"It's insane! Like, everything looks so smooth and calm to customers, but it's actually one huge battlefield in the back!" Free speaks his frustration out to Don who would have never guess answering this call forced him listen this young mans jeremiad about some of the work tasks they had made him do in the hotel. Kid has definitely found his usual spirit back, crying his heart out. "And the main kitchen! You don't wanna go there. We went drop something there and suddenly I was washing dishes! They make you do things without a warning. Escort customers. Bring them drinks. Take out the trash. It's impossible do it all at once!"
Apparenty the reality behind the hospitality industry has really opened this kids eyes, making him this bewildered. "They pay you. Didn't you say you are known to do anything for the money?" Don teases, smiling, couldn't decide should he be glad from this reality hit or annoyed that he has to listen this whining. There was a reason why Don himself avoid public entertainment places and people who visited or worked in such. Because they were definitely living in very different world than him.
"Yeah if the prize is worth it! I made more money by selling my ass," Free tsihs back. He felt physically so tired, like he has just spend a whole night training with Taro, but still his mind was full awake, no way to catch any sleep any time soon.
Don just hums back. He knew to keep his calm and be supportive when it was needed. Overall he was very happy to hear from the kid himself what was going on rather than follow his tracks from the shadows. So instead of scolding Aki from being so unprofessional at the moment, he let him continue. This wasn't Don being his Boss who kid was reporting to, but his guardian who he kind of has all the right to unleash his feelings to just because.
After days of learning and running around the hotel, Free was now welcoming customers inside the Vip area and entertaining them until they would move forward. It was just a normal assistant work, with a little twist. Bringing party items to ravers was also part of his job, where he get most of his payment from.
With his looks and talking skills Free became very popular among the customers and the staff members. There were multiple female entertainers too, keeping company with the customers. But that was it. Parting and mild drug using. Staff girls weren't there to sell their bodies other than for the show. Tony has even warned Free not to play with the male customers even if they would try to buy his company. Here such was totally forbidden.
Overall the business looked all clean. Just entertaining. That was probably the reason Tony got his hotels nightlife so fully booked evening after evening. Or Manuels hotel. It was a long clear Tony was the one making the business bloom in this very hotel, when Manuel run the other two hotels. They hardly ever saw Manuel in, only during the weekends. Things weren't like this before, apparently. What Free has heard from the staff members, Manuel originally had a partner, running all three hotels together, but after his suicide the remain owner made Tony the one in charge here. No wonder police was still interested. When a money maker does so called suicide it's immediately a red flag.
It was friday night. Frees third week in doing this job, slowly getting used to the nightlife in here. The hotels dancing area was full, there were long lines in front of the bar counters. People having their fun down there. Free himself was currently standing up in the managers vip room, looking down the afrea below them from through the glass wall. This was the first time Manuel and Tony have brought him in here, after suffesting young man to join them for a drink after his main shift ending. And since it was such a rare opportunity so far, Free didn't see a reason to refuse.
"Free, honey, come sit with us," a woman called Diandra laughs then and waves to the young man back to join them. Free turns his eyes on her and takes his service smile on. Tony and Manuel were sitting and chatting at this huge sitting area. There were two other customers with them, a large muscular man and this very woman. Close friends with Manuel if Free has understood right. At least they were very important enough to get Manuels interest here. That man usually hang out with women rather than with his business partner or actual friends. Them they could see during the daytimes.
Taking his beer with him, Free walks back and sits next to woman, crossing his legs. "It's pretty crowded down there," he smiles. "I'm kinda surprised. Not that I didn't believe your parties were popular. But still." He meant his words to Tony.
Tony tsihs back, smiling. "I just give people what they want. A place to have their fun."
"Have you ever tried it?" Diandra then asks, having this very sly smile on her. "Partying?"
"Partying?" Free repeats, kind of already knowing what woman was after.
She hums. "Yeah. Tony mentioned you are a dealer. Have you ever tried it yourself? Bet you have."
"Actually no," young man answers straight, glancing Tony annoyed. Man has been very talkative behind his back. "Mixing work with pleasure will only mess everything. I rather get money from it than spend money to it."
"Oh, how mature," Diandra laughs teasingly. "A true business boy."
Even Tony was thrilled from young mans spicy answer. "Don't try to play with him, Dia. It's his sure and strict way to do business what got my interest. Can't shake that mind," man says, not lowing his stare from the youngest. "I didn't took him in out of impulse."
"He's a nice add to our group. Everything's went just smootly the recent weeks," Manuel points out, raising his glass. "Also, this kid is a huge chick magnet. I swear, we have more young women in here than ever. They come to see our cute superstar."
"Would that be enough of me? It's embarrassing," Free tsihs and takes a gulp from his beer, trying to change the subject. Sure, he has always been awesome with what he does, but he has to admit his 'sure and strict' way to work he has learnt from Don. Not letting his targets know too much about him while trying to rip every little thing out of them was part of being strict. He should be a bystander here, not everyones eye candy. But guess he has failed badly with that.
"Now there was a shy boy under that sure smile," Manuel smirks. "Can't take a compliment?"
"Just too sick of hearing how awesome I am," Free clears out while taking more relaxing pose, wearing this very self-satisfied smile. "And I am not part of your group. Just passing by. Be sure to miss me when I'm gone. I will take those chicks with me."
"It is good to know your own strenghts," this big man suddenly speaks out, smiling. His voice was very deep. Foreign accent, which Free rarely hear. But still very friendly, like. "But the higher you climb the harder you can fall."
Men around them start laughing, amused from mans sudden life lesson what came from no where. But young man doesn't let that comment roil him. Instead he gives man very seducing look, slowly drinking from his glass. "Ghosts like me don't fall. We float."
Manuels phone ringing interrupts this amusing word battle. After checking who was calling him, man waves his hand as an apology and answers. "Yeah. Yeah, I'll be there," he ends the call and gets up. "My guests have arrived." Then looks at Free. "If you don't have any plans now, care to join me. Put your looks and that sharp tongue in good use." Without waiting an answer, Manuel starts to walk toward the stairs.
"Sure. You are the one paying," Free drinks fastly the rest of his beer, stands up, and politely bows to their guests. Changing his character, acting like a humble servant. He takes a gently hold of Diandras hand and kisses it. "Thank you for your lovely company." While he straightens his back, Free looks at the man next to her. "I hope to see you using our services again. Good night," after purposely touching mans shoulder with his fingers, Free follows Manuel and leaves.
When they were gone, Diandra couldn't but let her hype mood out. "Where did you find him? I can't get enough of his face," she awes.
Tony tsihs. Turning his look back on her. "Oh, you know me. I gather only the bests around me. And lose the bad apples on my way."
- - - -
"Now if that was all my assistant can escort you out," Tony lows the papers down on his table while showing polite smile to the cop who was sitting across him. Man waves to the young man who was standing behind the glass door, showing a hand gesture him to get in, clearing their meeting was over.
When during the nights Free has been working as a host trainee, entertaining vip guests, his day time he currently spend as an errand boy for the staff members in the hotel. And for Tony. After working weeks in here, he has been able to successfully become like one of the actual employees. Like always, when he couldn't just blend in unnoticedly, he should blend in as showy way as possible. And that he has done.
After getting his permission, Free opens the door and gets in, showing his usual smile to the cop while not being able to move his eyes away from him anymore. Don stands up and meets with his intent glance, admiring the outfit young man was wearing. A dark suit which was weared very informally, no tie, most of the top buttons open and shirt outside the trousers. Still looking as good as always.
"If there is anything else you need we are willing to help. I will make time," Tony adds and walks on the other side of the table to shake Dons hand.
Calmly answering that shake, Don politely nods. "Thank you. We appreciate you being this cooperative. And patient."
Tony hums. "As long as you help us keep this low from public eyes."
"Of course," cop sures, was about to make his leave but turns around again. "Right. I would like to have the camera records from that day, before and after."
"Didn't we give you guys everything already?"
"I would like to have them to myself personally. If it's not too much of a trouble?"
Thinking that would be just pointless, Tony sighs out but doesn't really have a reason to decline. "Of course not. I will set it ready for you as soon as possible."
Looking satisfied now, Don hums back. "Good. Thank you for your time." He turns to look at Free who was calmly standing on the doorway, still waiting.
"Sir," now when cop was finally ready to take his leave, Free opens the door to him, standing side to give man some space to walk past him. When they both have stepped out, younger closes the door and shows the way back to the elevators. "Please follow me."
They walk in with a silence, Free calling the floor. Noticing Dons obvious stare, but trying his best to ignore it, Free clears his throat before speaking. "Shall I book an appointment for you right away or will you get back to us?" now he turns his face to meet with Dons eyes. Smiling.
"I will contact you later," Don answers with a smile. Hearing this young man speaking so politely and modestly felt very fresh. But that smile on his lips was as sneaky as ever. It was clear Free took these unplanned meetings with his Boss in the middle of his cover very distracting. At least so distracting he unintentionally showed his inner feelings out, when he should have act neutral toward their guest. But so far, he knew when to behave and when to loose a little.
"What suits you the best. Sir," Free says, not dropping his stare until he needs to turn his face forward to walk out the now open door. Both of them keep their act, younger properly seeing Don all the way to the front doors. "Thank you for your time."
"I'll see you later," Don gives this one last smile and takes his leave, without looking back anymore.
Free stood still until man has totally vanished from his sight. The smile was a long gone again. Like dropping back to reality, he turns around and starts heading back. He himself couldn't just leave like that when his other Boss here could still have something for him to do. When everything was done here, he will go straight back to his apartment and call Don, no matter the time. This short sudden reunion wasn't enough. That cop dared to show up here again without Free knowing. Making him almost lose his focus.
Free would make Don pay for that. Make him treat a meal or something. He wants a day off, have a change to talk with Don more. Because that connection was important. To keep his fighting spirit up.
- - - -
Tony was clearly in a bad mood when Free went back to the office where the meeting was hold. Having this very pissed off look on him, man was gathering some papers while eyeing the monitor next to him. When young man walks casually in, Tony speaks out. "You know why I hate cops?"
Smiling, Free snorts and leans on the back of the nearest couch, not hiding his amusement. "Who wouldn't hate them," he says back. This sudden question was a deal maker to Free. He should try and make Tony talk more if man was now about to weep his bad mood out. Milk everything out. Make the man trust him more.
Man glances back once, keeping his calm even though it was visible clear he was feeling very riled. "I hate them because sometimes you come across the kinds like him. You can't buy them with acting. So you have to play with them a while and give them what they want them to finally back off. And that's the same as wasting time."
Wasn't that like admitting straight there was someone snooping around your backyard when you have hide something there? Feeling now afraid them finding it? This man here was definitely hiding something. "You really should talk like that in front of me?" Free boldly tsihs, showing his sneaky smile. Not that it was smart to tease the guy here but Free definitely should not pretend not interested either. His arrogance was part of him, what he wasn't afraid to show. How he couldn't point out facts what were awfully crystal clear to see. "It's pretty obvious, you know. What ever he's searching you have something to do with it?"
To that Tony answers with more calmer look, even smiling a little. "Don't get me wrong now. You don't know how stressful it is to try and keep this place running with cops walking constantly in and out," man states back while walking closer. "They opened a case what was already dumped. I dealed a lot to not let that effect our reputation then. Still do."
Fair enough. Man might actually mean exactly that. Indeed cops weren't good for their grey business. It wasn't good for Free and his dealing business either. These guys wouldn't use him anymore if they were too under the eye. "If you say so. Must be my imagination then. Sorry about that, " Free smiles.
Tony hums. And moves his hand on the back of the couch, next to Free, leaning his face closer to others. "I do like how straight you are. Obedient..," he says and takes a gently hold of Frees chin, but young man severs that touch immediately by moving his face to side. That dodging move only incite the man more. "And still so uncontrollable. Money is all you like." Now Tony fastly moves his knee between Frees legs and pushs against his croths, making the younger breathe loudly out and raise his hand up against mans chest, to keep him from coming any closer. "So you are purchasable. Name your prize."
Keeping his calm, Free makes Tony move his leg away. "What I hate is making things complicated. Letting my Boss screw me will be a complicated thing," he whispers, smiling, still keeping his hand as his shield. "Agree?"
Now it was Tonys time to smile. This arrogant brat dared to refuse his good offer here. And even make a reasonable point. Playing smart. Accepting his lost, Tony straightens his pose, giving Free some space to do so too. "What a teaser," man smirks, fixing young mans collar before turning and heading back to his desk. "Go to the control room and ask the documents, bring them back here. The guy in knows which. You know where it is?"
"The third floor. I get it," Free answers, sighing quietly out. Lucky for him Tony was a reasonable person. Many others would have just done as their want and force him. Even after Free has been working out lately, that didn't change the fact he was smaller than Tony, was physically inferior. And of course they would have been totally done here after if Tony had chosen to act differently. Free was more useful to keep than lose after a whim.
Tony hums. Showing his normal confident smile. "After you are done, you can go."
- - - -
The third floor where the security room also located hold most of the hotels standard rooms, like single and double room types. The rooms above were more luxurious and the access in only available with right keycards, so even Free hasn't been there that many times simple because he had no business there. This floor was like the second heart of the hotel right after the restaurant; it has this huge lounge with sitting areas and nice city views guests to enjoy. It was usually full of life in the middle of the day, people taking their rest here before moving on.
This day wasn't an expection. To get to the corridor where the control room was Free has to walk through that area. Holding his customer service smile on, he politely greets the guests he walk past while trying to sure which way to take. He has never been in that actual staff members only -area, but it shouldn't be that hard to find. And after wandering awhile, he manages to find the right door. Behind that were more corridors, with more moderate interior design used than the rest of the hotel. Walls were more light colored here, just like on the room areas there were multiple doors in different control rooms like.
Luckily there were some staffs near who, after confirming Free has a real reason to be here in the first place by making him show his staff badge which was hanging around his neck, lead him to the right direction. And he shortly finds the right door with The Security Control written above it on the small sign. The door was slightly open, but there was no one in. Just multiple open monitors on this wide desk, some folders hanging on the shelf.. The halfly drank soda pop and snacks next to the keyboard cleared someone's been in here not that long ago.
Thinking it would be inappropriate just walk in, Free makes a call. "There is no one in."
"They might be on their break. Wait there. I will contact them," Tony notes. "If it takes too long, just leave."
Free hums and ends the call. And boldly steps inside the control room. The main screen was on, a familiar looking X desktop with dark wallpaper was full of differently named file icons. Compared to Luors box and the high class equipments, the computers here looked somehow very basic. The monitor on the left was showing some camera views from the hotel. Free could see the main lobby. The restaurant. Even some views from the vip dancing area which was currently empty, cleaning in progress.
Feeling lazy from running here and there all day, Free decides to sit down to wait. Since he was told to wait here, that's what he plan to do. Make himself comfortable. "Isn't this pretty outdated.. You guys have money, why don't get better equipments?" he wonders out loud while eyeing the monitors.
In a way Free actually could imagine very well why they were using old-style video monitoring in a classy hotel like this. The newer reg it was, the bigger possibility to hiden background files were. Older softwares were simple, working manually inside the building, offline. If you were running a hotel with drug parties, you wanted to be extra careful. The unwanted recordings should be erasable fast and easy. Without any marks.
Or something like that. Realizing he was clearly trying to act like Don and analyse what he was seeing made Frees lips turn to wide smile. That really sounded something what that cop would immediately do if he was here right now. Free himself was more straightforward. Rather than thinking too deeply why there was something, he simple wanted to know what there was.
Glancing once behind him and then back to the desktop full of different files, the curiosity in him wins. It shouldn't be that serious if he peeks a little. The door was open and the one walking in simple happened to be too curious and impatient person. He get bored of waiting and couldn't help himself.
Free hums and with that excuse gives himself a permission to check out what all these guys have here. After opening one of the files he starts scanning on his own. Most of the files were simple records with days. There were video files all the way back to last year. Nothing too interesting Free to actually open. Until he finds some files from a different drive. There were multiple folders for so called cutted files. That took his interest.
Choosing randomly from one of the files, Free checks out a few clips. As assumed, the first one showed someones having sex in one of the hotel corridors. And they surely weren't holding back. Seeing that made Free blush a little, him needing to close the clip after a few second. "Aren't they bold..," young man clears his throat. He could act all wild himself but watching someone else doing it was different. So he keeps going, to the next clips. There were more obscene videos. But most of the clips were about fightings, or too drunk or drugged people trying to get in their rooms. One man was making a big scene and throwing bottles toward the staff members. This kind of clips Free was expecting, even when he himself hasn't ever witness such while working here. Some of the clips must be very old.
But what Free randomly clicks next was unexpected.
What he saw felt like it wasn't real, leaving his body very stiffen. The clip was so sudden he couldn't process what he just saw. Hesitating, he plays the repeat button to start the video over.
There was a hotel room. No sounds. People were yelling. Gun was pulled out. The familiar looking man pointing the gun to other. Shot. Woman looked like screaming. Another shot. Another person waves his hand. And the clip ends. And starts over.
Free was staring the scene, eyes wide open. The clip starting over and over again. Standing slowly up, young man loses the hold of the mouse and takes one step away, almost falling down, forcing his shaking legs to move. He didn't want to see this. He was not supposed to see something like this.
Why he could see something like this here in the first place?!
Shock. Free could see movement on his right. Someone was suddenly next to him. Leaning closer to close the clip. Younger turns slowly his shocked eyes on the older man next to him.
"Now that is something you were not meant to see," low voice talks. "It's naughty to peek anothers collections.."
This whole situation didn't feel real. Everything in him tells him to run. Run. Just run. But at the same time he tried to keep himself still. He must survive. Not overreact now. This was nothing. Nothing. That was what he tried to stick with, not letting himself panic. But the fear he felt was too overwhelming. This. Was. A deal-breaker.
Without a hesitation, Free pushs himself to move and runs out the room, leaving the man behind him. He should run. And he runs. Straight toward the closest emergency stairs. If he could make it to the lobby he was save. No one would make a scene in public and he could just walk away. Trying to calm his beating heart while jumping down the stairs, Free was suring himself there was no way that man could call someone after him that fast. The odds were in his favour. He will get out of here. Tell Don all about this. He has just accidentally seen someone been murdered here. By the man he could identify.
But those thoughts shatter to pieces when Free has to stop in the middle of the staircase. Two guards were down there, already waiting, guns pointed toward him. The second floor door what past Free just ran opens and more guards runs behind him, blocking the way back.
The dizzyness came from nowhere. Free breathes in and out and finally leans his back to the wall behind him, visibly giving up of running. Trying to understand the situation here, Free calms his mind, looking guards walking closer. Everything happened so fast that Free couldn't keep up. Non idea what to do next come out. He felt empty. Distant. Like he was in a dream he couldn't wake up from.
Whatta hell just happened..?
- - - -
The door opens, letting some light come in this dark storeroom where the guards had lock Free in. Tony walks in, eyes locked on the young man who was now sitting on the floor, hands tied up to the pile with handcuffs. Kid has a bleeding cut on his left eyebrow, outcome from the moment he tried to escape when one of the guards throw him down on the floor. A swallen lower lip came from the hits after. But still he was wearing fearless look. Coldly staring the man who now crouches down in front of him, sighing deeply out.
They didn't say a word at first. Until Free puts a smile on his lips. "No wonder you feel so stressed," he mocks fearlessly. If something, he should act as cocky as ever. Never show fear. That was the only thing Free could lean on. Without breaking apart here. What ever happens now, at least he would keep his fighting spirit till the end.
Tony doesn't speak a word back. But finally gets up, turning his back while giving orders to his men. "Take him. We are moving him out."
- - - -
The nightclub was full of customers having their fun on this friday night, just like during every friday night here. One of them was sitting in his regular lodge with some young women around him. They were laughing, talking, having their fun. No idea there were multiple eyes following them.
"Good evening, ladies," this man wearing a dark windbreaker stops in front of the table, showing his charming smile. "Would you mind and take your leave now. I have something to talk with this very centleman here." Even when he point his words to these women, his eyes were locked on the guy sitting in the middle of them.
Isa stares the man with an angry look, definitely didn't like this interference. To him, no matter the reasons this random mans sudden request was insulting. "Ha? What is this? Who you think you are?"
Women were looking the man and these three others who were standing near around them, thinking it was better to listen and leave than get involved with what ever this was. These guys weren't here to party. "S-sure," one of the girls says and gets up, showing a gesture others to follow her. They all leave and after they were gone man sits down, leaning his arms on his knees.
"Who are you guys?" Isa gives a laugh after noting these men were really staying. So he settles for the sudden situation for now. "Sure know how to ruin all the fun."
"Before I know how cooperative you are, who I am doesn't really matter," Don states out with a very impassive voice. His smile was gone the moment girls left. "Isa Miller. I'm here to make a deal."
"A deal?" man snorts, still trying to figure out who these guys were. "I don't remember getting enemies recently. Your name would actually help to remind me."
But Don ignores his request. His mood at the moment wasn't the best to deal nothing but direct talk. "I'm in a rush so if you don't mind I will go straight to the point. Be aware the people around us are mine and no one else can hear us talking. So what ever you say stays with me and them."
More nonsense? Isa was close to lose his patient. "What? You trying to-" "I know what happened in Manuel Orvions hotel," Don interrupts. And doesn't stop there. But forces the guy in front of him lose his attitude and get serious. Since he wasn't joking here. "Prolly you were just a bystander who kept your silence. Or if you were the one who shot, this is your change to turn the tables."
Isas look changes. Now he was sincerely confused. "What?"
"I have Manuels hotel surrounted. Men waiting still. You all three have a call in until I know what really happened there," man calmly keeps, not lowing his intent stare. "Manuel, the one who owns the hotel, you who was in the scene and Tony Maren, the possible shooter. You don't have a way walk away from this. But you have a way to impact what will happen to you. Right here. Right now."
They were cops? Isa snorts, but lows his smile the very next second. He was in deep shit right now. Understanding he should probably call his lawyer rather than speak here, he remain silent.
Mans reaction was enough to clear he knew exactly about what Don was talking about. And wasn't denying it from the spot. "I need you to speak out now so I can make my next move. You are close friends with Tony, right?"
"I haven't seen that maniac for a long time! What ever you are talking about has nothing to do with me!" Isa tsihs, annoyed.
Don hums. "Yeah, I will accuse you of perjury, after giving a false testimony about what happened that evening in the hotel. You have intentionally mislead a murder investigation by lying, protecting your friend. I have evidence you were in. If you want to avoid that, you should drop the bullshit now. Do you understand?"
Isa was simple staring back at Don, abashed of what was going on, too confused to talk still.
"You have a way to contact Tony? You have done businesses with him earlier," Don leans back. "My kid went missing two days ago. He was with Tony at the time."
"..Kid?"
"Oh, I know you know him. Know what you did to him," leaning a little bit closer, Don shows this sudden smile. But Isa could swear mans eyes were full of repressed anger. "That I can forgive you. But if I can't make you help me here you are just dead meat to me. And there will not be any kind of deal after this. Understand?"
- - - -
Free opens his eyes and turns to lie on his back, staring the stony ceiling. He had lost the pass of time already while been forced to stay here in this windowless room who knows how long, just seeing nothing but some cleaning tools and huge sink around him. The only source of slight light here was the small green light above the door where he came in. Two men had escort him in to the car in the hotels basement floor where the vips parking area was. They brought him here, where ever this was. Free was down the whole drive so he couldn't see a thing during. After throwing him in this room men were gone, Free still having the handcuffs on.
The first few hours in here he had spend calming his mind. Preparing himself to worst. Thinking he probably was going to die here. There was no way Tony would let him live, unless Free will became his henchman or worse. That's how they did things in gangs. Free even thought the possibility they might sell him, since his looks were really like a curse. Pretty boys were wanted. For reason and other.
But he still has hope, right? He was alive. They could have killed him right away after bringing him in. Tony didn't seem to be nothing like the man he saw in that video. Been able to kill someone that coldly. Could he still talk himself out of this? Or at least pay some time. Don has noticed, right? The moment they closed his phone in the hotel.. When he hasn't come back to his apartment.. Free was sure about it. He should just keep fighting. Patiently wait.
But waiting the change to act the time went by. Free has nothing else to do than sleep. He hasn't been eating or drinking anything for awhile. There was no running water either. The thirst was the worst. And because of that he had no strength left. Only felt to sleep.
Hours went by. Free had fallen a sleep once again, now eyeing the same grey wall next to him. His mind was so empty after going through what happened. Over and over again. He would not be in this mess if the people in charge would have just deleted the files for good like they were supposed to. If cops would have done their jobs right from the beginning and investigated properly they would have found out everything already. Free was desperate. Trying to find something to get mad at. Blame someone else than himself. He didn't want to die just because of his own stupid mistake.
Someone opens the door. Even when Free could clearly hear it, he doesn't move a bit, but was lying on the floor, still keeping his eyes closed. He couldn't move when his mind was also so numb, only hoping that door would shut again so he could keep sleeping. What ever was behind that door was more dangerous than lying here.
But without a break a man pulls Free lightly up, forcing him stand on his own feet. "Move," guard says and pushs Free to walk, almost making him fall back down. Light from out hurt his eyes. Raising his hand to take a hold of the wall at the doorway he walks slowly out the room and where the man leads him. Since his legs felt numb, it was very hard to walk at first, but the pushs man kept giving force him to fast his steps anyway.
This wasn't a normal house. But some kind of industrial building. The brick walls here were like inside that room where Free just came from. Huge tubes covered the ceiling. There were instructional lights only above the doors they pass by, making the whole area very dark. What ever this place was was either out of order at the moment or totally shut down. No working sounds in here what so ever.
They eventually come to the corridor with a slightly open door on their right, letting some white light out. It looked like a break room, with a small kitchen sink area, fridge, a table with chairs and this small TV in one corner. Compared the whole other area around them, this room was cosy. Because of that, seeing Tony sitting at the table didn't even bother Free at all. He was just starting to think being glad to get out of that room.
Man pushs Free in and immediately closes the door. Being able to keep himself standing so so, Free gives annoyed look toward the door behind him before turning his eyes on Tony. Showing honestly out how uneasy he felt, Free doesn't even blink. But gives man his usual cocky attitude.
"Please sit down," Tony then calmly says.
"Please?" Free repeats with hoarse voice, snorting. He barely had a voice to speak, but he surely wasn't holding back his irritated tone.
But Tony doesn't let young mans attitude bother him, but stays quietly waiting him obey. And since it was clear Free could do nothing but exactly that, he walks slowly closer and sits down, across from Tony. Man hands an energy drink to Free who immediately grabs the can, opens it with weak fingers and drinks greedily. If Free was about to die here and now, this was the best last drink possible. After drinking a little he starts to cough. His mouth and throat were so dry drinking this kind of sugar drinks only hurt but it still didn't matter. He drinks more.
"We have an unfortune situation here what we have to solve somehow, now do we, Free," Tony sighs, still eyeing the younger who now places the tin can on the table, coughing.
"Ain't it easy. Just let me go," young man points out quietly.
"How letting you go would help me at all..," Tony smirks. He was awfully calm even when he was filled with stress. Something unexpected has happened and he hasn't still figured out a right way to deal with it.
Free tsihs, raising his eyes and meeting with mans glance. Since Tony seem to be as he always was, Free plan to do so too. Talk his way out of this. He hasn't blow his cover, but saw something he was not supposed to. He should use the trust he has build between them. Use anything to just get out of here. "Who I would tell a shit? Who would listen to me? Just let me go and I will vanish. I don't want to die here.."
"What to do with you is what I have tried to think over these past two days," Tony admits, sighing out once again. "I don't like the idea having to kill you either, you know.."
Frees eyes went wider. Then he realizes something. "How long I have been here?" younger asks surprised.
"About fifty hours..," man confirms, looking quite frustrated suddenly. "I thought they would have give you at least something to drink, but looks like they kept you in that room the whole time." Tony surely didn't plan to keep this kid under those circumstances this long, but couldn't do anything about it now. He wasn't the kind to torture someone just because they saw something they weren't supposed to see. Offering a drink now was the least he could do. The rest comes later.
Frees lips turn to wide smile. He's been here that long? Now that would be very bad.. to this man sitting in front of him. Laughing silently, Free drops his strong act, giving Tony a very sorry look. "Then.. I'm sorry but I think it really doesn't matter anymore what you plan to do," he whispers. "When he finds you, he'll not forgive you." If two days have past without Don knowing where he was, Free could definitely tell what Don would do. Without caring anymore what will even happen to himself, Free only wish Don would make this one pay..
Tony look became more surprised. He didn't really understand what Free was talking about here. Just when he was about to open his mouth, the loud clang sound could be heard from the other side of the door, on the corridor. Before having time to give it any more thought, Tonys phone rings.
Looking back to Free, Tony searchs his phone. It was Manuels number. He really didn't have time to this guy now but since it could be about work, he has no choice but answer. "What? I'm in the middle of something. Make it quick."
"The cops are in," Manuel says with a very worried voice. "They are looking for you."
Tony hums, thinking it must be just the investigator who has been bothering him lately. "Is it the one before?"
"There is a whole group, took over the hotel. I just got a call from in."
"What?" Tony stands up.
"They have an APB on you. Are there to arrest you. Where are you?"
Tonys facial expression changes. He was visibly more confused now. "Why? How they.."
Suddenly the other phone on his pocket starts to ring. Growing very irritated now, man digs it out and couldn't feel anymore puzzled. All of a sudden Isa was calling. They agreed to cut their friendship. Why this man was suddenly calling him? Afraid this might have something to do with what was happening in the hotel, he felt like he should answer. "I'll get back to you," Tony says to Manuel, ends the call and answers the other. "What do you want? This is not a good time."
"But you said you will make time for me. And now it's the best time for you," other man than Isa was speaking on the phone.
Being dumbfounded, Tony couldn't first find words to speak out. "Who.. is this?"
"Don Palenne. We have met," Don answers straight. "Leave the bullshit, here's my deal. I know where you are and I'm coming to meet you face to face. Now how I'm going to come in depends on how you will answer my next questions. You understand?"
Why that cop was calling him now? And from Isas phone?? Non of this didn't make any sense. "What is this all about?"
"Your buddy just called you, right? I'm sure you know already. No need to play dumb," staying still awfully calm, Don kept his voice neutral. He wouldn't get anything out of this guy if he lets his own inner thoughts out. There was only one thing he wanted to know right now and was very willing to do anything to find that out. "Calm down. Take your time. Just face the fact you get caught and will be arrested sooner or later. How ever, that is not why I'm calling you now. Just answer me this. Is the kid still with you?"
Tony turns his shocked look toward Free. Silence.
Since man doesn't say anything, Don continues. "If he is not alive then we are not making any deals and I will fucking kill you," now Don was close to lose his patient. "If he is alive I would like to talk to him. Is that okay? You can put the call on speaker mode, I don't mind. Or, if he is not with you, take the phone to him. Which way is it?"
Not been able to speak from the shock, Tony couldn't but stare the young man, the anxiety growing inside him. This was real. He might be in deep problems. While man was trying to add everything together and figure out what really was going on, Free speaks out. "Is it Don?" he asks calmly, not a bit of life in his eyes anymore. Man staring at him like that the one calling must be Don. Did he find him already? Could he go back home now? Could he see Don now? Was this all over now?
"Better hurry before I lose my patience," Don sighs out, still waiting the answer here. "I have a very very bad temper right now.."
They knew each others? Showing a desperate smile, Tony finally lows the phone from his ear and sets the speaker on. Puts the phone on the table. Looking Free.
Free stares the screen and could see the call was still on. Was he allowed to talk to him? "Don..?"
"Are you all right?" Don asks then, giving a calming breathe out. Finally, after two days Don could confirm young man was still alive.
The weight from Frees shoulders fade away the moment he heard Dons voice. No matter what, Don was with him again. "Yeah. I am. I saw something I shouldn't have seen. That's why I'm here," Free explains calmly, almost breaking his voice, keeping an eye on Tony who has stiffen still. Looking pale. Shocked.
Don hums. And gets himself moving. "Lets get you out of there then," he states while stops his steps in front of the door. "Tony, it would be great if you can keep your calm now. I'm coming in."
With a creaking sound coming out, man opens the heavy door. That made Tony immediately drag his gun out, pointing it at Don who stops on the doorway, eyeing calmly back. Man lows the hand with a phone down with a very slow move, puts his golf club lean to the wall next to the door while turning his look to Free who was sitting still, looking back.
When their eyes met, Free lets out a silent sigh, feeling so relieved. But still confused after realizing Dons face was halfly covered on blood. So was his other hand. Was man injured? Was it serious?
Don turns his look on Tony again, making sure man wasn't thinking to use that gun, but only keeping it for his own protection. "Nice to meet you again," Don greets politely, showing his empty hands and finally walking toward Free. When he gets next to him, he leans down, immediately raising his hand to check the source of the blood of young mans face. His priorities were clear. Make sure kid was fine before facing the guy who was still pointing the gun at him. "They did a mess?"
"I tried to escape.. No big deal," Free answers quietly. He was so tired that he could act nothing but calm. Don being here made him even more calmer. "Are YOU okay? What is with the blood?"
"Don't ask," Don smiles, releasing his touch now. He takes the iron tool from his belt pocket and opens Frees handcuffs with a few simple moves. "I would appreciate if you didn't point that gun toward us," he speaks to Tony at the same time, not even turning his look at him. "That gun of yours will only make your situation worse. I'm unarmed and here to make a deal. Nothing more right now." After making sure Free was overall fine, he stands up and finally turns his eyes on Tony. "You want to sit down?"
Tony doesn't say anything.
"I will then," Don says and takes one chair from Tonys side, pulls it closer and sits next to Free, still showing his sure and calm attitude out. He didn't seem to be bothered at all been pointed with a gun. "Now we will wait until you are calm and won't do anything stupid. I came alone so we can talk. I'm not actually sitting here as a detective now. When you low your gun, we will talk."
Now Tony lets out a laugh, trying to hold his cool while looking both Free and the cop here. "Wow. I never saw this coming. You were together with cops?" man notes, doesn't low the gun. "You? A drug dealer?" His mind was in a mess. Still trying to process what was happening.
"There is no point think about that now. I'm here to give you two options what you can choose from," Don talks then. Without actually giving Tony time to think, he was planning to guide mans intents to the direction Don wanted, create the best outcome. People in shock were always leaning to the strongest in the room. "You either come with me now and face your crimes. Or I can give you a change to run."
"Run?"
"What I am going to do is walk out here with him. Both alive, unharmed. If you want and try to run away, let's say, one two three days, a week, I don't care. I will find you anyway," Don leans closer. "But that is the prize I'm willing to give you since you didn't harm him more. You understand? Looks like to me you are not really the killer type after all. So the last time was done by the heat of the moment?"
Tony didn't know what to say. So Don just keeps on. "If this all is coming too fast, let me clear this to you. Walk away. And run. I will come after you later. I came here for him. Not you."
"What are you playing here?" Tony asks, feeling now even more confused.
Don shows a wide smile out, letting his inner feelings out a little. "Not playing. I'm saying I'm letting you go so I won't rip you apart in front of him," he looks Tony with a calm stare. But his eyes glint. "Go."
That threat felt unreal, coming from someone who was supposed to be a police officer. But there was nothing here to stop him from leaving now. And that Tony wanted to do. Run. Think later. Staying here with these people was the least he wanted to do. Staring the man a while, then glancing Free once, Tony actually takes a step aside, closer to the door. Still pointing his gun toward Don who didn't move a muscle but kept his eyes locked on him.
Fastly, Tony walks out the door and lows the gun, planning to run. But what he could see next made him petrified. His two men were down on the floor. Dead. Blood on the walls. This unreal scene in front of him went clearer the more he stares. They weren't simple killed. They were slaughtered. His body react. He was about to throw up.
This was not done by the normal cop. No, that man was not a cop! Tony hides his mouth and steps past the scene, trying to not look more. Then he runs.
Keeping his eyes on the door, Don was still sitting still. Waiting. Suring that man would go all the way out and not come back.
"Don..?" Free dares to speak. But Don moves his hand slightly up to give him a note to still keep his silence, which younger immediately does.
Then Dons phone rings. A very quiet beeping sound. He answers it. "We got him," Kiho speaks on the phone.
Don hums and finally gets relaxed enough to move. "Thank you. I will take my kid to the doc now. They have everything under control in the hotel?"
"Looks like so. Milo reported they are currently moving the owner in. Your transporters here are leaving with the suspect too. Is your kid okay?"
"He is," Don keeps a small silence, before he continues. "I made a mess in. I'm sorry, but can you take care of it?" he admits smiling, then ends the call after the calm answer from Kiho, turning his eyes on Free. "You don't look fine," he announces. Free could see Dons whole appearance changing from calm to worried. Like until now man was indeed keeping his work mode on and dropping it down now. "Can you walk?"
"Have I really been here for two days?" Free sighs deeply and smiles tiredly. "They kept me in that room. And..," his mind felt like collapsing. He felt like crying.
"Aki," Don calls and raises his hand on Frees cheek. Using very gently but commanding tone in his voice. "I need you to be strong. Just a little longer. When you are ready we will move out. You did great keeping your calm until now. It's alright to let your feelings out. But just a little more. When I get you back to my car. Keep it in until that. Can you do that?" That was more like Don. Immediately taking a hold of Frees breaking mind, keeping it hold. Young man breathes in and out, noding. "Can you stand up?" older keeps.
Annoyed, Free stands shakenly up. He wasn't injured here. Just damn tired. "I can, I can."
Don walks to the door, grabs his golf club and turns back, meeting with youngers eyes again, giving a calming smile. "It's not pretty out there. So try not to look."
Free stares Don. And the bloody golf club on his hand. And just then he understood why Don was covered in blood. Because he fight his way here? How Free didn't care about it that much when Don got in? It wasn't Dons. Knowing that was enough. He was too tired to think further from that. But now.. Whose blood that was..?
Don pushs the door open and walks out, holding the door, looking Free. Free follows him, seeing immediately what Don meant earlier. His mind went blank. First not even able to understand what he was seeing. Then the strong denial. This was.. not done by Don, was it? The moment he actually realized what he was looking, only he could think was overwhelming fear.
The air smelled like iron. A little further, one of the guards was leaning against the wall. Another one was lying in the middle of the passage, one arm on unnatural position. There was no doubt bodies remain lifeless. Free turns his look back to the room and closes his eyes. He felt nauseous. His body couldn't stop shaking. He didn't want to see more.
"Hey..," Dons voice speaks out. And Free immediately turns his eyes on him. The fear he felt was indeed because of this man. But still his trust to Don keep him safe was stronger. "Eyes on me," man calmly adds, lending his hand. Free takes a hold of it, without a doubt. Squeezing as strongly as he could. Like the only strong hold Free could lean on right now to stop his body shaking was to listen to Don. Move. See only Don. With that thought, he follows the older man out, stepping over the body on the way. Looking just forward. Just Don.
When they walk out from the front doors to the fresh air, Free felt suddenly dizzy. His mind didn't want to process all this. Didn't want to remember any of this. "Don, I think I..," Don catchs Free when he was about to fall. Just like that, the young man pass out. Man holding him lets out a sigh and lifts him on his arms.
"It is quite interesting," man standing next to the doors says quietly. Don turns his look on Kiho. "The reactions he can make out of you."
Don doesn't say anything. Just turns and keeps walking toward his car.