Did you know, the worse thing to fear from death is not how your gonna die or when, but the main question that tends to be asked; 'What am I leaving behind?' When everything has come and pass, you start questioning things like what did I really do with my life? Where did I go, places seen, faces met? What things have I done to leave a mark for people to always remember my name? Accomplishments that made life seem that I had meaning. In this case, I wonder If my life was even worth living... only to come to an unbearable end by the hand of another... Kinda makes a girl wonder.

..What's it like?

“Hello?”

"...Hha...ha...ha."

"Hello? Miss. Are you still there?

‘It hurts.'

"Can anyone hear me?! If so, just hold on for a little bit."

'It really fucking hurts.'

"Dispatch has been sent to your location."

'I just don't have the strength anymore. My insides feel like they're about to fall out. My mind's racing in circles and I can hardly breathe.'

"Just hold on. The police are almost there. Miss? Miss!?"

'I never thought...that this would be my final moments. To slowly fade away in a river of my own blood. I guess it's true what they say. Like father, like daughter. A bitter end for an L.A.P.D. Officer.' I chuckled in humor but ironically coughed up some blood instead.

'Only question now is...how did I get here again?'

'......'

'......'

'..oh. Yea. I remember now. This all began with him. Didn't it.’

With every fiber of my being. Any strength I had at all. I begged my body to do me this last endeavor. With all my might I turned my head slightly to my left. And with that, I finally came face to face with my soon to be killer. Too bad for him though, he kicked the bucket just before I did. As I stare at him, laying lifeless next to me--his eyes void of life--I couldn’t help but smile.

Not at the fact that he’s dead. No, but of the facial expression on his face right now. I mean…it's not the best work of art, but I'm sure it'll give Freddy a run for his money. Cause I swear, the look of define terror on his face right now sends little goosebumps, down my spine. I know, messed up right.

Well too bad. I'm the one who's dying here, remember.

The little shit had it coming though, with all the trouble he's put me through.

‘…..Seriously though. How did I get here again?’

18 hours ago: March 23, 2095 12:35 a.m.

Somewhere in the U.S.

“Damn, Kate. Slow down, girl!! At the rate you’re going, you’ll really clock out before your third drink. And that'll be no fun!" Natasha said.

She was dressed in a fashionable-party attire which you would expect a professional prosecutor woman like herself to be wearing. She had brown eyes. Black heels, a black mini skirt reaching to her knees. A blue blouse with little butterfly designs on the back, in black and white. Could really see the curves in just the right places. A pair of blue diamond earrings. And to deliver the final blow, she was hot in her mid thirty's. Had such smooth blonde hair, long enough that it only reached her shoulders and over. Walking around in the club like some sort of model really brought the attention on her.

“Wha- your no fun!!" I retorted. "How can you think so little of your champion?! If I can handle 9 shots of Vodka, Whiskey, and even 4 Bloody Mary’s. Then surely I can with two little Blue Lagoons.” I said defiantly to Natasha.

Of course, I was no pushover either. I had on a pair of red Wedge heels. A black skirt reaching my knees, a red blouse loosely unbuckled to show off my hidden treasures. Brown eyes and short jet black hair curled up in bangs. Still looking hot at thirty-five. It was a night of celebration and no work so I wore my lucky necklace my father gave me. A silver wolf's head with two light green gems in its eyes. It was precious to me so I always kept it close.

"Besides, this is nothing. When I was undercover, Coleman and I had a little competition to see who could handle their liquor better. I won of course." Smiling triumphantly.

"You mean one of Tiburon's men. The one in charge of his arms deal?" Natasha asked.

"Is there any other arms dealer we know who goes by the name of Coleman." I answered rhetorically.

“Forgive me my champion. Oh please forgive. I just worry about how smashed you are.” She says, giving me that lecturing look. As if she was the reasonable adult here.

“Oh please. As if you can talk. You’re drunker than me. You can't even stand up straight. Leaning back on the counter like some kind of weird mannequin." I said playfully.

"Ok, one. Don't be jealous cause I look sexy. Two, men like what they see and if you haven't noticed yet. A few are looking this way." I saw a predatory smile beginning to form. Already aware, of where this was going. "And three, with that boycott personality of yours, it's no wonder you can't land a date." She said arms cross while twirling her hair, in a thinking manner.

"What? I've been on a date before."

Junior villains don't count. That was just in your line of work."

"At least they took me somewhere."

"What. You mean that drive-thru at McDonald's with Jarrod. You actually consider that a date?"

"Ok, no. That was a horrible day. I mean with Caleb."

"Didn't he take you to the movies. If I remember correctly, you nearly had a fight with his other girlfriend." Emphasizing the word. "While the movie had just begun."

"Hmm, yea. OK. That was bad too. If I had known he was seeing the both of us. That ship would've sunk before there was even a sail. Its a good thing a staff member came by and interrupted us before anything else could escalate."

"Before anything could escalate? Didn't you bloody her nose with your fist!" She says, bursting into a laughing fit.

"..Yes--but she started it first. The girl was literally barking in my face like a mad dog. It was either she put up or shut up." I replied lowering my head for a bit. Sitting on my stool posturing, thinking of anyone else that came to mind.

"Oh!"My finger snaps, again and again. "What about-ah. What's his face..."

"The fact that you don't remember 'What's his face' proofs my point." Natasha says, after ordering another drink.

"Darron. No that's not it. Wyatt!. No, guy, I arrested for theft. Ah. It was Erin. Or was his name Emanuel." I held my hand to my chin in a questionable manner.

"It was Edgar." She sighed.

"And you know this how?" Giving her a questionable gaze.

"Because some time ago, you came over to my house three in the morning complaining how that tooth-face rat. And I quote. Wanted to break up with you. And that he only wanted to cause..." She paused for a moment. "..he saw some stripper with a bigger booty." I saw her face scrunch up from the last part.

"Sounds about right." I replied. Leaning against the counter, my head resting in my left hand. Closing my eyes in deep thought. "Why do I keep telling you about my breakups?" I asked myself.

"Maybe it's because I'm your best friend and you like running over to my house at night." Moving closer to me and placing her arms over me. "Telling stories on how your grand adventure of dates. Be thrilling, dangerous, comedic even from time to time. And end in a tragic tale." Beginning to gently sway me, side to side, the more she talks.

"..You're either a bit tipsy or watched way too many Once Upon a Time episodes." I turned around and faced her.

"Can't it be both?" She asks, with a kind smile.

I could only stare. In deafening silence, memories started to surface to the front of my mind of when I first met her. Of when I first laid eyes on the woman before me.

I’ve known Natasha my entire life. Ever since we grew up as childhood friends, really. I met her in the third grade being harassed by what society dictates, as the 'The Cool Kids.' You know. The usual description of the guys who think it’s cool to drag their pants below their ass and wear, the fake bling they bought at a laundromat's toy machine. As if that somehow earned them the loose term 'swag.' And of course, the typical Queen of all barbies: showcasing glossy lips, long ponytail hair, her pack of dolls--mindless in personality. And displays issues, such as; rich parents mean I can do whatever I want or my parents care more about their job than to spend the day of time with me.

Arghh, I hate such things. Like really, who bullies anyone anymore. There's no excuse. It's pathetic. Anyway, to cut the story short I stood up for her when no one else would. In doing so I got picked on instead, but I didn't mind. Not one bit. Couldn't care less what came out of their mouths.

......
......

Hmm. No...that’ll be a bit of a lie, because I might have told one of the kids she was a waste of sperm and the other he was a shit-for-brains, since he got an F on his math test. Like, really dude. Hello, third grade. Simple multiplication and division. How you calling someone stupid when you fail the simplest test, stupid. With that, they dispersed into a crowd of whining toddlers, promising revenge. Hidden in their eyes, as they stomped away.

When the dust settled I was about to head on to my next class, but then she thanked me and asked for my name. Once I told her, she held out her hand to me in a greeting manner. Seeing no need to be rude I took her hand and we shook. Next thing I knew the bell rang. We let go and apparently walked the same path to class. Up the stairs, fourth floor, room 407. I had gotten the sense that maybe she was on the same floor as me but not the same room, as we both walked in. I was so confused. Was she following me, stalking me, or did she just idolized me in some way as I sat in my seat? Pondering on what I should do or say to her.

Before I even had a plan, Ms. Bernice who was in the room the entire time ordered the students to be quiet and take seats. However, this girl that I just met was standing. In the front of the room looking around in a daze. That's when my teacher finally felt like being useful and introduced to us a new student we would be having. Just like that the girl steps forward, waved at us as she smiled, and introduced her name as "Natasha."

I knew from then we were going to get along just fine.

"Ah, hello? Earth to Kate. Earth to Kate. Do you copy?" I looked up at her only to be met with a questionable gaze. Heh, little trip down memory lane took my focus. Oh well.

"Hello, Houston. The only problem we got is not enough booze to get this PARTY STARTED!! Am I right people!!!"

"WWHOOOOOOOO!!! I heard the crowd shout in cheers over the music.

It was rather a good night. Watching my friend happily celebrate her golden moment in sentencing a crime boss to max imprisonment. Not to mention my fourth major drug bust ever since I joined the Police Force. Especially when that bust and months of undercover work finally led to not only the arrest of L.A.'s biggest kingpin. But biggest gun merchant in the city. "Tiburon Blanco." In other words, the fabled white shark. Wilburn Mulvey.

Nothing brought me such joy as I was the one to handcuff him. Honestly can say I never saw that coming. Along with an unforeseeable disaster heading my way in...3...2...1...

"Wo~a!" I said trying to stand up, but ultimately fail as I lost my balance.

"Gotcha." I hear a masculine voice say.

I looked up to see my savior. My knight in armor who saved me from such a horrible fate and I couldn't believe it. This guy was a knockout. Standing at least 6 feet tall. Wearing a very dashing, but not completely buttoned up long sleeve red shirt in the chest department. He was broad-shouldered, muscular, fit. But also the looks of Christian Bale with his hair blonde and slick back. A pair of shade's resting on his head. His eyes were a light blue.

"Are you alright?" He asks as he pulls me up close to him.

Resisting the urge of having a meltdown. "Oh..um..yes. You are fine. I-I mean yes, I am fine. Why wouldn't I be? I am...Are you?" A bit blushed.

He chuckles to himself and says, "I will be, as soon as I can have my hand back." I slowly look down in realization of what my right hand was holding. Now it's either too many drinks I had or this guy just got me flustered. Cause I apparently grew dimwitted.

.....

...Eh, drinks.

I quickly withdrew my hand and apologized.

"Hey, it wasn't a problem at all. I'm just glad I came over when I did."

"So am I. You saved me the embarrassment." I replied with a smile.

"That makes two of us." He smiled back. "Besides, I really came over to ask you a question."

"And what's that?" I asked a bit curious as too where he was going with this.

He smirked at me like he had a winning game face on. "To ask you, my lady, for a dance."

"...Wait..me. Are you sure you don't mean her?" I pointed my thumb to my left of where Natasha was standing. Or used to be.

I turned my head and couldn't find her. Then the guy pointed to behind him. That's when I realized that little girl was already on the dance floor having the time of her life. Without so much as a care to MY safety.

"She left about a minute ago when she saw that you were all right. Your friend did say she was going to dance. Perhaps you didn't hear her over the music."

"Oh. Thanks. Guess I'm a bit under." Time to play it cool.

"But if you want to dance, you should know I don't mingle with people I don't know. So stranger..." Kneeling in closer to him. "You got a name.." I whispered into his ear as I stroked his hair. "..or do I need to guess?"

"Ah. Ja (cough) James. It's James." He stuttered as the words barely escaped his mouth. Hook, line, and sinker. As the surprised expression on his face indicated. Scoring an unbelievably high score of all times.

"Well, James." I said in the most enchanting voice I could muster while looking into his eyes. Full of long-full needing. "I hope you don't have work tomorrow morning, cause this is going to be your lucky night." I told him as I led him to the dance floor.

The techno music was good. It moved the hearts of many. Got them feeling the rhythm in their souls, their hearts, their feet. The Flash of multiple colors of light, from the dance floor, was bewitching. The crowd was alive. Alive and bursting in a wave of emotions as they expressed themselves on the floor. As for me, I found myself leaning in close to James. My body grinding on his and his against mine. We danced the night away. Neither of us leaving the floor no matter how late or tired we got. We both felt like we wanted the night to never end.

He was gifted. One of the many few in the club who actually knew how to bust a move. It brought a smile to my face and a thought of a reward was in order for helping me earlier.

"Say, James." I faced him directly. Looking him in the eyes seductively.

"Yea." He smiled at me.

"I don't believe I gave you a reward for earlier.

"This dance with you is more than enough." He quipped.

"I bet it is." I wrapped my arms around his neck. Getting in closer. "But a lady should reward her savior with...something more."

"Oh. Like what?" He smiles and quirk's an eyebrow. Leaning in closer to me.

"This." I said. As I close my eyes and plant my lips against his in a warm embrace. They were soft. Delicious. And tasted like cherries... I want more. My tongue somehow found it's way, burrowed in his mouth. Enjoying every taste till a not so distant stranger met with mine and gave me a satisfying need. We must have stayed like that for seconds. Minutes even. Until the need for oxygen became important as our lips departed.

"Wow...that..that was.." He gasped for air.

"Amazing." I finished his words.

"Not bad. I was going to say. But if you want amazing, how about another gorgeous."

We were about to go at it again, however, until Natasha came over to us full of sleep and deprivation in her eyes.

"Kate. Haaaa~h." She called my name over the sound of her yarn. "Are you almost done?" She asks rubbing her eyes.

"Yea man, I'm also pretty beat. What do you say we call it a night already." Some guy says as he comes over and puts his arm around my friend.

.....Guess she got a date I thought.

"Alright, Kurtis. I guess I'll drive since you look like the walking dead." He responded to who I now assume to be his cohort. "Say, Kate, why don't I take you and your friend home. Seeing as you two don't look fit to drive. Let alone walk, and as a gentleman. Such as myself. I couldn't possibly think to let two, lovely young ladies go home, alone."

"Bro. Watch it. I'm standing right here." Kurtis said eyeing his friend in an unfriendly manner that was lost on both Natasha and me.

"Yea. Yea." James waved his hand nonchalantly. "Shall we go."

"I appreciate the offer James, but-" I covered my hand over my mouth. "I wouldn't want to trouble you. I think we'll just call a cab instead." I said as sleep was evident in my voice.

"What?" Natasha asks as she faces me.

"Are you sure? It's kind of late. Or in this case a bit too early in the morning to catch a cab." Kurtis said.

"He's right, you know. Who knows if there's still one even running at this time. We could just drop you home quick." I looked to James and I guess what he says is true. It is late and I rather not wait outside the club without my wits for a ride. Plus, it was kind of him to offer. That...and the stink eye Natasha keeps giving my way as she holds onto Kurtis's arm. Guess she wants to take him home.

(Sigh)

Seeing no other choice, the four of us made it outside the club and into a nearby parking lot. Once there, we followed James almost to the back of the lot.

'Jeesh. Just how far did this guy parked. There's barely anyone here. Just a few cars and us.'

Now that right there should have clicked in my mind as danger. Like, hold up. Two guys, I've never seen before escorting two drunk, lonely ladies in a deserted area alone. The sad part is that I'm a cop and should basically know the signs when I see them. But I didn't want to ruin the night for Natasha. Not for James or for Kurtis. I didn't want to be that girl who's paranoid over just about anything. Being an L.A.P.D. officer can be stressful sometimes when you see stupidity come straight through the door. Especially when it happens every morning when someone is brought in for narcotics, murder, smuggling, dumbshit, and the list goes on. It kinda puts you on edge and takes the fun away in life.

So I did the next best reasonable thing...

Ignore.

When we arrived at the back of the lot, there wasn't a vehicle in sight. Just some guy standing under a busted light, smoking a cigar. He took in a deep breath and exhaled in a slow intimidating way. Blowing fumes of smoke in O's. One piece at a time.

"You're late." He said facing us. Leaning back on the pole, one hand in pocket and the other holding the lit smoke by his side. "By five minutes. You know I don't like to be kept waiting." He went back smoking.

I don't know what it was, but this guy gave off a chill to the bone feeling. Which put me on edge. From what I can tell, he wore a white V-neck shirt underneath a Dark blue blazer. Black pants, a blue and white striped watch on his right wrist. Along with what looked to be a pair of gray Alfani shoes. His hair was black, slick back, combed even. And he was...staring at me. With disinterest in his eyes.

For some strange reason. He looked like one of those handsome young men from Mafia movies who were too smart for their benefit. The cold and calculative type. But I could tell he was around his mid-40s.

"Sorry boss, these two here like to party till the sun, rise. Especially this one." I turned to face Kurtis only to see him pointing a finger at Natasha. "She's a heavy drinker and knocks em back like no other."

"Boss?..um do you know this guy Kurt?" Natasha asks him only to be wrapped around in his arms.

"Yep. And pretty soon, your gonna get to know him too." He said with a wink. Only to be replaced with a serious expression on his face, as his grip on Natasha grew firm.

"Guh...Kurt..." Natasha cries, clawing at his arms. "I-I can't..breathe."

"Kurtis!! What the hell! Your chocking my friend you son of a bitch. Let her go, Now!!!" I screamed at him, stepping forward.

However, as I stepped, pain could be felt entering my neck. It was cold, small, and sharp. Almost like a needle. Reaching my right hand up, I felt the warmth of someone's hand. Someone, who up to this point has been silent the entire time.

"James." My head whipped right, as my eyes locked on him. Only to stare in disbelief as he stands behind me with an insidious smile smeared on his face. Wha..what did you..just do?" A pointless question I already knew the answer to but was hoping otherwise.

"Me? Nothing much. Just thought that you could use a little relaxant to calm your nerves."

"What. Relaxant?! James...don't tell me that you..that you.."

"What? Met you in the bar by mere coincidence. Ask a fine ass officer to a dance. Or the fact that you believed me to be a gentleman by taking you home.

"But the dance." My voice distraught. "I thought.."

"That it was special or something. Our night and only our night. Either you watch the Twilight Saga, one too many times or you seriously believe in that crap. Love at first sight. Like really?" He scoffed. "Well, I guess you couldn't help it. What can I say. I'm a ladies man." He gestured to his body. "You can't deny it. I noticed immediately how flustered you were when we met. The words I want, written on that pretty face of yours."

"Katherine..." Natasha breathed through her holds. But whatever words she wanted to say, I couldn't hear her over the sound of my rage boiling.

"...You bastard..." I seethed through my teeth's. Tears beginning to build up. My hands clenching in and out furiously. "I kissed you!"

"And I thank you for it, sweetheart. But really now, you aren't the first girl I had a hell of a time with, and ya won't be the last." He retorted with open arms.

.........

I blinked. And blinked again. I just couldn't believe it.

This guy. This self-righteous, playboy, cock sucking weasel, played me like a fool. He manipulated me. Toyed with my feelings. And dares to stand in front of me balling my eyes out... smiling? 'Why would he-how could he?!' The words echo in thought. For I just couldn't understand how anyone could do such a thing. And if that wasn't the worst thing...I got attached, immediately.

'He's just like the rest of them.' My left hand clutched my chest tight as if I was unable to breathe.

Regret. It was the first emotion to take root in the pit of my heart. Followed by sadness, the second emotion that weighed on it. As if it was being dragged down by something to the depths of the ocean. Then pain. For just standing here feeling sorry for myself while my friend. My BEST FRIEND is calling out my name for help. Fear. For the thought that if anything were to happen to her, because of me. I could never live with myself. And last...

Anger. As I shot forward. Fist raised high, nice and tight. Eyes glaring with disdain and wrath. My lungs bursting to life as I bellowed in pure rage. Ready to pummel this weasel and his rat pack to the ground. I swung with all my might, in a right jab.

Unfortunately, I missed. By a few inches too. My body quaked. It wobbled as I tried to stand up straight, fist held up. However, my arms soon fell limp to my sides. Motionless, as if the connection to my body was cut off like a switch.

"Wha-what the hell. My body." My voice sounded restless as the words barely left my lips.

"Wo~a. Gotcha. Can't have you falling on me twice now." James said, as he wraps his arms around me. "Why don't ya take a little nap. We'll talk all about this in the morning."

"Now that you had your fun. You two can stop dicking around." Said the mysterious stranger. "Quickly, get them into the van."

"Mmmffffhh!!!" I heard Natasha screamed.

We were in the lot. Alone. A vehicle nowhere in sight before, but the sounds of rubber, shrieking on the ground indicated one had just shown up. I was carried in James's arms. Barely able to maintain focus as my eyes only wanted some shuteye. I came in and out of it as I watched Kurtis do the same thing to Natasha. As James done to me.

I blacked out.

Waking up again and now as the lights outside passed in a blur. The only sound heard was that of an exhaust perpetually exploding, talk amongst our captors, and the engine's howl. My mind just wasn't there. Couldn't focus. Couldn't form a plan. The only thing I could do.

Was sleep.

I was lost. Lost in a world of numbness. Of emptiness. A world void of any trace of light. Smell. Nor feeling. It was lonely.

"...wake up..."

The only sound that echoed. Was this voice.

"...wake up. Now..."

Persistently repeating itself over and over. Slowly gaining in volume.

"...Wake up.."

'Wake up? I'm right here. Aren't I. Wherever here is.'

"I think she's rest enough. This will wake her." Another voice says but with hidden animosity.

'Wait. What will.' I thought but soon came to regret it. As something snapped me out of my trance, hard.

......

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Copper.

The first among the few things I noticed after my awakening. It left a foul taste in my mouth. A metallic taste. Kinda reminded me of the first time I ate wasabi.

Gross.

I tried to correct my posture. To stand up even, but found myself to be hanging by my arms.

The second thing I noticed were the men in the room. Looked to be about eleven guys. My guess. Thugs. Most likely working for the mystery man I saw in the lot. Speaking of which.

"Nice to see that you're finally awake. I feared I might have missed the chance to speak with you personally before I left. Now, it seems I don't need to worry." Stepping into clearer view. "I apologize for the smack. But It was either that or... that." He pointed behind his back to a guy holding a knife in his hand. Flicking it around his fingers like he's done it many times before. While giving me a heart warm smile only a mother could love.

"What is this. Where am I. Why did you kidnap me?!!" I screamed as I started to thrash about in my ties. Only to realize one important thing.

"Where's Natasha?!!"

"Oh, you know. Here and there." He replied with an open gesture.

"You bastards! Don't you know who I am. I'm the cop who literally just arrested the biggest crime lord in the city. If you even think about touching one hair on Natasha or me, I promise you'll re-agghh!!"

"Oooh, trust me when I say I know exactly who you are. Katherine Sanders." He whispered my name in my ear.

"I know you have a cat named Pearl. Live in an apartment on Florence Ave. 3rd floor. Room 15. Your favorite movie Logan. Which I can't disagree on. Best damn movie Wolverine's ever been in."

That immediately caught my attention as my eyes slammed open. Completely forgetting that he had slugged me in the face.

I know you graduated from Marymount University at 22. Studied law enforcement. Followed in your old man shoes and joined the L.A.P.D. But before any of that. You used to be somewhat of a rebellious girl in High School. Heh, I guessed that changed when your old man died, huh?" He asked me.

......
......

"Thought so. I can go on and on but I'm kinda short on time here." He walks back slowly.

"How-why do you know so much about me?" My voice quivered.

"It's my job to know everything that goes on in this city. Especially when a nosy cop sticks her nose where it shouldn't belong. Interfering with my business and causing trouble."

"Trouble? I don't even know you. In fact, we just met."

"True, but like I said. I know you. You've been close. Too close actually. Done a better job of tracking me than the FBI and CIA. You almost discovered my identity so I had a scapegoat in case my stash was ever found."

"Stash?" I questioned.

"Oh come now. You gonna hang there and tell me. You really don't know who I am? Even when I'm literally standing right in front of you." He said in annoyance.

"Oo~h. I don't think she knows boss." James replied. Stepping forward.

"Let me dumb it down for ya." With a smile, he spoke.

"He's the shadow you've police been chasing. The criminal who crippled the yakuza and other mafia families, out of the city. The guy who stole the weapons truck of the U.S Government and sold on the black market. The one who puts the fear of God in our enemies who dares speak his name or go against him. The fish you've tried to catch, only for you to fall into the water and become his dinner."

"..No.." My voice gave out.

"Yep. The big badass himself. Tiburon Blanco!!" James shouted. Which led to an uproar of men cheering out their leader's name. While he stared at me in silence. Passing judgment.

I was afraid. Frightened even. The man I thought to be the fabled "White Shark" was just some stooge to take the fall and to lure me out. Out of the loop to see his true face. His Identity. His name!! It was all a ploy to find the snitch in his organization. And if that wasn't the worst part, he nabbed me with my guard down.

"...You knew." I said in resentment.

"Hey, now come now Kate. That's no way to treat the guy who went out of his way to meet you."

"You knew. Didn't you?! That I was a spy!!" I said in declaration rather than a question.

"Well of course. Though, you did prove a bit difficult to uncover. It was still an easy task for the boss. And man did he do it spectacularly."

"James. Would you please just shut up!! Your starting to talk a bit too much!" I said in annoyance.

"Well, sweet talking is my best charm." He laughed.

"I'm talking to Tiburon. So do us both a favor and zip it!"

"Zip it? Really. And what are you going to do if I don't?" Said, while folding arms.

"Then I guess I'll knock you down a few pegs...."

He tried to reply back only I didn't let him.

"..little boy." Staring him down.

"Uuuoo~h." Some of the men said in a chorus. While a few others tried to hide their snorts of amusement.

To this James faced his cohorts with a look of spite. Meaning to shut the hell up. It ain't funny. Then he faced me. Walking closer.

"Trying to act tuff when you're clearly not. Commendable, but I know it's just an act. You're afraid." He told me. Coming in close. "Afraid of what we might do to you in a few minutes. So you can quit acting." He stood in front while grabbing my hair. Pulling my head up.

"Your gonna die today like the whore you are. You and your friend." The look in his eyes told me all I needed to know. Natasha was alive. But not for long. Somewhere in this complex. Wherever, here was. I needed to do something. Fast.

But first.

"Yea, well, that's tuff talk coming from a pansy-ass who got me tied up. Ya wouldn't be saying that if my hands were loose. So why don't you untie me and see if I'm acting." I challenged him in front of his crew. "Then again, if you are afraid. I can still kick your ass with these restraints on." I beamed a smile. A look of dead-serious, showing.

"HAHAHA!! You can't be serious? Just what do you think you can do-"

Before he could get another word in, my right foot mysteriously found it's way to kick him right in the shin-dig. As the impact was hard and swift. Making it look like he had just jumped a few feet in the air. I managed to catch some of the guys wince in pain as if it was them that had their golden eggs crush. And James. Well, the view of seeing him writhe in pain as his feet touched the ground was astonishing.

The man hadn't shed a single shred of a tear, but the anguish expression on his face right now spoke volumes. Then taking a knee as standing proved too much of a feat to do now.

Almost felt sorry for what came next....almost.

"Hey, James." I looked down at him. And he back up to me.

"You know you had this coming right?" I asked.

"A kick to the balls? Yea...I guess I should've seen that coming. Bu-but your gonna pay for it." He said in a strained voice. Head down.

"No. Not for that stupid. For this."

He looked back up with a questionable gaze only to find my legs enclose around his neck.

"What?!" He tried to talk but found it hard to do as I was squeezing the air out of his throat in a chokehold.

I used the restraints as a form of grip to pull my body upward. While James tried to free himself by hitting my sides. Over and over. He struggled to breathe. Gagged even from the pressure.

"NGGHHH!"

'Almost there. Almost there you bastard!' I thought.

Suddenly the sound of approaching footsteps warned me of the danger I was in. Tiburon's men ran forward and seized me in their grasp. Pulling. Tugging. Forcing me to let go of James, no matter how hard they tried. I resisted. I refused to let this man live and one way or another. He's going to die.

"Enough of this." Tiburon said. And with that, a heavy blow was dealt to the side of my head.

My body went weak. Painful. My skull was caving in on itself. So much pain I screamed internally. Like a rampaging storm of firecrackers lighting up in my head. A massive headache.

A hemorrhaging if not.

I don't know when, but the increased weight on my ankles, pulling me down. Indicated I could no longer kick about, nor move.

"Should be more careful James. She was right when you had it coming." Tiburon said while walking around me. "Baited you like a rat with an insatiable hunger, only to fall for the simplest bait."

"Can you blame him." I said. Eyeing James as he sat on the floor. Gasping for air. Hands covering his throat with a hint of fear on his face.

"He is an idiot to big for his own ego. After all, I just showed him he isn't much of a gangster. Let alone a man, at all. Must be pretty embarrassing to be saved from a tied up W.H.O.R.E." I emphasized.

That got his attention as he suddenly stood up.

"You arrogant, bitch!! I'm gonna kill you! James said. Hate covered in his voice.

"Do that on your own time." Tiburon said. Blocking himself in James way. "You wasted enough of mine."

"But-"

"What?" Tiburon faced James. I don't know what it was but for some reason, the atmosphere in the air felt even colder. Tenser. Everyone just looked away as if afraid.

'Glad I can't see his face. Must be terrifying to look at.'

"I'm Sorry. Was there something you wanted to say. I'm listening."

"No, sir. I meant no disrespect. I'm sorry." James bowed his head in an apologetic manner.

This was a weird sight. James sniveling up to Tiburon Blanco like some child who's about to get a beating, for talking back to their parent. After all that trash talk earlier. Then again. If half the things I heard about him are true. Like that time he ripped out a man's beating heart when they dared question him. Isn't just a folk tale. Then yea.

I just might be screwed.

"Never let it happen again." His tone harsh, yet calm. "As for your question, Katherine. Yea, I knew. For some time actually." His eyes locked on me.

"And it was the perfect opportunity too. A few clues here. A few drugs there. Some weapons laying about with prints. And bingo. Thanks to you, the world thinks I'm behind bars. Can walk the streets free without so much as a care...

...not that I couldn't do that already or anything. But still. Thanks. And you know what the best part is. Watching you on the news as the cop who arrested me. Boy, you sure had a smile. From what I heard. There was a promotion in it for you. Guess the men in black stopped by huh."

"..You.." I seethed through my teeth's. Again. This guy knew so much about me, that I didn't know jack shit about him.

"Anyway, I just wanted to express my gratitude. Now I can really shake this city up." He said as he started heading for the door.

"Tiburon, wait! Just what do you mean by shaking things up?" I inquired.

"Well, what else." He looked at me as if I was crazy. "After the Mayor's death tonight of course. And when he's gone, the city's gonna need someone to help it rise from the ash."

"The mayor....you wouldn't..." Fear beginning to show on my face.

He flashed me one last grin. "Oh, Kate. It's like you don't know me at all."

And with that, he walked through the door as if none of this had even happened.

"Tiburon...

Tiburon!...

...Tibuurrrroooooo!!!"

....To be continued.

Author's Note

Hey guys. Hope you enjoyed the taste of this thrilling tale cause it's only the beginning. And if I do this right, the story might lead to some twists.

Other than that, just want to say hi to fellow Mlp readers and of course. Some feed back of spelling or anything else is appreciated. I'll try to post every month or two since my schedule seems pretty hectic. Still, I hope this was to your liking.

Enjoy.