Mind the poison (closed for Sanidia)

Emma had only slept a full hours, the throbbing in her ankle was now just a dull pain she would have to be careful but it would heal soon.
Washing once more and changing, she pulled on her red hoodie, pulling the hood up she grabbed her rucksack and left the motel.
The old receptionist was not there, she waited a little while but losing her patience quickly she placed the key on the counter and left a note with money.
Walking she smiled as she noticed she wasn't limping as much but also she no longer looked like a meth addict, opening the door she flung the rucksack into the back of the van and started it up.
She had been driving for about half an hour even further away from the city when she felt the pistol and heard the voice behind her.
"Shit!" she muttered groaning she turned a little, looking at him, she laughed, "I wouldn't give you the satisfaction.
Slowly placing pressure on the gas pedal she felt the van pick up speed, over taking a couple of cars she fell into a cruise in the fast lane. "Go on tell me why your trying to kill me?" she asked, checking her mirrors, "It might help pass the time, but i doubt that." she looked at him once more before rolling her eyes and concentrating on the road.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! she thought to herself, why the hell had she not check the van? honestly!! she bit her lip, she had to get out of this.
 
He shrugged,

"I got a contract on you. Easy hit."

He smirked,

"Clearly not as easy as he had made me believe."

He gave her a nod,

"You are quite a resourceful woman, I can respect that."

He glanced at the speed,

"Of course getting us pulled over will get you shot, I am confident that the finest this state has to offer is nothing better than what any other country has to offer. So I will get away if you would think that me killing you in front of the Police will help your death have meaning."

Another thought crossed his mind and with a small smirk he buckled his seatbelt, the gun not wavering an inch, nor did his eyes leave her.

"All I want to know is, why were you prepared? No normally cautious person has a grab bag and an escape route just planned out for just in case."
 
Emma groaned before changing lanes, keeping a steady speed she explained.

"Well since your going to kill me, best tell you." she shuffled in her seat the pistol still making her a little uncomfortable.

"If i was prepared I would have gotten away." she sighed, "It all started with an email I thought it was to the wrong person so deleted it, but then the next day it was there again."

Looking at him she bit her lip, "I honestly don't know what i've done."

She sighed again and concentrated on the road, "I'm guessing this is your chosen career." she smiled
 
"It's what I do best. Move over to the shoulder of the road."

He watched the edge of the road as she drove,

"That dirt road, turn in."

He was silent as they drove along the dirt road, it grew wooded and damp, he stopped her when he was sure they had travelled far enough.

"Get out."

He undid the seatbelt and slid over as she got out, following out of the same door, making sure she didn't try anything.

"Hey! What are you two..."

The man who came out of the brush had a rifle, he did not hesitate, he wheeled and fired. The man went down with a bullet through the brain,

"Lawrence? Lawrence? Are you alright?"

Cursing his luck he turned to see that she had run, damnit! The man who followed the other also carried a rifle, only now he saw it to be shotguns. He fired another shot, took stock of her prints in the muddy ground and followed as best his leg allowed.
 
Emma took the moment of opportunity as he started shooting she ran. Emma had always been a good running especially over long distances and she had noticed the small grimace he made when he moved over to her side of the van.
Running along the dirt track she could hear the free way from which the just left up ahead. Running even harder she skidded to a stop when she came within the barrier of the free way, waving her arms she tried getting one of the drivers attentions.
Finally after running some more along the side a small car pulled it, smiling she jumped over the barrier and climbed inside, "Hi my car broke down could you drive me to the next stop."
The old man smiled back, "Sure sweet heart." and with that he began driving the car once more.
Placing her seat belt on she couldn't resist looking over her shoulder, she saw a shadow at the side of the road.
That was close! she thought sighing she smiled awkwardly at the old man, as soon as she got to the next gas stop she would have to plan ahead.
 
He watched as she drove away inside another car, he holstered the pistol, walking along the road he counted the minutes as he tried to flag down motorists, a shiny sedan pulled in next to him, inside clearly a jock and his little sheerleading girlsfriend, the jock snickered at the limp he had.

"Trouble mister?"

He nodded,

"Hunting accident, took a stray bullet while hiking."

The two laughed at him, the kid shifting the car into drive,

"Next time take up a better sport sucker!"

But before the car could pull away two shots rang out, the jock slumping into his seat and the girl slumping against the door.

"Fucking prick."

He quickly holstered the pistol again, then drew the limp bodies out of the car and dumped them next to the road, there was a sports jacket and a university cap, that would suit him just fine. He got in and gunning the engine he drove away, content to find his quarry soon.
 
Emma couldn't help but look over her shoulder every couple of seconds.

"Something wrong sweetheart?" the old man asked before chuckling.

Emma laughed along with him, "No ... well except my car." she shrugged and forced herself to look out the window at the passing scenery. It seemed to take them forever to reach the next gas stop, but when the sign came into view Emma couldn't help but place her hand on the seatbelt ready to jump out.
The old man pulled up and before he could say anything, Emma was opening the car door, shouting "Thanks." before slamming it shut, she made her way inside the gas stop.
Taking a deep breath she placed her hands inside her jeans pockets and walked around, looking at a few things she checked through the window, mostly it was just the odd commuter parking up for gas, she noticed one guy, in a suit get out of his 4X4 and began cursing through his cell phone.
Grinning she walked out of the store looking over her shoulder, making sure he wasn't looking and jumped in his car. The stupid idiot had forgotten his keys, smiling she waved as she saw him looking in her direction before putting her foot on the pedal. "Idiot." she muttered.
Speeding off she headed north back on the free way she was getting further away from the city, but she needed supplies, since everything was back in the god damn van, cursing she slammed her hand against the steering wheel.
 
At he drew close to the gas station he saw the car drive away with only one person inside, he knew she lacked the psychological make-up to kill in cold blood. He swung the car into the parking lot for the shop's clients, slipping on the jacket and cap, he was about to get out when his prey came out. He stayed in his seat and watch her steal a 4x4 from a man who wasn't dressed to actually drive something like that.

He switched on the car, pulled out and swung back into traffic, following her at a safe distance. Making sure not to stick out too much and also making sure that she did not slip away from him. His wounds was starting to itch again, he knew that he would have to finish her off or ghost her until he got a clear shot at her. First he would have to get his wounds cleaned up again.
 
Emma kept driving at a steady pace. The stupid idiot had filled the tank to the top so she would be able to make the outskirts of the next city.
Moving along the high way she kept glancing through her mirrors, the small hairs on her neck were standing on end but she didn't notice anyone following.
She shivered as she thought of the mad man chasing her. Would she ever get away? she smiled to herself, he would have one hell of a fight before she gave in.
Crossing to another lane she saw the next sign post, the next city was a good 120 miles so it gave her time to clear her head, and try once more and figure out who the hell wanted her dead!
 
He smiled as he kept the woman in sight, she drove steady, usually that meant that he had succeeded in keeping his pursuit hidden. Of course with various other vehicles driving along with them along the road it was rather easy to follow her. His skills would of course set in when they reached the next city. He checked the gas, three quarters full, at the rate that the car guzzled juice he could easily reach the next city and have some change left. Let her allow herself to believe that she had escaped him, he knew that it was much better to allow her a false sense of security, that would make her an easier target to hit. He shifted inside of the jacket, the shoulder itched
 
Still continuing to drive on Emma could feel herself becoming more and more tired with every sign post she passed. Running a hand through her hair she switched on the radio, cringing as some new singer tried to hit the high notes. Quickly changing it she smiled when she found a local rock radio station and sat back enjoying the rest of the ride.
The 50 miles left sign flashed ahead, sitting a little further up it hadn't struck her till then to check the glove compartment, stretching over she flipped it open having a feel about there wasn't much, the odd crappy CD, a few papers nothing of worth. Sighing she sat back, continuing to drive.
Looking in her rear view mirror she frowned, 'I'm sure i've seen that car before?' she thought trying to get a better look but another car had just pulled in behind her blocking her view.
She chuckled to herself, she was becoming more and more paranoid, probably just someone on their way home. Gripping the steering wheel a little tighter she sped up a little, she wanted to be in the city, surrounded by buildings not out here in the open.
Indicating the turn off, she sped off into the city, she didn't know her way around this place, she had only been a couple of times, but so far she was planning things step by step and not too far ahead, after all she did have someone chasing her and more then willing to put a bullet hole between her eyes.
 
He followed her, making sure to stay back, by the way she drove he could tell that she did not know the streets or the places. If she was trying to figure out if she was being followed she would have done the old switch and wait routine, or have turned down a desolated stretch of road where another car would really stand out. He kept her vehicle in sight as she kept on driving.
 
Emma continued to drive through the city streets, it wasn't a modern city as her home one was but it was still pretty big.
Looking to the dashboard she noticed she had been driving around the city for a good two hours, the sun had already set and night was falling the street lights flickering on as she past. Sighing she turned right and continued down another street.
She had nearly given up hope when she noticed a sign saying 'GRANNY'S B&B' and underneath it an even better sign saying 'VACANCIES!"
Smiling Emma drove on with confidence, following the signposts she pulled up to a small B&B which was situated on what must of been the outskirts of the city, it was surrounded by a small woodland, and she couldn't help but feel tired when parking the SUV all the lights inside were shining brightly into the darkness.
Checking the car once more, she found a laptop bag which was full, a nice new laptop she smiled as she ran her fingers over it, and next to it a small travel bag, bringing that over to her lap she stopped herself from squealing as inside was a bundle of money, not as much as she hoped but enough to buy her a room and food.
Turning the key in the ignition she left the car with both bags in hand, checking around her she quickly walked into the B&B the small bell announcing her arrival she walked up to the reception desk.
A small woman was behind and smiling back at her, "Can i help?" she asked seeming to notice the bags straight away.
"... Yes... I need a room for the night, if possible?"
Emma placed the bags down and looked about the place as the woman started flicking through some papers, everywhere was pasted with flower wall paper, frilly curtains she chuckled to herself definitely a Granny's B&B.
"Here you go sweetheart, room 201."
Emma smiled as she took the key, grabbing her bags she followed the woman's directions and within a couple of minutes she was locking her door and throwing the bags down onto the bed, the room was worse then the reception area, but there were worse things to think about.
Opening the laptop she switched it on and sat back as it loaded, it was time to do her own investigating.
 
He followed in her wake, drove past when she pulled into the Motel, marking where it was he drove further down the road, he was sure that she had noticed the car by now and he would have to switch it, also he could not try the hide in the back again as she was sure to check this time. He drove on, made a U-turn and headed back into the city, he was sure that he would find a more nondescript vehicle and return to her at the Motel.

He dumped the car and limped away, the muscles on his shot thigh tightening and cramping up after the long drive, but it was better than being dead, he was sure that he was going to kill this bitch, she hurt him and with her lucky angel looking after her, he had probably just winged her. He found a brown SUV sitting in a driveway, a quick check proved it to not have either an alarm or immobilizer, using his trusty lock pick he opened the door and slid inside. He hot wired the car and pulled out of the drive-way, he had spotted a One-Stop Pharmacy on his way back into the city and he stopped there, buying all the stuff he needed along with more first aid supplies for his wounds.

He drove back to the motel and parked the new SUV outside in the parking lot, he purchased a room and set to work as soon as he got inside. Three hours later he had a new face, new clothing and his wounds had been dressed, he settled back onto the bed, his alarm set to wake him in two hours, he drifted off to sleep.
 
Emma shut the laptop with frustration throwing it to the other end of the bed. Running a hand through her hair she cursed, Who the hell was after her. She wasn't surprised to see that when she opened her inbox there blinking back at her with bold letters were a number of emails all from the same person.
Biting her bottom lip she lay back on the bed staring at the ceiling. She honestly couldn't think of what she had done. She was quiet, went to work even worked weekends, why her? closing her eyes she was wondering if it would be better if she just stood there with her arms up and let that ass shoot her. It would be quicker! she shook herself mentally this attitude wasn't going to help her stop this.
Sitting up she stretched her arms above her head, wincing a little as the skin where the wound was healing throbbed. Rubbing it she looked around, this was too easy.
Getting up she slowly packed her bag, checking the clock every so often, too quiet and definitely too easy. Putting the laptop also in the bag, she quickly sniffed her clothes, urgh! she stank!
Tying her hair up, she stood in the middle of the room looking around, there was nothing around to defend herself with, and to jump out the window, she checked, 'Nope.' she muttered.
Grabbing the bag she softly opened her door and placed the DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door, before closing it, tip toeing down the hall she made her way to the reception area. The old woman was once again sitting at the front desk,
"Sweetie is there a problem?" Emma just smiled placing the bag on the floor she placed her arms on the front desk.
"Sorry i've just remembered i have to go pick up my child early, better to set off now don't want to be late." she smiled softly. Emma panicked a little as the old woman gave her a curious look before shrugging her old frail shoulders, "It's alright, my dear, rooms are all booked seems tonight it is busy."
Emma couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine, the road she had travelled didn't seem that busy, that meant... she unconsciously looked at the ceiling above her. He was here? Swallowing she grabbed her bag and gave her thanks to the old woman before rushing out the door.
"The son of a ...." she cursed loudly into the night before standing in front of the SUV she had to change cars. Looking around there were only a few cars parked in the small car park. Gazing she smiled as her eyes caught the sight of an old four seater, she could blend in with this better then that hideous beast of a car. Running over she sent her prays up to god as the door clicked open.
"Thank you... thank you." she grinned as the keys (as usual) were above the steering wheel. Turning the key in the ignition she made a quick get away.
Making her way back to the city, a thought popped into her head... this couldn't be... he wouldn't do this to her would he? "Oh you bastard!" she hit the steering wheel... trust it to of been him, only he could afford to hire someone like that.
 
A vehicle started up, he was awake and out of bed in a flash, it was her, he knew her profile well by now. Grumbling he went about to get everything he need, at the checkout counter the old woman looked curiously at him,

"Son you're not the same man who booked into that room."

He smiled at her, drawing his pistol, he shot her right between the eyes as she crumpled to the floor he placed his pistol back into it's holster.

"I am the very same man."

He left the building, checking the car, he got into the car and started it up, pulling out of the parking lot, he noticed the SUV left behind. Good, that left her with the normal roads as option where the SUV gave her off road capabilities. He smirked, how fun she was making this.
 
A vehicle started up, he was awake and out of bed in a flash, it was her, he knew her profile well by now. Grumbling he went about to get everything he need, at the checkout counter the old woman looked curiously at him,

"Son you're not the same man who booked into that room."

He smiled at her, drawing his pistol, he shot her right between the eyes as she crumpled to the floor he placed his pistol back into it's holster.

"I am the very same man."

He left the building, checking the car, he got into the car and started it up, pulling out of the parking lot, he noticed the SUV left behind. Good, that left her with the normal roads as option where the SUV gave her off road capabilities. He smirked, how fun she was making this.
 
Emma placed her foot on the gas pedal the old car struggling with her demand, but she didn't seem to notice as a million thoughts were running through her head!
"The sneaky bastard!" she screamed once more. Why hadn't she seen this coming, or even figured it out sooner!
She sighed as she took a turning bringing her back into the city. She had to clear her head. Smiling she took another turn and parked up next to the small park. Getting out she shivered against the cold early morning air and wrapped the jacket around her tightly.
Heading into the park she walked until she found a rock and began throwing them, screaming into silence, "You rotten bastard!" "I trusted you!" "Wait till i see your rotten face again." she kicked the ground in frustration before dropping to her knees on the wet grass.
Emma couldn't stop the tears from falling, she thought she had a clean break from that creep, but no! he had found a way of crawling back into her life and making her suffer.
Wiping the tears off with her sleeve she gazed into the distance, the dawn slowly breaking through the dark clouds of the night...she sighed once more, it seemed to be the only thing she was doing these days.
Closing her eyes she muttered to herself, "It would be easy to give up now."
Opening them she grinned she wouldn't give that sly moron the satisfaction!!!
 
He drew closer to the tail lights and found that it indeed was his prey, he followed her to the park. Getting out he stayed out of sight as she seemed to vent some sort of anger. As she sank to her knees, he walked closer, he had a new face, but he could not alter his body much, he had the kid's college jacket on, he waited for her to look up to see him standing there. He gave her a small smirk,

"Good morning."

He drew his hand from his pocket, revealing it to hold a pistol,

"Stay right there."

He pulled back the hammer,

"Hey! Hey you two over there! Whose car is this?"

He moved to the side, glancing at the voice. A cop. He sighed and shoved the pistol back into his pocket, he leaned down.

"You are the fucking luckiest person alive."

He turned and walked towards the cop,

"I have no idea officer."

The cop came walking towards him,

"Strange, it seems to be stolen and I am certain that I saw you get out of..."

He drew the pistol from his pocket and shot the cop through the left eye, cutting the sentence off.

"Oh look, I stole the car. Big deal."
 
Emma jumped a little when she heard the voice behind her, turning her head she frowned as she saw a stranger standing there. But suddenly she held her breath as she saw the pistol, 'how the hell did he do that?' she thought for a moment as she saw his finger twitching on the trigger. Closing her eyes she was waiting for the end when she heard the distance voice shout.

Opening her eyes she took a deep breath as she saw him turn and walk towards the police man, she stood and tried waving her arms to tell the policeman to stop! but it was too late, she saw the flash and heard the shot!
Quickly she turned and began sprinting towards the exit, every breath she took turning into mist in the early morning air. Turning quickly she ran, she didn't know where but at that moment she didn't care she had to get away from him.
She stopped quickly in an alley, bending over she took a few deep breaths, "How the hell did he change his face?" she cursed into the alley before running again, she kept glancing over her shoulder, he had to be following, she knew he would.

Before she knew it she found herself in a small cafe, surrounded by business people who were just starting their morning, sitting down she glanced nervously around, her lungs were burning she had to have a break. Getting just a water she sat and sipped at it as she watched the going ons of the cafe. Her finger nervously tapping away at the table beneath it. He had changed his face!?! she thought, sighing she ran a hand through her hair, how hell do you stop someone like that? sitting back in the chair a little further she thought for a moment, no she didn't need to stop him, she needed to ask him some questions, stretching her arms above her head she thought some more, no she needed to know if it was that asshole who was actually after her? and why!
 
He saw her running towards the exit, he walked the rest of the way to the car, got in and drove off, he found the exit and noticed that an alleyway was just opposite it. He drove around the block and as he turned the corner he saw her enter a cafe. He parked the car and noticed two hoods standing not far from where he had parked, he walked closer,

"Evening gentlemen."

The two looked him over,

"Whazup fool?"

He grinned,

"You two up for quick cash?"

That seemed to get their attention,

"F'sho"

"Good, you see that car I just stopped with?"

They both nodded,

"It's stolen, feel free to take it to a fencer."

He grinned and turned away, looking back over his shoulder,

"Has no alarm and already hotwired, easy money fellahs."

He walked away, few seconds later he heard a car starting up, glancing over his shoulder he saw that it was them. It's good when a plan comes together. He entered the cafe and noticed her seated at a table, he walked over and sat down opposite her.

"Just who the hell are you? It seems like lady luck is going out of her way to help you."
 
she couldn't believe her eyes as the guy sat down, at first she thought he was a stranger but then the words came out of his mouth and she knew who it was.

"You an alien or something?" she couldn't help speaking the words out aloud as she stared at him with curiosity, it took her a few moments to realise he had also asked a question.

She sighed, looking around she knew she couldn't make a scene, knowing some of his movements already he wouldn't hesitate to shoot everyone in the cafe. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath before explaining,

"I'm Emma, nice to meet you." she bent forward to whisper, "I should be the one asking, who the hell are you!" she began to snarl, "Your the one shooting me, chasing me, killing people ... what the hell have i done?"

She sat back and looked at him, she chuckled to herself as she thought any minute he would probably shoot her in the head, and she would die in a Cafe, it could be worse she thought, she could of been back in the middle of no where.

Emma noticed a waiter walking past, tapping his arm she smiled sweetly, "Can i have a coffee please?" she thought for a moment before adding, "And whatever my friend here would like." she kept smiling at the waiter as he nodded and walked away before turning back to her soon to be killer,

"Explain it all to me, i want to know what i've done to deserve being chased by a hell hound like you."
 
Greg Anders

"No I am not an alien."

He motioned that he'll take a coffee as well, he waited for the waiter to leave and turned his attention back to her,

"I know who you are Emma, I have been studying you for the past few weeks."

He pulled out his phone and opened the browser, typing in a few words,

"I have no idea what you've done, as I told you I am a hired hand, you point and I fire, as easy as that. I don't ask who or why, I just do it."

He slid his phone over to her, the Wanted sign under the Interpol sign making it clear he wasn't joking:

Greg Anders aka Mask. Known under various aliases all over the world. Constantly wearing a disguise. Assassin for hire. To be considered armed and dangerous at all times.

He tapped the phone,

"That is who I am."
 
"Greg Anders..." Emma repeated looking at cell, looking up she studied him then looked back down to the phone, sliding it back she sat back crossing her arms, "Impressive."

She was about to continue but the waiter arrived, placing the coffee's on the table, Emma smiled and waited till he had left, taking a sip she sighed with content.

"So." she continued looking over the top of the cup, "That means whatever I have done someone is royally pissed at me..." she thought for a moment, "Doesn't help one bit."

Placing the cup down she sat back and looked around, it seemed the cafe had become busier whilst they had been sitting, every table was full now. She thought it was funny how everyone seemed to be going along with their normal routine and here she was sitting opposite then man which was hired to kill her.

"Don't you ever get bored of the disguises?" she asked in a small voice, it was a question that had been roaming her mind and she just had to ask.
 
He shrugged,

"It's a hobby, just something that I'm very good at and like doing. The last person to see my real face was my mother and no, I did not kill her."

He took a sip of his own coffee,

"I think you have an idea of who ordered the hit on you, you did throw kind of a tantrum back there in the park."
 
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