Edited | ✔
chapter one
n e w p l a c e s, n e w i d i o t s
Ava
Present. . .
Taking a risky jump off of the train as it reaches its awaited destination, I sigh and run a hand through my long, brunette hair. I have been traveling for what seems like days on that old train and all I want to do is to get to the apartment I have rented out and take a long, hot shower.
The musty smell coming from the pedestrians surrounding me doesn't help the smell of the horrid subway as I make my way up the stairs and onto the street.
Staying invisible and hidden in a large city like Los Angeles would be difficult because of the many people, but I owe my best friend at least this. I was here to kill the men, the gang, that had ended my best friend's life before she was able to graduate high school. Yes, some may think that is a bit overdramatic, and maybe it is, but she wasn't only my best friend. We had grown up with each other, she's all I ever knew.
I've never been able to get close to anyone else after her death. My life went downhill after that day; my mom passed away from cancer and my step-father passed away shortly after from a tragic car accident. I didn't know what to do with myself for a while and depression made an appearance in my life. During my year of misery, I made the decision to avenge my best friend. . . so here I am.
"Hello, Miss?" I hear a man question faintly before my arm is gripped harshly and I'm jerked to the right.
Upon instinct, I swiftly take my gun from my waistband and push the barrel up against the temple of the random man's head. He visibly cowers before throwing his hands up in surrender, his eyes wide with fear.
"I-I didn't mean to startle you," he begins lowly with a slight stutter. "A couple was trying to get your attention and I figured you might've zoned out. . ." he trails off causing me to narrow my eyes at him. I slowly remove my gun from his temple.
Stuffing it back into my waistband, I send the man one last, long threatening look before turning around and walking down the once crowded sidewalk; the pedestrians from then on wanted nothing to do with me.
They steered clear of me like I was the plague after witnessing the incident. Even non-witnesses steered clear in caution after seeing everyone else do so.
Pulling the light jacket tighter around my frame, I huff out in annoyance, my breath visible in front of me due to the chilly weather.
As you could have observed, I don't fancy large cities like this. I'm not necessarily a people person and I don't have the time to make "friends."
Nearing the small and secluded apartment complex, I take the keys from my jacket pocket and place them hastily into the keyhole. After a couple of minutes of struggling, I frown and bite back some unpleasant words.
"Will you just open?" I pound on the door in slight frustration. I could be taking a nice, warm shower in there but no, I'm stuck outside of a semi-abandoned apartment complex in the cold without the appropriate jacket.
Stepping back, I release a harsh cough before groaning.
"Uh, are you okay there?" I hear a deep voice question from behind me.
Rolling my eyes, I spin around to face the culprit of the voice. Losing my balance slightly, I glare at the attractive man. He is wearing a nice, black suit─the kind you would wear to a business meeting or a job interview. His brown hair is styled to perfection and his blue eyes are warm and inviting.
"Yeah," I state before crossing my arms over my chest.
His eyes follow my movements before they lock with my own once again. "Ah, okay. Well you seemed to be having trouble getting into your apartment. I would have been able to help but. . ." he trails off purposely before turning around teasingly.
Huffing out in annoyance, I decide that my pride will have to take a time-out in this situation. "Fine, I need help getting in," I murmur, avoiding his eyes as he turns back towards me.
"What was that?" He smirks, taking a step forwards.
I roll my eyes and frown at the arrogant man. "I said I need help getting in, but it seems as though I'm not the only one needing help here," I snap at him, my eyes raking over him with annoyance.
"Well why didn't you just say so?" He winks at me before strolling around me to get to my door.
Opening it with ease, I refuse to thank him but nevertheless, send him a slight nod before walking into the small apartment. Stealing one more glance at him, he smiles at me before I shut the door.
× × ×
"I just need to know the location, Phelix," I raise my voice at the man I'm communicating with on the phone. Groaning in frustration, I run one of my hands swiftly through my hair.
"I understand that, Ava, but you would think a well known gang leader would know how to conceal his location pretty well. I'm not getting any leads─"
"Well try harder. I didn't come to Los Angeles to sit around and sip on coffee. I need to get this started as soon as possible and I can't if I don't know the gang's wherabouts," I state, my voice gradually getting softer.
"I'll do the best I can, okay─"
"Hey Ava!" Phelix is cut off by my female assistant, Kayla, causing a small smile to appear on my face.
"Hey, Kayla. I'll be leaving now. Help Phelix with the locations of the men, okay?" I state in a questioning manner. She agrees with a small 'okay,' before we end the call.
Staring longingly out of the street view window from the local café I'm settled in, my eyes are ripped away from the scene as a waitress approaches me.
"Is there anything else you would like, Miss?" the blonde questions me, her bubbly personality instantly drawing me in and causing me to smile at her.
Her notepad is placed in one of her hands as the other one holds a pen, ready to write down whatever she may need to. Her black apron hangs around her waist and her blonde hair is pinned up into a messy bun looking effortlessly beautiful.
"No, that'll be all," I reply, returning her smile.
She somehow reminded me of Dana as much as I hated to admit it.
"Okay, well have a nice day!" She sends me a big, toothy grin before turning around and strolling back behind the bar to the café.
The café itself was small but it seemed very popular around the downtown area. Kids from all ages as well as adults are either crowded around the outside or are sitting on the inside, reading and sipping on their own personal drinks.
Suddenly feeling less buoyant, I frown. . . I'm sure Dana would have loved to be in Los Angeles with me.
Don't be a silent reader!
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