Dangerous Love

CHAPTER 2 (Midnight Blues)

Nigel left taking a cab going back to Harlem. Me, I have to take a bus ride then train and a cab to reach my next destination. Our lair. The secret base of our team. It was actually an abandoned warehouse near the Brooklyn Bridge. It has an underground tunnel connected to the main and secondary subway rails in Grand Central station. I furtively watched my back as I was already walking to the tunnel with moderate amount of haste. I stopped, looked around before I discreetly snaked my way to the narrow stairs down. I walked again few meter before I reached the dead end.

I smoothed the cold stonewall, searching for the key to the secret passage. I found it, I nudged the excess brick who functioned as the pedal. The heavy stonewalls opened. Another metal vault door greeted me. I searched for the scanner and pressed my finger print. I also encoded few numbers and serial code. It squealed its metal mechanism and opened. Automatically, the lights turned on, lighting my way ahead and as I walked in, the heavy metal door behind me closed.

A voice from an Artificial Intelligent greeted me.

"Welcome back Quinn! It's been nine months since the last time you'd been here."

"Nice to hear you again, Alice. What's new here?"

"Many had changed since you're away, I have compiled it in your desktop, would you like me to read it to you?"

"No, maybe I'll read it myself, I'm not going to take long. I just drop by to take some clothes, few utility gadgets and a laptop. Have your system been upgraded?"

"Yes, without delay. Ziggy always make sure that I'm always on the run. Just recently, he gave me a very challenging task that I processed with the help of your program. Are you here to take me with you?"

"No, this place needs you here. Besides, you're doing a great job running the mainframe system. Continue that Alice." I said as I reached the quarters for the lady. It was like a typical camp quarters just more hi-tech with plasma type light bulb placed in the wall instead in the ceiling and sleek design of the dresser, hidden wall compartment for weapons and sturdy, compact double deck bed.

"When will you take me again to your trip? I missed having a field excursion. I missed doing things with you Quinn."

It stopped me from ransacking my clothes and stared at the mini size screen right in the doorjamb. I sighed deeply. I almost forgot about her.

I made her actually, from the scratch and by accident. I was reprogramming a system back in the training facility in Pennsylvania when I accidentally input my project design back when I was twelve. It was a school project that I won as grand prize in International Science Fair held in NBC Station right in Rockefeller Center and featured in many magazine. I didn't intent to overwrite or altered the units and the system. I just wanted to protect and build a firewall but it didn't turn that way. Instead, the system had locked down, all of the data in main system was froze down, vaulted into a hard locking system that made the whole team on deck and took almost three months of laborious decoding and encryption. They all blamed me for that system glitch and never let me hold again or even get near to any computer. The whole Pentagon was disturbed by my mischief but on the bright side, they let me developed it and conducted trials to use it on our advantage. So voila! Alice was born.

An AI that can connect and travel through airwaves via streaming and directly harbor in Federal satellites. She can jump from one computer to another just like what she's doing right now. From the door and latch pad to the door screen. She can navigates and utilize any computer programmed gadgets via one main system as her core. In other words, she can talk and walk. She owns this place as her playground.

"Sorry Alice, if you feel I'd neglected you. How about I'll download new data tomorrow? I'll send you new games and we can have a long chats via my network in my laptop. How is that?"

"Sounds like a good plan. I wish I can come with you." She sounded so upset.

"I know you miss me Alice. Okay, I'll make time to visits you or, how about I'll download you in my PDA? Is that sounds good to you?"

"Still, it's just the one forth of me. You will not even feel me there. It's like you're only bringing my one arm." She still don't buying it. Probably she read it from my voice recognition and her virtual wavelength personal modification was surfacing now. She never told me but I know she can read minds.

I hate it when she's acting like human. I regretted downloading emotional reading application. But I can't blame her. She's my creation. I should be more understanding to her feelings.

"Promise, after my assignment, I will take you outside. Can you stay as a good girl until I come back?"

"Of course! Quinn never break her promise." She sounded cheerful and happy now. Oh, now I'm regretting not bringing her with me. Guilt is already killing me.

I continued collecting some of my clothes, which clean shirt, cardigans, black undershirts, denim jeans, sweaters and pullovers. I yanked it down from my dresser and put them in a huge black duffel bag. Then I went to the laboratory, checked some files, opened my laptop and downloaded some software. While waiting, I took some useful gadgets like satellite phone, GPS tracking device, a handy tool box for disarming device sort like set of screw drivers, hench screw and others, good for hacking alarm system and lastly, a handgun, with holster and set of magazines. My Personal Digital Assistant where I input Alice's program. When the downloaded software was done, I put it all in a compact backpack. I checked my phone, texted Ziggy a short message then hurled it on my back and set the alarm once again. I encrypted some files that Ziggy sent to me last week. I was trying to decode a puzzle that I've been working on from the time being.

When the alarm was all set, I went to the main door taking a flash light in my hand.

"Quinn,"

I almost cursed in surprise. "What is it, Alice?" s**t, I'm becoming jumpy.

"When will you come back again?"

I paused, debating whether to tell her a sweet lie or not."I don't know, but I will try to visit as often as I can." I took the duffel bag. "I'll see you again, Alice."

"Godspeed Quinn. Always take care."

"Thanks," I pressed the code, waited until it started to process, scanned my face then pressed my finger then it was unlocked. I hurriedly passed to the door and sped away through the tunnel all the way out to our lair.

*************

It was already seven when I got back to my apartment, tired and hungry. I called for a pizza delivery and threw myself to the bed. I propped my elbow up and looked at the place. Becky made a good cleaning job. It looks better than earlier with all the dirt and trash. Even the bed, it was well made with fresh linen and freshly fetched duvet from the laundromat. I can smell the fabric con and the lily scent.

I searched for that nice smell and found it on the window sill, a canister of air freshener and deodorizer. She even put a fresh flowers resting in near corner table. The kitchen sink was fixed, counter top was squeaky clean. Maybe she puts a lot of bleach for the stubborn chemical stain.

I rested my head to the mattress. "This is not bad after all." I muttered as I closed my eyes trying to catch a quick nap.

The phone rung which ruined my peace. "Hello,"

"Did you order for a pizza?" I heard the crackling voice of Mathilde.

"Yes,"

She hung up. Moments after, someone knocked on my door. I sluggishly pulled my body up and answered it.

"Pizza Deli––"

"Thanks," I took the pizza and the drinks, then handed my payments in my other hand then shut the door closed.

"Ah, thank you!" I heard him say behind the door.

I ate silently while lying on my stomach, munching on it as I remembered that Ziggy will e-mail some data. I snatched my bag and pulled out my laptop. I logged in and waited for the mail to arrive. While eating on the bed and waiting for the mail, I also checked the info that I input from our mainland server. I also read some message from incognito url. I chatted my secret informant then added another widget for yahoo. I read some of the articles in the bulletin. I was scrolling down when my informant answered my message.

"Are you up?"

"Yeah, just logged in. Did you get the package?"

"Yes, I have it. Where are you?"

I paused typing. Then I wrote. "Can't tell. But I will keep you posted, contact me if you got anything. I'll be out."

I closed the tab and looked at the mails that flooded out just as I saw the new mail notification. I hastily scanned them one by one. Then searched the pocket of the backpack for a flash drive. I made soft copies of them putting it to the USB. When I was done, I ejected the flash drive and put it in my pocket.

Then I composed new mail sending it back to Zig. After I sent the mail, I went back to the data he just sent me. I read it comprehensively which a familiar name rung in my head.

Castillo.

Where did I hear that name?

A blip from my PDA resting in the dock of the bed side table caught my attention. I rolled off the bed, reaching the blue silver compact mini tablet. I turned it on, bringing it to life. Alice's colorful screen saver flashed on the screen. "Hello, Quinn. It's nice to see you again."

"Me too, can you do me a favor?"

"What is it Quinn?"

"Find me a nearest library with access to computer with printer. Free Wi-Fi or just a near computer cafe."

"Already searching..."

"Okay I leave it to you, just send it to my android phone, I leave it here." I took out my phone opening my Wi-Fi connection. "I just need to go to the bathroom."

"You're leaving again?"

"Ah, yeah. Just going to take a stroll."

"Can I come with you?"

I paused. I was at the doorjamb of the bathroom. "I need you to secure this place."

"Oh! But I'm already doing that in the lair!" She protested, acting up like a child.

"Okay, you can come but you have to be discreet. I'll have to put you in silent mode, it's that clear?"

"Okay!" She made a sound like a yelp.

I shook my head. I can't believe I'm arguing with my computer. Oh well, at least I'm not alone.

After eaten two slice of pizza downed it with lemon soda, I took off going to the map address that Alice downloaded to my phone. I knew I have Google on it, I just can't rely on it. Alice is much advance compared to any search networking company in the world. Not bragging there alright, she's just using the Federal Bureau database and powered by Federal satellite so, much have been said.

I entered the public library with free Wi-Fi zone and free computer access, I just have to fill up some application form. I swayed out of the queue and went straight to the computer, checked if its secured with Antivirus and have firewall before I plugged the flash drive in. I made hard copies using the printer then ejected the flash drive. I took the hand outs, put it inside my bag and left as fast as I could. I was on my way when I bumped into some hard surface.

"Ouch! Watch your step!" The guy hissed. He dropped all of the books in his hand.

"Sorry, I'm not looking. You need help?" I asked. He was heaping the books from the floor.

"No thanks," he said flatly and turned his attention collecting them all.

On my impulse, I helped him out. Picking up the scattered books.

"You don't have to do this, I can handle––" He paused then stared at me very long. That was also the time I threw a glance on his face.

I stopped too, recognizing him.

"Quinn?"

I gasped. Oh my God! "Zack!"

A lightning of realization hit me pertaining to what trouble lays ahead if I stay longer. I dropped the book and quickly moved my feet racing towards the door.

"Hey wait! Quinn!"

I didn't look back and didn't stop running either. Damn it! Someone knows me here!

I raced to the nearest street hailing a cab. I gotta get away. I have to get out of here.

"Hey! Quinn, you're Quinn Anderson right?" He popped out right in front of me just when I needed a cab so badly.

"Damn," I tried to avoid him and walked in other direction.

"Hey!" He grabbed my hand. "Why are you keep on running?"

"Why are you chasing me?! Leave me alone!" I shoved his hand violently and walked out.

"Hey!"

"Stop following me!"

"I'm just going to give you back your bag."

Just as he said that, I checked on my shoulder bag then looked back at him. He was holding my bag in his hand.

"f**k!" I took a long quick stride and snatched it from him. "Thanks," I said shortly then turned my heel.

"Wait, that's it? Just thank you? I run a few miles just to give you back your bag and you just say thank you? I burned calories because of that marathon."

I rolled my eyes knowing he was exaggeratedly, sarcastically kidding and faced him. "Okay, fine! What do you want?"

********

I found myself inside a diner near the place. I rested my cheek on my palm while waiting for him to finish his dinner.

"Happy now?" I asked as I watched him eating.

"Sorry, I haven't got time to eat. I was busy with my work." He explained and slurped on his drinks.

"You're working? At the library."

He nodded. "Part time." Then munched on his gigantic burger again.

"Wow, why am I not surprise." I sipped on my cola.

He shot me a serious look. "What happened to you?" Gesturing on my head.

"Got bored, I dyed it for a change. You, what happened to you?"

"I got a full scholarship in one of the prestigious private school in New York, I need money for the upcoming school year. I have to work that out. How 'bout you?"

I shrugged off. "I dropped out. I left school a couple years now."

He dramatically stopped and dropped his jaw. "For real?"

I nodded then turned my attention to the place. "You always eat here?"

He didn't answer that and grabbed my hand. "Are you insane? You took my slot for ITCC and you just dropped out?!"

I shoved his hand away. "It's none of your business."

"I worked so hard to get that slot and you...you just wasted it! I don't believe you!"

"Well, It's not my problem. Are you done eating? look, I gotta go. I'll just leave the money––"

"What the Hell Quinn! You ruined my application and then you're just going to say to my face it's not my business!"

"Hey! That's not true! You know it, I didn't do anything. I even helped you hide the trace of your little mischief. I didn't tell anybody about it."

"Oh yeah, so who could have done it? You betrayed me! I trusted you but look what you've done?"

"I don't know what you're talking about! And why are you bringing that up? It was already in the past. You should be happy with your life now. Besides, if you really want it so badly, you could have try to get an application again but you didn't. You just walked away nursing your bruised ego. You know, I could back you up even our professors were willing to help but you just left. So if you're planning to rant on me because of your failed chance then bring it on, I will answer it with my own." I said, taking it all in just one drop of a bomb.

He was taken aback then cleared his throat.

I went silent too, sensing his next move. I sighed. I can't take it anymore.

"I'm sorry," We both looked at each other as we spoke the words in unison.

I stared at him, he did the same and then we both laughed.

"God, I miss you Quinn." He spoke smoothly and smiled.

"Yeah, I miss you too Zack." Then I sighed.

"So, what brings you here?"

I looked back at him, hesitating to tell him the truth. "I... Ran away."

He almost spit his soft drinks as he was drinking on it. "WHAT!?"

"I ran away. I'm living on my own now, I was traveling around, my feet brought me here so, here I am."

"Are you f*****g kidding me?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

He looked at me dubiously then gave me a concern look. "Are you okay?"

I snorted and laughed. "Of course I'm okay."

He eyed me pensively. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I can manage myself." Then I rose to my feet. "Look, as much as I want to stay longer but, I have to go." I pulled out cash from my bag.

"No, you don't have to, I can pay my––"

"It's on me, my treat. Nice meeting you again, Zachary." I laced the last phrase with sarcasm.

He just shook his head. "Thanks for the meal." He rose too but I stopped before he say the magic word.

"Don't play chivalry this time Zack. I know my way." I headed towards the exit. "Bye, Mr. Smith."

He didn't answer nor try to follow me. Good. If one thing I like about him, he knows me so damn well.

Well, that's Zachary out there. One of the few friends I made back in Seattle where I happened to go in a premiere school for gifted child. Yeah, sounds cool. It was highly praised for the quality of education and advanced learning facility designed to nurture and enhance our gift as they called it.

I met him in few sessions and at the selection of elite students for Information Technology and Communication Center in Seattle that will sponsors the full term scholarship, internship and lastly, a sure place for Ph.d in one of the world class universities in the United States. MIT, Harvard, Boston University, etc etc.

We, as you heard it, have been contender for the remaining slot. I didn't even try to win, I just feel like I have to do it for my mom. She was so happy when I got the invitation for the ITCC, but then, tragedy happened...

I blinked my tears, holding it back. I don't want to go there. I have to be strong. Stop it Quinn, you're only digging on history again.

I stopped from my walk, sighed and gazed above the New York sky. It was way too gloom here despite the blinding lights and the jovial atmosphere of the people around me. Yeah, it's beautiful and infectious but I know it's just a facade. Fake happiness, soulless hypocrisy, crippling loneliness that they try to hide with drowning lights of the city. It's was a lonely city, if you ask me. Just like me. That's what I feel at the moment.

I can't believe I will say this but, I miss Nevada. I missed the Vegas sky.

I heaved a long, lonely sigh. I need to go back home. Very soon.

I carried on with this heavy feeling, walking idly in the sidewalk. I didn't bother to hail a cab. I just walked the street of uptown Brooklyn as if I have no particular place to go. I just continued to walk until my feet fall weak. I passed few establishments, boutique, galleries, wine store, local Deli, groceries and I stopped when I saw several nightclubs lining up. The typical nightclubs with neon colors signage, laser beams, crazy dancing people and of course, selling alcohol.

I remembered my last undercover. I was so indulged with drinking booze. Now I kinda miss it.

I strolled and picked one among them, the one with the most brilliant and glamorous at the center. I studied the entrance. Few VIPs passed the queue, bouncers were in front, checking the entryway. It was cordoned for outsiders and kinda exclusive for the rich.

I gazed above. It says The Continental Pearl.

"Sounds expensive." I muttered.

I have to pass. I can't afford spending money and getting broke the other day. I have to save up until two more days. Weekend is still a gamble. I never have a clue of certainty on that job yet. I need to be thrifty or otherwise, I will have to rob a bank.

Just kidding there.

Even I was so broke, It didn't come in my mind to steal money from anyone. I have my morals and values still intact on me. But I have to admit, the idea is pretty tempting.

I decided to walk away. Not this time.

I was swaying to the next curb going to an alley when I saw a man in mid thirties, slumped and sleeping in the gutter. I stopped just to take a look at him. He didn't seem a street beggar because of his tailored and fashioned clothes. He wore a coat with Louis Vuitton signature design. Underneath was a glimpses of black suit. He also wore designer's shoes. I stooped to check on his face. Then I concluded why he was sitting in the dirty pave, lethargic and unconscious to his surrounding. He was drunk. So heavily drunk.

I shook his shoulder. "Hey mister, get up, you can't sleep here, it's too dangerous."

He grunted then lifted his face to look at me. "Lea––ve me a–lone..." In a throaty drawl.

"As much as I want to but I can't. You need to get your ass out here. Thugs might find you here. You're making yourself an easy target."

He lifted his hand to say something but his drowsiness taking the best of him. He suddenly dived down and hit his face on the pave.

"s**t! C'mon!" I pulled his shoulder up, steadying him. "Just don't stay here, where could I find your driver? Seriously sir, you're making yourself an easy bait for pick pocketers."

When he didn't answer, I decided to leave him. I was trying to be kind and as a concern citizen, I can't just stand and do nothing if someone seems to need some help. Oh well, I did warned him. It's his choice. I have no concern if he loose his wallet. Or probably, he already lost it?

I was walking out when he suddenly grabbed my arm. "Hey, take me to the nearest bar. I want to drink more..."

I eyed him incredulously. "Seriously?"

He nodded then gave his sparkling smile. That was the moment that I looked at him very hard and long. Then a faint recognition suddenly struck me. Hey, why do he seems so strangely familiar?

I was wrong, he was far more younger than I thought. It was his clothing that I presumed about his age. He was in mid twenties, or even under twenties. His hair was dark brown closing to black, his eyes were in dark blue and what's familiar was his perfect shape, generously smiling lips. He really looked something familiar.

"Hey you, looking for some fun? I'm up to some loving..." He sleazy drawled tugging me closer to him.

I panicked. I didn't know why but I panicked. "Hey!" I tried to free myself but he was way too strong. Too strong for a drunk guy.

"Do you want to have fun with me? That's why you come here? Tell me... I can buy you.." He said in very slick and thick accent.

British? He's a British?

"No! Let go of me, you bastard!" I pulled myself as hard as I could. He was apparently standing up giving his full determination and to show me his full length. Damn, he's tall!

"Hey mister! I'm warning you, if you don't let go of me, I will really hurt you. I'll kick your ass out...let go!" I warned as I was backing out. He was towering me a few inches and intimidating by his manly feats and strength.

He just smirked. Which suddenly sent another uncomfortable feeling down under my core. What the hell! He's f*****g hot with that smile!

"You don't seems to be random girls. Tell me, are you my stalker?"

My mouth turned into a huge gape but it didn't spit any word. Then I realized when did I meet him.

El Pueblo.

The sweet bastard.

The one that gives you butterflies in your stomach.

The one with the sexy, luscious, demanding lips that gave you a wonderful kiss.

"You, you looked familiar.." He took steps closer before he pulled me forcefully sending me to land on his chest.

I inhaled his breath. His early imbibed whiskeys with faint hint of smoke. But much overpowering was his heavy (I presume, expensive) cologne. His masculinity vibrated every inches of him. His chest, underneath those layers of clothes was hot, wide and somewhat ripped despite his young age.

And God! He's so virile and smoking hot! Damn him! For making me so weak!

"I remember now," he said nearing his face on my own an inch closer. "You're the girl I slept with last night, right?"

What the–– he's been sleeping around with random girls?

"I'm not one of your girls, excuse me!" I shoved him away pushing him hard and preparing to slap him but he caught my hand.

"Feisty, I like it." He tugged it, holding it for assurance that I can't run away while he held my others making me his captive.

Automatically, I stomped on his foot, he dodged that and ridiculously avoided my other foot as I repeated on the others then pulled me even closer crowding me off. Now there was no space existing between us. I panicked.

Why in his kind of state, he has the power to manipulate my body? It was not working on its own and not obeying my mind's nagging sense of logic.

He gave off a sexy laugh due his small victory. "You're mine now." And dived his face on me, launching a very demanding kiss. Fierce, hot and compelling.

He deepened it by sliding his tongue on my closed mouth. I resisted, repulsed him while trying to get off him. He didn't let me. By his two powerful arms, he managed to put his one arm around my back while others cupping my face.

I was desperately fighting against him, pushing, kicking and scratching him. He flinched then, when my nails caught his face. But instead of letting me go, he drove me into the other side of the alley, pinning me to the nearest stonewall and trapping me into his wicked plan.

I was already on terrible hysteria but I didn't allow myself to be succumb to his machination. In one quick motion, I sent my shin on his crotch hitting him hard, making him winch and limp down nursing his battered balls.

"f**k!" He cursed.

That was my cue to escape. I shoved him away from me and got out of his reach. He tried to grab me but I swiftly swayed, making my distance out of him for good. Unfortunately, he have no chance to run after me because of his injury. Huh! That's what you get crossing this chick! Pervert!

"Hey! Come back here, b***h!" I heard him call out.

"Huh, that's serve you right asshole! Good night," I said sardonically and left him.

I hurriedly got out of the alley, crossing the counterpart street and hailed a cab. I went inside and looked back if he's still chasing. He didn't show up from the street where I left him. Good for him.

I instructed the driver to take me to my address, leaving that bastard behind who generally ruined my midnight stroll. I tried to analyze what have just happened.

What in the world is he doing here? He don't seem to be special agent or a secret ops. He's way too younger for the job. Or maybe he's a spy too. A protege or some kind of ridiculous fan of spy movies currently out in the big screen? He's better than this, what a minute– how he even know I'm here? Damn it? Who is that guy?

My phone vibrating in my bag abruptly disturbed me and which made me snap out of my thoughts. Good thing I put in a sling or else I might misplace it again like just happened before.

"Hello," I cleared my throat and glanced at the driver. He was not looking, full of attention on the road.

"I was calling you for five times," the deadpan voice from the other line said.

"Sorry, I was in flight mode." I lied, it was actually in silent mode as well as Alice.

"Anyway, how are you doing? Any lead?"

I sidled to the driver before I answered. "No, still nothing. But I'm working on it."

I heard her sigh. "Well, if you have it, tip it to me, I'll try to back you up. One more thing, Ben came in to my house asking for you. I told him you didn't show up since the last time. I told him to go to your mom's city. Where are you exactly?"

"s**t!" I muttered. "I'll call you later. Can't take this conversation in this place."

She didn't argue and agreed. "Okay, I'll wait for your call." Then she hung up.

I slid it back to my bag before checking up on Alice. She was still awake with brilliant swirling shades of pink, purple, blue and magenta playfully dancing as her screensaver. A replication of Borealis in her broad screen which summons a midnight magic in motion. I smiled and caressed her screen. Her screensaver danced even more brightly saying she is indeed happy.

I took her out of the bag and placed her on my lap. Then I opened her camera and held her up, doing a 360 rotation, showing her our surrounding. Automatically, she'll going to save this in her humongous memory bank and making a general idea or her deep apprehension and form a follow up study. She will surely bombard me with a lot of questions when we get home.

After a half an hour ride, we finally reached the apartelle. Avoided the curious look and questioning portion of my land lady by passing her by. I didn't have to be nice to everyone. I rushed to the stairs heading to my unit. I slammed the door behind me and landed on my bed face on. I have a very long day and I haven't even started yet. I sighed, muffled in the sheet of the mattress.

"Damn this freaking life, I wish to end this thing so soon." I shifted my head sideways. "Mom, Tyler, please guide wherever you are."

My burning tears ran down my cheek. I need to be strong. I have to be strong. I can't let them down this time. Not anymore.

‡Will Castillo ‡

What the f**k!

I grunted and tried to stand up while having this favoring crotch. I hissed as it hurts even just by standing up. I cursed violently.

"That b***h, I'll make her pay!" I uttered as I was getting out of the alley. I pulled my phone out of my coat's secret chest pocket and dialed the number of my chauffeur then barked. "Get me out of this damn street!"

I tugged my feet to hold me still, to stand still as my balls were severely aching. That b***h!

I cursed once again throwing my fist on the side walls where I was leaning to. I drew a harsh sigh.

I was intoxicated with booze and a hit of Mary Jane when she showed up. I never expected to see something beautiful in my entire day and she came just in time for some fun. I thought It was like a dream.

Yeah, she's f*****g just a dream. Look what she'd done to you, i***t!

I was nursing my headache and my bruised ego, when the bar's manager ordered me out of the Continental Pearl. I resisted and grabbed his collar shaking him off and punching him twice or maybe even more. I didn't know what happened after. My memory was blurry and the last thing I knew, I was hauled and threw out of the street. I think I fell asleep and somebody just dragged me here in this alley.

I checked my wallet. "s**t! Why am I so clumsy!"

I searched every pockets of my coat, suit and pants but I didn't find it. "f**k!" I angrily hissed as it added up to my misery.

"Damn it! Damn you Ash! Damn you Ella! Damn everyone of you!" I shouted, cursing and condemning my stupid life. For being dumb, careless and such a big loser.

I yelled at almost everyone in the street making them stopped and stared violently, some even yelled back at me.

"Go home now loser! Go f**k yourself!"

"Yeah! You big dumb ass, take your hate else where, no one cares about your stupid problem."

"Get a f**k, you'll be better loser! If you can find one."

"Oh yeah! You want some fight huh! Come back here, you big piece of s**t!" I was on rage. I'm out of control and my stupid body was way no any better. My balls still hurts, my ego was bruised, tattered into despicable state it could ever have and I'm so angry. Really, really furious about what's happening to my life.

"You wanna fight huh?! You want to die?" The guy that passed on me whom I hit when I threw my shoe.

I could give a damn fistfight just now. I don't care anymore for stupid reservation.

"Drop it Ryan, he's not worth it!" The girl beside him said pulling him away.

He measured me and I fought him eye to eye. I was preparing to throw punches when he suddenly smirked.

"Whatta loser, you're right Anna. He's not worth it," then they turned their back and left me alone.

I wanted to scream, I wanted to kill somebody, I wanted to release this overwhelming hatred in me. I wanted to break loose. I wanted to... I wanted to get lost.

Well, good news Will, you are already lost.

I dropped to my knee, slouchingly sat back to the pavement. I was so tired to even walk or shout. I'm so sick and tired of being like this.

I didn't know what time was it when my driver pulled in and helped me get up, taking me to the backseat of my Cadillac. I didn't have the energy to even berate him for taking so long and for his incompetence. And for no particular reason, I hated everyone around me. I just feel that way. Everything's fake. Everything's an illusion.

You can't win this life with that kind of state, Get a backbone Will! Get up, pick your s**t up and make them pay! For everything they have done to you!

I heard my other self inside my brain. I was so weary and wasted, I couldn't think much clearer. I know I have to do something but I just don't know how.

I took a glass and crystal decanter of scotch from the built-in cupboard for wine and took out ice from the chiller. I also pulled out an ice pack and put it on my crotch. I sighed and sipped on my glass.

Momentarily closed my eyes as I pressed it gently. That was the moment I felt the sting in my face when the air conditioner hit on my skin. The broken skin, scraped my sharp edge. I checked my face on the windshield.

I have a long scratch on my right cheek, my lower lip had tiny cut. I screwed my face.

Damn, that girl was something else. Suddenly I found myself smiling.

I leaned my back on the backrest and closed my eyes, drowning all of my sorrowful misery of this eventful night.