Cross My Heart I'm Dead

Chapter 40

******Ben's POV*****

We've been in Xander's office for nearly ten minutes now and all Astrid and Derek have done is kiss. Seriously, I know it's hard for them but sometimes we need to be serious and this is one of those times.

"Guys, please concentrate," I sighed and Derek pulled back and nodded. So much is going on it's so hard to follow, keep in mind we always aim to be two steps ahead of everyone else. "I don't think Jester is completely convinced. They haven't attacked but it seems to be going to perfectly. We need to assume that they are keeping leads and we can't assume that any of us are safe. The Championships is also now a target; he'll be there and he'll have back up. As well as that, there's a new guy. We don't have much on him - not even a name - but word has it he's shady, sneaky and dangerous. We can't find any records but we know that he's been turning down gangs. Word has it he strikes alone but I doubt that is true. Carton and Jester are already trying to find him but he's like a ghost. He appears and then he's off. Stay clear of people you don't know - child or adult." It was true, there is some sneaky bastard out there but he doesn't do much killing. He steals files and leaves his mark. I do realize that it can be a she and I do realize that there is probably more of them but if you don't go looking for danger then it won't come directly at you.

"Noted. You guys need to be more careful then. When you come here make sure we don't have guests even if it is people you know," Xander said firmly and we nodded. He had a point, we should be more careful.

"From now on wait for us to contact you, it'll be safer that way. Only call us in emergencies," Derek said and again we nodded.  I moved to get up, indicating our little talk was over and we all got out from his office. "I need to get going... Ben you stay here with Drake, I'll be back later." Derek got up and left to do whatever business he had to do. 

"Am gonna make food, get one of them people to help me," Xander said as he walked over to the kitchen. 

Astrid and I jogged up the stairs in silence and we were greeted with no more chaos, thankfully. Astrid made to go for her room and I went in the opposite direction, unintentionally going over to Kyle's room and overhearing their conversation.

"It doesn't make sense. Their was a huge fight and she dies of a car crash? She had to have been murdered, it's obvious. Why was she in that fight anyway? I thought she hated that kind of thing?" One of them said.

"You're right. Why wasn't she buried at the local graveyard though? And how come no one is looking into this?" Okay, this should be a good time to stop them. They don't need to be getting anymore ideas. But if they could work this much out then maybe Jester is definitely questioning her death. We did make her fake grave though. There's even a cheap coffin under the dirt, just no body.

"Forget about that fight, all of you. We won that battle, she died after that when we were heading out to celebrate. You shouldn't know about that fight nor should you be talking about it. If the wrong people hear you then you're done for. You need to let the damn thing go. She's buried where she wanted to be. Why do you guys care anyway? You obviously didn't care about her when she was alive, why now?" I left them with that, not even getting them to agree not to talk of that night. If they get into trouble with gangs then that's their problem; they've had their warning. I walked out of Kyle's room and went looking for the others.

I went to Otilia's room first to see them laughing hysterically at something and I smiled. "Hey,"  I said calmly, might as well try and make a second impression, a good one this time.

"Hello person who could potentially kill all of us in two seconds, it is nice to meet you." one of the guys said, not looking up from a laptop he was currently on.

"Ignore him." another guy told me. I should probably get to know their names instead of calling them 'one guy' or 'this guy'. 

"So, you all know my name but I only know Astrid's, bit unfair don't you think?

"I'm Rick, don't ignore me though, I don't like being ignored," laptop guy rambled on. He looked fairly short, like, really short. 

"I'm Andy," other guy introduced himself and I nodded.

"I'm Otilia and you're hot as fuck," the girl said and too say I'm surprised would be an understatement. She looked like one of those shy giggly girls, not some confident blunt girl. She was cute too - but Crystal is hotter. And amazing in every way known to mankind.

"Sorry, am taken," I said and she pouted, causing Astrid to snicker.

"I'm not!" Drake piped up and I must admit, I forgot he was here. Oops? 

"You're not?" Astrid asked and he shook his head. Huh, I thought he had a girlfriend. Oh well, I shouldn't be assuming things of people. Maybe he's gay. Hmm..

"Drake, are you gay?" Don't blame me for being curious. I've never seen him with a girl before, well, besides Astrid.

"No! Just 'cause I'm not fucking a girl every two minutes doesn't make me gay!" 

"What are you implying?" I threatened jokingly. I guess he thought I was serious as he visibly gulped and stepped back.

"Aw, it would be so cool if you were gay! We could do like a fan-girl moment and ship you and stuff!" Otilia squeaked. I feel sorry for every gay dude that has had the misery of being acquainted with her.

"If it's any conciliation I'm bi," a guy who had not yet spoken told us, "I'm River by the way."

"Ugh yeah but you're you," Otilia said and River raised an eyebrow. 

"I know three dudes next door who permanently have a dick shoved up their asses, I think they'll need your help," I said wickedly as I refered to Kyle, Blake and Ash. Man I hated those guys, they were so fucking annoying.

"Wow, you're so kind Ben," Blake growled from the door way. Great, he heard! 

"At least I'm not a coward that let's my girlfriend do time I should've been doing," I spat. I honestly don't know why but I feel like pushing this guy. I know it's not right but I need to let out some steam and he seems like the perfect guy to take it out on.

"Shut the fuck up! You don't know the whole story so don't talk shit," he growled at me. Like he has a right to get mad. If it's not the full story he had the chance to explain.

"You had your chance to explain the full story, why didn't you?" I challenged him. No one has stepped in yet so I'm guessing they're waiting to see how this'll turn out, not even his two buddies have bothered to say a word. I looked around slowly to see that they were all sitting and watching whereas Kyle wasn't anywhere to be seen and the other dude was glaring at me from the other side of the wall. He had his eyes on Astrid which was really unsettling. After I kill Blake I'm going for him. Then I'll go eat some burgers. I like burgers.

"Why bother? It's in the past and no one would even bother to believe me. I'm not looking for a fight so back off." I rolled my eyes at him. Now he doesn't want a fight. Stupid bastard, now I need to find someone else to punch. 

"Fine... Does anyone here want a fight?" I asked desperately but they all shook their head no, apart from the other dude of course. He shrugged and nodded.

"Sure," he smirked but I shook my head.

"You'll be out in one hit, I'm gonna go find Xander, he can put up a good fight," I smirked and walked off. It was true though, Xander was one of our best fighters before the incident. He wouldn't give up, as long as he had a few breaths still in him he'd fight. He would fight his opponent even if he were about to die. He was one of those guys that kept striking, not always winning but getting the job done and doing what was needed. I only wish that the incident hadn't changed him but it did. It was so hard to see the real him, to see the guy he was, but we all change one way or another. I just hope he still remembers his name.