Three years later . . .507Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeevgY8WIEU
Chains clattered against the ground as I glanced at my work.
"Let me go please!" she begged. I rolled my eyes. "I don't know anything. I swear!" she screamed.
"Don't lie to me bitch! Your calls were tapped and your movements were monitored!" I growled growing impatient. They were all the same. Such liars, such monsters, such abusers. I hated them all. She kicked her legs about and I watched as all it did, was make her rock back and forth in mid-air, not a comfortable sensation. With the chains secured successfully wrapped around her torso from the crane I knew she wasn't going anywhere. I pushed the button and down the bell dropped with the woman screaming.
"Tell me what I want to know!" I demanded. She sobbed loudly and I held my finger over the button and watched tiredly as she doesn't waver. "Stupid woman." I mumbled and sighed as her frantic screams turn into one of agonising pain as concentrated hydrochloric acid burned at her face.
Bubbles fizzled and she thrashed about tossing the acid over rims of the steel water tank. It was a brilliant idea but the fact that she didn't believe I was going to kill her was ridiculous. After a good minute she ceased to move and I heard sirens wailing in the distance. I picked up her ID badge and handbag on my way out. Heading towards the top of the warehouse up the stairs and to the far side of the building.
Eyeing the glass window, I pulled out my suction gloves and I pressed my fingers against the glass. I felt it pop and carefully I removed it from the window. Climbing out, I wandered the side of the rooftop after I had resealed the glass. I had two minutes tops to make it to the extraction point. Continuing to wander across the roof. I pulled the wound rope from over my chest and dropped it down to the ground, clamping it to the bar. I began to abseil down.
Once I reached land, I pressed the side of my utilitybelt and watched as the rope unclamped and fell towards the ground. I picked it up and began to wind it back up before securing it over my chest. My boots were silent against the cement. I passed the many large multi-coloured shipping containers. Retracing my steps. I found the edge of the harbour. Pulling out my breather, I placed it in my mouth and glanced at my GPS device and watched as a yellow line cut straight across the Sydney Harbour to the Northern section.
I magnetised it to my belt and sprinted to the docks where I had to go feet first, then waist then shoulders before I ducked under and swam away. I eventually reached the other side and watched as the red and blue lights of police, ambulance and fire flashed in the distance.
I headed down an alleyway that transcended beneath a highway and over to the parking lot. Picking up my helmet from underneath a wooden box where all the homeless people slept. I headed towards my motorbike concealed behind a wooden fence. Placing on my helmet, I started it up and took off. I left slowly at first, careful not to draw attention and by the time I was on the main road I was pushing one hundred.
Taking an exit I headed to the southern parts of NSWs, where I was sure Kai waited for me. It took me a good half-an-hour until I arrived at a Suburban House in Botany. Not too far from Botany Bay. I smiled at the brick house with white panels. The green cut grass was relaxing to the eye and I pulled into the driveway. I was sure he heard me so I did what he often told me to do—act as if I live here. When in reality I didn't.
I lived in Manly but regardless. I had to keep up a cover. Even with my straight brown hair and blue contacts I could be mistake for another face. I heard the garage automatic door begin to close, looking up I noticed Kai standing in the doorway to the house. His black short straight hair was tasselled to the side and I regarded his pale damp features. "What did you just hop out of the shower or something?"
"As a matter of fact, yes." he said walking towards me. "Is it done?"
"I wouldn't return if it wasn't." I pulled off my helmet and straightened my hair. "She wouldn't tell me anything though, it makes me wonder if she really was innocent." I moved towards the door and felt Kai follow after me.
"She was playing innocent. She had no choice. If she told anyone we'd kill her or her contacts would've. She had no way out when you really think about it." Kai stated from behind me closing the door. I could feel him linger there no doubt eyeing the security monitors with careful scrutiny. I pulled open the silver fridge door and searched for my large orange juice. Finding it, I popped it on the bench with a sterling glass and began to pour my reward.
After my second glass Kai, reluctantly decided to pull himself away from the monitor and dropped a rubber band bounded of a few hundred dollar notes. The green plastic, shimmied under the kitchen lightening and I smiled. I reached for the notes only to have his hand block mine. "What?"
"What will you do next?" Kai asked, his head tilted to the side as his dark cat-like-eyes regarded me with curiosity and amusement.
"Go after her boss."
"Who is?"
I sighed, "Johnathan Morgan an accounted for BHP Billiton." He remained quiet—obviously waiting for more. He never ceases to change. "A mineral industry. Head branch located in Melbourne."
"Which one will you infiltrate?"
"Centre."
He smiled and removed his hand, "Good. I've taught you well."
"Arigatou sensei." I replied in his native tongue. He smiled and headed towards the living room.
I couldn't join him. Not when every waking moment my life feels like it was on a stand-still with no way forward and no way back. A part of me screamed that this future was their fault but the other part screamed it was ninety-five percent me. I knew killing people was wrong and even now I couldn't get their screams out of my head but I guess it served their families a form of comfort and satisfaction knowing I was suffering.
Is that what it was all about at the end of the day? I may be a murder now but there was a time when I never knew what death or suffering was. That was the time when I was innocent like children should be. Kai knew I couldn't join him—this was a familiar action for me after every murder—this was my drawl. So at times like this, I would head to the underground fight club. It was the only way I could shake all of my pain to that familiar numbness that alcohol or drugs couldn't provide for a long time.
Leaving the notes untouched, I began to remove my combat suit I designed specifically for such occasions. The metal plates against the l served the purpose of flexibility, mobility and endurance. Even my parkour became instinct with each punch and kick, especially when the police set dogs on me. They were a bitch to get rid of but I did—not without leaving behind scars.
Placing my utilitybelt and its gadgets away in the garage locker, along with my damp suit I knew would dry itself out. I pulled out my backpack and slung it over my shoulder. Heading back to the kitchen I then took the five-grand. I was sure to time the garage to open and close before I left, once I hopped on my bike with my helmet in hand the garage door opened and that was my getaway ticket.
I knew the cage match started soon. I knew it wasn't too far away and headed towards Bondi. It was beginning to hit midnight and I was eager to see who I'd fight today. The strange but worst part of this was, that everyone betted on the fighter they wanted to win rather then they knew who wanted to win. I found it funny to know this as I refused to be defeated and as a result—many hitmen were sent after me. That only made it all the more exciting.
Heading to a familiar suburban house. There were many cars lined up on each side of the street and several residence stood staring at a slender but rough man who called curses at them. "What the fuck are you all looking at? This isn't a comedy act!"
I rolled my eyes and sighed. I heard one man call. "What's with all the cheering? You having a party. I'll call the police on you, you piece of shit!"
Turning off the ignition, I pulled off my helmet. I was aware of thieves in these parts but I didn't care. It was only a cheap Yamaha it's not like it was a Porsche. "Do you hear any music dumbass? No. We're just watching a rugby match."
Crossing the road and meandering down the footpath I headed straight for the slender shorter man. "Don't talk to my husband like that cunt!" a rugged woman screamed.
"You're the cunt bitch! And I wasn't talking to you so mind you own business!" he called glaring around me to the blond haired woman. I didn't wait and began to pull him inside. The two continue to call curses at each other until the familiar man glared up at me. "There you are Princess. I'm losing money in there."
"You didn't start swearing at them did you?" I asked with a risen brow. Aware that was how most violent fights started in these parts.
"Of course not, what? You think I'm stupid? Those guys are carrying weapons you know." He dangerously warned as I closed the front door. I heard another roar occur, it was a little dull but I knew it came from the basement he had built in several years ago.
I glanced down the hall. "I know." I pulled out the buy-in amount. "Here. Keep the change." I teased handing him five-hundred in cash.
"And this is why you're my favourite. You know how to deliver unlike some of these bastards." he said and nodded to the living room where his wife was, "Hand Viv your bag. Then let's go teach these mongrels a lesson." I did as he said and handed my bag to Vivian Tucker the woman married to Andrew Tucker for more than thirty-five years.
She smiled and spoke in her rough voice, "Thanks love. I'll watch it." I nodded and followed after Andrew. His short self-cut hair was greasy to the eye, from the familiar hair gel he often slicked his hair with. I heard the soft hammering beat of Chris Brown's Wait from the familiar graffiti album, as I headed down the stairs the first thing that caught my eyes were the leather covered and alcohol women. Then the men who chatted up those same women.
I squeezed past them.
I rounded to the ring at the corner of the room and under the florescent lights overhead you could see the amount of blood everywhere. I internally cringed at the sight. I'd have to be careful not to get any of that on my face. I regarded Andrew and watched as his son, Michael began to push the two men apart—ending the fight. "Winner!" Michael called pointing at the largely muscular man who pumped his hands into the air, revealing his banged and blood covered hands.
The large tanned Caucasian male, turned to Michael who handed him a grand in cash. Walked towards me and I stepped aside to allow the winner out, watching him as he watched me. There was something dark in his eyes—something familiar that told me not to let my guard down. Then again, I couldn't remember a time when I did let my guard drop. Being a woman in this business—you couldn't allow your guard to drop. The moment you do is the moment, they get the drop on you.
I glanced back at Michael who regarded me with a nod, indicating it was my turn. "Up next we have Mariana and Lena. An all-female show down, boys. So sit back relax and watch the action unfold." I noticed he was choosing his words carefully. Even though I've never had a conversation with Marianna I knew she was similar to me.
I slipped off my jacket I forgot I had on and handed it to Michael. "Watch it?"
"Of course." He smiled and lit a cigarette before shifting off to the side and out of the circle marked by a large white thick rope. I stepped into the wide arena that took up the other half of the large basement. There were men and women high up on the metal ledges, where some threaded their arms and legs through the silver arms and watched us.
The bell in the corner rang twice and Marianna was the first to punch. I wanted this to play out and I wanted to see what she was capable of, so I merely dodged her next string of punches. Until I was satisfied I knew what she had in her arsenal her next punch I blocked before elbowing her in face—breaking her nose in the process.
I could see the anger in her eyes and the danger of her quick temper. Anyone with a bitch switch was dangerous. This was when she began to swing at full speed and I knew if I wanted to win this—I'd have to push her harder. So I did, her punches continued to chain and I twisted around her and elbowed her in the face. She stumbled away and I threw a round house. The next thing I saw was her spinning in the air and hitting the solid ground.
I felt Michael come up to me and lift my arm. "Winner!" he handed me a grand in cash and I smiled. "You didn't get hit, why?"
"Because I didn't want to."
"Okay then what would happen if you wanted to?" Michael asked me as he handed back my brown leather jacket. I knew everyone in the room eyed it with envy and if they were game enough would try and take from me by force. But given the show I put on, no one I knew would dare.
I stepped in closely, "Then that would be where I wanted you." I felt a small smile pull at my lips and I walked away. Up the stairs and to the main house. The fight was fun but I wasn't sure if I wanted to go again. I've already fought everyone here and they know how I move so—yes they understand my style. But I try not to stick to a pattern.
"Hey Lena." I heard Vivian greet. I glanced up from my spot on the couch as I watched the evening news. With the captions on I was able to make out what was going on.
"Hey."
"Why aren't you in the ring?" she asked.
"There's nothing new. I've fought and beaten everyone. It kind of gets boring fighting them again. Especially if you know how they move." I commented as I moved over making room for her. She sat down beside me and watched the news.
"You know they know how you move too right?" she asked with her cigarette and beer in hand. I regarded the two drugs warily. "What? This is my first beer today."
I didn't say anything. As I observed the news I watched as a man convicted to paedophilia, rape and murder walk in shackles towards open doors guarded by Kevlar covered men. "Would he know how I moved?"
Vivian turned her pale blue gaze to the screen. "Probably, if you fought him enough." I sighed, a part of me didn't pity him at all. He was convicted right—that was different than being accused.
"Why, do you feel sorry for him?" she asked.
"No."
"Good, you shouldn't." she whispered and I could smell strongly the ash and alcohol on her tongue. "They think we're scum. But really, I think most of us are better than them. At least we don't back stab each other. And most of us know right from wrong. Including you," she said pointing her crackly thin finger to my arm.
"I know but it doesn't matter." I said and got up from the chair. "What's done is done."
"Are you leaving?" she hollered.
"Yeah." I said grabbing my bag from in the kitchen. "I'll be back in a week." Moving to the door before leaving I spoke my last words, "Try and have some new meat."
"Don't you get that already?!" I heard her call as I closed the door. I padded down the steps and over the uncut grass towards the pavement when I noticed a man standing outside his door with a cigarette in hand. Under the porch light overhead, his features were shrouded and unidentifiable but I knew he was looking right at me. Brushing him off, I proceeded towards my biked and took off.
I travelled quickly. Over the roads, highways and Sydney Harbour Bridge and towards Manly. Happy, to be feel the cold air against my fingers and the freedom of my movement. I made it back to my apartment block. Parking my bike, in an underground parking lot, down the road. I walked along the dark street with the yellow lights above head.
My mind wandered to my next task.
As I entered the apartment block. A complex that rounded like a horse shoe with three levels of apartments above the grounded apartments. I noted a man sat outside his door and even though his face was hidden under a cap I knew he watched me, once again. I sauntered towards the stairs and headed to my apartment across from his. Pulling out my keys I headed inside—keeping the light off. I planted my back against the door and peered through the slit of my curtain and watched as he picked up his chair and headed inside.
I moved through the darkness and towards my kitchen. I prepared a cooked meal earlier that day before I left. I glanced at the clock above my TV cabinet. The green digits glowed at two-ten in the morning.507Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr14LuGzI4
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