Utsukushi - Banana Fish

Chapter 28

Mr. Wagner killed her.

My stomach sunk, but not from surprise of shock; it was dread because I knew what's going to happen next.

But why? Why would he want us, his family, dead so badly? That man has always been a maniac, but this is another level of deranged.

And mom...

"I'm very sorry, Miss Jiang, but-"

I held up a finger to silence him. I didn't want to hear another word of his agitating voice.

I was outnumbered, but I have been before. I'll get out like I always do- by pretending.

"You have no intention of letting either of us walk out of here, right? Is that what you were going to say?"

I could see this man's miserable act from a mile away as he pretended to look deeply upset over this. "Yes, Miss Jiang." He said very slowly.

I looked to the floor and sighed, closing my eyes as if I was accepting my fate. "Make it quick, please." I told him quietly.

I clicked down the hammer of the gun concealed in my jacket, about to shoot this man and his men. I hesitated as a guard from outside runs in looking panicked.

"Sir! There's a truck driving this way."

Well, good timing I guess.

The other men, attention now divided, ran to block the entrance of the large door, guns pointed at the direction of the truck pulling in.

I could see Max and the other beginning to climb out.

"Hands up!" One of the guys yelled.

While they were distracted, I took my chance. I took the gun out of my pocket and shot a few of the men. Chaos ensued.

Ash and the others realized what's happening and began running my way to provide backup. The rest of the guards were scrambling around, not knowing who to shoot or whether or not they should take cover.

I took down a few more and then ran for Jacob. I picked him up and took cover behind a wood pallet.

A rain of bullets began to come down. However, it was easy for me and the others to pick these guys off.

They looked like tough guys but clearly weren't even properly trained.

When the firing suddenly stopped, I peeked out from behind the pallets. All of the guards were dead on the floor.

"You guys good?" I called over to them. I couldn't see them because they had taken cover outside of the building.

"Yeah, we're good."

I sighed a quiet breath of relief and put the gun down, turning to Jacob. He was terrified.

I took the duct tape off and untied his hands. He immediately wrapped his arms around me and sobbed.

"Shh, it's okay. It's okay now, I promise."