Devour: The Chrysalis and The Snake

Seeing Green

“I already told you, if anyone tries to come and hurt you or me they won’t.” I was bothered by Jack’s proposal to leave on short notice. “Yeah well, even if Carlo and Tommy’s men aren’t strong enough to take you down, there’s not much we can do if the FBI gets a call about a 400 men massacre.” He opened a*****e closet, rummaging through it. I didn’t consider the possibility of the government tracking me, but if the mafia knows about Evan, I’m more than likely under a radar as well. “So what, we’re on the run now?” I began to pack my things up as Jack gathered his and headed to the roaring fireplace. “It’s not called running when we can defend ourselves. We just need to make it look like someone got to us before them.” He began knocking over the sofa and tables. “This is crazy..” I watched nervously as he smashed a window. “That hush money should be enough to get us somewhere we can blend in, and we can figure things out from there.” Jack tossed various papers and identifiable items into the fireplace. “I thought you’d have a back up cash stash or something. I mean Carlo had to be paying you handsomely, didn’t he?” I questioned realizing what I’d done. He looked back to me as I stood there hesitantly. “Yeah, but it’s not here, and his bank is like a fortress. You do..have the money Carlo gave you? Right?” He slowly stood up, and I could feel his anxiety peaking. “Look, before you get mad I can figure out a way to get cash. But..I did give the money to Linda..” I admitted to him which caused him to hang his head. Thinking on my feet, I pulled out the rest of the brief cases from the hidden compartment in the kitchen cabinet. “Look. Now I’m no mathematician, but there’s at least 100k in each of these cases. 200k if we find enough pretentious people to fool.” I put them in front of him opening the still perfectly persevered drugs. “You want to sell Carlo’s coke? You must really wanna go down fighting.” He looked at me as if I was insane. “Carlo won’t do anything I can’t do ten times over. Even if you returned it, he’d have you shot before you make it onto his property. When it comes to selling it ourselves, let’s just say, I’m very persuasive.” I shrugged closing the cases. “So what’s your big plan ‘Mr. Montana’?” He waved his hands acting ‘scared’.

—

“First, we need money fast.” We pulled up to a large bank where Jack kept his work safety deposit. “If I withdrawal the money, Carlo will know. He keeps all of our accounts joint so that we can’t run off without him being alerted.” Jack grew more anxious, too scared to even roll down his window. “Don’t worry, we’ll get that money and then some. Once we’re out we find that stash you’re talking about sell the merchandise. And then, we’re on an island in hidden paradise.” I confidently brushed off his apprehension. “You’re not seriously gonna rob a bank? ‘His’ bank?” He points to the fact that it’s owned by members of Carlo’s upper echelon including Carlo himself. “I know you’re ‘magical’ and all, but there’s cameras. Even if you convinced the clerk, they know what you look like, and we’d be dead before we even reach the counter.” He explained trying to talk me down. I pulled out a pair of shades placing them on, “Who says we have to go in?” I smirk as motioned him to pull to a more concealed area.

I rolled down my window slightly. After surveying the area I was able to pick out two armed guards, most likely waiting for Jack to arrive. “How thorough....” I closed my eyes as my chest began to heat up. My eyes flickered, and I almost wanted to vomit as it felt like my brain was being split into two. I reached for Jack’s hand, and he took it growing fearful. “When I wake up, I need you to get out of here as quickly as possible.” I fell back into my seat.

—

RANDOM GOON.

“Think he’ll show up?” I pressed my ear piece. “He would if he didn’t have that b***h with him. She probably caught on, and talked him out of showing his face.” Hawk responded. “Well I’ll give it 2 more hours, and then I’m going home.” I clicked my radio off, and readjusted my gun holster. I rubbed my throat as it began slightly irritating me. “Shouldn’t have ate that sushi.” I feel it tighten up. Out of now where, I began coughing profusely almost like I had a giant lump in my throat. “What the fu..” My eyes became spotty, and my hands were immobile. I could have sworn it was like my life was being drained from me. And then, everything went black.

—

LILY POV.

My eyes shot open, and I was standing by the bank entrance. I felt something in my ear, as well as a large gun in my hands. I didn’t even think what I did would work, but here I was in the body of one of Carlo’s men. I’d say it wasn’t the most ‘comfortable’ experience, but I could manage it. I reached to his radio turning it on. “Hawk to Raven. You okay there man? Looked like you were gonna pass out.” The other guard questioned. “Must be the heat.” I tried to deepen my voice to sound convincing though it wasn’t necessary. His, my, pocket buzzed, and I pulled out a phone. A message popped up with an alias.

“ EAGLE:

CONDOR Home ransacked. Back to base in 30 minutes.”

“Fuck..” I was shocked to see they were already tailing us. I looked to Hawk who didn’t seem to get a text. Logically, I assumed it meant I was a rank or so above him. “Something wrong?” He called back on the radio. Thinking quickly, “Yeah..they’ve already gotten 5k from an atm. Boss needs us to get the rest in person.” My heart raced thinking I blew my cover with such a bold move. “Roger that. I get the funds, and we head back to boss.” He, without question, walked into the bank. I followed suit entering the marbled building with a full glass ceiling; topped with more armed guards. Men and women, all wearing black, looked as if they were all apart of some large crime syndicate, though they technically were. Even in disguise, I couldn’t help but feel my feminine nature showing through a masc body. I walked up to a clerk as Hawk retrieved Jack’s money from another. “What’s the most I can withdrawal today? I’m thinking about buying a new sports car.” I tried being casual with the lady behind the glass, but she looked unimpressed. “What? You’re gonna make me do ‘all the steps’? I’m kinda in a hurry.” I tried finding some middle ground without looking too suspicious. “Really Jimmy? You’re just gonna waltz in here like you didn’t dump me last night? You’re such a moron.” She crossed her arms, and I checked her name tag. “Rachel?! I didn’t even recognize you. Your hair must be different.” I leaned in, and she notably blushed. “Still doesn’t change what you did. You know I really thought you were the one.” She began typing on the computer, pulling up my info. “I know, I know. I just..think you deserve someone better than me. You don’t need to be running around with a dangerous guy, you know?.” I tried keeping her at bay as I glanced to Raven who was now having Jack’s money counted. “You got $345,896 available for withdrawal. That car must be a real beauty. All you gave me was a lousy tennis bracelet.” She pouted. “You know what?” I reached over the counter taking her hand. “Once I get off work, I’m taking you to that place you really like. And instead of a tennis bracelet, I’ll buy you a horse.” I took notice of a white stallion figurine she had by her computer. Her face lit up and she quickly got up to retrieve the money. I looked over my should to see Hawk preparing to leave. She tossed the bags over the glass and into my arms, “I’ll make sure to wear that nice dress you liked. I might not even wear panties this ti-” “Yeah yeah. I’ll call you.” I quickly threw the bags over my shoulder and left before Hawk.

—

JACK POV.

Lily sat slumped, and I had no idea if her plan even worked. I felt too cowardly to leave the car, and just decided to wait it out. Unfortunately, I looked over to Lily who’s nose began to bleed. “Shit..” I held her face which felt cold, almost soulless. I almost said f**k-it, and pulled my gun out only for a knock to be at my window. I turned to see Jimmy smiling, and signaling me to roll it down. “Lily??” I watched his mannerisms which heavily resembled hers. I rolled it down and he tossed two sacks of money into the back seat. “Were you and Jimmy close?” He, well Lily, asked. “We went on a stake-out once, but he’s a complete ass if you ask me.” I shrugged, “Why?” I was curious of her implication. “Let’s just say he won’t be making it to his date tonight.” He backed away from the door, and headed towards the other guard.

—

LILY POV.

“Give me the money.” I ordered Hawk as he held the sacks over his shoulders. “Look, I know I f****d up last time, but I promise I can do this drop myself. And I know it was your order..it’s just..it’ll really look good if I’m the one giving Boss the money, you know? Maybe he’ll even send me on my own assignment next time.” He was optimistic at the opportunity which slightly pained me to see. I let out a sigh, not wanting to hurt someone if I didn’t have to. “Fine. There’s a separate van off to the side, load the money on, and I’ll let you drive to base.” I patted his shoulder, and he happily left with me.

As we slowly approached the van, I locked eyes with Jack who had his hands readied to the steering wheel. He gave me a nod, and I popped open the trunk. We loaded the money with the rest, and Hawk was none the wiser. I could feel my chest warming up, and I knew it was time to get back into my body. Right after I shut the trunk? My eyes rolled into the back of my head.

—

RAVEN POV.

“What the hell?!” Screeching tires pierced my ears as a van pulled off in front of me. Raven pulled out his gun, and began firing towards the van, which neared a group of civilians. “What are you doing?!” I snatched the hot weapon from him, dropping it as it singed my palm. “Whoever was driving just took the rest of the money! Who even was that?!” He shouted back completely unaware. “What money? What happened?” I held my head which felt like I was hit with a two by four. He stared at me in disbelief, and I had no clue what took place after I blacked out.

—

LILY POV.

“We have enough to get us to, Italy, Brazil, Sweden, who knows where the f**k we could go now.” Jack sifted through the bags of money. “We still need to get rid of the drugs. Can’t go anywhere out of state without getting sent to prison.” I tried to maintain focus on our goal. “Pfff, I’ve moved worse across state lines.” His cockiness gave me slight pause. “Don’t forget that there are still hundreds of men on all sides trying to kill us.” I snapped him out of it. He nodded tying the bag up. “So now what, if you can just control people with your Jedi mind. Selling would be easy.” He grabbed a suit jacket from the back seat swinging it on as the sun began setting. We sat in a deserted alleyway, as we plotted our next move.

—

NIGHTCLUB.

“You’re so hot.” An extremely drunk stud pushed my against the the wall trying desperately to kiss me. “Thanks..wanna buy some..” “I’ve never been with a woman as hot as you.” He pulled out his phone while kissing my neck to take a selfie, but I quickly dug my hand into his neck. His eyes went grey and his arms limp, “I think you should buy a couple baggies for you and your friends. $50 each.” I raised my price simply because he was slimy. Just like a zombie, he reached for his wallet giving me all his hundred bills. “Pleasure doing business. Now go vomit, plus you smell like shit.” I compelled his memory so he wouldn’t remember me. I looked over to Jack who was sitting at the bar. He jaw was tightened, which I figured was from seeing that guy all over me. I came back to him, taking the money out. After an hour, I’d already accumulated around 50k, “I don’t think anymore flashers are gonna show up. We should head someplace else.” He finished his drink as he put the money in a backpack below his feet. “You head to the car, I’ll see if I can get a few more.” I was desperate to break even, not wanting that stuff to still be in our possession. I noticed a scruffy looking guy waving his card across the bar. I stuffed a couple baggies in my bra and sat next to him. “A mojito please.” I asked the waiter who gave me a side eye. “Didn’t your mother teach you that strangers selling goodies is a bad mix.” The scruffy guy smirked, and I leaned in. “That depends on if you get a ‘bad mix’, isn’t that right?” I didn’t waver as he tried intimidating me. He then held two fingers out. In between them was a $100 bill. I was about to pull out the bags, but something in me told me to stop. “Because you’re paying handsomely, I might have something..better.” I seductively bit my lip beckoning him to a more private area. He got up, stumbling a bit, as I took his hand. Amongst the loud music and crowd, I heard a gun click come from him, and I knew my gut was right.

We made it to a private area. “You know, you’re pretty gullible for someone so..” Jack clocked him across the neck sending him to the floor. “Check his back pocket.” I took the .22 from his suit jacket placing it on a counter. Jack pulled a .9 out of the guys belt. “Do you think he’s with Tommy?” He glanced to me keeping ‘his’ gun pointed. “Only one way to find out.” I approached him as he kept his hands up. He didn’t plead or protest which worried me. I stood over him, and he looked at me in a way that meant he knew who or what I was. “Who am I?” I was careful about my question. His neck veins pulsed, and contorted as I compelled him to speak. “You’re..trouble. You killed..” i immediate rendered him unconscious. “He doesn’t know.” I grabbed the bag and began looking for an exit. “Does that mean we’re good.” Jack followed taking the guys guns with us. “It means it could be anyone besides Evan. Not just Carlo and Tommy.” We tried to blend in with the crowd, but I knew there were more men waiting.

We could see dark vans pulling up to the front, and I knew we’d be surrounded. “They don’t care how many people they kill if it means getting to us.” Jack warned. “You have a plan right?” We watched as dozens of men exited them. “You trust me right? If so, then I trust you to get me to safety and not run off.” I put my hair up, “What do you mean?” He looked concerned at my spontaneity.

JACK POV.

Lily fell into my arms unconscious, almost like before. I was so focused on waking her up that I didn’t even register the silence around me. I eventually look up; everyone stood like statues frozen in various dancing positions. A waiter who had just tripped on puke was stopped mid fall, but never hit the ground. I could feel the dust particles tickle my nose as they displaced with my movements. Lily, who was still unconscious, began bleeding slightly from the nose. I took the opportunity to quickly get us both away from the threat.

There were at least 30 men, all with automatics, stuck in place as I navigated Lily and I between them. We made it to our car, which wasn’t affected by the time freeze. I laid her down then jumped into the driver seat, speeding off as fast as possible. I started looking around the car, knowing there was some kind of tracker somewhere. I pulled open the glove compartment to see a shiny jewel. I threw it back reaching further. I grabbed a tracking device which was disguised to look like a radio. “f*****g Tommy.” I knew it was one of his inventions, and tossed it out the window.

We made about 20 miles from the club and we were running out of gas. I swiftly got out the car finding a nearby sports car parked by its lonesome. With minimal effort, I was able to move all of our stuff in the new, non-traceable vehicle. I pulled Lily out taking her to an alley away from potential passerby’s. As I tried shaking her awake, the world seemed to skip like a scratched record. The more she came to, the more time went back to normal.

—

LILY POV.

I woke up and we were tucked in an alley. “Oh thank god. What the hell was that?!” Jack helped me up. “You asked if it had a plan. That was my plan. Did it work?” I held my throbbing head. I wiped my nose to see dark semi dried blood on my fingers. “I’m good. Where to next?” I got to my feet, but Jack stopped me. “This is a lot.” He backed away slightly, visibly spooked by what happened. “I think you should stay somewhere for tonight.” He pulled out his wallet, “I can sell the rest by tomorrow. This is clearly too much for you to handle. You can’t keep hurting yourself.” He gave me cash for a motel. “Try and lay low. I know you can stay safe and I’ll come and get you when I’m done.” He also gave me his private phone. “So you’re just gonna leave me? I said I’d keep us both safe.” I complained not expecting to scare him off. “Look. Things are hot right now, and whatever ‘that’ was, clearly could have killed you.” He pointed to my bloody face. I promise you we’ll get out of this together. I’ll contact you in two days. Just try and maintain a low profile. Use cash, no cards, no pay-phones.”

~~~~