Desire or Revenge (Cancelled)

Chapter 19: The struggle for safety

"Are you alright? How hurt are you?" Panicked Hunter when we finally reached safety. His face was flustered and he was gently squeezing both of my arms while looking all over me for signs of pain.

We ran through the tunnel, avoiding any cars and gunmen. We hid just around the local post office. I was fine but exhausted and still terrified.

"I'm...fine Hunter, thanks" I replied in raspy voice.
"You're not safe here Lex, we need to get out of here! They've tried to kill you like twice now!"
Lex... He's given me a nickname, and I sort of like it. No one ever gives me nicknames, it made me feel like he truly cares about me. But I didn't mention this to him... He shouldn't know and I shouldn't get attached.

"It was actually three times... And where would I go?"
"Three?? Well that's all the more reason to get out of here. We can go to Italy just like I had planned, but even if you don't want to." He placed his hand on my shoulder "I'm here."
This was far too much for me to handle. I was being hunted down by Coltelli for god knows what and now Hunter wants me to escape, with him. And what about Kai, he'd be disappointed.

"I'll be safe, in Italy?"
"Of course!" Hunter replied, "it's only for a while, just to attend some business and you'll be safe!" I thought about it for a second.
I sighed "Ok, Italy it is..."

Hunter instantly cheered up and had his unforgettable smile back, although he was still shaken up. "I'll send you the details tonight!" He gleamed and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. However it wasn't going to be this easy. I had to talk to Kai, Micky and Chief Williams. I know the Chief will be happy, getting on which the mission. But Kai will be heartbroken and Micky will be worried and hurt...
"I better go home. See you."
"I don't think you should be alone right now-"
"I'm fine! Seriously, bye..."
He looked unsure "Bye Lex!" He shouted as he walked away.

I phoned up Kai when Hunter was away from ear shot. He didn't answer... I called again and again, and he still wouldn't. My stomach got tense and I felt a knotting sensation start. What if something really did happen..? I tried to not think of the worst but I had a bad intuition. I went straight over to Micky's house to tell him about my impulsive trip decision.

I unlocked the door with my own key that Micky had given me.
"ALEXA! Thank god you're ok! Are you?? It's all over the news dear!" Shouted Micky panicked but relieved to see me safe. He embraced my instantly, throwing me off guard.
I didn't realise how much I needed his embrace. My eyes teared up while I clenched him, he was the closest thing I've had to a father for years. How I longed to have a father to love me and now I have one... Breaking the news however would be difficult.

I pulled away gently smiling with tears.
"I'm fine Micky really, some Coltelli members just wanted to get me."
"My dear, I've been worried sick!" His relieved look then changed to sadness "Have you heard about Kai..?"
"What.. What happened to him!?" I panicked, knowing what I feared had come to pass.
"He's been shot in the chest at the same cafe... He's in a bad condition at the hospital. It's really bad.."
"No... Oh no. This is all my fault!"

He had gone there to protect me I suppose and now, he could die... My breathing rapidly increased and my knotting sensation got stronger. I could feel a panic attack coming. Micky could see this and he motioned me to sit down inside.

"Alexa you're the one in real danger right now, they're tried to get you a few times now, for what? I still don't know, but anyway you're not safe... You need protection, body guards, witness protectio-"

"I've.. a-actually got a, solution for, that." I trembled, barely managing to get the words out. Micky leaned in listening attentively.
"Hunter... wants to take me away.. to Italy for a while. But now I find out about Kai. I can't just leave!?"

"Kai.. will be fine, it's you we've got to worry about now! Honestly..." he took a breath "I'm relieved that Hunter wants to protect you. I'm not particularly happy, but you're safely is the number one thing for me."
"Thanks, da..d. Still weird to say.." I chuckled in tears.

Micky put his arms around me and stroked my hair. I could feel his rapid heart beat slow and steady down as he held me. "My sweet daughter..." he sighed gently.
"Don't worry about Kai hey? I'll inform him about everything, when he wakes up. For now, you should get ready. When's your flight?"
"Hunter should send me the details soon. I should go home I suppose. Thanks for everything."
"I'll drive you home. It'll be safer. You can't be alone now."
I nodded and we were of.

On the car ride to my place, we passed the cafe where it all happened. Even though I saw it for a few seconds I remembered it all. The whole area was sealed off from the general public and there were police scavenging and looking around everywhere. Three ambulances were parked as-well, with medics helping any injured people. The glass of the windows was all shattered. A middle aged woman, presumably a TV news reporter was standing at the edge of the sealed off area, speaking into her microphone while being filmed by the cameramen. I shuddered at the sight. I was there just today, and I'm alive, will Kai be? I thought.

My phone binged. A text message from Hunter popped up on my phone screen. I opened it.
"Hey! I hope you are well. I've got all the information and the tickets right here x."
A kiss at the end... I hated playing him.
I pressed the link at the bottom of the screen. It opened my ticket. "Los Angeles International Airport to Milan Malpensa Airport, departing at 15:50 pm"
I read the date. "Next Wednesday at ten to three Micky..."
Micky sadly nodded, he maintained his full focus on the road but his eyes seemed to water up. I looked at mine and Hunter's seating places. And I'm siting right next to him...
This will be a... 'fun' trip.