bullets and bouquets

60

"Here's what we know," Dacre announces to Natalia, Finn, and Joe, "An attack started yesterday morning. They took down almost everyone. Eros survived because he wiped someone else's blood on him."

The man nods.

"They took Sabrina and she's been missing for over 24 hours now," Dacre continues, "We have a lot of paperwork to go through. Let's be quick about it. We don't have much time."

"We should separate who would know about Gianna out as a top priority," Natalia suggests.

"Yes! That's a good point. Older enemies probably don't know about her," he says. He hands each gang leader a stack of files, "Let's get to work."

***

Bella wakes up on a mattress in the living room. She groans because she was reaching around for Sadie, only to remember she's taking care of business. She wonders when she will be back.

"Goddamnit," she whispers. Jenna rolls over on her mattress a couple of feet away.

"Missing Sadie?" she asks. Bella nods, "I miss Emma too."

"We're all in this together," Robin adds from her mattress. She lies sprawled out, taking up the entire bed. Gianna sits up, yawning. Briar still sleeps peacefully.

Jenna gets up to go to the bathroom. Bella goes over to Gianna's mattress.

"How are you doing?" she asks. The girl stares straight ahead like she's not even here.

"I... I don't know if I can do this Bella," she says softly.

"Do what?"

"Get involved," she tears up, "If... if Sabrina comes back ——"

"Sabrina will come back," Bella interrupts her.

"I don't know if can do all the violence, Bella," Gianna states, "Or risk losing Sabrina at the hands of someone else every day."

"Gianna, it's not like this every day——"

"How many times has Sadie been taken?" the girl snaps, "How many times have you been taken?"

Bella stays silent.

"I'm sorry, I just can't do this right now," Gianna stands up and walks to the bathroom. Robin stands up and approaches Bella.

"I don't know what to do or how to help," the brunette sighs. Robin pats her back.

"I think right now, we just need to focus on being here for Gianna. Once Sabrina's back, they can work out the issues. I know you want the best for both of them, but it's out of our hands right now," Robin states. Bella nods.

"I hope they find her soon."

***

The gang leaders make quick work of sorting through the enemy files.

"I need another stack," Natalia says as she tosses another file aside.

"That's everything," Finn checks the last box.

"That's it?" Dacre asks. He nods.

"Okay, you guys finish your piles and then we will go over them all," he instructs.

***

"Ooof! Ugh!"

Sabrina lets her head hang low. Her arms are held up by chains in some sort of holding room. She's assuming she's been taken by another gang.