The Gang

The Exchange

Tessa's POV
With still 1/4 of them left, including the Big 10 and their leader, the odds are against me. I've got one chance to win this battle but is one chance enough?

A gun shot rang in my ear, snapping me out of my thoughts. The gun shot wasn't from me nor was it from the enemy. So who?

I turned around and saw the bidders with guns in their hands. Are they seriously helping me?

"Tessa, thought you could use some help," said Baba.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"What does it look like? We can't have you dying on us without holding up your end of the deal," said Eisuke.

"Fair enough. Alright, if you're willing to help me, keep the Big 10 and the others busy. I'm going after their leader."

"Are you sure? You look pretty worn out," said Ota.

"Don't underestimate me. I'll only have one chance at this, but one chance is all I need. Let's go!" I went straight toward their leader while the others, mainly Soryu, kept the others at bay. With this new development, their leader became distracted, and I took that chance to shoot him in the heart. "Your leader has been defeated! Retreat while I'm giving you this chance!" I said in a confident, demanding voice, despite how worn out and tired I truly am. After the enemy fled, I passed out from the blood loss and exhaustion.

Time skip

Beep. Beep. Beep.
I wake up to white walls and a blinding light. I'm in a hospital; isn't that just peachy. Note the sarcasm.

"Is she awake yet?" a male voice asked.

"No. I'm afraid she hasn't woken up yet," said another male, probably the doctor.

"It's been two weeks already." What? I've been out for two weeks?

"I really can't to anything else for her. Sorry." The door opened and then closed.

"I know you're awake," said a voice I recognized way too well.

"I just woke up, Joe. Is everybody okay?"

"Yeah, thanks to you, everyone got out safely. You passed out after you killed the leader. Everyone was worried about you."

"I apologize for worrying all of you."

"Just don't do something stupid like that again. We don't know what we would do without you."

"You guys would be fine without me. You've grown strong and are more than capable of taking care of yourselves."

"Tess, you don't get it. You saved all of us in someway or another. You're our rock, our foundation. If you died..."

"I get it. Don't worry. I won't be leaving you guys anytime soon. Well, it's time to get out of this boring hospital."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I think I've been gone long enough. I must return to my family. How did the deal with the bidders go?"

"It didn't. The bidders wanted to wait until you woke up to finish the deal."

"Alright. Send out a message to them and tell them I'm ready to finish our deal."

"Alright."

A few hours later, I got a message from the bidders telling me to meet them back at Tres Spades with the information. They don't want a repeat of last time apparently.

"Leader, are you sure you want to go alone?" Joe asked.

"Yes. You're in charge while I'm gone. If I'm not back by tomorrow, assume something happened to me and send out the information about the auctions."

"Understood."

"I'll be back as soon as this whole thing is resolved."

"Just be careful. I don't trust those guys."

"I know. I don't really trust them either but we need the money. If this deal goes through, we'll be longer have to be concerned for them."

"Yeah. They really don't deserve what the world is putting them through."

"See you later." I left for the hotel.

As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a young, cute woman.

"Are you Tessa?" she asked.

"I am. Who might you be?"

"My name is Saya. Eisuke and the others sent me down to greet you and bring you upstairs."

"Let me guess, you're the woman they bought for $20 million?"

"How did you-"

"I'm well informed."

"Alright..."

It was quiet in the elevator for a bit before she said,

"You know, you're not as scary as I thought you'd be. When I heard your were from a gang I was terrified but you're actually really pretty and nice."

"You're so naïve, sweetheart." As soon as I said that, I heard a ding, signaling we arrived at our destination. Once I walked in, I saw all the bidders sitting on the couches and chairs.

"Well, it was nice talking to you."

"I guess. Anyway, let's get down to business."

"Do you have the information?" Eisuke asked.

"Of course. Do you have the money?"

"Of course," he responded bringing out a briefcase.

"Alright. Open the briefcase." He just raises an eyebrow.

"You honestly think I'll trust you?"

"Fair enough." As soon as he opened the case, I confirmed the money was real and it was all there.

"I confirm it's all there. Here's my part of the deal," I said handing him my briefcase. "The exchange is complete. I'll take my leave now."

"Wait!" Saya exclaimed.

"What?"

"I was wondering what you're going to use the money for?"

"I do have a gang to run," I lied. "It's not a cheap occupation. Soryu should know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Oh."

"What? Did you think I'd use it for helping the needy or something? Like I said before, you're so naïve. The real world isn't all sunshine and rainbows, sweetheart."

"I know. It's just, I just can't see you being greedy and selfish. The guys told me what you did for your gang."

"I'd do anything for my gang. That's why I need this money." With that, I entered the elevator and left the hotel.

That woman is very perceptive. I can tell she's naïve but when it comes to a person's heart, she's spot on.