KALEIDOSCOPE ━ WADE WILSON

CHAPTER SIX

PLAYLIST;
i. arsonist's lullabye - hozier
ii. karma police - radiohead
iii. bury a friend - billie eilish
iv. clint eastwood - gorillaz
v. 505 - arctic monkeys
vi. run boy run - woodkid

–

The early morning light filtered through the windows of the apartment, casting long shadows across the cluttered living room. Ainoa stirred on the couch, her hand instinctively reaching for the knife she always kept close. As consciousness fully returned, she remembered where she was and why.

Lucia was still asleep in her sleeping bag, her face peaceful despite the danger that had driven them here.

The smell of coffee drifted from the kitchen, accompanied by the sound of quiet bickering. Ainoa rose silently, her bare feet padding across the floor as she made her way to the source of the commotion.

She found Wade and Blind Al engaged in what seemed to be a well-practiced morning routine of insults and coffee brewing.

"Morning, sunshine," Wade chirped, spotting Ainoa in the doorway. "Care for a cup of Al's famous battery acid masquerading as coffee?"

Al swatted at him with a dish towel. "At least I can make coffee without burning down the kitchen, you walking disaster."

Ainoa accepted a mug with a nod of thanks, savoring the bitter taste. It wasn't great coffee, but it was hot and strong – exactly what she needed.

"So, ready for our big date with destiny?" Wade spoke as he leaned against the wall. "Or in this case, a potentially murderous cartel boss?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Ainoa nodded. "But we need to be smart about this. Juan wants to meet, but we can't walk in there unprepared."

"That's where I come in." Lucia said, joining them in the kitchen.

"Ah, well sleeping beauty's finally awake." Wade teased.

Lucia ignored his quip, focused on creating a plan. "Once you're at the warehouse, I'll hack into their security system. I'll be your eyes and ears, guiding you through any potential traps and keeping an eye out on reinforcements."

Wade grinned. "Look at us, Ocean's Eleven. Except, you know, with more potential for grievous bodily harm."

Ainoa's expression turned serious. "This is still incredibly dangerous. Juan's not just some small time criminal anymore. He's running a major cartel operation."

"Which is exactly why we need to do this," Lucia argued. "We finally have a chance to confront him, to get answers on what happened to our parents. We deserve to know why."

Ainoa hesitated. It was true, they both craved for the truth of why it all happened. But she also felt the crucial need to protect her sister. "I can't risk losing you too."

"You won't." Lucia said firmly. "I'll be safe here with Al. You and Wade will have my voice in your ear the whole time. We're a team, remember?"

Wade nodded in agreement, his usual joking demeanor subdued. "She's right. We've got the element of surprise, inside intel, and your charming sister as our very own Oracle."

Ainoa looked between them, then sighed. "Alright. But we stick to the plan. We meet Juan, get the information we need, and get out. No unnecessary risks."

As they prepared to leave, Ainoa found herself lost in thought. The prospect of facing Juan again after all these years stirred up memories she'd long tried to bury. The smell of smoke, the sound of gunfire, her parents' screams...