Silence and Stilettoes, Pt. 3 (Voting)

(Here it is, Silence and Stilettoes Part 3! Check it out now, vote below, and Daring+ fans pick up the accompanying Wallpaper of Our Pair here too! Be sure to check out the full story so far here at the Master Post!)

“It’s been an hour since I left Asana to recover at my place. She’s been through an ordeal and then some in only the last half day… I don’t have the heart to tell her it’s all just beginning. As it is, I don’t need that distraction right now. Not here, not while in the heart of the Rat’s Nest.

This place is the capital slum of the city, and that’s saying something. It’s a den of iniquity, where the gutter folk, the thugs-for-life and the real criminals gather… the plague rats of the town, hence the name. There have always been plans for gentrification, to turn the nest to the next big business district, but every attempt has so far been quashed by the ‘residents’.

Even Mark, for all his pull and power, learn the hard way that all the money in the world couldn’t change this place, but God damn it if he wouldn’t keep trying. This borough was his one big public failure and it was no secret he’d stop at nothing to undo it. You can perfect the façade, but the dark heart will always remain. Defending their turf from the outside oppressors was the only thing that ever brought the rival factions together. The ‘rats’ are out for each other’s blood as anyone else’s.

Don’t let the name fool you though, I find the most honourable people you’ll ever meet in this city make their home in these back alleys… when they stab you, and they will, they don’t aim for the back or twist the knife, the look you dead in the eye when they do it... A sentiment personified by the two most accomplished of pack.

Of all the gangs, cadres, brotherhoods and familias that have fallen from legitimacy among the highrise dwellers, a few strongmen have emerged to keep the peace as much as they can. The best, or the worst as the case may be, I have had the unfortunate pleasure of past meetings. Firstly, there was Selina, the one known as ‘The Cat’ because she has a way of keeping the rats in line. Despite being a lone operator, she commands the loyalty of many of her peers for the simple fact she’s the best at what she does, and those that oppose her always end up with claws marks, her calling card. On the other side of the slums there is the young up-and-comer, the ruthless Teen Queen of Crime, Kriemhild. After her brother was sent up the river, an unintended consequence was her brutal regime. Violence, fear and an iron fist saw his ‘Blakey Irregulars’ street gang turn to a real hardcore outfit under her boot and the most dangerous raiders around. Sending away that bastard might just be the second biggest regret of my entire life… so far.

Both women have the comings and goings of the Rat’s Nest under a close watch, both have the sway I need in this Hellhole and more so, both have the appetite to deal with me. They both know I’m worth sparing the bullet, despite our past dealings. Too bad only one is a real option as I value my life, especially after what transpired the last time I set foot down this darkened walkway…

… That’s what brings me here in this hour of need after all, my hunch as to Mark’s murder. If anyone knows where I can find the missing stiletto blade, it’s her, and she’s here. She’ll give me the answers I need… my only fear is the cost. After the last time we dealt with each other she’ll not be happy to see me. I keep my hand on my concealed snub just in case she comes for by balls again. Her ‘coin purse’ she called it. But I have to do this, for Mark, for Asana, and for Justice. I need to know if it really was a stiletto that was used to pierce Mark’s throat… I need to know if Marco is back in town…

So, whom do I ask?”

Kriem

Catwoman

Be hard boiled and beWilder!