Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Three Times A Charm ❯ Chapter 20

Title: Three Times A Charm

Fandom: Fake

Rating: X

Timeline: follows on directly from the end of Vol 7

Author's Note: Thank you to the reviewers - I hope you continue to enjoy this, Storybook.

Summary: Ryo searches through the shadowy underworld for answers.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this, they belong to the creators of `Fake', nor am I making any profits from it.

 

 

Chapter 20

 

 

The sun was shining brightly as Ryo stepped out the front door. The sky was blue overhead, not a cloud marring its expanse. The people bustling by made this seem like any other normal day. He paused for a moment just looking around him, lifting his head as a bird broke out in song to see it sitting comfortably amongst the branches of the street tree. It was a cheerful sound, quite beautiful in fact - and jarred on his ear shockingly.

 

How could it be like this?, Ryo wondered, continuing to watch. How could the world continue to turn so glibly when yesterday it had fallen apart? Today should be cold and dark just as his thoughts were. Just as his heart was. There should be no light, no sound, no movement. Everything should be still and silent. The world should be mourning for its loss. His loss.

 

He turned his back on the world before him. Once he may have belonged to that same world, but no longer. Now he moved in another universe, one that was far darker than most ordinary people knew. He made his way down the back streets, avoiding the masses as much as possible. He felt no kinship with the other people moving around him.

 

He picked up the subway line he needed which wasn't as crowded as some of the others but the early morning commuters still pressed in around him. The close contact stifled him and he was thankful as they slowly dwindled in number as the journey continued. His stop was close to the end of the line and by that time there were few people sharing the carriage with him.

 

He stepped off the train and this time caught the bus to the wrecker's yard as it arrived just as he exited the station. It saved a cab fare at least. And it was less traceable. Upon arriving he made his way directly to the office, again entering without knocking.

 

The same man who had been there early was still here, although now he looked a little more worn. He looked up as Ryo entered and immediately stood, picking up some keys from his desk and walking outside, with Ryo following. They didn't speak as they made their way across to the workshop. The doors were partially open and they stepped across the threshold into the interior clothed in darkness. Ryo heard the manager fumble for a moment and then the click of a switch as overhead lights flickered into brightness.

 

There were a number of cars littering the floor of the large workshop, all in various states of dismemberment. However there was one, near the front, that looked almost to be new. Ryo made his way towards that one, opening the door and checking inside, popping the hood and giving the engine the once over also. He walked all around the vehicle examining it carefully, even checking the state of the tires. He didn't want to get pulled up over such a minor thing as bald tires. He noticed the license plates fixed securely in place and looked over at the man still standing at the front of the car.

 

“It's clear,” he assured Ryo. “I swear.” He seemed earnest enough that it reassured Ryo of his trustworthiness. “Take it for a spin,” the manager said, tossing the keys to Ryo, who caught them midair.

 

He slipped into the seat and slid the key into the ignition, starting up the engine. He gunned the accelerator a couple of times, listening carefully and not detecting any unusual sounds. Leaving the engine running he stepped out of the car and walked round to the back, checking the emissions from the exhaust. They were blowing clean. Then he made his way back to the hood, looking at the engine rumbling in its brackets. He could see no oil splatters or leaking hoses at this time. So far, so good.

 

He dropped the hood, ensuring it locked into place before he went back to the driver's seat and stepped back in, closing the door behind him. He gunned the engine again as the manager hauled the doors back wider so he could pass between. He shifted into gear and took off quickly into the open space before him. He followed the makeshift tracks through the yard, bringing the car up to full speed and then dropping it right back. He did a couple of emergency stops, one of them out of necessity as a forklift shot out in front of him. Fortunately the brakes worked well.

 

He returned to the workshop in a far more sedate manner than he had left and didn't bother either turning the engine off or getting out of the vehicle. The manager came over to the side of the car. “Everything okay?”

 

Ryo nodded, “It will do. Thank you for your time.” His innate good manners took over for a moment.

 

“Sure,” the manager said, stepping aside.

 

“I'll be brining it back in probably a few days,” Ryo said, shifting into gear. “I would advise that you dispose of it as a matter of priority.”

 

“Ah, yeah, will do.” The manager didn't want to know anymore and beat a hasty retreat as Ryo left the yard.

 

He drove back towards the centre of the city, fortunately the worst of the morning traffic had dissipated by this time. He didn't return to the apartment. There was nothing there for him now. Everything he needed was in the small bag he had brought with him. But there were a couple of things he needed to do first.

 

His first stop was his solicitors. That didn't take too long, a matter of signing a few papers and having them appropriately sealed. The first was his will, leaving everything to Bikky. The second was giving power of attorney to his aunt and uncle and making them executors to his estate. He also made certain that it was all confirmed that if anything did happen to him that they would look after Bikky. This was something that he had discussed a long time ago with his Aunt Elena when he had first taken Bikky in. He worked in a dangerous field and accidents could happen. He had wanted to make certain that Bikky would always be taken care of and Elena had readily agreed. Now he just made certain everything was correctly in place so there would be no problems.

 

As he placed the last signature on the papers he felt a stab through his heart as he remembered how once he had thought to change all this and include Dee in it, both in his will and also in regards to taking care of Bikky. It had been something that he had considered just recently and one of the many things he had wanted to discuss with Dee. He felt his eyes begin to burn and fiercely pushed those thoughts away. Forget it, he shouted at himself. Forget it and get on with it! He pasted his false smile on once more as he pushed the last of the documents across the desk and saw them appropriately counter-signed by his solicitor, before standing and leaving the offices.

 

After that was done he had one more stop before starting his journey. He made his way to opposite far side of town, drifting through neighbourhoods that police would not come unless they were in groups of four, just in case there was trouble. All races, colours and creeds were crammed into here, rubbing shoulders with each other in an uneasy peace that all too frequently exploded dramatically and messily.

 

Ryo slipped his sunglasses on, pulling the beanie down low on his head and face, hiding his chestnut hair. As he stepped out of the car he snagged his long coat from the back and pulled it on also. He checked the area again as he carefully locked his car, wary of the dangers by just being here heralded for him. He felt a little naked as he had no weapon, being sure to leave it behind in the apartment, along with his badge and ID. His gun was too easy to trace and it would have to be accounted for at some stage. He still would have been a lot happier to know he still had that familiar weight nestled under his arm in an area like this. He now just had to hope that he wouldn't run into any trouble where he would actually need it. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary he walked into the darkness of the building behind him.

 

He made his way slowly and carefully towards the room that was his destination. There were shadowy figures drifting through the halls and in and out of various rooms. He ignored them for the most part, once he had ascertained they were no danger to him. Still he remained alert and wary.

 

He knocked sharply on the door and after a lengthy pause it was cracked open and a dark gleaming eye peered out at him.

 

“Whatcha want?” the gravelly voice demanded.

 

“I'm here to see Simon,” Ryo stated clearly, raising his voice just a little so it would carry further into the room and any other occupants.

 

“Don't know no Simon,” the door keeper tried to shut the door but Ryo quickly slipped his foot forward to halt the motion, placing a hand firmly on the door jamb.

 

He slipped his sunglasses off and fixed the other man with a steely look. “Tell Simon I'm here to see him,” he said in a voice that brooked no argument.

 

The man he was facing slipped a hand beneath the coat he was wearing, obviously reaching for a gun. Ryo felt his stomach clench in fear. Looks like he might have misjudged things.

 

“Let him in,” Another voice cut through the building tension from inside the room. Ryo saw the door keeper cast a quick glance behind him and what ever he saw reconfirmed the request for he stepped back and let Ryo push the door open to enter fully.

 

He walked forward down the short hall way seeing at least three other men in the sitting room. The door closed behind him with the click of a lock. He wasn't going to be getting out that way in a hurry.

 

He didn't let his steps falter until he was in the centre of the room and looking down at the two seated figures on the couch. There were actually four people in this room, one man standing in the far corner who had been out of Ryo's line of sight earlier.

 

“Hello, Simon,' he said, addressing the older man.

 

“See, I told you it was him,” the younger man said, head turning towards the other before swiveling back to face Ryo. Two white orbs looked back at him whilst a smile creased his face. “How ya doing, Ryo?”

 

“Fine, Corey. How's school?”

 

A shrug, still with a smile, “Hey, it's pretty good - though sometimes I get bored with it and so skip out for a bit.”

 

“You shouldn't, you know.”

 

The youth shrugged again, “No big deal. I'm not going to have to worry about getting into some fancy college or nuthin.”

 

Ryo stifled a sigh. He had met Corey a number of years ago, a blind boy who acted as lookout and lock-pick alternately for a variety of gangs in the area. He had exceptional hearing which wasn't unusual for someone who lacked one of the five senses, but he did seem to be more sensitive than most would who were afflicted in the same way.

 

After picking him up a number of times, Ryo had helped get him in touch with a special school for the blind who accepted those children from the less fortunate backgrounds. Corey wasn't stupid and for the most part did seem to enjoy his years of schooling but in some ways he was completely correct. The chances of him being able to break out of this neighbourhood, go to college and make something of himself was pretty slim. Ryo knew that Corey must have recognized his voice and vouched for him or he wouldn't have been allowed to enter this room.

 

He turned back to the older man. He was probably in his mid-fifties, hair graying and balding slightly. “Simon,” Ryo acknowledged. This man he also knew from his time on the force and that is why he had come to him. He was the best in his field.

 

An eyebrow rose as sharp eyes looked him up and down. “So what brings you to this neck of the woods?” he asked bluntly.

 

Ryo took a seat without being offered one. “I want some papers.”

 

A second eyebrow rose to join the first. “What sort?”

 

“General ID, social security, that sort of thing. Enough to pass a normal person's scrutiny, and checks at a gunsmith.”

 

This time the eyebrows drew down in a frown as Simon leant forward a little to peer carefully at Ryo. “Whatcha want it for? Besides buying a gun. Don't know why you'd wanta go to a gun-shop. You could have your pick from your station.”

 

“Not for what I need to do,” Ryo answered, completely unruffled by the questioning.

 

Simon just continued to look at Ryo, saying nothing for a moment longer. “Do I need to know anything more?” he finally asked.

 

“Nope,” Ryo said. “Just get me the papers and I'll be on my way.”

 

“This isn't some kind of set up, is it?” Simon's eyes narrowed and Ryo heard the click of hammer being drawn back from behind him. “You wired?”

 

“It's no raid,” Ryo said calmly, making certain to keep both his hands in clear view. “This is personal.”

 

“Personal, huh?”

 

“That's right. And the less you know the better off you'll be.” Ryo assured him.

 

“Hmm, really?” Simon leant back on the couch, throwing one arm across the length of the back. “That's pretty strange. A cop warning the likes of me off. What are you up to?”

 

This time Ryo let a hint of hardness drift into his tone as he fixed the other man with a fierce look. “You don't want to know.” he stated clearly.

 

Again the silence stretched out as the two men glared at each other. Corey suddenly stood and turned, heading for one of the rooms that adjoined this one. Simon looked back to him, “Where are you going?”

 

Corey paused a moment but didn't turn around. “I'm going to get things started. The sooner we get what Ryo wants, the quicker he's out of here. The longer he stays the more likely someone's going to take a bigger interest in why he's here in the first place.”

 

Now he did turn to face in Ryo's direction with uncanny accuracy. “I don't think you want the attention, and from the vibes I'm picking up from ya I don't think we want that kind of attention either.”

 

“You don't,” Ryo agreed.

 

“Fine then,” Simon said, standing also. “Wait here and we'll be done in about an hour.”

 

“That's fine,” and Ryo settled back to wait.

 

Simon and Corey were as good as their word, in fact they were better, finishing with ten minutes still to spare. They returned to the sitting room where Ryo patiently waited, although inside he was chaffing at the delay. A wad of documents were dropped on the table before him with a loud thump. He sat forward in his chair, reaching and shuffling through them, opening each and checking them carefully. They all looked authentic, almost better than the real thing.

 

“Everything's there for you,” Simon said, “You shouldn't have any problems with it. We've thrown in a couple of extra items for good measure, just in case they want to be difficult and demand to see more.”

 

“What about the check ups?” Ryo wanted to know.

 

“That social security number will be good for at least two days. We've pilfered it from some stolen documents and it won't be found out for a few days at least. So it should check out.”

 

Ryo stood, pocketing it all. “Thanks. What do I owe you?”

 

“Nothing,” Corey said with a bright smile.

 

Ryo was surprised. He had been able to get away without paying Deek because he owed him a favour, and at the wrecker's yard because they didn't want to get busted for illegal activities, but he hadn't expected to get a free ride from Simon. His surprise must have shown on his face because Simon spoke up, “Take it as a `gift' for helping out Corey way back,” the man grudgingly said. Then his face hardened, “But don't expect this again.”

 

“Fair enough,” Ryo agreed. He wasn't about to push his luck any further. It was time to leave, and leave graciously.

 

“Thanks again,” he said as he turned to head back to the door. The door keeper was already unlocking it for him to exit.

 

“See you round sometime, Ryo,” he heard Corey call out. “Maybe one day I'll become a cop and we can talk about old times!” He laughed at that, knowing that it was as unlikely to come true as the fairytale of Cinderella. Ryo knew it as well.

 

“Try and stay out of trouble, Corey. At least don't let me catch you doing it.” was all the advice he could really give the boy.

 

“Sure thing!” was the cocky reply he received as the door shut firmly behind him.

 

He was relieved to see that his car was not only still where he had left it, but that all four wheels and the engine were also still in place. Sometimes that wasn't the case so he had been lucky. Now he had everything he needed it was time to get out of here. It was just after midday so he should still be able to get what he needed and be back in town by this evening. There was still a lot to be done.

 

He started up the engine and headed out of town, and out of the State. He needed to get a gun and he didn't want to risk doing so his own home State. That was one of the reasons he needed the faked documents. They stated he was a resident of the neighbouring State he was now heading for so there would be fewer questions. Also, by law, the gunsmiths had to check ID before selling, or at least should do so. He wasn't worried that the documents in his pocket wouldn't pass the test. Simon was the best in the business and he never gave shoddy work.

 

The drive took a couple of hours and he was beginning to feel a little tired. He'd had no sleep the night before and was unlikely to do so again tonight. He pushed his tiredness away. He could sleep later. He made his way to the town he had already picked out. It was large enough for a stranger's face to not be noticed, small enough for it to be off the main roads.

 

On the drive out he had paused at a gas station and spent a bit of time in the bathroom there to make a few alterations to his appearance. He had ensured he had picked up what he had needed at a drugstore during the course of the day and now applied the black dye to his hair. It would rinse out after a few washes so he wasn't too worried but the change in colour was enough to make him look immediately different.

 

He then used some gel to slick his hair back, flattening its usual soft waves. He then used a fake spray-on tan over his face, neck and hands, darkening his skin toning. He was beginning to take on a slightly Hispanic look now. He pulled out some special stage make up and rubbed it over his teeth, grimacing at the taste but pleased with the yellowing it placed on his usually gleaming white teeth. A little extra white face powder and black eyeliner accentuated his eyes and changed their shape a little, bringing out a slightly more Oriental look whilst making his cheek bones seem more prominent that normal.

 

The face that looked back at him in the mirror was that of a stranger, someone he didn't know. Certainly someone Dee……

 

He stopped the thought as soon as it begun, sweeping all the items from the counter top into the plastic bag, walked back to the car and headed off again. Further along, as he passed through a small town awaiting their garbage collection, he stopped to dispose of all the used and half used items, carefully wiping them down before dropping them into a random bin, before continuing on his way.

 

The gunsmith he stopped at was a well kept shop, thick security doors and bars and shutters on the windows. All the weapons were appropriately sealed and locked, the place clean and tidy. Ryo noticed the corner surveillance camera with the red light blinking indicating it was actually working and not just a decoy. He made certain to make no movements that would seem suspicious, maintaining his calm and casual walk as he roamed over the cases.

 

He hadn't tried to wear a hat, which always looked suspicious on camera, or any clothing that may have looked as though he had something to hide. He also made certain his sunglasses were off, perched now on top of his head. People were far more comfortable and relaxed when they could see the other person's eyes. He had ensured he was dressed quite casually but still a little smart so as not to appear too down-and-out.

 

The owner stood behind the counter near the register watching with a smile on his face, but Ryo noticed his right hand resting below the counter top and no doubt hovering over the panic button in case his current customer turned out to be a lot more than he seemed. It didn't surprise Ryo. Being a gunsmith could be a risky business at times.

 

He turned to look at the man, “Excuse me, but I would like that make,” indicating the rifle that he wanted. It was one that would break down into components for easier cartage and had a high powered scope. It wasn't the top of the range nor the bottom but sat nicely in the middle. It would suit his purposes well enough. Ryo wasn't a crack shot for nothing. If he couldn't hit his target using this rifle he didn't deserve to hold that title.

 

“Of course, sir. Have you got the necessary papers?” The owner questioned, not moving from his position.

 

“Certainly,” Ryo walked casually over to where he was standing, reaching into his pocket very slowly and carefully so as not to startle the man. He saw the man tense as his hand disappeared from sight and then relax as Ryo pulled nothing more dangerous than a wad of papers into view.

 

“I brought everything I thought you might need so feel free to check what you like,” Ryo kept his voice calm and pleasant, not too friendly, but not unfriendly either.

 

The man's right hand now came into sight as he sifted through the papers. He looked up at Ryo, “I'll have to make a couple of calls,” he said, sounding almost apologetic.

 

“That's fine,” Ryo said, turning to wander back from where he had come from. He made certain that wherever he walked in the shop he gave a limited view to the surveillance camera of his face. He heard the owner's muffled voice as he spoke into the phone. This would be the test to see if Simon's handiwork was as good as he claimed.

 

“Sir?” Ryo turned as he was called. The owner had left his position from behind the counter and was walking towards him, holding out his documents, a smile on his face. “Thank you, sir, everything is in order. Now which one was it you were after?”

 

Ryo pointed to the one he had picked out, “And a round of cartridges as well.” he said.

 

“Of course, we actually have a special at the moment. If you buy two you get the second half price.”

 

“No, thank you. One is all I'll need. I don't plan on using it a lot.”

 

“Very well. How will you be paying for that?”

 

“Cash, if that's all right with you. Or do you prefer credit?” Ryo was hoping that the man would not want the trouble of a credit transaction but many places became suspicious if you paid for such items with cash. If the man insisted on credit there was a false credit card as part of the Simon's stash of goodies.

 

“Oh, cash will be fine, sir,” the owner said. “Unless you prefer credit.”

 

“The trouble with credit is that it can build up on you without you knowing,” Ryo said calmly. “At least with cash you know you've spent it and what it's gone to.”

 

“That's only too true,” The owner agreed, checking the weapon and writing the appropriate details down in his records, before turning the book around for Ryo's signature. He had to concentrate to remember what false name he had to put down as he almost signed his own. Whilst he did that the owner correctly sealed up the gun and passed it over to him.

 

“I hope it serves your purpose,” he said cheerfully as Ryo turned to leave.

 

“I'm sure it will,” Ryo answered as he walked out and back to his car. He stowed his purchase in the trunk then headed back towards New York.

 

He had been right in his earlier assessment; it was already dark by the time he reached the city. He pulled into a small hotel well in the centre of town, one among many that resided there, using again the false ID and credit card he had been provided with. The room was small but surprisingly comfortable and clean.

 

He looked longingly at the bed, feeling the weariness tugging at him once more but pushed away the thoughts of sleep. He had to keep going. He couldn't stop yet, not yet. If he stopped he knew he would be crushed under the weight of his loss. The feelings of loss that he had, for the moment, barricaded away in the deepest recesses of his soul although he could feel it trying to claw its way out of its prison. He couldn't release it yet, he had things he still need to do and he needed to have all his faculties about him. He had to keep his mind perfectly clear and focused. Later - later he would give in to those emotions and wish he were dead.

 

Mentally shaking his head, he sat down on the end of the bed to look at the pages that Deek had provided him earlier, sifting them into their appropriate piles. One he picked up and looked at intently. It was the copy of the photo. Standing he moved across of the gun case, carefully unlocking it and with care pasted the photo to the inside of case's lid. He stared at it a moment longer before closing and relocking the case and walking back to the bed. He picked up another sheet and re-read the three addresses that were listed there. They would have to be his first point of call tonight. Perhaps then he would find out what he wanted to know.

 

He showered quickly then forewent the casual clothes he had been wearing previously and instead pulled on a smarter shirt and jacket. The person he was going to see now was a classy lady and he had no wish to slight her by looking like something the cat had dragged in. Once he was changed he went downstairs and back to his chair, heading for the closest address.