Retribution (18+ Violence, Language, Mature Themes)

[Eddie Blake]

Painkiller

Pretty boy, why
you're so sad
Give me just a minute,
I'ma make you so glad
Prescribe this pill, I know you ain't had ~ Rozzi Crane ft. Adam Levine

Friday, July 21st, 11:00 PM

Even idling, the engine of the purple Road Runner had a growl to it. A patient one, ready to pounce the moment Eddie decided to put his foot down on the pedal. He didn’t turn the car off, though he’d been outside the bar for several minutes. He was caught between two desires, each calling to him depending on where he turned his head. The lights within glowed dimly out to the street, beckoning him, but there was the siren call of the streets ahead as well, and a need to drive too fast. In the end it was a siren that had him moving, just not either of the ones that seemed to want his attention the most.

Text to claws: What are you up to?

He didn’t expect a quick reply, laying the phone in his lap so he could plug it into the stereo and listen to his own playlist. Something with a lot of drums and bass guitar suited his mood nicely.

Tahlia was in the middle of the Inn, and regretting it for the second time in as many days. She was surrounded by medics...people wanting to poke and prod and her fight or flight response was rising to alarming levels, even though she knew they meant well. Saved by the buzz of her phone, she backed out from behind the bar, and quickly tapped back a reply. Years of not trusting people meant she had no interest in letting those she hardly knew close enough to get any clue that she wasn’t what she seemed...it was bad enough leaving the glamour down to let the bruises show...but healing them too quickly, or appearing to, would only raise more questions. In short, the text was a light at the end of a rapidly closing tunnel.

Text to Scruffy Desperately looking for a reason to bail...you?

The vibration was felt more than heard, fortunately he’d left the phone on his lap. A quick tap of the notification had Tahlia’s answer displayed across the screen. He considered what he wanted for a few moments before dropping a cursor into the box and engaging the keyboard.

Text to Claws: Where are you? I’ll come get you… Happy to be a reason.

It wasn’t a lie, he saved those for when it was important, so when money was on the line. Now he kept the phone in his hand, if the speed of her earlier response was an indicator, he wouldn’t have to wait long at all for an answer from the blonde. Eddie pushed his back into the seat, he was far too tense and even driving his favorite thing wasn’t helping to relax him like it normally would. He probably could have called a friend, but most of his friends he owed money, and the rest owed him. He wasn’t sure where Tahlia was in that, was she friend or something different? Did it matter? Whatever she was, it was her that he’d thought to message. If she hadn’t responded, there was plenty of trouble a guy like him could get into, right?

Text to Scruffy: At the Inn...I’ll be outside waiting.

The text had come almost immediately after his response. She hit the door to the Inn a moment later, chatting briefly with a one-armed woman taking the air outside. A tank top and daisy dukes had seemed a brilliant idea earlier...still was, save that for whatever reason the attention inside had made her feel exposed. She took a few deep breaths, regaining her calm as the slight breeze teased the golden blonde ponytail along her exposed shoulders, and lighting a cigarette. She figured it would take him a few minutes to get to where she was. Letting the smoke drift from her lips, she glanced down at the phone, not realizing she was smiling until she went to take her next drag. Something about Eddie had caught her, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on what, save the obvious. Maybe it was simply being able to talk shop with a fellow professional...maybe it was more. She didn’t intend to think too much about it. Not now.

The final text from her drew a snort from Eddie. She was already breaching the door when he finished reading. The light captured her for a moment before going dark, but he approved of the outfit. He reached across the seat and pulled up the passenger’s side lock before opening his door and stepping out. The street lamp he was under caught his tall frame, or at least the half of it that wasn’t hidden by the car. He could just see the lit end of her cigarette as she dragged off of it. “Feel like taking a ride?” The words spawned a grin. Eddie found it far too easy to give her such open ended questions. He caught the inside of his lip as he watched for her expression, the darkness would never be deep enough to obscure that face.

The movement caught her attention, and her face lit up, whether she entirely realized it or not. “Yes. In the car, or…?” She let him fill in the blank, sauntering over, jade green eyes reflecting the smoldering light from her cigarette. Pausing just in front of him, she still lacked nearly a foot to meeting him eye to eye, so she tilted her head back, smiling warmly. The cough caught her by surprise, and she dropped the filter, the toe of her heeled sneakers grinding it into the pavement. “At the risk of putting myself into deeper trouble...you have excellent timing. Anywhere would be better than in there right now…” Reaching up, she brushed her fingertips along the 5 o’clock shadow that seemed a permanent fixture. “So where are we headed?”

Gentlemanly was not a word that many people would use to describe Eddie, rogue sure, scoundrel definitely, still he met her halfway. In part because he was afraid Karma had it in for him and he’d be clipped by an oncoming car just when things started to get better. Mostly he was looking forward to being close to her. The touch of her fingers had become an all too familiar craving, though he would never give in to it easily. “In the car for now, we’ll have to see what comes later.” His arms looped around her, standard greeting, right? Though he did resist the urge to kiss her. That would have him reassessing the plans for taking a long drive. “You look hot, someone better have been impressed.” He turned, leaving one arm around her to escort Tahlia to the car, and actually open the door for her. There might be hope yet for that bad rep of his. “I do pride myself on timing things to the right moment, maybe you were sending me signals.” The cocky half grin spread across his face as he shamelessly flirted with the woman. “I don’t know where we’re headed, I just don’t feel like a crowd right now… or being alone.” Or standing still for that matter. Some of the tension had eased at her touch, but there was still plenty that had dug itself into him paired with an urge to go anywhere as far and as fast as he could.

“Surprisingly, no...or at least, if they were, they hid it well. Ok, except for Hope…” A breathy laugh left her as she felt his arms close around her...and leaned in. There was a chill, of course, that was why she stayed close as he looped an arm around her ribs and led her to the car. She hadn’t figured him for the bright and flashy type, but there it was, in joker purple, right in front of her. “Nice wheels...sure you’re not looking for Batman, instead of me?” She wasn’t sure he’d get the reference...wasn’t sure where he was from. Wasn’t sure about a lot of things, with him. But that didn’t stop her from dropping into the seat, and curling her legs beneath her. Fast cars and fast men were two of her favorite things, and while you’d think she had her hands full just at the moment...caution wasn’t something she’d learned. There had always been someone to protect her, or a cut to bleed...a way to convince herself the risk was worth the reward. Even with the luck she’d fallen into...the apartment, Mal and his generosity - Simon, and whatever that was...she couldn’t resist rolling the dice and seeing where a drive out to the middle of nowhere with a handsome near-stranger might lead. “We could always head to the beach...it’s usually quiet now…” Where she’d gotten that tidbit she kept to herself, for now.

“Which one, New Haven or Seaside?” Eddie watched Tahlia fold herself into the front seat with a very appreciative little smirk. “If I am looking for The Dark Knight, can I buy you a skin tight jester’s outfit and ask if I can rev up my Harley?” He shot a wink at the blonde, closing the door before she could comment and headed for the driver’s seat. Direction would matter - New Haven was ahead, and Seaside the opposite direction. They had the best beaches though, something to do with money he was sure. Something reflecting in the windshield caught his attention. He reached up, plucking the magazine from the dashboard and tossed it to the seat beside him. “Thought I was going crazy there for a second.” Whatever tension had been leached from him seemed to have returned. Eddie put the Road Runner into gear and pressed the gas harder than he needed to. If Tahlia suddenly said Seaside, there was always a block to round, right?

“The new place is in Seaside...in case we get tired of sand in all the wrong places. And if you buy it, I’ll wear it...Puddin.” The wink was lightning quick, nearly hidden behind the sweep of gold-kissed bangs. She’d figured the area was one of the nicer ones, but she was still learning...and still spending a few nights a week in a seemingly abandoned warehouse in Dockside. Pressed back into the seat by the sudden acceleration, she picked up the gossip rag he’d basically tossed into her lap, and flipped through. Nothing familiar caught her eye, but then she didn’t expect it to...although the reminder made her nibble at her bottom lip. By now, she should have known all the movers and shakers...and where usable bodies were buried. She’d been...distracted. Maybe it was time to get back on track. “You didn’t strike me as the gossipy type...something in this the reason why you’re so tense?” She didn’t have to know him well to be able to tell that...relieving tension was a specialty of hers.

It was inevitable, he was heading the wrong direction fast. He cut into the left lane, turning and driving much further than he needed to for a simple turn around. Clearly he wasn’t in a hurry despite the speed they were going. “I know what I’m having delivered then.” Heathens cut across the speakers as they made another turn and headed back towards the wall between Dragon’s gate and the marketplace. Eddie cut a few looks towards Tahlia, and the magazine in her hand.

[Tahlia Blake]

“No… maybe… I dunno.” At least he was decisive on the matter. He wasn’t sure how to actually talk about the thing that had him in knots. Instead when they stopped at the next light he grabbed his phone, and pulled up the photo library. It took longer than the light stayed red, much to the chagrin of the car behind him that had taken to beeping loudly and for prolonged periods. He stopped on a particular pic, and handed the phone. “Here, research for you.” It was a simple enough photo, him and a couple of women. One blonde and petite clinging to him, the other darker but clearly the two were related. Once he’d handed the phone off he started the car moving again, one large hand going out the window to say hello to the driver behind him in a very Eddie Blake fashion. “I told you I just got back to town.” It had been several months now, and he’d driven the whole way rather than take a flight. He may have made a lot of stops along the way, but those were different stories altogether.

“You did, yeah…” Tahlia flipped back, the faces familiar from a huge spread near the center fold. “Huh…Foxglove Foundation Announces Memorial Gala...Celebs slated to attend...Miranda Foxglove...in memory of her departed sister, Melinda…” Jade eyes ticked from the photo in her hand to the glossy posed shots the magazine had highlighted. “...died of Long QT Syndrome...genetic...funds will go to research…” She glanced over at him, one brow raised - not quite disbelieving, but his reaction giving her a little insight to the man beside her. “Let me guess, you’re the…” She glanced back down to check the quote. “Former lover cleared of involvement in her death? Were you?” It was a logical question, in her mind. She doubted it...the kind of men who killed women for money didn’t usually respond the way he seemed to be...or keep pictures of their victims on their phones.. But she had to ask.

Silence met her question, maybe it was the music, or paying attention to the road. He said nothing letting her direct their course until they hit the parking lot of a beach. No cars was an excellent indicator that the place was abandoned for the night. A slow roll, the car coasting into a spot before he shut the engine down. “Usually, I’m a parasite on my best days.” Eddie didn’t fault her question, not in a place like this where the meekest looking people could be the guiltiest of killers. Anywhere else, and Eddie could, would be the worst thing out there. “I like nice things, there’s nothing wrong with that.” His hand took hold of the crank for the window and rolled it upwards, clear evidence that he fully intended to exit the vehicle. “Yeah, initially they were a mark, meant to get me what I wanted. Miranda seemed like the perfect choice, second daughter, a bit plain and ignored. Give her a little attention and reap the benefits. Then I met Mel. She was sweet, probably too much so, and far too vulnerable to someone like me. Bad as Miranda had it, I really felt like Mel needed me more. She took care of me, and I in turn took care of her.” The driver’s side door opened abruptly, releasing Eddie from a feeling of being cooped up as the breeze off the water hit him in the face.

“She was improving, that’s what her doctor said at least. Then she took a turn and nothing seemed to help. She was gone in a few short weeks. Some thought it was suspicious, I was the one they looked at. Soon as they changed where they were looking, I took my stuff and got the hell out.” Talking was supposed to help, wasn’t it? So far it hadn’t. If he were analyzing himself he’d probably say it was because things had been repressed too long, and now it would take time too. Problem with that was, Eddie didn’t believe in psychobabble. Shrinks were just legal con artists, and there was something that he couldn’t lay his finger on that really bothered him.

She listened, the magazine still open on her lap, while they came to a stop, and the engine left a strange silence in its absence. Still holding his phone, she studied the two women in the picture, studied him, a half smile pulling at the corner of her lips. She followed him out of the car, coming around to lean against the warm hood, the cooling tick of the engine the only sound until she pulled the pack from her pocket, and the snap of flame flared for an instant. Holding the phone out, she stared out at the ocean, and blew out a smoke-tinged breath. “Nothing wrong with nice things...nothing wrong with getting someone else to pay for it, either…” Moonlight glazed her skin, her lashes falling to kiss her cheeks for a breath. She certainly hadn’t paid for anything she was wearing, and the outfit had to have cost a few grand. She cut a glance in his direction, memories of a ranch, and a sweet cowboy who’d likely curse her name with his dying breath too close for comfort. “Pick your target...make the deal. You don’t think I can afford a penthouse on a part-time bartender’s pay, do you? Not here, anyway…” Taking another drag, she shook her head. “I know you thought I was some smart-mouthed party girl...the night at the fights? And I am. But I learned long ago what I had...and what had value. And I know you didn’t do a thing to Mel...not to hurt her.” Because she recognized the tone in his voice...it was the same one in hers when Tex came up. And the best thing she’d ever done in her life was break the man’s heart. “So, she died, and the sister’s raising money in her memory...and still blaming you, is my guess. And it bugs you?”

The wind on his face felt good, it was still far too warm for him to be wearing that heavy coat. He made a show of pulling it off, draping it over an arm as he moved back towards the car, or rather the blonde leaning against it. He waited for her to raise the cigarette to her lips, and stole it quickly. The lit end warmed his palm as he took a hit from the butt end, keeping the things length cupped in his hand. He was just as quick to deposit it right back between her lips, exhaling as he opened the car door and laid the coat inside. A long arm reached behind the seat and freed a bottle of dark bourbon with a white label. “Yes, and no. She died and Miranda will likely always blame me. I think the foundation’s a great idea, but that’s not what bugs me.” The lock was depressed and the door sent home. Eddie’s fingers worked the top off of the bottle, offering it to her first. He seemed to have his own ideas about clothes tonight. Heading further onto the beach, bits of him came away in a line heading for the surf that ended in a sprint towards the waves which had him diving. Now he might be cool enough. He’d wanted to give a better answer, would have if he had one. There was just something about the whole thing that seemed wrong to him though. Tahlia was free to watch the show, or join in as she pleased.

She couldn’t quite hide the warm smile at the sight of that coat of his...the last time she’d seen it, it had been the only thing touching her skin but him. Left with a cigarette, and a bottle of respectable bourbon, she thought about tossing both aside and following him into the water...but she’d be freezing afterward, and getting him to warm her up, while tempting, might preclude any further conversation. Maybe it was payback for him choosing not to give her a kiss hello...maybe she was simply content to watch the muscles shift beneath his skin in the reflected moonlight. She stayed where she was, leaning against the car, alternating between sips of bourbon, and drags from her cigarette. He likely wasn’t wrong - you didn’t live the way they did without learning to get a sixth sense for this sort of thing. The question was what he wanted to do about it. Setting the bottle down, she looked back at the picture of the two women on his phone, and let that spark and dance in her brain while she enjoyed the sight of him cavorting in the surf.

Much as he would have enjoyed the company, the lack of it paired with the saltwater gave him what he’d needed at that moment...separation. Not so much from Tahlia, after all he had invited her to come out and play. Thoughts, and things far worse, feelings were buried beneath the surf, stripped away with every wave that washed over him. He was Eddie Blake, and he didn’t feel things. He left the person who’d gotten out of the car behind, like a message in a bottle caught in the tides. What emerged, was the person she knew best all cocky grins and laughing at himself and anything that struck his fancy to do so. Water sprayed from his hair as he shook his head, then ran fingers through the tangles smoothing it into something far more normal. One piece at a time he reacquired his clothes, though most of them he chose not to don. He simply hitched on his pants and carried the rest back to where Tahlia stood indulging in her own vices. “I want to check it out, if it’s nothing. I’ll let it go, but like calls to like… and something feels off.” He laid his clothes on the hood of the car, stealing the bottle for a quick drink before turning his boots over and pounding them to get all the sand out. “You up for a field trip?”

“Hmm?” Ok, so the sight of him naked and glistening with seawater was more than a little distracting, and it took her a minute to bring her thoughts back to the task at hand. Not to mention the hitching of pants over...smoke burst from her lips in a torrent of coughing. Might have forgotten exhaling was necessary. Just briefly. “I don’t think you’re wrong...there’s something there...something in the eyes.” If she was an expert in anything, it was sibling rivalry. Even in a photo...they said the eyes were the windows to the soul. She wasn’t sure she had one, but if she did...she’d given and received that look a thousand times. Tilting her head to the side, she batted her lashes and let a wickedly mischievous smile dance across plush lips. “With you? Sure thing, puddin...what did you have in mind?” She could guess….and she’d been the bait in honey traps like this her whole life. Well, maybe not exactly like this…

A lean against the grill of the Road Runner, just enough to lift his feet one at a time, brush away the sand and send them home into his boots. “Two words… Bake Sale.”

[Eddie Blake]

Heathens

Why'd you come? You knew you should have stayed
I tried to warn you just to stay away
And now they're outside ready to bust
It looks like you might be one of us ~ Tyler Joseph - Halestorm cover

Saturday, July 22nd, 2:00 AM

Eddie had said field trip, but there hadn’t been a field in the windows for the last twenty minutes of driving. Plenty of high rise apartments, each one shabbier than the one before it. Even those gave way to vacant lots, and boarded up buildings, though at least there was plenty of graffiti to read along the way. Occasionally there had been a building that still seemed to be pulling power, but only in part of it, the rest obviously empty. They were parked in front of one of those now, the car parked, the engine off. The street seemed to be abandoned, and if it weren’t for the techno music filtering to the streets that might have been hard to disprove.

Eddie listened for a moment, his hand grabbed hold of the seat above Tahlia’s shoulder and he leaned hard looking at first for all intents and purposes that he was going to kiss her finally. Then his head dipped even lower, maybe some other thrill was on his mind? He stopped well short of her lap, looking out the window and up at the only window with light coming out of it. The faint echo had him nodding, the music was coming from above and there was a bit of shadow play across the window. He took a deep breath through his nose, glad that there was someone close by that didn’t smell like this part of the city. He turned to look Tahlia in the eye, close enough to feel her breath sweet against his skin. The tip of his tongue moistened his lips, it would take nothing to close the distance between them. His nose traced her cheekbone. “You ready?” The question emerged from lips that brushed against hers as he spoke the words. “Glove compartment.” Then he was pulling away and opening his door to get out.

She didn’t seem as thrown by the neighborhood as he might expect. It was the kind of place she came when all she wanted was a warm body, or the drugs she couldn’t feel without effort. Not that she liked it...but she’d been through similar areas from time to time. Sometimes the tools she needed couldn’t be found in pretty boxes. Lashes resting against her cheeks, Tahli nearly took the bait, her tongue smoothing across her parted lips, although she didn’t lean forward to close the distance. She was about to answer, but the words made no sense and she was left blinking in confusion when he pulled away. “Glove…?” Eddie wasn’t there, so she leaned forward, and popped open the compartment, the glint of metal giving her a hint what sat inside. “Eddie?” So many questions...but it wasn’t her first rodeo, and really, it didn’t matter. The more important question was where to put them - it wasn’t like she had a lot of fabric to work with.

His hand was on her door handle even as she was pulling the four Springfield 9mm’s free of the compartment. The door opened wide, his other hand going in for her to take hold of and exit the car as well. He took a pair of the short barreled guns and stepped behind Tahli. “Put your hands behind your back…” His voice was low, bordering on sultry as he spoke directly into her ear. Eddie took note of where her hands were, then slowly, one by one shoved a pistol into the back of her shorts, butt grip within easy reach. “Have you done this before? It starts off a little uncomfortable, but eventually you get to like the feeling.” He gave away his grin, accidentally, as stray strands of her hair caught in his scruff and tugged ever so slightly. The second pair of pistols went into the waist of his own pants, his shirt pulled down to conceal as best he could. Tahli would need to depend on him staying close in order to keep hers from view, it was probably the only thing that would distract anyone’s eyes from the rest of her backside.

Tahlia bit back a squeak as the cool metal slid against warm skin, hoping she wouldn’t have to actually pull them with any kind of speed...otherwise the thong she wore was likely to get very uncomfortable very quickly. She couldn’t resist rolling her hips, to settle the weight and simply because he was warm, and close, and she was, at her core, a creature of pleasure. “I have, actually. Not my favorite...and usually there’s a little more preparation...but I think I can manage. These are a little shorter and thicker than I’m used to…” If her celebrated posterior had to be concealed, it certainly didn’t take anything away from the long legs, and the wealth of sun-drenched skin...not to mention the way her hips moved as she took a few testing steps forward. “Coming?”

He watched her take those few steps, purely to be certain that everything was staying in place. Coming? He knew he’d been forgetting something. “Too late for that…”, he started out after her, going right through the front doors into a hallway that was barely wider. It was dark inside, the only light coming from a window over the stairwell. Of course it was also the direction they had to go in order to get to where they were going. They went slowly upwards, following the sound of music through the stairwell. Fortunately they met no one on the way up, and the rising volume of Technonoise would mask their steps down the hall to the only door that had light shining out beneath it. Eddie stopped, and listened for a couple of moments. It was just audible, the yells of a decidedly male voice though it was rising into falsetto. He leaned in to Tahli. “You’re looking for your cousin, Reggie… you have a delivery for him.” He kept his eyes on her face until she indicated that she understood. He stood with his back to the wall, reached over and knocked loudly on the door.

[Tahlia Blake]

“There’s always after…” Because, really...she could certainly use a soak in the hot tub after all this. Whether he was joining her or not remained to be seen. Nodding, she turned her attention to the door, shifting to hook her thumbs into the belt loops of her shorts, and propping one Burberry heeled sneaker up onto the toe, idly swinging it back and forth. All that was missing was the pop of bubblegum as the door cracked open, and she turned a wide eyed gaze on the tall, slim sliver of wannabe badass that came into view. “Is Reggie here? I hafta give him sumthin…” The hoodlum cracked the door wider, leaning against the doorjamb and leering through red-rimmed eyes. Muttered voices came from the shadows inside..multiple men, multiple voices...hard to tell more than that in the backlighting from computer screens inside. “And who should we say is calling, dollface?” Sarcastic sneering from the gatekeeper with the shaved head - she could see what he wanted, it was painted all over his face, and writ in the unsubtle shift of tightening pants. “Tell’em it’s his cousin...he’ll know.” She smiled, bright and sweet...and barely refrained from making him embarrass himself in the doorway.

The music swelled for half a heartbeat before dropping low. Eddie was grateful at first, at least now he could tell what was his heart and what was bass drum. His hands were at his back already, fingers closed around pistol grips, and he was breathing slowly. He bided his time, listening to Tahli and the voice behind the door. Muffled within he heard someone ask the question. “Should we let her in?” A second voice saying, ‘...she could be anyone.”

It was the third voice that did the trick. The man at the door spoke up over ruling both of the others. “Dude I don’t care this **** is ****en hot.” From his position, Eddie could hear the subtle changes in the tone of the voice. Clear at first, as he spoke directly through the open crack then fading as he turned his head back to address his fellows. Quick as darkness being chased by a star, Eddie pivoted and his 6’6” frame leaned back and let his boot fly towards the door. The body that had been blocking it was knocked back. His hand hit the stereo, and the music level rose to heights that left the sounds of three shots buried in noise. There had been four men inside, three of them were on the floor. One was handcuffed to a chair and looked like he’d been worked over pretty well. Much as Eddie wanted to help the man, he wanted to stop that annoying sound coming out of the man’s speakers.

“...Jesus Christ Eddie!” The cuffed man’s, more a kid really, mouth had been moving and it was only once the stereo was turned off that Eddie and Tahlia would hear exactly how loudly he’d been yelling. Apparently he hadn’t known either because three short words and he stopped speaking altogether.

“Reginald T. Barnes… Tahlia Faras… You can just call him Bake Sale.” There was a slight grin on the big man’s face as he kept his eyes on the blonde woman while Reginald went on and on about hating that name, and it’s not Reginald it’s Reggie… only his grans called him Reginald.

Tahlia didn’t even flinch as Eddie spun and his foot passed close enough that she could swear she felt the edge of the sole brush her ribs. The noise however, had her taking half a step back, and resisting the urge to cover her ears at the noise. Even if she’d heard the gunshots, it wouldn’t have mattered...much as she tried to avoid it, for her own safety...violence had always been a part of her world. She took a few steps inside, once the music had died away, a subtle shiver dancing across the exposed bronze of her skin, a whispered moan that might sound more than a little familiar to his ears teasing from her throat as she looked over at the rapidly spreading trio of crimson liquid. Carefully picking her way into the apartment, she flashed a smile over at the restrained teen, the caution bringing still more attention to racetrack curves and cornsilk hair, especially once she caught the glint of metal against a still chest. “Eddie...so glad we saved your little bakery buddy here, but... I’m thinking maybe we might want to do this elsewhere? Unless you’ve got a killer cleanup crew…”

“What did you do, Reg?” Eddie’s eyes were on the body Tahlia had been looking at. He sighed ignoring the exasperation from Reggie. He shook his head at Tahli, but he did have a plan. He bent down, and pulled a key from one man’s pocket placing it in Reggie’s palm. “Get what you need, and get ready to travel a bit.” He disappeared deeper into the apartment, returning moments later with a rather large and assorted bag of narcotics. He spilled them across the coffee table at the center of the room, much to Reggie’s disappointment. The pair of pistols were wiped clean and dropped in the center of the room a few bills scattered. “I said only what you need Reggie.”

“Yeah, but I really needed that.” Reggie looked longingly at the table as Eddie had Tahlia usher him out the door. He did nothing more, the scene would stand as it was. It was the evidence that would be misleading. He looked back once as he stepped over the body closest to the door and headed off after the other two in no particular hurry. Not until he got into the car at least. Then he drove as hurriedly as he could without looking like he was trying to do so. “Damn, those were my favorites… though, maybe now I have a new set.” He looked at Tahlia and winked. “Once I retrieve them.”

“****, I’m sorry Eddie… glad, but sorry. I owe you one.” Reggie was in the back, stretched across the seat. In part it was so he could look out the back window, the other reason had to do with the figure riding shotgun.

“No, you owe me two.” Eddie put his hand behind him opening it to reveal a rolled something which Reggie took with an odd sigh of relief. “You’re just going to pay back one of em right now… Foxglove Foundation… you can use my phone for a mobile hotspot.” The hand offs done, he needed something to hang onto. There was a perfect leg not so far away.

Tahlia did not utter a word until they were in the car and moving, chewing on the inside her cheek and reaching for her phone out of reflex before pulling her hand back. Calling Simon would only complicate matters, and she knew it...but it had become a hard habit to fight. Dropping into the seat, she was just reaching to pull the pistols from the small of her back when Eddie spoke, and she settled back with wink, and a blown kiss. They would wait until he could retrieve them himself. Jade eyes ticked back to the skinny pothead in the backseat, and she shifted, back arching enough to make the boy groan under his breath. Because she could, mostly, and because it brought her thigh in perfect reach for Eddie hand...perhaps a little higher than he’d intended. She had a particular reaction to violence, had since...well, since she was younger. Purring softly, she glanced over a shoulder to check on Reggie, her nose crinkling as a familiar scent reached her nostrils. “Bake...ah. Makes sense now. Let me guess...someone rises to the occasion when he’s toasted?” Half rising, she leaned over bringing her lips a breath from Eddie’s ear, watching Reggie as he tried his best to juggle phone, joint...and trying not to look like he was watching her every move. Smirking, Tahlia purred and nuzzled. She could guess what the kid was good at, but she was having fun.

Reggie couldn’t hide from the rearview mirror. Eddie almost felt sorry for the kid… but not quite. Truth was that while he hadn’t expected Tahlia to move, he was glad she had. “Reggie’s just misunderstood.” That got a chuckle out of the backseat, obviously an inside joke. Tahli wasn’t only making it difficult on the kid, she was making it hard on Eddie too, right about the moment the nuzzling started. He checked the road, before turning his head to whisper two soft words into her ear and adorning her with a very serious look before directing his eyes to the front once more.

[Eddie Blake]

I Am the Fire

I've been sacrificed
My hearts been cauterized
Hanging on to hope
Shackled by the ghost
Of what I once believed
That I could never be
What’s right in front of me? ~ Halestorm


Saturday July 22nd, 10:00 AM

The penthouse was quiet, finally...the early morning hours entertainments finally fading as the night before caught up with them. Fortunately, there were three bedrooms, and Reggie had had a little distance to muffle the sounds. Unfortunately, for him at least, he also had a very active imagination. Sometime after the sun had risen, but early enough to still count as morning, a certain petite blonde made her way down the hallway, running fingers through tangled waves, a particularly satisfied smirk on her face as she glanced around the open living area, and turned toward the kitchen. Tahlia was no cook, although she’d recently learned to make passable scrambled eggs, and had a standing order for muffins and breakfast pastries on delivery with a simple text. The basket sat on the counter, fresh from the bakery, and she turned her attention to the coffeemaker. This, this she could work, rising on tiptoe to grab the beans from a cabinet, and grinding them fresh. There was a flash of lace beneath the robe...mist green silk to bring out her eyes, and edged in the kind of black lace still made by grandmothers in some mediterranean country, and paired with a set of heels in the same pale color. Because when you seemed to make a habit of bedding men a foot taller than you, flats were simply not an option.

Setting the coffee to perk, she leaned a hip against the counter, scrolling through the smartphone that was never far from her, and checking to see if there was anything pressing to deal with. Occasionally she’d glance back, toward the bedrooms, and wonder idly which one was going to make it out first.

Eddie’s eyes popped open, the ceiling one he didn’t recognize right away, remembering after he realized there was still warmth in the bed next to him. In a way, he was glad that she wasn’t there. Not that he’d wanted to, or even felt like he’d chased her from her own bed. She’d been there recently enough, with her gone, there was nothing to catch his attention or worse make him think. Just a roll and shift until his feet were on the floor and he was up and moving. It had been a very long, and pleasantly exhausting night. His lip twitched slightly as he remembered how easy it had been to find just the right places for his hands. Now, in the swiftly fading morning he was left with the same option he’d taken at the beach. Day old pants weren’t too bad, but he would need to change them before long. His mind may have been making up grains of sand wedged into seams that scraped across his skin. Then again maybe there was another kind of mark in those places mimicking sand. He was hoping for the latter.

Coffee, a smell that was definitely beckoning him drew him onwards through the… well she called it an apartment, seemed more like a house compared to his own digs. He could get used to a place like this, not this one but he hoped she would. Some people deserve things. He passed along a path that ran parallel to the one she’d taken, his own halting at the doorway to the kitchen and taking up a tall lean. He watched her for the space of a few heartbeats, his head tilting slightly. It was a good show.

“Sorry, I meant to be up sooner.” Translation, so you didn’t have to see me until later.

“Well, we didn’t get in til late…” And hadn’t fallen asleep til later, although she let the marks along her throat and peeking out from the neckline of her robe serve as a silent reminder. Not that she suspected he needed one. “Coffee’s almost ready...there’s creamer and half & half in the fridge…” She slid the sugar bowl over, turning and rising up once more to grab three mugs from the shelf, one foot kicked up behind her, silk and lace rising to follow the stretch of her right hand toward the handles. Setting them down on the marble counter, she glanced over a shoulder toward him, sultry little smile playing across her lips as she moved to a pull out drawer, and bent just enough to put an arch in her back, straightening with three small plates in hand. “So...when do you think the kid will wake up? Not that I’m rushing you out…” She really wasn’t. A few short steps took her to the counter holding the breakfast things, and she set them down. She’d figured there was more to discuss, after last night...after all, they could hardly just sweep into town and ask questions, could they? They’d need to be a little more subtle than that.

Reaching for the coffee pot, she brought those searching green eyes to his, the tip of her tongue just peeking out between her lips. “How do you take it?” And of course, there was a sputtering cough from behind Eddie...seems Reggie had been summoned by the scent of coffee, or the sound of conversation. Poor boy...who knew if Tahlia had done it intentionally, or not?

The sputter behind him was enough to draw his attention from the sight of Tahlia’s morning reach and stretch around the kitchen. He looked at Reggie, and much of his amusement was gone. They were all dinged up, Tahlia had her bruises, and Eddie looked like he’d accidentally slept on a nest of kittens. Reggie just looked beat up and swollen. “I’m sure the kid likes it light and sweet.” He stood and moved fully into the room, mostly to get out of Reggie’s way. “Personally I take mine like life, dark and bitter.”

He took a cup and filled it, watching as Reggie tried too hard to look like he wasn’t staring at a set of legs extending from a robe. He had Eddie’s phone still, carrying it like he needed the device to keep moving. “I’m not going to open up the search engine and find porn on that, am I?” Satisfaction rested in his face as the teen’s eyes went decidedly rounder.

“No… but I did find something interesting.” It was at least enough to break whatever spell the blonde seemed to have over him, though he was sure it was just a temporary fix. “But I need a charger. All that surfing wore the battery down.”

“Damn, I could have used a little insight into your mind.” He drifted close by Tahlia, she was right there after all, and he hadn’t touched her for a few hours. That was remedied quickly.

“You’d think you’d be a little more chipper, puddin...after everything.” Winking, she arched beneath his hands, golden locks spilling over her shoulders, a wine-dark oval visible just at the curve where neck and shoulder met. She flashed a heated smile up at him, then dropped her gaze to Reggie, idly pouring coffee into the other two mugs as if she wasn’t ready to pick up where she had started the night before, in the car. But she didn’t think Reggie would survive another display like that...and they needed the kid, for now.

[Tahlia Blake]

She could have given Eddie that insight, at least on the subject of Reggie’s tastes in porn, but she kept it to herself. For now. Let the kid think all she was was curves and heat and breathless moans in the night. She was trusting Eddie with enough. “There’s a charger on the counter, you can plug in there...and then you can tell us what you found. About the Foundation…” Without moving too far from Eddie, she opened the fridge, splashing a dollop of cream into her coffee, and passing the third mug, and the creamer, over to the techie. “And would you two eat something? If I have that many carbs I’ll turn into a blimp…” A lie. But it was the kind of thing the kept pet of a rich man would worry about...and for now, she was sticking with that perception.

Trust was something they both held a bit in reserve. Eddie shook his head at the offer of food. “Not that I don’t eat sweet things…” His lips held a private smile for Tahlia. “...I’d like to be closer to my toothbrush before indulging in those… not that you’re going to have a problem finishing anything.” Reggie had remained silent, still not quite certain how talk to Tahlia so far as Eddie could tell. He certainly remembered that he’d been on quite the binge last night. He took his coffee and added enough sugar to form an island in the south sea, then turned it almost white with cream. A nod from Eddie, definitely sweet and light. The kid’s hands were full in no time, a mountain of munchies waiting to be scarfed down in that way only a teenager could manage.

“So, I’m looking into this foundation thing, right… lot of back doors there, and I had to do this without my crawler… but you said I owe ya and I always try to make good. But, I’m searching for port access on this place and every time I find what I think is my access I’m looking at a shell company… Not a huge deal, even for the up an up places right? I’ll be honest, I got tired of looking… it was easier to build a crawler into your phone and let it do the searching.” Most of what Reggie said was audible, some things were wrapped around a bite of food, and even among the words he could hear, Eddie understood less.

“All right… so what did your creeper find?” Eddie’s question had brought the first serious look to Reggie’s face that didn’t involve some aspect of a blonde in a robe.

“Crawler, man… a creeper is something else entirely.” He actually pointed at Eddie quite forcefully, though he seemed to realize what he was doing and backed off quickly. He’d probably just remembered what had happened less than twelve hours ago. “Anyway… It all comes down to one thing… Better call Saul.”

Snickering as Reggie looked to make a decent dent in the basket all on his own, Tahlia reached for a cream filled eclair, and set it on her plate. Her eyes widened as the sugar-downing teen seemed to grow a backbone, if only short-lived. Color her surprised. Still, it wasn’t nearly enough to have her thinking of him as anything but a kid...certainly not with Eddie still standing close enough that she could feel the heat of his skin against her back, and the slight flush of pink to her cheeks. She had some very happy memories of just what the man seemed to think of certain sweet treats, at least. With a shake of her head, and a shiver, she turned her attention back to what Reggie was saying.

She understood about shell companies...there were a few between her and the spoils of her labor. The truth was she didn’t really need to live the way she did anymore...but it was all she’d ever known. And on her own...away from her family...better safe, than penniless. Taking a bit of eclair, she seemed unaware of the bit of cream that had squirted out the side, and glazed her lips. She was too intent on the implications of what Reggie was saying. Not that she expected him to answer her. “So...wait. The Foundation is...backdoored...by all these shell companies?” Lots of corporations, sure..but a charity? “Why would you...and who’s Saul?” She ignored crawlers and creepers and the rest. Because at the end of the day...all that mattered was the money. Follow the money.

Reggie didn’t disappoint, staring at Tahlia and stammering before shoving a danish into his mouth and chewing, then pointing helpfully. Couldn’t talk with a full mouth? It would be rude.

Reggie hadn’t needed to point, Eddie missed very little about some things. He raised his finger too, though it ran slow across her lips and came away with the offending cream that seemed to have the kid going mute. He held it up so that Tahli could see as well. Saul, that was a name that both of them knew well enough. “An attorney for some less than legitimate clientele. He does a lot of things really, represents and doesn’t much care about guilt or innocence. His rates are pretty good too all things considered. Depends on what you’re into.”

Eddie talked, Reggie emphatically nodded his agreement with him. “Can’t hurt to see how far he leans when straddling a line.”

Anyone who expected her to deny herself that opportunity clearly did not know her well. Poor Reggie might not survive their association, but he was certainly going to die happy, and better educated. Wrapping one delicate hand around Eddie’s wrist, she looked up from beneath the thick feathering of her lashes, sought his deep brown eyes and held them fast while her lips wrapped around the cream laden finger. Not much cream, comparatively, but then she’d proved more than once by now her utter dedication to leaving not a drop behind. Certainly not when it was being presented by someone who had, not so long before, proven his silver tongue adept at so many other things. Hers took the initiative, rasping along his finger, curved just enough to be certain she had as much contact as possible...and then retreating to send the little dab of cream down her throat. A little nip of white teeth, and she relinquished her hold on his finger with a moux of disappointment, and promise. No need to kill the boy...but she would be damned if she didn’t let the man know exactly where her attentions lay.

Wood squalled across marble in Reggie’s general vicinity, followed by a half mumbled ”I need a shower…” and the sound of hurried steps away from the kitchen. If Tahlia hadn’t had Eddie’s undivided attention before, (she’d certainly had a good percentage of it) she did now. That move of hers had him right where she wanted him, or at least very close to it. A voice that sounded a lot like himself was shouting, though it seemed to be coming from a very deep hole. Something about needing to make a phone call. Need, that was a word, and the only one he latched onto.

[Eddie Blake]

Go To War

I don’t know what you had in mind
But here we stand on opposing sides
Let’s go to war
Let’s go to war ~ Nothing More

Saturday July 22nd 2:00 PM

Mabel had gotten Eddie’s message through to Saul, eventually. Saul Mortimer was a bit of a foul mouthed clown, but he was a good (if egotistical) attorney. It wasn’t all his fault, Saul’s practice seemed be a magnet for some of the worst criminals in the city. Worst of course was honestly split between those who did bad things and weren’t very good at it, and those who were good at it. Everyone deserves a defense, right? That was just the tip of Saul’s little iceberg of a practice. Dig deeper and you’d find, assuming you knew where and how to look, back room deals that involved any number of things. He’d tell a known murderer how to hide the weapon, or call for body disposal, if that were your thing. This wasn’t where he made his money though, unless you counted hiding things at least.

Saul was very good at hiding almost everything. The biggest money, and also well hidden, was from the more organized crime families. Saul was happy, even eager, to get his hands dirty for the right payout of course. This much Eddie knew from experience, though he honestly hadn’t had a need for the man’s services in quite some time. Eddie wouldn’t have been pimping himself out at fights if he had the kind of fallback point that Saul provided. It had taken a lot longer for the man to get back to them than expected. The man on the other side of the video call was not good looking, his eyes were pinched, and it was obvious that his lank hair was thinning. He had a big smile though and a penchant for pastel colored button down shirts beneath his suit coat. Today’s was in the neighborhood of hot pink.

“Well hello beautiful!” See, there’s the grin and what Eddie thought might be a wink if Saul’s eyes were just a little wider. “Jesus, Eddie, it’s been too long… I mean way too long. You got a little something going on that Saul can help with. I know a great bank down in a place called Gran Camen, or some horseshit. It’s offworld, but safe… Who’s the peach?”

It wasn’t the worst thing she’d ever been called. It wasn’t even close. Tahlia had escaped to the shower after ‘breakfast’...sadly, alone, since Eddie had had to corral Reggie and keep him busy. She was a bit put out about it...although if she were honest, it was good practice. They were going to have to work together without tearing each others clothes off...might as well try to figure out how to do that now. Black yoga pants and a black tank top, with an off the shoulder green sweater over it was as demure as she got...even if she had laced back into the heeled sneakers from the night before. Tahlia was rarely barefoot - not only did she like the height, she’d had to bolt on a moment's notice a few too many times to be comfortable with it. Not to mention one night in particular...shaking her head, she fluttered her fingers in the direction of the screen, streamed from the phone to one of the big screen tvs that dotted her penthouse. No reason to crouch around a tiny screen if they didn’t need to. And given where Mal’s fortune came from, it had been a point of pride that the apartment had the best of everything...gadgets and gizmos that had had Reggie drooling almost more than he did over her.

Dressed, yes, but not entirely behaving. Coffee mugs close to hand, she’d chosen Eddie’s lap for a seat, and was half turned to lean against his broad chest, feet set on the cushions of the couch, and her head lolling back on his shoulder before she straightened to take a slightly more business appropriate position. Golden hair was swept into a loose braid that fell to just past her shoulder blades, a sweep of bangs, with artfully arranged tendrils, framing her sun kissed skin and jade eyes to perfection. “Awww … aren’t you the sweetest thing, sugar...Eddie, you didn’t tell me your friend was so...friendly.” She caught those reddish brown eyes with a wink, before turning her attention back to the screen. “You can call me Harley...at least until we get to know each other better…”

“I didn’t want to build him up any, he’d take it as me erecting a bridge.” It took some effort to manage to hold on when Tahlia gave Saul her alias, or that particular one at least.

“And if there’s anything Eddie knows, it massive erections, am I right?” Reggie, it seemed, thought that Saul’s comment was hilarious. He lost whatever he’d been drinking out his nose. That hadn’t really been part of the plan. The kid was supposed to stay out of sight after last night.

“You’d love it… Not real happy with how long it took to get back to me, Saul. I’ve been waiting for several hours.” Since he was the only one being serious here, though his hand hand found a place on ‘Harley’s’ lap. He might have been feeling a little overprotective… certainly not possessive, that was a very different grab… entirely different.

“You would too, you big… No, you’re right, business first. Not all my fault, buddy. The district’s gone nuts today. Cops cracking down, gangs taking pot shots. Hell I even heard that Carmine Logan is back in town.. So you watch that ass Eddie.” It was pretty clear that Saul would be if Eddie were to stand up. “Apparently there was some kind of to-do down by the warehouse district. Three cops dead, and nobody fessing up to it. Place has been a madhouse today, but what am I gonna do, right? I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear about though, so… What the hell does Fast Eddie Blake need from his old, and most trusted pal, Saul?”

“Foxglove Foundation.” It was all Eddie said, it was all he had to say because the change in Saul was quite evident. His mouth stopped moving.

‘Harley’ let out a brightly musical laugh, and nuzzled into Eddie’s neck, her wink just visible to Saul. She certainly wasn’t complaining, that was clear. Not bothering to raise her head, or even really look in that direction, she pointed toward the kitchen. “Hey, Bake Shop...paper towels. And you better hope whatever that was doesn’t stain…” The carpets (and everything else in the place) was scotch guarded, but it was the principal of the thing. Not to mention Reggie’s insistence on being part of the meeting, despite the connection with...exactly what had held Saul up. Reggie, it seemed, had some sense of self preservation...since he rose and headed to the kitchen with only the barest muffled complaint.

The arm across her lap only made her smile against his skin, and nip at his ear. Or at least, that’s all it looked like. A low purr spilled against his ear, audible only to him. “Fast Eddie, huh...certainly didn’t get that nickname in the bedroom…you’re going to have to explain that one later, puddin…” She was behaving. Honest.

The sudden clamping of Saul’s rapid patter caught her attention, and she looked up at the screen. Not even Reggie returning and inexpertly dabbing at the carpet could draw her attention. Squirming slightly, she cocked her head to the side, giving Saul her full attention. The flamboyant man didn’t move, and only the slightest twitch of a muscle below his eye gave a hint that all was not as it seems. For her, it was enough. “I’d say there’s your confirmation. Something’s rotten in Westport...and Mr. Fabulous knows what it is...don’t you, sugar?”

Saul resisted the urge to bite his lip, or sputter denials...there was something about the tone that made him realize the petite blonde who he’d first dismissed as Eddie’s flavor of the week had a lot more going on than she was letting him see.

“So…”

“I can’t. C’mon Eddie, these guys are animals. Remember Don… you know, good old Donnie Lipschitz… You don’t, right? I say anything and nobody remembers Saul either, you know what I’m talking about.” He might be the only person that could talk faster than Eddie when backed against a wall.

“So, here’s the question… Miranda Foxglove, knows or doesn’t know… is she skimming?” It wasn’t where Saul thought he was going, and there was open relief at the question.

“Of course she’s skimming, they all skim, it’s what keeps the relationship symbiotic. Hell, I’d skim too, but have you seen my hourly rate?” Saul’s sense of humor was obviously returning, though there was truth to what he was saying. Eddie had seen his hourly rate.

“I’m not letting this one go…”

“What, you gonna run an inside fly?” Humor, and fear were now replaced with something else on Saul’s face. Intrigue…

“I’d need nine people and two pitchers at least. Too big, and I don’t have that kind of time.” Fingers traced along fabric, there was a nice feeling to the material that made up yoga pants. The motion helped him think too.

“Sad panda then. Everyone loves a sad panda… they’re fucking heartbreaking.” Saul obviously had much more insight into Eddie than even he’d indicated before.

“I’ve only had that work once, and Jimmy got picked up two months ago… No, I need something different… something unexpected.” Eddie’s fingernails slid across the material, making short lived stretchy ripples in the black. A snap of fingers brought him out of whatever he was considering.

“You’ve got peaches there… sorry I mean Harley… Why not run a baby Chernobyl? Minimal people, maximum reward.” It had been Saul’s fingers that popped that way, and he was pointing at ‘Harley.’

“Okay, here’s the problem with that. Harley’s obviously not sick at all…” he patted a very healthy hip to make his point. “And besides, I’m not even sure she’s interested, even if she were sick.”

“What? You’re blind now Eddie… I never would have thought it could happen to you. Peaches is all over you, she’s definitely interested. Hell if I thought you’d change teams I’d climb into your lap… but maybe we should poll the room? Everyone who’s in raise your hand… that means you to Reggie… don’t think I don’t know the sound of you dropping coca cola from your nose.” Saul’s hand was the first one up, though Reggie, still off screen wasn’t far behind him.

‘Harley’s’ hand rose as if pulled by a string. She hadn’t played sick, ever, but she knew she could...with a little help. The look...that was easier than it seemed, but so far the only one who knew about her gifts was Simon. Adding anyone else to that list...it should have taken her longer to consider. Should have - but it didn’t. Maybe she was bored, bartending had never been a full time gig, and Mal required less of her time than any sugar daddy she’d ever had. She didn’t trust Reggie, or Saul...but she trusted Eddie, gods only knew why. It had been nearly instantaneous...for all it was unexplainable, at least to her. Nibbling at her bottom lip, she looked down at Eddie, expecting an argument, although she couldn’t say for sure why. “You boys give us a minute? I think I might be able to convince him…” Rising up from his lap, she slid a hand into the one on her hip, and tugged him up. An exercise in futility, really, if he didn’t cooperate.

[Tahlia Blake]

Thankfully, he seemed inclined to trust her that much. Ignoring the snickering and marginally audible commentary from the peanut gallery, she led Eddie down the hall toward her bedroom, and the master bath therein. Closing the door behind them, she turned to take both his hands, a nervous edge just visible in the sharp exhale before she spoke. “Eddie...I can do this. I don’t have to be sick...I just have to look sick, right? I can do that...and no-one will be able to tell. I can do a little illusion magic. It’s a family thing. Luke’s better than I am, but I think I can do this…” She turned them both until they were facing the mirror, with him behind her. Stripping off the sweater, she met his eyes in the mirror. “Tell me what it looked like when Mel was sick. Marks...bruises…” She could guess sallow was a given, and as he watched, the golden glow of health faded, leaving her looking pale, and washed out, although no less pretty than she ever was.

Reggie winced under the look that Eddie sent his way, like he’d just been accused of something unforgivable. He had no idea how Saul had taken it when the same one fell on the screen. The man had gone quiet again though. He pushed a hand through long dirty blond hair, watching Tahlia lead Eddie from the room, and expecting to hear a bit of temper on the man’s part. Things were too quiet there. He’d have given almost anything for his earbuds and some loud guitar music.

On the other side of that door, with rooms between the two parties to prevent voices from carrying he suspected, Eddie was about to give ‘Harley’ every reason why she shouldn’t be involved. Except that she’d begun to change and he could only mouth the things that were missing and watch them appear on the blonde. Tan skin had gone shades lighter, and looked off. That was more than appropriate. “She’d had a lot of blood drawn too. They were constantly checking her. She joked that she’d fit in at any drug house in the city.” He schooled his features with a practiced ease. His ace in the hole had become a simple deuce, and someone had removed the wild cards. Appearance would not be the thing to keep the blonde out of this.

“You heard what Saul said, these guys are animals… and maybe I do remember Donnie… or the pieces of him that popped up from time to time. It’s bad news Tah… Harley... “ adding a dig wouldn’t hurt right? “You’re the only real good news there is around me right now.”

Bruises bloomed on her inner arms, with just the hint of tracking below. There was shadowing beneath the pale green eyes, every new addition combining to present the appearance of someone who might not be long for this world, but was still well enough to stand and walk. Her lashes fell over her eyes at the shot, and she took a deep breath before bringing them back to his. For the first time, there was something close to fear shimmering across their surface. “All the more reason to keep me close, right puddin? Besides...I’m not exactly helpless…” She couldn’t blame him if he thought the goons were what had her frightened. They didn’t. Not really. She’d faced their ancestors, and won. If her back was against the wall, she’d make them all pay in blood. And she felt truly sorry for them if Simon got wind she was in trouble...especially after their little bet. She left the evidence on her skin - no reason not to show the other two. Although she expected Reggie, at least, assumed they were up to other things, and she had resorted to old tricks to convince Eddie to let her try.

“You’ll be with me the whole time. I’ll be safe. You just have to promise me two things.” She reached back, seeking his hand and clinging tightly. The tremors in her fingers betrayed that this was the real cause of her fear. Not the animals, or whoever else they might run into. “One...no-one but you knows how I do this. Let Reggie and Saul think its makeup and acting. I’ve never played sick before, you’re going to have to show me how...but this...this is our little secret. And two…” Her eyes searched his...of the two, this was clearly of more importance. Wetting her lips, she trailed her free hand along the marks of blood draws and IV’s done with such frequency as to never heal. “You can’t let them take my blood. Not for anything. Not even for show...we’ll have to find a source, and rely on sleight of hand. But they can’t…” She took a deep breath, shaking her head unconsciously, her voice dropping to a choked plea. “You can’t let anyone take blood from me...tell them you’re the only one, or I’ll have an attack...please?”

Jesus he needed a drink. Why did they always want in, must be some character flaw in him that made it seem okay. No! Except he couldn’t deny that she looked now, for how good she’d looked before, Exactly like she had Long QT Syndrome. NO! Except she was, at least in his circles anonymous. NOOO! Except she wasn’t a bad actress, was available and he was short on time. “Okay…” Eddie hated himself.

“A gig like this, we can’t have them take your blood anyway. Too many markers that need to be present. We’ve got time to work out the details.” Please no. “There’ll be a lot of things that need to be worked out.” Eddie pulled away from Tahlia, it was the first time that she’d been close when he hadn’t found his hands on her… alone at least. “Gimme a minute, doll… I need to think.” Eddie watched her go, for once watching her, instead of checking her out. When he could see her no more, his attention returned to the reflection in the mirror. He locked eyes with himself, doing his damndest to make the man in the mirror blink before he did. She’d taken him to the sea, whether she understood what it meant or not. All he could to do reciprocate was put her in harm’s way.

“Dick.” Karma, he was pretty sure he was going to be it’s bitch sometime soon. It would have to be enough. He had a plan though… a ludicrous one. He wasn’t sure how long he’d stayed there staring at himself, everyone was there still, and Reggie had stupidly come out of the shadows. Damn kid never did know when to stay under wraps. “I need a name Saul.” It wasn’t a question, and he wouldn’t accept anything less from the man on the screen.

Tahlia had ducked her head and retreated to her bedroom, cursing herself in every language she’d ever spoken. Why had she thought he’d react any other way? A few nights, a few laughs...and she’d lost her chill and assumed he’d protect her...let him see her weak spots. Three centuries, and you’d think she’d have learned. He’d let her do this because it made sense. Because he needed it done. She was a tool, nothing more. Maybe this had been the play all along? Had she honestly lost her edge? Maybe she needed this as much as he did...sure, there had been Rocco, but that had been easy. To get taken in by another pro? She could hear Luke laughing at her from here. Wiping at her eyes, she waited until she heard him leave the bathroom, staring out the window at nothing until he’d left the room.

She was calm and collected as she followed him into the room, and settled on the couch, one leg crossed over the other as she reached for a pack of cigarettes and lit one. Foot bouncing slightly, she couldn’t quite bring herself to look at Eddie, or, for that matter, at Reggie or Saul. To see the distance there. She couldn’t figure out why it hurt...and that set her to cursing herself even more. A few months out of her sibling’s clutches, and she couldn’t seem to stop her feelings...rookie mistakes, and one’s she needed to get on top of, and fast. Lost in her own thoughts...she might have missed the plan. It didn’t matter, really...she’d agreed, and now she would do what she’d promised. Someone would tell her what to do, where to stand. She was bait. She’d been bait her whole life. This was just a different trap.

Saul and Reggie seemed to be having quite the laugh. It was also clear what it involved as Eddie and Tahlia re-joined the room. Things went quiet, especially after he’d spoken. “Reggie… go make me a drink, something strong… and make it take a while.”

Eddie was done being sly, and subtle. He wanted the boy out of the room. And that was what he got. “Now Saul… the name.”

“I thought we had a name, Miranda Foxglove. A nice little four way split….”

“Five. We need medical covered.” His words were clipped, and his demeanor far more blunt than it had been at any other time.

“Still a pretty penny, and the Chernobyl works perfect…”

Eddie had a fabulous grin, it could light rooms and draw looks. He wasn’t using it, the look on his face was in a word… severe. “No… not that. If we’re going to do this, we’re doing it right. Two words, Saul, Atomic Blonde. Now give me a name.” The name change might be enough to garner attention. It was subtle, and if looked at logically it would make sense. One indicated an accident, something that happened that had far deeper repercussions. The other… well there would be a hell of alot of fallout from it.

“Are you nuts! Do you know what comes from that?” Saul looked ready to back out… to hang up the phone and pretend that this conversation had never taken place.

“Of course, which is why I need a name. And you only need to ever remember one when we’re done… you feel me, Saul? One name, ever.” There was a set to Eddie’s jaw, an all business look to his face and a cross of arms over his chest that may have betrayed his intentions. All eyes on him… one name.

“Fine! Big Tony… You want one, that’s it.” Saul looked like he was hating himself for speaking.

“I thought he was… retired.”

“He is, which is why it works. Little Tony convinced him to let go of the reins. It never really sat right.” Saul… motormouth, snake oil salesmen, looked like he’d just given away the secret ingredient to his masterpiece.

“Two things… First, you don’t know who the fuck Harley is. Second… set up a meeting with Big Tony… I know what you’re going to say, just do it. We’ll work it out.” Eddie’s brow dropped low over his eyes. He didn’t like the Capani’s, junior or senior. It was quite fair as they didn’t like him much either.

“Give me a couple of days. I’ll get back to you… now, if it isn’t too much trouble… I need to go, I need to change my goddamn shorts.” Saul didn’t wait for permission. He pressed a button and the screen went blank.

A decent chunk of that had gone over her head, as she sat and smoked, and tried not to feel so helpless. Eddie was all business, and she had gotten played, and good. Except that he was changing the game...changing the rules. And Saul was shitting bricks. She snapped her gaze up beneath those muddy blonde bangs, watching the tall, confident figure insist Saul didn’t know her. Of course he didn’t...she was new. Wasn’t that the point? She’d never learned the games others played...they’d had their own, and they worked.

Saul blinked out, and Reggie hadn’t returned...it might take him a bit to find the bar, and figure out what to give Eddie…Mal hadn’t scrimped there either. At least she’d have this, when it was all over.

[Tahlia Blake]

Friday, July 29th, 12:15 pm

Tahlia sat cross-legged on the couch, or close enough, one leg up, her elbow resting on the knee, watching Reggie craft the digital world ‘Lizzy’ lived in. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (although most of those seemed to be cross-posts from the other two), plus a few others she hadn’t caught. If this was her life, she wanted to know it inside and out. Reggie had found them an heiress...20 years old, no parents, old money iron and railroad fortune, whose grandfather had had the presence of mind to sell out and invest...leaving the family with more money than they could spend in generations. Which meant Elizabeth Annabelle Davenport didn’t need to work, and didn’t have to report to anyone, or anything. She was perfect - all the more so because for the last year and a half, she’d been somewhere near Mount Yasuo, staying with some religious group. Reggie, with Tahlia’s help, was filling in the last year of Lizzy’s life...starting with some vague posts the real Lizzy had made about re-evaluating her life, and taking some time off. For them, that was the diagnosis point.

Melinda had died a little over a year before, just a few months shy of her birthday - hence the timing of the gala. Roughly a month after the first of the ‘new’ tweets would appear. “So embarrassing! Nearly went down in the middle of Shining Star Glass...luckily there was an old friend who knew just what I needed!” From there, it wasn’t long before they introduced #scruffyface...and the appearance of cgi created shots on her Instagram of Tahlia and Eddie. Reggie spoke to the screen - it seemed to be the only way he could string together sentences in Tahlia’s presence. “So, yeah...we’re gonna need to get you in a couple dresses...get Eddie in a suit or something...maybe some beach shots…” Dirty blonde hair hung over glassy, red-rimmed eyes that darted over the screen...as promised, Reggie was a virtuoso, so long as he had something to pop, swallow, or smoke. Tahlia had drawn the line at anything involving needles, or too illegal. Mal might be hands-off, but her sexy sugar daddy wasn’t a fool, and she wasn’t going to betray him so Reggie could ride the dragon. And no Ascend.

“Sure thing...charity events. Maybe dinner. Slow build...then a few vacations…” The petite blonde pulled a tootsie pop from between her lips, and frowned at it. Lizzy obviously didn’t smoke...or would have to quit, with a cardiac event hovering around every corner. It wasn’t quite the same. “Around the third month, let's ramp that up. Hashtags everywhere...change the tone, more romantic shots. “Doctors really pleased with how well I’ve been doing - all thanks to my #scruffyface!” And add those little hearts…” Yoga pants and oversized t-shirt that hung over one shoulder (and may or may not have belonged to a certain tall, dark, and handsome man) paired with her favorite heeled sneakers, golden blonde hair swept into a high ponytail that danced across her shoulders when she nodded. “Yeah, like that. Add in some research tweets...things for heart health, diet...building awareness for Long QT...maybe a long vacation. Where does that put us?”

Reggie puffed at the dank strands, and then ran his hand through to leave them in funky twists above his forehead. “Um...6 months? Roughly. I can build it out more…” The tech whiz was trying to focus, and took another hit of the joint idly smoldering by his hand. “Add in some concerts, maybe? Song links, lyrics...it’s not all gonna be original content...no-one does that..”

“Yeah...Taylor Swift, and Avril Lavigne...Pink...really girl-power-y stuff...Katy Perry...some Maroon 5, maybe...backstage shots if you can get them, you know the right stuff. Six months? Perfect. What’s the date on the run in? At the glass place?”

“July 22nd.”

“Good. January 22nd. Find a picture of rumpled sheets somewhere. Like, really rumpled… “I knew if I waited, I’d find him. Perfect guy. Perfect night. I love you #scruffyface.” All of the hearts. Just a line of them…” She popped the sucker back in her mouth, and gave it some thought. Maybe they could recreate that moment...but she liked subtle, for Lizzy. Sweet, innocent...romantic. Smart, but sheltered. And totally under Eddie’s spell, even if the thought set off alarm bells in her head.

Reggie’s fingers had stopped, and he was looking over at Tahlia, eyes wide and jaw dropped open, joint dangling from his fingers. “Damn...you mean...oh, damn...then what?”

“Then we introduce Antoine. We need some interaction. Otherwise Lizzy’s in a bubble. And, yeah...finding out your ex-girlfriend who wanted to wait til marriage just fucked the help?” Smirking, she shot a glance over to Reggie. “Shots fired. Think cocky. Entitled. Gods gift, y’know? Give it a shot…”

The teen stammered for a moment, looking from the screen to the blonde and back. Maybe if he thought like Eddie...only...Eddie being an asshole. “Uh...how bout this? “Looks like someone’s slumming...dying AND screwing your nurse? Looks like I dodged a bullet.”? And tag her.”

Tahlia let out a laugh that seemed to fill the room. “Oh my god! Reg...that’s PERFECT!!” Screw it. She didn’t have to quit yet, and even though the cigarette didn’t really do much for her, the lollipop just wasn’t the same. Reaching for her pack, she lit one and blew a plume of smoke to the ceiling. “hmmm…”Learned from the best...how’s that skank Cherry? You know that just cause she has a uniform doesn’t mean she’s got a degree...but then, that’s about your speed.” Catty...No, wait.” She knocked the ash off, and nodded. “Keep the first part. “Learned from the best, how’s that skank Cherry? And #scruffyface is a better man than you’ll ever be. You didn’t dodge, I traded up.” Better.”

Reggie’s fingers flew over the keyboard...everything was being cached for now, but this was gold, and once it went live… “Keep this up in the background? I don’t think we’re going to get Eddie to tweet…”

“People like us don’t do social media, kid.” Tahlia shook her head, and let the moment hang with the smoke from her cigarette. “You’ve got the jist now...I’ll set up modeling with Eddie. And when we’re ready...we go live.”

[Eddie Blake]

Mannish Boy

Now when I was a young boy, at the age of five
My mother said I was, gonna be the greatest man alive
But now I'm a man, way past 21
Want you to believe me baby,
I had lot's of fun ~ Muddy Waters

Friday, July 29th, 11:23 AM

Saul looked at the face on his wrist, the purple band of his watch drawing his attention and distracting him, if only slightly, from the actual time. It was a nice watch, reasonably expensive (though he had some which cost more), eye catching without being too flashy. It was a gift, and if there were any fault at all that Saul could find in the watch, it was in the placement of the minute hand. It was already ten minutes past the appointed hour and there was no sign of either of two people.

Saul was mildly uncomfortable, part of that had to do with the heat of the day. This meeting may have been better served in an office somewhere, but Anthony Capani, Big Tony, didn’t go to meetings. Meetings went to Big Tony, who felt like this was a good day to take visitors by the pool. He wasn’t wrong, it was a good day for that if you weren’t wearing a three piece suit and slightly overweight. It wasn’t hard to see how the man had gotten his name. He stood a few inches over six feet tall, that was actually fairly standard around these parts. It was his girth that had gotten him the moniker. Tall as he was, he weighed in at nearly three hundred pounds. In his youth it had been harder, but time and likely his semi-retirement were taking their toll on the man.

Joey Sarducci was there as well. Ever present at the older man’s side, Joey served as bodyguard and right hand man. Saul remembered Joey from school, he’d always been a mound of odd shaped muscle that had earned him the name No Neck Joey. The man’s shoulders were so big, you’d swear he was wearing shoulder pads constantly. If he were though, they were buried beneath his skin considering he was dressed for swimming. Joey had always been a bit sadistic, but in a fight there weren’t many people better to have on your side. He was loyal too, a fact that Big Tony had picked up on at an early age. Saul was quite convinced that Joey would gladly shield Tony from a hail of bullets if it came. Then again considering the man’s size and shape, those bullets might swerve out of fear.

Saul had requested this meeting, as he’d been asked to, of course. It had seemed unwise to go to Big Tony, without at least trying to include his son. Little Tony had taken over the reins not too long ago, and the entirety of Market District was, on a whole, worse than it ever had been. Still the man had agreed to come, oddly enough even he wouldn’t have required Big Tony to venture to far from his home in New Haven. Being dad still had some privileges it seemed. Little Tony, a name given to him only because his father had Big on a lockdown, had seemed distracted when talking to Saul. He had his doubts whether the younger Capani even remembered there was supposed to be a meeting happening, let alone one he’d actually show up to.

Eddie was another story. He’d asked Saul to set this up, yet here was Saul sitting in the sun sweating through Armani waiting. At least Eddie had the decency to call and explain that he was caught in traffic, but another five ticks had gone by on the minute hand of the watch that he’d gifted to Saul. It was fortunate though that Big Tony insisted they meet by the pool, it made it clear that Eddie had arrived as the rumbling growl of his car pulled up out front and shut off. Saul was tempted to watch the second hand move, timing Eddie from car to front door and then door to poolside.

“Deepest apologies, Don Capani for my tardiness. I hope that I haven’t inconvenienced you too greatly.” Saul wanted to be cross with Eddie, would have been if he hadn’t started out apologizing, or been so goddamn pretty.

Saul had been afraid that the man would show up completely under dressed for the occasion. Tony may have been only in a pair of trunks, but even he would have frowned on the big man if he’d shown up in the usual jeans and a t-shirt. Instead he had joined Saul, donning a linen suit that was so white that it made his skin look like bronze. True, he hadn’t worn a tie, but there was something about that lavender shirt, and the way he had it unbuttoned that made a tie seem like a criminal act. Even his shoes were pristine. Eddie seemed to be wanting to get all his bright colors in before labor day, though perhaps someone should have told him that when wearing those shoes it was a bit cocky not to have socks on.

“Joey! What the hell have they been feeding you, man. You seriously look like you could beat down a cement truck.” Saul tore his gaze away from the vision in white as Eddie addressed Joey, looking more at Big Tony for a reaction than anyone else. Joey would do nothing unless Tony gave him the go ahead.

Sunlight glinted off of the gold crucifix on Tony’s chest as he made a gesture with his hand. Drinks were brought out, almost like that hand, or maybe the ring on its pinky had summoned servers waiting in the shadows. It would have been rude to refuse, no matter what the man had provided. Fortunately, Eddie seemed to know that as well, and took the offered shot glass. Saul’s wound up on the table in front of him, he counted to three before gathering up the nerve to lift it and swallow the burning liquid down. It took effort not to cough, though he appeared to be the only one having a problem with it. Nerves most likely.

“It’s been a long time since you’ve come to me, Eddie Blake. What is it that you need from me?” Tony’s meaty hand rose to drink from his glass, the swallow followed closely by a pull from the imported cigar that graced his left hand.

“I have a proposal for you, though I had expected that your son was going to be here too. I can hold off, if you’d prefer to wait...Godfather.” Saul went very still at the last word out of Eddie’s mouth. The grip he had on the table tightening in an attempt to stop himself from shaking.

“Tony’s a very busy man, he’ll be here, or he won’t. If it’s important enough, he’ll call on you himself.” The old man didn’t seem to be bristling, but Saul had known him long enough that he was wary. Tony was annoyed. In part that came from his son not being here, and he was sure that a large measure of it was Eddie vocalizing the fact.

“No, of course, you’re right. I’m sure that dealing with the Vicelli’s is taking up a lot of his time. Still, from what I hear from folks in the marketplace, they wish your hand was on the tiller for this.” Saul looked at the apparition that stood just outside the entry to the pool. It looked like Eddie, even sounded like Eddie if he were to drop down the audacious six or seven levels. It even annoyingly refused to sweat mockingly at Saul the way Eddie would. But the lack of wisdom in the words said it simply couldn’t be.

“He’s not lying Don Capani, the people do miss you down there.” Saul was so shocked to hear the words from Joey that he forgot to react, probably a small favor but definitely the thing that kept Tony from getting upset. Leave it to Eddie to manipulate No Neck Joey, that hadn’t changed since high school either. Of course that was when they played ball on the same team. Eddie could always get the best, and worst performances out of Joey. Of them all only one of them had what it took to go all the way, but the big Tight End had little interest in playing ball for a living. Not when it was so much more fun to shave points, and ensure that the team never beat the spread.

The only game Eddie had ever been interested in was the next big con. He was good at it too, able to make money fast, keeping it was another matter. If the watch on Saul’s wrist proved anything it was that. No, Eddie did much better with someone else holding the purse strings. The blonde girl, Harley seemed to have a good hand for it, if the little he’d been able to see of her place was any indication. It was just hard to know who was playing whom there.

“The Vicelli’s are a bug, and soon to be crushed beneath a heel. They’re not the first to try this, won’t be the last either.” Tony’s tone was dismissive, clearly he wouldn’t talk about the family business to a total stranger. Saul of course knew better, he knew that the old man was concerned because it seemed like his son was actually backing this invading syndicate. It was even starting to look like consolidation of the red light districts in all the territories were starting to feel the taint of the Vicelli’s. Well except for the asian communities, but those people had such weird customs.

“Then, I suppose, to be honest. I don’t really need anything from you per se beyond permission. I mean the game I’m running isn’t even in your city. However, Saul counselled me that it would be unwise to proceed without getting the nod from your family.” Tony’s gaze suddenly fell on an unprepared Saul, and he silently cursed Eddie for throwing him under the bus.

“He’s going after Foxglove. I’ve listened to his reasons, and he does have grievance.” Saul fell back on his courtroom demeanor. That was something at least that he could count on.

“They’re the ones that handle that matter for us, right Saulie.” That name… he hated it, but endured it because it was better than being called something like nine fingered Saul. He liked that he had ten, and was aiming to keep it that way too.

“They handle matters like that for a lot of people, but my concerns are more for you and yours.” Saul could use every adjective and adverb alive to dance around a subject. It was what made him good at his job.

“So, we let him do his thing, and pull our investment out? Is that what you’re proposing?” Tony’s attention turned from Saul, thankfully. Of course it fell on Eddie, and the big bastard was wearing that stupid cocky assed grin.

“Well, sir, that’s not exactly what I am saying. See, if you pull your investment, then everyone else will as well. No, I’m suggesting that you secure yours, but make it seem as if nothing’s changed.” The more Eddie talked, the further around Big Tony turned. It had begun simply enough, an owl twisting its head, but the body began to follow.

“If I do that, then the others will want open war. Nobody wants that kid. Especially you, considering that Carmine Logan seems to be resurfacing. It’s only because I asked nicely that he stopped coming after you and Saulie.” Something about Tony’s words had Saul’s lips going dry, and no amount of licking them could relieve it.

“If the Vicelli’s are going to be stomped out, like you’re telling me, then there’s a war coming for the territory. Wouldn’t it be prudent to ensure that the Capani’s are the only family with the funds for such a war? You win the territory through superior means, then parcel it out as a peace offering. Everyone wins, and the paltry numbers that my crew takes is barely missed. After you’ve taken your percentage of course. I may not be running this in your neighborhood, but I do have to come back here, no?” Saul wanted to shake his head, he was good at dancing around a subject, but there was only one Fast Eddie. The carrot being dangled was more than just a territory, more than just money. It was about respecting Big Tony, and the old man was a sucker for that.

“I never liked you, Eddie. Not in the least. You’ve got no sense of when to be afraid, and no compunction to back off no matter whose lawn you’re shitting on. But, you come to my home, call me a friend, call me godfather. As cocky a sunuvabitch as you are, you’re always polite about it, respectful. You do your thing, but Saulie, he’s gonna protect my investment. Ain’t that right, Saulie?” Tony hadn’t stopped looking at Eddie in White, it actually took several seconds for Saul to realize he had been talking to him.

“That is what you hired me for, Big Tony.” Saul should feel honored, Tony didn’t let just anyone call him Big to his face.

“Good, good… okay then. You have my blessing, Eddie, but screw me over and you won’t have to worry about if you can come back or not… because where I send you there is no coming back from that... Capice?” It was the first time Joey had moved since the conversation had begun, and that movement was every bit the threat that Big Tony had uttered.

“I’ve never let you down before, godfather, today’s not the day I start.” He moved forward, and bent to kiss the pinky ring of Big Tony. As Eddie finished, there was another of those summoning gestures from Tony, and more alcohol was brought to seal the deal. It was at that precise moment that Little Tony made his appearance, taking one of the shot glasses for himself. Not that Saul minded, it was the one meant for him, and he wasn’t sure he could keep two down.

Little Tony Capani was at least as big as his father, perhaps even a little bigger, but even with that he would forever be known as Little. Where Big Tony wore a crucifix, and pinky ring. Little Tony was laden with gold chains, and had no less than three diamond rings on his hand. He caught the position that Eddie was in, and a dark expression swept across his face. “I’m here… so what did I miss?”

Saul sighed, about to begin the explanation for Little Tony when the voice of his father broke the silence. “Eddie here was just here to pay his respects, and let us know that he has something going. It’s not something that will affect us any, but he wanted to be sure to follow tradition.”

“So… I came all this way for nothin’?” The younger man was quite put out about that.

“Did you say hello to your mother? She’s made her Cannoli, I bet she’s got some for you.” At his father’s question Little Tony looked guilty. He gave all four of them a quick once over before heading into the house. The calls of ‘Ma’, and Cannoli were quite clear even if the rest were inaudible.

“Eddie… take Saulie home. I had Joey pick him up.” That meant only one thing, both of them were now dismissed. Saul was more than ready to get out of there. Being anywhere around Eddie could become volatile quickly, and never ended well.

Saul said nothing more until they’d reached Eddie’s car. In fact it was Eddie that broke the silence. “Just move that stuff out of the front seat.”

Saul looked at the mass of plug wires that lay on the leather, and looked at Eddie curiously. “What? You think I was actually caught in traffic? I may have borrowed some parts from Little Tony’s cars. None of this would have worked if he were there, the prick.”

“Nice… perfect. You vandalize his cars and he’s the prick. Jesus, one of them is going to end up sending Carmine for me.” Saul didn’t know if Eddie heard him or not, the engine had roared to life, and Saul couldn’t really even hear himself. There was a big hand on his chest though, he followed it along Eddie’s arm and looked at his face.

“Do you trust me, Saul?” Every bit of frustration left Saul as he looked at Eddie. Damn him for being so pretty. Saul couldn’t answer, just nod.

“Carmine’s not coming for anyone…” Eddie threw the car into gear and rocketed off down the driveway. Once again Saul couldn’t hear a thing, and it was difficult to tell what else the driver had said, but it looked like his lips formed the word, ever.

Saul’s mouth moved, lips pursing up to form the words to ask Eddie what he meant. No sound came out, hell his lips never fully parted either. He sat back into the seat, looking out the side window thinking. Two words, Saul. Plausible deniability.

[Tahlia Blake]

The Crow and the Butterfly

I never thought you'd slip away
I guess I was just a little too late ~ Shinedown

Monday, July 24th 1:15 pm

Smoke rose from the vicinity of the couch. Eddie drifted by, and as he’d done many times before he pilfered the cigarette from Tahlia’s fingers. Normally he’d take a drag or two, returning it to where it had come from. This time he stopped in full view of the blonde bombshell and put it out. The blackened end was only visible a moment before he tore the offending coffin nail into tiny pieces. On the one hand he’d made a tobacco mess on the table and floor to clean. On the other… he’d desecrated Tahlia’s vice. “Lizzy, this isn’t good for you. We’ve been doing so well, took that walk earlier… but even then you were so exhausted when we got back you needed a little nap. What’s more important… this or having as much time with me as possible?” He held up the bits of cigarette that remained in his palm so she could see and decide.

Wide green eyes snapped up to his face, her mouth frozen open as Eddie turned her cigarette into...tobacco chum. Her usual sass bubbled up for a moment, before she blinked, and managed to swallow it back. The voice that emerged was a half octave higher than her usual smoky drawl, and just slightly clipped - hinting of private school, without outright screaming. “Having time with you...of course. It’s an awful habit, I know...sometimes I just forget.” Cheeks barely flushed against skin more ivory than bronze, she batted her lashes up at him, and offered a hesitant, but still beguiling smile. “Forgive me, scruffy...please? I promise I’ll be better…” Perched on an upraised palm was the rest of the pack of premium cigarettes, and a silver lighter.

Eddie took the pack, but he left the lighter. “I learned a long time ago that there’s a few things you should never be without. A lighter is one of those things. You never know when you might need to make a fire.” The pack went into the pocket of his shirt, he’d get rid of it later. Now he knelt down in front of Lizzy, he had to believe that is who Tahlia was, stroked her flushed cheek with his palm and smiled. “I’m sorry I’m such a stickler, but I worry about you...about being without you. Mel seemed good and then she was gone… What would I do without you?”

Being Eddie Blake, con artist to beautiful wealthy women was not a real stretch for him. What was hardest for him was not to let these moments boil over into something far more primal. If there were an image for Tahlia and Eddie, it would have to be on a newly formed planet, red hot and burning with liquid rock and steam. Lizzy wasn’t like that, not where people could see at least. Those things had to be saved for behind closed doors, and maybe in their case inside sound proofed rooms. The swallow was a tell, but he did it anyway. “****, let’s start again.” The pack in his pocket was handed back to her.

Tahlia flopped back against the couch for a moment, eyes closing as she let out a sigh. She, at least, had the illusion to remind her...her skin returning to its usual sun-kissed hue as she took the cardboard box back from him. Part of her process - Lizzy was pale, with bright blonde hair and eyes that could be cornflower blue or teal...Tahlia was all sun-kissed skin and golden hair, and jade eyes that sparkled with mischief. For now. It helped her keep them separate...the two people inhabiting her skin. “Too stiff...what did I miss?” She fit the cigarette between her lips and lit it.

“According to Reggie, Little Lizzy was a paragon...until she hit 18. Lose the Brit?” She ran a hand back through her hair, her voice her own, for the moment. “Modern and innocent…” She shook her head with a laugh, unable to resist leaning forward and kissing Eddie for a few long, welcome moments. No blush, not even a giggle, although Lizzy would likely do both...not quite ice, but certainly french vanilla to Tahlia’s Death By Chocolate...at least in public. In private...well...Eddie turning innocent little Lizzy into a wanton harlot in the bedroom would only add to Miranda’s ire.

“No, that was me. I need to be able to separate you from Lizzy. It’s not easy, I was fine until… We’ll get it. Just keep rehearsing.” They had to be better than actors in a play, or any movie. Those things only required suspension of disbelief for a couple of hours. This had to stand up to scrutiny. He enjoyed the way she kissed him, and that was the problem. Tahlia seemed to pull the worst parts of him to the top. Maybe the best parts, it was hard to tell sometimes. Lizzy was the paragon of innocence, being slowly corrupted by the ultimate evil. Eddie could do that, Eddie did that on a day to day basis. It might be simpler with just an acquaintance, but no one he knew could pull off the part so well. The problem wasn’t her, it was in him, and the way he wanted to take her whenever he got close enough.

“Maybe we need a break, some coffee and a shower… preferably cold for me.” Those oddly shaded brown eyes were on her, memorizing the new look and still seeing the healthy and willing woman that had brought him many nights of pleasure. Not all of those had her anywhere near him. What did that say about Fast Eddie? Line locked, and spinning his wheels maybe? “My head is kind of spinning, we should eat.” He dropped a heavy steel door on the thought that bubbled with his words. “Okay…” He got up quickly putting a bit of distance between them. “I need something to take my mind off of…” Eddie didn’t finish his sentence, just passed through the door to the kitchen. That didn’t help at all. “Caesar Salad… maybe, a club sandwich?” Any of those would have worked, except that the countertops now had a different meaning for him.

Lizzy wouldn’t have caught it...but Tahlia’s mind followed Eddie’s right into the gutter with a smirk. “I can order both...we’ll split them?” Because the other issue was that Tahlia didn’t cook, and generally didn’t keep anything in the fridge that wasn’t alcoholic, or went with alcohol. Except leftovers. And some protein drinks Hope had suggested. Maybe some cheese. Domesticated, she wasn’t. To be fair, Lizzy didn’t strike her as much for self sufficiency either. Not with the pampered upbringing. She rose smoothly from the couch, cigarette held loosely between her fingers as she slid her phone from her back pocket, and texted an order to her favorite cafe.

“Why don’t you go shower, puddin...I’ll put the coffee on, sneak a quick cup, and then...Lizzy and Eddie can have lunch. Maybe if I don’t switch back so much?” But then...how to do that...when she had obligations to meet. She couldn’t resist a smile as she ran her hand along the counters, pausing to lean against them and look over at him. There was something magnetic about him...his success wasn’t hard to fathom for anyone spending more than a few minutes with him. But he wasn’t the only one struggling...she’d been a virgin more times that were physically possible for anyone, but times had changed…”Maybe we need to take the show on the road? Or just find neutral ground...except, obviously, we can’t do in anywhere in the city…”

They could do both. He’d have said as much if the woman weren’t being wicked with the counters. “Food will help a lot, but you may be onto something. Maybe I need an audience to get into character.” It wasn’t beyond reason. Being here, with her, sans chaperone was a recipe for… Okay he’d just think sex, because it encompassed everything. “Someplace isolated at first… and we should let Reggie know. Candid pictures will go well on your twitter book pages.” Eddie had little use for Social Media. Far as he was concerned, the more pictures that existed of him, the worse it was for business. He hoped that Reg would find some way to destroy the evidence of this particular operation.

“Shower, cold.” The placement of his hand should tell Tahli enough about his current predicament. There were two solutions, but only one of those would make this act more difficult. “There are moments in my life when I regret the direction my life has taken… this might be one of those.” Jeez he was turned on, she looked like an unhealthy version of the girl he knew her to be, yet… “Cold cold shower.” And even that wouldn’t help if she decided it was time to interrupt.

It was tempting. It was more than tempting...after all, saving water was supposed to be good for the environment, or something. But the more time they spent as...Tahlia and Eddie...the harder it would be to make Lizzy and Eddie stick. And they needed to, for however long this was going to take. Besides...Lizzy didn’t have to worry about a certain blond, tattooed fighter. Or how a certain tall, handsome rake was taking up way more of her thoughts than she was used to. No, Lizzy just had to worry about her heart stopping, and being blissfully in love with her scruffy knight...who just happened to bear a more than passing resemblance to said rogue. Oops.

“Instagram, I think...the other one is like texting thousands of people...Reggie gets it. I’ll give him a call while you’re...cooling off.” She couldn’t resist, and truthfully didn’t try too hard, sauntering over and rising up on tiptoe to kiss him, slowly settling back and licking the taste of him from her lips. “Really? But...if had gone differently, would we have met?” It was a rare moment of honesty...the question innocent enough on the surface, if it hadn’t been followed by Tahlia blinking sharply, and spinning back to pick up her phone. “Go. Shower. I’ll tell Reggie to show up asap, and order him a burger or something...No.” She stopped, and turned back, leaning on her hands. “Eddie...we can’t have a chaperone with us every minute. If we can’t even get through lunch...we have to. From now on, unless we’re out in public...or dealing with logistics...I have to be Lizzy.”

“No, you’re probably right. From here out, things are going to be different. I’ll miss you Tahlia.” Eddie had to do what was necessary. In this case that meant working on his perception. She was Tahli, no longer. Her name was Lizzy Davenport, she was wealthy, ill and most importantly, she needed him. He didn’t smile at her as he turned away, much as he might have wanted to. He’d stick to the story, to the lives they were weaving and Reggie was generating for them. He’d come to her not long after Melinda had passed, still feeling that and doing his best not to place that on Lizzy’s shoulders. She and Mel, they were a lot alike in some ways, in one way in particular. He stopped before he made it fully out of the room. “You’re really something, you know that? You amaze me, Lizzy. If anyone has the right to be angry, and hate life it’s you, but you seem to be the only one really living it.”

Eddie didn’t look back, he’d said his piece, and disappeared two steps later behind a closed door, and the sound of running water.

Thankfully, she could hold back the flinch until he’d turned his back, the calm smile staying in place until he couldn’t see the shaky rushed breath. She knew what he meant - it had been her suggestion, after all...but it stung, that goodbye, coming from him...she’d never really worked with a partner other than her brother before. And every plan had been a variation on the same theme. This was different...and she wasn’t nearly as confident as she pretended to be. The voice that answered him was Lizzy’s.

“Hating it won’t change anything, scruffy...I just have to do the best I can, and hope it’s enough…” She watched him walk away, running a hand back through her hair, the color shifting lighter beneath her fingers. She had no idea whether he could still hear her. “Besides...I have you. I have everything to live for…”

Lizzy was back...had to be. Eddie needed this...and she needed to help him get it. Waiting for the delivery, she padded over to a mirror, to make sure everything was in place. Bright blonde hair, sea green eyes with a hint of shadow beneath, and ivory skin. The weather had her in khaki shorts and a peasant style cotton blouse, the never-quite faded bruises showing in the crook of her elbows. And just in time - the buzzer sounding to signal that lunch had arrived. The delivery guy was her regular, and his surprise was easily soothed - she was practicing for a play, and of course, she’d make sure he got tickets if it ever played anywhere. Laughing brightly, she closed the door behind him, and set the food on the counter, lighting a cigarette without a second thought.

“Your words still serenade me. Your lullabies won't let me sleep. I've never heard such a haunting melody. Oh, it's killing me. You know I can barely breathe.” Showers, and acoustics there was something to be said for them in combination. Why that song, why now. Ask him if you wanted a lie. Eddie was good at lies, even the ones he told to himself. He’d heard Lizzy in that moment between movement and the closing of the door. It wasn’t the unexpected answer, it was Lizzy’s. Now, and for the foreseeable future that would be what he knew. This wasn’t some street grift, it wasn’t a show that could be covered over by swift violence, or a bit of excitement. It was a long term run for an audience that would scrutinize everything. So maybe there was something to the song? Maybe he needed to realize that yesterday was indeed over.

Breathing came naturally to most things. Even Eddie breathed, but there were those who thought it possible that the game came even easier than that. Sometimes they were right. He’d been known to walk into a place he’d never been, and have people believing some of the most outrageous things. There was a certain pay out that had nothing to do with money, and everything to do with being the only one who knew the truth. The buzz of the door had blended into the sound of water beating off his head. His palms were fixed to the shower wall, head bent beneath the flow just enough to allow half of it to pummel the back of his neck. He didn’t use the gels or shampoos available. He couldn’t really. It was one more thing that would need to change. The scent of Tahlia needed to be scoured from him. Maybe that was the problem. It might be. Flattened hands became fists, pressed hard against porcelain tiles. It wasn’t the thoughts that did it. No, it wasn’t. Internal arguments sounded through him like children in the backseat on a long car trip. Best to just roll his head back and let the water strike his face. There, no more song, no more anything but Eddie Jain Blake.

[Eddie Blake]

Long minutes passed between turning off the water and his reappearance. The shape in the mirror was obscured too much by the sheen of fog across its surface. “There you are, I knew you were in there all along.” The outline was there, but the details were fuzzy. They could have been anyone. It was probably a sad statement about him that he was more comfortable seeing this version of himself than anything clearer. Feeling cleaner, Eddie opened the door, releasing the haze in his wake as he moved through the place like he owned it, or maybe like he owned the girl who was paying for it. The deep tan on his skin darkly contrasting the towel that he kept wrapped around his waist, the folded tuck drawing attention to the line of hair that ran from his navel to some point hidden beneath the cloth. Deft fingers plucked the lit cigarette from Lizzy’s fingers, and ran the water over the cherry end of it. He didn’t say anything, not this time. She already would know.

She did - the sudden flush of her cheeks gave her away. Turning, pack in hand and offering it out to him, she felt her mouth go dry, the color in her cheeks spreading down along the delicate line of her throat. Even after everything...he could still render her speechless, and her free hand pressed against the sudden jump of deeply buried muscles that quivered at the thought of everything he’d shown her. Taught her. Coughing as her lungs reminded her how desperately she needed to breathe, the tip of her tongue slid over her lips, and she struggled to bring her eyes up from the towel to his face. Although it was well worth the effort.

“Lunch is here...I had them put the dressing on the side so it wouldn’t get soggy while you were in the shower. I was just getting plates...they sent those cheap paper ones, and they won’t stand up to the salad.” The words came in a rush, as if talking about food would cover the slight tremor in her voice, the flush that was only now beginning to subside. She didn’t acknowledge that he’d caught her - stating the obvious wasn’t her way. He’d caught her misbehaving and they both knew it. It was just that being good was so hard, when you’d been used to not having any worries at all. But it was her life on the line...and she knew why he was so strict. Mel had been doing so well before her last illness. As much as he tried not to let her see how much he worried that the same thing would happen to her, she knew it was there. Ever present. Much like the genetic quirk that held her hostage. But she tried to stay positive...after all, she had the best care anyone could ever ask for.

Eddie’s hand slid beneath Lizzy’s chin. He locked eyes with her, it was easy to get lost in the hues of the sea. “I know you’re doing your best.” He claimed the pack of cigarettes, and placed a kiss on her forehead that was almost chaste, there was a blurring of the line from how long he lingered there. “I’m glad you did, those things are so difficult to eat when they’ve gone soggy.” His hand slipped from her face, sliding down her arm and giving a squeeze to her elbow before breaking from her completely. He took his place at the table, across from Lizzy, so that he could see her better when they talked, and maybe she’d run her instep along his calf. “I might be curious where you keep getting them from though. If that friend of yours is supplying you, I will have a talk with… what was his name again? Reggie… that was it.” For now, it paid for some kind of tie to remain with the kid, considering how integral he was in pulling off this made up life… or almost made up at least.

Eddie began with the salad, right hand manipulating his fork, while the left stretched across the table to take Lizzy’s. “I’m sorry to be running around like this. I honestly feel like I’ve been living in those clothes for the last week. I can’t seem to find anything to wear either. Well, except for you know who’s, and they’re far too small.” Eddie spared Lizzy, so often she would wince a bit if he mentioned Antoine by name. There was a winner, and honestly Eddie was hoping to run into him. He didn’t even care if there were an alley close enough to drag the guy into. He’d hurt her, and that would need to be paid for. “Think it’s possible to get something sent up? Not that I mind the way you’ve been looking at me.”

Lizzy bit at her bottom lip, her lashes settling against her cheeks as a tiny mew of pleasure squeaked between her lips, and then fluttered open with a start as she felt him move toward the table. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she gently set herself across from him, her foot rising to stroke his calf as she set her chin on an upturned palm. She didn’t want to rat Reggie out...he was almost the only connection she had left...but Eddie would find out, he always did, and then he’d be even more upset with her. “He only got them for me because I asked...I…might not have told him I’m not supposed to.”

Mirroring his movements, she laced her dainty hand into his, only the stark contrast of their skin tones keeping it from disappearing completely. For a moment, the fork hovered just shy of her lips as she remembered the way his hands looked against parts of her that rarely saw the sun, and that led to the way they felt...blushing furiously, she realized he’d kept talking, and blinked to pull the words from her subconscious. “Oh! There’s nothing to be sorry for but...we should absolutely get you something you can go out in.” The implied individual caused her to bite into her poor salad with determination, chewing and swallowing before she continued. She didn’t want to think about her ex, or see him...she would have blocked him, but Eddie said it was better to know what the weasel was planning. She could understand it...but it didn’t make it easier. “I’ll make a few calls - we haven’t gone shopping for you in forever. Maybe I’ll pick up a few things...in case we decide to go away?”
Taking a bite of her sandwich, she licked at a stray bit of mayo, and watched him for a moment. She loved watching him...his eyes were like glazed terracotta tiles, only they held so many wonderful secrets...they drew her in and held her until she simply couldn’t think. She didn’t mind at all. He made sure she took her medication, and ate, and did her exercises...plus the other exercises. She liked those the best, but she couldn’t possibly tell the doctors that. “Scruffy...I know I’m supposed to be careful...but do you think we could go to the beach? Soaking up some sun might help, couldn’t it?”

“I’ll be sure he knows… just talking, I promise.” Threatening was talking, right? That was easily put aside for a possible shopping trip. Eddie loved it when she dressed him, it made his spell on her work so much better. He did care for her, and even she’d seemed to understand that he had his own wants. There was no way he could ever hope to fit into her world, not with those faded dungarees and torn tee shirts. They looked good on him, gave him a certain off the streets look that helped in some situations. The only thing was, that Lizzy didn’t get into situations where that look was necessary. All he did was serve to embarrass her when he dressed that way. That is something he didn’t want to do, ever. “Something really nice? I’d like to be able to take you to places and not have to borrow one of their jackets and ties.”

He’d picked through his salad, eating everything that wasn’t a piece of lettuce first. He’d go back for that later, now he leaned forward, lifting her hand so that he could place a kiss on her palm. When he looked up at her over their hands, he had a wickedly secret grin on his lips. “Maybe you’ll get something lacy… and purple. You look so good in purple, songbird.” The look, and that name, it would say enough to Lizzy to send her skin to new shades of pink, and Eddie would drink that up.

“I won’t tell if you don’t, I’ve never seen a bit of sun and sand as a bad thing. It’s good for the soul, Liz… You deserve so much more than that.” The corner of his mouth moved, and just to remind her of that pet name she had for him, he brushed his five o’clock shadow along the palm he’d just kissed hoping for a bit of a scritch from her fingers. “Just, give me a little time I’m not really anxious to put those clothes back on.” Those words threatened to knock Eddie out of character, but he held on doggedly.

“Of course - a few sports coats, maybe a suit or two...everything. You’re so good to me...it’s the least I can do. And some things for the beach...maybe just a few for out in town...you’d wear a tux for me, wouldn’t you?” She scritched her nails along his jaw, her cheeks turning the shade of pink usually associated with roses, she ducked her head, corn-silk hair smoothly shading her face. “Oh...Eddie…” Just the beginnings of the tremulous notes that earned her that nickname from him, but it was enough to let him know he’d got her thinking...and that there would be at least one thing fitting that description in her lingerie drawer before too much more time had passed.

“No...I-I know. But I was...maybe...renting a boat?” She stammered, her breath catching in her throat, pupils wide and shimmering as she glanced back up at him. It was her fortune, after all - she didn’t really need his permission to spend money, and she could more than afford anything she might desire. Except that what the sheltered heiress desired more than anything in the world was sitting across from her in a towel. And she would do anything to make him happy. She’d already done things she’d never dared imagine...and likely would again at the earliest opportunity. “Just something small…” Translation, a 2 bedroom yacht with crew, which, to be fair, did count as small in her world.

“Take as...much time...as you need…” And her mind was back on the heat of his hands, his lips...the kiss soaking into her palm and spreading like a fire through her veins. Her pulse began to hammer in her ears, throb in her wrist, and she tried to calm her breathing. In hindsight, the cigarette had not been such a good idea.

“I’m a blank canvas, or maybe I’m clay because I like the idea of being molded.” That required fingers, her fingers. Maybe he’d been too subtle… Eddie wouldn’t let her look away from him for long. “Hey… I’m over here, and I might miss seeing those pretty eyes of yours.” It seemed to be the perfect mingling of characters, she’d make him look impressive, give him a place to hang those clothes. He’d in turn give her a bit of stability, keeping her to a schedule with her medications, at least dropping her into moderation with that bad habit of hers, until he could wean her entirely of it. There hadn’t been a better fit, since… well he wasn’t going there right now.

“You know, that might be an even better idea than just a trip to the beach? It’ll give you time to enjoy the sun, and a place to get out of it and rest when you need to. I knew it… You’re brilliant. Brains and beauty, a guy like me doesn’t stand a chance with you.” There was the faintest sound of an alarm going off. It was coming from an entirely different room, but the sound had Eddie moving. He gave her a sympathetic look as he stood, leaning over to kiss the top of her head on his way by. When he returned it was with a handful of pills for her to swallow. “It seems like time is against us… It passes so quickly that… okay, let’s go through them one at a time. Got to make sure I don’t miss any, right?”

“How does Saturday sound? Just the two of us and the open sea.” Not that they’d get too far from land. Maybe he should consult the doctor just so he knew what he might need in case she had a seizure.

There was no mistaking the pout for anything else. She knew she needed to take her medications...knew that even if it didn’t always feel that way, they were helping to keep her healthy. But she was young, barely past her 21st birthday, and the thought of having to take so many pills, every day...sometimes it strained even her sunny personality. And the fact that she was feeling...off...after her little indulgence, only made it worse. Batting those aquamarine eyes up at him, she allowed her bottom lip to quiver...not enough to be overdramatic, but enough to hint at threatening tears. Somehow, taking her pills didn’t seem so bad while she was settled on his lap, curled up against his chest. If she played her cards right, he might even reward her with a kiss for each. The look was usually enough, but this time she held out her cupped hands in addition. “I’ll count if I can sit in my favorite spot while I take them. Promise.” A little childish, perhaps, but she only ever did it when the two of them were alone. She let him see her vulnerable...something she fought still to conceal from the rest of the world.

She knew each pill, plus the ones she didn’t have to take every day. Inderal to slow her heart, Mexiletine to fight the arrhythmia, potassium and spironolactone to fix the things she was missing that made her likely to faint, or seize, phenobarbital to keep the seizures to a minimum and a fish oil supplement, because it couldn’t hurt. The last one made her nose wrinkle just a little...and usually required something to help her forget the taste. She had to take a few of the supplements, and there were always stashes of the nitroglycerin that would stabilize her in the event of an attack. It had taken Eddie to get her to understand and accept how important those were...before him, after the nightmare with Antoine...some part of her had thought it might be better to just let her heart fail her if it was going to. She hadn’t ever said it...but some part of her suspected he knew.

Eddie pushed his seat out and sat down, her favorite seat ready for her. He didn’t put the pills into her hand though. He laid them on the table and took them one by one, holding them up so she could see them. The first of them went up, and Eddie leaned his head in towards her ear. He moved his fingers making the pill dance a bit, then spoke in a really high voice. “Hello, Lizzy… my name is Indy… and I can tell when your heart starts to beat waaaay too fast. I’ll help you, if you let me… but you have to swallow me. I’m a little afraid, it’s dark down there and I don’t like the dark so much. But this is what I was made for… specially for you… just read the bottle! Your name’s allll over it.”

One by one, and each with a different name and a different voice, Eddie relished the little giggles that would come from Lizzy as he acted like a fool for her. One of the last ones, the phenobarbital, had a very deep voice. “I’m sorry, Lizzy, I’m good for you, but I make you reeeaaallly tired. That’s not always a good thing, but I think someone in the room would like nothing more than to snuggle up with you while you sleep a little. I’m not sure where this person is… because I don’t have eyes, but I can feel his presence, and it’s very close. Do you know anyone like that? If you do, and you think this is something you might enjoy, then please… take me and it’ll happen… I promise with all my heart.”

Eddie gave her the last pill, holding her tight against him, and kissing the back of her shoulder. “I can’t promise that this will ever go away, but I’ll be here no matter what.” His arms tightened around her, holding her against him. “I promise.”

This was why she hardly missed a dose of her pills anymore. He made her laugh, each pill followed by a sip of water, and then a chaste brush of lips that left her smiling before he even presented the next. Sometimes she’d rest her head against his shoulder, her laughter bubbling up to tickle his skin, before opening her mouth obediently to take the dancing pills from his fingers. That she occasionally held on a little longer than strictly necessary...well, that could be squarely placed on his shoulders as well.

The phenobarbital didn’t make her giggle, although a soft smile remained on her lips as she nodded, and took a deep breath. The anti-seizure medication did make her sleepy, and she had always hated taking it. Perhaps out of fear that she wouldn’t wake. But ever since Eddie had come into her life...it hadn’t seemed so frightening. He always stayed with her, letting her curl up against his chest and drift, so that he was the first thing she saw when she woke up.

She swallowed the last pill, and took a sip of water to wash it down...and curled tight against him, burying her head in his shoulder. “I know...I know you will. I just...I couldn’t get through this without you, scruffy...I just couldn’t…”.

[Eddie Blake]

I Need a Doctor

I'm about to lose my mind
You’ve been gone for so long, I’m runnin' outta time
I need a doctor, call me a doctor
I need a doctor, doctor to bring me back to life ~ Dr. Dre, ft. Eminem, Skylar Grey

July 31st, 9:07 PM


Saul Mortimer, Dr. Kilpatrick recognized the man the moment he’d stepped through the door to his clinic. He knew it was only a matter of time before it happened. Had he been informed that the man was coming, he’d have hidden in his office and instructed the phlebotomists under his guidance to tell Saul he wasn’t here. That would have only worked for about two minutes, since Saul had parked right next to his own car. It was clear the attorney knew too much already. But two minutes, that was plenty of time to slip out a window and make his getaway while the others had him distracted. There’d been no warning, and the snake oil salesman who called himself a Criminal Attorney had spotted him. If there was one thing that Daniel J. Kilpatrick knew about Saul, it was that you could easily sever away the word attorney, and you would have a good picture of the man beneath the sports jacket.

He tried to give Saul the Hi, how are you...pissoff wave. That was a mistake, because Saul didn’t know how to pissoff. He took it as a good omen or something and closed the distance between them.

“Doc… I need about a half hour of your time…” Famous last words from Saul. He’d ask for thirty, and if you were really lucky he wouldn’t have you doing ten to twenty. Not that the man was a bad attorney, quite the contrary, he was very good at manipulating the law. That fact alone made Saul an extremely bad attorney for those who didn’t know him.

“I’m really quite busy here Saul. Why don’t you call me in a month or two. We’ll have drinks and remember the old times… times long gone, and never to return.” Daniel kept his tone cool. There might be a call, even plans made, but that was one housecall this doctor had no intention of making. Unfortunately, Saul also wasn’t good at taking hints. He saw them plainly enough, he could point them out in casual observance of people interacting. He just didn’t take them. Yet another reason he excelled in his career.

“Daniel… Danny… Deejay… Come on man. I was part of the wedding party. Surely you have a little time for ol’ Saul.” One of Saul’s hands had found Daniel’s shoulder, the other thumped him loudly on his stomach. “You need to take better care of yourself Danny boy. When’s the last time you went to a gym?”

Clearly, Saul wasn’t going away. It was also crystal clear exactly what he was doing, as eyes drifted from the customer chairs to the pair of them. He was trying to embarrass Daniel into the confines of his office. Fine, he’d give Saul his thirty minutes, happily tell him to get bent, and go away… but first. Daniel checked the clock on the wall, giving it a serious scrutiny.

“I’ll have time, in about forty five minutes or so, Saul. I’ll give that time to you in exchange for something.” Daniel did his best to call on his wonderful bedside manner as he smiled amiably at the leech that wouldn’t let him go.

“Sure..sure, anything, Doc… within reason.” That was all Daniel needed to hear. He waved to a pretty blonde phlebotomist, calling her over.

“Inga, Mr. Mortimer has agreed to make a donation. Would you see him to one of the stations?” Daniel started to walk away as Saul began his protests. “When he’s done, send him in to see me please.”

Part of Daniel felt guilty at hearing Saul as Inga gave him special treatment. It wasn’t that he’d caused it, more like he felt guilty that he didn’t feel guilty about it. That oath, do no harm was supposed to mean something, but this was Saul so… no harm was really done. For Daniel, it was actually forty five minutes of complete bliss. Now of course he had to pay for his entertainment. Saul stepped through the door, closing it behind him and taking the seat nearest the large oak desk.

“Jeez, where’d that broad learn to draw blood, the middle ages?” He was rubbing at the crook of his elbow, which had turned nicely purple.

“Inga? Probably, she worked as a nurse once around two hundred years ago. That was before she was turned of course. You should feel lucky to get out with your life.” Daniel tried not to be pompous, he’d failed too.

“Ah… right, and that’s another thing Danny boy. This deal you’ve got going on here. Vampires, really?” That name brought the usual drop of his eyebrows. It was instinct and he couldn’t help it, even if he’d wanted to.

“This from Mr. bigtime mob lawyer, Saul Mortimer, or should I call you Saulie now? At least what I’m doing is legal. We pay for the juice, the vamp’s pay us. Clean, simple, and no bodies to hide.” Not for a long time at least. “Besides, you know it was all I could get...after…”

Daniel didn’t have to say anymore, Saul of all people knew exactly what he meant. “On another note, mentioning the wedding… that won’t win you any favors.”

“Aww...come on, that was a hell of a reception. Not my fault that Jenna started banging Raoul the pool boy. Also not my fault that you wouldn’t let me use it in court. I warned you that she was the type to not get married just to keep getting the big check from you.” Saul had advised him to use it, he’d been naive because he still cared about her.

“I remember the reception. You got caught in the act of shagging my brother-in-law.” Daniel leaned back in his office chair, this thing was already taking too long.

“He was hot…”

“You knocked over the wedding cake, before anyone got to have any. Ruined the reception.” Daniel’s hands had become fists in his lap. Good thing the desk was there to keep it from view.

“I had some of it… trust me I did you a favor. You probably should have taken it as an omen… that marriage was doomed.” Saul still seemed chipper, then again making Daniel squirm always made the attorney that way.

“Okay… enough, what is it you came here to talk about.” He’d had about enough of the old days, with Saul. Now it was time to hear the man out and tell him unequivocally, no.

“I’m in on the ground floor of something that’s right up your alley.” Saul shifted gears smoothly, he’d always been able to do that. “Nice payout, minimal risk. You don’t even need to study much for your part in it, assuming you know a thing or two about Long QT.”

“I was an interventional Cardiologist, Saul…”

“So you do, even better.” Daniel had made the mistake that had gotten him into trouble so many times before. Not that he hadn’t enjoyed those days, more in retrospect now than in reality. Maybe he’d grown up, because even letting Saul talk about the job didn’t have him even wanting to say yes, no matter how many ideas he was coming up with as the man went on.

“Look, Saul, I appreciate you thinking of me, and yes it sounds like a great opportunity, but… Look around, it took some time but I have a good set up. I’m making money, even with the alimony. I have people who depend on me. I’m going to have to pass. You know plenty of guys who could fill this role perfectly.” He’d done it, listened to the detailed and well thought out pitch and managed not to do what he’d always done before… agree on impulse.

“But…”

“There’s nothing you could say that will make me change my mind, Saul. I’ve changed, I’m a legitimate doctor now… though it comes with far less responsibility. That’s just Karma.” That seemed to work, Saul was rising, and soon his back would be to Daniel, and he’d be gone from his life… if not his memory. But Saul didn’t turn around. He put his fists in the center of the wide desk and leaned to look Daniel right in the eye.

“Nothing I can say? Danny… Deejay… You’ll agree, and all I need to do is say two words.” Saul was not an intimidating man, unless he was in the courtroom. That was the look he wore, and it was the way he spoke now. Daniel’s heart skipped a beat… just one, then everything was normal.

“Even you don’t have that kind of power, Saul… But fine… let me hear the words.” Nothing had swayed him so far. Daniel was the very picture of confidence.

Saul held up two fingers as he started to speak. “Two words: Eddie Blake.”

Saul was nowhere near him, in fact the man had turned, pulling open the door and stepped through, still Daniel had flinched. “I’ll call you tomorrow, Dan.”

Maybe Saul had cheated, pushing four words into his two word solution. Even as the door shut, Daniel knew that he’d been right though. Two words had changed his mind. In the silence that followed Saul’s departure, Daniel found his own two words. “Well fuck.”

[Tahlia Blake]

My Medicine

Somebody mixed my medicine
I don't know what I'm on
Somebody mixed my medicine
Now baby it’s all gone ~ The Pretty Reckless

August 7th, 2:12 PM

Housecalls, Dan didn’t do them, he hadn’t done them even before the trouble had come. He certainly had no need to make any now. Damn Saul, damn Eddie and whoever this Harley was. The elevator stopped often, people getting that last long vacation in before classes started once again. Honestly that wasn’t much of a concern for Dan either beyond having to wait through it. He stood outside the door debating whether or not he was going to knock. If he were going to back out, this was kind of his last opportunity.

Hell, who was he kidding, there was no backing out. Not this time at least. Dan knocked on the door hard enough to make his knuckles hurt. Just a bit of leftover frustration and jitters. He’d already done the hard work. He fired off a quick text to Saul, letting him know he’d arrived. Even if he hadn’t managed to quite get inside yet.

Harley answered the door before the last knock, her hair in twin braids that lay against her shoulders, and wearing a cropped t-shirt and yoga pants, paired with a set of heeled sneakers - she couldn’t do much about the fact that even Reggie towered over her, but she could keep herself out of flats, at least until Lizzy took over. Aqua green eyes batted up at the handsome doctor, and she took a good, long look from head to toe before taking a step back, and gesturing him inside. “You must be Dan...come on in…”

She didn’t wait, turning on her heel and sauntering back into the penthouse. She just assumed he’d follow behind, and know to close the door behind him. She also assumed he’d be checking out her rear, and added a little extra sway to her step. She wasn’t sold on the idea of using an actual doctor, but she recognized that she didn’t have the resources here that she was used to. “Can I get you something to drink, Doc?”

“And you’re obviously Harley, though no one gave me a last name to go with it.” He may have been a bit surprised by the quality of girl who answered the door. Then again it fit to have someone pretty, and petite enough to appear helpless. “Even Saul hasn’t said much about you, beyond you were with Eddie.” That could mean a thousand things of course. It really just depended on which version of Eddie and how he was with her. Dan checked her out a bit, without letting himself become too distracted.

“A drink.. Just a soda or water.” Dan stayed away from anything harder whenever possible. Something else he’d left behind in that other life. “I almost feel like I should be asking you questions like how you know Eddie, and what it is you’re trying to get out of this.” He hadn’t asked though, let her associate the questions or not. “Speaking of Saul… What has he said about me?”

She ignored the comment about last names - he wasn’t going to get one. For these purposes, Harley she was, and Harley was all he needed to know. Opening the fridge, she bent to look at the shelves - not that there was much there. “I have water or coke…” Glancing back over her shoulder at the good doctor, she let out a low chuckle that could mean any number of things. “Saul’s a smart guy. Yeah...I’m with Eddie...we met at a bar, hooked up a few times, and here we all are. I fit what he’s looking for, y’know?” Winking, she grabbed both the can of coke, and the pitcher of water, and set them on the counter. Opening a cabinet, she rose on tiptoe to grab two glasses. “As for what I’m getting out of this? The same thing as everyone else...there’s a payday at the end of it. Plus...I happen to like helping friends out…”

Setting both glasses on the counter with a clink, she tilted her head and regarded Dan with an amused little smirk. “Surprisingly, he didn’t mention how handsome you were...but then, he’s usually pretty busy mooning over Eddie. He said you were a doctor - you guys have known each other a while I guess.” Harley flirted like she breathed, and about as naturally. It was a habit, and one she had no intention of breaking. Twisting men around her finger got her what she wanted...and in this case, it would distract him from the questions she had no intention of answering. “He told me you could be trusted not to….**** things up, I think, was how he put it...and you knew enough about Long QT to fill in the blanks.”

“I know enough…” He reacted a bit to the compliment, but Dan knew the game pretty well too, even if he was nearly five years out of practice. “I was an interventional Cardiologist. So Longs was at least in my field of study. I’ve also been out of the game long enough not to bring up any red flags.” Especially after Reggie fixed up a few things about his past, and his present. He took the coke, and was all set to lean against the counter when something sent him off towards the parlor and a chair to himself. “I’ve known them both a while, but honestly haven’t seen any of them for a long time. Not since… well that’s less important, right? I probably wouldn’t have agreed to this if it weren’t for Eddie, though.”

Bits of information found their way out of him, though it was worse than a thousand piece puzzle to put together. “Saul’s always had a bit of a crush on Eddie. I think he felt a bit guilty about the Carmine thing. That’s kind of when we all lost touch. Eddie disappeared, Saul just stopped calling. I saw the kid a time or two but even that only lasted through the first year.” Dan was only beginning to realize exactly how long it had been since he’d been in their loop, or since they’d last trusted him.

The sudden retreat quirked her brow, but she said nothing, simply pouring a glass of water for herself, and following to curl into the corner of the couch, facing him, her legs tucked beneath her. “The Carmine thing? I’ve heard the name…” She’d only heard the name, although context lead her to infer a few things. Twisting one braid around a finger, she took a sip of her drink, and watched him over the rim of her glass. “Things like that...sometimes everyone needs a chance to get away from each other. It’s easier to focus on anything else. Everything else.” Setting the water aside, she set the party girl demeanor aside, for a moment, and looked at the man across from her. “Saul’s got a crush on him, Reggie thinks he’s the coolest things on two legs...you’re coming out of retirement for him. Eddie’s a force of nature. There’s really no denying him.”

She could figure that they all owed him something. Something big, to accept her so readily, to take him at his word almost without question. Eddie had a silver tongue, that was for sure...and the kind of personality that swept everyone along in his wake. “So here we are - repaying a debt, at least in your case...I’m just here for the fun of it. Besides...Eddie seems to like having me around.” Dan was clearly the outlier...she’d caught that the other three had brought him on more because of what he knew rather than by choice. But this was all new for her - working with a team other than her siblings. She had to follow their lead. “Ok, Doc...what do you need to know?”

“Hitter… kind of brutal.” Dan’s mouth clamped a bit after giving that away. There was more that needed doing here before story time, right. He nodded at her a few times as she spoke, choosing to focus on the last question first. “What you need to know is all in the bag I’ve brought. You’ll have your meds… obviously they won’t work on anyone else. Placebo, but they look good. There’s more detailed descriptions of symptoms of Long QT… But most importantly… you need to know that you know more than most doctors about your illness. Be assertive… or perhaps the way we’re running this Eddie will be the assertive one.” He took a long drink from his glass, watching Harley to see if she understood what he was saying.

“What I need from you is simple. Blood type, so that I know what to look for in a donor. You can be pretty sure that this will require some onsite test results. The rest is easy. Just be, who was it again? Lizzy?” It may have seemed much simpler to Dan than it did to her. It was difficult to get an actual assessment on her ability at this point. He did give her time to take both the fake meds and the information to look through.

“Hopefully you don’t somehow find yourself on the I owe Eddie train. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.” He did owe him though, and it was enough that he came out of retirement without question. “Some of us owe more than others I guess. Kind of wish he’d waited a little longer, but at least this one is going to get us out of town for a bit. There’s no way I want to work here, right now.”

“Oh? Plan go wrong?” Not that she particularly wanted to be working in town herself. Too many risks...too many faces that might recognize her by a different name. But that was more information than she was quite willing to share. She thought for a moment about owing Eddie...for the moment, those slates were clean. If she owed anyone...it was Simon, but that thought...that thought reminded her that there were a lot of reasons to move this along. “I don’t think I have to worry about that, much. Eddie and I have an...understanding.” It sounded better than the truth - than the fact that she couldn’t seem to resist him, that he made her forget that she was working with an untried net, a new crew, new game, and no idea why she trusted him more than anyone save the blond tattooed fighter who’d spent the past few months becoming too much.

“O+.” The answer didn’t really matter, since no-one was touching her blood anyway. “Eddie explained to you that you’re not actually taking blood from me, right? Not even to switch out?” She tugged at her braid, showing every sign of nerves. He couldn’t get blood without her consent, but there was no reason for him to know that. She glanced through the materials, noting the different pills, colors, markings...the kinds of things that would clue her into a substitution, nodding as she did so. This is where her faith in Eddie had to carry her - she didn’t know the doctor from a stranger on the street, and had no reason to trust him. Not that the medications would do anything more than make her sick - another detail Dan didn’t need to know.

The braids served a dual purpose...the face that turned back up to him subtly younger, the eyes a little wider, the angle of her body serving to make her smaller and frailer than the reality. Nibbling at her bottom lip, Lizzy’s voice lilted out, her lips curving into a sweet, trusting smile. “Eddie says I can trust you, Doctor...that you’ll take excellent care of me. He says you’ll do everything you can to keep me as healthy as possible, as long as I take all my medications.” She paused, as if trying to remember an exact phrase, a slight blush rising to her cheeks. “He said making sure nothing happens to me is just as important to you as it is to him...and it’s the most important thing in the world to him. Isn’t he just wonderful?”

“Wrong would be an understatement. He kind of saved me… kind of killed me too.” Plenty to raise eyebrows there, right? “You don’t have to worry, I’ve been briefed on it. More or less the blood will need to come from the right person. It’ll need to match what is in your files… and gods forbid something weird happens… what’s actually in you. I don’t expect weird, but never can tell when that step off a curb is going to end with a crunch.” It was morbid, but it was the kind of thing he’d been thinking about since Saul had laid out the play on this.

“I should warn you against getting too close to him. The closer you get, the harder he’ll push you away. You also should follow your own instincts about things. Eddie doesn’t necessarily worry enough about some things. That seems to be rubbing off on Saul, but you listen to me… Lizzy…” She’d been the one to put on the face and the voice after all. “You see a guy Eddie’s size coming at you… and it ain’t him… you run and don’t look back.” It was the best advice he could give her. “I know that probably just gives you more questions, but… you’ll have to ask me.”

Lizzy disappeared as quickly as she’d appeared, Harley and Tahlia flowing seamlessly together in her place. “There aren’t any files. Not here. Not anywhere. And I promise you, I’m not some weird alien who’s going to bleed green goo, or anything. I’m just as human as anyone here - I just happen to be kinda attached to staying a ghost, you get me?” Given where they were, it wasn’t an untrue statement...and as far as she knew, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but. “You look good for a dead man. So does Saul. And Reggie. And you all seem to have the same man to thank for that. Somehow...I think I’m as safe with him as I am with anyone.” Especially given the way he’d argued to get her out...not that she was looking for trouble. She’d had just enough of that, lately. But if the **** really hit the fan…well, if there were any Vicelli’s left to ask, they could testify at the lengths Simon would go to make certain she was safe. Something told her Eddie wasn’t going to be any kinder if it came down to it.

“Carmine.” It wasn’t a question. “Everyone seems terrified of this guy. Saul said he thought he was back in town…just how big a bogeyman are we talking about?” She knew better than anyone that whoever the guy was, he wasn’t responsible for the latest bodies...but that was between her, Reggie and Eddie. She could guess why they’d been laid at his door, and that...that was between her and Eddie. What she didn’t know was how this connected to anything else. And she didn’t like not knowing. Not when an entire family was dead, and there was a one-armed limping woman out there who could connect her to them. Not with everything she’d done. “And why do I think all three of you owe Eddie for saving your asses from the same guy?”

“There’s files, they’re mostly made up, but the critical stuff needs to match. Reggie’ll scrub them when it’s done. The thing is, you’re the bomb on this… and everyone will be looking at you and failing to notice what the rest of us are doing.” That was what this play was all about. When the bomb went off, there’d be fallout in places no one expected. “You’re plenty safe with him, He just has a way of making you feel it too much maybe. But yeah, This thing with Carmine… kind of my fault.”

“Seemed like the perfect set up. Saul and I would work a mark, and let it go bad… or seemingly bad. We’d set up Eddie as Logan… they were similar enough. Eddie would go after them, spook em really good, get them to pay double not to go through with the hit. It worked great until someone figured it out. That wouldn’t have been so bad, except they called in the real Carmine Logan.” Dan shifted a bit on the couch, his drink was in his hand, but it was almost like he couldn’t really see the thing, or feel it’s weight.

“He wasn’t really happy that someone was saying they were him. He came after us, Eddie found out, and well… he killed me first. Saul did what he did, but I mean… Eddie’s had to keep moving. Stay a while here or there until Carmine shows up, then he’s gone again. So, you can depend on him to look out for you.. But there’s no way he’s sticking around for long.” Dan drank down the soda like he wished it was something much harder. “Just kind of warning you about that.”

She’d taken a sip of water while she listened. It made sense...as much as anything did in this world. She had no idea what too safe might be...she wasn’t even sure she was particularly sure what ‘safe’ was. She liked dangerous men too much, taking risks and playing the cards they were dealt. Keeping her hand in the game meant surviving. It meant staying alive. Not depending on anyone - except that now she was. And it wasn’t blood that bound them, but something she didn’t even begin to understand.

“Thanks for the warning...but like I said. He and I have an understanding. I know what he wants from me, and he knows I’ll do my job. Beyond that…” She shrugged, shifting slightly against the cushions. She was still a little sore. “The day this is over, we all go back to our lives, right? A little heavier in the purse, and maybe we remember each other when we pass in the street. Maybe we work together again, maybe we don’t. This isn’t exactly my first time at the table, Doc.” And maybe she was trying to convince herself it didn’t matter if Eddie Blake disappeared from her life when this was done. Maybe she even knew that was a lie.

“I won’t hold my breath about it. I’m not so sure that they’ll bring me in for anything else. Saul made it really clear who was taking point on this. Once upon a time that was me. You asked if we went way back, and I guess we do. I found Saul, he found Eddie. Chain broke there, not a big surprise. He was a bit of a natural, just needed some seasoning.” That and to get away from the influences that would have pulled him an entirely different direction.

Dan pushed himself upward. “Look… I should go… so unless you have anything else for me, questions… anything. I’m going to start preparing for the trip to Westport. That means tracking down an LQT O positive blood source. It’s a big city though, I’m sure one can be found.” Especially if he used his more hidden sources.

Harley set the glass aside, rising and sauntering over to the good doctor. The heel’s gave her a boost, true, but he still topped her by a good 6 inches or more. Just enough to justify her tilting her head back, batting wide aqua eyes up at him with every sign of innocence. She knew Eddie would be arriving shortly, but one had little to do with the other. Everyone had a weakness...she just hadn’t figured out Dan’s yet. She could hardly be faulted for wanting to know as much as possible about the people she was working with. If anything, Eddie’s arrival would serve to ensure things didn’t go any farther than she wanted them to.

“Don’t you think you should give me a full physical? To be thorough?” Just the barest arch to her back, a subtle twist to her hips as she popped one foot up onto a toe, toying with a braid in each hand. She might be cheating, just a little, the tip of her tongue peeking out to wet plush lips as she waited for his answer. This was, after all, what she did best - it wasn’t just her looks that had gotten her past Eddie’s concerns.

“I’m not so sure…”

“Something wrong with her? I think it’s a great idea, and you two need to be comfortable enough together in order for this to look right.” Eddie was standing in the doorway. He hadn’t caught much that had passed between her and Dan, but it had been enough. “I might get offended if you don’t respect her enough to do this the way it’s supposed to be.”

Dan nearly jumped out of his shoes at Eddie’s voice. He’d been doing his best to avoid being too close to the man, for a lot of reasons. He swallowed, eyes shifting towards the sound of Eddie before his head moved. “Long time, Eddie... “

“Four years, three months… I’ll leave it there, or you might think I’m keeping track.” Eddie moved further into the room, the door closing in his wake. His goal was easy to see as he neared the petite blonde and dared her to ignore him now. Something he wouldn’t make easy, the little grin on his face meant only for her. “Tell me how badly you missed me.”

The moment he spoke, a bright smile broke through, and Dan lost her attention completely. Goosebumps rose on her skin, and there was really no question as to how she was going to answer him. Taking a half-step, to clear the doctor, she launched herself into Eddie’s arms, almost squeaking with delight. “Puddin!” Arms over his shoulders, her thighs wrapped over his hips, it was easy to see where Harley might have picked up that name as she latched onto him, feet crossed at the ankles just behind his thighs. Pausing for just long enough to look him over, she proceeded to the next logical step, kissing him with the kind of intensity that left no doubt who she belonged to.

A long minute passed, until she finally decided he might have an inkling as to the answer to his question, and broke the lip lock, although she didn’t budge from her perch. “I really, really missed you.” Looking mischievous, she glanced back over her shoulder at their unwitting audience. “I don’t think Dr. K likes me very much...but he seems to know what he’s talking about…” Sliding her gaze back to Eddie with a wink, she squirmed enough to be comfortable - unless the doctor was going to take Eddie seriously, she wasn’t planning on moving...showing him how very much she’d missed him was going to require some privacy.

That was more like it, Eddie may have basked a bit in the lingering kiss and the tight grip she had on him. “He likes you well enough, Pumpkin… he’s just not used to being in this role.” One of Eddie’s hands was right where she would expect it to be...on her backside. The other was tracing the line of her hair. “He’s used to being the romantic lead in these things and pushing jobs like dangerous menace off on other people. Then again, maybe he’s just remembering that his last time out nearly got all of us killed.” He said it jokingly, but there was a hard look from Eddie to Dan that was mirrored in the tension of his body.

“What he doesn’t know is that I don’t hold that kind of grudge, but this is important and needs him to be at his best.” Dan had the decency to look guilty, one or all of the things he was being accused of were indeed correct.

“No...you’re right. I guess I figured that… it doesn’t matter. I can do this… assuming Miss Harley still wants to run a physical that is. If not, then I’ll get back to working on getting the supplies we’ll need.” For a man asking what Harley wanted, he kept his stare locked on Eddie. “You’ve changed a bit, more confident. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.”

“You can say cocky, Doc… I am, but it’s possible that there’s reasons for it too. Bit of a role reversal for you.” He turned back to Tahlia, tilting her head back and kissing her again. “Don’t put too many things back on when you’re done. It’s been a long day, and I intend to skip straight to clothing removal.”

She’d tucked her head against his shoulder while he spoke, her body half turned to follow the curve of his arm, one hand laying lightly against his chest. Those sea-tinted eyes of hers never left the doctor, noting silently that he’d correctly deduced whose decision it really was. He wasn’t stupid, clearly...can’t have been, to teach Saul what he knew, to have had Eddie taking his lead. He was simply a man used to being in charge...and having a bit of trouble adjusting. But even with the chip on his shoulder...even trying his best to out alpha the alpha she was currently wrapped around...she’d got his tell.

Lips curving into a smile, she brought the hand on his chest up to slide along his five o’clock shadow, and into those ink-dark locks of his, giving this kiss every bit as much of her best as the first. Licking the taste of him from her lips, she nodded, leaning in for one more kiss before she reluctantly unwrapped herself from his body, and winked up at him. “Assuming he strips me down to the lace...that and the heels?” Turning, she kept herself tucked against Eddie for a moment longer, but Dan had her full attention. “Ready, Dr. K?”

Ready or not, Dan nodded. He let them have their moment together, realizing exactly how much the student had grown since leaving him. “I won’t keep her too long.” He stepped back and let the blonde lead the way from there while Eddie poured himself a glass of something from the wet bar.

[Eddie Blake]

Tainted Love

Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I'll run from you
This tainted love you've given
I give you all a girl could give you
Take my tears and that's not nearly all ~ Performed by Marilyn Manson

August 8th, 11:40 A.M.


Eddie had said he had some business to handle, so Lizzy sat alone for the moment, the breeze ruffling a few errant strands of bright gold, her hair gathered in a half braid that pulled the rest back from her face. A slim gold chain hung around her neck, setting off matching gold hoops, and the perfect subtle accent to her outfit. A lavender scoop necked top exposed her collarbone, but didn’t dip down low enough to expose too much, although it did blend nicely with the subtle bruising along the inside of her arms. Which was sadly visible as she raised a glass of water to her lips, her eyes focusing down the sidewalk. Seaview was full of cafes and bistros, and the weather was perfect for an outdoor lunch.

Denim shorts flashed as she shifted in her seat, a slight blush tinging her cheeks as she thought about the man she was waiting for. He’d been such a surprise, but everything she could have ever hoped for - caring, kind, intelligent, with a sense of humor that made the worst treatment sessions easier to bear. She’d been taught that some things were worth waiting for...so she had. And she was so glad she had. Eddie had been...perfect. So different from...before. Lizzy shuddered, and tucked a stray strand behind her ear. Hopefully Eddie wouldn’t be too much longer.

She was watching the wrong way. The seat across from her was suddenly occupied, though it wasn’t the man she was expecting. His eyes were almost too blue, and far too deep for someone so young. That with his pale hair made him seem more pretty than rugged. The kind of face that when he smiled like that could make a girl stare. The way he focused that on Lizzy, it was obvious that he knew it too. Antoine DeMarco was dressed casually, for him that meant a pastel Izod shirt, and white deck pants. On his feet a pair of leather docksiders, the man was obviously here to take out the family yacht. That had been his plan, but then he’d spotted Lizzy, and things could wait. He was a DeMarco, everything waited for him. “Well, isn’t this a surprise. I figured you’d be out slumming it with your nurse, Elizabeth. Where is the blue collar trash anyway?”

His hand moved over hers, possessively, sliding onwards and squeezing the small wrist in his hand. The edges of perfectly manicured nails nipped at her skin, but at least his palms were soft. A sure sign that he wasn’t anything close to blue collar. “I miss you… Don’t you miss me? We had such plans for our future.” She was an adequate match for someone of his stature. Very complementary in look and breeding. There were empires that could be forged in such a union.

“Antoine! I -” Lizzy’s eyes were wide as she tugged her hand away, or tried to. His hands might be soft and manicured, but Antoine was not a weakling by any stretch. Keeping her voice low, she tried to keep calm, knowing that he could likely feel her pulse against his fingertips, thready and rapid. They’d been together for years, until her diagnosis had widened cracks in their superficial facade. “Eddie’s not my...and no, you had plans for our future. You and our parents - no-one ever asked me what I wanted. It certainly didn’t include you sleeping with my nurse while I was in the other room!” As outwardly idyllic as they had been, the end of their relationship had been anything but.

“I don’t miss you. At all. And you’ve been horrible ever since I kicked you and that...hussy...out of my life. How is she anyway? Still giving bedside service? I’m sure your parents can’t think she’s an appropriate replacement - no family fortune, for one.” Elizabeth Davenport was, generally, calm and pleasant - but the pretty boy with a grip on her wrist brought out a sharp, if inexperienced tongue. She tried to remember to breathe, to stay calm to keep her heartrate down, but it was hard when she was caught between making a scene, and embarrassing them both, or maintaining decorum.

“We need to talk, but not here. You’re coming with me. There are things that I need to say to you.” Antoine’s voice was low, but that didn’t detract from how haughtily he spoke. So far as he was concerned, Liz didn’t get a choice, she would come. He kept the grip on her wrist as he stood, and began to tug her from her seat as well. There was a sneer on his face when he saw what she was wearing. “Denim, really? I see that oaf has infected you.” Antoine’s pull increased at the thought of it, his pretty looks nearly ruined by the disdain on his face which was entirely directed at her.

“Stop fighting me on this, you must come with me so we can work this out. We all need to know our places, Liz. Yours is at my side, or wherever I need it to be.” She’d wanted to know about the nurse… what was her name again? He’d stopped seeing her the moment that Liz had let her go. There was no longer a use for her after that. “I’m quite free of the trollop, if you really want to know. She had been getting these ideas, as if I could marry so low.” He dug in with his heels and pulled hard at the little blonde. She’d get to her feet or land on the floor then come along in embarrassment. It’d been a long time since he’d seen that blush, or the acquiescence that went with it.

“There’s nothing to work out! Antoine! You’re hurting me!” She wrapped her other hand around the arm of her chair, but he was winning. Pain shimmered across those sea-green eyes, and she bit at her bottom lip. “He’s not an oaf! He loves me, and I love him - you’re just jealous because he’s a better man than you’ll ever be - that he….AAhhh!” The grip on her wrist cut the rest of that sentence off with a muffled cry, although she managed, just barely, to stay in her seat. The pulse in her wrist was racing, and starting to stutter. Antoine had always been full of himself, convinced of his own superiority. Before Eddie, she hadn’t known men could be any different.

“Antoine - let me go! You just used her...why? To get what I wouldn’t give you?” Lizzy’s cheeks were flushed as she kept trying to pull free. They were starting to gather some attention, which was bad enough - but to be discussing such intimate topics on top of that...she could hardly bear it. “There’s nothing you can say to me to make me take you back. We’re through - I’m with Eddie now, and you need to just accept it!”

“All that holier than thou drivel you spouted. ‘I’m waiting until after I’m married…’ then you give it up to the help, and you’re throwing accusations at me? That’s going to cost you, L…” Antoine wanted desperately to continue his tirade, to dominate the blonde in front of him with his superior size and breeding. The pain pulsing through his wrist had stopped his tongue, and forced him to release Liz. He turned into the grip, trying to bowl over whomever had him, only to find that his shoulder had run into the chest of someone as much bigger than he as he was of Liz.

“Unhand me, right this instant before I have your hand removed.” He’d wanted to put much more force behind his words, might have been able to if he hadn’t swallowed slightly when his gaze turned upward into the utterly dark expression of Eddie Blake. To his credit, the man let go of his wrist, of course it was just so he could get a better grip at Antoine’s throat. He felt his feet rise from the floor a full half a second before he was being lofted across the open patio to slide bodily on the concrete. The points of contact felt slick with blood, a result of friction against his skin. The look on Eddie’s face had Antoine afraid that Eddie was going to close the distance once more. He scrambled to get up, turning to look behind him, but the big man had simply picked up Liz and sat her across his lap.

Eddie’d been frustrated enough before getting to the restaurant. Traffic had been far too thick with luxury sedans and people who thought driving meant take a space that was far too small even for their small cars. He’d have been there much sooner, if it hadn’t been for the valet service. Seriously nine billion crowns to park, plus tip? That may’ve been an exaggeration, but for the prices they charged, it might as well have been. There may have been a bit of loathing about letting a stranger drive his car too. This wasn’t some run of the mill Lexus, or even one of those I don’t have a big package, but my car is a vintage Alpha Romeo. It certainly wasn’t some douchy sixty seven Impala. Godamm Chevy! Eddie had finally found a spot to park his 71 Road Runner that didn’t feel like the oncoming traffic would put a gouge in the pristine purple finish. That of course led to the walk back to the restaurant, three blocks of SRB’s, but at least the white linen suit looked good on him, and kept the heat to a minimum.

There’d been plenty of unwanted attention from those spoiled rich brats on the walk too. Giddy giggling girls who eye fucked him as he passed by. Frustrating, if only because he had someplace to be, and he was already running late. The hostess pretended she couldn’t understand him when he asked for Lizzy, blaming his thick accent and boorish enunciation. Just another pretentious bitch who needed badly to get pounded by boorish enunciation. The worst of it, the thing that put him over the edge, was to find some arrogant entitled ass hat pawing at Tahlia. It was only when he used the name Liz that Eddie checked the large fist that he’d intended to send the man’s way. The man wanted to mistreat Lizzy, in front of him? Nobody touched her that way. Even he’d managed to be delicate while being forceful, and that really only happened behind closed doors.

Eddie thought maybe the reject from a boy band needed to experience a little of what he was doing to her. No punching, well not yet at least. “Her name’s Lizzy, and she doesn’t belong to you… Antoine.”

Maybe the man was lighter than he looked, or perhaps all that pent up aggravation gave Eddie a little more power. Whatever the case, he went flying. Eddie was about to converge on the heap of Antoine, but he noticed how Lizzy was reacting. Some of her friends called him a brute, and possibly one that needed anger management. They didn’t really know him, he just wasn’t one to keep his opinions to himself. If they’d seen what he did to one of theirs, it was a certainty that they’d call that hard evidence. Maybe it was too, but nobody manhandled Lizzy.There had been plenty of attention from the lunch crowd, followed by squeals and exaggerated gasps when Eddie put an end to it. He wanted to teach the blonde boy a lesson, but there were things far more important that needed him.

Gently he lifted Lizzy from her chair, holding her close and settling down with her across his lap. His glare at Antoine had the man looking back over his shoulder as he darted around a corner and out of sight. Eddie cradled Lizzy, stroking her hair as he spoke in soft soothing tones. “It’s okay songbird… I’ve got you now, and nobody can get to you.” He looked to an older woman just across the aisle as he rocked Lizzy.

“Can you reach into her purse, there’s an emergency pill box in there. It’s the red one.” Once it was in his hand he pulled one of the little pills free. “You know what to do angel… put it under your tongue.”

Lizzy cradled her wrist to her chest, hardly registering more than the fact that the pain in her wrist was gone and the sun seemed a little less intense for a long moment. That and the fact that her heart was racing...she knew that wasn’t good. Knew there were pills in her purse that would help - she just couldn’t seem to manage to make her body listen. Breathing was becoming more of a challenge, her chest hiccuping with sharp little gasps as she tried to get enough air in her lungs to slow it down, to keep her heart from bursting out of her chest. Even though she could hardly focus there was nothing in the world as familiar as that voice.

Before she could speak, she felt Eddie’s strong arms around her, holding her close, one hand stroking her hair. She blinked, trying not to shake herself to pieces - Antoine was a monster in designer clothing - he’d never been able to stand losing, and this was no exception. But Eddie had her now, and she was safe - safe enough to look over and see her ex scramble to his feet and run away like the coward he was. Maybe now he’d realize this was a problem he couldn’t buy or intimidate his way out of.

She managed to get the pill under her tongue, and held it there. She couldn’t swallow, as much as she wanted to - she had to let the nitroglycerin dissolve slowly, even if it seemed counter intuitive. Doctors orders. Instead she simply clung to him in silent desperation, her head buried into his shoulder. Somehow, this close to the ocean, the salty, musky scent that was uniquely his was heightened, and she breathed him in, letting his heat seep through her body. Lizzy knew they were probably drawing attention, but right now, all she could do was curl tighter against his chest and let the medicine do its work.

Lizzy wasn’t the only one shaking, though his had more to do with the adrenaline working its way through his veins. He hid it from her as best he could, though anyone who had watched him try to open that pill box saw it plainly enough. By their expressions, they thought it was something else entirely. He was okay with that. Lizzy seemed small, and frail against him. The pale cheek lost behind his hand as he held her to him. “That’s right, it’s working… just listen to the sound of my heart, and breathe.” There were several offers to call for paramedics, but there was little more they could do than what he already was. He couldn’t stop them if they’d done it, but he did try to reassure them that this was all she needed.

Soft kisses were placed atop her head, his arms tight around her letting her know she was safe. “I’m sorry…” His voice was a murmur just for Lizzy now. “...I should have been here sooner.” It wasn’t his fault, well maybe if he’d sprung a little more and let someone park the car for him this wouldn’t have happened. Eddie felt guilty, and that only made him hold on more. “Just come on back to me, and I’ll take you someplace else. I promise I won’t leave you alone like that again.” If he’d known that her ex was around, he never would have left her. “I love you, Lizzy… that man… that boy didn’t deserve you.”

“I love you too, Eddie…” Lizzy swallowed thickly, the last of the nitro pill coating her tongue. His heartbeat pulsed through her, slowing hers to match as if by magic. He was her happy place, and it was so much easier to deal with her illness with him right there. She could hear a few murmurs, questioning whether they needed help, and she shook her head. The pills worked quickly, and the only other thing she needed was time curled up in his arms, recovering. “It’s...it’s ok, scruffy...I didn’t know he was here...I just...online is one thing...but he was so angry...I told him I-” She cut off with a gasp, trying to swallow the sob of relief that he had shown up just in time.

She had no doubt that Antoine would have dragged her off - if he was here, so was the family yacht - and the DeMarco staff was unerringly loyal. “You’re here now. You’re always here.” She tilted her head back, much as she loved the feel of his lips against her hair, she wanted more. Belatedly, she remembered the nitro, and tilted her head to the side, moving his lips to her cheek while she reached for the glass. Or in its general direction - she knew she couldn’t quite lift it on her own, just yet anyway. “I think I need some time away from everyone...except you…”

“I could go find him, and…” There he went again, showing his bad roots. He wanted to be better than that, she deserved better. “No, you’re right. We should just find a way to get away from everything and everyone. Maybe take that boat trip you were thinking about. I’m sure that after today, even the doctor would agree that it would be good for you… for us.” His lips met her cheek, though he’d noticed how she’d pulled her mouth away from him searching for her glass of water. Eddie put his hand around hers and helped her lift it until the straw was at her lips. “Just you and me and the ocean. What more could a guy want?” His finger slid along her jaw, turning her eyes towards him so he could get lost in them again.

“Does that seem like something you’d like to do? I mean no matter where we go here, there’ll be people. Even if they’re not with us, they won’t be gone either.” Short of actually finding a deserted island, it was the best he could come up with. In a way, it would be like making their own island out there, just much smaller and it probably came with a wet bar.

Lizzy sipped her water, swallowing to clear the last of the medication from her lips and tongue. The same thing that saved her from dying could do him harm, and she desperately wanted to avoid that. Her eyes sought his, and held, slowly lowering the glass into her lap with his help. It took her a moment to form words - medication aside, the stroke of his finger along her jaw always took her breath away. “I like that idea...I’m sure the doctor will agree. We can call him, can’t we? And I think there’s a boat out in the marina that would be just perfect…” She knew it wouldn’t be completely away from everyone, and the paparazzi were relentless, but it would be close enough.

Smiling softly, she ducked her head and kissed him, mindless of the gasps and titters of the ladies who lunched around them. Any one of whom would have died to be where Lizzy was, and she knew it. It wasn’t much, as kisses went...but they were still in public, and very much the center of attention. The fact that she would do that much was light years from where she had been when they met. “You’ll be there, scruffy...that’s all I need. Just a day or two before we head to Westport...I just want some time with you, alone...where we can relax and do whatever we want to…”

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The Raspberry Cadillac CTS parked around the corner fit in well with all the other luxury cars that seemed to have been spawned in the area. It would have anyway, if it weren’t for the blonde yelling into the driver’s window or the kid in the passenger’s seat who clearly didn’t belong anyplace this posh. A yellow envelope passed through the window which seemed to calm the angry blonde some. “Look, there’s more in there than we agreed on, call it hazard pay. This number you gave me is good though, right? I may need you for something in the future.”

The blonde who’d played Antoine stormed away, leaving Saul chuckling, though Reggie was looking surly at the departing man. “I can’t believe you paid him extra for that. He was all over Harley, far as I’m concerned he deserved what he got…” Deserved more so far as Reggie was concerned.

“Look kid, sometimes you gotta adlib, and sometimes you gotta stir things up. Make it more real.” Saul at least seemed unconcerned about Reggie’s ire, or the actor’s injuries. “Besides, that girl can take care of herself, and don’t you believe otherwise.”

“Two words, Saul…” Reggie pulled up a picture on his phone of Antoine assaulting Harley and showed it haughtily to Saul. “Dick Move.”