#BRAVERY?#

I look up to the man standing in front of me, his dark eyes narrow under his curled locks.

"Jake" Mr.hale's smooth voice fills the atmosphere. I could feel him move in front of me as if he were shielding me. I didn't mind since I was standing in a onesie and converse chucks but I just had to...

"I don't need a bodyguard" I state as I cross my arms over my chest in a matter of fact way to dumbass.

"Alex is it? Follow me." Jake says in a husky voice as he holds out his arm for me. I link my arm with his and let him take me to the brick wall mansion before flashing a smirk to dumbass.

I could hear a grunt from 'Mr. Hale' AKA. DUMBASS trailing behind us. We enter a beautifully lit patio over looking a mega size swimming pool. The house was magnificent and classical. There was a dining table outside as we make our way and take our seats.

There was roast and potatoes with vegetables place in each plate with an even portion. Mr. Dumbass sat at the head of the table with me to his left as he instructed and across from me sat Jake. I swear I had seen him before, perhaps he looked similar to someone else maybe.

I dug into the meal while silence falls in the midst of the cool air. I swear I couldn't breath through the thick atmosphere. I silently thank myself for changing into a comfortable white sweater with ripped jeans since they had stated 'we will be expecting visitors'.

I didn't give a rats ass as to who was coming though I definitely did not want to make an impression of a 23 year old wearing pyjamas.

A slow eruption of a clap catches me off guard when I hear a familiar voice that sent shivers down my spine.

"Evening Mr. Pierceson" I meet his gaze as he shakes hands with whom I know as Mr. Hale. His grin widens when I see his dark blue eyes rake down the length of my body. With that I quickly take my seat again and clear my throat.

Meet William Stone. The man who took care of 'things', more like dealings. I had learnt a lot growing up on the outskirts of the city. Life was more rough and edgy when I was back to what I use to call home. I left that life behind decades ago for a better life.

And hope for a better future.

However, deep down I always knew I could not jump out of my childhood life and leap into a fabricated future which only held false promises.

I always knew that somehow it would find it's way to me or I would make my way towards it.

I was zoning out and was consumed in my thoughts about the past when Mr. Hale speaks with radiating confidence.

"Evening to you too...William"

He takes the seat across from Mr.Hale and sips on his champagne.

"Down to business then, I see you have what we want" William says while turning his attention to me. 'We want'?? what me? no way. Mr. Hale was bad enough, thank you very much. A problem at a time people.

"And I assume you are still to hold your end of the bargain. Am I right?"

William takes another gulp making his Adams apple bobble and sends a curt nod towards Mr. Dumb ass.

"Sir, with all due respect. We owe you nothing. We have everything we need right here." With that statement William begins to stand when his three bodyguards get pistols set off behind their heads. I was pretty sure they were Mr. Hale's pets.

Just then Mr. Hale pulls out his gun and aims it right at William.

---------------------------

"Leaving so soon?" he states coldly while cocking his head to the side.

"Fine, get the money." William nods to one of his men as he places two briefcases. William opens it and faces it to Mr.Hale. Bundles of 50 grand fills both the briefcases when Mr. Hale speaks up.

"No. Triple it. You have wasted my time and time is-"

"But the price is fixed-" William starts when I hear Mr.Hales gun set off."- of value" Mr Hale finishes and looks me dead in the eye.

This time it was my eyes widening when I feel the barrel of the gun face towards me. I clench my jaw and stand up causing Mr.Hale to give a surprised expression. All the while no one moved. I look straight at him, challenging him to take a shot. What's the point in living if you're already dead inside?

"Make the call or it's gone." Mr.Hale still holds out his strong arms towards me whilst waving the gun around as if he's bored.I could see William hesitate when he gives in and calls someone in a rush.

"The bank transfers done. Now give us the-" William gasps loudly before he falls limp to the ground with a thud.

It happened so fast, his two men were on the ground with him while I tried to recover from the loud echo going off in my mind as if on a loop.

"You took more than enough time from me." As Mr.Hale tucks his gun away he sighs and walk towards the house as if nothing unusual occurred.

With that his men drag the three bodies away, one of the men who had brought the briefcase his shirt lifted and I almost choked on my spit recognizing the fine print dreadfully for it was drilled in my head unwillingly. While being dragged upstairs by my wrists yet again unwillingly as well as attempting to gauge this mans eye balls out.

The man comes to a halt and I trip and fall on my backside earning a groan from me when I hear a scowl.

"Leave." He's chill voice coos as the man nods and leaves downstairs.He offers his hand while I eye it annoyingly and attempt to get up when he pulls me up with enough force to make me flinch in pain.