How Things Are

sixteen

So I'm in this trunk part of a car. I have to say it's certainly not the safest or most comfortable seat. I wonder how many I've seen drive past me my entire life and there was someone in their trunk. Thinking back I remember my father telling his men to put someone in the trunk before Simon and I left. There's no way my father would make Simon sit here. It's very dark. Why wouldn't they make this seat with windows? Perhaps it's where slaves travel when riding with their masters so they can't be seen or smelled. I feel around for something to defend myself when they open the door but there's nothing. Well, I guess I'll regain my energy and nap.

It's been a long drive. I can't tell how long I've slept but woke up when they stopped for a break. It wasn't to pick Winwrey up. They're loud enough to tell it was so they could pee and get some lunch at a friend's house. They were doing business along the way. Some things I heard, honestly wished I hadn't. When Lucas and Carmen disappeared their men stayed, and a few hoes came out to please them. 'Gifted by their boss for the wait.' That is what one of them said. I have a feeling it was more to annoy me because I couldn't figure out how to open this door.

It had to have been over an hour before Lucas and Carmen came out. The hoes scattered. It was another half-hour drive before the car stopped and the trunk opened. They pulled me out of the car and I saw the motel Winwrey and I stayed at. Lucas looked at me expectantly. So I started heading toward the room we paid for. The chains dragged loud enough I'm sure the whole complex could hear. I didn't have the key so I knocked. Clearing my throat. "Win it's me." It was quiet. "Are you still there Win." Trying to hold back my panic I looked at Carmen "Perhaps if you said something?" My hands were sweaty. I couldn't read Lucas's face. Trying to keep mine stone was hard enough. Carmen finally stepped forward.
"Winwrey open the door. You're coming back with me now." Well, that won't scare her away.

I saw Winwrey peek out the window. I was so relieved. The next thing I knew the door was flung open and she thrust herself into Carmen's arms. "I missed you!" She said teary-eyed. Carmen rubbed her back. She was fully dressed in her boy clothes. Full gangster. My katana tucked in her belt. Carmen looked her up and down then gave me a dark look. After Winwrey calmed down she came to me and hugged me. Cried more. Gosh, how long will this last? "What happened Tibbs?!" She sobbed. "I thought Derek took you." She handed me my katana. Then looked at my chained legs. Carmen stiffened. A few reached for weapons. Lucas did nothing. "Carmen! You saved her didn't you!" This clueless blonde-
Carmen finally spoke, "Well after how much you talk about her how couldn't I love?" She looked at him with admiration. I on the other hand was speechless. My eye was twitching.
Winwrey looked around "You all must have worked hard. Come inside." Some smirked. While others glanced at Lucas for permission. When Lucas started walking, everyone did. Before I could slip out he put his hand on my back and we all walked inside.

I knew this wouldn't end well. As everyone sat down in the cheap motel room I realized I was getting more glares from Carmen with every stolen thing he saw. From the booze to the cash. At how Winwrey was taking off her coat and playing with her butterfly knives as she talked to everyone. Lucas' bodyguards were impressed however the swordsman was glancing at me now that I had my katana. I don't fight unless challenged. It's in the file so why am I getting that look?
When Winwrey came over I finally paid attention to what she was saying. "Why do you still have those chained to you silly?" She looked at Carmen and me back and forth. No one spoke. "Tibby, what's going on? Why aren't you looking at me?" Because I don't want to lie to you. "Carmen?"
Lucas finally cleared the air "Tibby decided to stay Under my control. So she can be with her best friend of course."
The evil glare Lucas gave me wasn't seen by Winwrey. She was too busy jumping up and down. It gave me a chill up my spine.
Finally when she stopped cheering "Oh I knew you'd get sick of killing people eventually!" Everyone looked at me. I rubbed my temple. "You and your hobbies. We had fun but all that blood made me stink." Now they looked at Winwrey. She just admitted to them she killed me without even realizing it. She went back to making crappy motel coffee for everyone. "I can't tell you how many baths I wanted Carmen."
He hates me. However, the rest are looking me up and down. Great I'm being sized up. The two swordsmen grasp their blades as Winwrey runs her mouth. I do the same.

Carmen finally realized what her big mouth did. Even the two brothers' bodyguards whom I don't know the names of are looking at Win like they want to see what she's made of. That's the problem, she can't read a room most days. And many like to seize the opportunity to put someone in their place. Especially a woman who knows how to defend herself. Lucas stands and gives his brother a warning look. That glare means 'shutting his woman up.' Then he steps outside. I follow holding my katana. His men tail us.
When we're outside another car is there. Two cars now? The Mafia gets things done fast. I guess they need two trunks now. However, before I can say anything one of the swordsmen put me in the back seat next to Lucas and he and the other sit in the front and driver's seat. The car starts and we go. The other two are left outside the motel room waiting for Carmen and Winwrey to come.