Deadly Alliance

13- Work/Training

It had been a little awkward to work with these men for Peyton, but after a while, she got used to it like they did to her. Cole worked on the plans and every entrance into the building Blackout was held. It looked like a normal large warehouse building, but inside are murderers who don't care about anyone but themselves. Leo worked on some of the cars and technology so they had a few chances to escape if things didn't go as planned. Jackson was the gun guy. He worked on rebuilding them so they were more powerful and agile. Peyton was especially interested in that, but she worked on mechanical stuff with Leo and fighting skills with Ryan. Both of them felt very awkward doing this. 

Ryan didn't know her skills evolved in the almost 5 months in jail then prison. She surprised him when she kicked his legs out and punched him- winning the sparing match. 

"Watch your footing," Peyton told him. Ryan wiped his bloody nose and got up, ready to go again. Peyton made the first move and ran at Ryan. He brought his leg up and kicked hers down then grabbed both forearms and twisted her sideways. She jumped around and head locked Ryan with her legs and twisted him to the ground with her on bottom. Ryan struck her thigh and she naturally loosened in pain. He then pulled her legs off and pushed her to the side. They both got up at the same time and stared at each other, waiting for the first move. This time, Ryan went and ducked her punch then plowed into her and onto the ground. He pulled back to punch and Peyton raised her hand and tilted her head to dodge it, but it never came. They just sat there for a few seconds- breathing heavy and sweat dripping off them.

"I think that's enough for today," Ryan said getting up. Peyton stood and nodded. It was getting dark and the other guys had just finished up for the day. "Good work."

Peyton nodded again without making eye contact. "Yeah, you too." She then left to go get in the shower.

"She's good. Maybe better than you." Ryan looked at Leo who was walking up behind him.

"Maybe. We'll have to see when she fights in the real game," he said.

"Yeah. Speaking of, the cars are all done and Cole said the plans were too. Jackson's just finishing up some small stuff."

"That's good. We'll have to figure out tomorrow what parts everyone is playing." Leo nodded and went to the bar for a drink. Ryan left  to get in the second shower and thought about what they would do to stop Blackout and Elias.

Peyton dried her hair and put on some navy blue sweats along with a gray t-shirt. She went to the guest room she was staying in and sat on the bed. She thought about what she was doing here and just hoped it was for the best of this country. Peyton laid down and fell asleep not long after.

Ryan pulled the trigger and shot Jacob in the chest. He looked down at his bloody shirt and then to Peyton.

"Peyton?"

Jacobs eyes went lifeless as he fell back, next to his oldest sister, Tracey, who was stabbed by the same man. Peyton had failed to protect her family. He had killed them all and shot her. 

She's alone.

Peyton shot up in bed, gasping. A cold layer of sweat covered her body and she turned on a lamp, looking around frantically for anyone trying to kill her or her family's bodies somewhere. Only seeing a plain room, she calmed down.

"It was only a nightmare, Peyton. Your fine..." she breathed heavily. Peyton felt the scar where she was shot. The smooth skin reminded her that it was all in the past. She looked at the clock that read 2:26am. She got out of bed and walked out of the room and into the main warehouse. Peyton sat on a stool at the bar and held her head in her hands.

"Can't sleep?" Peyton looked over in the dark to see Cole sitting in a chair with his laptop open in front of him. The light made it easy for Peyton to see his face.

"Something like that."

"Mmm. Nightmares," Cole said. "Everyone gets those."

"Ha. Not like mine," Peyton told him. After a little while Cole spoke in a reverent tone. 

"You know, you're not the only orphan here." Peyton looked up and at Cole with a questioning expression.