An Impossible Blunder. Private to marauder13 and Alana_

[marauder13]

Imagine bringing a large group of wolves together, and dumping them in one place. Then watched as they figured out who was where in the hierarchy. The slow mingling of cautious entities, subtly inspecting each other to determine whether the other one was ranked higher than they were, or not. Even if they were of greater rank, it still meant that they had to tread carefully, in case they met one that outranked them. One mistake, snarls and blood would follow and the lower would retreat bloodied and chastised.

Put them in suits, and that was the nature of the party. Few times did the Family come together as happened for that party. Faces unseen were watched, actions and reactions gauged, remembered and cataloged so positions could be determined, and proper respect shown. Antonio knew exactly where he stood in the hierarchy. He would let others sweat about where they stood. He knew who to show respect to, and how.

He was pleased at the attention that Shawn was getting. The looks were positive. The men were guardedly envious of him having such a fine looking partner attending the social gathering with him. The women approved of her, her dress, her behaviour toward Antonio and probably several dozen other criteria known only to the fairer sex. He took it in his stride, as if she was worthy of the reactions she received.

Antonio watched as the Soto-Capo walked over towards him. The path he took did not hide the destination from anyone. Antonio felt his heart increase slightly, before restoring it to normal. There was nothing for him to fear from the approach of the second in charge of the Family.

"The Capo would like to see you now." The words carried to his ears. Just. No one else would have heard what was said to him. Antonio's lips curled at the ends as he gave the slightest of nods. He started to turn to face Shawn when he felt her lips press against his skin. The smile grew a little more at the gesture, along with the words. Together, they followed the Soto-Capo over to meet the Capo of the Garibaldi.

Antonio waited for the greeting from his Boss. The motions were observed between them. They were business partners more than friends, but then the Don would greet them in the same way, thought he would come across a little warmer. Antonio watched through well disguised eyes as Danielle met his boss. But he was taken with her beauty, and seemed to approve of Antonio's choice of lady partner.

''Thank you for having me Sir..You have a very beautiful home.''

"And when it is graced with flowers such as you, it is made even more wonderful. I wondered what kind of woman would take the interest of Consigliere Salvatore. A woman of beauty, grace and a little courage too. Not many speak to me as easily as you. It is a nice thing to see.

"Now, Antonio, would you at least be so kind as to introduce me to this most charming of ladies?"

"Sorry, Don. Forgive me. Danielle, this is my boss, Don Garibaldi."

"But you, Danielle, may call me Michael. I am very pleased to meet you." He turned back to Antonio. "Now that you have arrived, I can have things move on a little more."

The head of the Garibaldi Mafioso Family walked over to a small elevated area of the room. Once he reached the top and faced the crowd, he tapped his glass with one of his rings. The room went silent.

"Welcome, everyone. Tonight, we celebrate the end of a most dark time for this fair city. Tonight, we celebrate a new era of safety and prosperity. Tonight, we mourn the loss of many fine people.

"But before we do that, there are some announcements that I need to make. While this war was brought to an end by the efforts of the District Attorney, I for one will not be used as a cat's paw for anyone, regardless of how beneficial it may be. So, sometime soon, we shall be thanking him for his efforts, and sending a clear message that we will not be anyone's fool.

"Furthermore, his little assistant, the woman Carmichael who was hung before us like bait, will meet a similar fate whenever she surfaces again. Once more, no one uses us like that."

The elder man took a slow sip of his drink. "But enough of not so pleasant topics. We are here to celebrate, and celebrate we shall. Drink, eat, dance. Soon, we shall go and feast the glories that we have won."

The room filled with generous applause, and the occasional call from the braver of those present. The Don smiled, waving to the people as he walked back down onto the floor. He walked back to Antonio and Danielle.

"Come with me, please. There is a special reward I am wanting to give to Antonio."

The Don's use of his first name set him at ease as he followed the Family's leader into a room just off from the room where the revelers were gathered. Antonio guided Danielle to enter before him. He was about to close the door when it closed seemingly by itself. Antonio had just enough time to recognize Mario d'Agostini as the one responsible for closing the door before the man had both of Antonio's arms pinned behind his back. He caught sight of someone grabbing Shawn in a similar hold.

The left side of Antonio's face exploded in pain, closely followed by the right side as the Don slapped him, then backhanded him. What little urbane appearance, even possible happiness was gone. Disgusting hatred oozed from his skin as he silently snarled at Antonio.

"How very clever, Mister Sean Carmichael. You almost had us completely fooled into thinking you didn't exist. But we know now, you rat bastard. I am looking forward to finding out exactly how much you know, and what you have told to the D.A. I have some people who are going to have a long and thorough talk with you. By the time they are finished, you will wish that I had killed you right here and now."

"You, Miss Shawn Carmichael, I have no idea of where you sit in all of this, but we will hold on to you until we can be sure that Sean over there has been completely upfront with that information. Of course, depending on his information, your death may be quick and clean, or slow and messy after other activities have taken place."

The Don of the Garibaldi walked away from them, composing himself before returning to the party. He turned to the three of his men in the room with him.

"Take this trash out to one of the back rooms. We will deal with it after the party."

 

[Alana_]

The room, the furnishings, ...the rich formal dress of the Don's guests, all belied the danger behind each sallowed skinned complexion. Smiles, bright perfect teeth smiles were unerringly perfect, they - in hindsight- had to have been false. No one could look so happy, so proud of what they did, ...agree with what the Don said..what this man who had invited Shawn to call him Michael did...with out the whole thing being false.

The festive banquette began, with Antonio leading Danielle by the arm, behind Don Michael, out of the grand room. The smell of bee's wax was a delicious pungent perfume in the office they were led to, with its heavy dark highly polished furniture. She noticed the landscape painting behind the giant ornately carved desk, just as a movement behind her, distracted her from both the painting, and the crack of a hand to someone beside her. And then another.

At first Shawn didn't grasp what had happened it happened so fast..So out of tone with the greeting in the grand room. Hindsight..Fuck Hindsight and the horse it rode in on..Hindsight was useless..Foresight was sadly missed.

The Don made his threats simple. Threats that weren't threats at all...They were promised warnings. Information would be taken from Sean...and Sean would ultimately pay the price for his legitimate deception.

The brief transition of attention to Shawn, from the held Sean, was almost indifferent. That who she was in the true harsh game of things, didn't matter to the one straightening his tie, fixing the cold calm back on his face. But his indifference carried with it too its weight in threats..

''......your death may be quick and clean, or slow and messy after other activities have taken place."

There was a harsh fistful of flesh tug to the inside of her arm, after the Don's final order was bit back in quiet effectiveness..They were to be taken away to some room, ..somewhere in the house..until later. ''...activities have taken place. She knew the ''activities'' he alluded to; his little old man with so much power in his hands, that he could ask for anything, and there were people ready to give up lives to honor his wishes. But Shawn grit her panic and reigned it in. Now was not the time to allow the sick sense of hopelessness smother her.

The halls grew narrower...The sounds of the party grew distant, as steps downward led them to a floor that wasn't an underground basement, but was still below the ground floor. There were windows higher up..Shallow wide windows. She could hear the sounds of cars still being parked up..of gravel crunching..Car lights peppered the window panes, and Shawn realized they were in rooms somewhere to the back of the house, where large inner courtyard played host to the guests cars.

She was flung roughly into a solid chair with its back to the door.
All sight of Sean was lost then to her. He was by her side one second...then she was hurled in ahead of him, and robbed of the sight of him.

A strip of thick tape was slapped over her mouth instantly by one of the men. Then with quick efficiency, the surprising placement of a head set, with music streaming into her ears was placed on her, loud enough to drone out sounds of anything around her. Both men then bound her restrained hands behind the chair, pulling painfully on her shoulders.

She argued against the tape..Her voice muffled beneath its gluey taste. Pulling on the restraints, Shawn tried to twist herself enough to look behind her to see where Sean was, but to no avail.
She kicked with one foot as a hand grabbed her ankle to restrain it and for her efforts, Shawn had her jaw grabbed with a vice like grip by one of the biggest hands she'd ever seen in her life.

''Do dat again, and I'll break his fingers one ad'a time..You got dat''?.

Her jaw hurt..The mans finger tips were like fat padded claws that bit into her skin. Shawn nodded..her eyes fearfully wide, until he moved back and resumed binding her ankles to each leg of the chair. '' I'll break his fingers one ad'a time... She knew then Sean was close by..She just couldn't hear him, hear them...hear a damn thing with the effective infusion of music swelling in her ears.

 

[marauder13]

Antonio felt his stomach drop when the two of them were apprehended. He had failed in his mission. A steady stream of Italian swearing boomed within his mind. He tried hard to figure out how the cover was blown and how he ended up in this place. Death didn't concern him. Failure did.

The three men, one holding each of the prisoners plus one in the lead, didn't say a word as they moved deeper into the mansion. The passageways were narrow, harshly lit off white. The servant's highway from the original days of when the house was first built. This was the part of the mansion that made the opulence opulent. Nameless tunnels where nameless people scurried to make the lives of their 'betters' go smoothly.

Before Antonio was fully aware of what occurred, he saw Shawn dragged forward and thrown roughly into a heavy wooden chair. With equal brutal efficiency, tape was applied to her, silencing and restraining her. Dispassionately, he watched as she was threatened and effectively rendered deaf.

'If you don't mind, I think it is time for you to step aside.'

'Be my guest, Sean. Good luck, you're going to need it.'

Mario's prisoner straightened out of the perpetual slouch that Antonio existed in. Moving his eyes the absolute minimum, Sean was able to determine the exact locations of the other two soldatos within the room. He took a deep breath to relax himself. The grip on his arms tightened as Mario caught the telltale sign of pending trouble.

"Go ahead and try, Sean. You'll still live enough to be questioned."

Sean made no other movements, or any obvious changes in his breathing. He waited for the moment that he knew would come any second.

Mario's grip was released enough to return to the original pressure. Sean rammed his hips backward into Mario's torso. The mafioso bent to avoid the move, which brought his head closer to Sean's. Sean slammed his head into Mario's face, breaking the other man's bones from the impact. The grip on Sean's arms loosened enough for him to break free. Sean spun, reaching for the holstered pistol under Mario's jacket. He pulled the pistol clear enough to put a round into the man's abdomen, forcing him to back away into the wall.

Sean took a quick step to the side, shooting the escort in the head as the man started to move over towards Shawn. The one who had been restraining Shawn backed away from her, his hands help up, palms out. The man shook his head, whimpering incoherently. Sean put a bullet through his heart and another through his head. He coldly turned back to Mario, who was weakly trying to get his backup weapon while pressing his other hand against the wound. Sean raised the pistol, pointing it at the last survivor's head.

"Nothing personal, Mario. Just business." Sean squeezed the trigger, killing Mario instantly. Sean took a moment to make sure that the other two were definitely dead, then rushed to Shawn. He carefully took the headphones off her, smiling weakly as he did.

"Sorry darling, but this will hurt." He ripped the tape from her legs, then her arms and finally her mouth. He quickly kissed her cheek where the tape had not touched. "We don't have much time. Listen to me very carefully, my love. I need you to do exactly what I say, when I say it. Even if I tell you to run and leave me behind. The most important thing to me is to make sure that you live."

He roughly took her shoes off, then hauled her to her feet. He gave her one quick hug that conveyed a wealth of feeling and emotion before he checked the other men for weapons. Each man carried a glock, with a spare magazine. He took all the magazines, keeping Mario's weapon for himself. He made a dash for the door, pressing his ear against it listening intently. Not hearing anything, he turned back to look at Shawn.

"Fuck me, Shawn, you look gorgeous. Come on, let's escape from the bad guys, and save the day." His expression became cold and granite like. "Stay behind me, just to the left of me whenever you can. Do exactly what I say, when I say."

He opened the door slowly, peering through the crack. He opened the door wider, taking a quick glance in the opposite direction. He gestured Shawn to follow moments before he stepped out the door. He walked confidently down the hall, leading them further away from the festivities. As they reached corner, a mafia man walked around and almost knocked Sean over. Sean slapped his hand over the other man's mouth, pushing him into the wall. No sooner had the man made contact with the wall, Sean's pistol was pressed up into the other man's solar plexus. Without pause or thought, Sean shot the man. A large smear of blood covered the wall as the corpse sank to the floor.

"So much for stealth. Now, we run." Sean grabbed one of Shawn's hands, and the pair ran away from the dead man, seeking their escape.

 

[Alana_]

When the head phones were taken away, it was then Shawn gained more understanding of what was going on around her. There was the undeniable smell of something that she recognized as discharged bullets. That almost sweetly dirty smell of gunpowder.
Looking right into Seans eyes, ..even with the dark contact lenses, she watched him as the tape was pulled quickly freeing her limbs. She closed her eyes tightly as the tape was also with a pinching haste, pulled from her lips, and she licked her lips, as he kissed her cheek.

But Sean lost nothing in getting her to understand they needed to work together..that she had to listen to him, and do exactly what he said. There was no gentleness in how he hauled her to standing barefoot, his voice quiet, crisp, with an urgency that was comforting. He was forceful. Sean was aware of the need around them to get the hell out of the house, but he wasn't showing any signs of being afraid. And Shawn needed that.
She was plenty afraid for the two of them.

Bodies were stepped over as she followed him out. It was a strange irony, that Shawn realized that seeing someone having died violently, registered with her, but didn't shock her anymore. Following him, just a pace behind Seans she walked quietly, her bare feet cool on the uniquely patterned floor tiles.

"Fuck me, Shawn, you look gorgeous....''

Shawn closed her eyes, finding it easier to listen to him exactly without seeing Sean. He distracted her. Always distracted her. Even if it was in fighting with her.
They went on, she with her fingers by her sides full of the dark fabric of her dress, as she followed to his left as he'd wanted. The sounds of the house sounded as 'normal' as they should. There was nothing to give away that they were missed...

That thought died the minute Sean was face to face with one of the mafioso. Shawn's stomach almost relented, an she had to swallow hard and inhale, as she leaned back against the wall, ready to give up.
The shot startled her. She didn't think Shawn would shoot and risk them being found. As she watched the guy slump down to the floor, and she watched the hair matted blood drag behind his head, she realized he'd no choice. It took only the grip of his hand around hers for Shawn to know she didn't care who got shot, who got shot at, so long as it got her and Sean out!

"So much for stealth. Now, we run."

And she ran with him, along a hall that was a wealth of heavy closed doors. At the end there was a double door,.. mahogany framed glass door, that she could see led outside. Garden lights were in abundance, to show off the trimmed beds and foliage. They got to those doors by some miracle, despite the sounds behind them down the long hall, of voices and discovery of the source of the gunshot.

Her heart was racing as she pushed one door to find it locked..but the other door pushed open freely. Looking at Sean, she gave a little smile and stepped outside cautiously. The banquette was in full swing to their left. But there was floor to ceiling windows all along the main halls walls, and with the gardens being lit up so well, there was little doubt she and Shawn would be seen if they didn't get to cover.

But they were out. Going back inside the house was suicide. Going forward was risky, but it was their only chance. As if on queue, the music stopped, and voices were raised. Guests voices reflected confusion as it became clear word was not just reaching the Don that Sean was free, but that he literally killing his way out of the house.

There was a row of Acer ginnala, trimmed perfectly to their left, and Shawn led the way to squatting behind the hedge. The tall lights of the over head lights in the parking area signaled at the very least where their car was. Shawn looked to Sean, and nodded towards it. She realized only then she'd been completely silent. Not a word. She was too petrified,.. but completely functional. Completely focused.

Looking over Seans shoulder towards the French doors of the grand room, Shawn rose slowly and began to scurry as fast as her bare feet would allow her through the shrubbery growing behind the hedge away from the room. She was freezing, despite the warm temperatures. Being afraid and cold with fear was something she recognized only too well in the last weeks.
Her life was in turmoil. She was afraid all the time, and it seemed to be getting progressively more dangerous. What the fuck else could happen to them now.? For a fleeting second, she turned and looked at Sean, and wondered would she ever know the real Sean.. not just the Sean she got to borrow now and then when time allowed.

It at least meant Antonio was gone. He was no longer needed. And..she knew she was going to miss him. There was no time to think of him..of what it signaled. Of recognizing the confusion as to what was to happen now Sean's cover was gone.
She moved automatically. Looking around, staying low trying to catch a glimpse of the car she'd arrived in with ''Antonio''.
There were noises..Raised voices..Angry voices that commanded and bit out instructions.

Oh Jesus, they're getting closer!
To panic now was a sure means of getting them both killed. She inhaled, and pressed her hands to her face and counted to ten quickly, then looked around some more.
The cars reeked of money. Rows and rows of neatly parked cars, all pristine, all expensive. Then she saw it. And she paused and ducked behind a car whispering to Sean for the first time.

''Honey, there..Two rows in to the left.''

 

[marauder13]

Sean's admiration for Shawn came back to him rapidly as they made their way out of the Don's home. She listened, didn't argue or question what he told her. What meant the most to him though was the amount of trust she put in him. It also scared him the most, because he was afraid of failure, and what it would cost her.

Sean also overlooked how smart Shawn was, and how quickly she adapted to her surrounds. Sean caught brief glimpses of her looking for a way out, and being rather sensible about it. He reminded himself that there was a job he was doing, which required him to not waste time double checking what she was doing. He felt that they had been working partners for years, not a cop and a civilian who met only a month or two before.

The sound of the door opening echoed loudly in Sean's ears, but he was quick to correct his overactive perceptions that the noise was rather quiet. He looked to Shawn, confirming that she had indeed opened the door. Her reassuring smile lifted his troubled mind enough to make him think a little clearer. He barely suppressed the grin at her taking the lead in moving outside. But as fate was want to do at times like those, the ceasing of the celebration signaled that the Garibaldi were aware of Sean and Shawn's departure.

The well lit garden was a mixed blessing. The well tended and designed outer area of the mansion grounds meant that they could hide well enough, but if they were not careful, they would be seen. Of course, Sean reflected, the same applied to the mafioso too. But getting caught in a shootout would be suicide. Remaining undetected for as long as possible was the only safe course of action.

Sean followed Shawn's path as she ran towards the carpark. The most difficult aspect of the run was Sean's near distraction caused by Sean's rather delightful rear being hugged very tightly by her dress. He made a quick note to do something about said rear when things calmed down enough. It was too easy to get lost in those little things when death hovered so close. The mind desperately attempting to capture those fleeting moments of joy, elation and wondrous times before they disappeared completely. Of course, having those thoughts running wild normally caused them to disappear faster.

Small dashes from point to point, punctuated by pauses to listen and occasionally peer ahead. Heavy breathing through wide open mouths to keep identifiable noise to a minimum. Hammering heart beats that drowned out so much useful noise, and made the head feel like it was being hit by a dull, heavy weight. The carpark loomed closer on their personal horizon. Sean took point.

The sounds of movement, and softly spoken voices, had a calming effect on Sean. The enemy was close. Something that he could deal with. A known situation, opposed to the running blindly through the Don's gardens. His breathing slowed, as his heart rate. What had been blurred in his rush now cleared like a fog lifting. He clearly heard Shawn's inhaling, then some slight movements. He was looking at the rows of cars, along with the attendants, who were undoubtedly soldatos, therefore armed.

He dashed forward to one of the parked cars, a rather old model Cadillac. Sean didn't mind the make of the American classic car, but it was not what he really needed at that time. There were other examples of more noteworthy vehicles park. More recent models, bigger grunt under the bonnet, as well as all those delightful little extras that make such vehicles a pleasure to drive at over double the highway speed limits.

''Honey, there..Two rows in to the left.''

Sean turned swiftly, giving Shawn a stern look as he brought a finger to his lips. He took a quick look over the top of the car, spotting his intended vehicle, and noting the locations of the men who would try and stop them. Now would be the perfect time to shoot people, expect that it would draw too much attention. He made that mistake once, he wouldn't make it again. He scanned the carpark, looking for a good vehicle to use for their escape. The car they took over was not right for Sean's needs.

'Where's a fucking Mini when you need one?'

Sean spotted the car they would take. He caught Shawn's attention, pointing further down the current row of vehicles. He tapped the back of the car they were using as a shield, then lifted hand with one finger raised. He pointed to the next one, raising a total of two fingers. He then motioned six. He pointed to Shawn, and made like he was driving. He took another quick peek, grimacing as he brought his head down. He leaned over, giving Shawn a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Go to that car. Don't leave without me." Half bent over, Sean ran into the main body of cars, and toward the nearest of the men patrolling that part of the grounds. He stayed low, crouching behind a sleek, black BMW. He listened to the slow steady crunch of hard soled shoes on the gravel. In the last moments before he acted, he hoped Shawn got to the Audi he spotted.

He man just came into view from Sean's hiding spot. Sean rose, the edge of his right hand slamming into the man's throat moments before his left fist rammed into the target's groin. The man doubled over without making a sound. Sean hesitated for a moment before fracturing the man's larynx, causing him to choke to death.

He ran between the cars again, heading straight for the second man, who was now suspicious. By the time Sean got nearer to him, his target had a gun out. Sean bobbed a few times, his fingers wriggling manically as he ran through his options. The lone mafioso turned his head in Sean's direction, and Sean knew it was time to act.

Sean raced forward, lunging for the hand with the gun. Sean grabbed the right wrist with his right hand, pulling the gun hand down and across their bodies. The left hand was in motion to shatter the elbow only to hit the bicep as the mafioso went with the motion, rolling onto his back. Sean tightened his grip, pressing his fingers into the other man's wrist to make him drop the weapon. As the man rolled, his free hand lashed out, catching the inside of Sean's left leg, causing him to drop to his knee. Sean moved his hand off the arm, slamming into the side of his opponent's head. He also slammed the captured arm against his knee, finally dislodging the firearm.

Both feet filled Sean's vision as he was kicked in the face, knocking him backward. Sean continued the motion, rolling over onto his feet in a crouch. He was moving forward as the other man got to his feet. Rather than standing up, the still crouching guard pivoted on one foot, spinning around and hitting Sean in the ribs with a left hook. Sean's elbow was blocked before he could hit the other man in the temple. But he quickly locked the left arm of his attacker before he pulled it away, pinning it hard against his torso. Sean quickly rotated left, satisfied hearing the sound of a joint tearing loose. An equally quick reversal brought his elbow back into the other man's face, shattering his nose. Sean threw the stunned man onto the ground, dropping a knee into his chest with the sounds of cracking bones.

The gunshot reached his ears the same time the bullet screamed past his ear. Sean scrambled to grab the dropped pistol, putting one round through the mafioso's head. He ducked low as several more shots came his way. Sean stood up, and fired back at the group of armed men near the house. The few shots he fired had the desired effect, causing them to dive for cover. It bought him valuable seconds to run for the getaway car.

Bullets flew wide of the mark as he dashed frantically for the car. He half vaulted, half slid across the front on the car, jumping in through the opened window.

"Go Shawn! Just get us out of the mansion grounds! NOW!!" Sean pulled the lower half of his body in, rolling onto his back as he tried to get his lower legs into the car.

 

[marauder13]

[OOC
For those of you who have followed this thread, you are by now well and truly aware that Alana_ has left Lit, never to return. I have really enjoyed writing with her, and I will miss her on this site a lot. But what disappointed me was that fate dealt it's hand when it did, with respect to this thread.

This thread was very near the end of it's natural arc, and to be left hanging like it is really niggles my sense of completeness. Our other thread was nowhere near the same point, so I can 'happily' let that one sit were it is. But this one, I decided that I would finish one way or another.

After some thought, I decided that I would simply do my posts. I couldn't ask someone else to fill Alana_'s place, not in a thread she created and started, plus I can't think of anyone who could do it justice. With that in mind, I managed to exhaust a few carrier pigeons tracking her down, and got her permission and blessings to complete the thread solo.

So, there will be some more posts to bring the story to it's natural conclusion. As per the initial request, please do not post any comments in this thread. Send them to me via PM.

To everyone who has read this thread over it's lifetime so far, on behalf of Alana_ and myself, thank you very much for your enjoyment. I hope that my finale will make the entire experience worth while.]

 

[marauder13]

[OOC - After much talking, begging, pleading and copious sacrifices to Dark Deities that shall remain unnamed, Alana_ came out of hiding long enough to send me one final post for Shawn. It has been edited to remove a typo or two, but otherwise, it is as Alana_ wrote it.]

*******************************************************​

For Shawn, leaving him was something that she wanted to argue against, but couldn't because while her fear was gathering, her adrenaline spurred her on into doing what Sean wanted. Scurrying along the front of the cars, head down, shoulders hunched as she grabbed her dress in one hand she used the other to hold her kicked off shoes.

The sound of a tussle was harsh, and she was afraid for Sean.

Even with the hubbub of voices emerging from the party, she could hear the gruff breaths of struggles, and then there was a freezing silence as she heard the car door click when she pulled on the recessed handle.

It hadn't even crossed her mind that the car would be unlocked.

But it was, and she slid inside, flinging her shoes onto the back seat. There had been valet parking, so she stuck her hand beneath the drivers seat, feeling around for the car keys. No keys. She reached across to the glove compartment , only to find a DnG pair of sunglasses.

No keys! Her head ached, and she could hear her heart beat beating in every pulsing drop of blood that seemed to rush to her brain.

A gun shot!

Pressing her head back against the head rest, Shawn gave one harsh sob, before the second shot rang out and she knew in her bones that Sean wasn't dead! Driving her hand into the pouch of the car door, it too revealed no keys, and she cursed as she pulled roughly on the sun visor only for the keys to drop onto her lap.

It was a Mercedes C class. High end, with the full speck. The ''key'' was pressed into the car steering well, and she pushed the manual gear into first, and slowly let the car rev not wanting to draw attention to its purring engine.

She saw him then! Lowered both windows of the car as she listened to his footsteps and then revved the car hard , slipping it into second gear, ..her feet still on the brake and clutch. As Sean hit the hood, Shawn released the under dash hand brake, and did as he ordered when he yelled...

"Go Shawn! Just get us out of the mansion grounds! NOW!!"

The car was one of the smaller in the range, but powerful. It begged for acceleration as it squealed out of the parking space, and she didn't so much guide it between the cars, as aimed it towards the driveway, smacking it from second to fourth gear; the car responding to the unconventional abuse perfectly. Purposely Shawn avoided looking in the rear view mirror, concentrating ahead of her.

There were two men standing with guns raised at the car, and she reflectively put her hand out across Sean to keep him safe as she gunned the car, and spoke quietly to him.

''We're going to ok honey.''.

Closing her eyes, Shawn gritted her teeth and felt her left hand tighten on the steering wheel. Gun shots rang out, but managed to avoid the windscreen by some miracle. The rumble and thump of one of the men being bounced onto the hood, up over the window only to be flung off the roof as she swerved into the driveway was sickening. Her lungs burned as she opened her eyes and without wanting to, Shawn could see that there were cars coming behind them.

The driveway was long. Beautifully maintained, with the trees like elegant tall shadows lining their escape. The gates ahead were closed, and city lights shown beyond them and never looked so magnificent.

Gun fire! The windscreen exploded, and Shawn screamed as the shards of shattering glass hit her face and chest.

More gunfire! Two men stood at the gates, and were firing on them with more success than the first two. A quick glance behind her told her going forward was the only option, as it appeared to be a cortege of speeding cars tearing up the driveway behind them. It struck Shawn then, that when she'd been first shot, and in all that had happened since then, she'd never really thought of her parents. Not in that ''your life flashing before your eyes'' way.

But she did now.

It was eerie. Kind of calming. She could hear her Dad telling her that he needed her help to change the filters on his bike...and her Mom calling her down for supper. She remembered her fathers face when she'd come down the stairs in her graduation gown, and her Mother's nod before she slipped her hand into her husbands hand and whispering to him... She's going to be ok honey''.

And again Shawn spoke to Sean quietly, as the car plowed through the gates, the two men diving to safety as the gates flapped on their hinges and the Mercedes careened out on to the main road.

''We're going to be ok honey''.

Suddenly she felt she could breath again. Suddenly she didn't feel like she was about to vomit. Suddenly Shawn felt a little exhilarated and she wiped her hand over her forehead, and felt herself inside reassuring her parents. I'm ok..I'm ok. Yeah. I'm ok.

Quickly Shawn looked at Sean, and she nodded to him, and gave a quick, if nervous smile before redirecting her attention back onto the road, as the car sped through a residential area; she aware but for the time of night it was, that at another time innocent people would have been endangered.

''You do know I'm never going to let you forget this''?

And she looked at him quickly again, and felt relief in smiling at him.

''Right?"

The relief didn't last long, as she looked in the rear view mirror and Shawn felt afraid again. There were two cars directly behind her, and she'd seen other cars pulling off at a junction..no doubt to try cut them off ahead somewhere.

''I don't know where to go''!!

She looked at Sean for direction, and screamed suddenly as a pick up truck reversed out of a drive way in front of them, she swerving to avoid it. In a twisted blessing, one of the following cars hit the side of the truck, ..the incident blocking the road as the other car had to stop too.

It gave her a break, and she could listen to Sean. City lights were beautiful. City lights gave the city a life that was enviable. Maybe if they just pulled over, got out of the car and ran, they could disappear into those lights, in the city, and never have to come out. Stupid..stupid.stupid!

The second car was back. It hit the road behind them as it launched itself over a rise on the road, and Shawn saw the sparks beneath its body in her mirror. The rest of the drive through the city was like something out of a movie. She broke city lights twice, finally managing to lose the car at crisscrossing mangle of cars all driving across its path.

Had she caused anyone to be hurt? All she could do was hope not. But finally, she had to slow down to guide the car into a storage yard that housed acres and acres of warehouses. It was dimly lit, but she still turned off the car lights and shivered. She was cold; her face felt numb, and Shawn wiped her hand over her face and looked at her palm. She was bleeding a little from one cheek. Small price if they were safe.

Pulling the car into an innocuous looking warehouse, she exhaled heavily as she turned the power off to the engine and rested her head back against the head rest, and reached to place her left hand behind Sean's head for a moment.

''What next baby?''

 

[marauder13]

'Shawn faced the door leaving the hospital room. "I'll raise blue murder if you open that door." He paused, stopping and smiling at the courage displayed by the civilian lying in the bed. Part of him wanted to look at her again, to gaze at the very pretty face that would have been twisted in rage.'

Lying in a hospital bed, wounded and not capable of moving much. The body that was concealed by the sheet hinted at the beauty hidden beneath. That treasure he was fortunate enough to see, feel, taste and love.

"Oh, I'm sure you will, love." Impressed couldn't begin to cover the feeling Sean had for Shawn as she took them through the city at break neck speeds. As a police officer, he had taken the advanced driving courses. Shawn, on the other hand, had not. But to his eye, between long glances behind them, she was doing just as well as any other student of the course. To make it even more so, students didn't have men shooting at them with live ammunition while driving.

Sean quickly rolled himself about in the confined space to get himself seated properly, and lashed in. He ignored Shawn's driving, putting his complete faith in her abilities while he focused on himself. He had a gun, with whatever was left of the load after he took his shots.

''We're going to OK honey.''

Sean registered the fact that Shawn spoke, but he was too focused his own immediate safety, then planning how to get out in one piece. More gunshots registered clearly, as well as the knowledge that no one was hit, and there was no substantial damage to the car. Whatever he may have personally thought of the Germans, he could not fault their cars. He noticed the passage of one of the mafioso sailing over the top of the car, turning his head to watch the pinwheeling body continue to arc through the air. He never saw it hit the ground as the windscreen exploded from incoming small arms fire.

Sean looked forward, seeing the two men standing near the closed gates, firing at them. He was going to fire back, but remembered his limited ammunition, and this wasn't a time to use any of it. He felt strangely calm in the midst of all the chaos. He thought clearly about the options of every action, not feeling pressed at all to make a decision. He had no fears about the impending collision with the gates. He settled himself back in the seat, crossed his arms in front of his chest. He closed his eyes at the last moment before impact.

The explosion of sound pounded Sean's insides. The banshee screams of the metals in a contest of strength made Sean screw his eyelids tighter. But the momentum held, and the Mercedes leapt free of the clutching grip of the gates. When all he could hear was the sounds of the screaming engine, he relaxed and looked over at Shawn.

''We're going to be OK honey.''

He smiled broadly. "Of course we will. Was there any doubts, my love?"

He was pleased, then happy followed by ecstatic at how relaxed Shawn looked. The lack of tension in her face made her look so desirable that his immediate thoughts turned to what they would be getting up to when they had a quiet moment or two. He couldn't believe that he had met such a woman. One who had shown such courage, determination and sheer bloody mindedness that got her through the tons of shit that she had been through. Through it all as well, she remained the passionate, loving woman he had discovered. He was looking forward to learning more about the woman beside him, seeing what other gems were hidden away.

''You do know I'm never going to let you forget this? Right?"

The look she gave him in between her questions just made him feel even more fortunate.

"I know. I'm looking forward to decades of reminders."

He saw her expression change for the worse, and he looked around to see the cars moving in on them. He commenced scanning the area for turn offs, landmarks and other useful terrain.

''I don't know where to go!!''

"Stay calm. Drive and try not to crash. I'll navigate."

The scream gave Sean just enough warning of the impending maneuver that he wasn't stunned by it. The truck filled the windscreen for a moment before disappearing again. Sean turned to see the lead chase car crash into the side of the truck, and the other car screech to a halt.

"Next right." After Shawn turned, Sean led her through a twisting series of turns, alleys, hills and dips and all manner of confusing turns and deviations. But he managed to get them going in a common direction further from the Mafia stronghold.

Sean had time to shout the occasional direction after the second chase car caught up with them again. Shawn was up to the challenge, showing a flair for driving that made him debate getting her a job as a stunt driver. She ran red lights on more than one occasion that would have had screen directors of action movies crying for a camera. Horns, sirens and screaming people filled Sean's ears as the car raced through the city streets. His knowledge of police procedures told him the local law enforcement would be tracking them, and trying to get themselves involved. The only risk was not getting shot by his own side.

Somewhere in one of the cross traffic runs, the chase car either crashed or was slowed enough to allow them to get clear. It didn't matter to him. They were relatively safe, and just needed some time to plan the next step. Shawn had driven them into the warehouse district, and within a few minutes, the battered Mercedes came to a halt. Sean couldn't help but remain alert. His body was still too wired for danger, and what they had been through had got him highly strung.

In the pale light, he looked at her again. Sean felt his heart melt again at the lovely face that was partially lit and partially silhouetted before him. She was resting back against the head rest, showing off her slender neck very effectively. He wanted to nibble on it. He longed to give her a mark that told the world that someone had the hots for this very special woman.

The touch of her hand on his neck sent a cooling wave through his overheated body. Bad tensions slowly eased as the last minutes of their ordeal came to an end.

''What next baby?''

Sean chuckled. "We sit tight, and wait for the police to catch up with you." He let out a long shuddering breath. "The police will pull us in. We will be debriefed. The bad guys will get locked away for a long time, and the city will be at peace again." His own hand reached out, cupping Shawn's cheek. He gently guided her into a soft kiss. "It's done. It's all over now."

The sounds of a car pulling in made Sean even happier to know that the Police had finally found them. But when he saw now lights, his happiness turned to a ball of ice in his belly.

"Fuck! Let's go. NOW." He reached across Shawn, opening her door and nearly pushed her out as he scrambled out of the car. Bullets whistled passed them both, slamming into the walls of the warehouse in front of them. Sean wasted little time in kicking the door open and ducking inside. The shots continued, growing in number as the driver and other passengers got involved.

The inside of the warehouse was lit, making it easier for all to navigate through the stacks of containers lining the floor. The two ran deeper into the warehouse, slightly bent and doing their best to keep quiet. Loud cries of their pursuers echoed through the building.

The other end of the warehouse was sparsely filled with containers, and offered little in the way of cover. Sean picked a spot, and ran toward it with Shawn holding his hand. One of the pursuers reached the same clear area, and open fired. Sean's hold of Shawn's hand faltered, and he made his run alone. He slid behind cover, looking back to see Shawn had found another spot, but she was more exposed than he was. Before he would do anything, he came under fire, and ducked down for cover.

The clam he felt earlier had vanished. Shawn was away from him, and he couldn't protect her as well as he could if he was there as well. The thought of loosing her started top overwhelm his thought processes. He couldn't think clearly, regardless of how much he tried to bring himself under control.

He saw the man moving up on Shawn from behind her. He was clever and used her to protect himself from Sean, guessing correctly that Sean wouldn't take the shot for fear of hitting her. He broke cover, blindly shooting in the vague direction of the other shooters as he ran straight for Shawn.

Everything moved in slow motion. He saw the look on Shawn's face the moment before the single gunshot exploded through the room. Shawn shuddered, undulating slightly as she fell forward like a marionette with the strings cut. Sean's pistol came to bear, the final round in the pistol taking the mafioso in the face, just below the eyes. The explosion of his head was accompanied by a fiery explosion in his leg. Sean collapsed and rolled, narrowly avoiding several other shots before one took him in the hip. He screamed and scrambled towards Shawn. His arm and chest burned with searing heat as more bullets found their mark. Sean was crying, seeing the growing pool of blood gathering around Shawn. He tried in vain to pull himself closer. The sounds of gun fire had stopped, or he lost his hearing; he couldn't tell. The room started to darken as he fell to the floor. The damp warmth covering his body reminded him of the times he loved Shawn.

His heart raced even harder, beating as fast as possible to maintain the rapidly diminishing pressure needed to maintain his life. Breathing took longer to fill his lungs as he saw one pair of feet fill his fading vision. His hand reached out for Shawn's.

"Too bad it had to end this way, hey Carmichael."

Sean saw no more, heard no more remembered no more.