Theater of the Soul

The lights of the theater went down and the couple were seating amongst others ready to watch the play.  Meg was already thinking about which part she was more excited to see and running through the whole story in her mind.  Edward could feel the grip of her hand as the play started and he could feel the energy flowing through her that began to transfer over to him.  The theater was a magical place for the both of them.  Once the lights went down it was like they were transported to a different world, far away from the dangers and awfulness of the real world and the past time running from gangs who wanted them eliminated.  The quiet hush over the crowd melted away any anxiety left and upon seeing the first actors come out on stage she was already deep within the world. Her eyes followed each scene taking it all in and reciting the words that the performers spouted almost in unison.  She laughed with each funny line and cried when the emotions ran high.  It was hard for Edward to watch the show as he kept wanting to watch her instead.  The awe and satisfaction in her face was intoxicating.  Looking at her face being lit up by the stage lights and seeing her eyes follow each performer was like watching art being created right in front of him.  He heard the words of the play being said and saw the effects of the story's emotional impact being painted in front of him.  Her hand gripped his harder with each dramatic beat and was a silent indicator as to which scene was an important one.  She was in perfect bliss, he had never seen her like this before.  It was a beautiful sight to see her finally without any worry or thoughts of the situation they were in and to just completely be happy and content.  It was in that moment that further cemented his desire to wed her, to see her face when waking up every morning and feel her body next to his every night.  There would be nothing short of the gods that would stop him.  The play was nearing the end and she shed a tear, not out of sadness but because she was transported so well and was so entertained that it was an experience she would never forget.  The lights came up and Edward was looking into her eyes and they held one another feeling an elevated sense of love between them, the play serving as the vessel that took them to new heights.

The bearded man in a coat hid his movement well and ducked between buildings and tried to keep to places where he could blend in without being noticed.  He had to find himself a pay phone to report his findings and what to do next.  The woman seemed to be on her own and had disposed of  a body it seemed.  The vehicle fit the description of what the Royal Darkness usually traveled in.  He didn't know all of the facts surrounding her or why that gang was in this area but it was suspect to see just the one and no other men around.  This was either a bigger more secret job than told or the woman was breaking code and going off job.  He made his way closer to the last phone he had taken note of when he felt something jab against his back and he was grabbed by the arm.
"Just keep walking and follow my lead."
"The hell is this?"
"Just do what I say or so help me God."
He did what she said and let her lead him through a crowd and down a back alley towards a dead end with some dumpsters and some vents spewing smoke from kitchens.  Once they reached the end, she threw him up against the wall and put a small gun up to his chin.
"Who the hell are you and why are you watching me?"
"I'm not watching anyone, you got the wrong person lady."
"Oh please, don't jerk me around.  I know how the game works.  Now who the hell are you?"
"I"m nobody."
"Real cute, You start talking and I don't start blowing pieces of you off."
"You sound upset, like you got caught doing something you shouldn't have."
"You messed with the wrong bitch, I warned you."
She aimed to the ground and shot the man's foot.  He screamed in pain and she shoved the gun back to his neck.
"Who are you working with and why are you here?"
"You're crazy, I should be asking you the same question.  You still doing a job?"
"So, they don't trust me.  Should've seen it coming, kind of started it myself but still.  Was it Price or Dante?"
"What does it matter?"
"I have at least four more reasons in this barrell to convince you."
"You were given a job, didn't fulfill it and gave reason for us to continue without you."
"This is still my job, maybe one day you'll understand."
"We understand the business, you do the job to the end."
"Yeah, well I have a message you can give your so called bosses."
She aimed and shot at his crotch, destroying his manhood.  His screams filled the alley and he dropped to his knees holding his groin.  She walked away down the alley.
"You tell whoever, I know what I want and how I want my life to be and if they get in my way again, I won't be so forgiving.  Lest they forget, I've got a lot on them too."

Price was at home in bed and was tossing and turning, hoping he could fall asleep soon.  His personal phone began to ring and he picked it up.
"What."
"This situation is a lot more dangerous than orignally thought."
"What?"
"You didn't inform us of who we were going to be dealing with.  Our price has gone up, we will be in touch."
The phone went dead and Price was sitting up in bed.
"God damn Royal Darkness is a pain in my ass.  At least they are there.  I swear to god if this takes any longer."

The couple exited the theater hand in hand smiling.  She regailed him with stories of the first time she read the book and which parts of the play were her favorite.
"I could listen to you describe your favorite things all day."
"Don't test me darlin, I'll definately give your ears an adventure."
"The way you took in the performances I could see it in your eyes that you were being taken somewhere."
"Well, it isn't my favorite book for no reason."
"How about we find a nice place to rest up and then get some dinner.  If we're lucky, Victoria will wait a little before coming to find us."
"That's some luck I'm definately hoping for."
"I think I saw a tall hotel tower at the end of the street where we had lunch earlier, the bigger it is the more chance there is for some open rooms."
"I think we should come back here again sometime.  There's so many places that we can't get to and who knows what else is around here."
"I agree, today was magical and can only imagine how much more we could experience here.  I promise I'll bring you on some more dates here, I want to keep that smiling going for the rest of our lives."
"You're too sweet dew drop."
They continued walking up the street, painfully unaware of the coated man who was following behind them blending in with the crowd.  After a few minutes of walking they happened upon the hotel and spoke with the front counter.  To their luck there were plenty of rooms open and they took one that was higher up so that the view was just as good as it was earlier in the day.
The coated man stood outside taking note of where they were going and then made his way up town to find the nearest phone.

Victoria sat in the front seat of the red limo outside of a car dealership and couldn't find the energy to get out.  She knew this was the next step but it was becoming very difficult for her to take that step.  This case was becoming her ticket to her new life.   There was an anxiety and excitement in her chest that finally gave her the push she needed to begin this journey.  If they were going to threaten her then they better be ready for when she finds this case and comes back at them.  She wanted this new life with a family and they had better be prepared for when she was on her way back.  Love or the job?  The answer was and always would be love.  She stepped out of the car and walked with determination to the dealer.

TO BE CONTINUED......................
xoxoxoxoxmissthewayyoufeeldewdropxoxoxoxoxoxoox

The Following of a Jane Austen Heart

Price wandered around his office coming down off of a particularly angry rant.  He rested up a bit and was ready to take on the day with newfound passion.  He was starting to get paranoid and anxious about getting this job done.  As much as he put his faith in Dante and his team, this was also a business where you could be double crossed at any time.  Running through time frames and distances, he calculated out a plan that he could handle himself.  Reaching out to a third party wasn't something he usually did but this guy was so far outside the system that he was considered a shadow, which until this time hadn't worried him.  The paranoia of trust was swimming through his head making the room spin.  Dante had more than him, more power and reach, he could find them out and track it back.  This whole thing was spiraling out of control all because of a stupid case that was so damn sentimental to him.   One of his men  came into the room with an envelope.
"Sir this was dropped off for you."
He took the parcel form his hands.  "Thank you."
Inside was a letter hand written out.
-Traveling to destination.   Collecting information from witnesses.  Will respond back soon with update-
"Great, at least he is on his way but the vagueness is annoying."
He crumpled up the paper and tossed it at his desk.  Walking over to his desk, he clicked the button on the box on the corner.  "Samantha, cancel everything I've got this week and bring me my things.  I'm taking a trip."

Miles away, the trench coated man knocked on the door of a farmhouse.  A man opened the door.
"Can I help you?"
"Sir, sorry to bother you, if it'd be alright, I'd like to as you some questions."
"Is that so?"
"I'm looking for some information, I heard you've run into a couple recently."
The man stares at the coated man and then called in to his wife before opening the door.

The food was delivered to the table and two beautiful steaks sizzled in their juices in front of the couple.  Meg's eyes widened at the sight of the delicious food.
"Oh wow.  That is the sexiest piece of meat I've ever seen.  I'm so excited to taste it!"
"I've had some good steaks before but this looks amazing."
She cut into hers first and let the flavors explode around her mouth.  "Mmmmm, I'm never going to be able to enjoy any other food ever again unless it's this steak."
"It is very good.  Great day, great food, great girl."
She smiled and crinkled her nose at him.
"After this I'm going to start asking around some local businesses to see what are some good places to stay."
"I could stay up here in the clouds eating steak all day."
"Then you wouldn't have any time to look at the shoe store."
"Don't tease me.  You know I'll go spider monkey on you."
"Oh I know it."
"I've been thinking, and I think we can use Victoria for leverage."
"You think she has that much importance to sway those gangs?"
"Well you said she was a legend and one of the best.  It could go two ways.  Have her on our side for connections and help or hold her for some leverage in being left alone."
"Hmmm, the first has a bit more push for us.  The thing with these gangs is that if a big one is taken down then it's better for others.  They can move up and take that place."
"I want to believe she is on our side or can be trusted but how can we possibly be sure of that?"
"Because we'd be dead by now."
She gave a nod of acknowledgement and finished her meal.  Leaning back, she looked out over the city and felt a wonderful feeling of being full.
"She could be doing anything right now, I say we just do what we need to and move on without her."
"We will see what and if she comes back with and see what goes from there."
"Well until then, I want to spend this gorgeous day with you."
"Couldn't agree more."
"Not for a week or anything, I still want to get moving."
"Of course, I think I saw a nice clothing store and a theater near the east part of the city."
"Speaking my language dew drop."
The couple smiled into one another's eyes and continued their lunch date, their legs curled around one another under the table.

A man's body lay near a river wrapped in a blanket, a woman stood over it staring at the motion of the water.  She hadn't set out to kill anyone but her emotions go away from her and something snapped.  Victoria looked back at the limo, it had taken her a few minutes to clean the back seat but to look at it now you'd never know anything happened.  She thought that after so many jobs she would have become numb to things like this by now.  Her emotions were getting the best of her.  Lifting the body, she tossed it into the water creating a big splash and she watched it sink until it disappeared and all she could see was her own reflection.  A mirror image of herself staring right back.  It was a frightening thought but she wasn't sure she recognized the person looking right back.  Wiping away a tear, she got a hold of herself.  This wasn't going to get anywhere if she didn't end this and get things moving.  With a deep breath, she pushed her emotions away and looked out across the water.  A man was staring form across the way and once seen stepped around the wall and disappeared.
"Shit."
That wasn't just a random person, she had seen that style of dress before.  She couldn't remember who or where but it wouldn't be surprising if she was now being followed.  Dante wasn't one to fool around and her moment of weakness must've given him reason to take more charge.  She clenched her fist.
"You want to play this game?  Fine.  I'm getting your damn case."

The marquee above the theater was lit up with what seemed like a thousand light bulbs and Meg was almost hopping up and down with excitement.
"No way!  A stage play of Pride and Prejudice???  That's my favorite book!  I was always upset that our city never had a playhouse or even a theater."
"I'm sure they've tried but it's not the best area for fun in that city."
"We should really be getting on and to the coast but....."
"Look sweetness,  we're here and if anyone deserves a fun evening, it's you beautiful."
She couldn't help herself.  "I can't pass this up, this and then back to business."
"Sounds good to me.  It's contagious seeing you so excited."
"I defy you to be just as excited once you've seen it Mr. Darcy."
"Who?"
"You'll find out, let's go!"
She pulled him towards the ticket counter and they got two tickets, she kissed him with more passion than he had seen so far and they walked arm in arm into the theater, the lunch date turning into a beautiful afternoon date.  The theater doors closed behind them and another man in a coat turned his gaze from them back to his newspaper.  Waiting.


TO BE CONTINUED...............
xoxoxoxxomissinmylobsterxxoxoxoxoxo

The Angel Above the Fallen

The red limo took off down the road leaving the couple by themselves on the first street corner they came to.  It wasn't raining, yet, but it usually wasn't that far from wherever they were.  The city was a sprawling metropolitan landscape that at first glance was almost too much to take in right away.  Roads and sidewalks stretched for miles, surrounded on all sides by large skyscrapers and more buildings and interesting places than Meg could have ever imagined.  People walked all around them on their way to jobs, meetings, friends, and events.  The one thing that stood out most was just the color, the brightness, and the cleanliness of a real prosperous city.  Comparing it to where they came from it was like Dorothy stepping out of the black and white world into the technicolor land of Oz.  Suddenly, she realized what she may look like standing among them.
"Can we find somewhere to shower and get some new clothes?"
"Yeah, I agree.  I'm sure we can blend in but we are kind of a sore thumb at the moment."
"I've never seen so many.....everything."
"It's a little larger than I thought it would be.  With so much here hopefully it won't be too hard to find what we need."
"What if she never meets back up with us?  I mean.....I won't be particularly upset..."
"She'll find us.  But I won't lie, I wouldn't let it ruin my day if she splits too."
"I'm a little excited to explore though."
"Well we can start here."
They started walking up the street they were on, blending into the crowd as best as they could.
"I saw you eyeing that shoe store."
"I...I..was not!"

Victoria had parked the limo and found a pay phone off the busy streets.  She twirled the receiver cord in her fingers nervously.
"Dante, speak."
"It's Victoria."
"About time, what's the status."
"That's why I'm calling now."
"Problem?"
"I...I am thinking again."
"Not about..."
"Yeah."  Her voice quivered a little as she held back tears.
Dante sighed.  "Vic, look, you've been through this.  It didn't get you anywhere before.  I mean, look what you have now."
"It's just material things.  I want the other stuff.  The normal stuff.  You've done it."
"It was different with me.  Still within the business.  I didn't want out."
"But it worked."
"If you don't give it all up.  You can have and do whatever you want.  You're a legend!"
"I don't want it all!  I want....a life."
"You have a job to do."
"Do I?"
"Yes Vickie, yes you do.  Bad things will happen if you don't."
"I can't do it.  I can't do this.  Not anymore."
"Victoria I'm warning you.  You can't abandon this job, I have a stake in this."
"You'll get out of it.  I just can't emotionally do this anymore."
"Vickie, don't fuck around, this is a job and..."
"I'm sorry, my heart needs...."
"Don't, just don't.  This is a job I hired you for.  You finish it or you'll pay."
"You don't understand, I...."
The phone clicked and the line went dead.  She stared ahead slowly hanging up the reciever.  She stood in silence, emotions boiling up inside her with no outlet.  Tears in her eyes, she punched the phone box and walked down the street unable to hold on to her emotions.  She looked around up and down the streets in a panic.  She hadn't made it far before a man threw a flirtacious remark at her.
"Looking good, sweetheart."
Her head snapped in his direction and she narrowed her eyes.  She reached out and grabbed his arm, yanking him along to follow her.
"Woah hey, hot stuff, I didn't mean no harm."
Tears in her eyes she led him to the red limo.  "Fuck me hard."
"Excuse me?"
She grabbed him and threw him inside and got in herself.  She stradled him and ripped her shirt off, her large naked breasts bouncing out in front of his eyes.  She leaned forward, grabbing his throat, inches from his face.  "Shove it in and fuck me like your life depends on it.....because it very well might."
He nodded quickly unbuttoning his pants and pulling out his erect penis.  She continued removing her clothes and pulled him on top of her, he could feel how wet she was as he dragged his member over her.  Reaching down she tugged him and rolled over pressing her behind against his chest.  She looked out the window at the pay phone, tears running down her cheeks.  He spanked her once before ramming his solid member inside her.  She gave a yelp and felt her nipples stand on end and he began slamming into her hard.
"Harder."
He reached around to fondle her breasts.
"Harder!"
He was really hitting her hard now, her legs shaking.
"Harder!!!!"
She screamed an orgasm into the air almost wetting herself and reached behind her grabbing his head and snapped his neck killing him.  His dead body slumped over, hard dick pointing in the air and Victoria curled up in a ball and cried her eyes out.  Alone.

Zig zagging around the maze of streets, the couple took note of the many eclectic restaurants and office buildings.  So far there weren't many places tehy passsed that offered stays or even had vacancies.
"I hope we find a place or we're going to end up sleeping in that damn limo.
"Unless she successfully sells it, then we won't even have that."
"Don't put any worse thoughts in my head."
They crossed the street towards the larger of the skyscrapers.
"I'm starving, how about a lunch date."
He chuckled and smiled at her, his blue eyes making her heart skip a beat.
"Any date with you would be wonderful."
Looking around there was the entrance to a restaurant at the bottom of the large skyscraper.  The place was called 'A Delicious View' and appeared to be located at the top.
"I've got an idea, but you'll have to close your eyes."
"ooooh, yes sir."
She closed her eyes and kept them closed as he led her inside and into an elevator and then up some stairs.  Hearing some talking she couldn't help but smile and squeeze his hand.  He then pulled her to another area and stopped.  Kissing her on the lips he whispered to her.
"Open your eyes beautiful."
At first all she saw was clouds but once she got her bearings she saw that she was on the roof of the building and could see the entire city around her.  She was speechless.  "Oh my god darlin, it's amazing!"
The breeze blew her hair and she walked to the edge and held on to the railing.  The city went on forever.  The people and cars looked like ants or colored energy flowing through the veins of the buildings.  She felt him come up and hold her form behind, she leaned back into him and their hands locked.  He kissed her head.
"An angel deserves to be close to the clouds."
"You're so cheesy."
"And you wouldn't have it any other way."
A smile grew larger on her face.  "Got me there, I love you dew drop."

Streets away, a red limo sat in a back alley.  Alone and quiet.  A naked woman lay in the back sobbing and holding her body close.
"Let me out."


TO BE CONTINUED...................
xoxoxoxoxxokissestoyouxoxoxoxooxoxox

A Final City Brings New Questions

She was wearing a beautiful dress and holding the biggest bouquet of flowers she had ever been given.  Looking in the mirror she was full of excitement and happiness that she never thought she would feel again.  The day was gorgeous with plenty of sunshine and birds chirping and while she was secluded in her own little tent away from it all, she felt like she was exactly where she belonged.  She had been looking forward to this day for quite a while and knew that once that grand adventure was over she would be able to enjoy this day for the rest of her life.  Wondering how good Edward would look, Meg stepped out of her tent and made her way to the main setup.  There was numerous family members and friends in attendance and the organ began to play for her walk down the aisle.  At the end she saw him, handsome and outfitted in the best suit he could find.  His smile made her weak in the knees and it took everything in her to not go running down the aisle to him.  Her approach was calm and calculated and once she reached the front she gave him the biggest smile.  He returned with a smile of his own.  "You ready darlin?"
"Born ready dew drop."
The priest gave the usual marriage texts with most of it not being heard by the lovers who could not stop staring into one another's eyes.  Once they reached the part they both knew they were waiting for, it was the culmination of a long journey with the best of rewards.
"I do."
"I do."
They kissed with their audience cheering and Meg felt so much relief drift off into the heavens.  The journey was definately one for the books but for it to end with this made it all worth it. 
The smile she carried in the dream transferred over into reality when she was awoken by Edward still in the red limo.
"Hey sweetness, found a place.  Come on, I'll get you all tucked in."
She nodded and followed him, an annoyance creeping over her when she saw Victoria walking along with them.  There was nothing she could do to earn any trust from her, it was just one of those people.  The hotel wasn't anything special but it was nice to finally be in a bed again where she could spread out and get some decent sleep.
Only could she?
It was almost impossible to feel relaxed enough to drift away knowing Victoria was in the same room.  She rolled over to Edward and held on to him and whispered.  "I can't sleep.  I just can't with her here."
"We just need to trust her for a little while."
"Well I don't."
"Neither do I but sometimes people can surprise you.  In my line of work I've been surprised quite a few times by some people.  Plus, word of the Royal Darkness' members gets around.  Especially her.  She isn't a flip flopper and has a legendary status of always keeping her word.  I don't know, it's always going to feel fishy but if anything we can use her.  We are closer than ever to the coast, once we get there and the case then we will make sure everything is in our court."
"I just don't know."
"I understand your worries, let me hold you and try and get some sleep.  You can trust me.  And if we wake up again and she is gone then I'm going to count that as a win anyways."
"I wish I had your trust.  I just can't trust her.  But I'll try to sleep.  I swear if she tries anything then I'm kicking your ass for reassuring me."
"I will let you.  Goodnight sweetheart.  I love you." 
He kissed her and she laid her head on his chest and did her best to sleep.
Victoria was in the bed across the room not facing them trying to wrestle her own demons.  The echoing words of her past continued to torment her.  This job could benefit everyone involved, a chance for everyone to get out and start the life they wanted.  She could hear them speaking and knew she would have to earn their trust, but above anything she wanted to watch them and learn.  Learn what it was like to be in love and care more about the person than the business.

Dante paced in his office awaiting a check in call.  He finally got one before he was ready to just forget about it and run some errands.
"Dante.  Speak."
"The boss took a squad of men with her sir and never came back.  Never checked in or made any contact either.  The remote we were tracking went dead in the middle of a road near Ormond City."
"Well that's not good.  Has anyone gone out to check what happened?"
"We sent a few men out and all that was at the scene was a car filled with bullets and the bodies of our men.  Interesting thing is that our boss' wasn't among them."
"That's good.  On a few levels.  She must be with them, give her another day and if there is still no contact then contact me again.  I'll have my own men ready and set out myself.  This couple is more equipped than I gave them credit for.  I'll speed the process up."
"Yes sir."
The phone went dead and Dante looked at his date book.  He had some time opened up to put a pin on this situation.  What the hell was with this couple?  He cracked his fingers and beeped in his receptionist.

What seemed like a miracle, Meg woke up hours later to the morning sun feeling quite rested.  Edward was still under her snoozing away and across the room the body of Victoria was still under the covers.  Okay, made it through the night and she didn't try anything, I guess that's progress.  Still don't trust her enough though.
After getting themselves together they all grabbed a small breakfast they could eat along the way and Edward took over driving the limo again as they powered down the moutainside towards their next and hopefully final before the big one, destination.
The city loomed up over the hills looking like a sprawling metropolis with large buildings, dozens upon dozens of shops, and what Meg could put together, what a real prospering city should look like.  She was a little excited.
Edward eased on the gas as they approached.  "We will stop here for the day and gather ourselves and do what we need to before we take that final stretch to the coast.  Victoria you will handle selling or getting rid of this red menace and getting some new wheels.  We will check around the area for a place to stay for the day and places to restock."
"You don't have to lie.  If you want a day to yourselves you can just tell me.  I do understand."
"Just worry about the cars."
She watched them hold hands over the gear shift of the car and tried to distract herself by looking out of the window.
The entering of the city was an awesome site with all the people going about and the shiny skyscrapers that lined the streets.  This was what Meg thought Los Angeles must look like, where all the Hollywood people lived.  A shoe store passed them by and took her full attention.  Yep, this was some place she wanted to stop at.
"We will get out and trade seats up here at this building,  Get in touch with us as soon as you handle the wheels and we will go it from there."
Victoria nodded already trying to form a plan as to what to do with the limo.

Price was in a dark alley near the riverfront next to his car.  Another car had pulled up and a man wearing a trenchcoat and hat stood in the shadows across from him.
"They will be in Ormond City now, I need you to find them and kill the male.  The woman has what I want, get it from her by any means necessary.  Once you have it, I want all the intel I can get on Dante.  That fucker is going to screw me the first second he gets, I want to get to him before that.  The names of the couple are Edward and Meg, I want this done fast and discreet.  They've taken down some heavy hitters so far so approach this with extreme professionalism."
"It'll be done.  Already have some guys up in that city."
"I cannot stress enough to get the information and the case first, then I don't care what you do with them."
"We got a deal."
The shadowy figure drove off and Price looked out over the waterfront.  "Your time is running out.  I want my case back and I'm sick of waiting around."
From across the river he heard some low noises and yelling.  Chances were, someone was on his turf and are now paying for it.  Might cheer him up to go visit.  He grabbed a crowbar out of his trunk and then sped off towards the location.


TO BE CONTINUED...........
xoxoxoxeverythingworkingoutsowellsoonahhloveyouxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

True Love or the Business

The clouds ran with the red limo as if they were both on a race to their goals.  Each one carrying just as much anger as the other.  Lightening lit up the sky and the land around them guiding them on their path.  Thunder rumbled above like a symphonic boom of support for the speeding vehicle.  The seven passengers in the back of the limo tried to avoid eye contact with one another as the night went on towards their target.  Victoria was silent as well, sitting in the back of the limo and staring out into the night.  There was something about this that seemed off, her heart never beat this hard before.  Maybe she was sick?  She had gone on missions that involved murders, theft, and all manner of illegal activity but something about this job was bothering her.  Maybe because it was her self declared final one?  Putting her hand on her chest over her heart she tried to slow her breathing.  The hills outside whipped by and droplets of rain began to collect on the window.  There were homes that went by here and there and a warm blue house surrounded by a white fence went by.  Or did it?  It was late and maybe she was projecting what she wanted.  She would have to change her name.  Disappear.  The Royal Darkness could always find her and call upon her again.  Or the others like Dante would have her eliminated for knowing so much of everyone's business.  Her nerves were staring to shake with the thought that her longest dream may not be allowed for her.  Checking the radar she noticed that they were making excellent progress and while the dot had begun moving forward, they were gaining on it faster than she thought they would.

Miles ahead, the couple was making their way down the road drawing ever closer to the next city.  Meg was starting to succumb to watching the night sky grow darker and her eyes grow heavier.  She didn't want to fall asleep just yet, all of her adrenaline from that morning was starting to dwindle.
"Where did you learn to fight and handle weapons like that?"
"You pick it up as you go being on the defensive a lot.   But I had a good head start and had taken some classes when I was younger.  Parents thought I might need it with the state of the area they were living in."
"Seems to have paid off at least.  I know it's training but it's going to be scary not knowing how the other person is going to attack."
"That's the hard part.  But always remember that there is always a weak or exposed spot no matter who or what it is."
"I never really got into any fights when I was younger.  An argument or shove when I was younger but never an actual fist fight.  Girls generally go for the hair and scratch, it's actually kind of annoying."
"I did my best to avoid any fights when I was growing up.  I had seen my dad get in some trouble and got to see what a real fight looked like.  It wasn't something I wanted to ever put myself through."
"It feels like there is a feeling inside of me that makes me wonder that if I got into a real fight fueled by some real anger.....that something would come out and I would go too far."
"I know what you mean.  It's something you have to always keep in check.  A lot of people want to get you to that point because once you are there it's all primal and no thinking and they can take advantage of you not thinking straight."
She reached over to turn on the radio as to aleviate the mood a bit.  After fiddling around with the stations for a few minutes she finally landed on something that sounded calming.

https://youtu.be/jpdBiEcdo3M

"It's me or the job, Vickie.  This isn't going to work if you are never here.  Plus, what you're doing is illegal!  I don't want to have things like this going on around me.  You have to choose.  Me or the job."
"You aren't being fair!  I've worked my ass off to get to where I am!  All of this around us is because of me, i'm respected and we can have everything we'll ever want!"
"But at what cost?  To never see each other?  To wonder if tonight will be the night you don't come home?  It may be extravagant and solve all financial problems but I'll always know how  you got it.  It'll be blood money."
"You're being dramatic, it is just a business and one I've worked my way up in!"
"Then get out while you still can!"
"You don't understand!"
"No, you don't understand!  It's taken over your mind Vic!  You cancel dates, you come home in the middle of the night, sometimes smelling like blood, and we can't go anywhere ourselves without being watched or followed!  It's not right."
"Please.  Just...understand.  I love you, this is for us."
"It's for you Vickie.  That's what you need to understand.  It's me or the business."
"I....can't...."
Vickie opened her eyes at the back of the limo, tears spilling over onto her cheeks.  "I'm so sorry.  I choose you.  I'm so sorry...."
"You say something boss?"
"Leave me alone and face front."
"Yes ma'am, sorry."
She looked out the window wondering where he was.  "I choose you."

It was getting late and Edward was experiencing a sense of deja vu as he drove down the dark road in the middle of nowhere looking for somewhere to spend another night.  A couple hours had passed and he hadn't noticed at first but there were two faint lights in the distance behind him getting closer.  He eyed them after a few moments and thought nothing of it.  Just another driver on the road.  As the vehicle got closer he started to notice that it looked very familiar. Too familiar.  The red limo.  Shit.
Meg was asleep and there was no way this was going to go a nice calm way.  The limo was getting closer and he could see the driver smiling at him.  He hit the gas but the limo was faster and began to pull around the car.  The window pulled down and a member of the Royal Darkness looked at him and aimed a gun at his face.  "Nice night for a drive huh?"
Edward slammed on the brakes and then gassed again to pull around the limo and overtake it.  The sudden brakes woke Meg up.  "What's going on?"
"Unfortunately we aren't alone out here anymore darlin."
"You've got to be kidding me."
"Well you hoped we would run into them."
"I wasn't really serious!"
The limo tried to pull sideways to block off the road and the members pointed their weapons out of the windows and began shooting at the car. 
"DUCK!"
They hid behind the console as bullets hit the car and slowed the car to a stop before the limo.  Smoke poured out of the car and the night permeated the air with silence.  They group waited for a moment before exiting the limo and then one by one came out until all seven were facing the stalled car.  The only noise were the tings of the car engine.  Until a gun shot rang out and one of the members fell over dead.  Then another.  And another.  The other members were confused as to what was happening.  Victoria sat in the limo waiting and watching.  Three of her seven were already down.
"You guys want to start some shit then you're going to get some shit."  Meg yelled.
The members looked at one another confused.  Then a scream rang out that took them off guard and a short brunette girl popped up from the front seat and started shooting. 
Every single one missing the targets.  Once she was done screaming she looked at them, frozen and not knowing what to do next.  The men started laughing and walked to the car.  "Nice shot little lady, you got every single one of us."
"Ever hear of a distraction boys?" Another voice from in the car called out.
"Huh?"
Four more shots rang out and all the men fell to the ground.  Edward sat up in his seat and blew the billowing smoke out of his gun.
Victoria sighed and exited the limo.  "Gotta hand it to you, that was pretty good.  But now I'm outnumbered and you are out of bullets."
She walked towards the couple who were exiting the vehicle.  Meg was staring her down with evil intent.
"What do you want Victoria."
"I had come for you looking for something Edward but now I've realized I was looking for the wrong thing."
"How so?"
"We just want the case."
"So does everyone apparently."
"Just tell me where it is, I'll get it, this will all be over."
"I don't have it.  Kind of why we are on the move."
"Then just tell me where I can get it."
"Coast Victoria.  That's all I've got."
Meg walked over to Victoria and stared her in the face.  Vickie looked down at her and was surprised when Meg punched her square in the face.
"You bitch!  Stop chasing us!  We are after the same thing!  I just want this to be over so I can start my new life!!!"
She continued punching her until Victoria had had enough and shoved Meg to the ground.  "So do I!!"
There was a silence in the air and Meg looked shocked.  "Wait, what?"
She wiped the blood from her nose.  "I want that too.  I want out.  I want a normal life with a husband and house and child.  I fucked it all up and I"m in too deep but this might be my out and I'm going to take it but I need that case to end this!"
Edward came over and picked up Meg.  "How do I know this isn't a trick?"
"You'd be dead by now."
"Is that why you were shooting at us and trying to kill us back at the hotel?"
"I have to get the case. But you have something else I want.  That....feeling."
"Feeling?"
"Love and hope."
Meg wasn't having it.  "No, it's a trick.  I'm not dealing with this anymore."
"It's not a trick.  I can't do this anymore.  You help me and I'll help you."
Edward was starting to put it together.  "That's why you let them all die.  They were the only witnesses."
"It's just me out here.  I want out."
Meg was breathing hard with anger but saw something in her eyes that seemed to make sense.  "And how can we trust you?"
"If I make any move at all on you.  You can shoot me immediately."  She threw her weapon over to Edward.  "I'm unarmed."
Meg was surprised.  "Hmmm....well...alright.   How do you suppose to help us then?"
"We can take the limo, once we reach some place to rest we will ditch it and change to something else.  They will start to look for me if I don't check in so I will have to make some kind of contact soon."
"Who?"
"The guys who want the case."
"I don't know ,this is still so weird."
"Look, I know what this looks like and I get it.  I totally get it.  I wouldn't trust me easily either, I haven't really shown any reason not to.  But you have my word of honor.  It's the business....or me."
Edward and Meg looked at one another.  "You think you'll be okay darlin?"
She had to think for a moment but it wasn't too bad an idea to have one of them on their side.  Might help move things along.  "I guess.  But I'm watching you."
"I deserve that."
"Where do we go from here."
"We take the limo and head east.  There should be some hotels or at least motels coming up not far from here."
It was an odd shaky alliance but barring what they had been through so far they put it aside and used this as an opportunity instead.  They got in the limo and continued off in the direction of the next city.  Having someone from the other side may actually prove useful and speed things along a bit more.  Meg was very hesitant but still felt the adrenaline of newfound confidence towards the gang.  This was a new way she could hurt them that she hadn't thought of before.  Gears began to turn in her head and she caught herself with a bit of a smile in the car mirror.
"Off we go.  Once we rest, it's off to the final city and then the coast where we can grab this case once and for all and end this."
Victoria said nothing, her heart was full of anxiety but she knew that this was something she had to do. 

He held out his hand to her as she stood in the doorway.  "It's me or the business, Vic."
She closed her eyes and curled up in the back of the limo.  "You my love, it's always been you."


TO BE CONTINUED.........
xoxoxoxlovingyouxoxoxoxoxoxo

The Calm Before the Storm

A line of cans and bottles were lined up on various surfaces around the forest and outside of it.  The sun had started to provide some heat to the day.  A small droplet of sweat fell its way down the side of Meg's face.  The breeze rolled by as the only noise reaching her ears was that and the rustling of tree leaves daring her to come at them.  She was standing next to a larger tree preparing herself.  Edward stood nearby watching her from a distance away.
"Try to focus but not be too rigid with your movements.  The silencer is on so don't worry about the noise."
"Well I'll definitely do my best."
"Just work with movements and aim, nobody is going to stand in one spot to let you carefully aim and shoot."
"That'd be nice though."
She turned out form behind the tree and took aim and pulled the trigger.  Two bottles exploded.  She jogged a few feet and continued aiming.  She shot at the three cans set up across from her and two of the three popped off the lob.  Standing in the middle of the path she stared at the last can.
"Damn...one."
"Still very good.  If it was a person and not a can, two shots would have them down.  Don't worry about that last one."
"I think I've got a good handle on it now."
"I agree.  I'm really impressed."
"Okay, let's keep going, what if someone runs at me and I don't have a weapon on me?"
"A good rule of thumb is to go for the legs first so they either fall or it catches them off balance."
She put the weapon down and rolled up her sleeves and faced him.  He approached her to demonstrate how to perform the move.  She paid close attention to his teaching and moved slwoly with him.  He walked slow and pointed to where she was to move.
"When the assailant is coming at you, lower your stance a little and bend your weight on your front facing leg.  They're going to swing at you or grab for you, that's what you want to look for.  Once you see them go for that move, try and duck out of the way and spin your body bringing your back leg in front of you in a sweeping motion to entangle their legs and knock them off balance."
He showed her the move and had her repeat it back.  Each time they did it faster until she was able to just about flip Edward over every time he came at her.  In a short time she actually started to enjoy herself.  As the morning went on, he began to introduce more physical movements to the practice.

It hadn't been the best rest and there was a lot of readjusting and rolling back and forth but Victoria got a fair amount of rest that had her feeling a little better.  She stood in front of a full length mirror taking stock of herself.  Her hair was almost dry giving it a slight curl here and there and her hands were healing up quite nicely.  Her skin held up well through all the jobs with only a small scar on her left shoulder and right thigh.  Her breasts were large but not difficult to manage and her body stayed tight from all the working out she tried to keep up on.  She turned to look at her butt quickly and ran her fingers through her pubic hair.  She sighed.  The same familiar fears and anxieties were still fogging her mind and she tried everything she had taught herself to calm down.
"Okay Vickie, this is what you've decided.  You can get out after this.  Just go.  Too much time has been funneled into this facade of a life.  It's not what I really want."
She dressed while fighting a losing battle with depression and finished by taking yet another glance at the radar.  They were either staying in one spot, which was stupid, or they found the locator and removed it.  Better get this show on the road.

Price paced up and down his office while listening to a ring tone on his phone.  He really had to work on his patience.
"Dante here."
Sir, It's Price, I wanted to make contact and hopefully get an update."
"The Royal Darkness is on the case, nothing to report yet."
"It's been days.  I need this squashed."
"You are in no position to demand anything Mr. Price."
"I understand but this needs taken care of.  I thought you said they were good."
"Might I remind you that I own half of your business after this.  It would be wise to stay on my good side."
He had a point and he took a breath to collect himself.
"My apologies, again, it's just a personal matter that I am interested in having done fast."
"It will be done.  You should know about timing."
"Yes..yes..that's true."
"Don't call me again.  We will reach you when it is done."
The line went dead.  He held his head and squeezed his eyes closed.  His heart rate had escalated and he felt dizzy.  Using that case was such a bad idea.  He cursed himself and threw the phone across the room.  Lightning lit up the room and he stared out the window.
"You two are going to rue the day you screwed with me."

Victoria was dressed and ready to go and mentally checking off everything she needed.  Weapon ready and loaded, car gassed and ready to go, radar in hand, and seven men in the ready.
"We follow the tracker and take them by force, do not and I repeat, do not let them get away.  This one is now personal.  Don't disappoint me."
There was a collective "Yes, boss."  and they funneled into the limo and peeled out towards the radar's location.

The couple was sweaty and as the afternoon set in, dark clouds began to haunt the skies above them.
"Great, here comes my favorite storms again."
"At least you had some good time in the nice weather for a few days."
"True.  Pooped out now though.  I really appreciate you teaching me all of this."
"No problem darlin, maybe now we can get the jump on them for once."
They wiped the sweat off their faces and embraced.  After they shared a kiss under the trees they walked back to the car.  A rumble of thunder echoed in the distance.
"How much farther?"
"Countryside for a bit then a big city and then it's straight on to the coast."
"Cannot wait for this to be over."
"You and me both."
"Let's get moving, I need to find somewhere with a shower."
"I agree."
"Hey!"
She playfully hit him and they drove back down the grassy path to the main road.  Underneath the car, the tracker beeped rhythmically unbeknownst to the couple.  The rain began to set it.
"You know, I actually hope I run into some of these clowns, I want to try out my new moves."
"Hopefully we don't run into them for a long time."

Miles away on the same road, a red limo was speeding at top speed down the pavement.  The Royal Darkness was inside biding their time, watching the roads for the familiar couple.  Victoria sat in the back in her own thoughts.  Her look was not of determination, but of fear.


TO BE CONTINUED..............
xoxoxoxoxomyshiningstarshinescloserxoxoxoxoxoxxo

The Strength of the Heart Conquers All

The next morning brought a feeling of newfound confidence.  The track to reach the coast was dragging out longer than previously thought and while at the beginning, Meg was excited for the adventure and running and hiding scared, now she found herself gaining more confidence and determination.  She couldn't say it was impatience exactly but a feeling of wanting to get back at them.  Her eyes opened and the morning sky spilled in onto her.  Edward snored in the front seat of the car as she sat up and stretched.  She had some time now where she wasn't targeted and chose to take advantage of it.  Quietly she got out of the car and finished stretching the rest of her muscles.  There didn't seem to be any signs of homes, towns, or people for miles.  A very large billboard stood in the distance advertising corn from a farm some miles away.   New definition of middle of nowhere when corn is your big seller.  A breeze rolled by causing the grass to sway in waves around her, the leaves on the nearby trees rustled ripping her attention from the surrounding area.  She walked over into the trees and looked around.  Feeling a little safe, she walked up to one of the larger trees and kicked it.  A small piece of her pent up aggression was felt leaving her body.  It felt kind of good.  Mimicking a fight, she began punching the air in various poses as practice in combat.  Wasn't the best training as the tree just sat there but it was better than nothing.  She picked up a long stick and held it in front of her.
"I'm sick of running from you.  I want to start my life.  I want to be able to not sleep with one eye open."
She took a big swing and cracked the stick into the tree.  The vibrations of the strike were sent up the stick and into her arms.  Never having been a violent person or even getting into a fight, there was something about just getting out her frustrations that felt liberating.
Especially against this tree.
Screw this tree.
She aimed again.
"You aren't going to stop me from starting my new life with Edward."
Smack!
"You shot me in the damn arm!"
Smack!
"Followed me from town to town!"
Smack!
"I can't sleep without having nightmares!"
Smack!
"I am sick of running!!"
The stick broke in half and the power of the break stopped her thoughts.  She was breathing hard, staring at the broken piece of wood.  The world came back to her and her ears picked up the sounds of birds around her.  She dropped the other piece and felt the tree where she had been hitting it.  The bark had worn away slightly almost as if she had her metaphors backwards, her being the tree.  A butterfly landed on the lower branch.
"Enjoying some nature?"
She jumped at Edward's voice.  "Yeah, just beating up this tree."
"What did it do to you?"
"I think I needed it.  I feel a little better."
"You look positively beautiful."
"You think.....you think you could teach me how to defend myself better?  I' m not a fan of being shot again.  Hurt like hell."
He looked at her.  She was adorable.  Short, big brown eyes that complimented her brunette hair, and lips that tasted just as good as they looked.  She gave a smile and crinkled her nose that said please without even speaking any words.  His weakness.
"Yeah, sure I can do that.  You seem good with a stick, let's wee what else I can teach you."

The blip on the radar hadn't moved since Victoria last looked, they must've stopped for the night to sleep.  She hadn't gotten much sleep herself, the obsession with watching the tracker was becoming unhealthy but there was something about this couple that she couldn't just let go as just another job.  For the sake of the job and her own sanity, she put the receiver down and laid in her bed.  The curtains to her balcony blew over almost touching the bed and from her position she could see the clouds traveling past with the random crossing of birds.  There was a world out there she wasn't experiencing.  Was it even still possible to acclimate back into it?  She had thought many times about quitting and pursuing the 'normal' life.  The connections were there and more than enough money.  No reason why she wouldn't be able to do it.  Her eyelids were heavy and just before she fell asleep she fantasized herself gardening in a small home surrounded with a white fence, husband at work and baby asleep in its crib.  A tear rolled down her cheek and she fell asleep.

"Alright, so, when you aim, make sure both hands are on the weapon and using the small piece that's pointing out from the tip of the gun is what you want to line up with your target."
Meg stood in the middle of the woods, hair pulled up and one eye closed while she aimed a handgun at a makeshift target a yard from her.  Her hands were a little shaky and the weapon was a lot heavier than she thought it would be.
"There's going to be a kickback from the force of the shot so you want to make sure you have a really good grip."
Her eye-line was dead on down the sight and her target stared right back at her.  It was a shirt wrapped around a log with a target carved into the face of it.  Holding her breath, she focused on the carved portion and imagined it was Price.  All the time wasted and how this hasn't been resolved yet.  All the days and time that's passed being chased down.
"Once you get comfortable with the sights and aiming, we can work on moving because your target usually isn't going to be sitting still.  Or a log."
Her finger squeezed the trigger and the sound erupted through the trees and pieces of the log blew off in all directions.  She lowered the gun and opened the other eye to gauge where her shot landed.  The force of the bullet coming out did give her a startle but there was something therapeutic about being able to channel her anger that had built up into something tangible.  She walked over and saw that she hit the target quite well and felt the warm hole with her fingers.
"Not bad darlin, how do you feel?"
Her eyes were focused on the shot and had stopped blinking.  "I want to do it again."

The day had gone by with the sun starting to set after a few hours.  Victoria awoke unable to stay asleep.  Her mind was running too much and fears and thoughts she tried to push away were cropping up too much.  She sat up almost in tears.  She was going to be stuck in this forever wasn't she?  The radar was still unmoved.  How much longer could she keep doing this?  It was taking its toll on her physically and emotionally.  Picking up the receiver she stared at the dot.  She could no longer wait, the emotional toll on her was rising too much.  This would be her final job and then she would get out.  There was a photo in a frame by her bed that she didn't let anyone see.  It was her smiling with a man and they were on a trip.  She always looked at it longingly, the last pieces of her life before she took the dark road to the Royal Darkness.  She would never admit it to anyone but if she was honest, she was jealous of the couple.  They were pursuing the life she pined for.  That's why she didn't kill them that night.  Price was a nobody in the business, so what if he didn't get his precious case.
Maybe there was a way to help this situation for both her and the couple.  She set the photo down and looked at the sun.  This couple reminded her that she still had a heart that beat.


TO BE CONTINUED............
xoxoxoxoxgettingbetterandbetterxoxoxoxoxox

The Night They were Let Go on Borrowed Time

Meg's fears reached a new level that she hadn't felt since this whole thing started.  "Are you kidding me??"
"There's no way she could have gotten out of that."
His eyes searched the room with lightning speed to find some clue as to where she could have gotten to.
"Don't move, I knew she was good but why keep us alive and just disappear?"
The ties were stretched out a bit and covered in blood.  There were some drops that led a line to the bathroom.  He waved his hand to Meg to have her stay put but also see what he saw.  Her gaze was directed at the blood on the floor and where it led to.  Did she actually rip her way out of the ties at the cost of her hands?  He stepped off the bed and took the gun out from under the pillow.  The bathroom light was on and he followed the droplets to the door.  Meg tensed up ready to spring into action if necessary.  Taking a breath and tightening his grip on the gun, he kicked the door open and raised the weapon to.....
An empty room.
Did she just escape and leave?  Inspecting the room he saw written in red on the mirror:
Tick Tock
"Shit."
"What?  What is it?  Is it her?"
"No, she's gone."
"What?"  She left the bed and joined him in the bathroom.  "Tick Tock?"
"We're on borrowed time.  She'll come back, this time much more prepared."
"Damn it, should've just killed her when we had her."
"Can't just kill everyone."
"Well, at l.east we slept a little bit.  I'm not staying here though."
"Understandable."
She gathered what she could.  "You drive us somewhere else, I'm going to sleep in the backseat, try and calm down."
Edward cleaned up any and all evidence and left outside with her.

The night road continued to give all the quiet straight lines it could while Edward drove on for their next destination.  Meg was curled up under a blanket sleeping in the back seat.  His mind was occupied with thoughts on the lengths Victoria was willing to go to not be captured.  She now knew more information and was out there preparing herself to strike back even worse.  This trip could have been over by now if there weren't so many things that kept trying to stop them.  It created a lot of memories for later including the farm incident and the attacks in the forest but all his mind held on to were the moments with her.  The way she posed in her new clothes at the shop, the smile when he said he loved her, the carnival with the ferris wheel, and feeling that warm electric feeling just by being near her.  The calls came a bit close too many times and he tried his best not to let any of the fears show on his face.  It was all worth it though, even now being thrown back into fear that Victoria will track them down, all he had to do was look in the back to see her and it all melted away.  The night was still going on and a slight drizzle was covering the atmosphere.  He could't deny that he was also still pretty tired so he started looking somewhere off road to catch some shut eye.  The rain danced on the windshield to an almost lullaby-like melody which made him feel more tired.  They were far from any civilization now in the darkest of back areas.  Before he was too sleepy, he pulled off the main road far off through a field and parked near a large grouping of trees for cover.  He shut the car off and set his hat over his face.  All his ears heard was the tapping of water enveloping him from all sides.

A red limo pulled up to a small section of land not far from the hotel.  Victoria stood up and was let into the limo through the rear doors.  She sat in the back holding her wrists, her hands were red and she looked rather weak.
"Boss, what happened?"
"Nothing  They were too confident and got sloppy.  I need patched up."
One of the men acted as medic and began working on her wrists.
"I know who they are now and how they plan on making it to the coast.  They won't make it far, on my way out of there I placed a transmitter on the bottom of their car.  It should be able to track them down wherever they go."
"Smart thinking boss.  Your wrists should be healed up in a few days, doesn't look like anything serious."
"Get Dante on the line, I have a few demands I want to make clear before we move ahead."

Meg awoke to the rain hitting the car from all sides and realized that he had parked off road in a small forest-like area.  Again.  At least it was off the main road and impossible to find unless you happen to be looking in the area.  She liked the sound of the rain on the car.  After having to be in the rain for who knows how many days she thought just the mere thought of it would anger her.  But there was something soothing about this one.  Above her she could see the stars out of the window.  Realizing she never properly took the time to gaze at them, she noticed there were countless numbers of them, all reaching out in the far expanse of space. Who knew what was out there.  Was there someone or something laying under their stars pondering their future now too?  Edward quietly snored away in the front seat, his hat bouncing a little with every exhale.  She rolled over to a new more comfortable position and opened the window a crack.  Tiny drops of rain squeezed through every so often and hit her on the cheek.  There was something about that that gave her a sense that everything was real.  That the Earth cleansed the day for the start of the new one just like people did.  Her eyes got heavy and the last thing on her mind was Victoria and how when or if she caught up to her at all, she wanted to try being the ruthless detective, why let Edward have all the fun?

"Dante, this better be good."
"It's Victoria."
"You're alright!  I heard what happened, did you get them?"
"They are still on the move but I know where they are going and am tracking them."
"Well at least that's better than being their prisoner."
"This is becoming more work than originally thought."
"What're you saying?"
"I'm saying I will be demanding a bit more for this job.  I didn't expect it to be so involved and....painful."
"Whatever you need, you know I've got you."
"I will call back in the morning with more information and requirements."
"Goodnight."
He hung up the phone and rolled over to his wife.  She was asleep and he quietly thanked the lord that he had found someone who would put up with his business and odd schedule.  He put his arm around her, cupped her breasts and fell asleep on her shoulder.

Victoria sat up half the night watching the small radar screen of her tracker.  It had stopped moving off road near a large stretch of nothing.  They must be sleeping again.  She stared at it for what seemed like hours.  There was something about them that was personally getting to her but she couldn't figure out just what exactly it was.  Her men at reached one of the buildings they owned and settled in for the night.  She sat out on the balcony naked under the rain, letting the cool wet drops bring down her fuming obsession with the couple that stopped her.  The Royal Darkness was known for their efficiency and her as one of if not the best in the business when you wanted something to go away.  So why was it so hard for her to finish this job?


TO BE CONTINUED...............
xoxoxoxonightynightdewdropxoxoxoxoxoxox

The Hotel Hostage

"She what?"
"The couple you were looking for, they just took off with the boss."
"Wait...wait....they kidnapped Victoria?"
"Cornered her in the room, sprung a little trap for her.  Led her outside by gunpoint and then took off."
"Did you see where they were headed?"
"Looked to be east from here."
"The coast.  God damn it, they're still going strong.  Going to have to change course of this plan and maybe just follow them to the coast and act there."
"We're going to retrieve our boss, she can contact you afterwards."
"Wait what?"
The phone line went dead and Dante stood in his office in silence.  They actually managed to surprise and kidnap the leader of the Royal Darkness.  Who the hell were these people?  He looked out at the moon.  He'd give it a day, assuming she knew what she was doing.  If there was no response by then, he would make a move himself. This chase was beginning to not become worth his time.
The remaining Royal Darkness members piled into the red limo and took off down the road in pursuit.  It was an indoctrined code within the company that you protect the leader at all costs.  This may get messy.

The road seemingly went on forever and became a blur of concrete after a few hours and Meg's eyes were starting to get heavy.  Their new passenger was quiet for a good while and it was oddly more uncomfortable that way.  "Hey darlin, I'm starting to lose it here.  We're going to need to stop to sleep."
Victoria shifted a little looking a bit tired herself.  Edward thought for a moment, keeping his gun pointed in her side.  "You're right but I don't know where we can go with this one."
Victoria gave an annoyed smirk.  "Sleep, I don't give a fuck."
"Yeah, we sleep and you kill us while we snooze away or escape as well.  We can't trust you."
"True.   I guess that's a risk you're going to have to take."
They continued to drive a little longer, the night seemed to be swallowing up the road ahead of them.  Meg tried her best to stay awake but it was a losing battle.  "Darlin, first hotel I see we're stopping.  I swear I just saw a house fly over us."
"Okay okay, safety is more important.  We'll figure the rest out once we get there."
He narrowed his eyes at Victoria who gave a smile back.
It wasn't long before a small hotel appeared on the side of the road and they pulled in.
"Meg, here's some cash, get a room preferably high up and two beds  I'll stay here and watch her."
She ran in and spoke with the person at the desk.  Victoria watched and shifted a little in her seat.
"Cute girl.  Shame she had to go and get mixed up in all of this."
"Blame the guys who sent you."
"I have a reputation to keep, we aren't called the best for nothing."
"Don't seem to be at your best right now."
"The night is still young."
"Don't even think about trying anything."
Her eyes traveled up and down him.  She couldn't move her hands as they were tied behind her.
"Let me guess, I'm going to have to sleep tied up like this too."
"You're lucky I'm even letting you do that."
"Why don't you untie me and I'll give you a reason to trust me."
"Shut up, I'm not falling for any of your little mind tricks."
"You know, you've looked at me quite a bit tonight."  She rubbed her leg against his.  "Quite a few glances at my tits.  You know, I do it all.  I bet you're a real animal from behind."
"Shut the hell up.  Now.  And don't touch me."
Meg returned and walked up to his window.  "Fifth floor, all good to go."
"Alright, lead the way and I'll follow with her.  Quietly.   One peep out of you Victoria and so help me you'll be sleeping permanently."
They walked inside the lobby and took the elevator to the fifth floor.  Once inside the room he led Victoria to the second bed and tied her to the posts stronger than anything he could get out of.
"Offer is definitely still on the table."  She spread her legs open to face Edward.
"Go the fuck to sleep."
She smiled knowing she hit a nerve and Edward joined Meg on the other bed.  Meg was half asleep but noticeably uncomfortable.  She snuggled up to Edward and whispered to him.  "I'm not going to be able to sleep with her here.  I'm just going to be worried all night that she's going to get out and kill us in our sleep or a number of other things."
"She won't dare.  She's under orders from someone else.  If it were her own mission then I'd agree but they have some weird code that they follow when working with another gang.  Believe it or not they have morals and respect."
"I just don't like it."
"Neither do I but other than chain her to the bathtub, we don't have a ton of options at this point.  Get some rest, I'll watch what I can, nothing is going to happen to you I'll make sure of it."
He kissed her and she laid her head back down and was asleep within minutes.

A couple of hours passed and Edward was awoken by Victoria trying to get his attention.  "What."
"I have to go to the bathroom.  I'm a little tied up at the moment and I'm sure you'd appreciate it if I didn't piss myself and smell for your little trip."
He sighed and admittedly she was right.  He got up, grabbed the gun and untied her from the bed.  Leading her into the bathroom he undid her ties for this only.  "I'm warning you, you try anything.."
"And you'll shoot, I got it.  Nothing new there."
She walked to the toilet and faced him.  "You're going to be in here then?"
"Can't trust you."
"Fine whatever."
She took her pants down and sat on the toilet.  Once she was finished she wiped herself off and then leaned back on the toilet and began rubbing herself.
"I said bathroom and then back to bed, no fooling around."
"Sorry, it's been quite the day for me and I'd like to relieve myself."
"I don't care, get up so I can tie you back up."
She continued to rub and began moaning.  "Oh come on, everyone likes to watch."
As she continued, Edward tried not to watch as she got more into it.  "Hurry up."
She stood up and lifted her shirt so her breasts bounced out, her nipples were erect and she bent herself over the sink and continued.
"Victoria come on."
"Don't you dare pretend you aren't getting hard."
Her ass faced his direction and he could see her fingers moving on the other side.  Her breasts swayed with her movement and in the mirror he could see her eyes watching him.  Her moans continued and her legs quivered slightly.  She bit her lip and her eyes bore deep into his soul.  Within seconds he had dropped his pants and shoved his hard member inside of her, she yelped in surprise and held on to the counter.  He rammed her with angry aggression and she came twice before she knew it.  His hands were rough on her nipples and he pulled her close to him so he could feel her ass slamming off of his stomach.  She came again, this time on the verge of almost squirting when he pulled out and spun her around and on to her knees.  He shoved his penis into her mouth and she felt his cum splash down her throat.  Meg jumped up in bed gasping, covered in sweat.
The room was silent and Edward was asleep next to her, Victoria doing the same in the bed across.  Edward was still in the same position and dressed as he was when she fell asleep.  She hit him.
"Huh?  What was that for?  Everything okay?"
"I'm having fucked up dreams because of all of this.  I can't do this."
"Look I told you, I don't like it either but I don't know what else to do with her."
"Just get rid of her.  Honestly, what does it matter?"
She had a point of sorts but he didn't want her developing a murderous streak due to this whole adventure.  He never knew someone so pure and of good heart and it would be a true loss if she became a cold hearted killer......like he had become.
"I reinforced the ties and the gun is under the pillow.  Come here.  I love you and the last thing I would do is put you in a position that was too dangerous or risky.  They still need us for the information on that cast.  They won't kill us.  Lay with me and rest.  Tomorrow will be a new day and it will be our day, I promise."
He kissed her and she felt a weight off of her shoulders.  "I love you, just stay out of my dreams."

Clouds rolled in as the morning rose.  Edward was up first this time and once he was fully able to think clearly he looked over to the other bed....and Victoria was gone.


TO BE CONTINUED...........
xoxoxoxoxokissesalloveryouxoxoxoxox

A Bargaining Chip is Acquired

The red limo parked across the street and around the corner as to remain out of view.  Victoria spoke to her team before they headed out.  "I want a duo of you on each exit of the building so they have no route to escape.  Two of you come with me and Rick, take out the security systems."
"You got it boss."
They exited the vehicle and the groups split up and went their seperate ways to their posts.  Victoria got out after a few moments and sauntered over to the sidewalk in front of the hotel.  She nodded over to Rick who nodded back and clipped a wire in the electrical box to shut down all the security devices that were in place.  Once up to the door, Victoria used her lockpick to break open the door and went inside.  The interior was quiet and somewhat dark with a lot of the lights turned off for the night.  The main office was located near the front door with a small sitting area off to the right.  She listened for a moment and took in the quietness of the night.  "Get into the office and search through all the records to see who has checked in in the last two days.  Specifically anyone that paid in cash."
The two men tore through notebooks and ledgers that sat near the office window looking for the daily rent totals and check ins while Victoria began slowly walking down the hallway looking at the pictures hanging on the walls.  The hotel appeared to be owned by an older couple who seemed happy with their purchase and from the looks of the decor, have been happy with how it looked originally for some years now.  She wondered if there was a future where she could settle down somewhere and leave it all behind.  If it was even possible with how far in she was and her reputation.
"Boss."
She followed the call back to the office where one of the men had a blue book in front of him.
"What did you find?"
"Lucky day boss, a couple checked in yesterday morning, paid cash, room 812."
"Perfect.  Let's go."
They took the elevator up to the floor and found the room.  She positioned the two men on each side of the door and took out her lockpick again.  "You know the drill.  Stay here in case you're needed and make sure nothing comes out of this room."
They nodded and she began to pick the lock.

Meg stirred in her sleep.  She had started waking up every so often in the middle of the night due to the past weeks being woken up by an attacker and just fearing to even fall asleep as to not be aware of what was going on.  Tonight was no different.  Her eyes opened in a blurry mess and she heard a faint metal noise.  She awoke more clearly and followed the noise with her ears to the door to the room and saw it jiggling slightly.  "Ed, Edward, wake up! I think someone is trying to get in!"
"Mmm, I love you too Megels."
"No, Edward, wake up, someone is trying to come in!"
"Huh?  What's going on."
He woke and focused a lot faster due to being in this situation a few times in the past.  His sight cleared up and he too saw the door handle being worked on.  "Stick by me and do exactly as I tell you."  He kissed her and grabbed her hand.

The door wasn't too hard to pick and within moments Victoria was able to open the door.  The light from the hall created a pillar of light that illuminated the bed from afar.  This was going to be too easy.  Carefully she walked over to the bedside and reached into her pocket and removed a small gun with a silencer attached.  The bed lie before her with two lumps under the sheets.  "Like fish in a barrel."  She shot four times, two in each lump and stood straighter, smiling.
Nothing happened.  No blood or noise.  She whipped off the sheet to find four pillows stuffed together to resemble body shapes.  "The hell?"
"Sorry to disappoint you."
She turned around to see Edward standing in the doorway to the kitchen aiming a gun at her, the short brunette was at his side.  Pretty little thing.
"Lucky you, you actually managed to sneak up on me."
"Not every day you get to gain the upper hand with the great Victoria of the Royal Darkness."
Meg looked up at Edward. "You know this psycho woman?"
"Anyone in the business once they get enough leverage knows about Victoria.  Leads the elite team that has never lost a job and made millions in profits making their moves like ninjas in the night.  Has a twisted way of ending people's lives too."
"Something you'll experience soon enough."
"No talking, put your gun on the ground and kick it over here.  I know you have men outside the door and probably at every exit too.  Try anything at all and I shoot."
Victoria had been in this situation a million times, may as well humor him.  She dropped her gun to the floor and kicked it over to Meg who picked it up surprised at how heavy it was.  "What do you mean a twisted way?"
"Sick bastard over there pleasures the victim right up to orgasm and then kills them."
"What the hell?"
"Like I said, twisted."
Victoria stood almost proud of her reputation.  "Don't knock it until you try it."
"Not my problem, you won't be doing any more of that if I see fit."
"Your confidence precedes you."
"I could say the same thing to you.  Call your men in here, weapons down.  I see one move towards an attack and you're dead."
Victoria hadn't considered this part.  Reluctantly she called her men in.  "You may enter, weapons down.  Whatever you see in here do not react to."
They came in and were surprised to see their boss with her hands up, sans gun, and at gunpoint by a couple in the next doorway.  They did as they were told and stood on either side of Victoria.
"How's it feel, being tricked by a small time detective?"
"Enjoy your win now, it's only a matter of time before we get what we came for."
"Did Price send you?  He's been chasing me for quite a while."
"You won't make it out of this building alive."
"We've made it this far."
"You might make it outside but my men are highly skilled mercenaries.  Won't be long before I've got you in my hands, stroking and rubbing, feeling your hard rigid...."
Two gunshots rang out and her men fell to the ground dead, blood splattered over Victoria taking her and Edward by surprise.  Meg had a shocked look on her face and the gun in her hand was emitting smoke.  "I'm sorry!  I didn't mean to pull the trigger!  Just, hearing what she was saying got me so pissed off!"
"It's alright dew drop, all this talk gave me a little bit of an idea."
This wasn't exactly what Victoria had been used to and was a little worried as to what was going to happen next.  Edward walked over and tied her hands.  "Darlin, get our stuff together and follow me, we're getting out of this hotel and to our car and then out of here."
"With her?"
"Yes, she's our new bargaining chip.  Health insurance if you will."
Victoria was offended.  "You are just digging yourself a much deeper hole."
"Keep your hole to yourself and do as I say."
Meg gathered up all of their belongings and followed Edward as he led Victoria down the hall and took the elevator to the main floor.  She tried to wriggle free but Edward only made the ties tighter and kept the gun trained on the back of her head.  It was hard for Meg not to smile as she was loving having the upper hand for once.  She may or may not have 'accidentally' kicked Victoria a few times as well.  He led Victoria out the front door.  "Call them off, tell them to leave and go home.  Now."
"Team, regroup immediately."
Seven men came together around from the building and at once saw their boss at gunpoint by some strange couple. 
"Boss what...."
"Not a word!  I need you all to get back to base and await my next orders."
"But boss, we can..."
"NOW."
They were bewildered for a moment and then began leaving for the red limo, all looking confused.
"The Royal Darkness will not led the full moon win."
Edward looked at Meg confused as to what Victoria was saying but continued walking.  "In the back with me, Meg you drive, I'll direct you where to go."
He shoved Victoria into the car and sat in the back with her, gun trained on her the whole time.  Meg got in the drivers seat and started the engine. It had been a while since she had driven but it all came back to her immediately and she was kind of excited to drive the open road.  They pulled out of the parking lot and onto the highway.  "Stay on this road for a good many miles dew drop, I'll let you know when and where we can make a stop for this one."
Victoria still messed around.  "Aw, dew drop how cute."
"Shut up Victoria.  There's a lot of road ahead of us, piss me off and you won't see many more of it."
"You don't know what you've gotten yourself into."
"I've heard that before, now quiet."
Meg had a huge smile on her face from being in control.  They weren't chased now, now they had a person of interest that may get them onto a much better track.  She couldn't help but laugh and pressed the gas feeling the rev of the engine rumble through her body.  Closer to the coast here I come!


TO BE CONTINUED........
xoxooxxomissinyourfacexoxoxoxxxo

A Vow on the Wheel as Enemies Approach

Up on the top of the ferris wheel, she laid against him and watched the sun's final setting amongst the clouds ahead of them.  The world was such a big place that housed so many places and experiences that her mind could barely process.  Just in the past weeks she saw more of the land than she ever thought she would all thanks to...well...being sought after to death.  Edward was a big part of it, she would probably be a body in an empty apartment at this point without his help.  The gang that her friend got mixed up in was serious business.
"I'm scared."
"Scared of what?"
"Scared that we're going to go through all of this and in the end something will happen and we won't be together."
"I told you, nothing like that is going to happen, we are getting this case and once they have it in their hands we won't mean anything to them anymore.  We'll be dropped."
"They could still kill us, not meaning anything anymore is the perfect excuse."
"Look, ever since I saw you that day I knew there was something about you that I couldn't explain.  Forget the fact that you were in trouble with a mafia gang, I happened to have all of the events in my life lead up to having me standing across the way watching you.  Lives just don't happen to come across one another, things happen for a reason.  Every single day that I've spent after that with you have been the happiest days of my life.  I was scared at first yeah but being with you has given me strength I didn't know I had, a sense of purpose that I have never felt before."
"You're just saying that, if all of this was so meant to be then why are we running for our lives?  Why aren't we left alone and planning our life together."
"Who says we aren't?  We may be running and hiding but not a day goes by that I don't think about our future together.  What it will feel like waking up to you every morning, the places we'll travel to, the vows I'll recite to you, where our house will be, what our kids will look like.  Megels I love you and if a period of time running and risking my life is going to be the cost to reach that, then I'll run and risk until every last cell of my body is gone."
Her heart skipped a beat and she felt every word he spoke come alive inside of her, her feelings had matched his exactly.  "I'm just scared something will happen.  I'm looking forward to us so much, it'll destroy me if you or we run into something we can't overcome."
He took her hand and stared right into her eyes.  "I was put in your life for a reason my love and nobody is going to take me away from being your one true happily ever after."
He kissed her and the fireworks continued to explode around them.  The wheel made it's final turn and they exited the car and walked through the carnival, a day to themselves successful.

The red limo was reaching the town faster than expected and the woman inside was getting excited.  It was only a matter of time before she would be able to feel the adrenaline of the chase again.  She wasn't sure if she would be able to promise bringing them in alive but she was going to have fun with this one.  She cracked her fingers and looked out the window and saw the city coming into view.  Picking up the phone in the car she called her associates.  "We are just about there, be stationed around every exit and I want any and all records of people who have checked into hotels or motels in the last two days.  The longer it takes you the quicker I'll lose my patience."
She hung up and got herself mentally prepared for what was about to be either a very long or a very short night.

The door to the hotel room was kicked open and Edward carried Meg into the room and plopped her onto the bed.  They were both pretty exhausted from the day and spent no time getting into bed.
"I had such a great day, if only every day was like that."
"It will be darlin, let's get some sleep, we need to leave early so we can get back on track to make it to the coast.  Chances are they've already started sending people out looking for us."
"Party poopers."
It wasn't long before she was out cold and he laid down next to her.  She was beautiful the way she slept.  A peaceful calm.  Her hair had fallen over her face and he watched the bedsheet drift up and down with every breath she took.  He kissed her forehead.  "I love you Meg.  I promise you that when we are out of this, I will take your hand and start our lives together."

A few hours passed and Victoria sat in a dark room waiting for information to come back.  The phone was annoyingly silent.  There wasn't much to do in this town to pass the time while waiting but it all came part of the job.  She thought about taking a nap or masturbating but with her luck lately, another one of her men would barge in and have to be dealt with.  She looked out the window at the town, it was eerily quiet and she scanned the area to see how many hotels may be in the vicinity.  Before her patience ran too thin, the phone next to her bed rang.
"Yes."
"We scanned all the hotel rentals that you asked for and there is a small list and most are couples.  It would take too long to check every single one so we narrowed it down to ones that paid in cash."
"And?"
"Three rooms."
"That's pretty precise.  We must check them all.  Where are you?"
"Coming out of the records building down a few blocks.  Martin is with you outside the door if you need anything."
"I'll meet you outside, I want this done tonight."
The phone call ended and she perked up a little bit.  This may go easier than previously thought.

The first hotel room was scanned from the outside and she had her men scope out from the rooftop across.  From the inside they could see an older couple in their 80's who were fast asleep with some dinner left out on the table.  They crossed that one off the list.  Moving to the next hotel room, they spied a much younger couple who seemed to be drunk from the nearby carnival and having unnecessarily loud sex with one another.  The description they were given had the targets being a little older than these current youngsters so this was crossed off the list as well.  So far, narrowing down the rooms was getting easier.  The red limo parked outside the final hotel and when they got out the one associate noticed something interesting.
"Hey boss, there's a cop car parked here.  Side says it's from a town miles north of here."
"They must have stolen it there and driven here.  This has to be it.  Fan out and get inside, i want all exits covered and all windows watched.  These people are in for a rude awakening."


TO BE CONTINUED..........
xoxoxxooxsweetdreamsmylovexoxoxxoo

Date Day in the City of No Threats

The streaming in rays of light warmed his face and brought him out of a much appreciated deep sleep.  Moving his hand around next to him he felt around for her and only felt sheets.  For a brief moment he panicked and the thoughts raced through his head that the whole thing was a dream.  Dread filled his stomach and he sat up straight finding himself in a room that was not his home.  Okay, so not all of it was a dream, what about the most important part?  His eyes darted around looking for a clue that she was real and heard a noise from the bathroom.  Leaning forward he saw through the reflection in the mirror a girl stepping out of a recently used shower, her curves completing his cycle of waking up.  He took a deep breath and found he was able to appreciate the smell and realized he wasn't in fear or running from a threat.  It felt nice.  "Good morning in there."
She walked out smiling and stood with her hands on her hips, the sun glistening off of the water droplets all over her nude form.  "Good morning to you dew drop, sleep okay?"
"Actually feel pretty rested."
"If you think we're pretty safe here for the moment, I vote we take the morning to have a nice day in the city."
"And if we are found at any point?"
"Wouldn't be the first time."
"Your arm is looking a lot better."
"Feels a lot better too."
"Day in the city huh?"
"Yep.  A date if you will."
"You going to wear that?"
"Thought about it but I figure that may draw some unwanted attention."
"Wise choice."
"So that's a yes?"
"Sure darlin."
She smiled and walked back into the bathroom, he watched her behind move back and forth until it was out of view.  Not having a day without work or someone trying to kill him was almost something he forgot existed.  This could actually be.....fun.

A red limo was parked outside a glass building lined with security around every exit.  A phone rang on the top floor and a woman who had been running on a treadmill slowed the speed to a walk and picked up the phone.  "Yes?"
"Victoria, it's Dante.  Job has come up as a personal favor that happens to be in your vicinity.  Nothing huge, we have a retrieval that has dodged some interference for quite some time.  A couple.  Apparently they have information about an object of value that we need.  Either the information, the object itself, or the people but I want the people.  I'm going to use them for leverage."
"Trained people?"
"Average joes from the sound of it."
"We have a time frame here?"
"Speed is important but not concrete.  They're about a day west of you, depending on your method of travel."
"Fortunately my members aren't in the middle of anything at the moment so this shouldn't be a problem."
He explained the situation and what had happened so far, what the couple looked like and what was on the line.  While she listened she stopped her workout, wiped her face off with a towel, and stripped off her exercise attire.  "Shouldn't be a problem at all.  I'll put together a handful of my best and station on all sides out of the city.  Nobody will leave the area unless they go through us."
"Thank you Victoria, get in touch the moment you arrive."
She hung up and began to shower off.  A few moments go by and a hot headed young member came into the main room to converse with his boss.  The room was empty and true to his arrogant nature, he began snooping around and walking to the other room that contained the showers.  He peeked in and saw his boss completely naked drying herself off.  His eyes moved from her drenched hair to her large breasts, erect nipples, past her pubic hair and down her legs.  Realizing his life was now in danger, he hid behind the wall to stay out of view.  He had to get out of there now and discreetly.  Taking one step forward, an arm reached around the wall, grabbing him and slammed him against the inside wall.  "Snooping around David?"
"Boss, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean.....!"
"Close your mouth David if you value your life."
He started shaking with fear and tried his damnest to keep his eyes off of her body but was failing.
"Eyes off the tits David."
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know, I was just..."
"You've been an annoying arrogant asshole since I hired you.  Getting quite tired of it David."
"I can change, I'm sorry, I know you respect better and I want to earn that!"
"Tsk Tsk David, that should've been your attitude from the beginning."
"You're right, you're right, I'm a fuck up!"
With her other hand, she unhooked his belt and pulled his pants down leaving him half naked.
"What....what're you.."
"It's what you wanted wasn't it David?"
She started stroking him and began to perform a very passionate hand job to him.
"Boss, I..I..."
"You asked for this David."
"Boss, please...."
She forced one of his hands to rub her, his fingers feeling between her legs.
"Boss please, I'm so sorry, I know what're you're gonna..."
"Was it worth it David?"
She stroked harder, blood filled his penis making it rock solid.  He felt the moistness of her unshaven vagina, she moaned.
David's eyes showed nothing but pure fear as he knew what this was.
"Boss, boss, I'm gonna cum, please."
He felt the warm sensation reaching his climax, he couldn't hold it any longer.
"You know I can't let you go having seen me naked David.  So, just like your little dick, you won't be coming here anymore."
He could feel his penis stiffen ready to ejaculate.
"Boss, no no no no!!"
With her free hand she swiftly elbowed him in the throat and then snapped his neck, his lifeless body fell to the floor.
"You disappoint me David."
She dressed and called downstairs.  "I need a cleanup.  Then get everyone together.  We're leaving."

The couple walked down the sunny street hand in hand and looking in all the storefront windows as they passed each business.  Meg ooo'd and ahhh'd at all the various little knick knacks that resembled a funner happier younger life that she was robbed of.  She had never seen a more inviting and friendly atmosphere.  Store owners bid them good morning and the occasional grandmother walked by and commented on how cute they looked hand in hand.  They reached a pet shop on the corner and she practically melted at the site of puppies in the window.
"They are so adorable I could just eat them all alive!"
"Interesting way to treat a dog."
"Obviously not literally Mr. Serious.  They are so cute!"
"Any pets when you were younger?"
"Mom never allowed me to.  They were a little busy a lot of the time and I guess didn't trust I could handle one on my own."
"Sounds like my family."
"That white one is my favorite."
She knocked on the window and it came close and licked the glass.  "Have a good day Sam!  Hope you aren't in there long!"
Further down the street they encountered an ice cream shop and a movie theater.  Due to the time constraint of needing to be at the coast sometime that year, the movies were out of the question.
"I haven't been to one of those in so long.  I don't know if it would have the same effect on me now that I've kind of lived an action movie already."
Edward chuckled.  "Come on, let's finally get those clothes we were rudely interrupted with in the last town.  You can model all you want for me."
"Better buckle up for a long ride if they have heels in there."
"Oh no, no heels for you."
"You can try and stop me but I'm putting all my money on me taking you down."
The store was much better than the last and she had a blast modeling all sorts of clothes from dresses to formal wear to a few evening numbers.  She was disappointed with the realization that she couldn't buy much to take as she technically had nowhere to live or store them.  The feeling dissappated quickly as when they revisited the park from the other night, a small carnival had opened up full of small rides and all sorts of activities.  Everything that had happened and all that they were running from was erased from their minds as they spent a date together through the carnival.  She ate cotton candy for the first time and felt the sweet puffs disintigrate over her tongue.  He won her a small stuffed bear from a dart game and she felt the experience of butterflies in her stomach as they rode the various rides that sent her all around in a dizzying amount of directions.  They chose a water pistol game to challenge one another and once the bell rang, Edward was way ahead with Meg struggling to keep the pistol's aim at the colored circle.
"You need to work on your aim darlin."
"Pardon me if I haven't been a detective my whole life.  That's a small circle and the clown face was freaking me out."
"Excuses Excuses.  I'll have to give you some pointers."
The end of their date led them to the largest of the carnival attractions.  The ferris wheel.  Heights wasn't one of her strong suits but being with him made her feel like nothing could bring her down.  He paid the fee and held her hand as she walked into the compartment.  Before they knew it they were moving up far into the air.  The trees and noise around them grew smaller and her eyes widened as they took in miles of area around them.  She could see the entire city and beyond into the hills and roads before her.  It was beautiful, a sight she had never experienced before.
"This is amazing."
"Thought you'd like it."
"You really are the best thing to ever happen to me.  Promise me we won't lose each other through this."
"You have my word.  I'll never let us be apart.  For any reason.  Ever."
They kissed as the carnival then shot off fireworks into the sky, it was almost as if each firework bang was the beating of their hearts.
"I love you darlin."
"Love you dew drop."

Miles away a red limo was speeding towards their direction with one mission in mind.



TO BE CONTINUED........
xoxoxooxsnuggledwithyouxoxoxoxoxxo