You sit up in bed, half a cigarette hanging from your mouth as you look out the window, watching the raindrops splash against the glass, streaking the world outside like some hazy forgotten memory of a better time. A harsh neon glow bathes the room in a garish blue, then green, then blue over and over again. Like a heartbeat of a dying city. Removing the cold butt from your lips, you exhale slowly and toss it into the ashtray on the nightstand, missing and just watching as it falls to the ground. Cursing softly to yourself, you leave it there, knowing any attempt to clean would be utterly futile. Better to let it be a subtle reminder of [[where you were]]. Stretching, you glance over at the clock. Right now it's [[Midnight]] [[3 am]] You had come to the city of your birth, and childhood, to mourn the passing of your brother. It had rundown considerably since your last visit, some ten years prior. In such a short span of time, poverty was rampant, and the haves were far removed from the have nots. It was a decrepit reminder of what happens when people don't move forward, don't adapt, and hold onto things built to decay. Still, there was a small piece of yourself nostalgic for the days you ran down the same streets, without a care in the world. Kids, punks, carefree and living life like it mattered. Now it felt like the people were a cancer eating away at whatever was good that remained simply to spite one another. Had your brother not decided to live here, there's nothing in the world that would have made you return. This hotel room was only cementing your stance on [[never coming back->Start]]. Good. You hadn't overslept. While your main reason for the visit had been your brother's funeral, you decided to run a little side piece to get some much-needed income. Flights back home weren't cheap, and while out of the game for a while, you knew enough people still in to get you a few connections. Missing the drop would've not only spelt trouble, but a world of hurt for everyone else involved. You felt a pang of guilt, knowing you promised your brother when you got out you'd never return to the life, but it was almost poetic. To pay for your visit, to pay your last respects, you needed to go back just one more time. Funny how life works like that. You walk into the bathroom and head towards the [[mirror]].FUCK! You missed the meeting. You knew it was a mistake to get involved in the life again, especially since you promised your now dead brother you were out for good, but something about the irony of using the money to pay for your trip appealed to your sense of humor and you agreed. Maybe it was a little too easy to get in touch with those old contacts, but maybe it was their fucking fault for not doing anything with the past decade of their lives. Still, these were not the kind of people you fucked with. Your main concern right now was to [[Grab your gun]]. [[Get the hell out of the room->Get the hell out]].You're eyes have such dark circles it looks almost like you've been in a bar fight, and lost. The red, swollen eyes from your earlier tears you shed at the wake aren't helping your image either. You run a hand through your hair and make a note to [[Shave off the five o'clock shadow you're sporting]] [[Find a bra that doesn't have a goddamn underwire]] You run your fingers through the rough stubble adorning your face and smirk. You hated to shave, but for some reason right this instant you had an urge to just go for the baby-smooth complexion. You wet a disposable razor and forgo the shaving cream as you simply run the blade over your skin. A few strokes later, and the job is done. Only one nick to show for it as well. You quickly clean the small cut, grab your gun from the nightstand, and then your jacket and head out into the night, and towards the meeting site. It was only a few blocks away, and the night was warm; you decide [[not to call a cab]]. You tug and pull at the one you slept in, frowning at your own stupidity for not removing it. Gingerly you unclasp it, freeing your breasts to the stale air of the hotel room, and gently touch at the mark the wire left in your flesh. Wincing slightly, you make a silent pledge to never again wear such an instrument of torture, and throw on a sports bra under your shirt. If you had to make a break for it, should things turn south, you'd rather have the ability to run without worrying if your breasts were going to rip off. You grab your jacket, your gun, and head for the door, [[towards the meeting]].You grab the gun from the drawer in the nightstand, check to make sure it's loaded, and tuck it into your pants near the [[Get the hell out of the room<-small of your back]].You're in such a rush you forget to [[Grab your jacket, men's large]]. [[Remove your uncomfortable bra]]. No time, no fucking time! You curse at yourself for being so stupid as you rush, barely getting your shoes on before bolting out of the door. You head for the street, and panic as you see headlights turn into the parking lot of the hotel. It could be anyone, you tell yourself. Anyone at all. Some weary traveler in from the long road, ready for a good night's rest. Somehow, the words feel hollow, yet heavy, as you say them over and over to yourself. Reality only sinks in once you hear one of the voices, however faintly, as they exited the vehicle. "We find that fucker, I'm gonna send 'em with his brother" You're as [[good as dead]].The deal was going to be simple. You just need to carry a kilo of cocaine back with you, and deliver it to a guy named Vincent in the city next to the one you lived in now. Simple delivery, and they were willing to pay you primo dollar for it. Much more than usual drug runners get, and you weren't even leaving the state. The extra money should have set off a red flag, but you were practically desperate for cash, and it wasn't like you were dealing it. So, you managed to justify this one last criminal offense. Simple enough. But when you got to the usual spot for drop offs, there wasn't a package. [[Just two men]]. The deal was going to be simple. You just need to carry a kilo of cocaine back with you, and deliver it to a guy named Vincent in the city next to the one you lived in now. Simple delivery, and they were willing to pay you primo dollar for it. Much more than usual drug runners get, and you weren't even leaving the state. The extra money should have set off a red flag, but you were practically desperate for cash, and it wasn't like you were dealing it. So, you managed to justify this one last criminal offense. Simple enough. But when you got to the usual spot for drop offs, there wasn't a package. [[Just two men->Just Two Guys]]. Fucking underwire bullshit. You make a vow to never again wear a bra if you can help it as you rush out the door, barely remembering your gun, let alone getting your shoes on. You make it halfway to the street, and panic as you see headlights turn into the parking lot of the hotel. It could be anyone, you tell yourself. Anyone at all. Some weary traveler in from the long road, ready for a good night's rest. Somehow, the words feel hollow, yet heavy, as you say them over and over to yourself. Reality only sinks in once you hear one of the voices, however faintly, as they exited the vehicle. "We find that fucker, I'm gonna send 'er with her brother" You're [[pretty much dead]].Knowing there was no way you could make a stand, you rush out into the open, hoping to catch the men by surprise. Thankfully, there are only two of them, and pulling out your gun you're able to hit one in the side of the face before he even realizes you're there. The second, however, roars something derogatory in your direction, and drops down behind the car, as you suddenly realize you are out in the open, and about to die unless you [[find cover, fast->find cover, fast 2]] [[go for the final man, ending this->go for the final man, ending this 2]]Knowing there was no way you could make a stand, you rush out into the open, hoping to catch the men by surprise. Thankfully, there are only two of them, and pulling out your gun you're able to hit one in the side of the face before he even realizes you're there. The second, however, roars something derogatory in your direction, and drops down behind the car, as you suddenly realize you are out in the open, and about to die unless you [[find cover, fast]] [[go for the final man, ending this]]Something itched at the back of your skull as you got closer. This wasn't right, wasn't right at all. Your old contacts told you all you had to do was head to the drop site, look for the package under a nearby dumpster, and just deliver it. Payment on delivery. There was no mention of two rather gruff looking men standing there, eyeing you down like you just got done giving the business to their mothers. Everything screamed setup and you just walked right into it like a fucking stooge. Thinking on your feet, you keep walking, thankfully not having made eye-contact with either man. You got ten feet away from them when you overheard one go "That the guy?" and broke out into a run before the other could answer. The pounding of your heart almost drowned out the sound of two sets of footsteps thundering behind you, [[giving chase]].Something itched at the back of your skull as you got closer. This wasn't right, wasn't right at all. Your old contacts told you all you had to do was head to the drop site, look for the package under a nearby dumpster, and just deliver it. Payment on delivery. There was no mention of two rather gruff looking men standing there, eyeing you down like you just got done giving the business to their mothers. Everything screamed setup and you just walked right into it like a fucking stooge. Thinking on your feet, you keep walking, thankfully not having made eye-contact with either man. You got ten feet away from them when you overheard one go "That her?" and broke out into a run before the other could answer. The pounding of your heart almost drowned out the sound of two sets of footsteps thundering behind you, [[giving chase->giving chase 2]].You're in such a rush you forget to [[Grab your Jacket, Men's large->Grab your Jacket, Men's large2]]. [[Remove your uncomfortable bra->Remove your uncomfortable bra2]].No time, no fucking time! You curse at yourself for being so stupid as you rush, barely getting your shoes on before bolting out of the door. You head for the street, and panic as you see headlights turn into the parking lot of the hotel. It could be anyone, you tell yourself. Anyone at all. Some weary traveler in from the long road, ready for a good night's rest. Somehow, the words feel hollow, yet heavy, as you say them over and over to yourself. Reality only sinks in once you hear one of the voices, however faintly, as they exited the vehicle. "We find that fucker, I'm gonna send 'em with his brother" You're as [[good as dead->good as dead 2]].Fucking underwire bullshit. You make a vow to never again wear a bra if you can help it as you rush out the door, barely remembering your gun, let alone getting your shoes on. You make it halfway to the street, and panic as you see headlights turn into the parking lot of the hotel. It could be anyone, you tell yourself. Anyone at all. Some weary traveler in from the long road, ready for a good night's rest. Somehow, the words feel hollow, yet heavy, as you say them over and over to yourself. Reality only sinks in once you hear one of the voices, however faintly, as they exited the vehicle. "We find that fucker, I'm gonna send 'er with her brother" You're [[pretty much dead->pretty much dead 2]].No, you refuse to let it end like this. Knowing you had no time, you rush out into the open, hoping to catch the men by surprise. Surprise is certainly one thing they felt, as they both watched you reach behind your back for the non-existent weapon behind your back, the underwire somehow accentuating the whole futility of it all. Next life, you told yourself, you were going to make sure to always wear a comfortable bra, and [[grab the gun->Start]].No, you refuse to let it end like this. Knowing you had no time, you rush out into the open, hoping to catch the men by surprise. Surprise is certainly one thing they felt, as they both watched you reach behind your back for the non-existent weapon behind your back. Next life, you told yourself, you were going to make sure to always [[grab the gun->Start]].Someone fucking set you up for something, that much was apparent. The only thing that you were truly wondering about was the ''why'' someone would do this. As far as you could recall, you were friendly with everyone in the old neighborhood. All your old contacts were amiable enough, and when you left, it was on good terms. So who the hell wanted you dead? Your mind was running a mile a minute and your feet were doing their best to copy, but the two men were gaining ground on you and fast. You need to find a way to ditch them, and get your bearings. You notice a dark alleyway and decide to find a place to [[hide]]. You decide you've had enough running, and turn to [[face the men]].Someone fucking set you up for something, that much was apparent. The only thing that you were truly wondering about was the ''why'' someone would do this. As far as you could recall, you were friendly with everyone in the old neighborhood. All your old contacts were amiable enough, and when you left, it was on good terms. So who the hell wanted you dead? Your mind was running a mile a minute and your feet were doing their best to copy, but the two men were gaining ground on you and fast. You need to find a way to ditch them, and get your bearings. You notice a dark alleyway and decide to find a place to [[hide->hide2]]. You decide you've had enough running, and turn to [[face the men->face the men2]].You father had told you to face your problems. Luckily, you never took a goddamn thing he said seriously, as the bastard abandoned you and your brother to the streets at an early age. Your brother, on the other hand, taught you about discretion being the better part of valor and you jumped behind a nearby car just as the other man leaned out of cover to take fire. Even dead, your brother was saving your skin. You manage to return fire at your assailant, and hear him howl in pain; a direct hit. You wait for the return fire, and when none comes you decide to cautiously venture forward to investigate. Luckily, you managed to hit his hand, causing him to lose the gun he was holding. He sat there, back up against the car he used for cover, holding onto his profuesly bleeding appendage, sneering at you as you approached. "Fuckin' Bitch! You shot my hand!" Without missing a beat, you reach down, grab his wounded hand and dig your thumb into the bullet hole. He howls in pain and you take a small measure of satisfaction in this. "Who sent you?" "Blow me, maybe I'll tell ya" You push harder now, and tears start to stream out of his eyes. He bites his lip, hard enough to draw blood as he tries not to scream in pain and you take your gun and press it against his temple. The heat from the barrel makes him wince as you hold your grip on his hand. "One more time. Who wants me dead?" "Go make me a sandwich, toots" Making a noise of utter disgust, you simply pull the trigger and end his miserable, masochistic life. Wiping your bloody hand on his jacket, you search his pockets for some clue as to why this happened, and come up empty. The other man proved to be just as fruitless a search. They were hitmen, yes, but someone had to have hired them. The big question was why. And you were dying to find out. [[Start Over->Start]] Your father, bastard that he was, always told you one thing you took to heart. 'Face your problems head on, and fuck the world'. What he lacked in eloquence, and fatherly skill, he made up for in intent, as you took those words to heart one more time and rushed for the car. Jumping around the side, you empty the remaining clip at where the man had ducked under for cover, and as you laid waste to the cement where you were certain he was hiding, you wondered how such a large man could move so fast without you seeing him. It was the last thing on your mind as it was blown out the [[front of your skull->Start]].You father had told you to face your problems. Luckily, you never took a goddamn thing he said seriously, as the bastard abandoned you and your brother to the streets at an early age. Your brother, on the other hand, taught you about discretion being the better part of valor and you jumped behind a nearby car just as the other man leaned out of cover to take fire. Even dead, your brother was saving your skin. You manage to return fire at your assailant, and hear him howl in pain; a direct hit. You wait for the return fire, and when none comes you decide to cautiously venture forward to investigate. Luckily, you managed to hit his hand, causing him to lose the gun he was holding. He sat there, back up against the car he used for cover, holding onto his profusely bleeding appendage, sneering at you as you approached. "Fuckin' asshole! You shot my hand!" Without missing a beat, you reach down, grab his wounded hand and dig your thumb into the bullet hole. He howls in pain and you take a small measure of satisfaction in this. "Who sent you?" His response was to spit in your face. Thankfully, the angle he was at compared to where your face was, he just managed to hit your sleeve. Disgusted, you push harder now and tears start to stream out of his eyes. He bites his lip, hard enough to draw blood as he tries not to scream in pain and you take your gun and press it against his temple. The heat from the barrel makes him wince as you hold your grip on his hand. "One more time. Who wants me dead?" "Go fuck y'erself" Making a point to sigh in an exaggerated manner, you simply pull the trigger and end his miserable, sadistic life. Wiping your bloody hand on his jacket, you search his pockets for some clue as to why this happened, and come up empty. The other man proved to be just as fruitless a search. They were hitmen, yes, but someone had to have hired them. The big question was why. And you were dying to find out. [[Start Over->Start]] Your father, bastard that he was, always told you one thing you took to heart. 'Face your problems head on, and fuck the world'. What he lacked in eloquence, and fatherly skill, he made up for in intent, as you took those words to heart one more time and rushed for the car. Jumping around the side, you empty the remaining clip at where the man had ducked under for cover, and as you laid waste to the cement where you were certain he was hiding, you wondered how such a large man could move so fast without you seeing him. It was the last thing on your mind as it was blown out the [[front of your skull->Start]].Making a quick side-step you dart into the alleyway, hoping at least one of the men wouldn't be hot on your heels as you tried to access where you were. To your right was a dumpster, and there were several doors on each side. You immeidately discounted them, as there wasn't enough time to try them ''and'' find one to dart inside; the men were simply too close. The dumpster held promise, but only if you could hide behind it before they followed you into the alley. Did you have enough distance before coming into the alleyway? [[Hide behind Dumpster]] [[Run for the other side]] [[Try a door anyway]]You immediately regretted the decision, because one of them wasn't paying attention and slammed right into you full force as you stopped and turned. You felt something on your face painfully pop, and a warm liquid begin to flow freely from your nose. Blubbering as you started to rise from the heap on the ground, you look up only to face the end of a barrel of a gun. Your bladder didn't even have time to [[empty itself->Start]]. Making a quick side-step you dart into the alleyway, hoping at least one of the men wouldn't be hot on your heels as you tried to access where you were. To your right was a dumpster, and there were several doors on each side. You immeidately discounted them, as there wasn't enough time to try them ''and'' find one to dart inside; the men were simply too close. The dumpster held promise, but only if you could hide behind it before they followed you into the alley. Did you have enough distance before coming into the alleyway? [[Hide behind Dumpster->Hide behind Dumpster2]] [[Run for the other side->Run for the other side2]] [[Try a door anyway->Try a door anyway2]]You immediately regretted the decision, because one of them wasn't paying attention and slammed right into you full force as you stopped and turned. The force brusies both of your breasts, but all you were thinking was how thankful you were it didn't have an underwire to dig into your skin as well. Brushing yourself off as you started to rise from the heap on the ground, you look up only to face the end of a barrel of a gun. Your bladder didn't even have time to [[empty itself->Start]]. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one all along. You dive behind the dumpster, mere seconds before either of the men turn the corner into the alley. The thundering footsteps slow to a light jog, as they trot down the road. Being very careful not to make a sound, you slowly creep further behind the dumpster, so you are fully out of view. Much to your absolutely joy, the entire backside has been rusted away, and you're able to nimbly climb inside without their noticing. Again, narrowly missing prying eyes glancing to where you had been cowering moments before. You wait for the footsteps to fade into nothing, and continue to wait, squatting in lord knows what for what feels like an eternity. Finally, sure the coast is clear, you ease out of the dumpster, stretch your sore limbs and joints, and frown into the night. Whomever was responsible for this, just made a huge mistake by crossing you. It may take some time, but you would find out who was responsible, and make them pay. [[Start Over->Start]] When running from an assailant, the best path to take is not a straight line, but a zig-zag pattern. Not only does it make your trail harder to follow, it also makes it exceedingly more difficult for them to hit you if they are shooting. Unfortunately, this life lesson was one you were never taught, and the searing pain of the bullet in your back was short-lived only because it managed to sever your spinal cord before piercing through your lung. As you lie there, gurgling for breath, you wondered if one of the doors might've been [[open->Start]].What part of there was no time didn't you understand?! You manage to try a single door before both are on you, pulling you kicking and screaming to your death. At least they got an earful before blowing your brains out. [[You sure showed them->Start]]Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one all along. You dive behind the dumpster, mere seconds before either of the men turn the corner into the alley. The thundering footsteps slow to a light jog, as they trot down the road. Being very careful not to make a sound, you slowly creep further behind the dumpster, so you are fully out of view. Much to your absolutely joy, the entire backside has been rusted away, and you're able to nimbly climb inside without their noticing. Again, narrowly missing prying eyes glancing to where you had been cowering moments before. You wait for the footsteps to fade into nothing, and continue to wait, squatting in lord knows what for what feels like an eternity. Finally, sure the coast is clear, you ease out of the dumpster, stretch your sore limbs and joints, and frown into the night. Whomever was responsible for this, just made a huge mistake by crossing you. It may take some time, but you would find out who was responsible, and make them pay. [[Start Over->Start]] When running from an assailant, the best path to take is not a straight line, but a zig-zag pattern. Not only does it make your trail harder to follow, it also makes it exceedingly more difficult for them to hit you if they are shooting. Unfortunately, this life lesson was one you were never taught, and the searing pain of the bullet in your back was short-lived only because it managed to sever your spinal cord before piercing through your lung. As you lie there, gurgling for breath, you wondered if one of the doors might've been [[open->Start]].What part of there was no time didn't you understand?! You manage to try a single door before both are on you, pulling you kicking and screaming to your death. At least they got an earful before blowing your brains out. [[You sure showed them->Start]]