Enhance: Chapter 13

“We’re gambling a lot on this aren’t we?” Yumi said as she narrowed her eyes.

She and Yumi were standing together on the rooftop. Feint was scanning the other rooftops around them while her eyes were trained on the trio of cars driving down the street clearing another checkpoint.

Inside the last car of the trio was their charge. Some kid, not even twenty. His voice most likely had just cracked and he did almost nonstop talking. His bodyguard didn’t seem to like the fact that they had to get outside help. Tough shit.

They needed to get the kid from this side of the city and through Vanguard territory. Somehow the Vanguard knew he was coming through and they knew that taking this kid would have big money attached. Hence why they needed a bit more street help to get the job done tonight.

Still since meeting their client Phase hated things from the jump. He didn’t like him for starters. He was a brat in her eyes and had bitched a lot since they met him. Yumi and Feint were on the same line of thinking as him.

“All we have to do is keep this kid safe for the night and then we get paid.” Yumi said and smiled. “Easy peasy.”

She shook her head, “I just don’t trust this. It’s giving me a bad vibe.”

“You worry too much.” Phase said from the ground. He was doing his best to keep up with their charge. He and Shade were on the ground making sure that just in case the eyes in the sky missed something, they had a second group around them.

“I worry just the right amount.” Feint said and continued to scan the rooftops as she started to move.

“How are you holding out Shade?” Yumi asked. “Sorry about your place.”

“I’ll manage. Nothing irreplaceable lost,” he shook his head and glanced at Phase who was tracking their neck check point. “And after this job I’m going Vanguard hunting.”

“After everything you’ve done for us we’ll help out,” Feint said softly and then paused. “Hold on. I think I see something.”

“Me too.” Phase said and stepped out onto the streets. He stared and looked through his mask. “Okay Mask. Zoom. As much as you can.” It didn’t go that far but it was close enough for him to see a line of parked cars in front of them. They didn’t seem to be occupied though. Scowling he tapped his mask and talked directly to the guards in the cars.  “Shit. Change routes. Now.”

He turned his gaze back toward the assembly line of cars behind them as they started to turn right. He was glad that they caught it ahead of time but seeing that put him on edge. “Spread out team.”

Shade nodded and started moving when something caught him off guard. He was standing in the alleyway trying to make sure that he heard it before they saw it.  A group of guys ran past him armed with assault rifles. They rushed into the streets not seeing him where he was and he swore to himself. When they had finally passed he touched his mask.

“Shit we’ve got company. Guys get down here.”

“What kind of company?” Yumi asked as she stood up and narrowed her eyes.

“The ‘shit we’ve got company’ kind.” Phase said as he ran to a corner and then called toward the convoy. “Stop and take cover! Things are about to get hot!”

They came out quickly raised their rifles and didn’t wait to pull the triggers. Bullets exploded out of the barrels, peppering the side of the car with lead. Feint and Yumi were about to jump out when Phase called out.

“Stay top. Me and Shade are going to flank them. Watch in case more show up.”

He dashed forward he let his body fizzle and almost instantly he was becoming see through. He dashed at the edge of the row of assailants and slammed his shoulder into one of them. Throwing them off balance he managed to take one of their guns from their hand.

Turning he threw the gun to Shade who cocked it and unleashed hell. He dropped maybe couple of them before they scattered. He got another in the back before they got behind cover. Wrapping the shadows around him he dashed backwards and got behind one of the cars. Phase rolled through the car and leaned down beside him.

The other three cars had tried to pull away but the car with the kid had its tires blown out from the gunfire. They had slid to a stop trying to group together and a few of the personal guards had come out. They fired back at them but they were pinned, enough of the Vanguard split between them all.

“How’d they know we were here?” Feint asked from the roof. Her mask was on night vision and she could see them in their positions. Most of them were reloading and looking over to try and get some shots off.

“They’re the Vanguard alright,” Shade said checking the magazine. “The streets talk and Rook’s way more connected than I gave him credit for.”

“Oh boy. What’s the plan?” Yumi asked getting to the edge of the roof. The sound of gunfire was rattling her in a good way.

“Take them down from behind.” Phase said as he stuck his head out for a moment. “I’ve got a distraction.”

Reaching out and grabbing the tire of the car he ripped off the rim. Standing he turned and whirled it straight at them. It arched around and Feint watched it as it smashed into a car door shattering the glass and they all ducked down.

It was enough to get their attention and Feint dropped down. She landed roughly but then turned intangible and lunged. She passed through a guy and turned, grabbing his shoulders and tossing him into two more.

Yumi dropped down beside her, landing on one gangster’s head. She crashed him into the ground and picked up a rifle before starting to shoot at some of the others. Shade surged forward and jumped grabbing someone around the waist. Tossing him into the ground he punched him quick in the throat and picked up his gun.

Phase stood slowly with narrowed eyes and then nodded. “That all of em?”

“Yeah.” Feint said and grabbed the collar of a guy’s shirt and dragged him forward.  Tossing him across the ground, he rolled into one of the cars and he grunted in pain. “Is this how it feels to do your thing all the time?” she asked Phase.

Phase hopped over the hood of the car and laughed, “Yeah it is.”  Landing in front of the guy he glared and went down. Putting his masked face into his he shoved his arm into his throat.

“Why were you here. Who tipped you off?” He growled and the guy looked like he wanted to spit into his face.

“Fuck you. I’m not telling you shit.” Phase smirked behind his mask. With a shake of his head he stood for a moment before kicking him rough in the ribs.  The guy’s back arched as he shouted in pain

“Feel like talking now?” he asked and crouched down as he stared at him.

“I don’t know nothing you fucking freaks.” He coughed.

Phase stared down at him, tilting his head to the side. Reaching down he shoved his hand into the guys chest and his eyes went wide. He didn’t feel pain and that’s because Phase had fizzled his hand through him. “You ever feel someone pull your ribs out of your chest? It’s an experience.”

The thug almost screamed as Phase touched the rib. Shade came forward and held his hand up. “Let me ask something.” He said with narrowed eyes. He walked forward so that the gangster was staring at his black mask alone. Kneeling and grabbing his head he smirked.

“As you can see, my friend here is a little. Creative. But I know that symbol on your chest. It’s Big Mac’s. I know he doesn’t like failure. How’s he gonna react when he finds out you fucked up.”

The guy looked at Shade and Phase then at the hand in his chest. He paled hard not sure what even his options were. That was a good look for them. Shade came closer and asked again. “Who told you about this?”

“Some punk. Squirrelly guy. Couldn’t look anyone in the eyes.” He said quickly with a shake of his head. “We checked it out and saw that it was good. This kid’s dad’s been trying to tear down the apartments in the district. Build some fucking hotel. People squat there cause they already don’t go homes and no one wants a shelter out here. Take that away and those people ain’t got shit.”

Shade narrowed his eyes for a moment. He could understand the hate of that. However trying to kill the poor kid for his father’s crimes didn’t sit well either. Not to mention his job was to protect the kid and that’s what he was going to do to get paid.

“Well now you’re going to regret having listened to that rat. Though if you live long enough I want you to deliver a message. Tell him Shade’s is coming for him.”

Phase stared at the man and slowly pulled his hand free. He felt the man tense and he just chuckled. Cocking his arm back he punched him in the jaw and he was down. “You know the rat?”

“No but he was one of the ones who fucked up my apartment and tried to kill me. So I’m gonna know him real soon.”

“Oh my god thank you thank you thank you!” They all turned as the kid came stumbling out of the car. Wide red eyes and snot running down his nose he tried to hug Phase but he stepped through him and kept his distance. “You saved my life! If there’s anything I can do to repay you name it and it’s yours!”

Shade was going to open his mouth to say something when he paused in thought. “Your dad runs a hotel chain, right?”

“Yes. The most well known one in the city. The Romulus.”

Shade glanced at them and talked through their personal channel. “You guys place got attacked and so did mine. So we need new places to crash for a while right.”

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Yumi asked and Shade nodded.

“We’d be stupid not to take advantage of this.” Phase said simply and glanced at Feint. “What do you think?”

She was already nodding. “I’m in. Won’t be permanent but it’ll be a step up from homeless. Just like old times.”

To them they had a conversation. To the kid and his guards, they had all gone silent and traded a few nods. It was very ominous to look at. Phase however finally came forward and looked at him.

“We’re going to take you up on your offer. We’re going to contact you, not the other way around.” With that he raised his hand up and spun it around slowly. “Get back in your car. We’ll make sure you make it the rest of the way.” They scattered, jumping to the rooftops but were never more than a couple blocks away.

The rest of the night went by like it should have, uneventful and slow. After the excitement they were glad for a moments respite. By the time they were at the safe ouse though, the sun was starting to come up. Phase narrowed his eyes and mumbled. “Mask, sunglasses on.” Instantly the lenses darkened to accommodate for the coming sun. It was the simple things that mattered.

“Our job is done here.” Phase said as she talked to the head of the security detail. “You will be safe for the time being. If there is anything else you need, you know how to get into contact with us. Make sure we get our money.”

Yumi was crouched on the ground and pretty stationary. She almost seemed like she had fallen asleep.  Feint walked toward her and grabbed the back of her shirt, helping her to stand. “Come on. Time to go.”

“Go? Go where. We’re homeless right now.”

“For the night let’s just find a hotel. We can figure out the rest after we’ve had some sleep.” Phase said. He held up a set of four black cards with golden Rs in cursive on them. “Besides we have these. These can get us a few nights at any of the Romulus’s in the city. No charge.”

“Nice. We might need to do high profile jobs more often.” Yumi said and then yawned big. It was loud and not pretty. She shook her head and groaned. “Let’s move before I crash during the run.”

With that they started off and running. They got up higher and then started the horizontal part of the journey. As they ran the sun was starting to come up and it was pretty from the rooftops but at the same time it was bright. Too bright for the weary.

They found a hotel not too far from their drop off location. The majority of it was empty however that was because it was dawn. Though give it about two hours and the streets would be filled with commuters. As they crossed the street way made sure to take off their masks and look like regular people. Or maybe hung over party goers.

Yumi was hanging off Feint’s shoulders and her eyes were just barely open. Feint held her up not going to let her drop. Shade and Phase were showing the exhaustion as well, trudging along. Shade went to open the door and actually missed the handle. Frowning for a moment he reached out again and this time got it with a hard yank.

The door opened much wider than he meant to and he glanced at everyone sheepishly There were a few lazy laughs at his expense. Together they walked into the lobby with it’s heated air. It was comfortable for the time being. Better than the cold outside.

Phase walked toward the counter and glanced at the man standing there. He was young, maybe a little older than them. The early shift, or maybe the late shift. He looked as tired as they felt.

Fighting a yawn he asked, “What can I do for you all?”

“We need a room. For the day.” Phase said slowly and then fumbled in his pocket. Pulling out the card he handed it to him. “That should cover it.”

The guy took the card and gave him a skeptical look. However once he charged it his eyes widened considerably. Glancing at the four of them he frowned and his hands were shaking slightly. “Yes here you go.” He tried to hand them their cards and nearly dropped them. Phase had the wherewithal to catch them and that was good enough. “If you need something to do not hesitate to ask. Please!”

“Thanks.” He said simply and that was the end of the conversation. Shade took the card and then looked at it to the air. Phase smirked, “This card might be better than I thought.”

Thankfully for the three of them their room was on the first floor. As they piled into the room they on instinct divvied up the space. Two beds, three chairs, and a table. Shade took a chair and leaned his head back, body going limp for the time being. “I’m awake.” He said simply though he wasn’t showing it.

Phase was glancing back at another chair and then to the bed debating on his spot. Yumi was sprawled out and took up at least two thirds of the bed. How Feint managed to take any space on the bed showed her expertise around navigating her.

Phase went to the other and fell back, staring at the sky. “So sleep. We’ll figure something out in the morning. Evening. Whatever.” he said and there was a universal grunt of approval from the group. “Good.” Closing his eyes he took a slow breath and he slipped away faster than he thought.