[lost-lover]

CHAPTER 3

I suddenly regret eating that breakfast. I feel sick. Your alibi's been blown out the water. I knew there was a chance of this happening, with all the planning there was still a chance something could happen. It's very rare that you have a chance to plan for every contingency where murder is involved. Still ... I hoped that I'd have a longer break between the act and a connection being made to me - preferably a few days, as opposed to a few flimsy hours when the print is still warm on the paper's reporting my crime. Plus, I really don't want to be put in jail. My pride is partially built on the basis that I'm different from the family - right now, that includes the fact that I've never done time.
I notice my debate buddies through the windows, gawping shamelessly - no doubt hoping for some more gossip. I realise my thoughts are showing on my face and hitch my mask into place - other than my now-pale features, I'm unreadable once more. Sadly, the mask never fools Leo.
"What do you think we should do?" He says, grabbing my arm and pulling me with him away from our audience into the deserted street.
"Is your alibi still solid?" I say, he nods. "Then you don't need to stay Leo, I've dragged you too far into my mess anyway." I walk off fast, trying to keep my mind focused.
Unlike my family, I'm concerned for more people than myself. My brothers are only concerned for themselves and my father - the family. I'd like to think that they'd be concerned for me if I was in danger, but I doubt it. If they found out about my actions last night it would be a definate no - more likely they'd be more concerned with putting me in danger. Anyway, I'm concerned about three people - me, Leo and Jack. The two people I trust with my life. Once upon a time, I'd have been concerned about 5 people - the aforementioned three, plus Ben and my Mum. That, though, is a very long story.
"If you think I'm leaving you Cass, you don't know me half as well as I thought you did." He says, running to catch up with me.
"I didn't think you would, I hoped you would though." I say, eyes downcast; revealing the emotional turmoil taking place behind the mask. "I don't want you doing time for me."
"Hell Cass do you really think I'd have got involved in the first place if I wasn't prepared to take risks?" He says.
"You wanna help me?" I say. He nods and I grin, my brain already forming a plan. "How d'you feel about lying to the feds?" I ask, knowing his answering before he's even formed it.
"Wouldn't be the first time." He laughs.
"In that case, we've got work to do." I grin. "Let's go to the studio."
Leo smirks, his eyes lighting up, and I begin to explain my plan to him as we walk off.
The studio is a small desk with a vanity mirror situated in my hotel suite. It contains several of my 'emergency' supplies namely, make-up and two wigs. No, I'm not so vain that I can't travel without make-up, this stuff is purely for emergencies. In this case, I'm going to edit my appearence to match my fake papers - which have a background with no mention of my relationship with Andy. More importantly though, it'll make myself look a bit worse for wear after my encounter with the Balding Oldie at the cop shop, which will make the police less than symapethic to his story, as well as more likely to beleive his broken arm was caused by me defending myself. Leo's currently on the phone; bribing Barney to go along with the story if the feds show up - which I think is inevitable, not that the bribe is necessary; Barney never did like the feds.
Within half an hour Leo has decided I'm ready to visit Fedtown and reaccquaint myself with my 'attacker'. I'm wearing a red/brown face length wig - just to confuse my attacker, and my clothes are all jet black - skinny jeans, heel-boots, vest top and the leather jacket - all black, and very complimentary to my figure, giving me the appearence of a confident young women. My face, however, will blur that appearence. My eyes are red rimmed -as if I'd cried myself to sleep, my face is deathly pale - which is thrown into sharp contrast by my outfit, and I have bruises on my wrist and my one on my right cheek. Mr Perv is going to have a hell of a job explaining those.
As we leave the hotel the receptionist stares at me - my face is now giving off a terrifed look. Of course, that's the whole point - me and Leo are going to the cop shop to report my "assault", thereby countering Perv's accusation. I'm also planning to throw off the suspicion of a women being in a strip joint without working there - Leo's helping alot with this part as well as confirming the story of my "attack".
I stop and check the make up and wig look real opposite the police station. I try not to show my fear. I'm not too concerned for myself, but I don't want Leo's life screwed up again because of me. As I've said, the mask never fools him.
"I've come this far, and you've done more than this for me in the past." He says.
"I'm just trying to look the part." I hiss, annoyed that he always knows what I'm thinking. Leo smirks.
"You're not supossed to look happy." I scold him.
"Right," He says, putting on an expression of concern mingled with outrage. "This better?"
"Much." I smile.
"Ready to do this?" He asks.
"Let's go." I say. "I've always wanted to view enemy territory."