Chapter 7: A Dog that Bites

Chad was in the clubhouse discussing their next step with the information gathered after interrogation.

“Any news on Henry?” The air was tense. “He made a mistake and was forced to kill one of our people as a punishment. Seemed like Hank wanted him dead either way. What are your orders?” Zalen's voice rang in the room.

The room was quiet as Chad contemplated on his choices. “That’s your call,” he addressed Zalen. The other members nodded, quietly approving the decision. Zalen met his eyes. “Do whatever you seem fit with the man who ended Jake's life. We support your decision no matter what it’ll be.”

Zalen opened his mouth to respond but the scream from upstairs cut him off. Chad immediately jumped and bolted up the stairs with some of the men hot on his heels. A few of the men went outside to stand guard and block the enemy in case the Vipers broke in to get her.

Chad barged into her room in time to see her thrashing and screaming. He rushed up to her and gripped her shoulders with both his hands. “Hey, hey. Calm down. You’re safe… Calm down..,” he repeatedly reassured her but she seemed too out of it to hear any of the words.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?! I’LL KILL YOU, I SWEAR!!” She screamed in her dream while struggling against Chad’s hold. The agony in her voice was enough to send chills down the spine of anyone who heard it.

Those men stood watching from the door. Chad was by the bed, trying to hold her down the whole time. Something flashed in his eyes. Just what in the world has she gone through?

Her eyes snapped open. In a flash, she flipped his arms back and pushed him onto the bed. Caught off guard, he was held down, twisted in a painful position. Those at the door rushed in immediately. “One step closer and he dies,” Stacy’s voice was as cold as her expression. Her hand at his throat tightened.

“Leave us,” Chad choked out. His voice strained but steady, showing no sign of fear.

“But…” one of the men voiced out in protest. “Now,” he commanded.

Just who exactly is she? There’s rarely anyone who could threaten his life. Right now, she has no weapon on her. Normally, he could easily reverse the situation. However, her experienced hand held on tight, unyielding. Three of her fingers pushed at vital points. She really seemed to know what she’s doing. A little pressure could end his life on the spot.

“Let’s go! A little wounded rabbit won’t be able to harm him,” another man persuaded. Begrudgingly, he turned and followed the rest of them. “We saved a dog that bites,” he mumbled as they left.

The room fell into silence. “Save?” Stacy’s brows furrowed in confusion. “We fought the Vipers and brought you here,” Chad replied matter-of-factly. Her grip loosened a little. “Why?” Her voice was still cold as ice, “what’s your motive?”

A corner of his lip lifted into a scoff, “is this how you repay me for saving your life? You ungrateful woman.”

Stacy tightened her hold on him. “Shut up! We both know you had a purpose in mind when you saved me. What’s that? Why did you save me?”

“It’s just a normal everyday gang fight,” his tone was dismissive. Stacy stared at him for a while, studying the man in front of her. “What’s the price for my life?” She voiced out at last.

He signalled at her grip on him with his eyes. She released him and stepped back. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit her, causing her to stagger. Instinctively, Chad rushed forward, only to be stopped by her outstretched hand. “Stop right there,” she warned. He stayed rooted on the spot as he watched her back hit the wall. Her arm reached out to the window beside her as she propped herself up with her elbow on the stool. Her face drained of color but remained expressionless. His eyes travelled down and landed on her wound.

Fresh blood oozed out due to her overexertion and trickled down. Two drops fell on the floor, forming a small pool beside her foot.

“There’s no price,” he stated. Her attention found its way back to him. “Your life, it’s priceless. That’s why you should protect it better.” He walked over to the bedside table. A first aid kit was on it. He reached out but decided against it. “Get your wound treated,” he said and left the room.

As the door closed, all her strength left her body and she fell to the floor. She looked down at her blood-soaked bandage, then at the first aid kit on the table.

…

Chad sat at the bar. His gaze was far away. Someone dropped down on the stool beside him. “What would we do with her?”

Chad reached for his glass and downed the content. “What did you find?”

“Nothing,” came the reply, “it seems like she really appeared out of nowhere. Perhaps she really has nothing to do with the Vipers.”

Chad finally turned to look at the man. “My gut feeling is saying she has a connection to the Vipers. Keep on looking, Neil. I’ll observe her while she’s here.” Neil shrugged. “Sure, will do,” he reached for a glass and poured himself a drink. “I heard she woke up while I was away,” he said as he took a sip of the drink. Chad hummed in response. “And there was a commotion,” Neil continued, stating the fact. “A nightmare,” Chad said as he stood to leave. “Are you sure it’s not dangerous to keep her here?” Neil finally voiced his concern.

“I’d keep an eye on her.”

…

Stacy opened the door and stepped out. Two men stood in front of her room, guarding it like it was a prison cell. “Why am I not surprised..,” she mumbled sarcastically. “I’m not allowed to leave this room, am I?”

“Where are you going? Stay in the room and rest,” one of the guards said. His tone was flat, void of any emotion. They expected her to attack or try something.

“I want to talk to your leader,” she said. Her voice sounded unexpectedly calm. The two of them looked at each other, confused. This girl acted differently. Is she still the same person who jumped out of the window and attacked Chad? “Could you please convey the message?” Their eyes nearly popped out at her tone and politeness.

Chad appeared out of the corner of the hallway. “You’re looking for me?”

“Yes,” she nodded curtly, “let’s talk.” She gestured at the room. “After you,” he gestured. Stacy entered the room and Chad followed suit. One of the guards whispered, “be careful.” He nodded and closed the door.

“What’s it?” He asked as he leaned against the wall casually.

“I want to thank you for saving my life,” she said, “but there’s nothing I could do to help you.”