Devastation (Paused)

Chapter 5: Deal with him...

"Ami... Ami.. Ami." Who is that? Turning I noticed Mary peering at me. "Ami, are you hurt? Do you need -"

I turned away as a loud groan caught my ears. It was John. Blood dripped from his lips as Max snatched him up by his hair. He looked worse for wear as Max dragged him away from me and Mary, Mr. Quartez followed after him. I noticed him glance back and stop as our eyes met. He was shocked for a moment before yelling to his men.

"Guard the front. I don't want anyone coming in..." As he turned towards us again I watched him stare at Mary.

I felt her tug my arms as she tried to pull me away. I didn't move. I couldn't move. Why?

"...Ami. You need to come with me. It won't do you any good to watch anymore..." Mary whispered as Mr. Quartez walked over to Max who began to pound his brother's face in. I could hear the bones crunching from across the room as he blocked my view. "Ami! I'm serious. Stop-"

"She can't..." Mr. Quartez spoke as Max stopped hitting John. "Her ghost won't let her... You'd have to drag her away." I watched him move to the other side of John so that his gun was placed against the back of his head. "Ya know... I don't normally enjoy doing this but... Oh Johnny boy has stirred up a nest that has me ready to shoot..."

My stomach lurched as I finally felt released from the weight holding me still. Coughing I nearly lost my stomach as Mary patted my back. "Kill him if you want but I am not watching..." I sputtered as shudders raked my body. Pulling away from Mary I walked towards the front door.

"I don't think so." I stopped before staring at Mr. Quartez. "You are a victim here and I'd like to hear the story before I hand out the sentence." Victim...? Ha...

"Victim you say? Mary and Max are the victims. Now for the story it is simple. John believed that I had stolen $10 from him the day we met at central station. He claims that I stole his wallet and driver's license yet I did not possess them. He then harassed me and threatened me for the return of his money. Now we are here..." I started crossly before walking towards the door.

"...What did he do to you?" I stopped once again at his question. What did John not do? He made a mess of something that I had tried to mend. If he had waited instead of insisting he would have acquired his money back. "Ami... What did he do...?" I felt unease as his voice deepened.

"...He tried to take advantage of her... Not long after you left, boss..." Mary spoke up.

"Mary-" Max spoke but he was interrupted.

"No! Ami, you need to tell him. Mr. Quartez will protect you from people like him..." She spoke softly.

"Mary I know you have good intentions but this ends now. Stay. Out. Of. It." I snapped angrily. "What's done is done. Let it rest and leave me be." I glanced at Mr. Quartez who watched me. "Hand out his sentence and be done with it." Grabbing the handle I walked out and past his men. I felt droplets surround me as I walked down the unfamiliar road leading me down a darker street. Step by step the droplets grew with the tears in my eyes.

"Ami!!!"

I stopped just before disappearing into the shadows.

"Ami, look at me!"

Holding my head up I let the rain wash away my tears as it poured down around me.

"Ami..."

I heard him approach yet if I dared to look at him... I'd break... "Mr. Quartez, I know you mean well. But I would like to be alone."

"...I'm sorry sweetheart. I can't let you be alone... You will be going with me."

Turning slightly I noticed his eyes staring at me sadly. "Why?"