Return to The City Of Scars

Masquerade

PHOTOS OF CLOTHING ATTACHED AT BOTTOM OF CHAPTER

The morning was uneventful, it was when the mid afternoon arrived did things become interesting. The tailor arrived earlier than expected, pulling Jack first and ensuring he was looking nothing less than perfect. Josh and Delgado watched, dressed as security guards. Josh- however was dressed more as though he were Jack's right hand man, wearing a fine black suit and an earpiece attached. Delgado, like the girls- was donning the basic security outfit, an armored tux with a gun holster visible around the shoulders, dark shades were off course included to hide their identities. Ginger watched as the tailor straightened Jack's suit and gave a small chuckle. "Enjoying yourself, Carsen?" She teased, Jack laughed, "Not particularly," He flinched as the tailor stuck him with a pin. Ginger smirked, "Just know your place." Jack frowned, "My place?" He questioned. Ginger nodded, "Your just her plaything. Once her memory returns she'll remember Jason. And Robin too." Jack huffed, "She already know about Jason. Her feelings about me haven't changed, Ginger." Ginger chuckled, "After tonight she won't bat an eye at you. She'll be home. Where she belongs." Jack narrowed his eyes, stepping away from the tailor, who gathered his things and moved to the other room where Brianna was dressing. "Are you- jealous?" He asked teasingly, Ginger blushed, "No- never. I just don't trust you." Jack sighed and walked over, grabbing his cuff links from the dresser beside her and putting them on with ease. "Oh please, after all we've been through? I'm hurt, Gin Gin- I thought you would have learned by now I'm not your enemy." Ginger huffed, "Your no good. You only helped because you want to stay in her good graces and get the reward her father offers you for her safe return." Jack laughed, "Whatever. Now, if you'll excuse me-" he slicked his hair back and flashed Ginger a charming smile, "I need to make sure my date goes off without a hitch."

Jack was waiting in the entryway of the suite with the squad. They were all in their gala attire and ready for the masquerade. Jack flashed Ginger a wicked smirk before the en suite bathroom door opened. Jack stared as Brianna made her way into the main room, dressed in a beautiful floor length over the shoulder black and blue ombre pattern gown. Her hair was in soft curls over her shoulders, diamond earrings dangled from her petite ears and around her neck was a matching necklace. Jack's jaw dropped. Ginger chuckled and leaned over, "Hope you can keep it in your pants tonight." 

The group met Ashley and Tiana in the lobby before heading to the limo. Jack and Brianna slipped into the back of the limo while the squad entered the black Escalade in front of the limo. Jack glanced over at his partner, watching her look out the window, her eyes having a few more small flashes of memory. Sometimes she would murmur to herself but ultimately shake it off. It was when they drove by Ace Chemicals did things take a turn.

Brianna had stared absentmindedly out the limo window. Small fragments of her memory were returning, but when they passed Ace Chemicals, she couldn't hold in the gasp. She felt it all over again. A flash of fear in her mind, her heart pounding, she could almost see it clearly. She saw the bubbling green chemicals, the hazy outline of her murderer's face, her brother as he screamed in horror. 

"Princess?"

Brianna turned her head to see Jack's hand on her arm, rubbing gently. "Are you okay?" He asked, noticing her skin raise to goose flesh.  Brianna nodded, "Yeah, I- I'm fine." Jack cast her a concerned look before he turned to Ashley, "If things go south in there I want you two to get out and get the others. Then we can at least guarantee our safety." Ashley nodded, "Of course. But I would prefer you kept well out of trouble." Jack nodded, "That's the goal- but we both know Ethan is not the most reasonable person." Tiana spoke up, "He's a tyrant, Jack. He's the most unreasonable person on the planet." Jack frowned, "He's not completely unreasonable. Especially since we have Brianna-" Brianna narrowed her eyes, "I am not a bargaining chip, Mr. Carsen." She growled, The others all looked to her as she continued, "If that is all you see me as then maybe Ginger was right. Maybe she's always been right." Jack growled in annoyance, "Brianna you know she's just trying to get between us. She always has." Brianna huffed, folding her arms across her chest. "If you plan to use me as a bargaining chip, Jack..." Jack sighed and took her hand, "Princess- I promise you. I would never ever use you like that. But right now, your our ticket in and out. You are what keeps your father and brother from starting a war with us. You are the only thing that will keep us alive. Can you do that for me, princess?" He murmured. Brianna leaned back against the seat. "I suppose so." Jack smiled, kissing her cheek before looking out the window on his side, a moment later he handed her her mask, a feathered black and blue style. She sighed and put it on, allowing Jack to help her out of the limo. The camera flashes triggered so many memories.