Having left her past life behind, Billie has not anticipated a reunion with her former unit in a South American heist four years after they drifted apart. The idea of reconnecting was far from her thoughts, however, as events take an unforeseen turn...
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ALMOST FIVE YEARS had passed since she was last entangled in that world. Merely twenty back then, that business had left her shattered. The notion of being an unsung hero, receiving little in return for putting her life on the line, hadn't resonated with her and learning that Santiago had a mission up his sleeve that would pay them well had her wondering about the potential for a different outcome this time.
After the fighting match, which ended bloodily for Benny, the group convened at Tom's house. Despite their intention to catch up with Billie, the topic of the South America mission kept surfacing in the dialogue. True to his promise, Santiago updated her on the unfolding situation.
Tom hesitated, gazing into his little sister's eyes, witnessing a passion he wished he wouldn't have to see again. Billie's penchant for risk had always been a part of her; she was driven by the adrenaline rush and often overlooked the consequences of such decisions.
He didn't want her to go through all that again. He still hasn't even gotten her back. "Billie, you're not-"
"Tom, I'm going," Billie narrowed her eyes.
They all were settled in the living room, drinking, on the brink of being wasted.
"You're not the same person you were back then, and I won't let you throw yourself back into it," Tom argued.
"Tom, she's an adult. It's her decision," Santiago chimed in, trying to mediate but her brother made sure to shoot him a glare.
"This isn't just any decision. This is putting her life on the line, again. You know what she went through last time. I won't let her go through that again."
"You're talking as if I'm not even here," Billie glared at them as she rose to her feet, sloppily. "I've never had control over my own life before and now I do. I want to do things."
"Your brother's got a point, Bee," Frank interjected, his brown eyes locking onto hers from where he sat slumped on the couch.
"You have a life here," Tom said. "Why go back to that hell?"
"A life?" Billie spat. "What life is that Tom?"
"Look, Redfly," Santiago interrupted, the only one firmly supporting Billie. "I know what happened last time was tough, but this mission is different. We've got a chance to make things right, to do something for ourselves this time."
Tom, having had enough, stood up and pointed his finger threateningly at Billie. "You're not going, end of discussion. I'll even lock you in the house if I have to!"
Billie's jaw clenched as she glared back at her brother, defiance flashing in her eyes. "You can't control my life, Tom. You're not Dad or Mom," she shot back, her voice sharp with frustration. "I'm not a child anymore. I'll make my own decisions!"
