Nick gave him a deadly glance, which meant get back in line.
Aj reluctantly obeyed as they finished performing larger than life. They bowed and ran off stage as soon as the lights were out.
Aj collapsed on the floor in the dressing room breathing hard.
The others paid next to no attention to him.
"You know bone it's really all your own fault, you shouldn't run around so much." Brian said when he came out changed, ready for their next performance and saw Aj still on the floor.
"You don't notice the pain till you're off stage..."Aj muttered getting up to get dressed.
In a few minutes the five were back on stage, singing and Aj who still hadn't learnt his lesson was running around stage.
Aj began singing Hey Mr DJ. He was feeling slightly out of breath. He stopped running around and noticed Brian and Howie exchange an amused glance. He made a personal note to get them back later.
Suddenly with out warning there was a loud tump and moment later the lights came down with and agonizing crash.
The scream of fans could be heard as some tried to get out and others who were concerned about the boys health tried to move forward.
On stage it was a complete mess. Broken glass and torn wires were lying around every where.
The five, who had thrown themselves out of harms way as soon as they had heard the tump, were starting to get up. Nick was trying to catch his breath because he had winded himself.
But before they could have a look at what had happened they were urged off stage by security, told to get into their limousine and sent to their hotel. For a few moments none of them could speak, they were all still too shocked.
“Holly shit…” Kevin mumbled, running his hand over his face and trough his hair.
The others were still shocked by the sudden noise, but got over pretty quickly.
“It was him I’m sure.” Aj said in disbelief.
“How do you know it was a he?” Howie snapped at him, with out any real reason.
“Okay you two stop it this is not the time.” Brian urged the fighting couple to stop.
They were all still a little shaken and couldn’t think properly.
“What happened to the extra security?” Nick asked looking at Kevin. The worried expression on his face made him look older than he was.
Kevin glanced at him, “They start tomorrow.” He stated flatly.
“I don’t think they would have been able to do anything about tonight.” Aj said knowingly.
They all wish he hadn’t said that. It only showed the power this figure-person-killer-psycho-how ever you titled him or her- had over them. He knew everything about them, even their dance routine. He had been able to calculate their exact positions with the fall of the lights.
The memory of the crash made Aj shutter with realization. He’s out there and he’s not gonna rest till he gets what he wants…what ever that maybe.
“It’s okay Aj it could have been worst.” Kevin said trying to help.(magic word trying!)
Aj just gave him an unusually blank stare.
“Well I think that it’s just about to get a hell of a lot worst.” Howie said with a sign.
No one dared speak they all knew too….
73 came bouncing down the stairs. She had washed the blue dye out of her hair and the braids were gone, being replaced by light red/brown curls.
At least now she looks a little more human. Every aspect of the girl screamed that she was a spy. Luckily only a few people could tell agents apart from civilians.
73 glanced over at 26. She looked at the pies then at 73 who was wearing gloves and an apron.
“Don’t you dare say it 73” She snapped irritated by her presence.
“I was going to say thank god they put me with someone who could cook.” 73 shot back at her, disappointed by her accusation.
26 didn’t feel sorry for her. As far as she was concerned all of 73’s problems were caused by 73.
“And don’t call me 73 , I have a name.” 73 said dryly.
“Oh forgive me!” 26 apologized sarcastically. She pulled the apron and gloves off and stood in front of 73. “Let’s get something straight here, I don’t like you ,as a matter of fact I hate you. I hate having to babysat the problem child.” She said hotly. She observed 73's change of expression with satisfaction,“That’s all you are you hear? Nothing more than a problem child. That’s all. As far as I’m concerned all of your adversity is your own fault. Smoking four packs a day and drinking ‘till you pass out aren’t going to help you!” She yelled acerbically. 26 left the room carrying one of the pies with her, leaving 73 curled up on the couch, feeling miserable.
26’s harsh words were running freely all trough her mind causing damage at every chance.
Problem child, nothing more than a problem child…
“Rupert…” She whispered his name wishing that he was there with her, to comfort her and tell her 26 was lying… He had always been next to her…and forever a part of her.
She didn’t notice when she drifted off into a deep sleep and began to dream.
She had a flash back; it was just before they had gone out to kill Lowe.
“Don’t forget, jump before you begin running." Rupert ordered. In her dream he looked beautiful and saintly. “I’ll remember” The girl replied bouncing on her bed. She got up and put her arms around his neck” I promise you I’ll be the best dummy ever” She assured him “You just remember four Hey Mr DJ’s…
Then the surroundings began to melt away into damp and empty streets… “Target at 31st...”Hanna’s voice filled 73’s dream. She felt the girl’s pain as she tried to run faster-always one step behind someone…
Then there was the sound of a bullet being fired and Rupert’s limp body was falling. 73 began running towards him. The body was falling very slowly and 73 seemed to be running faster than usual…she was only a few feet away now …she could catch him, break his fall…almost…Tamp.
A string of pain shot trough 73’s already sore body. Her pain turned into disappointment as she heard a second tump. 73 tried to lift her head and focused her sore eyes onto the figure lying before her. She saw Rupert’s face only a few inches from her own. His eyes were still and they were staring directly at her. A pool of thick red liquid had sprung from his cracked skull. The red liquid reminded 73 of the seats at head quarters. The pool was growing at a rapid rate drifting aimlessly towards 73. She tried to pull her self up but she seemed to be completely paralyzed. She began to scream and didn’t stop till the red liquid covered her body…
73’s eyes flung open exposing her to the dark room surrounding her. She got off the sofa still panting for air-her horrid scream still screeching violently trough her head.
Snap out of it 73! It was only a dream you’re really gonna lose it if you keep this up! She scolded herself.
Without any more hesitation she grabbed her jacked and ID and left as quietly as she could.
