[Chances Thrown, nothing's free
Longing for what used to be
Still it's hard, hard to see
Fragile lives, shattered dreams]
--- Lyrics to 'The Kids Aren't All Right' performed by Offspring
A Silver Lining Part 45
She ran.
As fast as her feet could carry her, she ran as the planned rainfall began to fall. The tears running down her face melded with the drops that began to drench her. Without taking a moment to look back to see that she wasn't spotted, she darted through the empty street and into the familiar alleys that she had worked for years.
Her shoulder-length, blonde hair matted to the sides of her face as her mascara and make up was smearing along her pale features. Her leather, knee-high boots splashed through the puddle that began to form under her feet.
The short, grey halter dress that she wore did very little to protect her from the chill that now filled the damp air, but she was not even aware of the cold. The cool water only made the material stick to her slender form like a second skin.
With as dark as it was that night, the occasional lit window from the apartment buildings and shops at either side of her did little to light her way. Only her knowledge of the area kept her from running into anything as she fled through the narrow ways. When she had to charge across streets, she narrowly avoided the passing cars.
Panting and sobbing as she charged her way through the maze of buildings and the occasional cardboard box that housed the homeless as she neared the center of what was known as 'Slum Village', her wide brown eyes hardly focused on what was ahead of her. All that she kept thinking of was the last image that she saw before she fled for her life.
Two hands appeared from nowhere, grabbing her shoulders and gripping on tightly. As fast as she had been running, the sudden attack left her to stumble back and she slipped on the wet ground. Falling backward, she cried in shock just before the wind was knocked out of her when she hit the cement with a wet thud.
Overhead, the only light source in the dark alley came from a single street lamp meant to keep the alley safe. Clawing at the soaked ground, she moved herself back into the light in hopes that someone would see her.
Even in her terrified state, she thought bitterly how the people living in the apartment complexes at either side of the alley would not come to her aid. Prostitutes were killed every day with no one lifting a finger to assist them. Why would anyone come to help her even if she could cry for help? Still, she moved into the lone and bright circle in what she could only pray were not vain hopes that she might be saved.
Desperately struggling to get her breath, she wheezed and whimpered while frantically trying to fight off the hands that now came towards her through the darkness. Finally getting a full breath, she did the only thing that she could... she screamed. As loudly as she could, she screamed until her lungs burned.
Through the haze of her panic, she felt the hands grip her shoulders once more and with an even tighter hold. "Dawn!" a voice cried out desperately. The face that belonged to the voice, framed by long black hair, drew close until it was finally lit by the street light.
Panting heavily, the young woman forced herself to focus on the concerned brown eyes watching her. All but instantly, Dawn recognized her friend and moaned as she choked back a sharp sob. "Jasmine," was all that she could manage in a whimper as she latched onto the other prostitute, shaking violently from her fear and the chill that was sinking in.
Quickly removing her brown, woolen shawl, the Hispanic young woman draped the damp, but warm fabric around her friend's bare shoulders. "Come on," Jasmine whispered reassuringly as she assisted the trembling blonde onto her feet. "Even the walls have ears around here." With her arms wrapped tightly around the frightened young woman's waist, she led down a couple more blocks of alleys.
Finally, the pair reached the cellar doors that belonged to an abandoned shop. It was one of the common hideouts for 'the girls' when they needed a quick escape when avoiding the many dangers that came with their profession.
Roughly pulling open one of the heavy double doors, Jasmine urged her frantic friend down the stairs before her. Once Dawn was safely inside, the Hispanic young woman eyed the alley around her for any wandering eyes. Content that no one had seen them, she pulled the door closed as she descended into the darkness.
Moving with practiced ease that did not need the initial assistance of light, Jasmine reached the table at the center of he room. She found the box of matches just where they were last left and struck one of the sticks to brighten the room with its warm glow as it burned. Dawn was already sitting in the corner furthest from the cellar doors, shaking as she wrapped the shawl tighter around her thin shoulders.
Concern etched on her face, Jasmine quickly lit the five candles on the table before moving to the pile of blankets that 'The Girls' stored in the metal shelves along the walls along with nonperishable foods and other needs. Life on the streets certainly was easier when one was prepared for anything. Such was the motto for call girls like themselves.
After grabbing the first blanket from the stack, the dark-haired young woman headed back to her friend. "Here," Jasmine urged in a quiet and soothing voice as she knelt down before the blonde woman, her black leather outfit crackling with her movement. Carefully, she removed her wet shawl to wrap the frightened prostitute in the dry blanket.
"T-thank you," Dawn whispered, her teeth chattering. Despite the fact that she was damp, the chill of the night was no longer what had her shivering. Still, she drew the blanket tightly around her.
Gently rubbing her friend's arms, Jasmine frowned deeply, "What the hell happened? You looked as if the Devil, himself, was chasing after you."
Having to think back to the incident that had taken place moments ago, the blonde call girl's eyes widened as her breath came in short pants. "C-Celeste. She was murdered! I saw it!" Dawn cried as tears filled her gaze.
Jasmine's own brown eyes widened at the announcement as the other young woman clung to her once more. Holding her friend tightly, she ran a hand over her wet, blonde hair soothingly as she rocked her.
"O-one of the Johns that took her in earlier came back," Dawn spoke through her sobs. "He slit her throat!" she shrieked. "I watched her gasping for air as blood sprayed out of her! When she was dead, he bagged her body."
Her body wracking with sobs, the murder witness shook her head and pushed back from the Hispanic young woman. Backing herself into the corner once more, Dawn whimpered, "He threw her body in the trunk. That was when I started running back here."
With her friend shaking violently once more, Jasmine tried to contain her own panic. Gripping the other prostitute's shoulders, she forced her to meet her steady gaze. "Dawn," she spoke in a firm voice. Brushing her blonde, damp bangs from her eyes, she waited until she knew that she had the scared young woman's full attention. "Did he see you? Are you sure that he didn't follow you?" she asked.
Swallowing hard, Dawn desperately tried to piece the fractured pieces of the events that had recently taken place. When she was reasonable certain, she shook her head, "No... I don't think that he saw me. I heard him start the car as I ran off, so he didn't follow me, but I didn't want to take any chances." As the realization that she was safe really sunk in, the startled young woman began to settle down a bit.
Mildly relieved by the information, the dark-haired call girl sighed deeply and nodded, "All right." She rubbed her friend's arms again and nodded again to reassure herself, "It'll be all right." Jasmine fought her own tears at the loss of her friend, Celeste, but the harsh reality was that their lifestyle came with dangers when it came to bedding with strangers.
There was a long and heavy silence that fell over the pair as they sat, lost in their own thoughts and silently grieving their 'sister'. In the end, they dealt with the reality that they- the other girls in their small but tight-knit group- would be the only ones that really knew and understood their fallen friend.
Dawn ran through the events of the brutal murder in her mind again. Instead of fear, a building rage coursed through her, urging her to recall the killer. The dark alley that he had lured Celeste in had obscured the blonde young woman's vision until her friend began to struggle. As she tried to run, the lithe brunette ran into the abandoned street and under a lamp just as her attacker caught up and slit her throat.
It was the smug smirk on the tall man's face that the blonde witness focused on. Etching that grinning face into her memory, she forgot her original panic as she felt her blood boiling. He thought that he was going to get away with the act. If she didn't do something about it, he had every reason to believe that.
"We have to report this," Dawn suddenly spoke up as she lifted her head, resolve slowly filling her eyes and steadying her voice. Even her shaking had dulled a bit. "Jasmine, we have to do something about this."
At the thought of going to the police, Jasmine snorted bitterly and shook her head, "And how far do you think the officers that watch over these slums will take the time to investigate just another of countless murders involving a one of our own? Who would believe you or even care for that matter?"
With a deep sigh, she brushed back her dark bangs and looked back to the candles on the table. Quietly, she mumbled, "Even if prostitution is legalized on this Colony, it's only because more than half of the law makers and keepers come to us for our services. There is not a cop in the district that would take this case seriously."
Her brown eyes narrowing, Dawn rose to her feet. "If I have to go alone, then I will," she announced. "I can't just forget what happened. Every time I close my eyes, I keep seeing that man's face. And I keep hearing Celeste's screams in my ears."
Biting her lip, she rubbed her arms under the deep green blanket that was still draped around her shoulders. "I have to do something," she whispered as tears filled her vision again. "If it had been one of us, Celeste would have made sure that something was done. Somebody needs to know about this."
Jasmine silently regarded her 'sister' as she remained as she slowly rose. Their brown eyes locked, she sighed deeply, "Okay."
Gently brushing away the few tears and mascara lines that rolled down her friend's face, the Hispanic call girl suggested, "Let's at least head back to my place so you can clean up a bit before we head to the station." With a quick glance down to their attire, she smirked, "And we better find something a little less suggestive."
A tentative, relieved smile tugged at Dawn's lips as she nodded firmly, "Thank you."
* * * * * *
Relena sighed deeply as she sat back in the soft chair that she had been sitting in for the last two hours. Between her kicking baby and her concern for Quatre and the others, sleep was difficult to come by. To fill the late hours, she busied herself with the knitting that she picked up not long after learning that she was pregnant.
At her feet, Yuuki kept her constant vigil over the blonde politician as she lay over her bare feet. Smiling to herself, Relena bent down to gently scratch behind the collie's ear. The pup turned her head enough to lick at her fingers.
Out in the hallway of the elaborate estate, heavy footsteps approached the one of five living rooms. Stretching his bearded head in, Rashid nodded to the young woman and asked, "Is everything all right, Miss Relena?"
With a wide smile, the Vice-Foreign Minister chuckled deeply, "Rashid, you and the others know that you can just call me Relena. We're all family, after all."
The last statement was not spoken lightly or with any trace of humor. Ever since she and Quatre announced their relationship, Rashid and all of the Maganacs treated Relena like one of their own. They were the first to welcome her into their lives with open arms and that was something that she was always grateful for.
A deep blush burned the tall man's face as he replied, "I am afraid that it is not as simple as you say, Miss Relena. I've known Master Quatre since he was young. And even with that and his insistence that I do not, I still would never feel comfortable calling him anything other than Master Quatre."
Her smile warming, Relena shook her head in amusement, "Very true." Lowering the tiny, light green sweater that she was making into her lap, she answered his earlier inquiry, "I'm fine, thank you for checking up."
Nodding, Rashid grinned, "Then, I'll bid you a good night. If you need anything, just let us know." That said, he tuned and made his way up to the second floor.
"Good night, Rashid," the blonde politician called after him with a small grin. With a deep sigh of content, she focused back on her little project.
Just then, the vidphone began to ring. Turning to the small received on the table before her, the blonde young woman frowned deeply, "Now who would be calling at this hour?"
Carefully opening the small monitor as she took up the vidphone, she gasped with wide eyes at the face smiling at her. "Quatre," she managed in a broken whisper as tears of relief filled her eyes at seeing her fiancé for the first time in days that seemed like years.
Waving at her, the Arab pilot grinned lovingly, "Hey, there, beautiful. I had a funny feeling that you would still be awake. How are you and our little one?"
As she wiped her tears away, the young woman broke out in a smile that threatened to split her face. "We're fine," she nodded. Rubbing her swollen stomach, she commented, "Just anxious to have you back home."
"Well, it's looking like that may be pretty soon," Quatre replied. "Heero has been recovered safely."
Relena's blue eyes widened in surprise as she took the information in. "W-well, that's wonderful," she sputtered as she laughed in elation. "How is he? Duo must be so relieved to have him back."
A shrill cry broke through the air of the shuttle, causing Quatre to jump and look to the opened door of his quarters. "All right! Who put Jello in my hair gel bottle!?" Wufei's voice screamed from the direction of the shower room.
The sound of running footsteps approached the quarters, fleeing from the direction at which the Chinese agent had been shouting. In a flash, the blur of a hysterical Duo and Anna sped past Quatre's open door. Shaking his head as he turned back to the monitor, the Arabian pilot shrugged and spoke over his lover's bright laughter, "Well, as you can see, Duo's back to his good old self."
Chuckling deeply, the ex-Sandrock pilot commented, "They're both fine and they send their best. I had to call on a secured line and I have to keep this short." He chuckled deeply, "Duo's was hoping to tell you, himself, and thank you for your support. Once we're finished here, they'll be catching up with you personally."
Her head tilting, the politician frowned, "When you're finished?" Suddenly, she recalled what her lover had mentioned before and her eyes widened once more. Leaning forward, Relena tried to keep her rising hopes in check as she inquired, "What did you mean by saying that you might be coming home soon?"
Quatre grinned and his eyes sparkled with anticipation. "There is a new lead," he stated. "We just left the Earth an hour ago to follow up on it." Taking a deep breath, he leaned in closely to the screen. "This should be the one that will finally get us to the bottom of this case," he told her quietly.
Nearly dropping the vidphone from her lap, Relena gasped sharply as she gripped it tightly. "You're kidding me!" she yelled when she finally stabilized the small receiver.
Laughing, her lover shook his head, "Not at all. I can't give all of the details, even if this is a secured line, but I promise that I'll be in touch with you as soon as I can."
As she raised her hand covering her mouth with tears of relief ran down her face, Relena smiled and nodded, "Okay. I'll be waiting." She kissed her fingers and rested them on the screen as she breathed, "I love you and please be careful."
"I love you, too. And I will be," Quatre whispered back as he returned the gesture, resting his hand over hers. Fighting the tears in his own eyes, he said quietly, "Bye." With that, the screen went black as the connection was cut.
Biting her lip, Relena breathed to the blank screen, "Bye." Slowly closing the vidphone and replacing it on the table, the young woman sat back in the soft chair. A small kick pushed against her hand that was still resting on her belly. Chuckling deeply, she rubbed her stomach and whispered, "Daddy's going to be home soon, little one."
* * * * * *
Gazing out to the millions of stars ahead of him in deep space, Heero sighed deeply as he settled back in the pilot seat of the shuttle bound for Colony L6. Even at top speed, it would be at least another eight hours before he and his team would reach their destination. "Hey," a familiar voice greeted quietly.
As he turned, the Japanese pilot smiled warmly as he watched Duo float down into the copilot seat. "Hey," he replied softly. "Can't sleep?"
The ex-Deathscythe pilot snorted, "Are you kidding? I've been more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs ever since we found out about this lead." Resting a reassuring hand on his lover's shoulder, Heero squeezed it in support. With a small smile, Duo reached up to rest his own hand atop his partner's to squeeze it back. "Thanks," he whispered.
Looking back out to the stars, the once proclaimed 'Perfect Soldier' removed his hand and smirked mischievously, "I can try to help with that if you want." As he peered out of the corner of his eye, he stated, "Zechs is taking over in about twenty minutes."
Duo hummed and returned the sly smirk as he replied, "I'm open for suggestions."
Just beyond the cockpit, they could hear approaching footsteps just before Wufei's voice yelled, "Yuy, Barton, I am very sorry but I am going to have to kill Maxwell and Dawson the next time I see them!"
The steps moving closer, Duo winced, "Shit." looking around frantically for a place to hide, he opened the small storage hatch beneath the copilot seat.
Heero watched him in amusement. Shaking his head as he folded his arms, he chuckled deeply, "What did you do?"
"Just something to ease up the tension around here. I'll tell you later," Duo whispered with only his head peeking out from the storage space. His violet eyes blinking innocently, he begged quietly, "Cover for me?"
Meeting his partner's gaze, the ex-Wing pilot grinned, "Always do." With a wide smile, Duo winked at him before sinking into the bin, closing the hatch door after him.
As he fought the laughter building in his chest, Heero turned back to watch the stars again. It was amazing to him at how just a few years ago, he would have reprimanded Duo for his pranks. Now, it was a joy for him to see his partner gravitating to his jovial self.
It surely was a relief to have something to laugh about, considering the approaching storm.
* * * * * *
"So you got a good look at his face?" the young officer asked, his arms folded over his desk as he leaned on them. His badge flashed over the florescent lighting with his name 'Dan Ashford' displayed proudly. As he scanned the two young women sitting across from him, he tried to contain the amused smile that threatened to tug at his lips.
Dawn looked over to her friend beside her for support. Meeting her gaze, Jasmine nodded firmly. As she swallowed hard, she nodded, "Yea. Thin face with a strong jaw line, short and reddish hair, and I'm pretty sure his eyes were blue."
Nervously, the blonde call girl adjusted the long, black skirt that her friend had lent her. Even with her conservative attire, Dawn couldn't help but feel naked when the dark-haired officer's grey and scrutinizing eyes fell on her. Jasmine lightly kicked her leg with a heeled shoe in a subtle gesture to remind her to stop fidgeting.
With a deep sigh, the young man nodded, "I see. Well, as I am sure you know, women of your profession are always at high risk for random acts of violence such as this." His hands flat on his desk, he pushed himself up unto his feet as he continued, "Best that I can do is call in the incident so that our patrolling staff can keep their eyes open.
Jasmine glared at him and frowned deeply, "You never even wrote down the description. A lot of good your call will do if you don't even remember what the killer looks like." To her right, Dawn shifted in her seat again.
Now giving into the smirk that he had been fighting, the officer Dan pointed to his forehead and told her, "It's all right here, sweetie." Straightening, he told them, "Now you two ladies better get back home for the night. We'll do what we can."
Reluctantly, Dawn and Jasmine rose from their seats across from him. The blonde young woman's eyes narrowed heatedly at the cocky young man. Gently resting her hand on her friend's shoulder, the Hispanic prostitute told her quietly, "Come on."
Turning slowly, the pair stepped from the small office. When he was alone, Dan laughed quietly to himself and shook his head. As he took up the few notes that he did make at the start of the interview, he sighed deeply, "Like I have time to be bothered with another one of these."
After crumpling the papers, he tossed them into his waste bin.
* * * * * *
"Okay, everyone, listen up," the Chief Monitor announced to the morning staff as they filed into the conference room. The attendants and shuttle port check in reps took their seats at the desk in the center of the room. "I know you just started your shifts, so you have not been briefed," the large man began.
Handing out the photocopies of the image and reports he received, the Chief stated, "If any of you deal with this gentleman, I want you to contact security immediately. He is wanted by the Preventers and believed to be hiding on this Colony.
"Since they do not know where he is exactly, all of the shuttle ports, like ours, are on high alert. This man is not to leave the Colony under any circumstances. Now I will be filling you in on the steps that we will be taking in this situation before I open the floor to your questions and concerns..."
An hour later, the last of the ticket agents to leave the meeting ducked into the private restroom used only by the staff. Locking the door behind him, he wiped at the sweat that began to dot along his wide brow. Quickly removing his cell phone and using the speed dial, the young man gripped the report that he had been handed at the meeting in his other hand.
Swallowing hard when he heard the deep voice on the other end answer the call, he kept his wide, green eyes on the image of the wanted man. "Sir," he whispered gravely. "We have a serious problem."
TBC...
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