Writing Paradise City [Working title] (M-LVS)

[Andrew]

[SIZE=1]So here's a little fiction I've been working on. The fact that I named it Paradise City and the how closely it resembles Sin City are merely a coincidence. Although looking at it now it's hard to believe I didn't notice sooner ¬_¬

[CENTER][I]Paradise City[/I][/CENTER]

In its own little way, this place is paradise. If you look far enough, it has everything anyone could possibly want…as well as those they don’t. Right now the blinding neon lights dance all above and below, their persuasive glow bringing in the masses like moths to the flame. Given the right incentive, I may join them later, but right now, solitude is what I seek.

[B]“Hey baby! You looking for a good time?”[/B]

Heh, every night’s the same. Must be my raw sexual magnetism or something.

[B]“Not tonight darlin’, I’m busy.”[/B] As much as it doesn’t sound inviting…

[B]“Aww! You’re no fun!”[/B]

And with that she moves to the next hapless guy with more money in his wallet than sense in his head. Hands in my pockets, the palms begin to sweat. It’s like a Goddamn sauna tonight! Maybe I’ll head down to the beach, catch a breeze off the ocean. Then again, that’s a long walk I’d rather not take just yet, maybe I’ll skip out on the lonely bit and head to Terra’s, see what’s on the stage tonight.

Before I know it I’m in the door and at the bar, waiting for my drink. Alice is serving as usual. Looking mighty fine…as usual! I take a sip and hand her a little tip, tell her to buy her mama something nice. A kiss on the cheek as thanks, ever predictable little Ally.

[B]“So what’s on the stage tonight darlin’?”[/B] I ask with disinterest.

[B]“Maybe somethin’ you’ll like hunny…”[/B] She says with a naughty glint in her eye.

[B]“Yeah?”[/B] With the raised brow.

[B]“All your favourite girls, Moi included of course! We’ve got one o’the regular bands on ‘til ‘leven, then Marcus’ kicking out the scum and me and my girls take centre stage!”[/B] She chirps with an ecstatic giggle.

[B]“Sounds…interesting. Maybe I’ll hang out eh?”[/B] I respond, playing directly into her naughty act.

She grabs my chin and winks as she walks to the other end of the bar. Now that I’m done talking, I hate sitting at the bar; a nice dark corner suits me better. A little cliché but it’s not like I give two shits anyway.

The band’s not too bad. They’ve got rhythm and some half-decent riffs. It’s enough to keep the drunks on their feet dancing and screaming…and thankfully away from me. Or maybe I spoke too soon.

A woman meets my eyes. She’s walking my way, a proud walk with a lot of confidence. And if I could take my eyes off her I’m sure that every other guy with or without a brain cell is just as attached to her.

Without so much as a word she casually claims my little corner booth, sitting on the other side of the table, looking at me with ‘that special something’ in her eye. Right now I’m not really sure if it’s a good something or a bad something, but I’m not really concerned.

She takes a sip of her drink, curves her lip and then sits back, still eyeing me up without a word. She pulls a pack of cigs from her purse, some quality brand too, and puts it in her mouth. Before she can bring her own lighter up my zippo is glistening and lighting it for her.

[B]“Somethin’ I can help ya with Darlin’?”[/B] I ask as the cold steel slips back into my pocket.

[B]“You want one?”[/B] She offers her pack.

[B]“No thanks. Don’t smoke.”[/B] My face a mask, not betraying a single thought.

At this she smirks, that devilish curl in her lip again and she takes a puff and blows the smoke to the side. She uncrosses and then re-crosses her legs…my eyes don’t miss a thing. She’s wearing nothing under that little skirt. What’s her game? Maybe I am betraying something, she senses my questions.

[B]“Something about you called me over…”[/B] She said as a golden lock fell over one eye.

Now she’d caught my attention. Well…the hypnotic sway of her waist and the low cut top just about covering her breasts caught my attention but you get the idea. I take another mouthful from my drink before responding.

[B]“Is that so? Something in particular I can do for ya Miss…?”[/B]

[B]“Jones. Julie Jones.”[/B]

[B]“Well Miss Julie Jones, are you wanting something of me?”[/B] I ask with a self-assured smirk.

[B]“Probably not what you’re thinkin’ cowboy. I am in a bit a’ trouble though and I need someone smart, tough and attractive just for good measure. You match perfectly.”[/B] ‘Perfect’ she says.

[B]“So you’re expectin’ my protection?”[/B] [I]Without cash payment?[/I]

Again, she catches on and catches my eyes. I raise my brow again as she reaches into her cleavage seductively and reveals an envelope full of cash. Women and their hiding places…I swear.

[B]“This get your blood pumping cowboy?”[/B] Obviously talking about the gesture and not the money.

She thinks I’m another dumb brute maybe. I’ll play along for now.

[B]“Litl’ lady, I think you’ve got yourself a deal. Now if you don’t mind, I need a new drink.”[/B]

I quickly leave the table, giving her something to think about, possibly to scope out the bar scene and see if anyone suspicious is eyeing her. Maybe check out what Alice knows.

[B]“You’ve got a cute little friend there hun.”[/B] She notices before I even say a word.

She places another drink before me and I take a deep gulp.

[B]“You noticed huh? You know anything about her?”[/B] Another sip, I catch eyes with her.

[B]“She started coming a couple a’ weeks ago. Been a regular ever since. She always drinks the reel’ expensive stuff.”[/B]

[B]“Ever see her with anyone?”[/B]

At this point I notice a little ‘disturbance’ near the door, Alice doesn’t really pay much attention and instead points to a sleazy looking guy with a suit heading in my little friends direction.

[B]“That guy right there. He comes in now an’ again and talks to her...pretty heated conversation I’d say. Normally ends with someone yelling and one of them storming off. Rough relationship I figure.”[/B]

Ever innocent. She thinks nothing of this, my keen eyes already watching some more goons following the sleazy guy. Heh, maybe now I’ll find out who she needs protectin’ from.

[B]“Thanks for the drink darlin’, you might wanna brace yourself and let the others know too. If my nose is right, things may get a little messy here.”[/B] I say to her quickly and quietly, slip her some more cash for the booze and an ‘apology tip’ for what may go on very soon.

[B]“Aww! And I was so hoping you’d watch me on stage tonight! Damn you Army!”[/B] She scolds me with a face full of disapproval.

[I]I’ll catch you again darlin’, don’t you worry about that[/I], I think with a grin on my face.

[B]“Something I can help you boys with?”[/B] Apparently I’ve interrupted. The Sleaze is in MY seat giving this Miss Jones and earful while his goons stand around watching.

[B]“This don’t concern you. Get lost.”[/B] He doesn’t even pay me the courtesy of raising his voice, doesn’t even look at me. Heh, what a sucka if he thinks I’m going to respond to such a lame-ass cliché.

I cross my arms out of defiance and raise an eyebrow with my confident smirk again, just daring his flunky’s to try me. These guys are cowards, they back down easy just from my glare.

[B]“I believe you’re in my seat Mr. Sleaze...”[/B]

He quickly turns his head to respond a little harsher but I’ve already gripped his collar and slung him out onto the floor. The goons take a defensive stance in front of him and pull out some flick knives, still with the cowardly look. They know they’re dealing with ferocity here.

[B]“Damn it you fuckwits! I thought I told you to make sure nobody was involved!”[/B] They don’t really listen, they probably fear for their lives right now, the raw aura of power around me tends to have that effect. The effect to make grown men, “Gangsta’s” even, feel like they’ve shit their pants.

[B]“Puh-lease! If you’re such a great leader, why can’t you handle me yourself?”[/B] I’ve already reclaimed my seat, giving my full stare to Miss Jones, not even looking at him as I berate him his cowardice.

[B]“Alright enough of this shit!”[/B] Sleaze attempts to draw a glock from his suit jacket and point at my head. I catch it without so much as a blink, his fragile wrist now firmly in my iron grip. His already cracked face wrinkles further into a grimace.

[B]“What the fuck are you dick-heads waiting for!? An invi – ”[/B] He seems to lose his voice. Might have something to do with my own 9mm pressed against his groin. Maybe it’s the knife on the end of my boot tapping against his ankle.

[B]“You know? I really envy you guys. You’re happy to be walking cliché’s,”[/B] There’s that word again for the millionth time tonight, [B]“But now you are really starting to piss me off. Unless you fancy staying for a BBQ I suggest ya get the fuck outta mine and Miss Jones’ faces and outta Terra’s. No shit, just walk. ’Kay?”[/B] Service with a smile.

Mr Sleaze doesn’t look happy, but I guess the fear of having his balls blasted convinces him he needs to leave. His flunky’s cowardly attitude doesn’t seem to help matters for him either. I smirk as he holsters his glock, makes a petty attempt to retain his dignity by straightening his collar.

I whistle as if to a dog and nod to the door. They don’t need to be told twice.

[B]“Whoah!”[/B] She looks at me with wide eyes, probably ready to jump my bones at the next opportunity too if I do say so.

[B]“ I guess my thoughts ‘bout you were right huh?”[/B] Although it sounds like a question, she’s stating it, no doubt. I raise my brow a little, the only sign I’ve heard her.

[B]“So, was that guy it? Or is there more you wanna fill me in on Miss Jones?”[/B] I take another large sip.

She seems to hold back a giggle, maybe something about the way I call her ‘Miss Jones’, Lord knows. Despite being good with them, women always tend to be enigmatic, no question. She delicately takes a sip from her own glass, keeps her eyes on me the entire time. She’s playing with me no doubt.

[B]“That loser’s an old colleague,”[/B] She’s says old like either of them is even past 22, [B]“He’s always slinkin’ around after me.”[/B]

[B]“What’s he after?”[/B] I interrupt before she can carry on.

[B]“I happen’d to take a large sum of money from our boss when I left, although I left nothin’ incriminating, him and his other goons are always sniffin’ after me to see if they can catch me out. Naturally I’m a professional.”[/B] Naturally she says. I eye her chest again, definitely something natural working down there. At least two handfuls for each one. [I]Definitely my type![/I]

[B]“Naturally.”[/B] I agree with her, although what she’s a professional at, I can only guess. Maybe I’ll find out sooner or later. As much as I’m a nice guy and helping a little lady out is always on my mind, this shit sounds like it could be worth more trouble than she’s paying.

[B]“An’ I’ll assume this large money pot you’ve got pays well, Miss Jones?”[/B] I lean forward slightly, eye her up a little more, let her know I’m interested for the right price.

[B]“It does. And please, call me Julie.”[/B] She seems so sure of herself.

[B]“I’ll call ya by first name when I trust ya Miss Jones, not before.”[/B] I lean back again, just reeling her in to my hand.

[B]“Fairy ‘nuff. And while we’re on the subject, what should I call you? Mister…?”[/B] That wicked glint in her eye again. Her neat brow raises. [I]God she IS young isn’t she?[/I]

At this I knock back the rest of the pint and get up to leave. I look at her expectantly, my body heading in the direction of the bar.

[B]“Oh.”[/B] She blushes, looking rather embarrassed. She follows my lead, downing the contents of whatever drink she had before collecting her small bag, throwing it’s spaghetti strap over her lithe shoulders.

I drop my empty glass on the bar. Patiently wait for Alice to finish up and head my way.

[B]“You’re leavin’ already? You didn’t even get to see me perform!”[/B] She knows me well does this one. Anybody else would think I was expecting another one, but not her. I’ll have to make it up to her later. Ally’s cute little scowl always makes me smile.

[B]“Sorry Ally darlin’, there’s always next time. You just keep ya pretty little butt cheeks outta trouble and I’ll make it upt’ya next time, ’kay?”[/B] I say through a big grin, make sure to sparkle my perfect teeth at her.

She loosens visibly before grinning back, a big, bright and vibrant young grin. [I]God she’s beautiful…She really is![/I]

[B]“You can count on it Army!”[/B] She says, playfully slapping her ass with both hands. Just before she moves away she brushes back her brunette curls from where they’ve fallen over her one eye. I shake my head at her beauty. [I]Surely it’s illegal for someone to look that good![/I]

I give her a final wink as we leave, me and Miss Jones closely following. Back out onto the sweaty streets of scum. I lead her round the corner of the alley, figure we can talk more private-like and no sooner can I catch my breath I find myself being forced against the wall and her luscious red lips are on mine.

A little shocking at first, although I don’t show it, I pull her in rough and kiss her back. She may be young but she’s a shit-hot kisser, I’ll give her that much.

[B]“There he is! Get that mother fucka’ now!”[/B] I recognise the shout of Sleaze over gunfire.

Acting almost instinctively I grip Miss Jones’ nimble arm and drag her further round the corner without so much as a graze on either of us. [I]These fuckers are gonna’ pay for sure, even if she don’t. Right now it’s fuckin’ personal! And they interrupted my playtime![/I]

[B]“ ‘Scuse me a moment.”[/B] My gun’s already feeling at home in my hand as I drop out low and fire. Three of the seven guys down straight away from the knee caps. I quickly huddle back in as they return the fire. [I]At least they aren’t total fools[/I]. They alternate their fire while each reloads so they’ve got constant fire on us now.

Thinking quickly I grab the nearest bin and hurl it out drawing their fire before I drop once more and hit another two in the caps. It’s just Sleaze and another guy left standing. [I]This fucker needs to be taught a lesson right now![/I] I hear some groans of pain, a few screams from fleeing hookers. Nothing that sounds like gunfire though.

Moving like lightning I’m out from the alley and blasting at the little cocksucker. He drops his gun when I hit him in the shoulder and hits the floor with his goons. I hit the last guy twice; two shots to the shoulder and he falls quickly on top of Sleaze.

[B]“Well, looks t’me like you boyo’s are shit outta luck eh?”[/B] My gun’s back in its place at the back of my jeans, these guys aren’t a threat anymore. Although the car that suddenly screeches round the corner with blaring gunfire I’m not so sure.

I’m back into the alley as swiftly as I left it, grabbing Miss Jones roughly by the shoulder to pull her behind me. She squeaks with surprise, catches on quickly and follows my lead.[/SIZE]