"Shut the fuck up!"

Cole's voice booms from inside the room. I could hear him from where I sat outside of the heavy doors. I don't know about the men in that room, but if I were them I'd be scared shitless.

He asked me to sit in the conference room while he was having the conversation. He says it's because he doesn't want me to see that side of him. Although I explained to him that it didn't matter to me, he still insisted on me not to watch.

I'm fine with not listening in on the conversation, they would only bore me anyway. The only part I don't like is being away from him. I hate to admit it, but I'm sort of paranoid about being kidnapped again.

Ten out of ten would never be kidnapped again

Cole has made my time back very comfortable. He's been by my side for two days straight. We've stayed in bed; eating takeout and sleeping. May I say it's been wonderful. However, duty always calls and there's always someone to kill.

From what I can gather of the conversation, he's yelling at the members and guards of the gang about safety. He's saying that there's no way in hell I should have been taken so easily. Which is true to a certain extent. I don't personally blame anyone but myself for me being kidnapped. I knew I was playing with fire before I went in that morning. I just, unfortunately, got burnt.

I mentioned that to Cole, but he won't let me blame myself. Cole's threaten multiple lives since stepping in the room. Elijah has shot someone for a comment that I did not hear. All over me and the choices I decided to make. I don't regret it, but I do feel bad.

I was alright sitting here for the first hour, but it's been a while since then and I'm starting to become restless.

I remove myself from the wooden bench next to the doors. Making it a point to ignore the sharp pains in my stomach and thigh.

I start towards the pretty garden of the gang house. The damp smell of the air embraces me as I step outside. Bright flowers sway in the soft wind just like they did the last time I was here. Their garden was like a stock photo - too pretty to be real.

I wonder if Cole's mother planted them?

I wonder if she would like me?

The wonderful melody of water is becomes clearer as I walk along the path. It brings a smile to my face. I allow myself to fall into the sound of the water. My fingers grazing the ends of flowers. Soft and delicate, if only the colors would rub off on my hands.

The enchanting sculpture appears in front of me once again. Her eyes' still lively and her beauty still great. I can only imagine what she looked like when she was alive.

My mind drifts to Ms. Justine.

Guilt grips at my chest, it's debilitating. It gets even worse when I realize there's nothing I can do about it. Death is irreversible.

She deserved so much better, I know that. I should have been there, I know that as well.

I'm unsure of how to come to terms with her death. I don't know what's worst; the shock of what happened or the ache of what never will. I haven't fully grasped that there will be no more laughs with her, no more of her warming smiles. It's painful to think that her last moments of life were filled with pain and fear. I just hope that one day I'll see her on the other side of the stars.

She's always been an angel, so now she's where she belongs.

I so desperately yearn to be happy, but every time I am it never lasts. Forget being happy, actually, I just want to be content. I want to not be sad. Every time I have silence for clarity my mind fills up with everything I've fucked up in my life. I have no space to breathe.

Large arms wrap around me, instantly any bad thought I was having is erased completely. His inviting smell fills my nose and settles there.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Cole asks, turning me to face him.

"It's nothing important." I blow the question off, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Are you done with your meeting?"

"No, but I'm tired of talking to them."

I chuckle, I can tell.

We start walking back into the house. Men litter the common room, but none will meet my eye. I can't tell if it's something Cole told them to do or if they're ashamed. Cole doesn't seem to notice as he continues to lead me to his office.

He turns around after closing the large dark mahogany door. His face solid and eyes stuck everything and nothing at the same time. It's almost as if I can see the wheels turn in his head. I go ahead and brace my heart, not trying to get any more bad news.

I don't know if I could handle it.

"Do you remember the diner you used to work at?" He meets my eye.

Ms. Justine

"Were you there?" I stand up from my original seat on the couch.

"Yeah, Elijah and I came across it that day-"

"No," I interrupt him, "Were you there when it happened?"

He pauses for a moment.

"Did you see her?" My voice, unfortunately, comes out hoarse. "What did her nametag say?"

Cole seems confused looking at my current state. I can see him sway in judgment. He doesn't know if he should tell me. I sure hope he does.

"Justine."

Oh my god

He saw her

Did he see what happened?

How long ago did it happen?

"Princesa, listen," Cole catches my attention again, "I brought it up because the people who did it are tied to the officer you talked to."

(Princess)

I frown, "How? I thought everybody on the force was on your payroll,"

"Not everybody, but the ones that aren't don't usually get in my way," He explains, taking a seat on his desk.

"I'm confused." I shake my head.

"It's a confusing situation, Gatita," He smiles softly, "He's the rat. He's the leak that's been going through files and running back to Cazadores."

(Kitten)

"Who the hell is that?"

"I'm getting to that," He shoots me a pointed look, "Cazadores, is an ignorant bastard that my family has hated for generations. This bastard's son is the leader of an enemy gang. They're identifying tattoo and symbol is a black wolf. Initiated at the ripe age of ten"

The answer to a question I had earlier hits me suddenly.

"I knew it!" I straighten up, "I saw it on the officer's wrist and I knew it stood for something. I mentioned it and he hid it."

My excitement is obvious, I've connected the dots and things are starting to make a little sense. Not that it really matters anymore. It's kind of late to know the answer now. Cole smiles at me.

"The Cazadores were linked to Braxton and that's what led us to the diner. When we got there it was already in shambles. That symbol was displayed on the only wall left standing," He slides off the desk. "I'm sorry, Princesa."

I nod, smile faltering slightly but it still stays. "We need to give her a proper burial, she was very kind to me,"

"Of course," Cole starts towards the door.

"Elijah is going to take you home, tell him to get you some food on the way there,"

"Cole-"

"Make sure he comes back to, I don't want to talk to these idiots alone,"

"Cole-" I say a bit louder, but he still is rambling.

"If Elijah doesn't get you food I'll shove my foot up his as-"

"Cole!" I laugh.

He turns around, smiling brightly. "Yes?"

"Thank you," I whisper sincerely.

"For what?"