Dark Roses Die

Chapter 2 - Meeting You

                                                                                        Zathrian 

Now we play the waiting game. She's coming. I can feel it.

Months after months of planning, I anticipated this moment, this very moment. My instincts are never wrong. 

I walked across the room and gently placed the gift I was going to give to her.

"It's nearly time," my capo said nervously glancing at his watch. His name was Jonathan and he lived and worked for us full time. He was more my fathers capo at first but now he's relieved of all duties and works for me.  

I looked out the window, nervously. No not nervously, I don't get nervous. 

This girl had been chosen by me, I had watched her for months, every move, every sound. Without her realising we knew all her routines and habits. Her weaknesses and strengths and even her likes and dislikes. Imelda was the right fit for the job we needed done. She was strong and determined not to mention innocent and naive. I looked out the window admiring the soft pattering of the rain. Calming but cold. She would be brave and relentless but she’d understand our offer, I thought assuring myself. “You can go for now,” I said firmly to Jonathan as I sat down. He complied and left quietly closing the mahogany door behind him. For a while everything was silent. Dead silent. Nothing moved. But then I heard it. The rustling of the leaves just below the window. She was here. I stood up abruptly and prepared  myself for what I knew was going to be a tough conversation. I’m ready, I thought as I waited for her to find her way.

                                                                                        Imelda

Finally, I was here. Bright lights lit up the front garden and the rest of the house but no one could be seen. It was completely quiet as if empty. My eyes frantically landed from thing to thing as I took in how breathtaking this place was. Fancy and prestige. Just like the address. Even the grass by the garden fountain sparkled from the rain moments before, exposing its  beauty. Wow, I thought as I quietly opened the large gate on the right and walked gently down the paved pathway which led to the entrance. 

What now?

My heart pounded fast and loud. I hadn’t thought that far ahead, I just wanted answers. It was my blind anger that led me here, I realised now. I didn’t plan every single move like before, there was bound to be a mistake somewhere along the way even if I’d somehow not made it till now. I breathed in sharply as I crouched behind a  huge neatly cut bush. I couldn’t just go in, this house was too big, there was bound to be a lot of guards.  The original plan was to find the person responsible and get out information but again I had underestimated these people. I should’ve learned from my previous mistakes. These people weren’t a newly formed pretend gang, they were a whole organisation and they controlled everything. “Here goes everything!” I whispered to myself as I moved closer to the staircase. There were two sets of stairs each leading to the same large black door. Both staircases stone white and curled with banisters running up it. Very extra but aesthetically pleasing. I started climbing the left side one close to the wall in case I could be seen. I approached the doorknob again breathing in sharply. As I placed my hand on it, the door swung open before I had the chance to push it, leaving me startled. And there he stood, poised and still. Same smell. Same sound. Holding a large box decorated with a single crimson bow. I looked at him, shocked. He smiled. 

                                                                                               Zathrian 

I opened the door. There she was. The moon shone making her eyes gleam. At first I saw a flash of fury but then she softened her gaze as I smiled at her. “Come in,” I said calmly aware of my tone and body language as she was not the trusting kind. “I don’t even know you!” she said, frowning at me. “I know but you're much safer in here than out there if I’m honest,” I replied signalling out behind her. She paused, double minded. But then walked in staring at the foyer’s chandelier as I closed the door behind me. Her mouth slightly open and eyes wide. This  didn’t come as a surprise, everyone had had that same shocked reaction for the first time. The house was an all admired beauty, every inch filled with different decor with pure diamonds and gold. We walked through the hallway on the left and then entered a small private room. “You can sit,” I said, pulling out a chair. She sat down, her gaze sharp and still. “This is peculiar even for me but trust me it's the best for you,” I continued as I sat down in front of her. “Peculiar?! I don’t even know who you are!” She said disgustedly. I sighed deeply. “I know how this looks but you still trusted me enough to come here, haven’t you?” I said looking at her intently. “I haven’t trusted you, I had no choice, you’ve killed people, you could kill me for all I know!” She argued angrily now standing up. I looked at her confused. “ No ones been killed, you won’t be either,” I replied, assuming she was talking about “the dark hour”.  “We’re not the ones to be afraid of, there’s more going on than it seems!” I finished. Silent. She didn’t reply. “ I placed the address by you, it was me, that was the only way to keep you safe and get you out of this!” I continued.