Silence Is Golden [BELLE/DOM]

[Dominic Wolfe]

Hot damn, THIS was why he never went to the movies, Dom thought with a stream of snarled curses. On film, the guy that was supposed to get offed- the good guy...oh, the thought made him want to start laughing- could run through the shot up room and kill everything in his path. He would be unscathed, and every single shot that he fired would hit his enemies with the machine guns on the other side, who couldn't shoot for shit.

He really did wish that this were an action movie. Because, if it were, he never would have gotten shot in the arm when he backed up toward the room where Belle had disappeared to. FUCK, but this fucking HURT!

Firing as he went, in an attempt to keep Asshat's attention on him instead of the fleeing woman, Dom did his best to penetrate those thick book spines covering his enemy's head. When Belle disappeared, he lowered his gun to replace his clip, and bang. His entire body was jerked back as a bullet punched into his upper arm, and he howled in pain. From the crunch that resulted when he fell onto his ass, successfully smacking his now wounded side into the wall behind him, the damn thing was probably lodged in bone.

Wonderful. Fucking, shit, ass, tits, FUCK wonderful.

Snapping the new mag into his gun, Dom forced himself to stand. He popped off a few shots once the room went quiet and threw himself at the dark doorway in front of him. He crashed into a few things- Jesus Christ, how many bookcases did a book shop need?!- until he finally caught up with Belle. For a second there, as the firing resumed around them and the low whiz of bullets sang out in the air, he could only give the woman a respectful grin.

"Nice job with the door," He said. Then, without any further hesitation, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her forward. "Now, RUN. We get back to my place, and we're safe. So move that fine ass!"

With that, he hauled her after him. There were a few surprised gasps and screams that followed his charging into pedestrian traffic with a gun out, and with a curse, he shoved it into the pocket of his jacket. He hoped that Belle would do the same. He purposefully herded her into a group of suits milling about, probably looking for some lunch. And when the moment arose, he quickly ducked into a dark alley and motioned for her to stay in the shadows. Cautiously, he peeked around the corner, eyeing the street for their new friend.

Shit, but his arm was burning. In order to ignore the pain, he whispered in a low voice, "Sorry about your shop, Belle...I didn't mean for shit to go down like that. But you gotta stick with me, dig? Until that fucker's dead, he's gonna think that you're with me, and if he gets his hands on you...you're toast."

[Ysabelle Bernard]

Rubbing her shoulder, gun still in hand, Belle looked up in time to see Dom heading out the empty doorframe to meet her. She gave a crooked grin and shrugged at his compliment in regards to the broken door. In truth, seeing her quaint little store being blown to smithereens had actually broken her heart, but at least she was still alive. Both of them.

"Your place?", she exclaimed, only just taking in what he was saying; the adrenaline was sending her mind into a frenzy.

Feeling Dom's grip on her wrist, she ran with him as fast as she could, still without question - managing to keep the pace - her leg muscles tightening with every movement, though admittedly, she could no longer feel it; they were numb. Just then, they'd sprinted into the oncoming traffic in the middle of the road to petrified screams and the furious beeping of vehicles. It was only then that Belle remembered the gun. Following suit, she put her handgun on lock and tucked it into the waistband of her jeans.

"Shit."

She tried to look less inconspicuous, allowing the gang boss to pull her into the crowds of business people in a bid to blend in; Belle could have laughed at the absurd thought of being able to "blend in" now. After all, they'd just brought the afternoon traffic to a stand-still, waving guns. They were going to be on the news or something after that; what the hell would father think if he saw that? Shrugging it off, not wanting to be caught up in her own worries about the situation - at least not at the moment - she followed him into the dim alleyway and stood back in the darkness as Dom peered out into the street, keeping watch.

"Forget it. It's done now", she responded quietly, when he apologized about the shop; her heart sank like a stone, but she sucked it up, nodding sincerely.

When he turned back to her, appearing to wince as though in pain, Belle frowned - anxiety and worry beginning to course it's way through her veins along with the adrenaline rush. She nodded obediently - not that she was too thrilled about having to hideout with gangsters but knowing that she had very little choice now if she wanted to survive. After a second during which silence had set in completely, Belle's voice came in a shaky whisper.

"A-Are you...did you get hurt?"

[Dominic Wolfe]

Damn, but he wasn't used to feeling actual guilt. Was he coming down with some kind of cold? Hell, he must be, because the fact that his actions had caused a woman to lose her livelihood actually made him feel bad. Bad! He was probably one of the most wanted psychopaths on the freaking ISLE; why the hell should he care about one little girl and her beloved bookshop? It wasn't like she was providing him with any valuable service.

What he should do, was throw the little chit out into the street, so that Asshat would focus on her while he got away. The shooter would probably take her to some discrete location and torture her for information she didn't have, thus giving him and his boys some time to retaliate against his employer. What he should do was concentrate on the war that the fuckers had started; not on trying to get himself and a random woman to safety!

But he was a schmuck; end of story. God in Heaven...

When Belle spoke, Dom turned his attention from the street, back to her. More for her benefit than his own, he forced a cocky smile onto his face. "Nah, I just got nicked by some glass. Hurt's like a bitch, but I'll live."

If he got to the damn Den and the boys hadn't chased the on site doc off the premesis, he thought with a dark little growl. With one more peek out at the now quieting street, he grabbed hold of Belle's wrist again and tugged her after him. Even with their guns tucked away, they probably looked like hell, so they'd have to make the trip quick. Pushing their pace to a jog- and trying not to puke as every jolt made his arm scream at him- he led her away from her semi-nice area and into the darker streets of the slums. A few more twists and turns, and one secret back alley entrance that he'd have to close up after their little party, they came upon the Wolf Den, in all of its decrepit glory.

Squat, wide and sporting more graffiti than any good building should, it wasn't much to shake a stick at. Hell, the place should probably have been burned down a long time ago, if only to save the buildings around it some real estate money...but none of that stopped a line of eager people from gathering around outside, in the hopes of getting in. While housing his gang, the Den was also known as a hot spot for drunks and partygoers looking for a danger fix. Would little Belle know who she was following, upon seeing the neon sign outside?

Without giving her any chance to scream or run away, he led her toward a side door. With a snarl, they were immediately ushered inside.
"I need the doc right now," He growled to the nearest thug, who quickly hurried off. While the area around the bar was hopping, the taped off back part where they were standing was filled only with his men.

Finally, Dom released Belle's wrist and pointed at an empty velvet couch across the room. "Go sit there. I'll explain everything when you get looked at." Awkwardly, he lowered himself onto a chair and stripped off his jacket, swatting at any helping hands. His sleeve and side were covered with blood, but after squinting at the hole in his upper arm, he knew he'd be alright. Taking the bullet out would hurt like fuck, but he'd had worse.

[Ysabelle Bernard]

Feeling him tug at her wrist again rather roughly, it took a lot for the twenty-seven year old to hold her tongue. After all, was it truly necessary? She half glared at him as they stepped back out onto the streets in a slick fashion, the daylight almost blinding her. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to it, finally taking in everything; her entire body had numbed during the crazyness that was the shoot-out. Now, however, she was slowly beginning to feel again; from the searing pain in her right shoulder to the stinging cuts that had spread across her cheek - a result of the glass flying everywhere.

Turning through several back-streets, down some more alleyways and back into the gloom, Belle peered around at the run-down buildings covered with graffiti, the stench of stale beer and piss making her stomach turn. Her hazel eyes lingered upon the groups of people lined up and suddenly she knew the extent of the trouble she was in. When she saw the sign above the door - The Wolf's Den - Belle opened her mouth to protest and even attempted to pull herself out of his tight grip, but it was to no avail. She gave in, for the time being, her eyes wide and curious as he led her inside.

Once inside, she heard Dom call out to someone to fetch a doctor. Nervously perching herself upon the velvet-colored couch, her face pale and eyes darting everywhere, Belle watched as Dom took his leather jacket off - the true extent of the damage caused by the shooter made quite clear now. And he had lied about it? To keep her from panicking? She felt a sickening knot in the pit of her stomach, purposefully averting her gaze as her acquaintance's friends attempted to assist him. She wanted desperately to go home.

[Dominic Wolfe]

"I said I'm fuckin' fine!" The snarl ripped through the back of the warehouse, sending various large men scurrying away from their irritated boss. After what seemed like forever, the doctor finally arrived. The guy was supposedly some hot shot ER doctor that had gotten a bit too involved in underground gaming. In order to save himself from getting his legs broken by his bookies, the good doctor had loaned his services out to The Hoods, when he wasn't playing the hero at the local hospital.

When the man tried to look at Dom, the gangster motioned for him to go to Belle first instead. Irritated at the surprised looks from his men, he motioned for them to leave. In single file, they wandered out into the bar area, leaving him alone with her and the doctor, who immediately knelt down next to her.

"Let him take a look at your arm," He grumbled at the girl. Snagging a bunch of napkins from the table next to him, he smashed them against his arm with a curse. Maybe the burn would be punishment enough for being such a schmuck. Him, trying to be chivilrous...gah. It was too disgusting for words.

Forcing his brain to focus on Belle, he flashed a toothy grin. "So...you're probably hoping that you can go home," He drawled, voice a bit slurred. "Problem is that you've been seen with me, and I've got a bounty on my head. See...my full name's Dominic Wolfe, and I run The Hoods. Have you heard of me? I bet you have. I'm sorry to say it, Belle, but you're better off here with me, until I take care of the schmuck trying to fill me full'a lead."

[Lilah Wolfe]

Lilah was a bit distracted today. She'd sent off a "friend" of her's with a little job, and she hadn't heard word back from them yet that the mission had been accomplished. How hard could this job be for a professional? Honestly. All she had asked for was a nice, clean assassination. She should have heard something back from them by now. If things went well this evening, she could be out of this business within a matter of days. If not, her life sucks once more. But what else was new, eh?

She started pacing the office that belonged to her father, hoping she would hear the ring of a phone sometime soon. Without notice, she heard a loud yell of assurance and somewhat a command ring out through the warehouse. She froze dead in her tracks. The source of the yell was all too familiar. It was a voice that should be long gone. You know, down to the pits of Hell where it belongs? She closed her eyes for a brief moment, hoping that she was wrong. She searched out for the voice, she wandered through the corridors, saying a few Hail Mary's along the way.

When she came through the exit of the corridor, she saw a face that she most certainly did not want to see. She let out a gasp that was much too loud. Her father was there, a doctor at his side tending to what was obviously a gunshot wound to the arm. She huffed, very upset at her "friend", but knowing he wouldn't be around much longer to make another mistake. It wasn't until of few seconds later that she noticed a girl that couldn't be much older than her in the room as well. She gave a quick eye-roll. Her father just couldn't seem to find people his own age.

"Dad!" She said, finally speaking up. "What on earth happened to you this time?" She was trying to sound completely oblivious to what had happened. She turned towards the young girl briefly, then back to her father. "And who is this fine, young, specimen of a female here." She asked him, putting an emphasis on 'young'.

She couldn't believe that this supposed "trained professional" had actually botched the hit. Well, if it was one thing that Lilah learned today, it was that if you want something done right, you're going to have to do it yourself. And that is what she fully intended on doing. So no worries. Dominic Wolfe's reign was coming to an end. And Lilah didn't care how many people had to die in the process of her getting what she wanted. Whoever had to die for the cause, that was exactly what was going to happen.

Call me a bitch if you must.

[Ysabelle Bernard]

"What do you mean I can't go home?!", she shot back at Dom as the medic began to move her injured arm around to judge the seriousness, causing her to hiss in pain and swat at his hands with her good arm. "And you...stop doing that...it hurts!"

Belle had finally snapped; she was tired; she was fed-up; she was worried about her father. And he wanted her to stay here of all places? The best of it was that he hadn't even mentioned how long for. Of course she knew who he was; everyone had heard about The Hoods, particularly their leader. Dominic Wolfe. She'd had a sneaking suspicion when she first spoke to him that he was trouble - but she hadn't counted on this much.

She silently fumed for the next few minutes, biting her tongue; if she didn't, she had a feeling that the gun in her waistband would be put into use at any second. Okay, so she had been a little snappish, but she deserved to be. She didn't bargain on something like this happening to her. This wasn't her problem, yet she was now involved. What a crock!

It was just then, as the doctor informed her that it was merely a sprain, that Belle looked up in time to see a blonde girl - probably late teens - step into the room and looking at Dominic with a worried expression upon her face. Belle raised her brows, particularly as the girl - who she had now guessed was the gang boss's daughter - put emphasis on the term "young" when referring to Belle. She wasn't that young.

"It's Belle", she interjected before anyone else could get a word in, still feeling bitter about the entire situation as she rubbed her shoulder in a bid to comfort herself. "And I don't want to be here any more than you want me here, hon."

[Dominic Wolfe]

Dom suppressed a sigh when his daughter came onto the scene. There was something...off about the way she looked at him; as if she were trying too hard to sound concerned. He'd heard rumors about her plans to introduce him to an early grave, and unlike any normal person, he embraced them. His daughter, trying to kill her father...oh, it was enough to bring prideful tears to his eyes. The fact that she thought she was being completely covert about it was a bit insulting, but...his daughter was acting as bloodthirsty as he did on a daily basis.

It was enough to make him cry, if he were capable of such emotion. Then again, he had gone and did the 'guilt' thing. That probably meant anything was possible.

"That, Lilah, is Ms. Belle," He replied smoothly, giving his daughter a warning glare. He didn't appreciate all that emphasis on 'young,' and bit back a grin when the lady in question decided to chime in. Well, wasn't she all fire inside that innocent facade? How cute.

Waving his good hand at Belle, as if dismissing her question, he gave his daughter a nonchalant shrug with his good shoulder. "Some asshat tried to take some potshots at me today. I had to duck into Ms. Belle's shop, and...well, you get the picture. She's under my protection, Lilah. See that she's all set up, hmm?"

Finally, he turned his amber eyes in the store owner's direction. The ER doctor, obviously put out by the irritable state of his patients, tried to look at her arm in a gentler manner. Dom just leaned back in his chair and snagged a bottle of liquor from the table.

"I think the whole 'you can't go home 'cause there's a killer who thinks you're my ally' was pretty self explanitory, Belle. Until the fucker's caught and I can figure out who hired him, you've gotta stay here. Unless...you'd like to get tortured for intel on me that you don't have?" He raised his brow sardonically.

[Lilah Wolfe]

"Oh excuse me. Belle then." She said in a rather snarky tone. "Forget I asked who you are." She rolled her eyes again. She swore that one day her eyes were going to stay in the back of her head because of how often she did that. She listened as he explained what had happened, widening her eyes as he finished. "Well, it's not like that's new. People trying to off you I mean. At least you're still alive, Daddy." She said in a much-too-sweet voice. "I don't know what I'd do if something had happened to you." She gave a slight nod, a little grin forming on her face. But it immediately fell.

"What do you mean 'set her up'?" Her eyes became slits. She listened even more intently as her father said that "Ms. Belle" (God, that made her want to gag.) Would be staying there. She figured she'd "seen too much", or something stupid like that. The thought that was running through her head was that with "Little Miss Belle roaming around the Den, it would be a lot harder to kill her father than expected. Maybe. Just maybe I should... She thought to herself. But certainly she couldn't do that. Her father she could easily get off of, but some woman? No that wouldn't be an easy feat in the least.

"What the hell. Dad? Are you..." She struggled to say the word. "Kidnapping her?" She looked at him in disbelief. She'd never known him to kidnap a woman. "Are you mental? Certainly she'll have family who's going to miss her. You may single-handedly bring down this operation by allowing the cops to come looking for her, and all because you want a date, or sex, or something." She flew down onto one of the couches and groaned loudly. How could her father be so stupid?

But then again, if the cops found out. Maybe her father would be arrested. The only downside is that Lilah herself would more-than-likely be arrested herself. That most definitely wasn't happening on her watch.

[Ysabelle Bernard]

Belle threw an annoyed look at the snarky little girl, listening as father and daughter conversed as if everything that was going on here was normal. She guessed it was normal, for them. But for her? This was a madhouse, and she had to get home. She co-operated when the medic gave her a few painkillers and a glass of water, looking at him with a surly expression when he began to clean the grazes upon her face - the antiseptic he used stung like hell.

Hearing the blonde girl's response to her father's explanation, Belle found nothing suspicious about it - instead nodding her head in agreement with what she was saying. Finally, at least someone was talking something other than crazy. Dom had been great at keeping her safe, but his daughter's theory was the one that sounded most appealing to the brunette right now.

"She has a good point. I don't see why I should burden you...my father, if he knows I'm missing, he'll go to the authorities or..."

She trailed off, thinking about poor old Maurice; knowing her Papa, he'd try to find her somehow - even if it meant on his own. She certainly didn't want that. People around town could be cruel to someone as eccentric and confused as her elderly father; Belle knew. She'd had to beat up a few guys that attacked him one night, on his way home from his garage. She didn't want him to wander into this place - it was no place for someone like him.

Belle remained silent, giving up; this was hopeless.

[Dominic Wolfe]

Ooh, if that sugary sweet voice made him want to throw something at her, Dom thought with a low growl. His arm was throbbing like a BITCH, which really wasn't helping his quickly deteriorating good mood, and if the music in the bar got any louder, he was liable to kill someone. Damn, he'd dismissed his cronies...maybe if he tore a chunk out of the doctor, he'd feel better?

Slamming his hand down on the table- FUCK, BAD IDEA! FUUUUCK!- the gangster glared at his daughter and Belle. He was quickly regretting his entire 'knight in shining armor urges,' and was half tempted to make everyone happy and let the shop owner go on her merry way. It wouldn't be long until the killer found her and made her and her father sing, but then everyone would feel better, wouldn't they? Lilah could stop looking at him as if he was insane, Belle could stop glaring at him like HE was the bad guy. Fucking A, didn't he save her goddamn life?

Forget the fact that he'd brought danger into it in the first place; he was freaking PROTECTING her! Protecting someone that wasn't himself or his reputation! Someone should be giving him a medal, here, not questioning his actions.

With an unhappy snarl on his lips, Dom continued to glare at the two women. The doctor, now finished with his initial patient, cautiously approached the gang boss and began working on his wound. The sleeve of his shirt was carefully cut away, and with a murmured 'this might sting,' he proceeded to try to work the bullet out.

Through gritted teeth, the gangster managed to growl, "I didn't ask for your opinion, Lilah. All I need is for Belle to get caught by that killer and her death to reach the papers. Her shop was shot up; don't you think the cops will be all over the place? DNA evidence links me to her, dammit, so I'm fucked either way."

He took a chug of the whiskey in his hand, letting loose an almost animalistic sound as the doctor continued to search for the bullet in his arm. His fists clenched, he forced himself to remain upright and looking at the women across from him.

"I can post guys around your father to make sure he's safe, and you can call him. Say...you're taking a vacation, or something. 'Cause lady...the Den's the only place you're safe until I catch the fucker who tried to off me. So stop arguing with me!"

[Lilah Wolfe]

Lilah popped up out of her position on the couch. He didn't ask her opinion? She was just stating the facts. Did he have to get the immature attitude, and bang his hand on the table? That couldn't have made his injuries feel any better. "I'm sorry. I forgot I wasn't second-in-command, and that you didn't raise me to say these things." She crossed her arms and turned her head away from all the people in the room. She thought her father might at least respect her suggestion. Not get all snappy like he just did.

She was supposed to be Daddy's little girl. Didn't that mean he should be wrapped around her finger? She hated when he was injured. Mainly because he was a dick until he re cooperated from it. Was Lilah really supposed to put up with that? She didn't care if he was her father. "And you're right. You are fucked. Great job Daddy. I applaud you." She said sarcastically. At this point she didn't care how much was going to far.

Now she got up from the couch that she had been sitting on, and paced around the room. She had to think of something that could keep them from linking the Hoods from being linked to this whole thing. If all her father was going to do for the cause was keep some woman hostage, it was going to be up to Lilah obviously to keep everyone else that matters safe. She scrunched her eyes tight together, placing her thumb and index finger on the bridge of her nose. "You know what? Don't worry about. I'll think of something to do." She just wasn't sure exactly how to go about keeping an entire organization from falling under until the time was right. But dammit if she wouldn't.

[Ysabelle Bernard]

The entire time, Belle watched the duo's interactions with each other, silently wondering what the fuck she had gotten herself caught up in. This wasn't a normal "father-daughter" conversation; no way. Belle remembered being a kid and helping her father out in the garage, or with some crazy idea he had decided to put into fruition. She remembered how he would help with her homework, back when she was a studious yet dreamer of a teen; and as they both grew older - Belle blossoming into the young woman that she was today - how she used to prepare dinner for him and keep his house while he would share his insane theories about the world with her. That seemed fairly plausible. Discussing kidnappings, weaponry and shoot-outs? It practically screamed "psychotic."

When Dom raised his voice at both the brunette and blonde sitting in front of him, Belle bristled slightly under his frustration. Feeling her lip tremble slightly, she bit down upon it in a bid to hault the tremor. She had to admit, he did frighten her; though not nearly as much as she had probably anticipated. She was more curious than anything when it came to this place; these people. Particularly Dominic Wolfe. Word on the street was that he was the meanest, most ruthless gang leader in town - and yet, he had seemed fairly friendly towards her at first, if a little strained. Realizing now that it was all just a front, Belle diverted her gaze when he snapped at her request to go home. Eventually, however, she plucked up the courage to stand her ground.

"This might be your idea of the perfect living space...but it isn't mine", she said, getting swiftly to her feet. She narrowed her eyes, contemplating his suggestion for a moment before speaking quietly. "Make sure that my father is safe, and I'll stay here and keep my mouth shut. Fail, and I'll turn you in myself."

Her tone was firm, having lost all trace of pleading; she wasn't just some little girl he could order around. She was smart and independent; she didn't need someone to push her around and pretend to be "saving" her. She didn't need saving.

[Dominic Wolfe]

He’d just hit a nerve with his daughter, hadn’t he? Well, GOOD, the gangster thought with a pained grunt. As bad as he was feeling at the moment, it was his goal in life to make everyone around him either pissed off or contributing to the blood on the floor. It felt like the doctor was shoving red hot needles into his arm, and he gritted his teeth to keep from howling. If there was one thing he’d learned as a punk kid, it was how to bite back his pain. So, closing his eyes, he half listened to what the girls were saying and imagined himself in a happier place.

There would be a sunny beach, a half naked waitress serving him drinks…hmm, and maybe that cute little shop owner in a skimpy bikini, feeding him grapes. Bleh, screw the grapes; he was more of a steak and potatoes kind of guy. Oh yeah, that was a nice image…he’d known that the little brunette with the biretta had some kind of nice curves under those clothes. Throw in some waves crashing and—

A snarl tore itself from his throat as he popped open an eye to glare at the doctor. He had to give the man some credit; he only flinched a little bit as he finally pulled the bullet out. Thank FUCK…but damn, this meant that he had to focus on the two women instead of his daydream, didn’t it? Aw.

Taking a deep, calming breath as the twitching surgeon bandaged his arm, he forced himself to look up at his daughter with a calm expression on his face. Unlike with Belle, he couldn’t outwardly apologize, because of the people he was around. Apologies were weaknesses, and as a gang boss, he could afford none of those. So, with a little grumble, he gave Lilah a little nod.

“You’re learning, baby girl…and you’re bite’s getting worse than your bark; I like it. Keep it up.”

When Belle spoke, his head swiveled over to turn slightly blurry eyes in her direction. Damn, but she had some nice fire, he thought with a slow grin. But did she really think that she could threaten him? He could have her killed in less than a second. He could pull out the gun from his jacket pocket and put two in her head…or drag her over to his bedroom and make her beg before he did the deed. He had to respect her bravery, however. There weren’t many people- other than his daughter, of course- who could look him in the eye and demand anything.

“I’ll take that under advisement, baby,” He drawled in reply, amusement practically shining out of his eyes. “But don’t worry; you won’t be staying here for long. You go call your family and tell ‘em you’re fine, and I’ll have one of my boys make sure your shop stays closed and outta the cops’ sight. Once we take care of the asshat assassin, you’ll be free to go.”

He pinned Lilah with a less-friendly look and nodded toward a door at the back of the room marked ‘PRIVATE.’ “Take Ms. Belle to my office to let her make the calls, and make sure she doesn’t say anything stupid. Then put her up in the guest room upstairs. I’ll talk to you about your ‘plans’ later.”

And with that, he looked down at his now bandaged arm, dismissing them. Standing with a growl, he stripped off the bloody, tattered remains of his shirt and turned his back on the women. He had a bar to run and some information to gather; he didn’t have time to argue like some PMS Avenger chick.