Prentice

CHAPTER 7

June 19th, 2020.

Rockport Central. 05:23am.

Dante jerked awake and sat up. He exhaled then got out the bed and walked up to the mirror and stared. His short snow-white hair had grown long with a shaggy beard developing and his torso was covered up with tattoos, burns and scars. He put on the tap then splashed some water against his face and sighed. His phone beeped then he picked it and exhaled,

Jessica Barnes, runaway kid. Last seen in a pub on East Rockport.

Dante scoffed then put off the phone,

“Spoiled brats.” He muttered slowly.

June 22nd, 2020.

Hamlet, East Rockport. 03:22pm.

A sixteen-year-old girl ran across the street and away from a gang of thugs. She ran into an alley then climbed up a fire escape and into an apartment then pushed pass a few people, she rushed out the door and into the hall where two men in police uniforms grabbed her and slammed her against the wall, they searched her then pulled her down the stairs of the building and into a black van. The girl looked up to see a man seated, wearing a black-op tactical vest. He ran a hand through his long black hair then looked up at her,

“Jessie…where is it? Where are my drugs?” he asked. Jessica Barnes gulped and looked round, “Make this quick or you’ll end up in a cell with one of these psychopaths.” He added and the men smirked. She shook her head slowly,

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Damian.” She muttered then tried to move but the men held her put. Damian Reece sighed then took out his gun, he put off the safety then pointed it at her forehead,

“Don’t f**k with me, Jessie.” He muttered then pulled the trigger, Jessica trembled in fear then exhaled. Damian smiled then sat back, “You fear death?”

“Everyone does.” She mumbled slowly. Damian looked down at her thighs as her skirt moved up, “I don’t have what you want, I never did.”

“Maybe we can make some adjustments.” He said and touched her thighs then moved up. Jessica pushed his hand off then struggled, she pulled her skirt down then looked up at him,

“Even if I was crazy, I would never have s*x with –.” Damian slapped her before she could finish. He stood and walked out the van,

“Make her talk fast.” He said and closed the doors.

Hamlet, East Rockport. 04:04pm.

The van drove into an alley then stopped. The men strapped Jessica to a chair then looked at each other,

“How about we have some fun?” one of them muttered then smirked. They began to touch her slowly and she screamed in terror. A knock came from the door that startled them all, one of them shushed the rest then moved toward the door, he pulled out a pistol then c****d it,

“Who’s there?” he asked then opened the door. The alley was empty except for the rats that ran into the drainages. He turned to the other two, “There’s –.” He stopped then knelt and his head fell off clean. Jessica gasped as an assassin climbed into the van wearing a black bulletproof body armor with a black long-sleeved shirt, pants and a white skull mask,

“Give me the girl,” The assassin muttered in a deep muffled voice, “or I kill you all. If you don’t, we might have a lot of bodies lying dead.”

“No –.” The assassin threw two hidden daggers at their necks, they fell and bled to death. The assassin came up to Jessica then unstrapped her and turned. Jessica stood up then rubbed her wrists, she looked up at the assassin in shock then trembled,

“Thank you.” She muttered. The assassin looked back at her then looked away and picked his dagger,

“Come with me,” he muttered then wiped the blade of his sword clean. Jessica stared as he picked up the daggers, she gulped,

“Are you gonna kill me?” she asked. The assassin looked back at her then stood and walked over. Jessica stepped back slowly then came across the wall and gulped,

“You…” the assassin took off his mask and sighed, “are just a payday.” It was Dante. Jessica exhaled as he walked out the van. She got out to see him waiting,

“What’s wrong?” she asked as he stopped and gripped his sword. Dante rose a finger to his lips and shushed her, he twirled quickly then punch an invisible figure across the alley. Jessica gasped then hid behind the truck. Dante walked up to the figure,

“The girl,” Dante stared at the man, “or I kill you.” The man muttered. Dante looked back at Jessica,

“Who wants her?” he asked then sheathed his sword. The man removed a hidden dagger then frowned,

“Not your business.” He said and slashed. Dante dodged then grabbed the hand and snapped the dagger out of the man’s hand,

“It became my business the moment you attacked me.” He threw the dagger in the air then punched the man in the throat, he caught the dagger as the man knelt then forced it through his chest and out his back. He exhaled then looked back at Jessica who was surprised, he lowered his head then dragged the men into the van and closed the doors, “Let’s get you cleaned up, Barnes.” He muttered then took out a lighter then opened the cap and threw it into the van. Dante climbed into a warehouse then pushed some crates aside, he looked over at Jessica then exhaled, “Sit.” She sat immediately then he nodded and pulled out a rucksack. He took out a towel then walked over and gave it to her,

“Thanks.” She spoke then lowered her head. Dante nodded, he removed his swords and put them in the bag. Jessica looked up at him, “Thank you.” She muttered as he took off his outfit then wore a black coat,

“You’ve said that already.” He muttered then opened a shack and took two pistols then tucked them in his coat, he grabbed a dagger then turned to Jessica, “Here.”

“For what?” she asked then collected the dagger and looked at him,

“Protection.” He muttered then buttoned his coat, “We should move.” Jessica stood then looked at the daggers grip.

“Whose Irene?” she asked. Dante picked up the rucksack then exhaled, he opened the door and waited,

“A friend.” He muttered then gestured her to walk out.

Rockport Central. 07:25pm.

Dante walked into the building with Jessica beside him. He came up to the counter where an older male sat waiting. Dante knocked on the desk then exhaled, he put the bag on the counter then the man took it and hid it immediately,

“Do we have our cash?”

“Already sent.”

“Good.” He muttered then turned to Jessica, “Look kid, Rockport is not some playground so you better stay outta trouble and if you can’t, don’t get caught.”

“Who the heck do you think you are anyway?” she asked. The older man smiled and slid a bundle of cash over,

“Alexander the great.” The man said. Dante took the cash,

“Thanks Eddie. Handle the kid, please.” He muttered then turned to see Jessica in his way, he c****d his head, “Move.” She shook her head then bent her hands. Edward shook his head slowly,

“Move outta his way, little girl.” He muttered then leaned forward, “He’s got a bad temper.”

Jessica poked him slowly,

“He can’t do me nothing.” She said and continued poking. Dante grabbed her throat with both hands and rose her off the ground with ease, she gripped his hand and struggled hard, Dante frowned and dropped her,

“f**k off.” He said and walked out the building. Jessica looked up at Edward as he laughed hard,

“How did he –? Why is he so cranky?” she asked but Edward laughed and walked round and came up in front of her,

“You’re gonna need a place to lay low for some time. Your dad’s waiting for you.” Edward muttered then handed over some papers, “Follow his advice kid.” She looked down at the papers,

“Why?” she asked, looking up at him.

“Because Alexander doesn’t want you dead for some reason.”

June 29th, 2020.

Rockport Central. 09:22pm.

Dante walked into a pub then sat and exhaled, he ordered a martini then sighed slowly. The bartender slid a cup then nodded. Dante took the cup then sighed,

“When did you start drinking?” a female asked silently. Dante took a gulp then shrugged,

“A long time ago.” He muttered then smiled. He looked over at the lady, she wore a black crop top and jean pants along with a hat, “Hello Raven, what are you doing in Rockport?” he asked. Raven smiled then sipped out of her soda,

“My business, brother. Looks like we switched the haircuts.” She said, pulled off her hat and ran her fingers through her now short snow-white hair. Dante smiled then lowered his head, “It’s been a while. How long? Four years?”

“Five years and some months.” He muttered then stood and leaned over, “Stay away from me, baby sis. People get hurt when they get too close.” He whispered and walked out the pub.

Rockport Central. 10:21pm.

Dante walked up to his apartment then searched for his keys, they were gone. He sighed then looked round and twirled his hand, the door unlocked immediately. He smiled then opened the door and walked in. he put on the lights to see Raven waiting,

“Nice job, better in fact.” She muttered and winked. Dante locked the door then turned and sighed,

“What don’t you get from ‘stay away’ Raven.” He muttered then walked into the kitchen. Raven shrugged,

“You can’t hurt me brother.” She muttered and stood up slowly. Dante walked back in with a bottle of champagne and two glass cups, he gave her one then the cork popped, “Do you use magic for everything?” she asked with a chuckle. Dante tried to smile,

“Only when I’m either drunk or tired of everything.” He replied and poured into her cup then into his. He dropped the bottle then made a toast, “Cheers.” He muttered and Raven drank, Dante put down the cup untouched then folded his hands, “So, how did you find me?”

Raven put down the cup then inhaled,

“Well…Rick helped me track you down after Marvin, I found out you were in Russia handling mobs and s**t. Then after that, I found out that you joined a f*****g Nazi organization!”

“You were spying on me?” he asked and she shrugged, “Wow Raven!”

“Just watching my big brothers’ ass. Then I found out from my sources that you were the reason why some f*****g terrorists and dictators went dead and missing.”

“You mean Jerushabh. He was hard to kill, too many hideouts.” He muttered then chuckled, “It was fun anyway.”

“Then you almost killed Al-Saher of the Hafaf-Al’arwah clan of assassins, joined their crusade and became a f*****g Angel of Death. Totally badass but stupid at the same time because you tried to kill a f*****g leader of an assassination clan.” She muttered then sat facing him, “I’m kinda impressed by all your experiences bro.”

Dante rubbed his forehead and exhaled,

“It wasn’t all fun but it had a few good memories along with it. Look, I’ve had a long day and I just wanna get into bed and have a nice sleep, so you can now tell me what you want, Raven?”

“My boss needs a bodyguard for his runaway daughter and you seem to be the only one good in that kind of business at the moment.” She muttered then sighed, “She’s being chased by supernaturals for some reason.”

Dante frowned then stood up and picked the cup of champagne,

“What’s the name?” he asked.

“Barnes.” She replied. Dante chuckled then looked away,

“No way.” He said and snapped his fingers, the door opened slowly, “Close the door as you leave.”

“You’re chasing me out?!”

“Sure. I’m not becoming a watchdog for some spoilt brat. I never do that, I kill for a living.” He muttered then ran a hand through his hair. Raven walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder,

“Why won’t you do it?”

“Because I don’t want too.” He muttered and folded his hands.

“You see her too.” She said matter-of-factly. She sighed then nodded, “Think about it, brother. Who knows, this might be your only chance of saving her.” She added then walked out,

“What about the rest?” he asked as she was about to close the door,

“I have my eyes on them.” She muttered, closing the door quietly. As soon as she left, Dante took the bottle of champagne then climbed out the fire escape, he drank then exhaled and looked down at the city.

June 30th, 2020.

Rockport Central. 06:59pm.

Raven walked down the street wearing a black dress pant with a matching jacket with a handbag in her hand. She walked into a*****e and looked round,

“Mr. Collins.” She called out and Edward walked out in his pajamas, he came up to her and stared,

“How may I help you, miss?” he asked staring. Raven took out a photograph from her bag and handed it over,

“I’m Emily-Elizabeth Foxx and I need to know where miss Barnes is.” She muttered coldly. Edward turned then walked over to the counter, he wore his specs and looked at the photograph, he looked up at Raven then scowled,

“You can cut the act now.”

“What do you mean?” she asked in surprise. Edward sat then exhaled, he took off his specs then shook his head,

“He told me about you. Your brother.” He muttered. Raven walked over and put her handbag on the counter,

“And what did he say?” she asked with a smile.

“Intelligent, corky, persuasive and totally unpredictable.” Edward muttered. Raven smiled,

“That was better than I expected.” She mumbled then grinned. Edward then gave her a paper he had written on, he leaned forward then whispered,

“Be careful Raven. She’s got bad voodoo.” He said then sat back. Raven smiled,

“Always, Mr. Collins.” She muttered and walked out quietly, “Thanks for cooperating.” Edward sighed,

“Wonderful.”

July 3rd, 2020.

Hamlet, East Rockport. 03:45pm.

Jessica knocked on a door then waited. She looked down at her watch then scowled,

“Penelope!” she yelled then the door opened with Damian smiling, he pulled her in then locked the door. Jessica gulped, “Where is she?” Damian pushed his hair back,

“Don’t worry, I didn’t see her when I came over.” He muttered then growled, “What happened in the alley?!” he yelled. Jessica shook her head,

“I don’t know!” she trembled. Damian chuckled,

“You’re smart but not a good liar.” He pulled out his gun and c****d it, “This gun has bullets.”

The door flew open with Raven entering in her dress pant and jacket, Damian twirled then pointed the gun at her,

“I’m sure many people have been saying this for the past two days but I’ll say it anyway. I want the girl.” She walked in and sat beside Jessica, “Don’t make my job hard, Mr. Reece.”

“Do I know you?” he asked, still pointing it at her. Raven shook her head then took out a slip,

“Nope but I know you.” She muttered then looked at Jessica, “Hello Jessie, dad’s been worried.” She added then let out a smirk. She looked up at Damian then handed the slip over, “I need the girl.”

“Or what?” Damian asked. Raven smirked,

“You’ll have a problem with him.” She pointed behind him. Damian turned to see Dante staring at the three, “Hello Brother.” Dante walked in then inhaled,

“He’s your brother?” Jessica asked in shock. Raven nodded then sat back,

“Yeah, he gets angry a lot though, just sit and enjoy the beating, Jessica.” She whispered. Dante looked up at Damian who was pointing a gun at Dante’s forehead, he sighed then grabbed Damian’s hand and snapped the gun out of it,

“We’ll be leaving now, Mr. Reece.” He muttered then threw the gun aside and let go of Damian’s hand. Damian watched as Dante walked over to Raven and pulled her up, “Get her and let’s move.” He muttered then turned to Damian,

“Who are you guys?” Damian asked. Dante walked over then snapped his fingers, a lamp rose and smashed into Damian’s head, he sighed then picked up the body,

“You won’t remember anything when we’re done.” He muttered then looked at Raven, “Maybe.”

Hamlet, East Rockport. 04:33pm.

Dante walked up to a van and tossed Damian’s unconscious body in the back. He closed the double doors then walked toward Raven who was waiting across the street. He came up to her and looked round,

“That’s all, baby sis.” He muttered then looked at her, “I’ll move the van and get rid of him.”

“Thanks a lot. Will I be seeing you?” she asked.

“I’m afraid this will be the last time, and I’ll make sure it stays that way.” He said and came up to the van. Raven sighed,

“Dante…do you know how I felt – how we felt?!” she whispered angrily, “You left us when we f*****g needed you the most!” Dante stopped then looked back at her,

“Let’s not start this here –.”

“Why shouldn’t we? Mum and I lost two people that day.” She interrupted him.

“I lost three!” he yelled immediately. He sat then rubbed his wrists, “I lost three f*****g people, Rave. I lost myself too.” He muttered to her hearing. Raven sat beside him then exhaled, she lowered her head then shook it, “Every night since that day, I dream and wish I was the one who got killed instead of them.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” She whispered slowly, “I never get so emotional.” She added and chuckled. Dante looked at her then frowned,

“Are you ever serious?” he asked and laughed hard, Raven joined and lowered her head,

“I’m sorry,” she muttered and he nodded. Jessica walked over then grunted, Raven looked at her then at Dante, “We’ll be getting you back to your dad.”

“What if I don’t want to?” she asked. Dante looked up at her,

“You don’t have a choice, she will get you there anyway.” He looked at Raven, “I’m just gonna escort your ass – just to make sure you’re safe.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

“Don’t make me change my mind, Rave.” He said then stood and walked off.

July 5th, 2020.

Rockport Central. 06:33am.

Dante walked into the store then closed the doors. He looked round then came up to the counter and knocked,

“Eddie! Hope you’re not dead yet?” he yelled. Edward walked out, he yawned then came up to Dante,

“You can’t get rid of me easily.” He muttered then sighed, “What you need?”

“My stuff.” He muttered. Edward pulled out the rucksack and put it on the counter,

“What’s the job?” he asked.

“I’m watching my baby sister’s ass.” He said then unzipped and pulled out one of his swords, “Just for some days.” He took out a pistol then tucked it in his coat,

“Good luck kid.” He said and turned, Dante grunted immediately, “What’s up?” he asked.

“You’re coming with me, Eddie.” Dante put the sword back then zipped the bag and flung it over his shoulder, “Get dressed, old man.”

“This old man can still kick your little ass, Dante.” He uttered then walked off.

Rockport Harbor. 07:22am.

Raven looked down at her watch then exhaled, she paced about then huffed. Jessica folded her hands,

“What’s the rush?” she asked then sat and pushed her black lustrous hair back.

“He’s late!” she yelled.

“No, we’re not.” Dante and Edward walked up to the two. Edward took off his sunglasses and nodded, “This is Edward.”

“Hello ladies.” He muttered then walked passed them, “Miss ‘Foxx’.”

“Yeah we’ve met.” Raven muttered and exhaled, “You brought your buddy?” she asked. Dante scoffed,

“Don’t lecture me, Rave.” He dropped the rucksack, “I decided to come, remember?”

“I do.” She replied and looked at her watch. Dante looked up then at her,

“How do we get to Mr. Barnes?” he asked then looked up as a speedboat came up to them, “That must be it.” Raven walked to edge and folded her arms as a huge man stepped onto land, he looked at Dante with coffee brown eyes then touched his short black hair and scowled,

“I have company.” She muttered. The man looked at Dante then at Raven, he shook his head,

“Rake wants only two of you.” His voice was deep. Raven shook her head,

“He’ll have to consider, they saved her.” Dante walked over then grabbed Raven’s arm,

“We’ll leave.” He whispered. Raven shook her arm free,

“No!” she came up to the man, “They are coming with us.” She yelled and tried to punch but he held her arm and pushed her back. Edward grabbed her before she fell,

“You okay, miss?” Edward asked then held her up,

“I’m good, Mr. Collins.” Dante pulled a pistol out of his boot then placed it against the man’s forehead,

“That’s no way to treat a lady.” He muttered then smashed the pistol hard against his head then went low and took the man off his feet. The man groaned then looked up to see Dante’s gun between his eyes,

“Brother!” Raven yelled. Dante looked back at her, “Don’t!” she screamed. Dante smirked then c****d his gun,

“You’re lucky she’s forgiving.” He said then lowered the gun and walked up to Raven, “You should have let me soot his ass.” He leaned in and whispered. Raven smiled,

“You can kill later, big brother.”

Aspen City.

The Barnes Estate. 10:23am.

Dante and Edward sat still as the van came to a stop. Raven looked at both of them then grunted, Dante looked up at Edward then smiled,

“What’s your alias, Rave?” he asked her, still staring at Edward. Raven inhaled,

“Emily-Elizabeth Foxx.” She muttered, “The Prentice family dead.”

“The name’s dead,” he stood up, “not the family.” He looked at Raven. Edward rose his hand above his head, “Talk.”

“I’m using my real name but this body is not my type.” He muttered then sat back and exhaled.

“Hold on,” Raven looked at Dante, “What do you mean ‘not my type’?” she asked Edward. Dante rubbed his forehead then smiled,

“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you about Edward…he’s not human.” He said and looked at Edward, “He’s a demon.” Edward bowed then smiled, his eyes turned black,

“Wonderful to see you.” He muttered. Raven looked at Edward in shock,

“Dante,” she looked at him, “how did this happen?” she asked. Dante tapped Edward,

“Stay outta trouble.” Edward nodded and walked out. Dante looked at Raven, “You didn’t know about my fourth year?”

“Yeah, no one seemed to know where you were.” She muttered. Dante shrugged,

“I was captured by hunters – supernatural hunters.” He said and smiled, “I conjured Eddie to help me kill them but we got captured. He became my friend and we kicked ass since then.”

“So, he’s bonded to you?”

“In a way, it’s a mutual stuff.” He said and walked out, he looked back at Raven, “And…my name is Alexander Foxx.” He muttered and winked.

Aspen City.

The Barnes Estate.

Gallery. 10:45am.

Dante followed Raven as she pushed open the doors into a huge gallery. A huge man stood staring at a Mona Lisa painting. He had long blonde hair tied into a ponytail with sea blue eyes and a scar from his right cheek down to his neck. Dante looked away,

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He whispered as the man faced them. Raven stood still,

“Rake, this is my brother.” She muttered, “He saved Jessie.” James Barnes stared then pointed in their direction,

“Him?” he asked. Dante looked up with a frown, he tucked his hand in his coat and held the grip of his dagger. James snapped his fingers and soldiers rushed in with guns aiming at Dante,

“Rake, wait!” Raven yelled and stood in front of Dante. Jessica held James’ hand, he looked down at her then scowled,

“Leave my hand, Jessie.” He muttered coldly. Jessica let go then lowered her head, James walked over then gestured, Raven stepped aside slowly. Dante looked at James,

“When they said ‘Rake’, I knew it was bad news.” He muttered and pulled the dagger out quickly but James grabbed his wrist, “Hello, old friend.”

“You know him?” Jessica asked in shock. Dante nodded,

“I knew him as Jonathan Kirk. We were partners, pals before –.” he stopped and chuckled, “he betrayed me.” He continued then lowered the dagger. James smirked,

“Alexander the Great, it’s a pleasure seeing you again.” He looked up at Dante’s hair, “You need a new hairdo.”

“I killed your sorry ass.” He tucked the dagger folding his hand. James walked round then nodded,

“You did…but I survived.” He took a rifle from one of his soldiers then rose at Dante’s head quickly, Dante didn’t flinch. James smiled, “Still the same bold asshole.” Dante looked at Raven,

“I’m going home.” He turned to Edward, “Let’s go.”

“Dude! We haven’t eaten yet.” Edward muttered then looked at James, “I’m hungry, where’s the food?”

“Down the hall.” James muttered and Edward walked off. Dante sighed,

“Eddie! Ge–.”

“Shut up kid.” He said and disappeared down the hall. Dante looked at James, he held out his hands,

“I guess we’re gonna be staying longer.” He muttered as James handcuffed him.