Trapezoid (The Base)

Chapter 13

A vicious smile pulled at each side of Hide's lips. "Have you never seen a gun, Joey Grey?"

"A few times," the American responded simply as if he thought it was a toy. Most surprising was the fact that he only glanced at the barrel a few times. Even if it were just because it was about only two feet from his chest, most guys looked like they were ready to beg. He even had the nerve to pull lint from the sleeve of his sweater.

Maybe he would pull the trigger—just to see how his dead corpse would look. "You know what this baby can do?"

He rubbed the stubble on his chin thoughtfully. "The last time I checked, it left a hole in some guy's shoulder." He watched the grin that crept on Joey's face at the memory. No doubt he had been the one who pulled the trigger.

Hide pursed his lips, lowering the weapon. It was as if the guy didn't even care. No relief flooded his deep blue eyes nor did surprise.

That was what saved his life. He wouldn't kill him—maybe.

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"You've impressed me Grey."

Levi knew there was more. He knew what had to follow.

Hide took another puff at his cigar, smirking, smoke escaping through his slightly parted lips. "But I still have to decide whether I like you."

From some of his own personal research, he knew the guy pushing himself up to a standing position from leaning in front of the desk was known as the Tiger. Anticipation grew, though Levi knew he needed to keep cool-headed. Most cowered at what was to follow, but he couldn't wait. The gangster was buff—but then again, so was he. The blonde's white tank top suggested that his whole upper body was covered in tattoos—starting from the neck. A fire raged in those grey eyes, eagerness was etched in his body language. He paced back and forth in front of Levi like a Tiger before larger prey. Levi kept his hard blue eyes locked on his. He could sense the fierceness of a wild animal in him. He was so ready.

Tiger had intended for a sudden fist to the jaw, but Levi had batted it down with his forearm almost effortlessly. He stiffened his core muscles, tainting the effects of blow that would have caused him to double over. Tiger pounced back a few steps.

Levi didn't bother to conceal his growing smirk. "Don't tell me that's all you've got."

"I'm not done," he said in his raspy voice.

Then all of a sudden, Levi found his nose against the concrete floor. What had happened? The same dizzying, vision-blurring blow knocked his head from behind once more. The deep growling voice howled in laughter above him. That was not Tiger—which triggered a surprise-anger in him more. Who was it? He felt like air was being sucked from his lungs every time the metal tipped shoe was driven into his gut. He caught the man's ankle. He was pivoted onto his back—having been kicked in the jaw. Levi felt the metallic taste of blood and searing pain all over. He saw all four men above him before one socked him on the jaw once more. He heard the splintering sound of wood batted against the back of his head, almost driving him out of consciousness. He curled himself into a fetal position, unable to defend himself from the surprising blows that seemed to come from every side. He felt an unexplainable fear—he couldn't defend himself.

Then it all stopped.

Dark malicious laughter erupted all around him. Was this Hell? He went on his hands and knees, unable to stand. He tried to raise his head—before it was knocked back down. This time his vision didn't blur from pain—but from the coals of red hot fire kindled in him.

"Well, boss. It turned out he's a wimp after all," hissed Tiger's raspy voice.

"Just kill him, Hide. He's not worth it."

"Look, he's already biting the dust."

Levi kept his head down—a look of utter defeat—but he was on fire. His jaw working, his heart beating a murderous rhythm in his chest, and the blood humming in his veins, he knew he was about to explode.

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What was wrong with her today? Yesterday was the day Chris finally got the hang of using a gun. But now all her shots were wide. Her mind kept wandering to one she had only been with for a day and never again. True, she'd thought about Stevens from time to time. She couldn't deny that something sparked in her that night. He'd taken her to the cabin she'd be sharing with several other female agents-to-be. He had stopped her from turning the knob by reaching out for her hand. He'd bitten his lower lip awkwardly and shoved his hands deep into his jean pockets. "I guess I should thank you for finding the way out." She could not help grinning up at him. He, however, had held on to his emotionless expressions—yet she couldn't help seeing something in his deep blue eyes—true gratitude. She couldn't help studying his face for a while—his neck, jaw-line. . .

She'd shake the thoughts away every time they wandered into that direction every since that time.

But now it was something different. She felt uneasy. Her stomach churned. Stevens was oceans away. She had no idea what was happening to him or what would happen. She felt like slapping herself for thinking this way. She didn't even know his first name! Yet she couldn't help worrying.

"Miss Hopper! You need to focus." She could see the frustration etched in her instructor's features.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wyle."

Chris placed the rifle over her shoulder once more. She offered up a quick prayer. Jesus, take care of Stevens—even though he doesn't believe he ever needs help.

She fired.

Bull's eye.

Okay, so I was feeling a little generous. That makes two chapters this week! I'm so sorry it's kinda short.

Now it's time for me to get to work whippin' up some more...