How Things Are

fifteen

My legs were still chained. This was probably the most awkward moment as a prisoner I've ever felt. Two men were behind me and two were in front as Lucas led the way toward the finest vehicle I've ever seen. His brother joined him and was speaking to one another but I was too far behind to hear anything. My chain dragged in the gravel gathering rocks and clots of dirt, making me have to stop and pick them out so I could keep up. The men in front of me were too tall to see anything important and if I took too long the men behind me would push me.
If only I had my katana. I feel useless and pathetic. This is the most fragile I've felt in a long time. He knows everything just like I knew he would. I have to get away before I'm turned over to Derek. After all, what good am I to the Mafia after they get what they want? There are more important matters the future head has to worry about than a mediocre swordswomen.
Looking at the men around me, I can tell that they've killed more than me. The blades hidden within their fine suits have probably seen more battle than my katakana. I'm not entirely sure my plan will work with the experience these men have. I recognize some of them. The two in front of me are brothers. They are loyal bodyguards of Lucas. The rumors say they trained together along with the head family in the inner circle. The man behind me on my left trained himself as a master swordsman. He also welds a katana. It's legendary. One of the few blades made by a master smith and passed down from father to son. Only given to the child who went through whatever trial the family goes through to earn it. It hasn't been shared. I stared at it and he smirked at me. My self-esteem is fading as we continue to walk towards the end of the long driveway. At my back right, another swordsman. His name isn't well known. He's more like a rising star to those who pay attention or want a challenge. He was a part of a small gang however the mafia took an interest in him when they saw his skill and allowed him to join. I'm not sure if he earned his tattoo or armada yet but they allow him to wear a symbol on his sword. That says something.
Compared to these men I look like a tricker-treater. I may have killed those who attacked me but I stole my sword. Shoot, Lucas saw me do it. I was captured three times now. I doubt these guys have ever seen a basement unwilling.
We get to the end of the driveway and I'm approached by Carmen again. "Where is she?"
I look into his eyes headstrong. Just because Lucas circled me with all these men doesn't mean I won't protect Winwrey if need be. "She told me how you met." His eyes widened but before he could speak I interrupted "She loves you."
I need to know his reaction. I won't hand my friend over to be treated like she was before. "I want to know where she is?"
Hmm "Why?" He grabs me by my tank top and I'm on the top of the car hood.
"Answer the question!"
The knife is close and that's my moment. I flip him and steal the knife. To say everyone is surprised would be an understatement. However, I know I can't take them all. Plus the chains on my legs.
I hear someone laugh for a moment. "Just answer me one question Mr. Carmen, do you love her?"
His face went soft then hard. He turned as cold as ice. He's in front of his brother and his men. He won't tell me but I saw it, and he does. I realize his senses have come back and he tries to take the knife. But before he attacks me I jump off him throw the knife next to his ear and hit the roof of the car. "She's sleeping in the closet in Cript City."
"Why is she in a closet?" Is he angry?
"Whoever attacked us used gas while we were sleeping and locked us in, so I improvised.
Everyone looked at me like I was crazy. Finally, the legendary swordsman spoke. "So the men we hired waited til they were vulnerable. They were too afraid to  fight them." I rolled my eyes
Lucas stared at me "Must have dealt with them before." 
So it wasn't them who came and got me? I was looking at them back and forth.
"It doesn't matter." Lucas was getting in the car. "We have a destination. Put her in the trunk."
My eyes went wide. What's a trunk? I never heard that part of a car before. Before I could ask I was being shoved in the back end of the car. "Wait. Hold on! This isn't-" There's no space in here.