Burning Road

Cold- Part IV

Creating her diversion costed Cali her best drone and all she could do was duck down below the van dashboard and hope that Khouri and Mimi could make it out.  Her heart was racing, and she was out of soda.  She risked a peek at the warehouse and caught a glimpse of two figures running toward her.

She'd done it!  Califia Morrison saved the day once again.  She sat in the driver's seat, turned the key in the ignition, and put the van in drive.  Covered in sweat and crashing from her sugar rush, she met them halfway.  She threw the doors open and peeled off the moment they were in.  She didn't ask what happened inside.  She knew it wasn't good and it wasn't fun.

They were already on the interstate when DotPrince's phone rang.  He didn't move to get it, didn't even acknowledge he'd heard it.  He just stared out the window like a blood coated zombie.  Eventually the call went to voicemail.  When whomever it was called again it was much of the same.  On the fourth call Cali grabbed the phone and put it on speaker.

"Mr. Prince."  It was Littlehawk, and he sounded quite perturbed.  In the background someone was screaming about a skinning.

"He can't talk right now, Dickhead," Cali replied.  She'd had enough of racists, and turncoats.  If she wanted that nonsense she would have stuck to online gaming.

"Fine.  Tell him that Sturges is extremely cross with him for killing his brothers-"

"I'm sure he doesn't give a shit.  You killed Charlie, Littlehawk."

"Well the gun used to kill Mrs. Denver is registered to Mr. Prince, so as far as the guild will be concerned it was he who murdered his paramore.  I will advocate on his behalf, and suggest there is a good explanation.  Castle will be furious, and use this as an excuse to rekindle the flames of war.  The Order of Ceaseless Vigilance will strike the first blow, and I will make sure The Watchers retaliate in kind.  Soon the east coast will be alight with conflict.  When it is all over The Knights of Tamin will descend upon the ashes."

"Did you just monologue?  You really are the bad guy, aren't you?"

"I am merely the agent of change."

"I'm going to kill you, Littlehawk," Khouri said.

"I'm sure we've both earned our share of deaths, Mr. Prince.  I have no intentions of laying down my sword and accepting your coup de grace, but I understand your malice."

"Wow, Littlehawk.  You really are something."

"If I were you, Ms. Cali, I would get as far away from him as possible.  If these men or I see either one of you, we will be inclined to end your lives."

Cali couldn't believe what she was hearing, Littlehawk was like a deranged movie villain.  It would have been awesome to study if she wasn't afraid for her life.

He was the kind of crazy that needed to die.

"Fuck you, Little bird!" Mimi shouted.

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Cali said, and ended the call.

A/N: I apologize for the coarse language but I believe it was important in the portrayal of the characters. What do you think about Lighthawk and his plan? What about the Hoffmans? They say as writers we are charged with hurting our babies, but it pained me to do this to Khouri... I really liked Charlie, she was definitely the real deal. Leave a comment, tell me what you think, and don't forget to hit that star.