The Broken Hearts Club

Chapter 6: Number One Enemy

I had spent the first night in my new home with my new family. I still felt like an outsider, like I didn't quite belong. Unlike everyone else, I didn't have the cold gaze, the intimidating looks, or the experience of being a criminal. I had slept in a medium sized room, on a fairly comfortable mattress. Sleeping conditions that were far better than the cold streets of New York. After putting on the dark set of clothes they had given me, I made my way to the door. Suspiciously, I heard a noise from outside my door. I realized it was a person whispering in a soft voice, I paused to listen in.

" When is she going to be ready for the Draining? You know no one in this gang will accept her until it occurs." Whispered one, their voice sounding urgent. Another voice spoke in response to the question, " She'll be ready soon. I'm not convinced that she actually wants to be one of us. She's still a soft, city girl who thinks this is a game. I'll prove to her that it's not." This voice was low and cold. Are they talking about me? I thought, realizing that I was most likely the only new recruit here.

Suddenly, the door was opened. The middle of the door, barely missing my head. In the doorway stood Steel Shot, and a person who I would've never expected... Eros. I stood there casually, pretending I hadn't just heard a part of their conversation. " Good morning," I smiled. My happy greeting was met with an eye roll from both of them. " Don't ever say good morning in a place like this. That's the last thing people like us want to hear in the morning," Steel Shot warned. Eros took no time in greeting me and stated coldly, " Come with me, and stay close. If you smile like that someone might have the pleasure of punching you." This time I knew not to make a witty comeback to defend my self-esteem. He started to walk and I followed, with Steel Shot behind me.

Eros led Steel Shot and I to a huge room, filled with screens of every size. Computers on every available desk in the room, and people on them typing away, consumed with their task at hand. "Where are we?" I questioned. " We're in the newsroom. This is where we get our information for every plan and raid we execute. We can know anything about the government and police forces at any time." Answered Eros with a hint of pride in his tone. " Hey, could this be my job? It sounds like fun." I pleaded. A nearby voice spoke, " Are you a hacker or do you even know anything about computers?" It was a girl on one of the computers. I opened my mouth to respond to her annoying comment, but Eros beat me to it. " No Mirage, she won't be working with you. Sorry Briar Rose, but I only let the people who have experience do this kind of stuff." I had forgotten that was my new codename, but even worse my ego was getting destroyed by two people who hardly even knew me.

" Anyway," Eros continued. " I didn't take you here to argue. I need to show you something. Our number one enemy. Mirage, show the picture." I was intrigued. Ever since I got here I had wondered who their biggest threat was. Who could be powerful enough to be the number one enemy of one of the biggest gangs in the country? Mirage pulled the picture up on the largest screen, illuminating the room. The picture was one word; underwhelming.

" This is your gang's greatest enemy?" I scoffed. The picture was of a young man who looked my age. He had flaming red hair, and gleaming olive skin. His face chiseled like a perfect statue, and green eyes like the moss on a tree. He looked too perfect, like there was something hidden beneath his good looks and wonderful smile. I looked over at Eros who stared at the picture with deep disgust. If looks could kill, their enemy would already be dead. " This is Holland Gray. " Eros cursed. " He's the son of the commander of the N.Y.S.C, New York Security Force. His dumb, but rich father, Michael Gray is stepping down so Holland can take his place." I was still confused. The infamous Broken Hearts Club are scared of some little rich boy?

" He's been in charge for almost three months now and he's made our lives miserable. We haven't been able to steal half of what we normally do this time of year." Steel Shot voiced. "What's even worse is that he's done way better than his father ever did. The people in the news are calling him " the savior and hero of New York." Like he's the one who's going to remove all the crime and wipe out the gangs. He's at the top of every gang's hit list." Declared Mirage.

Eros growled, " He's number one on mine. I want to be the one to put a bullet in his head, torture sounds good too. He's destroying everything I've built over the past five years. If he's around any longer he'll put a stop to any plans I have of taking over the capital. He needs to go." Feelings of anger were exchanged throughout the room, leaving everyone fuming with rage. Except me. He just sounds like a good person who's trying to make New York a better place. I thought. Seeing that I wasn't convinced of Holland's evil deeds towards the gang, Eros walked towards me.

" You know another part of his new plan for New York?" Eros quizzed. " What?" I questioned.

" Because of his new plans to rid New York of gangs and crime, the rich son of a bitch is making new taxes to help pay for his ordeals. So, the poorer people of New York can't pay them and if you can't pay you get arrested by his cops." Eros ranted. If only I had known how good of a liar he was, because I believed every word he had just said. Now I was angry. Most of my life I had been like those people. Me, an orphan with no money. I wouldn't be able to pay those taxes either. Now I had a new family, one that I would fight for, even though they are criminals.

How dare that bastard arrest those people?! They haven't even done anything wrong. I shouted in my head. My expression contorted into one like everyone else's, anger and hatred. Satisfied with his manipulation skills, Eros left me alone with my thoughts. One thing was for sure, I had a new enemy, and his name... Holland Gray.