The Berserker

Chapter 15

The move to the rental house went more smoothly than I thought it would. Chris and Justin were both on edge, more than likely because of me with Gabriel attempting to be the soothsayer while Nathaniel just didn't mind me at all. If anything, he seemed overly friendly. However, the neighbourhood that the house was located in was a completely different story: eyes were either appraising us or avoiding us from the moment we pulled up.

"You sure know how to pick a good house, G" Chris muttered in disgust, and I had to agree.

The outside siding was a dark ugly green colour that had worsened with age, the windows were covered in grime, and the wooden steps were a hazard.

"It'll work out for our benefit," Gabriel said confidently.

"I sure hope so, bro," Justin replied grimacing.

Two of the guys went to shop for a couple curtains to hang up, and the rest of us worked on cleaning up the place. We needed a clear area to map out everything, and pose as residents. There was a knock on the door, and I exchanged a quick glance with Gabriel who motioned me to get the door.

Striding to the door, I maintained a poker face. The whole neighbourhood felt like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode, and part of me wanted to see it: the chaos. Two black men stood at the door, wearing silver chains, and each with a gun in their waistband.

"Hey chica, we were wondering if we could help you move in some stuff for a quick buck."

Slamming the door in their faces was very tempting. Obviously, they were hoping to steal from us, and I observed the number of people who were milling about. They watched curiously, or with gazes of pity.

Too many witnesses if I get rid of them permanently now.

I glared in return to those who gazed at me with pity.

I don't need your cowardly looks of pity.

"We don't need help, but thanks for the offer," the lilt in my voice suggesting they move on or else.

"Come on, help a neighbour out huh, chica? We just need some quick cash."

"No," I answered flatly, closing the door. Gabriel watched from the window as they left, me over his shoulder.

"They have guns you know," Gabriel pointed out concerned, but I merely shrugged. "They weren't going to shoot with so many people around, especially in broad daylight."

They're too cowardly for that, I added silently, turning away. "Let's finish up, before others come." I smirked, excited for some action.

He frowned at me."You look like you want them to."

"Mhm," was my reply, picking up the box with the drone pieces and my crossbow.

It's been so long since I tasted blood, my tongue running subconsciously over my teeth.

Thudding downstairs, the basement smelled damp, but there was a clear area for Gabriel to reconstruct the drone in private. Justin was already moving on to the next area, making space to reconstruct the sniper rifle.

"Gabriel's toy, where do you want it?" I asked, noticing Justin had a specific spot for everything.

"This side of the table," pointing to the place opposite from him. I left the drone pieces in, taking out some more of the rifle parts. "You'll need these."

Justin took it from my outstretched hand organizing them into their groups. I removed my crossbow in the meantime hefting and familiarizing myself with its presence.