Chapter 16: The Kids are Not Okay

Fact: Penelope was ranked top marksman in her battalion.

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Penelope and James were now halfway through the competition and were visiting the manor where the seven continents met discreetly.

At the meeting room, North America cleared his throat as the members had their eyes on James and Penelope.

"First of all, congratulations on surviving this long. You’d be amazed how many people have walked away with nothing because they went just a little over the top,” he chuckled. Penelope and James peered at each other with unfriendly eyes.

“Anyway, let’s start with Miss Eve. Miss Eve, do you have the papers on your progress so far?”

Penelope slid a small file over and Europe picked it up to read,” These numbers are impressive. Could you provide us with that much product at the end of the competition?”

“Yes sir, unless I have an unfortunate event that is,” she spoke plainly.

“I see. And Mr. Brooks, your file?” Europe looked over at James.

James did the same and slid his file over and North America opened it and skimmed over it, “You got a lot of likes on this product. Is it that popular?” he raised a brow.

“Of course, my father taught me well,” he said, giving a confident grin.

“Interesting. Both of you have some impressive numbers. Mr. Brooks, it appears both of you have the popularity and the numbers to back it up. I look forward to seeing what you bring to the finish line. Unless anyone has anything else to add, you guys are free to go,” said North America. The other continents shook their heads so North America sent them away, “Alright, see you, crazy kids, soon,” he gave an encouraging tone.

The two took their leave and waited by the door for their ride in silence. James looked over and was surprised to see her doing the same.

“Crazy competition right?” he spoke quietly. At first, he thought she didn’t hear him until she spoke up.

“Yeah, it’s been rough.” she nodded.

“Yeah. How have you been?” his voice was more concerning than it meant to be.

“Tired. I’ve been up late every night fixing and rewriting recipes. I can’t decide what I want to sell. Between you and me, the product I pitched to them was the first thing I went with,” she snickered.

“I’m surprised you shared that with me,” he gave her a half-smile.

“Just making small talk,” she shrugged.

“So...is everything okay between us?” he put his hands in his pockets.

“I guess so. I don’t want to murder you any more than normal,”

“What’s normal?” he asked cautiously.

“Medium to none. It was higher,” she joked.

“Hm. That’s good. That means I can give you this,” he said, pulling out a small white box. Penelope saw a yellow ribbon wrapped around it and couldn’t help but get excited.

“Trying to butter me up, Brooks?” she said, gently taking the box from him.

“No. It’s just an apology for everything.” James sighed.

She opened it and saw the yellow and white swirl around with small pieces etched in. “You’re getting soft James,” her tone delighted. James saw his ride appear, kissed her head, and opened the door.

“I guess I am,” he said. She noticed that his voice was more solemn than playful.

“James?” she called out to him. He turned back and saw her gripping the box tight in her hands, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine Penelope.” he nodded.

“Why don’t I believe you?” she tilted her head, letting her hair fall over her shoulder.

“Because you know when I’m lying,” his expression was wary. He left in his ride and she stood in the cold alone.

***

“How was the meeting, sir?” Tommy asked as James was lighting a fag.

James took a drag. “It was fine. Short even.”

“And how’s Miss Eve? Still angry at us?”

“No. She was actually in a much better mood than I thought,” he took another drag.

“Is that good?” Tommy glanced at him.

“Of course it’s good, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Because you seem rather down.”

“That’s because I have this feeling in the back of my mind, that something is wrong. Ever since I went to see Beatrice the day I argued with her in my office, I’ve had this off feeling. Like I may have made a mistake,” he took another long drag and threw the fag out the window.

“Maybe you’re just paranoid sir. I mean, what could you have done, just by talking to Miss Wells?”

James kept his eyes on the window. “A lot, the more I think about it.”

***

Marlene picked up Penelope and they headed home. As Marlene drove, a large ball of fire rolled down a hill and into the front of the car forcing Marlene to maneuver off-road. When the car was stopped, Penelope looked closer at the ball of fire and realized it was another car. Behind them, two more cars were driving up and two in front were arriving.

“Shite! We’re being ambushed!” Penelope shouted. Marlene reached in the back and grabbed her sniper rifle and Penelope her lever action. As men approached, they exited the empty side of the car for cover and Marlene took a prone position to the side. She shot the rifle, taking out someone’s foot, forcing the other men to scramble. Marlene finished the man on the ground and Penelope clipped another one in the head.

The men moved up while shooting, so the women were forced to stay in cover.

“Marlene! Feet!” Penelope shouted over the gunfire. Marlene did as ordered and shot down many of the men’s feet. As the men dropped, Penelope took a prone position and finished them off. Eight men were down when one managed to get to the other side of the car, and held Marlene at gunpoint. Penelope aimed her gun at him but felt a cloth wrap around her mouth. She tilted the gun up and shot the man behind her point-blank between the eyes, splattering blood all over them both. In the frenzy, Marlene aimed just enough to shoot her target in the throat.

Penelope felt a heavy force in the side of her ribs making her drop her gun. She could feel herself being restrained. Marlene aimed but was knocked unconscious by another.

Penelope flailed as she was being pulled away. The car drove off and all that was left were bodies, an unconscious Marlene, and a broken lollipop.