Killer Star

The Raven

he moment we returned home, I called Cindy to confirmed The Raven's whereabouts.
"Hey, Cindy, it's Hayley."
"Hayley, hey, where've you been? I've left you like a billion messages," her voice was drowned by the noises in the background. I wondered where she was, definitely not a library.
"Yeah, I went on this... camping trip with a... a friend and there was no cell service there," I lied.
"Oh,well, at least you had fun."
"You can say that," I shrugged. "Anyway, I wanted to confirm with you, you're sure The Raven will be at Justin's new club's opening, right?"
"Yeah, almost positive," it sounded like she was nodding. "My boyfriend and him were friends back in college and Sam says he will be there. He usually meets his clients at clubs."
"So you just show up there and tell him you need his assistants, it's not like a booking kinda thing?"
"Nope...Relax it will be fine," she assured me. "Now, I've got to go, these kids are throwing things at each other," she said.
"Charlie! Let go of Kyla's braid!" I heard her scream before hanging up. I laughed, never imagining Cindy taking care of children.

I found Justin in the gym, no surprise there. He was always training or eating. I leaned against the door.
"Hey," I said, once he noticed me.He put the weight on the bar and sat at the edge of the bench, gulping down water.
"What's up?"
"I need you to get me into tonight's opening," I told him. I  took a seat on the bench opposite him.
"Why?"
"The Raven is going to be there, remember? I told you this already," I was growing antsy.
"Oh, yeah, The Raven, I forgot about that," he laughed, "I've been thinking, I don't think you should come."
"What?" I practically jumped out my seat.
"I did some research on this guy and Hayley, he isn't just a hacker. He has numerous assault charges and he raped a girl, his dangerous."
"So what? I knew this was going to be dangerous, not to mentions, this is my parents were talking about and my mission. You can't just not let my come!"
"What mission?" He gave me a look, "And like I said he is dangerous. So, I will talk to him, strike a business deal and then you can meet him after."
"You have got to be kidding me, you want me to sit this one out?"
"Yes," he nodded. "Now I've gotta take a shower I have an opening to attend," he smirked.

I watched Justin enter his room from behind a pillar, I felt like a stalker but he had given me no choice. The camera was still facing the wall, luckily. Once he was in his room, and I heard the shower turn on, I snuck in. His room started to fill was hot steam from his shower, his bathroom door was open and his gym shorts lay on bathroom tiles. Where would his phone be? He usually listened to music while he trained, it could be in his shorts or it would be on the bathroom sink. Either way, the bathroom was the only place it would be. I walked, carefully, trying my best not to make a sound. He sang to himself as the water grew heavier. I looked around the bathroom, nothing. Grabbing his shorts, I patted it down with my hand until I felt the cool metal under my fingers. Unlocking his phone was easy, considering he gave me the code on our way back home so I could send his manager a message.
I punched in the number, open sesamy.
As I walked back into his room, I scrolled through the names on his contact list, until I stopped at Liam in brackets, head of security. Jackpot, I send Liam a message telling him to add one more name onto the guest lists, Hayley Tate. Then deleted the message all together when I got his reply. The water stopped and for a moment I thought so did my heart, I froze. Justin was still behind the shower curtain, humming. I worked in a rush, my main goal was to get ride of the phone. I pushed into his pocket and ran out the room.
"Hello?" Justin called him inside the bathroom, but I was practically out the door. I closed it, quietly and ran back to my room. A smug look staining my face.

The tunnels are pitch-black, so now I am lost in a labyrinth of dark concrete. Every step I take forward echoes behind me but I eventually make it through. Once in the cool fresh air of society, reality started to kick in. Wearing a tight, black, short dress that magnified all the curves didn't help with the cold. I clung to my leather jacket, shivering.
After walking for what felt like hours in heels, I finally made it to the club. The road was packed with paparazzi, the flashing lights blinding the celebrities that used the VIP entrance. I, on the other hand, stayed with the regular folk. The girl behind me chattered excitedly about how they might meet Justin and how he will instantly fall in love with them. I rolled my eyes at the thought. The crowd in front of me were loud, they snapped picture and commented on the line which ended at the bottom of the road. After half an hour, the Hexed sign came into view. It was lightening sliver and seemed to light up the place. After an hour, I was inside. The club was beautiful, unlike any I have ever seen. The VIP lounge was above us, encased in glass. Everything glowed in the dark, neon lights shined in every direction and the neon drinks stained everyones lips. I scanned the crowd until I saw The Raven sitting at the bar. He wore a brown leather jacket and had an army cropped hairstyle.
He could be dangerous! My heart beat fastens and my palms grew sweaty. I wiped them on my thigh. Taking a seat next to him, I ordered a water, one that I knew I wouldn't touch.
"Are you The Raven?" I asked, screaming over the music. I seemed to peak his interest. He turned his body, angling it to face mine.
"Who's asking?" He smirked, taking a sip of the brown liquid in his glass.
"I am, Hayley Tate," I shook his hand, "nice to meet you."
He leaned closer placing his hand on my bare knee. His cold touch made me jump, my stomach knotted. I wish I had wore jeans but I blending in is important.
"So sexy,what can I help you with?" He spoke so close to my ears that I could feel his warm breathe on my neck.
"I needed your help finding someone," I told him, gathering my thoughts. His hand moved higher up to my thigh and I jumped again.
"I think we should get out of here. So we can discuss the pay," said The Raven. My eyes remained glued to the liquor on the shelf across me. Afraid to look at him. I could feel his eyes studying me, his hands moved higher. I could feel his cold body pressing against mine. I panicked.
"I NEED TO YOU THE BATHROOM!" I screamed over the music but by his closeness I am sure he would have heard me if I hadn't. I jumped of my seat and his hand fell away. I ran away before hearing his response. Trying to get lost in the crowd, I planned my escape. The exit was in direct few of anyone sitting at the bar. If he saw me leave he might follow. Which would be dangerous because, a) he could follow me to Justin's house and that b) being alone with him in an alley is far more dangerous than this crowded bar so that c) my only option was to find another exit.
Bodies pressed against me, all sweaty and warm. I felt claustrophobic, struggling to breathe. I pushed my way through the crowd when a hand gripped my wrist, pulling me back. Panicked, I pulled away which only made the grip on my hand tighter. I stubbled back falling onto a hard chest.
"Help!" I started to scream, but a hand clasped over my mouth, cutting my voice.
"What the hell are you doing here?" The music drowned out Justin's voice which I am sure would have been louder. I left my body relax against his. He wore a hoodie making him barley recognisable. His eyes were one of the only features on his face that was visible and they were livid, brewing a storm.
Without waiting for my reply he pulled me. He was tall and strong, so he managed to push through the crowd much easier than me. He moved quickly, not making eye contact with anyone, dragging me behind him.
He pushed me through a door far from the crowd, near the bathrooms. I looked around to find myself surrounded by boxes, we were in the storage room. He slammed the door behind him and pulled of his hoodie so I could see him more clear.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he snapped.
"I don't need to explain myself to you!" I snapped back. His eyes scanned my body. I crossed my arms across my chest, feeling exposed and bare.
"How the fuck did you even leave the house?" His voice, although not as loud, still remained angry.
"That happens to be none of your business," I scoffed.
He bridged his nose with his fingers, frustrated. He started pacing.
"You need to leave." He stepped closer, his eyes like daggers.
"No," my voice was strong and firm. I stood unmoved, arms crossed.
"What the fuck do you mean my 'No'?" he asked.
"I mean exactly that, no. I am not leaving. I came here for a reason and I am not leaving until I get that man," I pointed at the door, "to help me."
"You will leave."
I felt like slapping him. He came here and ordered me around like he owned me. He was so close I could feel his warmth, his nostrils flared. Frustrated, I pushed pass him, shoving him onto the wall.
"I'm not going anywhere!" I left, slamming the door behind me. I didn't bother to see if I was being followed, I just ran. Running without a destination through the crowd, I found myself returning to my seat next to The Raven. I could do this, for Jake. I deserve to know what happened to him! And my parents!
"What's your name?" I yelled to him over the music. It was quieter in the storage room.Here, the music was slamming against my ears, giving me a headache.
"Can't tell you that, love," He smirked but kept his distance, probably noticing that I am on edge around him. I came here this evening with a goal, one to achieve and I intend on achieving it. If I could not get past phrase one of my plan how would I be able to get through the others.
"Can we get out of here? It's too loud to discuss business," he said. I followed him out the club, pass the mass of people and onto the quite street. Keeping a safe distance between us.
I asked, "I'm looking for someone, do you think you could track them for me?"
The cold air like ice, stunk my skin.
"I can track anyone, sweetheart. As long as I have the right motivation," His eyes scanned my body.
"I can pay you with cash," I said, emphasising on the word cash. 
"Cash uh? Well, I'm sure we could work something out." He moved his hands towards me but I knocked it away,
"How much will it come to?" I asked, taking out my wallet from my purse. Event though I knew I had no cash on me currently.
"We can go back to my place to discuss that," he was pulling me towards a car. I pulled my hand away from his, looking at the club, I said, "I really don't think that's a good idea, my friend is waiting for me. Do you have a number or something I could contact you with?"
"That's not how I do business, angel."
"Well, I am willing to pay and this is how I do business."
"How about we go to my place?" He pointed at my phone in my jacket pocket.
"You can text you're friends and tell them you have business to take care of."
"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Anger bubbled through me, I started to walk away.
"You are coming with me," he whispered roughly, in my ear, gripping me arm.
"Ow! You're hurting me."
His grip on my arm is getting tighter, I am sure it will leave a bruise. I tried to pull my hand away again but this time I had no such luck. I could hear my heart beat in my ears, my face felt hot.
I was terrified.
"You and I are going to have a little fun," he licked my face. We're not far from the club, less than a road away. I tried planning an escape.
"Let go!" I demanded. He didn't. Panicked, I punched him with my free hand as hard as I could. It felt like punching a wall, pain shot up my arm, but the punch did take him by surprise and he let go. Taking the opportunity, I ran. I ran like my life depended on it because it did.
I heard him grunt from behind me then start running too, his heavy body made his footsteps pound the ground. My legs hurt as I tried not to twist my ankles in these horrific heels. His hand gripped me, his nails dug in my skin. I scream out in pain. He pulled me back and I fell on the hard concrete. Everything blurred around me. He then picked me up roughly and slammed me against an alley wall, trapping me against it and his body. I struggled against him but his grip was firm and hurt.
"You're going to pay for that," he hissed.
I slapped his face , the next moment his hands clumped my throat, cutting out the air. I let out a moan, struggling to breath.
A figure appeared behind him, to dark to see. The Raven was being pulled back and pulling me along with me. He released me, my wrist felt like they were being burned internally. Running was the first thought that flew through my head, however, I recognised the figure, Justin. The Raven and him were in a physical fight and I stood there, frozen. Until I wasn't frozen anymore because my arms were working and I was jumping on The Raven's back and punching his head with my spare hand. Although, it was really Justin who did most of the work. The Raven slammed me against and I fell of his back. Falling like a ragged doll on the floor, all I could see was figures moving, until they became a blur. I struggled to keep my consciousness, my head hurt. A lot! Despite the pain I tried to stand, my vision started to clear and the figures become people. Justin had The Raven pinned to the ground and was punching him with all the strength he had. Blood was everywhere.
"STOP!" I screamed to Justin. Afraid he had killed The Raven, his body seemed lifeless. Justin ignored me, he fists were covered with blood. I pushed him off the ground, pain shot up my side.
"Stop!" I screamed again, limping towards them. He looked at me with eyes filled with rage. He was out of his trance, looking at his hands covered in blood a tear fell from his eye.
"Is he... is he dead?" He whispered. Quickly, I checked his neck for a heart beat. I let out a breath of relief, he heart was beating and his diaphragm was moving. He was breathing.
"I'm calling 911," my hands were shaky as I took my phone out my pocket.
"Don't," Justin stopped me, placing his blood, steady hand over mine.
"What? We can't just leave him here," I pointed at The Raven who now moved slightly.
"If the ambulances come here, they will know I did it and that will be all over the new."
"Okay, I'll call my uncle, he will know what to do," I nodded. I dialled the number with shaky hand.
"Hello, Hayley?" My uncle answered with a sleepy voice.
"Uncle David, we need your help," I cried, my voice shakier than my hands.
"Hayley, what happened? Are you okay?" I could hear moving in the background.
"We didn't mean to Uncle David, I swear," I looked around.
"There is just so much blood," I whispered.
"Hayley, listen to me, I'm coming to get you, okay? Just tell me where you are," he commanded, the car started in the background.
"We by the alley at Justin's club," I told him, looking over, Justin had his head sunken. His shoulders hunched and his hands hanging form his knees. His eyes were closed as he sat against the wall.
"Please hurry," I  begged before cutting the call. I limped over to Justin.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I tried examining his body with my eyes.
"I'm fine," he said in a monotonous tone.
After a few minutes he asked, "Are you?"
"No."
"I'm sorry," I apologised, I held my side which turn with every move I made.
"For what?" He asked.
"I should have listened to you, I should have left the club when you told me too."
"Yeah... you should have," He sighed.
"Thank you anyway," I said with a worried smile, he shrugged.
My uncle came then, jumping out his car in a hurry.
"Are you two hurt?" He ran towards us.
"No," Justin shook his head, still looking at the ground.
"Justin," my uncle said, he looked up, "take Hayley home," he throw him the keys which landed perfectly in Justin's hands.
"I'll clean this up," he motioned at the scene.
I limped to the car, shivering. Justin helped me in, blanketing me with his jacket which smelt strongly of male and blood. Still, I tugged it to my body. The drive home was silent, now that the adrenaline was starting to fade, pain appeared in area's I didn't know were hurt. Justin, however, barely had a scratch, unless you count his bruised knuckles.

Stepping into the house felt like reality, like the nights events was a dream. I hoped it was. I walked numbly to my room. Later, I sat on my bed, hair still wet from my warm shower. I could not get the images out of my head, the body, the blood. My breaking point was in the shower when the water at my feet appeared red. At that point, the tears came like rain and stopped shorty after. But the shaking never did. When Justin enters the room, a few minutes later, he sees me in a fragile state. It's impossible to look at him.
"Hayley?"
He moves towards me, slowly like I could attack him at any point. I rock on the bed.
Seeing him, I then realised, is another breaking point. The tears come again, uncontrollable. I feel them wet my cheek.
"Hey, it's okay, you are safe now. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you."
Justin cradles me in his arms, which is exactly what I needed. Human touch, I haven't had it in a lovely way since I moved here. I burry my head in his chest and cry. Surprisingly, he doesn't move away or comment on how I am getting tears on his shirt. He just sits there and holds me, saying nothing.