The Ballad of Bloody Mary

Chapter 2: (Not Quite) Together In Paris

Takeshi lay in bed, still wrapped in a towel from his shower. The muscles in his hands flexed and relaxed as he watched the monotonous turning of the ceiling fan. Being in “hiding" was boring him to tears, but his work was never done. At least, it was Paris this time. It was a city that held a special place in his heart.

“That's what you get for being the best at what you do." His voice rumbled sleepily.

A smirk danced on his lips as he remembered the culprit of that remark. His hands still remembered the way her mess of soft, dark curls caressed his fingers. His still arms remembered the feeling of wrapping themselves around her, pulling her close and pressing her soft, supple curves against the muscular hardness of his body. He remembered her dark skin and how seemed to just glow no matter what lighting she was in, the perfect contrast to his fair complexion. His Little Rose.

“Though you don't use that name too much anymore, do you?" He sighed heavily as he sat himself up. Takeshi glanced over next where he sat on the bed at the myriad of pictures that were scattered. A few of them were various shots of Mary, talking with hired hands or some of the girls that performed at the Kitty Kat Club. She was even smiling in some of them.

Damn, I miss that smile! He turned his attention to the balcony which gave him full view of the Eiffel Tower and the city lights.

“We were supposed to be able to see this place together." He frowned as he ran his fingers through his still damp hair. “One day, Little Rose. Don't give up on me just yet."

With one last stretch, Takeshi wasted no more time and dressed himself. A black suit, accented with a red shirt, matching cufflinks, and a black tie. The assassin gave himself the once over in the mirror as he opened a small jar of hair pomade. He combed it through his hair with his fingers, satisfied with his look.

A little tribute. Takeshi smiled as he cleaned his hands. I bet she'd like to see me in this. Right before she makes me take it off.

That thought sent a shockwave over his skin and through his body. The Little Rose he remembered was so unassuming to the casual observer, but behind closed doors?

“If they only knew." Takeshi chuckled to himself. He then grabbed his keys and strutted from the room and down the steps into the night. He greeted his driver with a nod as he climbed into the backseat of the car.

“Paradis Latin, s'il vou plaît."

The driver wordlessly tipped his hat and off they drove. Rue du Cardinal Lemoine wasn't terribly far, much to his relief. An attendant opened the door for him as another led him inside and to a table in the corner secluded by shadows. Takeshi ordered a couple drinks and watched as his quarry came strolling in with a girl on each arm. The man was balding and not the neatest looking, even with the suit he was wearing.

Can't believe this is the clown claiming our organization. Takeshi's lip curled back ever so slightly in a disgusted snarl. How the hell did he even know about us?

The assassin just decided to chalk it up to a deal somewhere with someone else who talked too much. He watched as the ladies led the pretender to the seat next to his. As he had calculated, none of them were able to discern his presence. Even the waiter who brought his order to the table didn't even attempt to make eye contact.

“Run along, darlings!" The slovenly man said, giving each woman a tap on their bottoms. “Daddy will call for you when I'm all done here."

It took everything Takeshi had not to throw up in his mouth. He wasted no time slipping a small dose of powder into one of the drinks and nonchalantly slid it closer to his target. The man happened to turn and look down in joyful surprise.

“They even have my drinks ready for me when I arrive." He mused proudly before polishing off the drink in almost one breath. “Should've done this sooner."

“You sure about that, Albert?" Takeshi's voice rumbled low, causing the older man to visibly jerk in his seat.

“Who said that?" Albert demanded. “Where are you?"

“You don't need to concern yourself with that right now. Or ever." Takeshi smiled as he watched Albert tug at the collar of his shirt and began clutching his chest. “Now, I don't know how you found out about Brotherhood, but that mouth of yours has been flapping entirely too much for our liking. Now, it's time for you to be quiet. Enjoy the rest of the show while you can. I, myself, enjoy the cabaret dances well enough, but put a singer with a set of pipes on stage? Quickest way to my heart."

Takeshi sat back in his seat and watched the man become surrounded by other patrons and waitstaff. Someone exclaimed something about a heart attack and called for medical attention. Amid all the commotion, Takeshi made his exit, glancing sideways just in time to see Albert's eyes staring lifelessly on. Takeshi seamlessly made his way to the exit and back into the car. He took out his phone and dialed quickly.

“Moshi Moshi!" Greeted the voice on the other end.

“Tell my father the bridge has been burned."

“He'll be most pleased to hear that." Came the reply. “You make him very proud."

“I'm honored to know that, Kenta" Takeshi replied formally. “Also, did you remember to send off her present like I asked?"

“They'll arrive on her birthday, just as planned." Kenta answered proudly.

“Perfect." Takeshi's leaned back, a sort of dream smile overtaking his features. “You know how important that is to me."

“I know something else that might be of importance."

“Oh?" Takeshi answered, perking up slightly.

“It seems your old buddy Rocco is enlisting some help in Mary's hunt for Vincento Angelini."

Takeshi felt his blood absolutely boil at the sound of that name, but he kept his appearance cool, calm and collected. “Go on." He simply replied.

“Well, it seems Rocco was able to garner the interest of a certain crime syndicate from the Emerald Isle."

“You're not saying who I think you're saying?" Takeshi's eyes widened.

“That's exactly who I'm talking about."

“How in the hell did he manage that?"

“Apparently, the mention of Mary really sweetened the deal. She's more world renowned than she knows."

“I guess so."

“Fair warning, though. The old man's son seems to have taken a liking to her, too."

Takeshi could feel the hair on the back on his neck bristling. “Does he now?" He asked quietly through gritted teeth.

“I'll keep an eye on things." Kenta reassured him. “I'll make sure the strapping lad remains respectful."

“That's not helping." Takeshi growled.

“Alright, brother. Alright. Calm down. I'm sorry." Kenta did his best to hide a chuckle. “If I see or hear anything, you'll be the first to know."

“I better be."

Takeshi disconnected the call without another word. He pinched the bridge of his nose with a short, but aggravated sigh. He knew it wasn't fair to expect her to wait for him to come back. After all, it had been almost six years.

What kind of monster would I be if I made her wait that long with no word from me, save maybe some flowers? No, that's not fair.

Sadly, that did nothing to soften the blow of envisioning his Little Rose in the arms of another man. His stomach turned all the same.

“I think it's about time I stepped back into the picture."