it”s my turn now.” She unbuttoned Kirsten”s jeans and tugged them to the floor. A pair of sexy white cotton panties came down next. Jessica was amazed at the wetness that greeted her roving eyes. Kirsten was positively dripping. She may have found shooting even more arousing than Jessica did.
“Eat my pussy Jess, I need it so bad!” cried out Kirsten.
“Oh I know honey, I know.” Jessica dragged her finger across Kirsten”s labia slowly and it came back glistening with her juices. “Oh wow, look at that.” She stood up and waved her finger under Kirsten”s nose.
Kirsten opened her mouth and latched onto Jessica”s finger, licking it clean. Jessica watched with amazement at the eagerness that Kirsten sucked her finger. It made her even hornier to know that Kirsten could be as nasty as anyone. Jessica pulled her finger away and kissed Kirsten, seeking the flavor that Kirsten seemed to enjoy so much.
Deciding that the best course of action was to go directly to the source, Jessica pressed Kirsten hard against the partition and knelt down. She licked her lips with anticipation but then giggled about it. Why bother? The wetness between Kirsten”s legs was going to be all over Jessica”s face in a few seconds.
“Please, Jess, what are you waiting for?” asked Kirsten desperately. Jessica was so close to Kirsten”s cunt that she could feel her breathing right on top of her clit, teasing her even worse.
Jessica”s response was more than adequate; an enthusiastic sweep of the tongue that momentarily wiped Kirsten”s pussy clear of her juices. But as quickly as they were gone they came back. Jessica had the unenviable task of making sure that Kirsten went home nice and clean. So, she lapped away as sensuously as possible, coaxing Kirsten ever closer to an orgasm.
Kirsten fiddled with her nipples as she moaned loudly. She was well aware that the whole area was sound proofed and let loose with the horniest cries she could muster. It was too much for Jessica to take without a little satisfaction so she jammed one hand down her shorts and began to rub herself furiously.
Even then it was not enough and as much fun as she was having eating Kirsten out she was ready for some tongue love in return. Jessica gave Kirsten”s clit a tiny little nibble and was rewarded with a rather forceful thrust of Kirsten”s hips. She began swiping the little nub side to side with the tip of her tongue. Kirsten began bucking like a horse, her sensitive clit sending shockwaves throughout her body.
“Ohmygod Jessica!” said Kirsten. “It”s too- too- much!” Jessica latched onto Kirsten”s curvy hips and slurped her clit. She held on tight as Kirsten shrieked and bucked so hard the partition shook. Kirsten was flailing as she teetered at the edge of an orgasm.
“It”s never too much Kirsten.” Jessica gave Kirsten”s clit another slurp and was the grateful recipient of a torrent of girlcum splashing across her tongue. Bullets rained down over Jessica”s head, knocked off the countertop by a woman in the throes of a mind warping orgasm.
Kirsten yanked Jessica up and kissed her frantically while reaching down to undo Jessica”s shorts. Someone knocked on the door. “Hey! Guys you”re not supposed to lock this door!” yelled Malik.
“Go the fuck away!” yelled Jessica before she began kissing Kirsten again.
“I have a customer out here, let me in!”
“NO!” Jessica could have yelled all she wanted but Malik could not hear a word she was saying. She also knew that Malik would simply go around the back of the store and use the other door if they did not let him in. “That boy has AWFUL timing,” whined Jessica. Still trying to catch her breath, Kirsten began to get dressed. “What now?”
“If you think you”re getting away without letting me have a taste of your pussy, you”re dead wrong,” said Kirsten.
Jessica smiled happily. “My place or yours?”
“My place,” said Kirsten. She paused and thought a moment. “I just need to buy a bed first.”
*9:29 pm. Friday, July 25. O”Hare International Airport. Chicago, Illinois.*
The Wachowski brothers were looking for someone to star in the next big thing after the Matrix trilogy was completed. They were Chicago natives and made a point of that by sprinkling references to the city throughout the first Matrix film. The next big thing was going to be another high tech extravaganza, although the hook this time was going to be even better than bullet time.
Eliza walked through the airport terminal, slightly jet lagged and very annoyed. She did not wish to be in this city at the moment but somehow Simon had convinced her that there was a “huge” opportunity for her here. It all smelled fishy to put it pleasantly. She was not suspicious by nature but she knew how frequent these “huge” chances were. The whole “meeting with a producer” angle was rife with B-movie opportunities.
Not wanting to attract attention, Eliza opted to have a taxi waiting for her outside of the airport instead of the limousine the brothers offered. “Take me to here.” She handed the driver a slip of paper with the Larry Wachowski”s address on it.
“Really? That”s where you”re going?” asked the grizzled driver. “That”s not a safe part of town.”
The driver”s words should have given her more pause than they did. “I can handle myself. Just drive.”
A little while later Eliza got out of the taxi into the brisk Chicago night. There was nothing about that area that was inherently insidious. It was a well-lit street, clean and lined with little shops and restaurants. She was standing in front of the right apartment building, but it did not look like the kind of place a successful Hollywood director would stay in.
Eliza checked the date book in her purse and confirmed the numbers. “Maybe I wrote it down wrong.” She began walking down the street to check a different combination of address numbers. Eliza groaned irritably as she came upon a Chinese restaurant. Pulling out her cell phone she dialed the home phone number of Larry Wachowski.
“We”re sorry, that phone number is no longer in use. Please hang up and dial again,” spat a recording.
“What the hell?” She dialed Simon”s cell phone. “Hey Simon, what”s going on?”
“Eliza?” said Simon.
“Yeah, I”m at-” Suddenly she was jerked backwards and her cell phone clattered to the ground. “HEY!”
“Eliza?” said Simon.
The assailant pulled her deep into the dark alley and clamped a black cloth soaked in chloroform across her mouth and nose. Eliza kicked and struggled mightily but whoever was holding on was substantially more powerful than she was.
“Eliza?” said Simon again.
Slowly she became limp. The assailant dragged her back towards his car and placed her in the back seat, tossing a blanket over her to hide her from any onlookers. He pulled out of the alley and into the night.
In Los Angeles, Simon put his phone down. With a nervous breath he turned the volume back up on his television.
*11:54 pm. Club X.*
Consciousness gradually returned to Eliza”s woozy eyes. She blinked a few times and became dimly aware of the shackles binding her wrists and ankles, holding her flat against a wall. Her head felt like it weighed a hundred pounds but somehow she was able to look up and around the room.
The walls were stony gray and had various chains and leather restraints attached to them. In fact, chains and restraints seemed to be attached to the floors and ceilings too. In the middle of the room was a large, shiny metal torture rack. Eliza knew what kind of place she was in now. The average club did not maintain this sort of equipment. The metal door to her right swung open and a man walked in.
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