12.24.07

1

Miami, FL - 12pm - 12/24/2016

Yes, the anniversary of my parent's death. I'm here on Christmas Eve in my apartment alone. Not that I don't have people to spend it with. It's just I've been doing something since I was taught how to and I had to be alone for it. I hacked into the Miami criminal database in search of cases the police weren't paying attention to. There have been cases that were big, but pushed aside because it "didn't have enough" evidence.

I know this is illegal, but this is what I do for a living. I help people get revenge or catch the criminal even before anything happens. This is something I wished someone did for me before I witnessed something a child shouldn't.

"Knock, knock." Someone enters my apartment and I quickly shut my laptop. "Lucy, please don't tell me you're doing what I think you're doing." Barry says, setting grocery bags on the counter.

"Okay, I'm not doing what you think I'm doing." I smile at the bearded man.

"Luce, it's illegal and we'll both get in trouble." he tells me again. He's given me many lectures about this before, which is a waste of time because I never listen. "I'll go to prison with the people I put into prison."

"Des Styles should be there." I say, the anger boiling inside me. "You'd think the CIA would help their former agents get revenge."

"Don't you think we've tried?" Barry argues. "Des Styles is a smart man with a group of other smart people in his Mafia."

I sigh, not wanting to repeat this conversation over again. "What are you doing here?"

"It's Christmas Eve." he smiles, holding up some food he got.

"Yes, I know it is, Barry." I roll my eyes, walking up to the island that sat in between us.

"Lucy, what happened to you?" his face falls. "You used to love Christmas."

"That was until my parents were murdered this day." I remind him. "Barry, just leave please. I want to be alone."

"Luc-"

"Barry, please."

"Okay, but stay off that computer." he demands. "Just leave it alone for the holidays."

I nod, even though I wasn't going to stay off. I immediately go back on after he leaves. I get a message from someone I've been talking to about his son. We set a meeting for tomorrow and I was done for the day.

9am - 12/25/2016

"Good morning," I greet the elderly man in a nearly empty cafe.

"Merry Christmas." he smiles.

I smile back, holding back the fact that this holiday means nothing to me.

"So you said your son was taken?" I ask. "How old is your son exactly?" I question the fact that this man was really aged.

"He's in his mid-twenties." he tells me and I frown about to speak. "Please, I know it sounds crazy, but Dylan was manipulated, brainwashed to join this Mafia he had no intension to be a part of."

"Sir, it was your son's choice. I don't think I can help you with this."

"You don't know how many times I've been told that. Listen, I know he doesn't want to be there." he tells me. "Dylan is a kind boy, he wouldn't hurt a fly and I-I just know he doesn't want to be a part of it."

"Mr. Cunning-"

"Please!" he says loudly, grabbing my hands. "You're my only hope to getting him out of there. He was supposed to take over my company when I pass and as you can tell, that'll be soon." he informs me. "Then this guy named Harry– Harry Styles came into his life."

The name Styles has my body become tense. I was completely out of it having a flashback to the name being said from the past.

"Dylan isn't a very wise guy and if he is persuaded into thinking something is better than what he has, he'll go along with it." he continues. "I know that's what that retched Harry did. I lost my boy because of him."

"I'll get your son back." I tell him, fiddling with the locket that hung around my neck. "I'll do it."

The man sighs with relief, thanking me. "He's out in Texas." he starts telling me information of everything. "That's where they resided."

9pm 12/25/2016

I was talking to Mr. Cunningham all day. He gave me a lot of information, but there was more. We'll be planning this mission for a while and that's a good thing. I need more time to learn some new things.

"Barry!" I yell his name, banging in his door. "Barry, open up."

"Lucy, what is it?" Barry questions, opening the door shirtless.

Barry was in his mid-thirties and he had a nice body for his age. I look over his shoulder to see his apartment dimmed with candles and his robed girlfriend looking back at me. I grew up with Barry and his relationships never last long because of his job, but this girl was very pretty.

He looks back then groans, pushing me back. He shuts the door behind him and looks down at me.

"Lucy, this isn't a good time."

"It's not like you'll have any trouble finding another one." I shrug and he rolls his eyes. I chuckle, "Barry, I got a mission. A very good one."

"I told you to stay off that damn computer, Luce." he whispers. "I can't help you. I'm not getting involved."

"Please, this will be the last time."

Barry frowns and crosses his arms. "Why will it be the last time?"

"I'll tell you later, but promise me you won't get mad." I fold my hands, begging. "I need you to do me a favor."

"What is that?"

"I need you to teach me some more moves."

"More moves?"

"Yes, fighting moves."

"Lucy no," he shakes his head. "If this mission is something that will hurt you then I'm not helping."

"Please!" I beg and stick my bottom lip out. "I really need your help, Barry. If you don't then I'll go on this mission, not knowing how to defend myself."

"Stop." he demands. "That won't work on me anymore. You're a grown woman now."

I keep pouting, batting my eyes. I always used to give him this puppy look to get my way.

"Okay fine," he gives in. "How long do we have?"

"A few months because I'm still planning with my client." I tell him. "Thank you so much!"

I jump to hug him. Even though he annoyed with me right now, he hugs me back.

"We can start tomorrow." he tells me. "Now leave, I have company."

"Tell her goodbye and I hope she sticks."

Barry just laughs, going back into his apartment.

The revenge I've always wanted will come soon.