Umbra Mortis

Chapter Fifteen- Periods and storytelling

“Time…” Hannah mumbled, eyes blurry with sleeplessness, “Time is an interesting thing. Time heals everything- or so it has been said. In my humble opinion, time is a bitch. Time hurts, time tortures, time mocks and time takes from us things which we can’t take back. People who control time know this and I say they are the most powerful of us. They control the one thing that will always control us.”

“Hannah,” Maisie drawled, “move your whiny ass out of my office and to your actual bed. Take a heating pad and a painkiller and I’m sure you’ll sleep like a baby.”

The right hand let out a low whine, lips pulling into a pout as she pulled her blanket closer, refusing to move from her spot on the office couch. “I don’t want to move…” She complained, eyes turning pleading, “Can’t I just sleep here?”

Maisie raised her eyebrow, “Hannah, no. You sleep lighter than a feather. If you stay here, you’ll barely get a moment's rest. Now get moving before I steal your blanket.”

Hannah mumbled something incoherent, glaring daggers into the leader as she unfurled herself from the cocoon of warmth she had created. Grabbing her back and jacket, she left the office, feet dragging behind her as she fought to keep her eyes open long enough to get home.

On her way, the right hand passed Bell speaking with the new people. The drug runner looked at them as if she was that type white christian woman looking at jesus- sparkling eyes and a glint that showed she was close to ripping her clothes off for them.

The right hand shot her a confused look but decided against commenting on it. She passed them, not paying the three anymore attention, but the twins watched her curiously. They had yet to find out that this was the Umbra mortis, but the prosperity of the wealthy restaurant was enough for them to wish to get in favour with the higher ranking officials- the right hand included.

Oblivious to the cruel nature of the twins, Bell smiled, a certain trusting innocence clear in her softened eyes. “How do you two like being here so far?”

“It’s really nice.” The boy replied, his blue eyes shining brightly as he grinned with excitement. Then, checking himself, he clarified, “I mean...we didn’t do much, only wash dishes and move tables, but it’s nice to know that we can earn our keep.”

His sister nodded in agreement, an aura of uneasiness surrounding her as she awkwardly watched her brother carry the conversation, unable to come up with anything to say.

“Who have you met so far?” Bell questioned.

Noticing his twin’s uncomfortable look, the boy answered once more. “Oh, lots of people actually. Mainly waiters from the night shifts and the club; Mihika and Benja, DJ too, but I’m not entirely sure who else.” He flashed a sheepish grin, shrugging, “I’m not the best with names.”

Bell almost snorted, knowing what the three people he named actually do, and knowing that they were all far from being waiters.

One of those said ‘waiters’ was on her way home from a job, only to find a certain police officer standing by her flat. Despite hating police with a burning passion, Mihika could admit that the uniform did
make Anusha’s ass look good.

“Hey,” She greeted with a smile, “what are you doing here?” Her expression held the same kind of wonderment as Bell’s had, as if she too was about to get on one knee.

“Oh, um…” Anusha looked at the ground nervously, “My shift is just about to start and I thought I’d come bring you coffee before we both head to work.”

“I had a nightshift at the club.” Mihika admitted, “In face, I just came from work, but I appreciate the offer. Would you like to come in? I think I can scrounge up some OJ or water, or whatever else you drink that isn’t coffee.”