-
The dream always started off the same way ....
That expression about seeing your life flash before your very eyes right before you die??? Total BULLSHIT !! Unless my life was so pathetic that there was nothing worth seeing!! Or maybe I was too bloody busy pissing in my pants while Joey had his boys pump me full of lead. I had been faithful to the Corelli Family from the moment they took me off the streets. I had a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and several square meals a day. No way was I going to mess that up. I was one of many *delivery* boys, and I did what I was told, to the abSOlute letter, no questions asked. Period. I rose the ranks pretty quickly, and Papa Corelli treated me like one of his own.
There were a few of the boys that didn't care for some funny talking immigrant half breed cutting in on their action, moochin' off their pie. One in particular was Joey "Baby Face" Truant. He had serious plans on being Papa's favorite in hopes of taking over the family business and marrying Papa's daughter, Maria Simone Corelli, his pride and joy. She was one hot number, that was for sure, and Joey was a shoe in. The perfect couple everyone called him. Papa wasn't getting any younger, and there were less than subtle whispers about wanting some grand kids. I snuck a look every now and then, no harm no foul right?
Until the one time I saw her looking back. Papa ran the family old school ... when there was business to be discussed, it was a men's only type party, which left women in the other room. Well, Maria wasn't for listening to any man, save for her father, decided to go outside for some fresh air. I was returning back from doing a late night delivery, when I saw a car parked near the alley right by Papa's house, with its lights off, moving slowly in the direction of ... Maria!!!
I ran like the hounds of Hell were nipping at my heels, yelling for Maria to run back into the house, when those familiar guns were popping out from the windows with the intent of sending a message to the Corelli family ... A DEADLY one. I don't remember too much after running across the street .... I woke up with Papa standing over me, and the doctor, and Joey with Maria all in there. Guess I was fast enough that night, because I took two bullets that would have had Maria joining her mother for sure. Papa said he would never forget what I did. So did Maria. Joey even said he owed me one, and made me his new right hand man right on the spot, as well Maria's bodyguard.
There was a gang war brewing big time after that, and my main job was to keep a close eye on Maria, when Joey was out taking care of family business. Maria liked having a new face to talk to, and we hit it off pretty well. Well, it was at one of Papa Corelli's parties where he was going to announce Joey as his heir to the family, things got a little ... Sticky. Maria wasn't too happy with the knowledge that she was going to be Joey's trophy wife, and how he treated sometimes her when her father wasn't around. She told me he wasn't always like that, how he used to have a shine in his eyes when they first met ... That same shine she saw in my eyes when she saw me looking at her ... On more than one occasion.
She flashed those baby blues at me, and next thing I know, we were kissing ... Lasted about five seconds, before I pulled back. Joey was my boss, and a friend, and I was kissing his wife to be in the next room? Not a smart career move. Maria told me that it was just an accident, she wouldn't say anything more on the matter. Problem with that was, Joey FORMER right hand man was coming to get me, when he saw us kissing. Neither one of us saw him. He wasn't happy when I took his spot, and now he saw his chance to get it back.
I would discover later, that Joey would "arrange" for Maria and I to be left alone ....A lot. One night there was a knock on my door ... It was Maria!!! She and Joey had another fight, and she couldn't go to her father, because he wouldn't believe her, and she had no other place to go this late. Well, I put on some coffee, and we sat up all night, talking. When we were done, I did my part by convincing her the stress Joey has been under, and that he loves her more than life itself. She would thank me for being such a good friend, and gave me a hug outside my door.
Joey was parked across the street, and saw that hug.
Several days later there were rumors of a mole within the family, Papa and Joey vowed to make sure once they discovered who that mole was would be sleeping with the fishes. Little did I know, things were being planted to ensure to Papa that I was the mole. I was sent on a job across town that took most of the day, by the time I got back, I was told to Joey was waiting for me at my place. He was, along with his once former, now new right hand man once again, along with some more hired muscle. I was accused of being the mole, and despite me pleading my innocence, the proof had been discovered, along with a nice stash of money.
"You ain't getting my spot, and you sure as Hell ain't getting Maria, you sorry smelling scum sucker!!! It's gonna break Papa's heart that you were on the take, sent that car to make it look like a hit on his daughter, just so you could get close enough to rat him out to the Feds. Of course, I took the liberty of taking out the trash myself .... Get 'em boys."
I was out of there like a shot, my mind reeling. There was no way Papa would take my word of Joey's, he was like the a son to him ... Maria!! If I could reach her .... Too bad Joey had all those bases covered ....
I was beat within a inch of my life, and then beat some more. I felt myself being dragged into an alley, then thrown into the trash ...
"Finish him off, then plant the records on him. I'm late as it is for dinner with Papa."
So that was how it ended for me, a tip would be given to the police where to find the body, and the records ... Only there wasn't a body there when they arrived ...
Only lots of blood. I "died" on October 31st ...
That expression about seeing your life flash before your very eyes right before you die??? Total Bullshit !! Unless you ... Actually die.
And for the record? It wasn't a dream ....
-
" ................................ GASP!!!! .....WHUU.... WHA... AHHHH....."
A pair of strong hands were placed onto his chest, not to restrain him, but more to keep him from falling off the table. "Steady there, my friend. you are recovering from a nasty trauma. Give your body time to adjust, and then we shall find a more suitable place to continue this conversation, for I'm sure you will have many questions." Alexander waved the stranger off, as he struggled to move his shaking form into a sitting position. "..... Give me a minute, will you? I ... I ....Wait a minute. The Corelli family ... Joey ... I was set up ... Alley .... Shot? Omigod I was.... Was ....."
" I believe the word you are searching for was dead, Alexander Conner. A victim of petty jealousy, set up by those whom you placed your complete trust into, all because of the affections of a woman. " Those memories began to return to Alexander, like photo stills of the local newspaper. He would be allowed these moments to gather himself, take in what has happened to him. "There are no ... Bullets, but ... How?"
"Here. Put these on. The former owner has no use for them any more. " Clothes were tossed into his lap, the shock of being killed would take his some time to get over. There would be no immediate search for a dead man, those involved would think that his body had been stripped of its possessions and tossed into the near by river. Food for the fishes. He was of immigrant status, so there would not be any real police investigation, only another fool that thought he could become part of the American dream.
Still, his face would be recognized if the right person(s) saw him, so another venue on the South side of town would be necessary. A place where strangers come and go .... Chicago. That night a single car with two men left the city morgue, one to begin a new life.
Life as an Immortal.
That was then ....
-
This was now ...
-You know, this whole Ops could run a wee bit more smoothly, if you would not persist on humming the theme to Mission Impossible, while I'm trying to bypass this system!-
[That would be the voice of Firewall, resident Hacker.]
= I know the Imperial March/Darth Vader theme, if that would get you in the proper mind set.=
[That would be me. Codename Covet.]
- ........ Okay. I can deal with that.-
= I was kidding!!=
-I wasn't. Well? Time is money, and the more you keep me waiting, it's going to come out of your end ... And make it good, I want to feel like I'm there.-
= There? Where there? =
- (sighs) The Death Star!!!-
< If you two don't cut that shyte out, I'm gonna personally find you and .... >
[Those gruff tones belong to Spartan.]
= Fine. Kill joy. (whistling the Imperial Theme) =
- There's the flavor missing from my gum!!! Aaaand it is a go. You have exactly 59.4 seconds before the system resets itself, Covet. -
= We're golden, hon. =
- Alias? You're on.-
^Any takers on the body count? Covet? You feeling lucky tonight, hon? Too bad you're not down here. I'm wearing that ultra sheer lace black teddy you bought me.^
[Those sultry tones belonged to Alias.]
[Collectively, we are known as The Rogues Gallery, because dirty deeds don't come cheap. Neither do we.]
-
"Hey, Spartan's going after the number one contender tonight, you going?" Serenity would strike her trademark pose, complete with the come hither adorable pout. That meant that she had a you-want-to-fuck-me-if-I-let-you-outfit that she wanted to show off. She also knew that Brehnic had serious stroke down in the RDL, and just being seen with him would score them some ringside seats.
"Pft. To get that CLOSE to a couple of sweaty men trying to beat the living **** out of each other? I'll take things you pass on for $1000, Alex. But , since I am in a good mood, I'll score some seats for you, and the VIP party afterwards."
"B-Tre, you are such a doll!! I could just rape you right here are now!!" Pulling back his chair enough to straddle Brehnic's lap/thigh, Serenity ran her hands through the multitude of dreadlocks, before planting a serious nice sized hickey on his neck.
"Bring you back anything? Slooooowly sliding off his lap with a devious smile framed by red glossy lips.
Shake of the head, along with a subtle shifting in his seat, while trying to focus again on what he was checking out on his laptop. "Yeah, now that I think about it. Take the cyber geek with you. She needs a night out."
"Kill joy that one is. She needs to get ... Oooooooooh!!! Gotcha!!! Leave it all to me, B-Tre."
"Mmmm." Brehnic was already typing away on his laptop, his focus returned. He had to see how the fall out from the failed transaction in the alley several days ago worked out. It was all about following his instincts, and those told him to lie low, and see what develops. The Corporation had been hands off a little longer than he had expected, which did not bode well for him, or those that defected from Project Genesis. He didn't want the Rogues involved, and to this point, those paths had not been crossed.
Yet.
Between that, and his own issues dealing with those other immortals that wanted to be the Queen of Hearts to his Alice ... The off with the head thing. As much as it hurt like **** to endure the quickening, he wasn't ready to go through another fight any time soon. Hence his research of locating places that were deemed holy ground.
A ringing on his private line put that line of thought on the back burner real quick ...
"Alexander. I need to see you. Can you meet me?"
"Name the time and the place."
Not too many that can get that sort of reaction out of Brehnic ....
Unless your name just HAPPENED to be Maria Corelli.
-
The Crimson Tryst. The next BIG thing, by word of mouth. A suitable replacement until Taboo decides to reopen the Crimson Scarf. Word has it that one of Taboo's former dance picked up the club baton, and is running with it. Every night there's a line that goes on forever, the hopes dashing on being that last one that gets to make it inside, before the so many out, so many in, starts. Or, there are the lucky few that secure a VIP pass, or personally know the owner.
Like Maria Corelli, the CT's main primary benefactor. Brehnic was well, impressed.
"Damn, I didn't know you were into the club scene, Maria." A kiss on each check, before the pair were escorted to her private VIP suite.
"Sign of the times, my dear Brehnic. Think what you will of how the men ran the family business, my father included, but I make my own way. Gayle McKlure is much more open minded to potential joint ventures that would benefit both parties."
Offering a teasing grin, Maria would motion to her to bodyguards ... "Go have some fun, I'll be a bit." Not that either would protest such a request, but it was a nice change of pace to sometimes enjoy the scenery, instead of watching it.
Brehnic secured the doors were secured behind them, to only find himself turning right into a rather passionate embrace, one that lasted for several long moments. "Mmmmm, it is good to see you again, Alexander." His arms were wrapped around her waist, a sincere smile on his face.
"Not going to lie, it is good to see you again too. Caught the news report did you?" She would nod slowly, still looking into his eyes. "I will have gray hair soon enough without you accelerating that process, Alexander."
Leading her to where the table awaited them, Brehnic pulled out her chair, making sure she was properly seated, before taking the one across from her. Maria had not exactly been idle during that display of chivalry, as she had already opened the bottle of wine, pouring the both of them a glass. "So, how is ... Desmond fairing? Well I assume?"
"Mmmhmm. He's fighting within the hour. He wins this one, he's right smack dab into the championship picture. Can probably get here on the big screen. Thanks again for the tip in recruiting him."
Raising his glass to hers, the trademark clinking of the glass, before the chilled wine was sipped by both. "I was ... Hoping you were free this weekend to help me look over an island I recently purchased, my home away from home. Very private. Very secluded."
"Well, you may just be in luck, Maria. I am ... Laying low right now, and I think the Rogues can do without me for a day or two. Consider it a done deal. I'll tie up any loose ends, and call you when I'm ready then?"
"And here I was ready to use my charm to convince you ... You sure your legion of fans will be able to go without you?" Those dark eyes never leaving his, as she watched him over the rim of her glass."
"My heart will always belong to you, Maria. You know this."
"Yes I do, but it makes me warm all over to hear it from your lips from time to time. But here's the real reason why I wanted to see you ... " Reaching into her purse, Maria produced several small silver discs, placing them in front of him.
"You asked me to keep an eye out if The Corporation were on the move ... I can't begin to fathom what is on these discs, but it looked important enough to bring to you ... Personally."
"Maria ... Don't go getting involved in this. You're trying to keep your business legit, and stealing from the Corporation will only ...." A slender index finger placed against his lips, while the other hand would attempt to pull him from his seat. "I want to dance."
Reaching up and pulling the pins that kept her dark hair in place, shaking it loose. "Dance with me Alexander." Pulling him towards the doors. Brehnic knew there was no arguing with her once the hair came down. Both of them were in positions that mingling with the normal group wasn't as cut and dry as neither would like, so when those rare occasions did come up?
You go with it.
-
The Crimson Tryst would be packed to the rafters heading into the three day weekend, and Serenity took proper steps to make certain she would have a most enjoyable at the VIP after party. This was one of those rare occasions that would have been marked ahead of time if those in attendance knew what was going to happen.
She'd never decided in advance when she would "come out of retirement " and perform, no, she did it whenever the feeling suited her, and tonight happened to be one of those nights, and she was feeling quite on the naughty side. She woke up on that side of the bed this morning, and the vibe not only remained with her throughout the course of the day, it seemed to intensify as the day rolled towards the hours of dusk.
Once she felt ..."it", a hot bath with import oils from Caprica would be soaked in, a little something she learned from one of her dancers, for when dancing under the lights, the oils would provide an extra sheen to the skin, which offers a more .... Enticing view to those watching the show. She wouldn't be showing off all her wares, but enough to give those in attendance something to talk about.
Several outfits would be decided upon as it always came down to layers, for anyone could dress just to take it back off, but there was a method to her madness. You had to have that look that said, damn she looks good in that, and probably looks even better out of it!!
Serenity was another former dancer of the Crimson Scarf, one of those that was personally hand picked by Taboo when the Club was first hiring. Jyoti had no problem welcoming an old friend back to the fold ... With a face flushed with sexual excitement, she pounced onto the stage to driving rave/techno beat.
For one night, she was back in her element, wearing the black leather micro with red blouse loosely tied in front, accessorized with her favorite Chicago-style leather boots was tantamount to a revelation. The blouse barely contained her boobs, making her a certified jiggle queen. Damn she looked good!
She used the techno music to demonstrate her dancing ability, managing to flirt with every man, and a few women in the Tryst in the process. Near the end, she got one lucky woman to unzip her skirt, with her date copping a brief feel of vulva in the process.
By the time that the skirt slowly slithered down her legs there wasn't an empty chair at or near the stage. The way it rode the curve of her hips made her legs look even longer. Of course the black boots didn't hurt either.
The next musical selection, kept the energy level up, but allowed her to get up close and personal with some of the VIP patrons along the stage, and the tips started to pile up. New decibel levels of crowd noise were reached when her top practically melted off of her, releasing two of the most perfect tits ever seen.
More than one paying patron was delighted to experience the perfumed valley between her breasts. A wicked grin was one her face when the first guy sucked a nipple into his mouth, lingering and savoring it longer than she should have allowed. Serenity was enjoying this!
As she moved toward the end of the second song, she enlisted another in the removal of the thong, leaving Serenity with only the G-string as final barrier between herself and the "in"decent exposure. The crowd was cheering the patron on as he pulled it down her legs with his teeth giving those close enough the first real hint of what was to *possibly* occur later in the evening.
Another upbeat tempo provided the final built of musical muse. Prior to now, she had been shaking her ample bosom in front of the VIP crowd, in varying degrees of proximity, and showing off every other delectable body part she could.
It was another VIP patron's turn for some special attention. She leaned over, conveniently allowing her breasts to fall into man's open hands as they lay palms up on the stage and kissing ear, pausing long enough to say "I have NEVER been this turned on... NEVER." Then, spinning around on all fours, she presented her world class rear for personal viewing enjoyment.
Peering down between her legs, she reacted to the enraptured smiles by reaching around and inserting her middle finger two knuckles deep into her pussy. It practically dripped with lust syrup, offering no visible resistance to her probing digit. She followed this by sucking her glistening fluid from her finger, staring so deep into the eyes of the onlookers.
The crowd went wild, and I was now officially, irretrievably in lust! One guy got a little too carried away with his effort to study her vaginal perfume, which earned him an assist to the parking lot courtesy of Tryst Security, Dom Phoenix.
Meanwhile the dancers on the other two stages had taken to shouting more encouragement, giving Serenity even more encouragement. She finished the set in a prone position, her legs resting on one patron's shoulders with her ... Vital assets almost too close to his face to be legal.
One of the night's personal highlights was the flash of bald beaver that she shared with several lucky ones, noting she knew how to use a razor in intimate places. Eventually Serenity had been joined by one of the regular dancers, seeing the potential for adding to her own personal income portfolio ...
A fundom night had by all.
-
Learn some culture they told him, study and embrace the history of the past, present, and future that he would come to know as an Immortal ... As long as he kept his wits about himself, and his head firmly placed upon his shoulders. So where would this wondrous path lead him?
A Museum.
Right.
Luckily, there was an Egyptian Exhibit showing, which actually held his attention. It would have been better still if the mummy came to life in the middle of the tour guide's boring show and tell speech, room through ever pains taking room. Peel back his fingernails, boil him alive, pluck out his chest hair one strand at a time, anything but listening to this continuous drone.
What's that age old expression? Be careful for what one wishes for, because it might just come true?
It wasn't any of the above, but he did sense the presence of another immortal, just as he was taking notice of a particular item called the Sword of Ra. There was a passing thought of breaking that glass and putting the sword to good use, considering he was unarmed ... AGAIN!!! The odds were still in his favor, with the crowd and all. Did they have a burial ground in museums??
And that's when he saw ...
Her.
Beautiful. Articulate. Intelligent. Willful. Dangerous. All these adjectives and more had been used to describe this woman.
And that was just the way she walked.
She made a bee line straight toward Brehnic, making no qualms that she knew what he was, and she knew that he knew that she knew that he knew what she was. Or something like that. Her accent was thick, her gaze could melt butter, or freeze one in their place. Best of all? No, he would get to those measurements in a moment. She was unarmed ...
So why was he SLIGHTLY unnerved at her proposal to join her at the coffee shop, like he had NO matter in it what so ever???
She had raven black hair that complimented an olive complexion,?sensuous lips and a dark, sultry gaze.
Coffee sounded good.
Nova Gianinni she said her name was, and Brehnic was under the distinct impression she wasn't lying. There was no talk off battle, no replaying of Alice in Wonderland vs the Queen of Hearts, no cries of "Off wit' her head!!!" She seemed interested in what he was doing there ... Thoughts of Duncan MacLeod came to mind. The expression on her face, or lack of one once that name that caused bile to rise from the pit of his stomach... Okay, it wasn't THAT bad, but close enough. She didn't care for him either. That was a good enough starting point as any to begin ...
Brehnic had several members with him, originally to make sure he held his end of the deal, attending the museum, and bailing the first chance he had. Subtle signals were given as he left with this mysterious woman, his back being watched still, while in the coffee shop. She would jot down her number on the back of her business card, to look her up once his ... Business was complete.
To be continued?
You bet your arse!!!
