Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Past/Present/Future ❯ A night out with Annie ( Chapter 11 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Opium_Princess 
Anime/Manga: Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Mystery / Romance / | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.28.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 333 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Mystery / Romance / | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.28.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 333 | Status: Completed
A night out with Annie
I watched Annie eye the old librarian ladies from a distance. When one of them asked her if she needed assistance, she shook her head and smiled politely.
"Don't we need to use a computer or something to get the information?" I asked from behind as she pretended to pick up a book and read it.
"No. Well, not those anyway," she said, gesturing towards the public computers. Suddenly, an old man walked up to her with his hands resting on his stomach. I would defiantly call him a 'Jolly' looking man, he reeked of kindness. With his neatly combed silver hair, glasses and rosy cheeks.
"May I help you two young people?" he asked grinning. Young people? I'm a grown ass man. I chewed the tip of my unlit cigarette to keep from saying anything. Annie smiled at his friendliness, I checked my watch impatiently.
"Oh, we don't need any help. But-" I turned to see why she had stopped talking. I watched curiously as she pulled out a small card from her purse. The man studied the card, the handed it back with a wider grin.
"Why didn't you say so Miss Anastasia?"
"Please, just call me Annie," she said pushing hair behind her ear. I looked between Annie and the old man as he turned around and headed around a book case and down some stairs. I followed the two closely, not liking the fact that I had been left out on something. The man waved to a few children downstairs looking at books, he turned into an empty room. Old dusty volumes lined the walls and covered the windows. We walked through another door, but this room had no books or maps or giggling children. It was what looked like a storage room, with all the boxes stacked everywhere. But I just wasn't expecting a bunch of guys playing cards and drinking beer in the middle of a library storage room. One dude, with dirty blonde hair and a dingy white uniform jumpsuit jumped up quickly, causing his joint to fall on his pants. The others jumped up and tried to run. "No use boys, the doors are locked," she said walking over to one of the free upturned boxes and taking a seat. I didn't say much from the sidelines, I was to busy wondering what the hell was going on.
"What do you want Annie?" One asked, his uniform was much cleaner and he wore glasses, "Your making my business go slow. People don't know when to come in and ask for merchandise or check out books," he said in a greasy tone. Annie shot him a nasty look, one that didn't quite fit her face.
"If I were you Tone, I'll keep my mouth shut. Don't forget, I'm the one who can send you to jail-"
"Okay okay, don't get all tense on me. Geeze, what do you want for real? If you didn't come here to fuck with us."
"I need some information on a guy."
"And why not just go upstairs and use those computers?" the young man said. He couldn't even be over 20 or 19.
"You know as well as I do that those computers have censored blocks on them. I need someone with a computer that has access to everything," she said. Annie crossed her legs and smoothed her dress down. "And looking threw newspapers takes to long." she added finally. There was a short lived silence.
"Who's that guy?" he asked gesturing towards me. I raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?" I said pushing myself off the boxes. I saw the old man take a step as if to hold me back in case I decided to get rowdy. I chuckled a bit to myself.
"Who are you?" the dude said with a bit more attitude.
"My name is-" I started up with just as much attitude as the guy had given me. But Annie cut me short.
"It doesn't matter what is name is and who he is. I need you to pull up some government files on Rink Van Hoosen." Once again, the air got stiff. The guy sighed and looked off to the side.
"I can't do that Ann," she said in almost a sad tone. Annie jerked her head back as if she had been slapped.
"What do you mean 'you can't do that'?" She spat out with venom. Annie jumped up, causing the box to turn over. My eyes quickly glanced to her to the guy sitting on the upturned box. "After all I've done for you? I let you get away with selling drugs in the bottom of a library for cryin' out loud and you can't pull up some files on a guy? Your one of the best hackers I know, and trust me I know quite a few-"
"You just don't understand Annie," He said getting as well and rubbing his hands through his hair. My eyebrows knitted together. Why was everyone so fucking scared to talk about some Van Hoosen guy? What grip did he have on this town?
"Well, MAKE me understand TONE!" She shouted.
"I can't. I-just. Damn. Look, I know you've done plenty for me. But I can't help you with this one. Not this one. Not him," He said. The guy gave her an apologetic look before turning back to his card game.
"Look here pal," I said all the sudden. The old red faced man tried to get in my way but I quickly pushed him to the side. I made my advances on the young man, "What the hell is up with this guy? Huh? Tell me that. Tell me why everyone is to afraid to talk?!" I grunted out of clenched teeth, grabbing the collar of his jumpsuit and pulling him towards me. His glasses went a little crocked, but that didn't stop him from looking dead in my eyes when he spoke.
"You wouldn't understand. And I'm not afraid to talk, I'm just being..careful." he said firmly. The guy had heart, I'll give him that much. I grinned a little and let him go. "Just forget it," he said turning around. "Just forget the whole thing."
Annie turned around on her thin pink heels and marched out of the room without another word. I sighed heavily and followed her closely behind. I was surprised to find that it was dark outside. I inhaled the Earth's air and glanced at Annie. "Now what?" I asked. I watched her chest rise and fall with the deep breath she took. Her dark eyes darted around the Library parking lot, then she slowly started to walk down the steps.
"Tone is never scared, never," she whispered hoarsely. I wondered what was her connection to the guy in the storage room and why did I feel as if I was missing out on something. "Maybe we should just-"
"What? Give up?" I said smiling at the mere throat. "I can't give up. Even if I wanted to give up, my crew members wouldn't want to give up on something this big. We need this money," I said, my train of thoughts transferring to Faye.
"Crew members?" she asked smirking back at me over her shoulder. "What are you a pirate?"
"No..not a pirate.." I said stepping down the steps now. I place a fresh cigarette in my mouth, "More like a Cowboy." I turned and smiled at Annie.
"A Cowboy? Seriously?" She said chuckling a bit.
"Yeah."
"Cowboy. I kind of like that. Cowgirl Annie," she said to herself wishfully. I tried to picture her in a yellow vinyl outfit, blasting off two loaded guns with a pair of sunglasses. I quickly shook the thought from my head. What was up with me? "Come on," Annie said to me, getting keys from her purse. "I'll drive you home."
- "Julia? You okay? Need anything?" A tall lanky gangster asked from the doorway. He peeked inside the all white condo bedroom. When there was no sight of the blonde, he stepped inside and closed the door behind himself. "Julia?" he called out again. He figured that she might be on the balcony, so he headed for the large window that occupied the wall. The young man pressed his hands against the thick cool glass and peered out over the city of Venus.
"Spike?" A deep smooth voice purred from across the room. He turned to see the blonde woman. She was dressed in black as usual. Her thin tight black turtle neck sweater and tight leather pants showed off the curvy outline of her body. He always admired the way the dark color brought out her liquid gold hair and crystal blue eyes.
"I came to check if you wanted anything. Vicious and everyone else went to go meet with the Phoenix Delegates," he said, his chocolatey eyes traveling to the pure white carpet to avoid visually groping her. He heard the young woman let out a loud sigh. She walked over to her dress with her eyeliner pencil in her hand. "Always out," she said carefully drawing over the lower lid. He also admired how she would sometimes put dramatic dark makeup around her eyes. Something about her eyeliner that just...
"Well, Vicious is very busy," he said smiling a little and putting his hands in his black pants. He was a little cold himself, he wondered why he decided to wear a red silk shirt with the red dragon symbol stitched artfully on the back. it was a nice shirt, but it didn't serve much protection against the cold.
"Why didn't you go?" She asked turning around and looking at him.
"Eh. Delegates and all that bullshit bore me," he said throwing her one of his nonchalant smirks, "I'm not as patient as Vicious, can't sit in one place, quietly for hours on end." The girl, Julia, smiled and walked past him to sit on the edge of the king sized bed.
"He always finds time for the Dragons, but never time with me," Julia said, looking into her lap. "I mean, I know we're not an official couple or anything but-"
"Yeah I know," he said, folding his arms now.
"It's so irritating to have someone with you, but they cant ever be there."
"Yeah I know," He repeated, but this time meaning it in all honesty. Julia looked up at him and smiled.
"Spike, your so easy to talk to. You actually listen, unlike a lot of other people. Sounds like your in a bit of a love problem yourself. Care to talk about it?" she asked sincerely, patting the edge of the bed, waiting him to sit next to her.
"Nah, that's okay," he said laughing in embarrassment.
"Aw, I'm not gonna tell nobody! Your always hear talking to me about my problems when Vicious is gone, now it's my turn." She said smiling. Still he refused. Julia got out of her spot and dragged the gangster to sit next to her. He fidgeted a little nervously, tapping his foot and twiddling his thumbs. "Come on. What is she like?" He nervously shook his head and she gave him a playful nudge.
"Well, she's smart. For one," he said. Julia nodded. "And she's got a gentle personality. Understanding and kindhearted. And she's beautiful," he said smiling at the image forming in his head. Julia excitedly laid her hand on top of his.
"What does she look like?" she asked. Her smile slowly faded and her eyes jaded over with confusion as he looked up at her. His eyes danced and glazed over with emotion.
"She's got beautiful hair," he said pushing some gold strands out of her face, "beautiful eyes. Everything about her is beautiful. But I can't have her. You always want what you can't have, right? But If I did, I swear I'll make her happy, everyday. I'd live just to see her smile" he said, fingering her hair and gazing into those blue orbs at the same time. After a moment, Spike realized what he was doing. He dropped his hand and got off the bed. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm leaving," he said but a force pulled him back down to the bed. Julia had grabbed hold of his pants and yanked him back down. He watched her as she got up to lock her bedroom door then came back down and sat in-between of his legs. Her back pressed against his chest, Spike prayed she couldn't feel his heart beat. Some strange force gave him enough balls to reach up and surround her in his arms protectively. He planted light soft butterfly kisses along her neck and jawbone, fluttering his eyelashes against her sweet lavender smelling skin. He thought about how he'd like to wake up and smell like lavender because of her every morning.
"Spike," she moaned out, leaning father back and letting her head roll on her shoulders. He pulled off her turtle neck, leaving her in little white tank top underneath. It wasn't hard to miss the red bite marks over her neck, and she tried to cover them up. He caught her hand in his and kissed the bruises gently. He felt her breath catch in her throat. He had to say it now. No other time would be as perfect as right now.
"Julia," he said in-between kisses. "I love you..I love you so much."
"Spike,"-
"Spike.."
"Hmm?"
"Spike.." The soft voice purred out, pushing my shoulder. I opened my eyes slowly just to stare into a pair of glittering dark brown ones. My heart jumped up into my throat. I was expecting a woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. But instead, there was this young girl with bronze skin and thick brown hair. She blinked and back away from me. Neon lights bounced off her hair and I could here music nearby.
"I must have fell asleep.." I said lazily, wiping the side of my mouth, just in case I drooled a little.
"Yeah," Annie said giggling a little. She pulled the rearview mirror towards her way and applied some lipstick. "Slept like a baby." I sat up in the black convertible and looked around. Buildings where lined up against one another, the scent of rain hung in the air, drunk people laughing and talking was on the sidewalks.
"I thought you said you where taking me home," I said running my hands through my fluffy hair. I was still trying to get over that dream. I thanked God that this time, no one was laying in my arms.
"I know, but I just got a call from Tone," she said holding up her tiny black cellphone. The screen glowed a bright orange. "Besides I don't know where you live," Annie added in and opened up the door to get out. I done the same thing and stood on the sidewalk, waiting for her to get her jacket out of the back-seat. It temperature had dropped a few degrees. I looked up at the building that she had parked in front of. "Angel's Corner" blinked on the neon sign. One of the doors were open and I could see that it was semi-crowded. "Come on," Annie said walking up beside me, slipping on a varsity jacket. I ran a hand down the silky material on the sleeve and she looked at me. I couldn't help but wonder where exactly she got the jacket from. It was one of those jackets you see the jocks wearing in high school, and now under the bright lights, I could really get a look at her face. Annie looked incredibly young. So young that I wasn't even sure if she was going to be allowed in the club. But there was something else about her face. I just couldn't place it. She broke away the gaze and continued to walk towards the entrance. There wasn't any security by the door, so we just trotted in unnoticed. Well, she did anyway. I was approached by a group of young women with make-up piled on their faces and outfits that looked like they where meant for toddlers. Annie didn't even give the girls a chance before she grabbed my arm and yanked me towards the bar. "He's with me. Sorry," she called out over the music.
A woman stood behind the bar, wearing a green shirt and a pair of blue jeans. Her fiery curly hair contrasted to her fair skin, and her emerald eyes stuck out as well. I never seen anyone's hair that red or eyes that green before. She had a rag in her hand and laughed with a young man wearing a cowboy hat. Annie sat down at the bar and placed her purse on top. I sat down next to her, drumming my fingers to the sudden fast but catchy music of the club. The woman nodded towards the man and came down towards us.
"Can I help you to?" She asked politely. Annie shook her head and looked around the club.
"Yeah," I spoke up, leaning in so the woman could hear me better. "Lemme get uh..Tequila." The woman rose an eyebrow and smirked.
"With or without the worm?" she asked, like a challenge.
"With, thank you," I replied smiling.
"Your speaking my language kid," The bartenders said. She pulled out two shotglasses, fill them two the brim with the Mexican drink and plopped the beige worm into both glasses. It looked almost like a rolled up piece of dough with ridges as it floated down. She picked up her shot glass and downed it with one gulp. Now it was my turn to look at her in shock. She winked at me then walked away to help out another customer.
"There he is," Annie said tapping me on the shoulder. I turned a little to see, with the tequila still in my hand. The guy, well, Tone rather, was walking towards us. It was hard for me to recognize him at first, without his glasses and uniform. He wore a black suit and a black hat with a cigar held between his teeth. I remembered him referring to something simply as 'merchandise' in the library, it was pretty obvious now he meant drugs. He looked at Annie, then he turned towards me.
"Sorry man, bout all that earlier," he said holding out a hand. I glanced at him, then grasped his hand and gave it a firm shake. I felt a smile returning to my face. I liked this guy.
"No problem," I said before turning back to my forgotten drink and dumping it down my throat. The golden liquid burned a fire trail behind it as it spilled down into my stomach. I got over and moved to the next stool so that Tone could sit between us. Cologne floated on the wind by me. It was the same brand Vicious used to wear. The redheaded woman walked over again to us. She filled up my glass and turned to the guy.
"Hey Tony Tone. How has it been?" she asked putting an elbow on the bar. She reminded me a little of Anastasia.
"Fine fine," he replied smiling, taking the cigar from his mouth
"Hows the business?"
"Couldn't be better."
"Family?"
"Oh. Christina is still bossy, you know how my brother is," he said laughing a little. The woman laughed and nodded. "How's it been with you? I thought Song was supposed to help you today?" This suddenly caught my attention and I turned towards the two.
"Oh. She went off with some guy," the woman said shrugging. "I'll see her whenever I see her." She ran over to a new customer to get her order.
"You know Song?" I asked Tone. He turned towards me, confusion all over his face.
"Yeah sure. Girl's a legend down here. She sometimes sings for the club. That's how she got the name Songbird," he told me, using a tone as if I were stupid or something. He pointed towards the wall behind the bar. There were portraits of entertainers, dating as far back as 50 years ago. But my eyes darted straight towards the latest picture. Song was singing into the old-fashioned microphone, smiling and winking at the camera. Her purple dress glittered in the spot light. I tried to imagine the unique young girl singing and moving around on the huge stage that was now occupied with a man playing the piano.
"Tone. Why'd you decide to talk?" Annie blurted out. Me and Tone looked towards her.
"I just, I just think you deserve to know," he said softly, playing with an ashtray. He reached in his back pocket and pulled out a roll of printed out papers. I took a few of them and looked down at the sheets. "You can't breathe a word of this to anyone! I swear I'll get in big trouble if you do," he said in a shaky tone of voice. I looked up from the papers and stared at him. Annie laughed softly.
"Get in trouble with who? The government?"
"No. Not them. I'm not worried about them. Just don't tell anybody okay?" he said taking her hand.
"Okay okay." Annie said, pulling her hand back. Tone turned towards me.
"No one," I said wholeheartedly. "But tell me this. Why is everyone scared shitless around here?" I asked sitting up. Tone took a deep breath and looked onto the slick surface of the bar.
"That guy, Rink Van Hoosen. He stole a hell of a lot of money from the national bank. A lot of businesses are afraid to talk because they think if he finds out, he'll rob them too. A lot of businesses down here are," he stopped to find the right words before continuing, "I guess practically owned by him. He leads the owners money to help them out. Of course it's with stolen money. In return he gets a little bit of the prohibits. Now, naturally there is more to the deal then that. Their business is one of his 'marks'."
"Marks?" me and Annie asked at the same time.
"It Marks a part of town he rules. If he gets a bunch of businesses in one area, then that creates more people to work for him. Afterwards, everyone in that area knows him and works for him."
"Why the hell would a computer hacker need people to work for him?" I asked in sudden anger. None of this wasn't making any sense.
"He's not just a computer hacker. The hacking is a talent or hobby," Tone paused for a second. He called the woman down to the end of the bar and she fixed him a glass of whiskey. He took a sip, his face twisted up afterwards, then he started to continue. "See, Rink Van Hoosen is part of this gang. It's called the Shadow Kings."
"A gang?" Annie said.
"Well, More like an organization. Like a syndicate," he said correcting himself. "He's part of one of the most feared group on Earth. They have ties with small countries. Trained assassins work with them, nuclear weapon scientists. The more people working, the more power. He has bases in each of the businesses. See, the library is the perfect example. He lent money to the people to build it, in return they pay him money and let me sell drugs out the basement."
"Tone, You work for the Shadow Kings?!" Annie said jumping up. I saw a few men look at her oddly. Tone shot her a glare and she quieted back down.
"Look. Annie I know your upset, you really should have locked me up when you had the chance. But this is the only way from getting killed. Because of my uncle, my family has gotten a bad rap. So I'm trying my best to try and make good relationships with them. I don't want someone to get killed because I fucked up," Tone said before drinking the rest of his liquor. "But look. That's all I'm telling you. That's it. And you owe me big. Both of you," he said getting up. Annie smiled and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"You told us more then enough Tony Tone," she said smiling up at him. He smiled back, wrapping his hands around her tiny waist under the jacket.
"I see you still kept this old jacket," he said looking down at her. Annie giggled a little and her face turned slightly red.
"Its still my favorite. Doesn't seem that long ago that we were in Highschool..those were the days huh?" She said pulling away. I saw the smile on Tone's face turn to a depressed one from a happy one.
"Yeah. Simpler times," I said looking down at the floor. He picked up his cigar from his pocket and placed it back in his teeth. "Well, Spike my man," he said grabbing my hand and giving it a hardy shake "it's been good buddy. But I have a job to do. You kids be good now," he said tipping his hat. Annie nodded and smiled, getting her purse and walking towards the doors.
"I knew there was something between you too," I teased, smiling and elbowing the young woman slightly. She hugged herself and pulled out her keys.
"I'm sure you got someone that makes smile," she said as she took off the alarm. I thought of Julia and Faye at the same time and my mind came up with a hybrid image of the two. A woman with long purple hair, blue eyes, a head band along with a vinyl yellow top but leather black pants.
"Yeah. Something like that."
I watched Annie eye the old librarian ladies from a distance. When one of them asked her if she needed assistance, she shook her head and smiled politely.
"Don't we need to use a computer or something to get the information?" I asked from behind as she pretended to pick up a book and read it.
"No. Well, not those anyway," she said, gesturing towards the public computers. Suddenly, an old man walked up to her with his hands resting on his stomach. I would defiantly call him a 'Jolly' looking man, he reeked of kindness. With his neatly combed silver hair, glasses and rosy cheeks.
"May I help you two young people?" he asked grinning. Young people? I'm a grown ass man. I chewed the tip of my unlit cigarette to keep from saying anything. Annie smiled at his friendliness, I checked my watch impatiently.
"Oh, we don't need any help. But-" I turned to see why she had stopped talking. I watched curiously as she pulled out a small card from her purse. The man studied the card, the handed it back with a wider grin.
"Why didn't you say so Miss Anastasia?"
"Please, just call me Annie," she said pushing hair behind her ear. I looked between Annie and the old man as he turned around and headed around a book case and down some stairs. I followed the two closely, not liking the fact that I had been left out on something. The man waved to a few children downstairs looking at books, he turned into an empty room. Old dusty volumes lined the walls and covered the windows. We walked through another door, but this room had no books or maps or giggling children. It was what looked like a storage room, with all the boxes stacked everywhere. But I just wasn't expecting a bunch of guys playing cards and drinking beer in the middle of a library storage room. One dude, with dirty blonde hair and a dingy white uniform jumpsuit jumped up quickly, causing his joint to fall on his pants. The others jumped up and tried to run. "No use boys, the doors are locked," she said walking over to one of the free upturned boxes and taking a seat. I didn't say much from the sidelines, I was to busy wondering what the hell was going on.
"What do you want Annie?" One asked, his uniform was much cleaner and he wore glasses, "Your making my business go slow. People don't know when to come in and ask for merchandise or check out books," he said in a greasy tone. Annie shot him a nasty look, one that didn't quite fit her face.
"If I were you Tone, I'll keep my mouth shut. Don't forget, I'm the one who can send you to jail-"
"Okay okay, don't get all tense on me. Geeze, what do you want for real? If you didn't come here to fuck with us."
"I need some information on a guy."
"And why not just go upstairs and use those computers?" the young man said. He couldn't even be over 20 or 19.
"You know as well as I do that those computers have censored blocks on them. I need someone with a computer that has access to everything," she said. Annie crossed her legs and smoothed her dress down. "And looking threw newspapers takes to long." she added finally. There was a short lived silence.
"Who's that guy?" he asked gesturing towards me. I raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?" I said pushing myself off the boxes. I saw the old man take a step as if to hold me back in case I decided to get rowdy. I chuckled a bit to myself.
"Who are you?" the dude said with a bit more attitude.
"My name is-" I started up with just as much attitude as the guy had given me. But Annie cut me short.
"It doesn't matter what is name is and who he is. I need you to pull up some government files on Rink Van Hoosen." Once again, the air got stiff. The guy sighed and looked off to the side.
"I can't do that Ann," she said in almost a sad tone. Annie jerked her head back as if she had been slapped.
"What do you mean 'you can't do that'?" She spat out with venom. Annie jumped up, causing the box to turn over. My eyes quickly glanced to her to the guy sitting on the upturned box. "After all I've done for you? I let you get away with selling drugs in the bottom of a library for cryin' out loud and you can't pull up some files on a guy? Your one of the best hackers I know, and trust me I know quite a few-"
"You just don't understand Annie," He said getting as well and rubbing his hands through his hair. My eyebrows knitted together. Why was everyone so fucking scared to talk about some Van Hoosen guy? What grip did he have on this town?
"Well, MAKE me understand TONE!" She shouted.
"I can't. I-just. Damn. Look, I know you've done plenty for me. But I can't help you with this one. Not this one. Not him," He said. The guy gave her an apologetic look before turning back to his card game.
"Look here pal," I said all the sudden. The old red faced man tried to get in my way but I quickly pushed him to the side. I made my advances on the young man, "What the hell is up with this guy? Huh? Tell me that. Tell me why everyone is to afraid to talk?!" I grunted out of clenched teeth, grabbing the collar of his jumpsuit and pulling him towards me. His glasses went a little crocked, but that didn't stop him from looking dead in my eyes when he spoke.
"You wouldn't understand. And I'm not afraid to talk, I'm just being..careful." he said firmly. The guy had heart, I'll give him that much. I grinned a little and let him go. "Just forget it," he said turning around. "Just forget the whole thing."
Annie turned around on her thin pink heels and marched out of the room without another word. I sighed heavily and followed her closely behind. I was surprised to find that it was dark outside. I inhaled the Earth's air and glanced at Annie. "Now what?" I asked. I watched her chest rise and fall with the deep breath she took. Her dark eyes darted around the Library parking lot, then she slowly started to walk down the steps.
"Tone is never scared, never," she whispered hoarsely. I wondered what was her connection to the guy in the storage room and why did I feel as if I was missing out on something. "Maybe we should just-"
"What? Give up?" I said smiling at the mere throat. "I can't give up. Even if I wanted to give up, my crew members wouldn't want to give up on something this big. We need this money," I said, my train of thoughts transferring to Faye.
"Crew members?" she asked smirking back at me over her shoulder. "What are you a pirate?"
"No..not a pirate.." I said stepping down the steps now. I place a fresh cigarette in my mouth, "More like a Cowboy." I turned and smiled at Annie.
"A Cowboy? Seriously?" She said chuckling a bit.
"Yeah."
"Cowboy. I kind of like that. Cowgirl Annie," she said to herself wishfully. I tried to picture her in a yellow vinyl outfit, blasting off two loaded guns with a pair of sunglasses. I quickly shook the thought from my head. What was up with me? "Come on," Annie said to me, getting keys from her purse. "I'll drive you home."
- "Julia? You okay? Need anything?" A tall lanky gangster asked from the doorway. He peeked inside the all white condo bedroom. When there was no sight of the blonde, he stepped inside and closed the door behind himself. "Julia?" he called out again. He figured that she might be on the balcony, so he headed for the large window that occupied the wall. The young man pressed his hands against the thick cool glass and peered out over the city of Venus.
"Spike?" A deep smooth voice purred from across the room. He turned to see the blonde woman. She was dressed in black as usual. Her thin tight black turtle neck sweater and tight leather pants showed off the curvy outline of her body. He always admired the way the dark color brought out her liquid gold hair and crystal blue eyes.
"I came to check if you wanted anything. Vicious and everyone else went to go meet with the Phoenix Delegates," he said, his chocolatey eyes traveling to the pure white carpet to avoid visually groping her. He heard the young woman let out a loud sigh. She walked over to her dress with her eyeliner pencil in her hand. "Always out," she said carefully drawing over the lower lid. He also admired how she would sometimes put dramatic dark makeup around her eyes. Something about her eyeliner that just...
"Well, Vicious is very busy," he said smiling a little and putting his hands in his black pants. He was a little cold himself, he wondered why he decided to wear a red silk shirt with the red dragon symbol stitched artfully on the back. it was a nice shirt, but it didn't serve much protection against the cold.
"Why didn't you go?" She asked turning around and looking at him.
"Eh. Delegates and all that bullshit bore me," he said throwing her one of his nonchalant smirks, "I'm not as patient as Vicious, can't sit in one place, quietly for hours on end." The girl, Julia, smiled and walked past him to sit on the edge of the king sized bed.
"He always finds time for the Dragons, but never time with me," Julia said, looking into her lap. "I mean, I know we're not an official couple or anything but-"
"Yeah I know," he said, folding his arms now.
"It's so irritating to have someone with you, but they cant ever be there."
"Yeah I know," He repeated, but this time meaning it in all honesty. Julia looked up at him and smiled.
"Spike, your so easy to talk to. You actually listen, unlike a lot of other people. Sounds like your in a bit of a love problem yourself. Care to talk about it?" she asked sincerely, patting the edge of the bed, waiting him to sit next to her.
"Nah, that's okay," he said laughing in embarrassment.
"Aw, I'm not gonna tell nobody! Your always hear talking to me about my problems when Vicious is gone, now it's my turn." She said smiling. Still he refused. Julia got out of her spot and dragged the gangster to sit next to her. He fidgeted a little nervously, tapping his foot and twiddling his thumbs. "Come on. What is she like?" He nervously shook his head and she gave him a playful nudge.
"Well, she's smart. For one," he said. Julia nodded. "And she's got a gentle personality. Understanding and kindhearted. And she's beautiful," he said smiling at the image forming in his head. Julia excitedly laid her hand on top of his.
"What does she look like?" she asked. Her smile slowly faded and her eyes jaded over with confusion as he looked up at her. His eyes danced and glazed over with emotion.
"She's got beautiful hair," he said pushing some gold strands out of her face, "beautiful eyes. Everything about her is beautiful. But I can't have her. You always want what you can't have, right? But If I did, I swear I'll make her happy, everyday. I'd live just to see her smile" he said, fingering her hair and gazing into those blue orbs at the same time. After a moment, Spike realized what he was doing. He dropped his hand and got off the bed. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm leaving," he said but a force pulled him back down to the bed. Julia had grabbed hold of his pants and yanked him back down. He watched her as she got up to lock her bedroom door then came back down and sat in-between of his legs. Her back pressed against his chest, Spike prayed she couldn't feel his heart beat. Some strange force gave him enough balls to reach up and surround her in his arms protectively. He planted light soft butterfly kisses along her neck and jawbone, fluttering his eyelashes against her sweet lavender smelling skin. He thought about how he'd like to wake up and smell like lavender because of her every morning.
"Spike," she moaned out, leaning father back and letting her head roll on her shoulders. He pulled off her turtle neck, leaving her in little white tank top underneath. It wasn't hard to miss the red bite marks over her neck, and she tried to cover them up. He caught her hand in his and kissed the bruises gently. He felt her breath catch in her throat. He had to say it now. No other time would be as perfect as right now.
"Julia," he said in-between kisses. "I love you..I love you so much."
"Spike,"-
"Spike.."
"Hmm?"
"Spike.." The soft voice purred out, pushing my shoulder. I opened my eyes slowly just to stare into a pair of glittering dark brown ones. My heart jumped up into my throat. I was expecting a woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. But instead, there was this young girl with bronze skin and thick brown hair. She blinked and back away from me. Neon lights bounced off her hair and I could here music nearby.
"I must have fell asleep.." I said lazily, wiping the side of my mouth, just in case I drooled a little.
"Yeah," Annie said giggling a little. She pulled the rearview mirror towards her way and applied some lipstick. "Slept like a baby." I sat up in the black convertible and looked around. Buildings where lined up against one another, the scent of rain hung in the air, drunk people laughing and talking was on the sidewalks.
"I thought you said you where taking me home," I said running my hands through my fluffy hair. I was still trying to get over that dream. I thanked God that this time, no one was laying in my arms.
"I know, but I just got a call from Tone," she said holding up her tiny black cellphone. The screen glowed a bright orange. "Besides I don't know where you live," Annie added in and opened up the door to get out. I done the same thing and stood on the sidewalk, waiting for her to get her jacket out of the back-seat. It temperature had dropped a few degrees. I looked up at the building that she had parked in front of. "Angel's Corner" blinked on the neon sign. One of the doors were open and I could see that it was semi-crowded. "Come on," Annie said walking up beside me, slipping on a varsity jacket. I ran a hand down the silky material on the sleeve and she looked at me. I couldn't help but wonder where exactly she got the jacket from. It was one of those jackets you see the jocks wearing in high school, and now under the bright lights, I could really get a look at her face. Annie looked incredibly young. So young that I wasn't even sure if she was going to be allowed in the club. But there was something else about her face. I just couldn't place it. She broke away the gaze and continued to walk towards the entrance. There wasn't any security by the door, so we just trotted in unnoticed. Well, she did anyway. I was approached by a group of young women with make-up piled on their faces and outfits that looked like they where meant for toddlers. Annie didn't even give the girls a chance before she grabbed my arm and yanked me towards the bar. "He's with me. Sorry," she called out over the music.
A woman stood behind the bar, wearing a green shirt and a pair of blue jeans. Her fiery curly hair contrasted to her fair skin, and her emerald eyes stuck out as well. I never seen anyone's hair that red or eyes that green before. She had a rag in her hand and laughed with a young man wearing a cowboy hat. Annie sat down at the bar and placed her purse on top. I sat down next to her, drumming my fingers to the sudden fast but catchy music of the club. The woman nodded towards the man and came down towards us.
"Can I help you to?" She asked politely. Annie shook her head and looked around the club.
"Yeah," I spoke up, leaning in so the woman could hear me better. "Lemme get uh..Tequila." The woman rose an eyebrow and smirked.
"With or without the worm?" she asked, like a challenge.
"With, thank you," I replied smiling.
"Your speaking my language kid," The bartenders said. She pulled out two shotglasses, fill them two the brim with the Mexican drink and plopped the beige worm into both glasses. It looked almost like a rolled up piece of dough with ridges as it floated down. She picked up her shot glass and downed it with one gulp. Now it was my turn to look at her in shock. She winked at me then walked away to help out another customer.
"There he is," Annie said tapping me on the shoulder. I turned a little to see, with the tequila still in my hand. The guy, well, Tone rather, was walking towards us. It was hard for me to recognize him at first, without his glasses and uniform. He wore a black suit and a black hat with a cigar held between his teeth. I remembered him referring to something simply as 'merchandise' in the library, it was pretty obvious now he meant drugs. He looked at Annie, then he turned towards me.
"Sorry man, bout all that earlier," he said holding out a hand. I glanced at him, then grasped his hand and gave it a firm shake. I felt a smile returning to my face. I liked this guy.
"No problem," I said before turning back to my forgotten drink and dumping it down my throat. The golden liquid burned a fire trail behind it as it spilled down into my stomach. I got over and moved to the next stool so that Tone could sit between us. Cologne floated on the wind by me. It was the same brand Vicious used to wear. The redheaded woman walked over again to us. She filled up my glass and turned to the guy.
"Hey Tony Tone. How has it been?" she asked putting an elbow on the bar. She reminded me a little of Anastasia.
"Fine fine," he replied smiling, taking the cigar from his mouth
"Hows the business?"
"Couldn't be better."
"Family?"
"Oh. Christina is still bossy, you know how my brother is," he said laughing a little. The woman laughed and nodded. "How's it been with you? I thought Song was supposed to help you today?" This suddenly caught my attention and I turned towards the two.
"Oh. She went off with some guy," the woman said shrugging. "I'll see her whenever I see her." She ran over to a new customer to get her order.
"You know Song?" I asked Tone. He turned towards me, confusion all over his face.
"Yeah sure. Girl's a legend down here. She sometimes sings for the club. That's how she got the name Songbird," he told me, using a tone as if I were stupid or something. He pointed towards the wall behind the bar. There were portraits of entertainers, dating as far back as 50 years ago. But my eyes darted straight towards the latest picture. Song was singing into the old-fashioned microphone, smiling and winking at the camera. Her purple dress glittered in the spot light. I tried to imagine the unique young girl singing and moving around on the huge stage that was now occupied with a man playing the piano.
"Tone. Why'd you decide to talk?" Annie blurted out. Me and Tone looked towards her.
"I just, I just think you deserve to know," he said softly, playing with an ashtray. He reached in his back pocket and pulled out a roll of printed out papers. I took a few of them and looked down at the sheets. "You can't breathe a word of this to anyone! I swear I'll get in big trouble if you do," he said in a shaky tone of voice. I looked up from the papers and stared at him. Annie laughed softly.
"Get in trouble with who? The government?"
"No. Not them. I'm not worried about them. Just don't tell anybody okay?" he said taking her hand.
"Okay okay." Annie said, pulling her hand back. Tone turned towards me.
"No one," I said wholeheartedly. "But tell me this. Why is everyone scared shitless around here?" I asked sitting up. Tone took a deep breath and looked onto the slick surface of the bar.
"That guy, Rink Van Hoosen. He stole a hell of a lot of money from the national bank. A lot of businesses are afraid to talk because they think if he finds out, he'll rob them too. A lot of businesses down here are," he stopped to find the right words before continuing, "I guess practically owned by him. He leads the owners money to help them out. Of course it's with stolen money. In return he gets a little bit of the prohibits. Now, naturally there is more to the deal then that. Their business is one of his 'marks'."
"Marks?" me and Annie asked at the same time.
"It Marks a part of town he rules. If he gets a bunch of businesses in one area, then that creates more people to work for him. Afterwards, everyone in that area knows him and works for him."
"Why the hell would a computer hacker need people to work for him?" I asked in sudden anger. None of this wasn't making any sense.
"He's not just a computer hacker. The hacking is a talent or hobby," Tone paused for a second. He called the woman down to the end of the bar and she fixed him a glass of whiskey. He took a sip, his face twisted up afterwards, then he started to continue. "See, Rink Van Hoosen is part of this gang. It's called the Shadow Kings."
"A gang?" Annie said.
"Well, More like an organization. Like a syndicate," he said correcting himself. "He's part of one of the most feared group on Earth. They have ties with small countries. Trained assassins work with them, nuclear weapon scientists. The more people working, the more power. He has bases in each of the businesses. See, the library is the perfect example. He lent money to the people to build it, in return they pay him money and let me sell drugs out the basement."
"Tone, You work for the Shadow Kings?!" Annie said jumping up. I saw a few men look at her oddly. Tone shot her a glare and she quieted back down.
"Look. Annie I know your upset, you really should have locked me up when you had the chance. But this is the only way from getting killed. Because of my uncle, my family has gotten a bad rap. So I'm trying my best to try and make good relationships with them. I don't want someone to get killed because I fucked up," Tone said before drinking the rest of his liquor. "But look. That's all I'm telling you. That's it. And you owe me big. Both of you," he said getting up. Annie smiled and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"You told us more then enough Tony Tone," she said smiling up at him. He smiled back, wrapping his hands around her tiny waist under the jacket.
"I see you still kept this old jacket," he said looking down at her. Annie giggled a little and her face turned slightly red.
"Its still my favorite. Doesn't seem that long ago that we were in Highschool..those were the days huh?" She said pulling away. I saw the smile on Tone's face turn to a depressed one from a happy one.
"Yeah. Simpler times," I said looking down at the floor. He picked up his cigar from his pocket and placed it back in his teeth. "Well, Spike my man," he said grabbing my hand and giving it a hardy shake "it's been good buddy. But I have a job to do. You kids be good now," he said tipping his hat. Annie nodded and smiled, getting her purse and walking towards the doors.
"I knew there was something between you too," I teased, smiling and elbowing the young woman slightly. She hugged herself and pulled out her keys.
"I'm sure you got someone that makes smile," she said as she took off the alarm. I thought of Julia and Faye at the same time and my mind came up with a hybrid image of the two. A woman with long purple hair, blue eyes, a head band along with a vinyl yellow top but leather black pants.
"Yeah. Something like that."