The Robin Hood Gang 3: A World Joined (Ended)

Riley

I couldn't bring myself to trust what James had said. The entire government was against us, now. They believed it was us who had killed the president, believed it was on my orders.

"Well then, we'll have to try harder. I ran away from the most accomplished hit man in the world, and Reg; I can do it again," James said with a smile. When he had first mentioned the accomplished man, I had thought he meant Reg, until he added his name on. Silly me, though, for thinking that. The second I did, I wondered what I was thinking.

"I'm not sure if that's possible. Reg brings his personal business into this, and it effects all of us. Especially me, because they know I lead you lot. So I get blamed for everything, even if I had no hand in it, because, technically, you all are supposed to work on my orders. And Alis can't go two days without killing someone. It's like her drug." I lean against the car and sigh.

"About Alis, I think you can force some self-restraint on her..."

"I understand why Jack got angry so often," I say, almost as if I hadn't heard what James said, "it's hard being blamed for every stupid thing other people did." Why the heck did Reg go blow up the president? I knew he was keeping something from me, and it really bugged me. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what, though.

Reg Carter

The mansion was a darn hell hole. Alis and Jimmy hadn't shut up, despite the fact it was unbelievably obvious that they were more in love with each other than they could bring themselves to admit. What made it worse was the burden of government attention; the killing of the President was reckless, sure, but it had to be done and as far as I was aware no-one had seen it. As for the journalist, well, that was in the gang's - Riley's - best interest. After all, it protected her name that little while longer. Just enough time for her to go on a date with James I guess. Though, I best warn her. After all, she was one of the people I would protect with my life.

The phone rang as I waited for her to answer. I had second thoughts, things might've moved on quickly and I could be interrupting Riley and James' private time. Better safe than sorry mind you.

"Reg?" Riley asked over the line, her voice angry.

"Hey Riles, what's happening your end?" I replied, before breaking any news.

"Well," Riley quinced, "I'll tell you. We're going to get a lot of attention. It's us verse everyone now, 'cause you went and blew up the President; they all think it was on my orders!"

"Calm down, Riles," I assured her, "It ain't you to get angry. I did what I had to and I think it's about time I told you why. I'm not tellin' you over the phone though Riley. I'll tell you when your back. Have a nice night out with James, the attention will be scarce. Government got a fail ops on their hand and criminals will be busy screwing street girls. You'll have 'least next half hour free. Chill, Riles. I'll explain when your back."

"Fine," she replied bluntly. I knew she'd be eager to hear it now, but she needed some of her own time and that was best without me there. Besides, her relationship with James clearly needed work and I guess I'd rely on James to make sure it got the attention; despite the fact he's got a bit of a shit history. Specially with me.

Maitea

I watched Howard walk into Max's old room as me and Ace went back to his room. Ace was getting tierd again, and needed rest.

I wanted, honestly, to go introduce myself to Howard. Make him feel welcome. Maybe it was just part of how I had grown up, but I felt people should always have the right to feel welcome on their first day anywhere. I look beside me where Ace is on the bed, fast asleep. I lean down, and press my lips to his cheek, then quietly walk out of the room.

"Howard, can I come in?" I ask, knocking on his door.

"Yes," He answers, a bit of confusion in his voice.

I walk in, "I don't think we've really met. I'm Maitea." I say, putting my hand out. He shakes it.

"I guess you know my name," He smiles, and laughs a little.

"Yeah," a brief silence ensued that, then I thought of something.

"Wait, Chris mentioned you had money for us. Like how much?" My eyebrows raised.

I might not be able to post for a few days, so just remember they're going on a heist tomorow, that should tide you guys over for the next few days.

Howard

Maitea was a breath of fresh air in the toxic stress around me. I may have been told everybody's name, but not everybody had given an honest welcome to me yet. The times that people did, things felt just that inch better. Besides, considering Alis, I was feeling like a bit of a curse. Like anybody else, I didn't like that much.

"Come", I told her. She followed me back to the living room, and I literally threw the giant garbage bag of cash to her.

"There's still a driver's seat full in my new car, and there's a parking lot in Nevada with just about any car anybody'd want", I said, "And a few carfulls of weapons and explosives. But you'd have to ask Alis where they are, if you'd dare try that now"

Maitea laughed to herself as she looked through the bag. I think she was mildly impressed on what I could pull off in my first day.

"Can I ask something?", I asked her.

"Sure"

"Is it always so...dramatic in this place?"

Eve

I was beginning to get really annoyed with Alis and Jimmy's arguing. Why couldn't they just kiss already?! Finally, it was too much for me. My head was hurting and I felt like I was about to puke, but they still wouldn't shut up!

I ran into Jimmy's room. They were both there, still yelling at each other.

"That wasn't, Jimmy, I wasn't..... trust me!" Alis said, her eyes filling with tears. That was the first, and probably the last, time I'd seen Alis cry. I shook that off and ran up to them.

"Oh...my...gosh." I said through gritted teeth. "Just admit that you two like each other so you can kiss and stop yelling!" There was silence. They both looked at each other.

"Gosh, is it really that hard?!" I stalked out of the room, leaving them alone. I passed by Max's old room, where Howard and Maitea were talking.

"Is it always so...dramatic in this place?" Howard asked her. I leaned my head in through the doorway.

"Unfortunately," I said. They all looked at me, a little surprised. "Yes. Most of the time at least. Something always seems to come up."

"Great." Howard said with a sigh.

"Don't worry, though." I said. "You'll get used to it. Besides, without all the drama, things would get too boring around here." At that, I walked off.

Riley

The whole rest of the night with James I was on edge, waiting for an explanation. Something that might make sense in my hectic, crazy, life. So, naturally, when we pulled back up at the mansion I went directly to find Reg, leaving a very annoyed James behind me.

I find Reg in the kitchen, chowing down on a can of beans.

"You owe me an explanation." I say, leaning against a counter. My eyes narrow as he remains silent. He seems to be lost in thought. "Reg!"

"Gimme a minute, Riles." He said. "'Sides, we can't talk 'ere."

"Why not?" I demanded. I must have sounded a little pushy, but I was getting impatient.

"Someone could over'ear." Reg said. I rolled my eyes as we walked out of the room, clearly wanting me to follow him.

Reg Carter

I opened the door of my 4x4 and Riley clambered in next to me. I knew she wouldn't particularly approve of it, but we were going to go for a little drive. I'd stop off by the lake about a mile south and I'd tell her everything she needed to know; all she'd been kept in the dark about. We were silent along the journey as I pulled the 4x4 around and accelerated along a narrow dirt path surrounded by high growing greenery. She'd never been to this lake before, but I had. It's where I went to collect my thoughts over the past few months and it had always provided that sanctuary. Finally, I pulled over along the grass bank of the lake.

"Here's the stop," I smiled to Riley, getting out of the car and wandering down to the lake edge, quick-stepping along the steep bank. Riley looked hesitant, so I offered her a helping hand. She took it as an insult and went down on her own, waving away the kind gesture.

"Spill it," Riley demanded.

"Alright, Riles," I said, sitting down and paddling my feet in the lake. "My sister isn't dead."

"What the hell?" Riley exclaimed instantly, "Then- ... Explain Reg."

"When I was on the run, my sister and I witnessed a high end corruption deal that got the previous President framed and in jail. That ran our new, recently deceased President, straight into position as the most powerful man in the world. Now, the trial was goin' to go on for some time and the President who'd just got kicked out on corruption he claimed he didn't partake in, wanted the witnesses dead. I knew I could handle myself, but my sister? No way. Being on the run from Uncle Freddy was enough, by far. So, the new President got her into a Witness Protection program and she was escorted to the far East."

"Jesus, Reg."

"I ain't done yet, Riles," I smiled, waving her interruptions down with a hand gesture. "I had to protect her. I've only ever made one promise and that's to protect three people. You, Bree and my sister. So, I made it my duty to kill off everyone who knew where my sister's location was or anyone chasing her. Thus the death of Uncle Freddy. I was going to leave the new President though, he was a good friend of mine. And with the old President banged up, the new one didn't have any need to threaten my sister. Although, after Bree died-- I thought it'd be better safe than sorry you know, Riles? I'm sorry I got you into this shit, but I'll do anything to keep my promise; especially after I let Bree down..."

Riley

Who did he think he was kidding? By the way, my sister, the one you thought was dead, yeah, well she's actually alive. You don't just drop that on someone out of nowhere. Still, it was nice to know why we were in so much trouble, even if it didn't solve the problem.

"I'm sorry I got you into this shit, but I'll do anything to keep my promise; especially after I let Bree down..." His words shocked me. He was stupid if he thought Bree's death was on his hands. I was the leader, I had gotten her killed. One more order could have saved her life. I looked down into the water, trying to arrange my thoughts so I wouldn't sound like an idiot when I spoke.

"No, Reg, you had nothing on Bree's death. That was all on me, and you know it. I was careless, and stupid to think my prep of a sister could take care of herself. One more order, and she would still be alive." I said, hate for her, and for myself, curling around every word. I pulled me knees up to my chest, and wrapped my arms around them. Then something else hit me. Though Reg was about to speak, I cut him off, "Wait, James thinks he killed your sister. So, who did he kill?"

"A stand in, o' sorts." Reg explained. I nodded as if it made sense, though I didn't entirely get it. So, as far as I saw it, some innocent girl had to die, just because she stood in for someone else. It didn't seem fair, but life wasn't exactly fair, I had found. I turned my head to look at Reg.

"Thank you, Reg, for telling me." I let out a small smile, "At least I know why everyone is out to get me now." I manage a laugh, though it sounds a little forced.

Maitea

"Don't worry, though."Eve said, "You'll get used to it. Besides, without all the drama, things would get too boring around here."

I turned to look at Howard, "She's sort of right, I guess. I sometimes just wish the drama would cut down a little. But I've had the worst end of a lot of it. Been kicked out of this place, once, actually."

"For what?" Howard asked, sounding only half interested.

"Basically, after being poisoned by my parents, I killed Riley's sister. She was Reg's wife, and he pretty much hates me now. Doesn't look too happy I'm here, though, but I have a good reason."

"Which is?" Howard made a movement with his hand that indicated I should continue with my story.

"Ace is sick, we're not sure if he's going to make it out of this." My voice cracked on the last word, and a tea leaned down my cheek. As much as I didn't want to cry in front of the new guy, I didn't have much control over it. I tuned my face away from him.

Howard

Great, I was bringing more unwanted emotions into people just by sitting here and listening. I know I wasn't the root of most of the problems at this point...I really had no stake in much of anything going on whatsoever. But this was, despite surprisingly different than my expections, the living and life I wanted. I can't say any of this makes me regret joining, ridiculous as it may be. I guess I just had to develop a taste for it all.

I patted Maitea on the back, hoping to calm her tears down (pretty much nobody can hide a cry by turning their face away). I was a little reluctant to, considering being kind to somebody led me to causing the Alis and Jimmy fight, but maybe I was meant to go into here to be an oasis of relief from the constant hecticity. It seemed like an easier job softening it than making it, so that's what I decided to try and do from here on out. I hoped I could, anyways.

Eve

There was a lot of drama going on around here, but yet I was still bored. The problem was that I wasn't involved in any of it. I never was that kind of person.

I went up to the library, just to sit and relax. Nothing was happening right now, so there was nothing for me to do. I just sat there, thinking.

((OMG!!! I went to the midnight premiere of Eclipse! It was AWESOME!!!))

Riley

Me and Reg sit in silence for a while, just sitting and looking out over the water. It was surprisingly peaceful, though, whether that was because of the setting or because Reg was there I didn't know.

Finally, Reg speaks up, "'Bout time we got back."

"You're right," I say, unwilling to go, but knowing I didn't have a choice. I walk up the bank, and back to his car. I put my hand impatiently on the door handle, wanting suddenly to get back. Leaving them probably wasn't a good idea. For all I knew, they could have guns pointed at each others head with death threats coming out by the second.

Reg unlocks the car, and we both get in. I put my head against the back of the seat, and close my eyes. I hadn't had a good sleep in a while, and was tired as hell. The car stops after what seems like a short time, but I don't move. I really honestly don't feel like moving.

"Riles, we're 'ere." Reg says, his voice sounding surprisingly kind, for him anyway.

"I know that," I say, a little snappish, despite that he was being nice. I clamber out of the car, and walk back into the mansion.

Reg Carter

I sit in the front of the 4x4 as I watch Riley walk back to the mansion. It was good to get it out of my system and have someone like Riley know what was going on; though I'd killed everyone who knew the truth about my sister, Riley would be different, she was as important as her. The Sun was going down now, and it wouldn't be long before it'd be dark again. The start of a new day and the cycle of everything going on and on all over again. I wasn't even sure what we were here for anymore. My life had started out as me just like any other kid, then as I grew up, just like every other poor shit in the world I began to learn things: corruption, murder, the power of money. Witnessing my parents kill that helpless sod had made me angry and the way they just crept back in to my life as though they'd never put a foot wrong. I remember trailing through my father's papers and files, full of endless contracts of paid murders. It sickened me. Then when I was just 14 I turned my life around, whether for better or worse I'd never know, but that night I shot my parents dead and from then on, me and my sister went on the run from Uncle Freddy.

It had taken me too long to get settled again. Corruption; an evil I saw as a child, had saved my sister's life, but ruined mine and most possibly Riley's too. I don't know whether the sacrifice was worth it, but Riley was still alive. My sister was still alive. That made it okay. Perhaps that was all I was 'ere to do. Protect Riley as she shows this screwed up government the good to it's wrong, and protect my sister, the one who I'd loved forever and for no reason above the fact that she was blood. The only blood relative I had left to my name. Jenny Carter. Riley Evans. The only two that mattered.

I must've fallen asleep in the 4x4 that night.

Riley

At seven o'clock in the morning, I was downstairs. I had already eaten, and had gotten into a bulletproof shirt my sister had gotten me a long time ago. I had forgotten completely about it, but in digging around for my old pistol, I had found the shirt. It fit nicely under my t-shirt, even though it was a little heavy. It was thin, true, but still weighted the same as a thick winter jacket. I had pulled on a pair of regular jeans. A blow to my leg wouldn't kill me, unless I died from loss of blood.

I sat down on a chair by the kitchen, and tapped my fingers on the table. I had told them all to e up and ready by eight. Morning jobs, I found, always went better. People were less attentive in the morning, less likely to think fast on their feet. And as a bonus, I learned from a source of mine they had more police officers working at night than in the morning. It made for the perfect set up. They were making it easy for us.

Except for the tight security at the house. Cameras, lasers, heat sensors, the locks on every door. I was counting on one of my friends, a servant of the governor, who had given me the code to the main few locks. One wrong try, and every alarm from here to panama went off.

The governor would leave his house at 7:30. We needed to be there at 8:30, if we didn't want to get caught. I continued to drum my fingers impatiently on the table. Alis finally came into the kitchen, armed and ready. She looked a lot like a hippie's worst nightmare. A solid black outfit, multiple guns strapped to her side, and a sinister grin on her face all made for the complete look.

"Dramatic, much?" I asked her, gesturing to my more conspicuous outfit.