Frayed Edges

Freedom

The revs of the engine continued as they sped towards the city. With the windows down Alex could feel the whip of wind through his hair for the first time in what felt like forever.

Freedom. Pure unadulterated freedom. Ahead of him was nothing but possibilities but behind him was Mia. He tried not to dwell. She was stubborn but she was loyal, and he knew that they would always find a way back to one another.

"You did it" Alex mused with a gentle grin "You finally took that fucking bitch down."

"We're on top of the world Alex." Drew replied before reaching into the pocket of his suit "Here, a welcome home gift" He chucked the crumpled packet of Marlboro Reds at him. Mia hadn't even noticed when he had lifted them from her purse. Then again she never was any good at keeping her eye on the ball when things got complicated.

"Fuck it's good to be home!" He cheered.

"They don't have Marlboro's in the joint? Drew asked with a smirk.

"Shut the fuck up Drew, you know you're lucky to get a crumb of piece in there" Alex eagerly pulled a cigarette from the packet and brought it slowly across his nose. "Fuck..." he groaned "Freedom feels good."

The egotistical smirk on Drew's face told the world that he was reveling in his success. Yet he didn't have everything. He had failed to resist the urge to sneak a peek at Mia as he pulled away and the thought of it hung heavily in his mind.

"We're not done yet." He stated flatly causing Alex to raise a brow.

"She's dead right? You're on top, you run everything in Brooklyn, what could you possibly have left to do?"

"You'll see."

If Alex was looking he might've spotted the sadistic grin that was gracing his old friend's face. It might've given him the foresight to run, to get the hell out of there, find Mia and apologise for everything.

When the car took a detour from the usual route into the city Alex couldn't help but become suspicious. He had been locked up for a while but not long enough to forget the streets he drove through every night. Instead of twinkling lights and skyscrapers they passed abandoned lots and warehouses. Sleeping bags lay in doorways next to needles and torn garbage bags.

"Jesus, I thought we got out of the shit neighbourhoods? This is even worse than the old place" his voice was uneasy.

It struck him that he actually knew very little of Drew's plan. Most of their interactions were monitored meaning very little of importance could be discussed within the prison walls. He had put his faith in Drew and as they turned into the small hidden inlet beside the river, that faith wavered.

"Don't worry Al we're not staying, this is just a detour" Drew chuckled warmly. Alex tried to take comfort in his words but something about this place gave him a sense of fear that lay deep in the pit of his stomach.

The journey between the rows of perfectly lined shipping containers was claustrophobic. Dusk was upon them and it hung in the air creating an unnerving atmosphere. The warm glow of the setting sun over the Hudson left long parallel shadows in the spaces between each box. The orange tones weren't of any comfort. In fact the vivid colours made the walk feel like an ill advised descent into the pits of hell.

Eventually they stopped in front of one of the many containers. It was completely indistinguishable from any of the other boxes apart from the 212 that was spray painted above the large door. It was bolted but they didn't need to open it themselves.

In less than a second the door was open and a cocked gun was thrust into his face. The shock cause Alex to take a step back and he nearly fell over his clambering feet.