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Airs and Heiresses
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Molly Maltese
Molly Maltese
Old Shoe

Jul-6-2015 11:19

New York, 1938
St. Regis Hotel
Rooftop Nightclub

"So there I was, staring down a barrel INCHES from death...and I told the man, 'darling REALLY, if you simply must shoot me do allow me to remove my earrings. They are Cartier, you know." Molly Maltese paused to take a sip of her Red Snapper, popping the olive neatly between her cherub lips before gnashing it to a pulp. "And the man was quite flummoxed, he said- I say, is that Riza Hawkeye?"

She rose, the group of rapt men in tuxedos and women in glittering dresses and furs murmuring their protests as she wended through their knees. But the apparition she was quite sure had been Riza Hawkeye had vanished in the crowd of New York socialites populating the exclusive terrace.

"Well, this place is a bit ritzy for Riza." she murmured, fairly certain her old acquaintance didn't make a habit of populating social-climbing fetes. And she reasoned, any time Riza had appeared before it was hardly ever for a pleasant cause. Well, maybe that was unfair. It just seemed she was more the swirl-of-furs-and-stiletto-daggers type than a frothy socializer like Molly herself.

Peering around, Molly saw nothing but the shadowed faces of revelers partially cloaked in the smoky haze. She had just been about to give up and go back to her companions when the most shocking hubbub began. Over on the north part of the terrace, she could distinctly hear the shouts of men and panicked screeching of females. Moving forward, she could just make out..

"Did you see... The Ambassador... who could have... murder! Someone has pushed the Ambassador off the building!" Molly picked up speed, expertly weaving through the crowd of panicked voices. Sirens already began to sound twenty stories below. Just as she grasped the ledge and looked over, an all too familiar voice sounded in her left ear.

"Oh hello there, old friend. Lovely breeze out today."

Before her stood Riza Hawkeye herself, looking utterly unruffled as several ladies fainted behind her.

Replies

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-16-2015 20:17

As Vulkie looked back towards Molly and Riza, they could see the horror in her eyes. "My lord, what happened in that room?" Molly asked. Vulkie said nothing, stared back at the front and started the car, driving towards the safehouse.

*** The Safehouse ***

As the detectives entered the safehouse, Molly went straight towards the kitchen. "Right, I'll see if I can make something up for dinner. It's a good thing that we still have some cans lying around here. We haven't had any time to get any supplies today, with what all happened." Molly said and went off to cook something.

Vulkie, Riza and Marc went to the living room. As Vulkie got seated in her father's favorite chair, an old arm chair, she laid down her head as Marc and Riza started talking. As they started talking, Vulkie closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep...

*** Dream Section ***

"Stop or I'll shoot!" a man with a voice said. As Vulkie looked back, she could vaguely make out the face and couldn't believe it. She kept on running and running, down the stairs, out of the doors, towards the sea.

"I won't say it again!" the person chasing Vulkie said, "I WILL SHOOT YOU, YOU THIEVING BITCH!" he added, while running and breathing heavily.

As the air got sucked into Vulkie's lungs, she kept on running and running, ending near a cliff. The fresh smell of salt entered her nose, as she stared over the sea.

"Nowhere to go now.." the figure said, cocking his gun. "Return that necklace to me, and we can talk about it..." the figure added.

Vulkie turned around and faced the figure. "Forget it.... father" Vulkie said, the words sounding as harsh as one could imagine. She held in her necklace her mother's jewelry, that was locked into the safe. An alarm had gone off as soon as she had opened the safe door. Her father hadn't told her that he had placed an alarm a couple of weeks before, just in case.

"You are no daughter of mine.." he said and took aim. As Vulkie turned around, she prepared to dive...

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-16-2015 20:27

As her father took aim and took the shot, Vulkie felt a pain in her right shoulder, which caused her to stumble over the edge. Falling and falling and falling down. A splash and that was it.. she was slowly sinking towards the depths of the ocean, until she opened her eyes slowly and began to swim upwards. "Air, I need air.. otherwise, I'll suffocate." Vulkie said, as she swam up towards the surface. Finally, she reached the surface and gasped for air...

***The Safehouse***

"Wake up Vulkie.." Riza said, as she poked her on the shoulder. Vulkie rubbed her eyes. "Is dinner ready?" she asked. "No, we've all eaten. There's a plate for you if you want in the kitchen, but I'm afraid it's gone cold."

As Vulkie looked closer at Riza in the light, she could see that she had red-rimmed eyes. She had either been crying, or an allergic reaction to whatever Molly prepared with what was left.

"I'll just go towards the kitchen. Good night, Riza.." Vulkie said and wandered off towards the kitchen, leaving Riza alone in the living room. As she saw the plate of food, she tried to have a small bite. "Doesn't taste too bad.. but it's cold." she thought to herself and put the fork down.

As she sat down at the kitchen table, she lit up a cigarette and had thought about the dream. She remembered much more now, even that her father shot her and threw the revolver that he always cared about after her. He didn't want to be reminded of a daughter that had stolen her mother's jewelry, nor be associated with her at all.

As she inhaled the smoke, she kept awake until it was morning. First, Marc entered the room and grabbed a cup of coffee. "You're up early." he remarked and she gave a fake smile, still inhaling her cigarette. It was the fifth she had put up. Then, Molly entered and finally, Riza. All the bags were loaded by Marc and Riza into the trunk and for a change, Molly sat in the front, while Marc and Riza sat in the back of the Rolls Royce..

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-16-2015 20:35

"First, we have to drop off the money at Willie's. Then, we need to go to Alexandria Airport and get a plane towards Venice. From Venice, we'll travel to Istanbul via the Orient Express. It'll take a couple of days, but once we reach Istanbul, we can make our way on a different train towards Shanghai." Vulkie said. Molly frowned and asked: "But they call it the Orient Express, for lord's sake. One would think it would run towards Shanghai at the least."

Riza smiled and answered the question. "One would think that the Orient Express would go from the West of Europe towards the East of Asia. But in fact, the train only goes from Paris towards Istanbul. There are a lot of different routes that can be taken. I recall that the Original Orient Express line went from Paris via Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest and Bucarest towards Istanbul, which was called Constantinople back in the day... But now, with the modern era, new routes exist and we have luck that we can board the train in Venice." she said.

"Well, thank you Professor Hawkeye. Now, Vulkie, can we get a move on? " Marc said, as Riza gave him an angry stare.

*** Willie's club ***

As Molly quickly walked in with the suitcase, she emerged 10 minutes later with an envelope. "Payment for our job. Willie is happy we helped him out with his... particular case. He gave us 20% of the blackmail money" Molly said, as she opened the envelope and showed the money to the detectives. The detectives smiled. "Nothing like a good job done.." Marc said, lighting a cigarette. Vulkie also lit a cigarette.

"Off to the airport, James.." Molly said. Vulkie stared at her. "It's Victoria, Molly. For god's sake, if you're gonna quote, use my own name.." she replied and started the car.

30 minutes in, Riza poked Vulkie on the shoulder. "I don't want to disturb you while driving" she whispered into Vulkie's ear, "but I think we're being followed.." she added.

As Vulkie looked in her rearview window...

*cont in next post*

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-16-2015 20:45

She could see that two black Buick Sedan Model 47's followed her.

"How long have they been following us?" Vulkie asked, while steering her car through the waves of traffic.

"At least 20 minutes, maybe even from Willie's club." Riza said, still staring at the front, while revealing her gun. Marc also got his gun out. Molly also got her gun out.

"I hope you all buckled up... cuz this is gonna be one hell of a ride.." Vulkie said, as she shifted the car into it's 3rd gear. The car immediately boosted forward as Vulkie placed her right foot on the gas pedal, as she still moved the car through the traffic.

The Buicks immediately responded and tried to get closer. As Riza and Marc looked out of the sides, Marc's hat flew off his head. "That was one of my favorite hats!" Marc said, while aiming. "Don't worry, we'll get you a new one in Shanghai!" Molly said as she also looked out of the side and fired a shot. It hit the front window of the first Buick, but no fatal shot had been made.

"Damnit Vulkie, keep this car straight!" Riza shouted, as she fired a shot as well. It hit the passenger of the first Buick car, who instantly keeled over.

"You want Molly to get shot again?!" Vulkie shouted, albeit with a sarcastic tone. Molly quickly glanced at Vulkie and gave a fake smile, while Marc took his shot. The first Buick began to spin out of control, since Marc had shot the front left tire and the car crashed into the oncoming traffic.

"One down, one more to go!" Marc shouted. Vulkie grinned. She shifted the car into it's 4th gear and the car instantly sped quicker and quicker away. The remaining Buick decided that it would be best to help their remaining compatriots and turned around, going back towards the crashed Buick.

Everyone got seated properly again in the Rolls Royce and Vulkie shifted back towards the 3rd gear.

30 minutes later, they arrived at the airport...

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-16-2015 20:52

At the airport, it took a lot of talking and at least 40% of the bribe money, but they finally found a pilot with a plane who could get them towards Italy. Once in Italy, it took a bit of time to make their way towards Venice and from Venice, the detectives boarded the Orient Express.

"My word, this must be one of the most luxurious trains I've ever seen" Vulkie exclaimed, as they got seated in their carriage. The train departed from the train station and made it's way towards the city once known as Constantinople... Istanbul..

*** Istanbul Train Station ***

As the train arrived at the trainstation of Istanbul, Sirkeci Terminal, the detectives took their luggage and made their way towards another train, heading for Shanghai. The detectives looked around them and made sure they weren't being followed, because the words of the deceased Sphinx - goon still haunted their minds...

"Remember... trust no one, not even those closest to you." he had said. As the detectives got into the train and their luggage taken care off, they could relax; it would take a couple of days before they would finally reach the magical city of Shanghai...

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-16-2015 20:54

***Just a sidenote - 40% of the bribe money insinuates that the detectives have 1200 left of the money they got from Willie. ***

Riza Hawkeye
Riza Hawkeye
First Nomad

Aug-18-2015 19:10

Marc wandered through the train cars as night fell in the countryside of whichever European country they were currently passing through. He felt the glass bottle in his trenchcoat pocket tilt, and he caught it before it could spill. It was full of whiskey that he’d managed to buy just before boarding. Keeping it hidden from the conductor wasn't easy, but he’d managed. Barely. He hoped Riza was still awake, as he made his way to her compartment. He wasn't sure why he was going there; his legs just seemed to lead him there.

He found her door and knocked. There was no answer.

"Marc?" Riza appeared from behind him, a slightly surprised look on her face. "What are you doing here?"

He held up the bottle. "Figured you could use a drink."

"Let's get some air," she said, sliding open the door at the end of the train car. Immediately, a rush of cool air greeted them. The pair stepped outside and leaned against the railing, watching the countryside roll by. The moon cast everything in a soft glow.

"Ladies first," Marc said, offering Riza the bottle. She hesitated for a moment, then took a swig and handed it back to him.

For a while they stood in silence, both their minds swirling with thoughts but unsure of what to say to each other. The wind blew through Riza's hair, ruffling it.

"I like the feeling of being in love," she said softly, her head still turned towards the passing greenery.

Marc hesitated for a moment, unsure if that was meant for his ears or not, then asked, "What was his name?"

"...Roy. I ran into him during our last night in Cairo."

"Is he with Sphinx?"

"No," Riza said as she slapped him in the face. "Not everyone is with Sphinx."

"Relax," Marc said, rubbing his cheek. "I'm sorry, I was just asking."

"They've made you paranoid, that's what it is."

Marc awkwardly nursed the whiskey bottle in his hands as he looked in the opposite direction as Riza. "So what happened with him? Roy."

Riza Hawkeye
Riza Hawkeye
First Nomad

Aug-18-2015 19:10

It was a while before Riza spoke. "A long time ago, he left me when I needed him the most." She paused. "And I don't think I can forgive him for that. I don't want to forgive him."

Marc was momentarily left speechless. Riza Hawkeye was opening up to him? That Riza?

"Riza...I...I'm sorry that happened to you. No one should ever have to go through that. But saying sorry doesn't really cut it, does it?"

She ran a hand through her hair. "I just...I just missed him. I wanted to kill him, but I couldn't." She swallowed the lump in her throat and pushed out the words. "I gave in, and I feel disgusted with myself. I feel weak."

Marc turned to look in the direction Riza was staring. The view was beautiful, but neither one was truly seeing it. "You know," Marc began, "In my weakest state, I was holding my best friend as his life faded and he died in my arms. I made a promise that I would kill the ones responsible. Two are dead and I feel no satisfaction."

"Maybe killing isn't the answer. Maybe what you've lost can't be fixed with more loss."

Marc gulped down what was left in the whisky bottle. "The anger inside me frightens even myself, and sometimes I have no idea what I'm capable of."

"A long time ago," Riza said, clutching the rail, "I let myself be angry at him. It didn't make him come back. All it did was burn a hole inside of my heart. And I lost part of myself."

Marc spoke into the night. "I'd hate to lose you as a friend. You're one of the few I have left."

Riza stared straight ahead, her red-rimmed eyes hidden by the darkness. She did not need to say anything.

Without thinking, Marc placed his hand over hers. Her hand was freezing, though whether it was from the night air or from clutching the rail so tightly he didn't know. "You will not lose me. If there's one promise I can make and keep, it's this. I'll always be here."

Riza Hawkeye
Riza Hawkeye
First Nomad

Aug-18-2015 19:10

"Thanks," Riza said. "That means a lot." She cast her eyes over at the horizon. A faint orange glow was creeping over the edges. "Do you think, someday, we'll be able to find ourselves again?"

"It'll take more time than we want it to. I wish every day the pain would stop. Making people cower in fear, making them feel the same pain I feel, it's sick, but it makes me feel...better. Is that wrong?"

"No," Riza replied. "I understand what you mean. Look at me. If I take charge, I look like I can handle myself. I convince people that I'm that sort of person to conceal the weakness inside."

Marc tossed the empty whiskey bottle off the side of the train. "I've done the same. I know what it's like to hide behind a smile. Inside, I have more damage than I care for anyone else to see. More than most people can understand. It seems now, you and I understand each other's pain."

Riza opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the sound of a shrill shriek coming from inside the car. In an instant, her eyes turned to steel.

M. Lacrimosa
M. Lacrimosa
Thespian

Aug-18-2015 19:13

Marc and Riza ran to the sound of the shriek. "That shriek was too familiar," Marc said as they made their way down the train car. People were sticking their heads out of their compartments.

"Nothing to see here, people," Riza said as they passed.

Marc was nearly knocked over as a large man came crashing to the floor.

"Bastard!" Vulkie yelled.

The man got up and started to retreat back towards the door Marc and Riza had entered from. Vulkie rushed after him.

"Vulkie!" Marc yelled, "No!" He turned to Riza. "Get Molly and get outside, quickly!"

Riza started to object. "Do it," he said. He sprinted after Vulkie.

The distance between them was bigger than he had anticipated. He found them fighting next to a railing outside, two cars away. "Marc!" Vulkie yelled, "He's part of Sphinx!"

Marc grabbed at the man, who ducked and kicked Marc's legs out from underneath him, causing Marc to crash to the ground.

Vulkie grabbed the man but he fought back, knocking her backwards so she tumbled over the railing. She grabbed onto the rail to catch herself from falling.

Marc grabbed her hand to try to pull her up. Her palms were moist with sweat and he could feel her slipping from his grasp. "I got you," Marc said. The ground seemed to be moving by at hundreds of miles an hour, an exaggerated measurement from the actual speed they were traveling. Fear overcame Vulkie's face as Marc tried to pull her back over the railing. He was cut short as he was suddenly tackled through the door.

Vulkie was gone. Knocked off the train, she tumbled into the grass. Marc felt sick to his stomach as the man stepped over him. Vulkie...

He looked at the man, who wore a patch over his eye. "Remember me?" Hassan asked.

"You son of a bitch!" Marc yelled. "I'll kill you!" He felt a set of hands grab him and pull him backwards.

"Easy, big boy," Molly said, as Riza pinned Hassan to the wall with her knife.

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