Lexington Avenue
06/02/2016 22:15pm

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Abaddon asked, flicking his lighter.

The flame appeared, glowing in the dim light of the office. It cast eerie shadows around the room, danced across the walls, making the whole atmosphere appear heavy. Vinnie stood opposite the desk as far from Abaddon as he could. He couldn't escape though and neither could Donnie.

Across the way was a large, burly man with a beard, blocking the only exit. Donnie was sat on the couch, head buried in his hands, probably anticipating the worst.

"I wasn't anticipating what would happen." Vinnie said, gritting his teeth at the futility of those words.

"You weren't anticipating that monster killing my man-servant?" Abaddon sneered, rising from the desk, slamming his fist down.

The desk trembled and the whiskey in the glass bubbled slightly under the pressure. Donnie whinced and lifted his head to glower at Vinnie. This didn't seem to faze Vinnie, who stared at Abaddon with something akin to fear in his eyes.

Abaddon composed himself, dragging a hand through his hair. He settled back into the plush chair, making the springs ache under his weight. He lowered his hand and took a long gulp of his whiskey.

"Thankfully, boys, there is a way to redeem yourselves," Abaddon said, setting the glass down. "I want those four-things- found. I want anyone that aids them to be euthunised."

Donnie lifted his head, clearly realising the motive in those words. He glanced at Vinnie. He tried to plead with his eyes, hoping his older brother would stand by the family. Their father would never have let this happen. Vinnie refused to meet Donnie's eyes and locked eyes with Abaddon.

"And the girl?" He asked.

"I will accept her as a commiseration gift." Abaddon replied, pouring more whiskey in his glass.

Donnie glared at his brother in fury. How could he agree to this. Donnie stood then, causing both men to look at him.

"She's a human being." Donnie yelled.

"So, too, was Malik." Abaddon said, aiming his contempt at Donnie.

"She's a young girl. Did you ever stop to think that John was protecting her." Donnie aimed his comment at Vinnie.

"That thing isn't capable of protecting anyone. I know what kind of programming Marco used. Don't get smart with me, boy." Abaddon snapped.

*****************************

Diamond Bar
06/02/2016 22:55pm

Kacee POV

Time seemed to stand still. Earlier on I was at the gala having an amazing time and now I was in the middle of a bar in Hell's Kitchen with a man who I thought I knew. John was leaning against the door frame and we had yet to start speaking to each other. The silence was deafening. For some reason I couldn't view him as a monster though. He'd saved me from that man. My brain kept screaming that he was a murderer, but my heart was so thankful to be alive that it was willing to overlook that fact.

"Thanks for saving me," I murmured.

"You already said that." John pointed out, lifting the curtain in the window to look outside.

Had he always been like this? I guessed he had. I shuffled nervously, not sure what else to say. My heart was pounding so hard that I could hear it in my ears.

"Were you genuinely sorry earlier?" I asked, and he lowered the curtain, glancing at me.

"I'm sorry you had to see me kill someone, but I'm not sorry I did." He replied, shifting away from the frame and approaching me.

My initial response was to back away from him. The bar was tiny and my back hit a wall. His hand shot up and rested near my head. I was effectively pinned against the wall with no escape. Our eyes met and I could still see the monster in those eyes. It observed me with keen interest, like how a lion observes a gazelle before attacking it.

"A-are you going to kill me too?" I whispered.

I wasn't ready to die and would certainly beg if I had to. Anything to be able to live again and see my family. My resentment of my Dad was starting to fade as I realised that I may never see him again.

"No, love. I find you really interesting," He smirked. "That's why I talked to you in Starbucks."

My eyes widened at the implication behind those words. He didn't have to speak to me that first time, but he chose to, because I was interesting. It dawned on me that even if I wasn't a congressman's daughter, this entire siuation would have been unavoidable, because John wanted this.

"You planned all this, didn't you?" I murmured.

"Smart girl." He chuckled.

"So, am I just interesting or do you care about me?" I asked, lifting my head to meet his gaze.
"Hmm, tough question. I'd say both." He replied, lifting his other hand to toy with my hair.

I visibly flinched and he noticed, smirking a little more. He seemed fascinated by my responses. I lowered my face, letting a few tears leak out. I was such an idiot. I had been suckered in by this. Dad was right and always had been. I wiped my eyes and John noticed.

"Hey, don't cry." He murmured, using the hand near my head to pull me close.

I broke down again. My entire body hurt and I should have pushed him away and tried to punch him, but I nuzzled closer, resting my head on his chest.

"P-please don't leave me." I whispered.

"I won't. We're in this together." He replied.

"Not by choice though." I replied, and I heard him chuckle.

"You didn't have to speak to me, love." He said, a shiver ran through me when his breath ghosted over my ear.

I could have ignored him in Starbucks, told him to get lost, but I didn't. Why didn't I do that? I pulled back to look up at him. Why didn't I tell this monster to go away? My heart throbbed painfully. I had spent so much time with him and gotten to know him quite well up until now. I was in love with him and it made me feel even worse.

"I know I didn't. I wouldn't be in this mess if I hadn't." I replied, sniffling a little.

"Mess?" He sounded confused by my response.

I had never been good with confessions and I had been planning to reveal my true feelings at the gala when we danced together, but I guessed now was as good a time as any. I took a steadying breath.

"I-i like you a lot." I said, lowering my face.

"You love me?" John said, and I lifted my head to nod.

"I know, stupid isn't it? For all the good it's done me." I said, sobbing a little.

John didn't speak for a moment. I felt his fingers graze my chin, angling my head to look him in the eyes.

"Is everything ok?" We both glanced round.

Andy was walking in. He looked worried. I couldn't blame him. I wanted to step back to avoid being caught like this, but John tightened his grip on my waist.

"Yeah, everything's fine. Kacee and I will continue this later." John said, and Andy looked at me as if seeking approval.

I simply nodded at that. What more could we discuss? John was clearly sociopathic. What feelings could he possibly return to me? I glanced behind Andy and noticed that Ashley was standing in the doorway with Abbie. Her eyes held concern and I felt bad that they'd had to put up with all this.

Andy was about to speak when someone knocked at the bar door, making me jump. Andy's eyebrows creased into a frown and he motioned for Ashley to guide Abbie back to the room. Andy dug into the inside of his shirt and removed a machete. He glanced at John, who shifted to stand in front of me, gun poised.

They stepped forward and Andy peered through the window and lowered the machete, sighing loudly. He unlocked the door and a girl stepped in. She was a little taller than me with long black hair and bright eyes. She was wearing a skirt and hoodie. She looked somewhat surprised by the weapons.

"Geeze, what a welcome." She huffed.

"Sorry, Annaliese. We weren't expecting you." Andy said, stuffing the machete back inside his shirt and locking the door.

"Well, I wasn't expecting to see that some guy had been killed at a charity gala." She replied, glowering at John.

He lowered the gun, putting it back in the holster at his waist and glancing at me. I managed a small smile despite my frayed nerves.

"Annaliese, this is Kacee Hanley." Andy said, guiding the girl over.

She smiled and nodded. Her gaze was apologetic. Footsteps could be heard and Annaliese turned to speak, possibly to chastise everyone. Her voice died when she saw Paul. He looked surprised to see her.

"What're you doing here?" He asked.

"I was worried." She murmured.

"It's nothing, really. You can go now." He shrugged, and she looked sad for a moment before masking it.

Jake walked by and nudged Paul with his elbow. They shared a look and Paul seemed to realise what he'd just said to her.

"Sorry, Ana. It's been a stressful night."

"I know and it's fine." She said, shifting from foot to foot.

Annaliese turned out to be a really nice person. She'd been worried and had seen the news. Realising that something had gone wrong, she'd rushed straight to Diamond. She insisted on having a drink and some potato chips. She settled into a chair, sipping a glass of coke and fiddling to open the packet.

"So, what's the plan?" She asked.

"Plan? Good question." Ashley said, sighing.

I knew now that I couldn't go back to my appartment. I needed to get in contact with Mum and let her know I was safe. She'd be throwing a fit. If I went back to the appartment then chances are there would be someone waiting for us.

"We need weapons." Ringo cut in.

All eyes fell on him and he shifted nervously. Andy kicked his boot against the bar edge. He seemed to be thinking. Abbie was nearby and I wondered if she'd be safe too. Annaliese cleared her throat. Everyone looked to her now.

"I think I know a safe place." She said, somewhat nervously.

"No." John snapped.

"It is the only safe place." She snapped back.

"No, not Rukia's. She's a right pain." George groaned.

I glanced at Abbie and she shrugged, frowning. My face must have looked like I was curious. Annaliese noticed and smiled.

"She's a close friend. She gets on well with our own four-headed demon." She giggled.

"She's obsessed with John." Jake chuckled.

I glanced at John. He looked petulant and annoyed. I kind of felt sorry for him. The others looked less annoyed, but slightly more miffed.

"Her house is like fortress." Andy said.

The response was instantaenous and quite funny.

"No."

"She's awful."

"She stalks me."

"She scares me."

Annaliese rolled her eyes. I was suddenly afraid of this girl and what she might do. I couldn't really imagine anything scaring assassins.

"Don't worry." CC had come to sit with me. He was watching the discussion.

"Is she nice though?" I asked.

"She's a bit full-on." CC replied.

The issue seemed settled. Annaliese finished her drink and potato chips and walked over to me. She patted me reassuringly on the shoulder.

Notes