Heartbeat

Chapter 24- Clem

By aiming to avoid Hattie for most of her life, Clem knew her schedule perfectly. Hattie would be finishing up at the Crow Club soon. She liked to leave before everyone else, believing she wasn't the same class of sucker. In her mind, the ability to walk away from the table earlier separates her from the tourists.

Without a jacket, Clem was recognizable to anyone. However, her intention wasn't to stay hidden. She passed the Crow Club, smiling sweetly to the bouncer. She walked one block past it and turned a corner, waiting. She didn't retrieve her crowbars yet, but she loosened the drawstring on the bag for easier access.

The rain continued to pour down on Clem, but she was not deterred. Instead, she harnessed her anger into determination. The bell from Crow Club's entry door sounded three times in the distance. A minute later, her eyes caught Hattie walking down the street toward her. Right on time. Clem thought to herself. Hattie's eyes roamed around suspiciously, as they always did.

Clem crouched slightly, getting physically ready to spring. Her back foot was positioned on her toes, keeping her breath steady. She waited until Hattie was only a foot away from the corner, and she leapt out at Hattie, staying low and reaching for her ankles, easy targets in her heeled boots.

Hattie was ready for her, her first leg moving back immediately, her second foot too slow, and Clem could grab it and yank it up. Hattie struggled to remain upright, grabbing Clem's bun on the left side of her head. She gripped her hard, and Clem felt the hair pull on her head. Clem growled and kept a firm grip on her ankle. Hattie attempted to twist it to release it from her grasp. Clem moved with the momentum and turned her leg even more, causing Hattie to spin and fall on her front. Clem felt the release from her hair and jumped on top of Hattie, sliding her arms underneath Hattie's arms and interlocking her fingers behind her head. Clem put her knee on the centre of Hattie's back, forcing her to bend it uncomfortably.

"How long are you prepared to hold? I can die like this, Mouse." Hattie spat out.

"Not long; time is an important factor," Clem responded; she saw eyes on the two of them from the tourists passing by. She ignored them. She fought her lifelong fear of Hattie climbing into her chest. She swallowed back her impulse to beg her for mercy at the tip of her tongue.

"I won't help you; you're on your own." Hattie snarled.

Clem focused and tried to feel Hattie for her injury on her hip despite her hands being occupied. She knew her capacity was limited, but with her corporalki abilities, she couldn't discern any injury or damage in Hattie's body.

The shock of the reality startled her. She loosened her hold, and Hattie squirmed in an attempt to get up. Clem reached behind her and pulled out one of the crowbars; she swung it in a round arc, slamming it into Hattie's ribs. She saw her grit her teeth in pain. Clem's eyes stung from not blinking due to her own incredulous rage. Hattie slowed and gripped her side in pain. She turned and looked at Clem in shock. Clem brought her crowbar into a high arch and brought it down on Hattie's shoulder. She collapsed onto the soaking ground. Clem was no longer thinking; she brought the crowbar over her head again, planning to bring it down on Hattie's face. Hattie flinched in fear, crouching.

Clem paused at the look, having never seen it in Hattie. Hattie took the opportunity, slipping a small knife out of her sleeve and jabbing Clem on the outside of her thigh. Clem cried out in pain but couldn't help but note that the placement wasn't lethal. Clem resisted the urge to pull it out through gritted teeth. Instead, she waved her free hand and closed Hattie's throat with a thought. Hattie grasped at her own throat; her eyes widened in panic. Clem placed her crowbar back in the bag and leaned close to Hattie, grabbing her by the neck of her shirt.