Crossfire (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 4

Kate landed in Cardiff, getting off the aircraft and finding her luggage the first thing she needed was a car. Hiring a rental, making her way to her Hotel which conveniently was only a mile away from her targets. 'The Tudor Hall' came into view. The outside of the establishment was painted white, the open view of the wide windows revealed the interior of it. The reception area was small and cosy. The receptions desk had a panel of glass separating the clients from the staff members. Kate walked into the reception, ringing the bell for attention. A woman in her late 60's popped her head around the corner beaming a smile. "Hello, Kira Cortana?" Straight to the point with her alias's name. She was far too jet lagged for small talk. The lady opened a blue diary using her finger to help her scan the names. "Ah, yes. You'll be staying for two weeks. Am I right?" Kate nodded giving the elderly lady a weak smile. "You will be in room 21. Housekeeping will be in your room 10 o clock every morning to replace your sheets and towels. You've got an EnSuite with your room. We have a bar here, it opens at 12 o clock and it doesn't close until 3 o clock in the morning. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask me." The elderly lady handed Kate the key card and left her to her own devices. Kate carted her luggage into the lift. She reached the floor she was staying on and she walked out of the lift. Her and her luggage made their ways to her room. She flashed her key card to the card reader which unpinned the door. She pushed the door open then stepping in.

She walked to her balcony needing a cigarette. Pulling the stick out of the packet. Pulling out her lighter. Hearing the flint's friction causing a light. She took her first drag inhaling the much-needed nicotine. Footsteps were heard behind her, her body turned within a single second ready to pounce on any intruders.

"Hello Katie, fancy seeing you here?" Kate rolled her eyes at the arrogance of her bounty. Her attention turned to her lit cigarette which was hitting the much-needed craving. "Giving me the silent treatment again? They say the most dangerous people are the ones who don't speak." Kate scoffed at the irony of his words. "Yes, Dale. That is what they say. Even if it is completely wrong." Dale laughed cryptically. A long silence lingered between the pair. Kate finished her cigarette, dropping it into the ashtray and walking back into her room. "Dale, what are you doing here?" She deadpanned, irritation slowly radiating from her body. Dale cleared his throat. "Matt sent me to check on you. You know how he gets when you're away." Kate laughed dryly knowing full well that her brother didn't spare a thought about her safety. She couldn't help but feel as though something was off about Dale. He was less hostile than his exterior usually seemed. "Well, you've checked on me. Now, you can go back to the big apple." she retorted. Wanting the irritating intruder to leave her presence. Dale cackled in amusement. "If that's what you wish then, so be it." With that, he shuffled towards the door. Before opening and releasing Kate from the grasp of his presence he turned. A sinister look in his eyes, no other emotion lingered. "I will be keeping a close eye on you." The voice in which he spoke caused Kate's hairs to stand up. On edge her hand instinctively made its way to her gun holster, Kate silently cursed her circumstances which left her vulnerable. She didn't engage with Dale causing him to leave hastily.

Kate took out another cigarette out of anxiety, anger and pure annoyance at her brothers untrusting nature. She let the nicotine hug her lungs, drag after drag taming her emotions dulling the deepest parts of her. When the cherry hit her finger and she let out a growl knowing that she'd finished her cigarette, her heavy boots dragging onto the tiled flooring. Undressing out of her heavy garments and tucking herself into bed, eventually slipping into a deep slumber.