Episode Eight
Chapter Twenty-Two
In the NYPD, cops are seen dragging the captured dealers into custody. Thomas meets back up with James, who, still injured, has been waiting for them in the office.
James: I assume it went well?
Thomas: Yes. We got most of the perps. I'm sure one or two might have escaped, including Blake, but they'll be hunted down soon.
James: Have you let the FBI know of our current situation?
Thomas: Yes, I've informed them.
James: Good. We'll need all the help we can get. Any news of the vigilante or the assassin?
Thomas: No, we've still been tracking them. We've been trying to find new leads.
James: We can focus on them later. Right now, we need to focus on the problem at hand.
Thomas: Right.
Meanwhile, at Andy's house:
Andy was busy in his room, a geeked out room with lots of papers thrown around and books everywhere. He was studying chemistry for his online class. When he finished up his homework, he got a text from Demetrius.
Demetrius: (Text) Terrible plan.
Andy: (Text) Sigh.
Once that was done, Andy went to focus on his next class, Algebra 2. As he finished that up, he heard a knock on his door.
Andy: Come in!
It was his mom.
Emily: Hey dear, I just came to check on you.
Andy: Oh, I'm...fine mom.
Emily: Are you sure...after everything that happened with Alyssa...
Andy: Yeah...I'm...okay.
Emily: Well, let me or your dad know if you need anything....
Andy: Will do, thanks.
She gave him a hug and left. Andy went back to his work. Once he was finished with that, he went into the living room to watch some TV. His father was already on the couch, watching a football game.
Gabriel: Hi, son. Done with your work?
Andy: Yeah.
Gabriel: Good, good. How's your grades?
Andy: All A's, again.
His father patted him on the head.
Gabriel: Nice job! Here, you can watch TV.
He gave Andy the remote and went into his room. Andy changed the channel immediately to the news. Most headlines weren't interesting, just the usual stuff. He looked a little deeper and saw that the cops had performed a raid on a weapons deal between mafia members and gang members.
Andy: (To himself) Oh...wow...
The cops had two of the gang members in custody, they were looking for the third, Blake Richmond. Most of the mafia dealers were caught, but a few had escaped.
Meanwhile, at the police station:
Cops were busy. One group was interrogating the captured suspects, and the other was preparing to visit Blake's house to find out any leads about his whereabouts.
James: You sure Blake would go back home? What criminal would run and go back to their own place place to hide?
Thomas: I don't expect to find him there, but I'm sure something that could lead us to him could be in there, and we have no current information on any other places of residence.
James: Good point, good point.
He adjusted his sling.
Thomas: Look, you don't have to—-
James: Oh, I'm coming.
Thomas: Hah, seems there's no reasoning with you. Well, let's gather the team and head down there.
While James, Thomas, and other officers such as Officer Anton, Officer Alex, and another officer: Officer Keldon, headed to the suspect's residence, Officers Olivia, Maria, Samantha, and another officer: Officer Pedro, decided to handle the interrogations of the suspects.
Olivia: So, what were you doing at that warehouse?
It was clear this one would be...trouble.
Serene: Can you, like, get off my ass?
Olivia: So, you look have an attitude.
Serene: And you look like your boyfriend cheated on you. So we gonna keep asking dumbass questions, or?
Olivia was stunned by this girl's audacity.
Olivia: You want to do this the hard way, I see. Well, go ahead, Samantha.
Samantha walked over to the suspect.
Serene: What, I'm pose to be scared of you or something? You look like a scrawny ass—-
Samantha: Serene Montgomery, 19, list of charges such as robbery and assault. You're a bad girl, aren't you?
Serene: Sure, whatever you say, Princess.
Samantha leaned in closer.
Samantha: Now, I'm only going to ask once. Why were you there? Who wanted the weapons?
Serene stretched and yawned.
Serene: I don't know. Maybe your mom.
She started laughing. Officers looked at each other. Samantha started to look angry, but Oliva put a hand on her shoulder.
Olivia: Let's try the other one.
Serene: Hah, you can try. Not like he'll say much more than your dead cop friends.
Maria also began to lose her temper at this.
Maria: Hey—
Pedro: She isn't worth it. Come on, we have a job to do.
The officers left.
Serene: You keep tryna keep this under wraps, but word will get out. Heh, and when it does, all will go just according to plan.
The cops went to investigate the other suspect, Jordan Fletcher.
Olivia: So, Jordan Fletcher, says here you're 25, and known for a long list of petty thefts. What made you decide to get engaged with the mafia?
Jordan: Look, I'm not speaking.
Olivia: Oh, is that right? Well your partner already told us everything.
Jordan: No, Serene would die before she snitched on us—-
Samantha: Oh, trust me, we know all about the assassin, your plans, all of that.
Jordan: What? How do you know about—-
Samantha: Now, you'd best tell us what's really going on, or you'll be looking at a long time in prison.
Jordan: I—
Pedro: C'mon man, we already know the truth, just tell us.
Jordan had a look of surprise on his face, which quickly turned to anger.
Jordan: No! I'm not telling you bastards anything!
His rage felt personal. The cops were stunned.
Pedro: Calm down, man. What's the problem?
Jordan opened his mouth as if to speak, but he decided against it. Maria walked up.
Maria: Look, if you just tell us the truth, we can try to help—-
Jordan: Go. Away.
The cops looked at each other.
Olivia: Let's give him some time. Let's try the mafia guys.
Meanwhile...in an unknown building:
The body of the man Riot killed, Xavier, was lying on the floor, with multiple guys in masks and hoods around it. They looked at it with a mix of emotions, shock, disappointment, and anger.
Member: I can't believe this. Is he also some kind of cop?
Member: Doesn't matter, let's put his ass down with them.
Member: Right, he ain't no better than they are.
As members kept talking, they quieted down when the door opened. A giant member in the back of the room walked forward.
Giant Member: Ahh, Knightbird. Glad to see you could make it.
The assassin Riot fought walked forward, looking at the body of Xavier.
Knightbird: Glad I could. This vigilante is a thorn in our side.
Giant Member: He is. He got Henry...Blake...Xavier...
Knightbird: Well, no matter. He's a pest, and pests must be exterminated. For the time being, focus on him.
END OF CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Since there was nothing on the news, and no more homework to do, Andy decided to have some fun, at Demetrius's expense.
Andy: (Text) So, anything new happen?
Demetrius: (Text) Nope.
Andy: (Text) Well, have you donned your suit yet?
Demetrius: (Text) Not since I've been grounded, I've been grounded for a reason.
Andy: (Text) Dude, you're like a hero! You're letting a simple grounding stop you?
Demetrius: (Text) Vigilante. And, until there is a reason for me to suit up, I won't.
Andy: (Text) I mean, cops did do a raid, so...
Demetrius: (Text) Wait, what?
Andy: (Text) Lol. Yup, they've been doing your job.
Demetrius: (Text) Well, technically theirs, but when was this?
Andy: (Text) Uh, like a few hours ago?
Demetrius: (Text) Ugh, as soon as I'm on a break.
Andy: (Text) Well, how bout we go investigate this?
Demetrius: (Text) What do you mean, we?
Andy: (Text) I'm trying to go out into the field too! You know, do vigilante stuff like you?
Demetrius paused, leaving Andy on read for a few minutes.
Demetrius: (Text) Uh, hell no.
Andy: (Text) Why not?
Demetrius: (Text) Well, you don't know how to do anything I do.
Andy: (Text) Well, teach me!
Demetrius: (Text) Uh, no...
Andy: (Text) Why not?
Demetrius: (Text) Dangerous, and would take too long. It's best if you just be a computer man.
Andy: (Text) Fine, okay.
Andy decided to take a walk to clear his head.
Andy: (To himself) A computer man? Like what the actual hell?
While he was busy walking, he accidentally stumbled upon some thugs that were busy selling drugs in a park.
Thug #1: Yeah, this that good stuff. Get you messed up real quick.
Buyer: Preciate' it brother. I'll be seeing you again soon.
The buyer walked away.
Andy: (To himself) Yeah, best I stay out of this one.
Thug #2: Yo, little kid! Whatchu over there looking at?
Andy: Wait, me?
Thug #2: Yes, you! Dumbass.
Andy: Oh, sorry, I was just walking...
Thug #2: You walking down the wrong street, homie. Bring yo' ass over here.
Andy tried to run, but the thugs were on him fast.
Thug #2: Nah, ain't no running.
Thug #1: You a spy or something?
Andy: No...?
They grabbed him and dragged him into the park, forcing him to sit on a bench.
Thug #1: You work for E?
Andy: Who the hell is E?
Thug #2: Boy, don't you play with us!
Andy got out his phone quickly.
Andy: (Text) HELP.
Demetrius: (Text) Wait, with...?
Andy: (Text) Help! I'm by South Riverside Park!
The thugs snatched the phone. Andy barely managed to turn it off it time.
Thug #1: Who the hell were you texting?
Andy: Um, a friend?
Thug #2: You calling for cops or something?
Andy: No! No, no, no cops.
One thug checked Andy's shirt.
Thug #2: He ain't got no wire on him.
Thug #1: That's good.
More guys walked to the park. They stopped when they saw Andy being held hostage by the first two guys.
Thug #3: Jermaine, Conner, who the hell is this guy?
The second guy responded.
Jermaine: Look, he might be an opp—-
Thug #3: Let the kid go! We don't need any extra trouble!
Conner: What if he rats? You gotta think, Isaiah!
Isaiah studied the boy.
Isaiah: Look, if he rats, we'll have him dealt with.
Andy: What does that mean?
Isaiah: Look kid, shut up! I'm tryna handle this right now!
They debated what to do with Andy for another 20 minutes.
Jermaine: Look, I'm gonna just beat his ass real quick—-
As Jermaine stepped toward Andy, they all heard an engine.
Isaiah: The cops!
Jermaine: I knew it! He snitched—-
Conner: Wait, that ain't no cop—-
Andy and the others saw a motorcycle pull up. The guy on it was definitely no cop.
Jermaine: Who is—-
The guy got off the motorcycle and punched Jermaine in the face.
Riot: Let him go.
Jermaine: Ow! What—-
Jermaine threw a punch at the Riot's head, but he ducked and swept the man's legs. Conner ran up and prepared to pull a knife, but Riot kept his distance and planted a kick into the man's chest.
Some gang members began to run.
Isaiah: Don't run!
Others ran up to help their fellow gangsters.
Thug: Look, we just jump this guy! Simple!
Riot drew his gun.
Thug: Oh—
Jermaine: Aye, where y'all guns?
Conner: We ain't got none!
Andy: Dang, some mobsters.
Jermaine: You shut the hell up!
The guys decided to run. It was clear they had no experience in an actual fight.
Conner: Screw it! We gotta slide!
Jermaine: Man, hell no—-
Riot pointed the gun at him.
Jermaine: ...Damn it.
Isaiah: This ain't over, pal!
The guys all ran.
Andy: Well, thank you.
Andy saw his phone on the ground.
Andy: Oh, glad he didn't take this.
As he picked it up, Riot looked at him.
Riot: And you got yourself into this situation, how?
Andy: By being an idiot...
Riot slapped his head.
Andy: But now you see! You should teach me!
Riot: Nope.
Andy: Look, I can be like, the crime fighting partner! Every vigilante has those!
Riot: Nope.
Andy: Hey, you said I could help.
Riot: In other ways.
Andy: So how long have you been training?
Riot: Like, seven years.
Andy: Oh. Any chance I can become solid in about seven weeks, like in those shows?
Riot: Nope.
Andy: Oh...
Riot got on his motorcycle and prepared to leave.
Riot: Well, you should go home.
Andy: I know, I know. How'd you get out here though, you know, with the grounding?
Riot: Ways. That's all.
With that, he drove off. As Andy walked back to his house, a dude watching the entire event from behind the scenes ran off.
Guy: (To himself) Damn, what did just see?
Andy opened his house door to find his mother and father watching TV on the couch.
Emily: Son! Where were you?
Andy: Oh, I just went for a walk.
Gabriel: Son, you shouldn't be walking alone at night.
Andy: Sorry, sorry, but I wasn't alone! My friend was with me.
Emily: A friend?
Andy: Yeah, a new friend I made!
Meanwhile, in a gangster's house:
A gang member walked up to a door, knocking on it.
Voice: Who is it?
Member: Yo, Elliot! T just found out some news!
Elliot: Man, what news?
Member: Some dude just handled the opps for us! Kicked they asses and all!
Elliot: Who?
Member: He doesn't know, but they ran off! How funny is that?
Elliot: Look, is this dude a friend or an enemy?
Member: Don't know yet, I'll update you when I find out.
Elliot: Good. I don't need some new player on my streets, after that other gang that's been making noise around town.
Member: Of course.
Elliot: If he ain't a friend, he will be handled.
END OF CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Aurora was out shopping with her dad in the Saks Fifth Avenue shop on Wednesday morning, right before school. They had many bodyguards around them. While her dad looked around nervously, Aurora had her hands full with items.
Aurora: Thank you for this, Dad!
Mayor Tyler: No problem, dear. But please, speed it up a little bit, I don't trust these folk.
Aurora: Why not?
Mayor Tyler: Look at them! They seem ready to try and attack.
Aurora: Dad, they seem fine!
People were looking at the mayor and giving waves. Some tried to walk up to say hi or get autographs, but the mayor's bodyguards kept them back.
Bodyguard: Please stay back.
Civilian: Hey Mr. Mayor! Is that your daughter? She's so cute!
Civilian #2: What are you planning to do on the increasing gang activity?
Civilian #3: Can I please have some money?
Mayor Tyler: Well, it's great to meet you all but I really have to go—-
The citizens kept trying to ask questions and record the mayor, but the bodyguards fought their way out to get the mayor and his daughter out of the store.
They managed to get in their car and drive off, with many citizens trying to follow and record.
Mayor Tyler: I told you, these damn people—-
Aurora: Well, I didn't think it was that bad...
Mayor Tyler: Trust me honey, you haven't seen bad. People just...ugh. They know how to really piss me off.
Aurora: Dad!
Mayor Tyler: Nevermind. Next shopping trip, we're doing it on a Thursday.
Aurora: Ugh, fine.
Mayor Tyler: Now, we have to get you to school.
Aurora: Oh right! It starts in 30 minutes!
Mayor Tyler: If it were up to me, I wouldn't have even sent you, but of course, your mother had to insist on it.
Aurora: It's fun, Dad! I met new friends and—-
Mayor Tyler: Those kids aren't your friends Aurora. They just want to leech off you.
Aurora: Dad—-
Mayor Tyler: Anyway, you should get ready. Like you said, it starts soon.
Meanwhile, at Bryant's house:
Bryant was geared up for school early. He wanted to see what was the issue with Diamond, and why she kept dodging him.
Bryant: (Text to Diamond's Phone) Yo, you good?
No response. He'd been left on seen.
Bryant: (Text) Yo, hello?
Still no response.
Amanda: Bryant! Time for school!
Bryant: Coming, Ma!
Bryant grabbed his bag and walked out the door. He made it just in time for the bus.
Robert: Hey, you early today!
Robert was waiting for him in the very back of the bus. Lots of the students on the bus waved and nodded at Bryant as he went to the back.
Bryant: Yeah, you heard from Diamond at all?
Robert: Oh, not since the party. Like she been dodging or something.
Bryant: Yeah, I know. She left me on seen today.
Robert: You think we should look for her at school?
Bryant: I've been trying.
Robert: Couldn't hurt to try one more time.
The bus made it to school, and the boys grabbed some cereal and fruit cups out of the line and went to look for Diamond. They saw Briana, Niyah, and Precious, but no Diamond. Hell, they couldn't even find Diamond's best friend, Jayla.
Bryant: Well, seems shes not here. Again.
Robert: Yep.
Aurora walked into the school with a few bodyguards accompanying her.
Aurora: Okay, you may leave now.
They simply went outside the school and waited. Dominic walked up to Aurora again.
Dominic: Hey, good to see you again!
Aurora: Oh, you too!
While they chatted up, Bryant walked over to them, with Robert following slowly behind.
Bryant: Hey, you two, have either of you seen Diamond?
Dominic: That one rich girl?
Aurora: The one with all that curly hair?
Bryant: Yes.
Dominic: Oh, nope.
Aurora: I haven't seen her either....
Bryant: Damn it.
Robert: Well, maybe we might run into her at lunch.
Meanwhile, Demetrius walked into the school, heading to the cafeteria.
Bryant: Yo, Demetrius!
Demetrius: What...?
Bryant: You seen Diamond anywhere?
Demetrius: Nope.
Bryant: Ugh.
Demetrius went back to his trademark left corner table, and sat by himself. At this point, Jayla walked into the cafeteria.
Bryant: Jayla!
Jayla: Oh, hey football.
Bryant: Jayla, please. I need your help. Where is Diamond?
Jayla: Oh, she's sick. Can't come in today.
Bryant: Oh, well can you at least tell her to text me back?
Jayla looked him up and down.
Jayla: Sure.
She then walked over to hang with Niyah and Precious, but she gave a slight glance at Demetrius.
Robert: Well, she ain't here so...how about you relax until school is over?
Bryant: I guess.
As classes began, Demetrius went through most his same old periods without much trouble. PE and Art however....
Aurora: Hey, guys!
Dominic: Hey, tryna run some more basketball?
Aurora: Yeah, of course!
Seemed simple enough, but Jayla was in the gym for some reason, skipping class because this wasn't her period. She kept her eyes on the basketball game. Demetrius noticed this, and kept it as a thought, just in case.
Demetrius: (To himself) Noted.
The next period, Art, seemed okay, but Briana wasn't wearing pants this time. When Demetrius saw her knee, it didn't seem too bad, but he wondered if the swelling had time to heal.
Briana: How's my project, Ms. Roberts?
The teacher came and took a look.
Ms. Roberts: I like it! Very...unique!
They were supposed to try and make a building out of clay, but she made some deformed lump that couldn't even be called a structure, much less a building. Granted, Demetrius's own wasn't perfect.
Briana: Thank you!
She leaned back and had a bit of a smug smile. The teacher decided to make an announcement.
Ms. Roberts: So, you all know our field trip is in two days, so today and tomorrow, I'll be having you with a group, and you'll make a group project to display at the museum.
Some kids seemed excited at this, but Demetrius had no interest in working with a group.
Kid: Do we get to pick our groups?
Ms. Roberts: Oh, I will be picking them, so everyone has a group.
Kid: Okay...
Grant Calison, a freshman with a big mouth. Demetrius hoped he wouldn't be paired with—-
Ms. Roberts: And our first team is: Grant, Briana, and Demetrius!
Sigh.
Meanwhile, in a warehouse:
Knightbird is seen walking into an abandoned warehouse. When she enters, all there lies is darkness, but she can make out a figure sitting at a desk, masked and armored.
"Boss": I see you've finally come.
Knightbird: Of course! Had to handle things on the way though.
"Boss": The vigilante. Why is he still alive?
Knightbird: We haven't found him just yet. He's been mostly quiet lately, but someone said they spotted him fighting some low-level gang members.
"Boss": The plan. Keep going through with the plan. I've already had to punish two for their failure, and the vigilante has executed the third.
Knightbird: Yes, sir. If I may, does that mean you will take care of the vigilante issue?
"Boss": Oh don't worry, I will.
END OF CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR.