Casket of Lights

Chapter 7 : Unwelcomed Rendezvous

Rossé Lilybeth's POV

I glanced at my room with a stone bordered with a white minimalist wall. It had a queen bed, parallel to a portrait. It was a piece of George Clausen, youth mourning, beautifully bleak and desolate. Just like her, I could also feel the emptiness that slowly killing every each of my soul, as if digging its own grave…It was mourning.

I looked down and saw the white mattress protruded out like a sore thumb on top of the black bed frame and started turning on the speaker. I abruptly turned my head and looked out the window. The endless lights drew a straight line against the pitch-black sky.  It seemed as if that everything, I saw was on steroids. The glass walls were telling me that the hotels at my front had at least twenty floors, and whose lights looked like the ones from tiny Christmas trees. I scanned my room; it was a mess. I walked towards the window to close the blinds.

I walked towards the mirror, flashing a woman in her bathrobe, droplets of water eased down from my hair and delicate long lashes. I smiled as I saw my reflection, dyed my hair to blonde, red dye at the lower left part and blue at the lower right. Harley Quinn? No, more like Rosse Lilybeth.

“Yeah, you’re beautiful,” a stern voice said. “But that mirror will melt.”

I jolted upright; left hand placed at my chest. “How did you get here?” I averted my gaze at him.

He caught my eyes and gave me a little smile as if assuring me. Redhair was standing next to the door but behind those face was a trace of sadness. But I could not tell whether I am concerned or thrilled about the peril and risk.

I would be lying if I would admit that I  am fine. I have been alone for a couple days, weeping still at that scrap. Was it really me? Or was it the person inside me craving to claim justice, trying to free myself. O am I really freeing myself? But why? Why do we tend to dirt our hands just to achieve something that was not right? Well, perhaps not inside my book.

We remained unmoving for a while, like a competition to see who could remain stationary for the longest, who would spook first and take off the scene.

Redhair broke the silence. “Get dressed, no need to pack your things.”

I folded my arms and asked, “Where are we up to?” I squinted my eyes at him, trying to unpuzzle him.

His chest was sticking out, standing with his chin held high. “Vegas.” He winked.

I titled my head at his direction. “Wait, what?” I paused for a while, absorbing the thought. “You mean, Las Vegas?”

With his stern voice, he chuckled. “You heard me right.” He pinched his nose, smiling a mile wide.

My forehead creased and asked, “Why should I be there?” I walked towards my wardrobe, picking an oversized black t shirt and a black short. “Did that supposed to be for you guys only? Wasn’t it classified?”

“You’re a part of the group, Ocean,” he said.

I glanced at him. “But that’s not my case, isn’t it?” I studied him.

It was as if I am in a dimension where time began to fall, as if I were sinking into a quicksand while I am stuck like an unused puzzle as I waited for a split fraction of a second to totally absorbed the information that I have gathered.

His eyes were roaming at my room, disgusted was plastered in his face. “We’re finding clues.” He paused for a while; eyes burned with annoyance. “What are these mess, Ocean?”

The first things that hit my eyes like sledgehammers were empty pizza boxes in a stack to rival the empire state and at the side of my bed was the mountains of dirty clothes falling over me as if there was an avalanche going on.

“I need to explain,” I said as I placed my picked clothes at the nearest cabinet. I left a sly laugh, trying to ease the tension.

Redhair blew a sigh before started picking up the clothes near the bed, placing it inside the laundry bin.

My eyes widened as I saw him picking up the last cloth. “Don’t touch it!” I screamed, running towards him.

The corner of his lips turned up, staring directly at my eyes. “What cup are you?” His ears turned red, but he just continued, “AAA?”

I rolled my eyes in annoyance, snatching the bra in his hand. “That is so rude! It’s B.”

He chewed on his bottom lip before turning his back on me, picking up the piles of empty pizza at the floor. “I’ll wait outside, get dressed.”

I instantly picked up my clothes and worn them. Before I head out, I pulled in my five inched heel boots and my phone. I looked back at the neat and organized room and whispered. “What’s with you, Redwood?” I shook my head slightly and grabbed my hairbrush before I head out downstairs.

After I reached the last step, Redhair glanced fleetingly at me but returned staring at the television. His eyes were dead like he had just been repressed by a huge rock, trying to conserve his energy. I chuckled after seeing the face of Stan at the screen. His eyes were red as his dark circles were visible under his eyes and said, “FBI’s operation will be back on Tuesday. So, that’s what would happen.”

 I walked past the table full of potato chips, chocolates, pastries, and soft drinks and picked up the bag of  potato chip, and a can of soft drinks. Oddly enough, there was a clear message but was always vague forming inside my head turning half of my questions left in debate.

Stan adjusted his square shaped reading glasses using middle finger. “Vegas’ message at Miami, Black co-ops were moving,” Stan said, reading from his records.  

“Copy that,” Redhair answered and nodded.

“Redhair!” I shouted, getting his attention. “Catch.” He threw me a look and caught the can without any hesitations.

The corner of Stan’s lip turned up. “We got his 4 thousand keys,” he said, chest sticking out.

I remained silent, listening to their conversation. It was as if the world around me turned into a darker hue, gray and black. Other colors seem to wash like dyes bleeding from the laundry load. The messages flashed in front of me were not bright to truly understand it.

Redhair stood, reaching for the nearest tissue as he cleaned the upper portion of the lid. “How did you get it?” he asked, throwing the used tissue at the bin.

Stan laughed, giving us a thumbs up. “Keep it classified.” He paused for a while, tilting his head at the camera. “How was Rosse?” He uttered.

Redhair studied me for a bit. “Better, I guess.” He instantly turned his face away from me as his ears started to red.

“Hey, Stan!” I run at the front camera of the television; hands lifted at the air. “Miss you, long time no talk.” I snorted. “Nice glasses!”

Stan raked his fingers through his hair and asked, “I called ya’ while ago, didn’t I?” He blew a sigh as he crossed his arms over his chest.

My chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. “Gotta double check it if it was really you.” I laughed, walked towards the couch near Redhair as I opened the potato chips. “How much do we want this guy?” I added.

“A lot,” Redhair answered, opening a can of soft drinks on his hand.

My mouth went slightly agape after he offered the open can on my face. “Thanks.” I bit my lower lip to fight my urge from smiling.

My heart was pounding like crazy inside my ribcage, hands were sweating. I swallowed twice as I focused my attention to Stan. “Your phone’s ringing,” I said,  pointing at his suitcase.

He heaved down his heavy suitcase down the chair, reaching for his phone.

I peeked at his bag. My eyebrows creased. “Why do you have a lot of chocolate drinks inside your bag?”

“For emergency purposes,” he casually replied. “Oh, just a message.” After reading the message, he just slid it down back to his suitcase. He looked down; brows creased.  “Why are you wearing heels?”

“Those sneakers were not my type.” I looked at Stan, flashing an awkward smile. “I guess.”

Stan loomed closer at the camera. “I spent my own money just for ya’.” He paused for a while, face flushed red. “Do you thang, I’m outta here,” he uttered.

I finished the bag of chips and straightened. “Swear, I’ll use those in one of these days.” I let an awkward laugh. “I won’t let your efforts go waste, Stan, I promise!” I raised my right hand, giving a mirthless laugh.

“Silly!” Stan just shook his head before turning off his camera.

I saw Redhair stood up. As I followed his gaze, he was looking at the full-length mirror in the wall. “What are you doing?” I asked.

A corner of his lips lifted. “I’ll fix your hair.” He paused for a while, gazed at me while flashing a wide smile. He walked towards the nearest cabinet as he grabbed the hair dryer. “Ponytail?” He extended his hand and plugged in at the outlet.

Heart racing miles per minute, I uttered, “Sure, thank you.”

After several minutes after my hair had completely dried, he started combing the strands gently, making a little braid added in the front and a ponytail in both sides.

I shrugged on my mini bag at one o’clock sharp with dark shadows under my eyes and a lightheadedness at the left part of my head, sneak in a small individual wrapped chocolate at my bag and proceeded to head out the door.

Redhair took a sharp breath before he uttered, “It’s cold.”

I looked up and saw the black veil hanged above us. The wind tussled my hair, the breeze tickled my cheek, my eyes drooped back to the ground. “I-I don’t think, I need…” My manners were briefly forgotten, till I regained composure and asked, “You sure?”

He cut me off and said, “Take it.”

“But I’m driving.” I nodded, opening the door of the car before I hopped in.

He entered the car a look of shock plastered on his face at the unusual position of me with my hands at the door.

I broke free of the contact and proceeded. “That should be here, right?”

He shut his eyes temporary and added, “Not this one.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and chuckled.

No one seemed to spoke, only the soft classic music filled our ears. I could not believe the sight that was right before my very eyes. Everywhere I looked I saw flashing fluorescent lights, buildings that seemed to touch the sky, people walking the entire length, taxis and buses speeding and so much more.

Checking in the airport, I greeted the young lady behind the receptionist desk with a beautiful smile. “Good morning.” My politeness was almost choking me.

She winked. “Morning young lady, you can now proceed. Enjoy your flight.” Her soothing voice calmed me somehow, finally processed her words.

But Redhair just raised his hand in greeting, raising his badge on his left hand.

After several minutes, we went in as the staffs greeted us with comfort and smiles. “This is extremely huge.” My mouth opened in awe as I scanned the place. “Who set this?” I scanned my surroundings. My eyes caught the beautiful sight of black and white colored seats with a lot of wines at the mini table.

His eyes gleamed. “Yours truly,” he said as he adjusted the tip of his tie while seating at the long white couch parallel to the mini table.

“You’ve done quite well,” I said, tucking a lock of my hair behind my ear.

He was about to utter a word, but the female crew cut him off. “Plane’s taking of at exactly two minutes. Seat back and relax.”

As we flew into the city of Las Vegas, I had no expectations besides from the stereotypes of Sin City, casinos, and strippers. I glanced at the tiny window of the commercial airplane wherein I could see the burnt orange mountains stood out, which resembled an ancient, rusted car ready to crumble into the dirt.

The missed of soft music and his laughs filled the air. “Your first time?”

“Yeah?” I closed my eyes. Every second my heart kept pounding faster and faster than I thought it was going to explode. My body could barely hold itself together. I was so nervous that I was physically grasping onto the chair.

“Stay close.” He chuckled as he placed his left hand at the top of my shaky hand. “I got you.”

Several minutes when I felt that the plane was running steady, at 36,000 feet into the air, I peeked at the window once again. The mountains seemed like minuscule depressions that small streams ran down for thousands of years and the lights from the buildings were shining, twinkling like the stars. My eyes landed at Redhair.

He pulled out his black suitcase and grabbed a blueprint. “Here’s the plan,” he blurted, pinching the bridge of his nose.

I pulled my hands from his and rested my hands at my lap. “Where did you find this?” I asked as I scrutinized him.

He scanned the surroundings and after finding out that we are the only one at the place, he replied, “I got my connections, baby.”

My forehead puckered. “Show off.”

He answered in a tone a bit higher from his resting voice. “This is exhilarating, isn’t it?” The corner of his lips curved into a smile before he continued. “Alright. Let us keep the ball rolling. All ears on me, Ocean.”

He cleared his voice before he uttered. “You see this center?”

I nodded as a response.

 “In your right you can see the open circle, this semi-circle corresponds to the route of the hotel guests as well as the casual players. We do not want to meddle with those,” he added.

“I presume we’re going left?”

Redhair lifted his head. “Yes, left.” He snapped his finger, folding his polo into three fourth. “We’re going to rock the high rollers.”

I had to swallow thrice. Why do I find him attractive in that angle? Or was not it because of this groggy feeling inside this plane? Was the heater turned on? I could feel his attention dwindled and fade away from mine, but the atmosphere turned from a cold ice to a heat of a dessert.

“Who are we meeting then?” I asked, observing the blueprint of the building.

“We’re not meeting them… we observe.” He drummed his fingers on the table, perhaps recollecting a piece of information. “Assuming that those high rollers will meet here,” he added.

I crossed my arms at my chest. “The playground?” I asked.

He encircled the center portion of the blueprint and drew three figures. “You got it. Team A will counter at the front, Team B will be the back, and Team C will be at the corner.”

I scanned the table, looking for something to eat. “What if unexpected error came up in your deductions?” I mumbled as my heart shouted in awe after I saw a bar of chocolate on the marble white table.

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “That’s why we have a Team D, they would instantly secure the right wing and Team A, B, and C will deal with them.” He paused for a while as he looked at me quickly.

I took a bite of the chocolate and uttered, “Including us?”

With his stern voice, he repeated, “Including us.” He once again drew another route on the map with his pen. “Team A will consist of Stan’s company, Team B will consist of the dispatcher’s group and Team C will only consist of yours truly, and you. ”

At that moment, those facts have not quite registered into my mind. The sensation was like peering into an empty, hollow well, devoid of water. It was as if light does not reach the muddy bottom, black and whistling with air.

“We make history, right?” He smiled, walking towards the nearest cabin full of bottled water.

I laughed. “Forget it!” I yelled as I slouched at the soft couch. “Where are the others?” I continued.

“Already there.” He twisted the cup of the water bottled and placed it in front of me. “Get a rest, we’ll be arriving there at approximately, thirty-five hours.”      

I clasped my hands behind my back and saw him went back on his chair. “Where’s Stan?” Out of the blue, I asked.

“Los Angeles,” he replied, shutting his eyes.  

The soft chocolate melted into my mouth, savoring the flavor. “That quick?” I exclaimed.

He squared his shoulders and adjusted his seat. “No, they have been there week ahead of us.”

“Then why we you still here?” My heart pounded fast; curiosity flooded into my mind.

He opened his eyes and stared directly at my eyes and a drowsy voice, he said, “To watch you.”

I jerked away and looked at my watch, “They’re still operating at this hour?” I said shifting the topic. “Aren’t they supposed to be sleeping at this hour?” I blew another breath, recomposing myself, disregarding the thought forming inside my head.

I began to wonder if I am nearly falling for this guy. At such thought, an urgent pang of anxiety or which may have been fear, shot through my spine. I tried to open my radio but all I heard was a loud static, so I turned it off. After finishing the chocolate, I drank the bottled water and sat parallel to Redhair who was now dozing off. I closed my eyes and embraced the intoxicating feeling of exhaustion and dizziness.

When the landing neared, the mountainous landscape which are all black turned into a flat desert with teeny thin dots of green, black lines and shiny moving blobs. Finally, as we hit the ground with a giant thud, I saw the bright lights that I first saw, never stopped shining.

As I entered the famous Casino, my eyes almost came out of their sockets. The hotel's architecture and design were amazing. The outer structure of the hotel was in the shape of a huge, black, classic modern style. I still could not fathom that I could eventually come inside this place.

“What are we doing here again?” I asked, Redhair, tugging at the piece of lint from his sleeve.

He looked at me like I am a child that was being lost in this suspicious place. “Stay close.” He chuckled before grabbing my hand from my sleeves.

“But you’re holding my hand,” I uttered. I got no response as he continued walking, still not letting go of my hand.

The casino was in the center of the first floor. We walked through the enormous casino and checked out all the slot machines and gambling tables may it be a regular player, and even the guests. My eyes caught the sigh of people hitting jackpots and winning more and more coins made me ready to turn twenty-one.

After arriving at the Western part of the casino where the higher rollers where located, the first thing that caught my attention was the luxurious room that was way bigger than my living room and bedroom at home. We continued walking until we reached the center part of the casino where you could feel that it was slightly higher than the floor.

I pulled my hand back, fixing his jacket. “Why are they even dressed like that?” I asked and stopped, making him stop too. “What is this? Children party?” I added as I gawked my eyes at them who was wearing different pastel costumes.

He patted my head before he answered, “More like birthday party.” He gazed at his surrounding like a predator at the jungle. He squinted as if he has a laser attached at his eyes. 

The high white classic ceiling and its open view caught my attention. The living area of the room was filled with couches, armchairs, a table, beds, a bar, and an immense entertainment center. I blew a sigh and started getting ready for a night of partying and fun.

“Stand by,” Stand mumbled.

With my quick reflexes, I instantly closed my eyes as I heard a long static in between the line. My eyes followed the back of Redhair who positioned himself at my twelve o’clock. As planned, I remained still, few meters away from the target.

“So, who are we helping?” I asked. I studied the surroundings. At the first floor, a single door was all that bars us from the crowd outside. I could almost see the shadows and figures flitting back and forth, restless predators at the beginning of a long hunt.

My eyes landed at the group of men wearing black suit in exactly at my three o’clock parallel to Stan who was pretending playing cards at the small cluster together with some of his company.

I faked a cough,  eyes met with Stan. “The one who looked like a Korean pop?” I paused for a while, examining him. He has a heavyset sturdy build, but his facial features were, on the contrary, small, young, and smooth as if he just barely out of high school. His eyes were narrow and thin, nose eyes and arched with well bearing. He wore a hair dyed firmly black where he has two red marks on the bridge of his nose. It was if a puzzle were so distinct that it could not fit quite together.

“Morgan Hunter,” Redhair whispered.

I pursed my lips together, calculating if I should utter another word. “Or the one with a clean and shiny scalp?”

Stan glared at me as if he wanted to skin me alive. He paused for a while before collecting all his winning chips. “Mr. Kim, sixty-year-old, famous leader of a drug heist, working at Black Co-ops.”

Before I could utter another word, the door flew open. Another pale, balding man peculiarly shaped spectacles resting on a long, curved nose, came in. He was wearing an olive-green jacket. It was almost like he had just arrived straight off a plane, slightly disoriented from another world.

“They’re a like,” I blurted. My own awkward laugh echoed into my ears. “We won’t help no one right?” I knitted my brows, lifting both my shoulders. I met Stan’s killer gaze. “What? I am just askin’ ya’ know.” I snorted, mimicking Stan’s voice.

“Ocean, at your right. Ten people at the trail of Kizumi, Mr. Kim’s son, followed after him.” Redhair’s muscle tensed. “Seems like we have company,” Redhair said, lowering his head while inserting a chip in the slot machine. “Try to blend in.”

I took a deep breath and gawked at the nearest crew who were about six feet tall, mixing alcohol. “Expresso martini please,” I mouthed the word ‘thank you’ before I accepted the drink.

He stopped for a while as he winked at me. “Ça me fait plaisir, Madam. The man wearing blue tie were checking out on you.” He warned, pointing at his direction.

I wrapped a curl around my finger as I followed him. It was pointed at Redhair who was massaging the back of his neck while his eyes were locked at mine. Redhair looked away.

“Control the delivery,” Stan commanded.

I chuckled, thanking the French crew once again before I went to a group of high rollers playing roulette. “Redhair, why are you looking at me like that?” I blurted.

Redhair gave a half shrug and said, “Nothing.” He lifted his chin as I heard his soft breathings. “You never fail to amuse me. I like you.”

I looked away. My gaze landed at the bouncer restraining the crowds, but the crowds were also their teammates trying to cover themselves up. As if it was only intended for a brief showcase, gasping for an opening.

My breaths quickened, jammed my hands at my pockets. “You like me? Like as in like-like girlfriend thingy? Or like as a friend?” My brows snapped in a line when I heard several giggles from the other line.

Redhair blew a sigh. “If I kill you right now, would you be dead-dead? Or dead but barely breathing?” I jerked my head in his direction and saw that he hit the 777 jackpots at the slot machine. His wins filled the atmosphere, but the high rollers did not even flinch.

“That’s ma’ boy!” Stan yelled.

I glared at Stan. “Stan? Thought you’re on my side!” I whispered. My nostrils flared, pressing a finger to my lip, giving away my fifty-dollar chips.

I was about to pivot my feet when I heard a man behind, spoke. “May I know the name of this pretty lad?”

I blinked; eyes darted at Redhair. But Redhair remained locked at the stranger, jaw clenched.

He faced the guy, back facing the target and gave a dismissive wave in his left hand while the other was reaching for his pocket. “FBI,” Redhair said, unfazed, but his mouth twisted into a frown seemingly caught between a look of disgust and pity while raising his badge. “Back off, she’s, my lady,” he said, giving emphasis, word by word.

I studied Redhair once again, gnashing his teeth, walking swiftly towards us. “W-What?”

“Kick back, mate,” A man in his British accent spoke, hands surrendered at the air. 

I scanned the stranger. The British man’s eyes widened in fear, quickly turning his back on us. There was a brief pause where nothing had stood, like waiting for a bullet to kill the target. Sound seemed to disappear, and all my muscles failed to move. My heart seemed to stop; palpitations increased. I followed Redhair’s gaze, eyes burned with fire. “What was that?” I mumbled, heart racing miles a minute.