After jumping the fence, you are relieved to see the get-away vehicle is only a short sprint away.  As you reach the car, you crane your head around to see if anyone is in pursuit.  So far so good. Slamming the door closed, you stab the key into the ignition and give one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check your six.  You now see a man come to a stop after clearing the fence.  You flick the key and hear the ignition turn over and start. Realizing you were holding your breath you let it out as you put the car into drive. With one backwards glance through the rear view mirror you are on your way.

Dino, the man back at the fence, would first look for you at your place you drive to your sister's in the next town over. Not wanting to put her into harms way you stay long enough to gather some extra money you had been saving there and begin your drive to Nevada. After all the stolen passports wouldn't sell themselves. The drive was long and hot through the May weather. The closer to Nevada that you got the more agitated you grew. It wasn't like you went around stealing all the time. You had landed into some trouble and this was to pay off your debts. You hadn't known there would be a Dino.

It was back around the time when you were gambling that you had landed yourself into a big debt. Rufus had said he would forgive your debt if you would go to his enemies and fetch the passports that they had taken from him. You had agreed with the enthusiasm of a child and had forgotten to ask any details of the job. Back at the house, Dino had surprised you just as you had grabbed the bag. It was only a matter of luck that you had kept the bag in your hand as you got into the getaway car. Now the car was taking you to where Rufus was waiting.

Pulling into the drive way you grab the bag and make it to the door way. Knocking loudly, it opens and there is Dino standing there waiting for you. A smile on his face as you realized that you had been played for a fool.

____________

BlueBelle - The Bartenders Collective (DarGabrielson)

You flick the key. And wake.

There is a fierce explosive sound. An urgent cry over your shoulder. A bellowing instruction. Your immediate concern is the apparent head wound you have suffered, which becomes obvious as you attempt to stand. A wobble. A stumble. Eventually you are vertical. To your left is a suited man laying prone, offering a vacant gaze to the graying sky. There is a smoking perforation to his breast pocket and a stone ornament laying discarded from his outstretched fingertips.

As your eyes set on the ornament, you inspect the gash to the side of your head with one hand. 

Reality soon drops and the commotion around you becomes clear as the instruction is screamed again in your direction. Your attention is drawn to a man frantically engaged with another. His agonized expression is desperate, distracted by your presence. 

"Run!"

He shouts again, before returning his focus to the struggle and the seemingly calm and collected aggressor. The word doesn't register, all you can do is watch terrified as the assault unfolds, curiously anticipating the developing brawl. Your guardian lands a few knuckles to the jaw, the aggressor returns the favor. The fracas plays out for a seemingly infinite time as your brain is tortured by flashes of déjà vu. 

Within a moment, you remember the pistol. Lunging forwards, your small hands grasp the still smoking weapon from within the cropped grass of the lawn. Your guardian is losing the fight, he screams again.

"RUN!"

You raise your arms, instinctively, relying on your memories of something you have never done before. 

Bang. The assassin falls. The excitement is suddenly brought to a halt. From his knees and though blood and broken breath, your guardian forces out the instruction one more time.

"Kid, run."

You run. The pistol clatters to the ground and you dart across the yard.

After jumping the fence, you are relieved to see a get-away vehicle is only a short sprint away. As you reach the car, you crane your head around to see if anyone is in pursuit. So far so good. Slamming the door closed, you stab the key into the ignition and give one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check your six. You now see a man come to a stop after clearing the fence. 

You flick the key.

JackMezzo - The Pharmacy

What time is it? Is it six? No. Couldn't be, you woke up at six. How long ago was that, though? All you could tell was that it was dark, almost too dark. Was there a light around this place? Fumbling around for a few seconds you eventually just give up, much like the rest of your life it was all about the easy way out. Which is why when they told you that the monthly poker game wouldn't have as much security as it normally does, you had to get in on the action.

Getting in was the last thing you remember. Then it all went black, until now. Where the fuck are you... you try to speak, but it just isn't happening. Why is your head wet? You touch it for a moment, but when you bring your fingers down to eye level you just feel a thumping feeling in the base of your skull.. fuck... it's all spinning too much. The men who you worked with, they were pretty young, none of you shared your real names of course, but one of them did seem kind of familiar... but who was it? Where did you see them before? All you could do to keep yourself from passing out was to focus on something more pleasant, something not... whatever is happening now.

Closing your eyes you let the pain fade away and begin to imagine; you've just now made it into the building, it was quick and easy just like they told you, the three men who accompanied you rush into the poker game with their faces covered and demand the cash from each and every player while you make your move for the real money in the safe, they of course don't know you plan to leave them all behind, but its not like they'll ever find out who you are anyways and once you share your cut with the boss, you'll be covered. Rushing outside with the pistol brought for protection now tucked safely away, you jump the fence and make it to the car that was place there for you. You drive for a few moments before you see him, the man.

Your eyes spring open as the memory hits you, it was him. He asked to follow you towards the safe and you told him he would be better served out in the main room helping the rest of them collect the cash, there was an argument.

Quickly you press on the gas and make it to the tunnel, switching off the car completely you sit there in silence as the man somehow has kept up with you. He's walking closer.

There wasn't just an argument, it was much much worse than that. You try to open your eyes, but you can't anymore.

Then he stops. You wipe the sweat off of your face as he walks past your car without seeming to care about any of it, you quickly turn on the ignition and drive out of there. You drive as quickly as you possibly can until you reach your house. You are safe now.

If only that were true.

KingRevan - ~+~ Absolution ~+~

After opening the fence, you are happy to see your trusty ride is only a short walk away.  As you reach the car, you crane your head around to see if anyone was watching. The street behind was empty. Slamming the door shut, you open the glove box, and put the envelope back where the others rested. As you prepared to leave, you stab the key into the ignition and give one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check your six.  You now see a man come to a stop after clearing the fence. He wouldn't dare. You flick the key, but before the car fully starts, a garbage truck slams into the front. 

The mangled metal and horrible smell of burning something permeates your nostrils as you stagger out from the wreck. You use your hand to steady yourself against the curb and the other to feel your face for anything that hurts. Despite feeling nothing different than usual, your hand comes back bloody. After wiping the blood on your pants, you finally realize that a truck had hit you and draw your gun, carefully keeping it within your jacket, at the ready. 

As you cross to the front of where your car sat, and focus your eyes on the front seat of the garbage truck, an empty seat returns your gaze. Out of sheer frustration you yell the typical utterance of a sailor or teen boy: "FUCK!" The second the word left your lips you hear a shuffling noise and turn to see a man running down the street. You remember it was the same guy whose house you departed from just a few minutes earlier. Despite your newly acquired half-limp you chase him down and throw him to the sidewalk. "What did you do, you son of a-"

A shot rang out and smashed into the small tree that stood next to the both of you. You dove into cover, and although you told the man to stay down, he got up and tried to run. Immediately a shot rang out again and a thud echoed when his body hit the ground, soaking the cool green grass with a warm red color. Once again you grab the grip of your pistol and bring it to the ready. The shooter was across the street, taking cover behind a few parked cars on the side of the street where the garbage truck had come from. He was obviously back to finish the job. 

You return fire twice before ducking back into the safety of the tree, whose trunk was much sturdier than expected. In the distance, sirens started to ring out, and you knew it was time to get out of here. The shooter seemed to gain in confidence, or stupidity, and tried to cross the road toward you while shooting. You quickly swung out from behind the tree and put two bullets into center mass. 

You ran back into your car and grabbed the envelopes that sat in the glove box, stuffing them into the satchel that occupied one of the back seats. After swinging the satchel over your shoulder, you set fire to your car with a makeshift molotov cocktail from a bottle of tequila and a rag. After crunching over the shards of broken glass in the road, you quickly ran over to your would-be murderer and dug through his pockets.

You pulled out a piece of paper that said: "Jefferson Court 10:30"

The handwriting looked familiar, but your head started to hurt while thinking about it. With a final sigh you walked away from the mess of a situation. After you turned the corner and looked back, seeing the plume of steadily rising smoke reminded you of a man you used to know. Joseph Darby. A police siren broke your stillness from the sudden realization, and you continued down the road, not once looking back.

yyy- Wolfpack

After attempting to jump the fence and falling straight through it, Slash was relieved to see the get-away vehicle was only a short sprint away, though for an alcoholic, drug addict rock star, a short sprint was still a lot.  As he reached the car, he turned his head around to see if anyone was in pursuit.  So far so good. Slamming the door closed, Slash fumbles around until the key finally enters the ignition and gave one last drunken glance in the rear view to check he was safe.  Slash spotted a man come to a stop after passing what was left of the fence.  Realising he needs to move, Slash flicks the key and kicks the car into motion, speeding away from the man as quickly as he can.

He had no idea how the job had gone so badly, but he just knew that Mistake was to blame. Hell, thats why everyone calls him Mistake. Every single time he comes along for the job, something gets fucked up and it goes side ways. Still, Slash knew there was few people he could trust with his life more than Mistake. Slash made his way to the rendezvous point to find Mistake and Apperition were already there waiting for him.

How the fuck did you guys get here so fast? Mistake looked at Slash and laughed.

We had it easy, all the guards seemed to notice you could barely walk nevermind run, so all set after you and left Apperition and I to simply make our way out free and easy.

Slash gave them both a pissed off glare. You do realise that Hazel will be pissed that we fucked this, right? The mention of Hazels' name seemed to sober them both up, with Apperition now looking like he may have just soiled himself.

We can't let her find out! If she does she'll put us all out on the street or worse! We'll have to Rebuild all over again! I can't go back to that, the life i've made in Vegas is good, the money is rolling in!

Then we must come up with a plan, i'm sure between us we can think of something. How much were we meant to get from that job Mistake?

Mistake spent the next few minutes with a pained expression. Counting wasn't his strong point.

5 mill each, plus 5 for Hazel and 10 each for Lucky and Doll. We'll be hard pressed to find another job as lucrative in short notice!

Apperition appeared to be ready to offer an alternative, but just as he began to speak the sound of approaching vehicles broke his train of thought and silenced him.

Oh for fuck sake Slash, you didn't escape you let the bastards follow you! Before they knew it, 4 cars full of Chicago's finest were upon them and began to open fire, a gun battle raged on for what seemed likes hours until suddenly more shots could be heard coming from behind the police. Aftew a few seconds of silence a familiar voice called out to them...

Alright boys, you can come from behind the car, it's over!

Apperition had definitley soiled himself this time. There was no mistaking Hazel's voice. With Mistake and Apperition standing still in shock, Slash decided to pluck up the courage and face Hazel...

Heeeeeeeeeey... how did you know where to find us? Hazel gave a wry smile, making Slash feel a little better. He suddenly got the feeling that things didn't go as badly as he thought..

Well didn't you wonder why we sent only 3 people on such a big job? You boys were simply the distraction. We knew that with Mistake involved then something inexplicable would happen and you would botch things up, so Lucky Dollface and I were waiting in the wings to clean up after the coast was clear. We got all the cash and even a little extra on top of what we were expecting!

The gang were relieved, safe in the knowledge that they got the cash, though somewhat pissed that they were not only kept in the dark but had been expected to be a total falure the entire time. Still, none of them were going to try and bring that up with Hazel....

Slash - The MGM Grand

“Fuck this shit” yelled Coltrane, almost throwing his saxophone on the ground. Why did he sound like that? Why couldn’t his sound be full, powerful, and dynamic? Why did he have to play like a fucking sheep? He sat down in his red velvet chair and lighted up a cigarette, thinking. It had to be the saxophone. It couldn’t possibly be him. But where the fuck could he find a cheap quality saxophone? All the bodyguards he had to hire had cost him an arm and a leg.

Suddenly, a light went off inside his head. It was easy. If he couldn’t buy one, then he’d steal it. He knew there was a rising star, Dexter Gordon, playing a couple of shows this week, and he had a Selmer Mark VI. Probably the best fucking sax ever created. He brutally grabbed the newspaper on his night stand and quickly found it. He was playing tonight at the Twins Anchor, owned by JoliBebe. There wasn’t a single minute to loose.

He put on his black coat and headed for the bar in a hurry. He parked his car behind the bar, hoping his ninja skills wouldn’t let him down. As he entered the bar, he heared Dexter’s sound. Fuck him anyways, it was easy to sound good with a sax like that. He waited for the young musician to finish his solo before approaching the stage and trying to grab the golden instrument. Dexter fought back, kicking Colt in the stomach and calling his guards in him. Fuck. Now he had to escape.

After jumping the fence, he is relieved to see the get-away vehicle is only a short sprint away.  As he reached the car, he craned his head around to see if anyone is in pursuit.  So far so good. Slamming the door closed, he stabed the key into the ignition and gave one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check his six.  He now saw a man come to a stop after clearing the fence.  He flicked the key and pulled out quickly, returning to his HQ. Guess he’d have to try some other night.

Coltrane - The Luciana Crime Family 

After jumping the fence, you are relieved to see the get-away vehicle is only a short sprint away.  As you reach the car, you crane your head around to see if anyone is in pursuit.  So far so good. Slamming the door closed, you stab the key into the ignition and give one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check your six.  You now see a man come to a stop after clearing the fence.  You flick the key and reverse backwards as fast as you can go until *BANG* you hit him. Putting the car into gear then hitting the pedal to the floor, all sorts of flashes and thoughts going through your mind as you speed through the long grass. Your conscious kicks in and without another thought, you slam your foot on the break. Putting the car into reverse and speed recklessly all the way back to where you hit the guy. You jump out of the car in the hammering down rain to look for him...

He's gone!

Soaking wet, you pace back and forth then run laps around the car. He is nowhere to be seen. Adrenaline rushes right through you, so you frantically get back into the car. As you pull off you see someone in the distance waving and staggering before collapsing to the floor. You drive over to see if this guy is alright. Opening the car door is the last thing you remember.

Waking up in complete darkness your heart is pounding and your thoughts are racing. All you hear is muffled voices and the car engine. Realizing you're in the boot of the car you decide playing dead is the best way. The car suddenly stops and the boot opens. "you grab his arms and I'll get the legs" You hear. By now you feel like you just want to die. You don't want to comprehend what is about to happen to you. You're still playing dead. 

A short while later, you feel a tight grip around your arms and legs as you're being carried out of the boot into the unknown. You hear them talking about the loot you've just stolen and how their boss will be happy they've recovered it. You have an idea of who they are now. 

*SPLASH*

You feel water seeping through your clothes to your skin as you've just been thrown into water. A part of you is trying to struggle but you don't know if they're watching so you just let the rock sink you to the bottom. You can't hold your breath any longer. Opening your eyes, you begin to really struggle getting the rope from around your ankle. As it's finally released you swim desperately to the top. Your head hits the cold air and you gasp for breath. Looking around, you see the two men walking off with your goods. A sudden remembrance you feel for your gun tucked in your sock. It's still there by a stroke of luck. You pull it out and aim.. just one shot left so you shoot and hope for the best. Hitting one man in the back he falls to the floor. The other looks around and instantly runs off. You see the bag on the floor as you approach the wounded fella. Picking it up you check for a pulse....nothing. Limping off in the opposite direction with your hand placed upon your heart...you are lucky to be a live. What a turn of events. 

Jasmine - ~+~Absolution~+~

"Burgers are almost ready!" Jack shouts. I walk over to the grill and waited. "Damn I'm hungry. Thanks for inviting me Jack." This was the first time I've ever been to his house, "Anytime Jonny. What do you think of my abode?" Five acres of prime real estate, "Amazing. How did you come by it?" I asked. As Jack was giving me the lowdown on his home, I noticed his wife staring at me from the kitchen window. I knew the look on her face, she recognized me from a party a week ago. What a night we had.

She brought out the potato salad and put it on the picnic table, "Hello Jonny. Good to see you again." she said . "Hey, you guys know each other?" Jake asked with an amused look on his face. "Yeah, we met at a party a week ago. Just talked for a bit." I muttered. Jack came from behind the grill with something shinny and metal in his hand. "Really? Cause she told me ...."

I did not hear what he said next, I did not want to know what he was holding. I took off like a shot. Across the backyard was a fence, my only way out. After jumping the fence I saw my car and raced for it. I got in and slammed the door. Looking in the mirror I could see Jack clearing the fence. I flick the key in the ignition and heard the "click-click-click" of a dead battery. "SHIT!" I yelled. I got out of the car a faced Jack. "Jack. Look, I didn't know she was your wife man. If I did I would never ...." I shifted my weight to be ready for the attack. Jack stopped and looked at me, "I don't care that you slept with my wife Jonny. You didn't try my burgers." he laughed. "WAIT! What? Then why the knife Jack?" I asked with a shaky voice. "Knife?" Jack looked down at the spatula in his hand and threw his head back and laughed. I saw it too and started to laugh myself. "You are wired to tight Jonny. Come on lets eat." He put his arm around my shoulders as we walked back to the fence.

jonnythecon ~ The Dauntless Assassins

Sweat beaded up and ran in rivers down your forehead and into your eyes as you flicked your wrist and turned the key...Whrrrr…Whrrr  “What the fuck”, your voice rang out irritated with a flush of hurry in its undertone. You quickly pump the gas, not realizing in your haste you have now flooded the engine. You turn the key again…Whrr Whrrr… to no avail the damn car will not start. Glancing up at the rear view mirror, and sure as white on rice you see him rounding the corner.

“O calm down and think of something useful”, you loudly chide yourself as you slide out of the car in a flurry of energy. Placing two fingers in your mouth you let out a shrill whistle down the street in the direction of the soon to be victim. Once you are satisfied of his attention you briskly turn and bolt down the street a few blocks till you find the alley.  The perfect location is your thought as you turn right and flitted down the alley just as the pursuer caught a glimpse of you.

“Ah this will work”.

Quickly grabbing the bottom of the broken fire escape, you pull yourself the several feet up to the bottom rung. Flipping around you have now suspended yourself from your knees hanging several feet in the air in silence. You slowly slide your left hand down your leg as you watch the target walk down the alley foolishly looking everywhere but up.  You pull the mother of pearl handled bladed from its home in the boot sheath. Slowly you bring it to your lips and kiss the blade tenderly as is your custom before unleashing its fury on your unsuspecting victims.

The smile on your face widens brightening your eyes making them almost glow with the anticipation as your target gets nearer, just a few more inches closer… closer…closer. Ah yes, the warm metallic smell of blood, that is what the kill is all about. That smell of victory when the victim has finally given in to the flight of their soul. His warm blood blankets your left hand eliciting a low purr like sound from deep inside you, as you let the body fall to the ground.

With a quick flip you are off the lower rung executing a somersault like twist landing near the man who would not leave well enough alone. After cleaning your blade on his shirt, you quickly rummage through his pockets. Disappointment rushes through you as all you find is a crumpled matchbook from an obscure night club.

                                                                                                                                                                 Nitesprite- Phoenixes of Mayhem

I pulled the note out of my pocket. Looking at the time, I best get this job done. After approaching the area of said fence, I grinned while I walked four feet further. I pulled out my bolt cutters and popped the lock off the gate. The gate echoed a loud squeak into the still of the night. I froze while listening if I alarmed anyone. The coast was clear.

Damn! I got to jump this fucking fence! I Reached into my bag for my left over lunch. I sunk my teeth into the Italian hoagie, wiping the oil from my chin with the back of my hand. Suddenly an idea comes into play. I took the oil saturated hoagie and oiled the squeaky gate. Carefully opening the now quiet gate, I sprinted to a nearby tree.

I was suspicious of the car I located partially camouflaged by bushes and twigs. I approached with caution. I came across bullet shattered windows and a lifeless bloody face behind the wheel. Looking around, locked and loaded, I opened the car door. I grabbed the black bag the victim was holding.

On foot, finishing my lunch, I was in tote with a new bag that was going to make my life that much sweeter.

___________                                                                                                                                                   Unhinged-The Mirage

You and the gang hopped the fence and proceeded to walk around the perimeter of the quarry, throwing rocks into it as you made your way to the bottom of the pit. You arrived at the bottom of the quarry and were in awe of the large machinery that was abandoned during its sudden closure. Upon further inspection a large circular boulder appeared to be movable and was conveniently spherical. The rest of the gang used all their strength to push the huge boulder far enough that a gap would appear. Armed only with their flashlights and slingshots, they crawled into the suspicious ‘cave’. They were forced to wade through the trash from consumed junk food that littered the entrance. Whoever had been here before, clearly didn’t leave very often and they clearly loved their Cheerios.

As you made your way deeper into the cave, you passed a series of detailed sculptures of female figures. There was one particular sculpture that was more detailed than any others, it captured the beauty of the female form in all its glory. The engraving said ‘Princess’. You began to see a dim light shining from around the corner but it wasn’t you or any of the gang. You peeked around the corner to find a naked man smothering a rock with his body. You could only wonder what on earth was happening, but then it clicked. You realized the rumors were actually true, it was old man Calpain. Rumor had it that he was born and raised in a quarry and after his parents passed away, he was forced to carve sculptures of women to fulfill his sexual desires. You were witnessing old man Calpain making love to a rock. The gang proceeded to retreat silently, following the trails they had left behind. Before leaving you take one glance back at the sculpture of ‘Princess’ and think to yourself ‘I have to have it. It’s a masterpiece’. While moving the sculpture the head falls off and makes a loud thud’ Old man Calpain could be heard running with the ground shaking with every step he took. You and the gang quickly load the sculpture over your shoulders and walk as fast as you can towards the exit.

You heard screams echoing through the cave ‘Noooooo! My princess!’ You panicked and proceeded to pick up as much speed as possible. With the ‘Princess’ weighing you down you realized that there was no way you could make it back to where you left your bikes. You hadn’t really thought this through ‘we brought bikes, how the fuck were we going to get this thing home?!’ You noticed a closer fence and decided to take a gamble on it being your escape route. The gang throws the sculpture over the fence, with the grass softening its impact. You are relieved to see what looks like a modified tractor that you could use as your getaway vehicle. It had a large decal on the hood which said ‘let’s get ready to rock!’ You were beginning to think that this was Calpains vehicle. Upon inspecting the sculpture you notice an 8 inch hole in the rear of Princess which allowed it to be conveniently mounted on the tow bar of the tractor. You hop in, peak round behind the vehicle before slamming the door. With the keys already in the ignition you look over your shoulder to see Calpain sprinting full speed and then soaring through the air in one leap over the fence. You hit the gas, and leaving behind the rest of the gang behind. Calpain was not giving up his pursuit, until both arms of the sculpture fly off in the wind and take out Calpains leg. As you begin to pull further and further away from him, a feeling of joy overwhelms you You pull up to your house, unload the sculpture and place it on your bed. You look at ‘Princess’ and realize Calpain wasn’t a single person. It was a way of life. You pull your blanket over you and mount ‘Princess’.

Funshine (Absolution)

After jumping the fence, Artur is relieved to see the getaway vehicle is only a short sprint away.  As he reaches the car, he cranes your head around to see if anyone is in pursuit.  So far so good. Slamming the door closed, he stabs the key into the ignition and gives one last courtesy glance in the rearview to check your six.  You now see a man come to a stop after clearing the fence.  You flick the key on to start the car, slam it into drive and haul ass out of there. Artur can't believe that piece of ass he followed home from the bar was the daughter of Lucky. The GF is going to have his ass if he finds out who just deflowered his little girl. He had to think quick, were to lay low, how to get rid of this friggin tail he picked up. No doubt that was one of Lucky's bodyguards trying to track down the heathen that had snuck into his house with his bosses' daughter. Artur said a silent prayer as he floored the car and rounded the nearest corner swerving in and out of traffic cutting left and right, checking his rearview mirror as he did to see if he had lost his tail.

30 minutes later and a lot of sweating Artur found himself in the LV airport, he hoped his flight was called soon before his time was up.

Artur - Dark Matter

You flick the key off, to allow the engine to cool down, you could feel the amount of heat coming off the engine. It was like a sauna. You decide to get out of the car and go for a little walk. There were so many people around tonight, you see the man once more and take out your Colt .22 and aim it towards his chest but you couldn't get a clear shot.

You decide to get back into the getaway car, the engine had cooled down and you were ready to get of here. The man had who had been following you all night pulled someone out of there vehicle and followed you to the nearest gas station. You needed gas the gauge was on empty .

You hid in the bathroom and watched the man behind the counter tell him where you were, you locked the cubicle and lifted your feet onto the Toliet so he couldn't see you when looking under the door. He was at you cubicle now and was about to break the door, you decide the best option would be is to shoot him in the head. So you put you hand over the door and let off 3 shots BANG BANG BANG!

You hear a thud and see the man drop to the floor, you walk out and pay the man behind the counter and get back in you getaway vehicle and drive off into the sunset.

BlackPanther -    (Absolution)                                      

The engine ignites with a roar as Carbon's face changes to a smug, grim frown. He slams the car into gear and stomps the gas pedal with force, denting the floor board as he reaches for his pistol. He is thrown forward as his car is thrust backwards. In a complete fumble, he put the car reverse. The car hurdles backwards and strikes the slightly athletic man, knocking him down. Carbon hits the brakes.

He grabs he pistol and gets out of the car, pointing his small death machine at the man who pursued him. "Who do you work for?!" Carbon yelled as he kicks the man in the foot. The man screams for a second and says,"I'm a courier for the Post Office!! I have a letter for you! please dont kill me!!" As the man removes an envelope from his coat pocket, Carbon snatches it from him. The letter is from an anonymous sender. Carbon looks at the man on the ground,"You ok man?" "I think my leg's broken..." he replies, holding his leg.

Carbon puts the letter and gun away, then pulls out a knot of cash. He counts out about five grand and drops it on the ground next to him "Here. Go get yourself another leg." Carbon gets back in to his car and drives off.

-  - -   -  - --   - -  -  -

When Carbon arrived at The Mirage headquarters, he sat in his parked car for a moment to read the contents of the letter. He opened it. Inside was key to a lock box and a piece of paper that said "My list of Corrupted Agents. Use them well. ~Atom". Carbon's father had left him an inheritance. After burning the letter, he hid the key in a secret location in The Strip, so he can retrieve it in a time of need.

____________

Carbon - The Mirage

After jumping the fence images swirled in Peter's mind, there was a familiarity in this, hoping over a fence, gun in hand.  Only a few years earlier he'd been involved in the Great War, jumping fences and charging from trench to trench in France.  Those were hard times, the smell of cordite constantly in the air, faint agonising cries of the wounded calling out for their girlfriends, wives or mothers.  

Peter had moved to America shortly after the war, a chance to start fresh and get away from the constantly harrowing reminders of war, lost comrades and the stench of death.  The land of opportunity.  Not much opportunity for a school drop out and war veteran.  It wasn't long before he once again had a gun in this hand, although this time without the backing of any government body.  But a man has to make a living right?  

Stumbling on a errant rock his mind suddenly came back into focus.  Years of war reduced to seconds in his mind. Jumping into the car he heard a crack and a wiz.  His training instinctively told him how close it was... too close.  Starting the car he looked out the drivers window, whilst getting the car into gear.  Multitasking was certainly not his strong suit and he stalled the car.

"Damn it" Peter exclaimed. 

Fixing his stupid mistake had taken a second, but in that second a figure had approached the car, there was a sudden smash as the glass burst open into the car covering the seat and Peter.  Reaching for his gun in the passengers seat he suddenly felt an arm around his neck - centimeters away from protection he was suddenly being dragged neck first from the vehicle.

Slammed onto the hard concrete pavement a boot suddenly felt it was the time to make acquaintances with his face.  The ringing in his ears and dizziness was profound.  The thug lifted him up and slammed Peter against the car door, forcefully shoving a gun into his bleeding mouth.  The taste of blood and smoke from the pistol was almost an intoxicating mixture.  

"You think you can hit one of our own and get away with it?"  The thug said though gasps from the chase.  "He was a made guy.  Nobody touches a made guy".  The pistols hammer was cocked, and that was all that was needed to bring in the clarity Peter needed.  He reached for his trench knife, a dark reminder of days of yore, and stuck it into the thugs belly pulling it sideways.  The shock was enough for the thug to drop his piece and allow Peter to grab it.  Three shots were fired, 2 missed, one by what seemed like miles, the dizziness still hadn't subsided.  

The final shot,  well, the story wouldn't be told if that hadn't hit.  It wasn't the most dramatic shot by any stretch, it wasn't a bulls-eye between the eyes, or something that would had made a great cinematic ending.   But it was a hit.  In the head.  The thug dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes.  

Rising to his feet Peter dropped the gun, spitting out blood onto the cold pavement.  Getting back into the car he prepared to drive off thinking about how it wasn't the most successful job he'd ever pulled, and certainly he was lucky to get away with his life, and how he was only contracted to kill one person - yet had bagged two.  Still, the end justifies the means. 

PeterMcNeil_ - Renegades

There was blood everywhere. Gooey, slimy, red, sticky blood. It was on the walls, splattered across boxes and pooling underneath the very dead man that was laying on the ground in front of her. Viviana was sure she had never seen so much blood before in her entire life and she was in disbelief that so much blood could come from one person.

When Peck entered the room, his face paled. He looked at the body on the ground, the mess around the room and then at her. She was distinctly aware, at that moment, of the blood that was on her. She wiped her hands on her thighs and shrugged. “He didn’t want to pay.”

Peck was a man she had found while looking for her father. He had been a bodyguard too, he told her, but not in the same city as her father. He didn’t know her father, but he’d been looking for new work and well, they’d struck up a friendship. He knew more about the business than she did, but not by much. She could sense his confusion and disappointment, which upset her.

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice.” He knelt down and felt the man’s neck for a pulse. Of course, he wouldn’t find one, it was silly of him to even try. He sighed and shook his head. “We have to clean this up. Is there anyone else here?”

“No, of course not. I mean, look, Peck, it’s not like this was on my agenda for today.”

“Murder is never on anyone’s agenda Viv.”

She giggled slightly, cleaning her blade before sticking it back in its sheath. “No, it’s on mine, just not until next Thursday.”

Peck glanced up at her with a frown and she grinned in response, her dark eyes shimmering in amusement. “Come on Peck, it’s not that bad. We chop him up and bury him out in the desert. If we sit here talking about it, we’re wasting the day away.”

She had come to the warehouse to collect their cut on some drugs that were shipped in and out of Las Vegas. Dollface had given her the relatively simple task and for the past few weeks, she hadn’t had any difficulties. But today, the man had given her a tough time, saying he’d had a bad week and didn’t have the normal amount. Viviana challenged him, telling him that wasn’t their problem. He’d gotten handsy and well, she’d gotten angry. She couldn’t remember exactly what happened next, but here they were.

Before they could even get started, they heard the sound of a car pull up and then voices. Peck and Viviana stopped, both staring at each other.

“Where’s the car?” She whispered.

“Outback but….”

“Leave him here. No one will know it was us. We come back later like we’re collecting and we’ll demand answers for who killed our middleman.”

Peck frowned but nodded and they quickly headed out the back door. The voices were getting closer so the two of them ran; she could see the car on the other side of a fence and she couldn’t help but laugh, despite the situation.

“Fucks sake Peck, you couldn’t park the car on the inside of the fence?!”

A clamor of shouting came from inside the warehouse and it was obvious the arrivals had found the body. Together the two of them sprinted to the fence. She was over it in seconds and she jumped into the driver’s side. She frantically searched for the key, finally finding it in the sun visor. She jammed it into the ignition before glancing in the rear-view mirror. She could see Peck coming to a stop after he jumped the fence. What in the world was he doing?

Twisting the key, the ignition sputtered but didn’t start. No no, this couldn’t happen right now. She turned the key again and again it didn’t start. The Buick Series 40 that she’d bought from Mistake had never failed her before, so why did it choose now of all times to not start?! And why the fuck wasn’t Peck in the car? She was getting angry again and nothing good ever came from Viviana getting angry.

No one had come out of the warehouse yet, so Viviana climbed out of the car and went back to get her friend. The man was on the larger side and when she approached, he seemed to be gasping for air. Oh no, this would never do. She made a mental note to help Peck get into better shape. Hooking his arm over her should, she practically dragged him back to the car and got him into the passenger side.

Going back to the driver’s side, she tried a third time to get the car to start, and this time it sprang to life. Another glance behind her and she could see people were starting to pour out of the warehouse. Just in time, she pulled away and sped back towards their family headquarters. She’d have one hell of a time explaining this to Dollface....

Viviana - The MGM Grand

Mistake had recently stopped smoking, it wasn't his choice, though. His wife forced him to, especially in the house! She would search him whenever he got home from work and smell his clothes to make sure he hadn't been smoking. All Mistake could think about, all day and all night was cigarettes. It seemed everyone he came across was smoking, every corner he took there was another reminder of his little glowing friend.

The craving got unbearable, he left work early one day... Knowing his wife wouldn't be home, he bought a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of Jack Daniels. He opened his front door sheepishly and checked every room to make sure she wasn't in. With a sigh of relief, he went into the kitchen, poured a glass of Jack Daniels and lit up a cigarette. The first puff was something magical, he hadn't experienced such a rush since Warrior got shot. Mistake quickly began chain puffing the cigarette, only stopping to take down a gulp of Jack Daniels. He apologized to his warm little friend for ever leaving him. 

Suddenly, Mistake heard the door open. His wife entered and saw him there, crouched down in the corner of the kitchen talking to a lit cigarette. He quickly jumped up and ran outside, puffing his cigarette as he ran. After jumping the fence, Mistake is relieved to see the get-away vehicle is only a short sprint away.  As he reached the car, he craned his head around to see if his wife was in pursuit, still taking long drags from his cigarette. So far so good. Slamming the door closed, he gave one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check his six.  Mistake now saw his wife come to a stop after clearing the fence.  He flicked the key out of the window and stabbed the cigarette into the ignition. 

"FUCK!"

Mistake just slammed his head onto the steering wheel repeatedly, whilst his wife gave him a death stare then picked up the keys and headed back into the house. 

Mistake - The MGM Grand.

You hear a man shouting words that are not clear to you. Your head is still in pain and everything seems black. There is something on your head that blocks your vision and as time passes by, everything seems clearer. Your hands are tied behind your back, you can feel the tight grips of hands around your arms and suddenly someone pulls whatever was covering your head. You look around and to your surprise, you are on a pirate ship with a group of people, covered in ash and blood, circling you. You seem to understand now. Your ship attacked the enemy but lost. Now, in pirate law, you will have to walk the plank to your death. As the swords are pinching your back and you walk forward, fear is starting to conquer you and then as you jump you wake up.

You look around and it takes you a minute to realise that you are in your bed. You get up and pick up a towel to wipe your forehead with it. "Why do we always remember the bad ones?" you think as you prepare your morning coffee. Sun started to rise and today was going to be a special one for you. Don Federico had invited you to meet him in his cafe today. This was a clear indication that the time to become a made man was finally here. You would be the first undercover agent that would manage to infiltrate that deep in the operations of organised crime. "If only they knew" you thought and a smile appeared on your face. But first, you would have to prove yourself by doing a tough job for the family. You prepared for this moment for a long time now and you would not fail. No matter what it was, you had the blessings of your superiors to go through with it.

Coffee, cigarette, newspaper and time passed before you knew it. Soon you heard the horn from outside. It was Fred, your childhood friend that you used to get in contact with the syndicate. Two lives that took opposite directions at some point. Fred would be with you on the job and he knew all the details already. You dressed up quickly and went outside. After the typical exchange of good mornings, you entered the car.

The drive was kinda long you left the city's limits and went in the neighborhoods where all the high class people were leaving. Doctors, artists, politicians. They were all leaving in these places. Fred parked the car in the corner of the area's main street. 

"What is the job Fred" you asked to just receive a short "We are delivering a message tonight." by Fred

"We still have all day to watch and make sure the job will be clean though, so sit tight." he said and pointed towards a house on the opposing side of the road. He pulled out his newspaper and started reading.

Hours and hours passed. The night was here and as soon as the last light went off in the house you were watching, Fred pushed you with his elbow "It's time." he said and reaching into his pocket, he took out a pistol and gave it to you."Use it only if I tell you to do it." he said. 

"Go around the fence. I will go in from the front. If the back door is unlocked, wait for me and we will go inside together." Fred said and you went out of the car. 

Moving down the road you turned back and saw Fred standing by the car as he would need less time than yourself to get in the perimeter of the house. "I hope the fucker won't ditch me." you thought and moved around the fence. You moved as calmly as possible to avoid getting anyone's attention and jumped inside when you made sure no one was around looking. Crouching, you moved towards the back door. You slowly turned the handle. The door was open. "These people must feel so secure. They will never see this coming." you thought and waited for Fred to come.

Not even a minute later Fred came over and made you a signal to go inside. He seemed to know exactly where he was going as he avoided all furniture with ease. You start climbing the stairs, still crouching and being as quiet as possible. Reaching the top floor, Fred stood up and you followed. He pulled out his gun and walked towards a room with double doors. 

With a single kick, the doors opened and inside you saw a man sleeping in his bedroom. The noise woke him up and he immediately opened the light. You recognised the man's face. It was a judge that was in the payroll of the family but lately he had a few cases ruled against it. 

Fred pointed his gun towards the man and made you a notion to do the same. The man dropped to his knees as he was begging for his life to be spared pointing out how well he could serve the family in the future.

"The old man wanted you to know that once in, there is only one way out." Fred said and he pulled the trigger. You started shooting too. You stopped feeling much. The adrenaline overwhelmed all your senses. You only stopped when the gun was empty. But the sound of the guns brought more problems. Dogs were barking all across the neighbourhood. You looked out the window and saw lights coming on all across the road. 

"We have to move fast" Fred yelled at you. "Go start the car. I have to find something and I am coming right behind you." he said and you immediately followed his instructions. You ran downstairs and then through the front yard.

After jumping the fence, you are relieved to see the get-away vehicle is only a short sprint away.  As you reach the car, you crane your head around to see if anyone is in pursuit.  So far so good. Slamming the door closed, you stab the key into the ignition and give one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check your six.  You now see a man come to a stop after clearing the fence. It's Fred.  You flick the key and drive away as fast as possible when Fred gets in the car. Your emotions are mixed. You proved yourself today but what scares you is what more you will have to do.

After jumping the fence, Dar was relieved to see the get-away vehicle was only a short sprint away. Reaching the car, his head cranes around to see if anyone was in pursuit. So far so good. Slamming the door closed, Dar stabs the key into the ignition and gave one last courtesy glance in the rear view to check his six. Dar now saw the man coming to a stop once clearing the fence. After flicking the key the engine roared and the came to live with a shudder. But before speeding off, she grabs his face and turns it towards herself. Her eyes betrayed playfulness before leaning in to kiss him.

With a loud bang a projectile hit the rear-windshield and the pair looks around to see a orange substance sliding down the glass. She giggles as Dar rolls down the window to flip the finger to the guard of the stocking warehouse. A second orange hits the side mirror, while a third one flies high over. After revving the engine, the car speeds forward leaving behind the dockworker and his curses. She attempted to uncork the bottle of wine Dar had stolen from the Abruzzo’s stock. In days working for Tony he would’ve known not to do this, but after all that has happened this woman proved wonderful distraction from the darkness recent times had brought. Her unarming giggle and killer-legs were only bonuses on her daring character. After leaving the dance, the night had been a series of petty crimes, physical indulgences and rebellious dares.

Her sudden grip on his leg, accompanied by a loud scream diminished Dar’s rush of joy and put his awareness back on reality. The raised arms of the figures at the entrance to the docks betrayed pistols aimed at them. After turning on the headlights in an attempt to blind the pair, Dar hit the gas with confidence. The shots could not be heard over the roar of the engine, but the shattered windshield was evidence of their existence. The sound of bones being crushed died away in that same roar, but the bodies that tumbled over the car hinted at the presence of their pain all the same. With a turn of the wheel and a hard down on the brakes, the car came to an halt with screeching tires. Wine stained their clothes after their heads slapped together and the liquid, mixed with their curses, poured through the car. After wiping the shattered glass from the collar of his shirt, Dar turned to look at her. With his thumb he wiped away the blood by her eyebrow that appeared where their heads had met in collision. As he parted his lips to ask how she was faring, she beated him to care and kissed him vigorously. That’s when he knew.

“You are crazy. And I love for you for it.”

DarGabrielson - The Bartenders Collective