Fated Marks

“You going to change out of that?” Kol asked.

“No, it’s Miami. The weather here is all humid and makes me feel sticky.” I said. “Besides I didn’t pack any other clothes. I have a blazer on that’s business casual.”

“You’ve been spending too much time with Tony.” Kol said. “Let’s go, the car’s waiting.”

“That’s the car?” I asked looking at the grey Lamborghini waiting outside.

“The weather’s nice figured we could drive with the top down.” Kol said.

“A little ostentatious don’t you think?” I asked.

“Live a little.” Kol said unlocking the car and opening the door for me.

“This car costs more than a house.” I said.

“Which is why I only rented it. Seriously Hales you’re so tightly wound, loosen up.” Kol said.

“Sorry I’m not as easy going about having to meet with a forger with a reputation for helping the worst of the worst disappear while trying to find sociopathic older brother’s wife.” I said.

“Hayley I get you’re under a lot of stress but you need to pull yourself together. If he sees you like this he’ll take you for all you’re worth and not spill the beans.” Kol said.

“If he’ll even talk. You said he was known for being discreet.” I said.

“He is, but when he’s sloppy drunk he tends to slip up.” Kol said.

“I’ll be designated driver, after yesterday I don’t think I’m willing to risk any hang overs anytime soon.” I said.

“You were so stoned,” He said speeding away from the airport.

We quickly made our way through town and to the beach. Apparently our guy owned a beach front hotel which he operated out of.

“No matter what happens just go along with it.” Kol said.

“Kol, my friend how are you?” An old guy dressed in bermudas and a palm print aloha shirt said in Spanish.

“Miguel, It’s good to see you.” Kol responded in Spanish as he was hugging him. That wasn’t a hug that was a subtle pat down.

“And you must be Davina, you’re more beautiful than your boyfriend described you. You live up to your name.” He said taking my hand.

“Why thank you.” I said turning on the charm. The old perve was checking me out and he wasn’t subtle about it. He was practically drooling.

“Please sit down,” He said pulling out a chair. I smiled politely and took a seat. “I think some drinks are needed. Camilla?” He said waving down a waitress he whispered something in her ear and she nodded before running to the bar.

“I love what you’ve done with the place. The expansion looks to have brought in a lot of business.” Kol said.

“Our investments have paid off really well.” Miguel told Kol. “Your man is a savy business man. He’s doubled his investment in a year.”

“Yes he’s very business savy.” I said giving him a flirty smile.

“How did you two meet?” Miguel asked not taking his eyes off of me.

“We had friends in common and they introduced us.” Kol said.

“We hated each other. I mean he was a total player.” I said.

“And she was so uptight and frigid. Came off as a total bitch.” Kol said.

“And he was a total dumbass that screwed with anything that moved.” I said remembering the story mom told me about how she met Marcel.

“So how did you two end up together?” Miguel said as he watched the looks we gave each other.

“We were at a party of a mutual business associate and he started getting a bit handsy.” I said noticing as he not so subtly put his hand on my knee. “And there he was my knight in shining armor.”

“We talked and became friends. You have no idea the hell she put me threw before she finally agreed to go on a date with me.” Kol said.

“Only time I’ve ever been happy about being wrong.” I said.

“You make a lovely couple.” Miguel said. “Better snatch her up while you can or I’ll make her wife number four.” That made us both laugh. I wouldn’t put it past him to try. “Ah, here it is, something from my private reserve.” He said handing us each a glass of wine. “I brought it back from my vacation in Italy.”

“Tuscany?” I asked taking a wiff.

“A lady with fine taste. Yes I helped squash the grapes with my own two feet.” He said and Kol and I put our glasses down. “I’m guessing you’re not here to just check on your investment.”

“Davina wanted to go to the beach and I said why not.” Kol said.

“He spoils me. I have an old friend that lived in the area but I haven’t been able to get ahold of her.” I said.

“Is she also a business collegue?” Miguel asked.

“Not exactly but she runs in the same circles.” Kol said.

“What’s her name maybe I know her?” Miguel said moving his hand up my thigh slowly.

“Delilah but I just call her Dee.” I said.

“Delilah, I don’t think I know any Delilahs?” Miguel said.

“Really she said she’d met you a couple of times she actually recommended we do business together.” I said. “Here’s a picture maybe you’re confusing her with someone else.”

He looked down and paled a bit. “She seems familiar but I’m not sure from where.” He said playing dumb. I gave Kol a look and he rolled his eyes. “Maybe if I had some sort of incentive I could remember better.” He said moving his hand higher.

“If he moves his hand any higher I’m going to cut his balls off with that butter knife.” I said in french.

“Maybe this will help you remember.” Kol said putting a wad of ten thousand dollars in his napkin before putting it on the table and sliding it towards Miguel.

Miguel took his hand off my lap and eyed Kol suspiciously. He lifted the napkin a bit and his eyes widened at the sight of the money.

“The name does sound familiar.” He said.

“Oh does it now?” I said.

“How about we unwind a bit before talking shop.” He said. “Sonya, bring out the tequila, the top shelf.”

“None for me, I want to drive that Lamborghini.” I said.

“Come on, just one shot.” Miguel said.

“If you insist.” I said taking the shot placed in front of me. Kol shot me a look but I waved gave him a look I had it handled. Over the years I’d learned how to make it look like I was drinking while actually dumping the drink on the floor or in this case a potted plant right next to me. I faked a cough and giggled a bit. “That was smooth.”

“Your friend, may I ask how you know each other?” Miguel asked.

“Friend of the family.” I said.

“So you also know her husband, Hadrian?” Miguel said.

“Quiet a character isn’t he?” Kol said.

“That’s one way to describe him.” Miguel said taking another shot. “Your friend had some business with an associate of mine about a year ago. A Czech arms dealer, they were very close.”

“How close?” I asked.

“There were rumors, of course none of them were true no from lack of trying on Maison’s part. Hadrian was not happy. Then there was that accident.” Miguel said with the tone that let us know he knew what really happened.

“Where was Delilah in all this?” I asked.

“She showed up here one day looking nervous she needed to go on an extended vacation with no return date.” Miguel said. “Said she’d pay whatever I asked for as long as it was done that day.”

“Where’d she choose to go?” Kol asked.

“Not sure.” He said moving his hand up and down my thigh.

“Does this help?” I said smacking his hand with another wad of cash.

“Ah, woman after my own heart.” He said with a smirk. “She said she wanted to keep her options open. Bought five packages. Mari bring my book.” As Mari passed by he slapped her ass. Miguel took another shot and handed me one. I slipped it to the plant again smiled.

“Has anyone ever told you you have beautiful eyes?” Miguel said.

“Various times.” I said getting really annoyed.

“My Esmeralda had eyes just like yours.” He said.

“Here.” Mari threw the book down.

“Hey watch the attitude remember who calls the shots here.” Miguel slurred.

“D for Delilah, ah here it is five different packages to five different countries. Tickets to Belize, Madrid, Montreal, Bucharest and Hong Kong. And here are the names I gave her. Normally I’d charge extra but I like you two, you’re good people.” He said taking another shot.

“Thank you.” I said getting up.

“What? You’re not staying for dinner?” he said actually sounding disappointed. I really hoped I’d never have to see this guy again.

“We have another meeting.” Kol said quickly. “More investors to wine and dine.”

“You can wine and dine me.” He said.

“Maybe another time.” Kol said.

“Ah next time then. Get over here you cheeky bastard he said pulling Kol into a bear hug. He let go then hugged me. “If you want to ditch the meeting you know where I’ll be.” He said kissing my cheek. I smashed the heel of my boots into this toes when I heard a crunch.

“Thank you for your help.” I said before walking away.

When we were out of ear shot and in the car Kol busted out laughing.

“You’re an asshole.” I said.

“I did tell you to change.” Kol said.

“That’s not really a warning that was repulsive.” I said. “Next time you’re getting groped for information.”

“I can’t believe you kept it together that long.” He said still laughing. ”And now we know where to look.”

“More or less. She bought multiple identities and matching plane tickets to make false leads. She didn’t go to China because the Triad wants her dead. So that’s one less place to check. Montreal is to close so that was probably a pit stop if she went there. The rest are plausible.” I said.

“Three possibilities, that’s progress.” Kol said.

“Yeah, it is.” I said. “I’ll update Rebekah see what she can dig up.”

After picking up some dinner we headed back to the airport and headed back to New York. After twenty minutes of complete silence

“You need to fix things with them.” Kol said.

“Yeah, that’s messy.” I said.

“You could always try the direct approach. Stretch the truth a bit.” Kol suggested.

“More lies isn’t going to fix this, it’s just going to make it worse. And I tell them the truth Will, Nate and the six of them get shot. How the hell did my mom used do this constantly? One day and I’m already exhausted.” I said.

“She had years of practice and she never truly loved anyone except herself. Everyone was just a means to an end.” Kol said.

“Not really what I needed to hear right now.” I said.

“No it is. You’ve been going to therapy for how long and you’ve avoided talking about the real cause of all you issues? Your therapist knows what little you’ve told him but I was there by your side for two years. And as much as you idolized your mom you know that she wasn’t the warmest person around.” Kol said. “You did not have a normal childhood.”

“And you’re saying you did?” I asked.

“Not an ideal one but I don’t have more identities than I’ve had birthdays.” He said. “Our father was an ass and our mom had her own issues to work through but they never dragged us into the business, Elijah and Klaus didn’t get involved until after they died and even then they kept Bekah and I out of it until we were old enough to understand the consequences of our actions and could deal with them. You on the other hand were dragged into this mess before you even knew there was another way.”

“It wasn’t all bad.” I said.

“Hales normal eight year olds don’t know how to launder money or make threat assessments about which competitors should be eliminated and how. Your mom sold you to the Triad for fuck sake.” Kol said.

“It was only a few months and I learned…” I started.

“Chinese and how to make Peking duck which I have to admit is delicious but nonetheless a bit disturbing. Your mother’s problem was that she didn’t love anyone except herself. She used people to her advantage and she used the love you felt for her to her advantage hence why now you have issues expressing your feelings.” Kol stated.

“I do not have issues with my emotions.” I said.

“Hayley you’re my sister and I love you…” He started and I shifted uncomfortable. “My point, you’re emotionally stunted and you have people around you who love the crap out of you and I know you do too because if you didn’t you would have disappeared when Hadrian first showed up again but you won’t admit it.”

“Actions speak louder than words.” I said.

“And what do your actions say. You lie to their faces constantly. You got in a fight where even you’ve admitted they were right and you ran away to Miami with me. So tell me Allison 2.0 what does that say to you?” Kol said.

“That is a low blow.” I said.

“Do I even have to remind you what happened on your ninth birthday? Most kids spend their birthdays eating cake and refusing to get out of a bouncy castle not committing felonies and helping to black mail a Federal Marshall all because your mom guilt tripped you.” Kol said. I didn’t really have a comeback for that. “You can’t tell them about Hadrian fine I get that and we’re handling that situation but you need to be honest with them Hales if not you will lose them.”

“So what I tell them everything and hope it all goes well?” I said.

“Loving someone means being vulnerable and weak in front of them but being okay with it. You’ve been there for them maybe it’s time you give them a chance to be there for you.” Kol said before getting up and going to grab a snack at the back.

“I hate it when you’re right.” I said.

“You love me and you know it.” Kol retorted.

A few Hours later we were back and there was another Lanborghini waiting for us.

“Dude.” I said. “Low profile, look it up.”

“This wasn’t me.” Kol said giving me a look.

We slowly walked towards the car but I started hearing this high-pitched buzzing.

“Shit, Kol get back now!” I said grabbing his hand and pulling him back just as the car exploded pushing us back. My ears were ringing and everything hurt. I looked up and saw Kol was saying something but I couldn’t hear him.

“…ey…Ha…Hay… Hales! Can you hear me?” He asked.

“Yeah ow.” I said as I saw the scrapes on my knees and the blow to the head I got.

“We need to get out of here.” Kol said. “Can you walk?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I said as I started hearing the sound of sirens getting closer.

“Up up up,” he said pulling me up and supporting me as we ran out of there. We ended up in long term parking where Kol proceeded to steal a car and drive out of there as fast as possible.

“What the hell was that?” I asked as my phone started ringing.

“You left your phone on?!” Kol said.

“I have a scrambler on it, it’s untraceable!” I said. The number wasn’t one I recognized but no one besides my soulmates, Will, Nate and Rebekah knew this number. “Hello?” I answered.

“Enjoy the fireworks?” Hadrian said.

“What a waste of an Italian sports car.” I said. Kol just shot me a look. “Hadrian” I whispered covering the phone so he couldn’t hear.

“Just wanted to let you know I’m watching you. How’s Miguel by the way?” Hadrian asked. “Been a while since I checked up on him.”

“Drunk.” I said.

“Sounds about right, Keep your trap shut or next time it’ll be the jet that mysteriously depressurizes mid flight.” Hadrian said before hanging up.

“That was him?” Kol asked.

“Uhuh.” I said.

“And?” Kol asked.

“Might be time we start flying commercial.” I said in shock.

“We need to ditch the car.” Kol said pulling into an alley he parked and we were out in less than a minute. He flagged down a taxi and we were off. He dropped me off at Nate and Will’s apartment before heading off to meet Rebekah. I took off the scrambler from my phone and quickly saw that Will had parked the car down the block. I used my phone to unlock the car and quickly slipped in.

It was after midnight by the time I got to the tower. I checked the trunk and found the stuff Will had gotten me. He got me three coats and some rain boots along with a note saying he expected me at the apartment after therapy tomorrow.

I picked everything up and went straight to my floor. I had a lot of stuff to apologize for but for now I just needed to crash. I had been up for twenty-four hours straight and had one of the worst days ever. The day literally blew up in my face. I dropped everything on the couch and kicked off my shoes before walking into my room. I sat down on the edge of the bed but there was something there that wasn’t just bed. I heard a groaned and I jumped off and landed on the floor.

“Fuck!” I shouted.

“Hayley!” I heard someone say then the lights flipped on. “Hales!”

“Natasha? Clint? What the hell?! You scared the crap out of me.” I said slowly standing up but putting weight on my knees making me wince.

“Where the hell have you been?” Natasha asked.

“Running errands.” I said. “Uh.” I groaned rubbing circles on my temples. “It’s been a long day and if you want to yell at me fine just do it tomorrow I’m tired and need some sleep.” I said moving to the center of the bed between them.

“We need to talk.” Clint said.

“Tomorrow.” I said. “Cuddle or go just don’t yell.”

It was quiet for a minute before I felt them both lie back down and the lights turn off. I was exhausted but I couldn’t get to sleep. The silence was just too tense.

“The deal with my brother was that I track down his wife and he leaves me alone for good. I was in Miami talking to the forger she hired before disappearing. I’ve been yelled at, handcuffed, hit on and groped by some guy old enough to be my grandpa and then yelled at some more. I was wrong you guys were right.” I admitted

“Hales…” Clint started.

“Can we just go to sleep now and pause everything that’s going on? I just really need a hug right now.” I said not bothering to open my eyes. I felt Natasha move and spoon me from behind as she put an arm around my waist. Clint moved closer and kissed my forehead before hugging me.

I moved my arm under the pillows and felt something cold and hard. Then I moved it some more and felt something else.

“Why is there gun and knife under my pillow?” I asked.

“Sh.” They both shushed.