Fated Marks

The hits just wouldn’t stop coming. First it was people I knew from before. Then it was Hadrian. At one point I thought it was over and I woke up in a beach house we stayed at one summer and my nanny was in the kitchen teaching me how to cook before taking the knife and stabbing me. Finally I saw Natasha, Steve and Clint fighting some guys in masks. Their team came over to them. They thought it was their back up and suddenly they opened fire on them.

Slowly they fell and to the ground. I moved over and checked them over. Steve and Clint were dead but Natasha was still gasping for air as she choked on her own blood.

“Hayley… Why did you … let this happen?” She said before the light left her eyes.

“I warned you brat.” Hadrian said stepping forward and grabbing me by the neck. He lifted me off the floor and slammed me against a wall. “This is the end good riddance.” He said as he stabbed me. I felt the blood drip down my body and how his grip on my neck got tighter and tighter as everything slowly faded to black.

Suddenly I felt the grip on my neck loosen and I sat up gasping for air. I was on a bed hooked up to an IV and covered in bandages.

“You’re awake.” A man with short blonde hair and green eyes said coming over to stand next to me.

“Who are you? Where am I?” I said trying to sit up and move away when everything started hurting.

“Try not to move too much. I wrapped up your ribs pretty tight but I don’t want to risk another pneumothorax.” He said. “Follow my finger” He said before taking out a light pen.

“Guessing you’re a doctor.” I said as my voice cracked. Damn my throat was dry.

“Yeah, Doctor John Watson and yes like the character from Sherlock Holmes I’ve heard it before.” He said and I recognized the British accent. So I was still in England or the Triad hired a British doctor. “Whatever drug you were on wore off. Pupilary responses are good. What’s your name?”

I stayed quiet.

“Need to make sure there isn’t any brain damage.” He said.

“Hayley.” I said.

“How old are you?” He asked.

“Eighteen.” I said.

“Do you know who Rebekah and Kol are?” John asked.

“Family.” I said.

“Oh thank goodness.” Rebekah said coming in.

“Bekah?” I asked.

“Hey, how you feeling?” Rebekah asked.

“Like shit.” I answered honestly wincing as I tried sitting up again. “What happened? How did you find me?”

“We paid the ransom and he let you go.” Rebekah said.

“I thought I was going back to the Triad.” I said.

“No way in hell we were going to let that happen.” Kol said walking in.

“Hey stranger, thought you were in New York?” I asked.

“I needed back up.” Rebekah said.

“Thank you.” I said. “How much do I owe you?”

“Shut up. This one’s on me.” Rebekah said making Kol give her a look.

“So what’s the damage?” I asked.

“You’re not going to be running any marathons anytime soon.” John said. “You have three broken ribs, a pneumothorax that’s been treated. Minor internal hemorrhaging that I treated with clotting agents, three broken toes, a hairline fracture to your ankle and wrist not to mention drugged with something that left you unconscious for four days.”

“I was out for four days?” I said.

“You were delirious and at one point started choking yourself.” Kol said.

“Stupid serum.” I groaned.

“What was that?” John said.

“He said it was a new version of the truth serum with the added side effect it gives you hallucinations. He gave me triple the normal dose.” I said.

“And more at the exchange.” Kol said.

“Fuck, He called it LSD on steroids. I remember he dumped ice water on me then asked where the money from the business was and I couldn’t stop myself from answering.” I said. “Then I was on fire.”

“There aren’t any burns on you.” John said. “It was part of the hallucination.”

“Well that’s something. Shit I’ve been out for four days they must be freaking out.” I said wincing as I tried moving my hand.

“We covered for you. As far as they know its business as usual.” Rebekah said.

“How’d you do that?” I asked.

“You’re not the only one that can hack and alter tech.” Kol said with a smirk.

“I’m afraid to ask.” I said. “Any chance I can get something to eat, I’m starving.”

“One burger coming right up.” Kol said.

“No, no burgers or heavy foods. You’re stomach’s empty so you need to eat lighter foods. Soups maybe some toast for the first day or so just to stay on the safe side.” John said.

“Chicken and rice soup coming right up.” Rebekah said remembering it was my favorite food when I was sick as a kid.

“Yum.” I said. “Okay I need to use the bathroom so.” I moved to let my feet on the ground and I winced as I put some weight on my feet.

“Wait.” John said. “Crutches, your new best friend for the next three weeks. Then we can switch them for a boot.”

“Yay.” I said sarcastically. “So how do you know Rebekah?”

“We met about a year back.” John said. “I had just gotten back from Afghanistan and got dragged out to a bar by a coworker and there she was.”

Rebekah trusted one of her one night stands enough to come over and treat me and he was okay doing this no questions asked. I turned to look at Kol and he gave me a shrug.

We ate lunch and then John left but not before giving Rebekah a lengthy hug and insisting that if she needed anything no matter what time it was to give him a call and he’d be right over. He was either a really attentive doctor or he had the hots for Bekah. I was leaning towards the latter.

When he finally left Rebekah sat back down again and Kol and I just gave her a look.

“What?” She said.

“Oh nothing. John’s nice.” I said.

“Good bloke.” Kol said. “Even if he is a Chelsea fan.”

“You two talked?” Rebekah said surprised.

“Well this one kept waking up in the middle of the night screaming. It made it hard to get some sleep. He got up to check her vitals every hour or two so we chatted.” Kol said.

“Good bedside matter too.” I said.

“Uhuh.” She said giving us both a look to see where we were going with this.

“So is he just a one night stand or is it something more?” I asked.

“He’s a friend, a good one at that.” Rebekah said. “Speaking of he left you these, said you can take them after you ate. Along with your antibiotic cocktail.”

“Hand them over.” I said picking out the recommended dose and swallowing them. “Wow he got the good stuff.” I said reading the label.

“He also said to keep these away from you when you’re done. Highly addictive and considering what you went through…” Kol said.

“You’re afraid I’m going to spiral.” I said.

“No we just think you went through something pretty traumatic and we should play it safe.” Rebekah said taking the pill bottles.

“Why do I get the feeling there’s something you’re not telling me? Hadrian wouldn’t let me go that easy.” I said.

“What part of that was easy?” Kol said.

“You know what I mean.” I said.

“There were conditions besides just paying the ransom.” Rebekah said.

“What conditions?” I asked.

“Two Million Dollars, you keep looking for Delilah with the same deadline and you have one month to find whoever put the hit out on him.” Kol said.

“One month? Fuck, guys its been almost three months and I still haven’t gotten any solid leads on Delilah. How am I supposed to find who put the hit out? They probably paid extra so the assassin would keep their mouth shut.” I said freaking out. Kol shot Rebekah a look and she nodded.

“You don’t have to look for them we already found them.” Rebekah said.

“You did?” I said not expecting that answer.

“I’m the one that put the hit on Hadrian.” Rebekah said.

“What?” I asked hoping I heard wrong.

“I put out the hit on Hadrian.” Rebekah said. “I went to a place on an errand for Nik and Elijah and while I was there I did it.”

“What the Fuck Rebekah!?” I shouted slamming my hands on the table not remembering my injured wrist. “Ah!”

“Hayley calm down.” Kol said.

“No Do you have any idea the hell I went through because of what you did?!” I shouted.

“I did it for you!” She cried out.

“I didn’t ask you to!” I shouted.

“You didn’t have to! You didn’t have to leave a charity event in the middle of scouting because your robotic butler called to tell me you were in the middle of drowning your sorrows in 5000 dollar bottle of vodka spouting of nonsense about how him being your punishment for everything you’ve done. You don’t believe there’s a way out do you? This is a suicide mission.” Rebekah said.

“What?” Kol said.

“It’s not a suicide mission. Yes I am partially responsible for everything Hadrian’s done and one day I will have to pay for everything I’ve done but this, this has got to be the stupidest thing you’ve ever done!” I shouted. “I told you we were handling this my way for a reason. I know him and I know how he works. You set him off and when that happens there’s no telling what he’ll do. He won’t stop until he gets what he wants and the second he finds out it was you he’ll do everything in his power to kill you! I went through hell because of what you did Rebekah, this is on you.”

“Well don’t worry. I’m turning myself over.” Rebekah said.

“No you’re not. From now on, I’m handling things without you. You’re my sister and there isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do for you but you’re a liability Bekah. You didn’t just put me at risk, you put Natasha, Clint and Steve at risk if anything happens to them because of this I will never forgive you. I can’t even look at you right now without getting pissed.” I said getting up.

“Hayley.” Rebekah said.

“No. I need space.” I said.

“I talked to Elijah and Marcel.” Kol said. “They need you in Hong Kong.”

“You talked to them behind my back?” Rebekah said outraged.

“They don’t know about any of this. I just told them you wanted to see if anyone over there had heard anything and while you’re at it your expertise could be used for some deals we have going on. Hayley needs space and I think you do too.” Kol said. “Your plane leaves tomorrow morning it’s only for a few weeks and you’ll be back.”

“What about you?” Rebekah asked me.

“You need to go. We’ll handle things here.” I said.

“What about Hadrian? You said it yourself he won’t…” Rebekah started.

“Hadrian isn’t your problem anymore. I’ll deal with it, but you no longer have any contact with him. You’re not going to call off the hit either, there is no way it can lead back to you.” I said.

“So that’s it?” Rebekah said. “After everything?”

“For now. This is how it has to be. He knows where you two are involved, you’re now potential targets. We have to make it look like we’re all busy it’ll keep him off us for a while or at least until the new deadline.” I said trying to take a few steps before I had to stop.

“And what then?” Rebekah asked.

“I’m working on it.” I said putting an arm on my ribs trying to soothe the pain.

“Hayley you can barely stand right now.” Kol said.

“Then you better keep throwing those meds my way, I’m going back to the penthouse. It’s the safest place to be right now. Ah!” I said feeling pain from my ribs.

“You’re in no condition to move right now.” Kol said.

“Watch me.” I said.

“Damn it. Hayley wait up.” Kol said grabbing his keys and the medicine.

“Make sure she doesn’t over do it.” Rebekah said.

“I will. You should go pack.” Kol said running after me.

One very uncomfortable car ride later we finally got to the building.

“So be honest, how bad do I look right now?” I said.

“You really need me to answer that?” Kol asked.

“No just needed to prepare for the look Arthur is probably going to give me when I stumble in and also figure out how I’m going to cover all of this up.” I said referring to the bruise on my cheek.

“Might not want to skype for a while also take a bath and soak.” He said.

“You trying to tell me I stink?” I said.

“You were in bed, unconscious sweating bullets for four days so yes.” Kol said.

“Lowering my body temperature will speed up the recovery or at least numb the pain for a bit.” I said.

“Do that then you’re going back to bed. Doctor’s orders. John will be stopping by to check up on you.” Kol said.

“So he and Rebekah… There’s something there right?” I asked.

“Oh definitely.” Kol agreed as he helped me walk through the lobby.

“Hey Arthur.” I said.

“Hi…” He said awkwardly.

“Jet skiing, surprisingly dangerous.” I said before getting in the elevator.

“Welcome Miss Adams. My sensors indicate that you and in distress and in need of medical attention.” Jarvis greeted.

“Override.” I said. “It’s being managed.”

“Yes Miss.” Jarvis answered.

“Just leave me on the couch.” I said.

“Okay hold on.” Kol said moving me and gently putting me down.

“Thanks. Jarvis anything I may have missed in the past few days?” I asked.

“Just Agent Barton’s message to let you know he arrived in Washington DC safely.” Jarvis said.

“Tony?” I asked.

“Sir is doing well.” Jarvis said.

“Good, we’re in the clear at least with one thing.” I said. “I’m going in for that soak now.”

“Need a hand?” Kol asked.

“Have to start getting used to doing things on my own.” I said standing up. “Besides moving is good, improves blood flow, reduces chances of a clot.”

“You must be in a lot of pain, you’re quoting the discovery channel.” Kol said.

“I’ll see you later.” I said.

“I can stay.” Kol said.

“It’s been a rough few days, we need rest. We can figure the rest out later.” I said walking to my room. I slowly and painfully slipped out of my clothes and took off the bandages. Damn, I thought I got it bad in Flagstaff but this is way worse. I started drawing the bath and watched as it slowly filled up. I saw my reflection in the water and suddenly I saw a hand reach out and pull me in. It was holding me under and I couldn’t breathe. I fought back and tried moving away. Before I knew it my back was hitting the counter and the tub was starting to overflow. I was completely dry.

“Miss Adam’s are you in need of assistance?” Jarvis asked.

“Run a scan what’s happening to me?” I asked.

“Besides your current injuries I believe you are experiencing a panic attack common in patients suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I believe the best course of action would be to speak to someone with experience in these matters.” Jarvis said.

“You want me to go to therapy again?” I said.

“That would be a viable option but your reluctance suggest speaking to Mister Stark might be a better option.” Jarvis said.

“Override, no one finds out about this.” I said standing up and feeling how sore I was. “Can you play some music? Something from Bruce’s playlist.” If it can help him keep the other guy calm it might help now.

“Yes Miss.” Jarvis started playing classical music on the speaker and I turned off the faucet. I drained the tub a bit before slowly slipping into the freezing water. I had to keep my leg and arm dry so I was sitting in an awkward position but it did help sooth some of the bruising.

I slowly dipped my head under water and opened my eyes but I saw four figures standing over the tub suddenly it felt like I was being stabbed with needles all over my body and then I was burning. I quickly sat up gasping for air.

“Miss Adams you have an incoming call from Mister Stark.” Jarvis said.

“How long have I been in the tub?” I asked.

“You dozed off after a few minutes ma’am. Would you like to take the call?” Jarvis said.

“Put him on speaker. No video call obviously.” I said.

“Yes miss.” Jarvis said.

“Hey sunshine.” Tony said.

“Still hate that name.” I said smiling at how relieved I was to hear his voice.

“Someone’s grumpy. Bad day?” He asked.

“Rough couple of days.” I said. “Just want to get in bed and forget all about it.”

“Leads didn’t pan out?” Tony said. What the hell did Rebekah and Kol tell him?

“Nothing yet. It’s more of a he said she said thing.” I said. “Need to go back into research mode but I’ll do that tomorrow, wrist is acting up.”

“Carpal Tunnel? Wear a wrist brace.” Tony said.

“Yeah that’ll help.” I said looking at my wrist. Suddenly the past few days started catching up to me and I started tearing up.

“You okay?” Tony asked.

“I’m just tired. Home sick. I miss you guys.” I said.

“Miss you too hales.” Tony said.

“I’m getting out of the tub and heading to bed. I’ll talk to you tomorrow morning.” I said.

“Uh okay, get some sleep you sound tired.” Tony said.

“You too.” I answered before I started crying.

“Hales you still there?” Tony said.

“Yeah sorry falling asleep over here.” I answered.

“You know maybe I should move up my trip to the London office. I’ve been meaning to start laying out the groundwork for the new power grid.” Tony said.

“No you have speaking engagements all over the place plus you have to be in Tokyo for that pitch.” I said.

“Have you been keeping tabs on me?” Tony said.

“And you haven’t on me?” I said.

“Speaking of you’re vitals are a bit elevated.” Tony said. “You feeling okay?”

“Yeah, water just got cold and I may be coming down with something. I should dry off. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I said.

“Alright. Night Hales. Love you.” Tony said.

“Kay.” I said before the call cut off. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in and out. Now isn’t the time to break down. I can freak out later. I have a month before Hadrian comes back. I can figure this out.

I got out of the tub and got dressed in some comfy black leggings and a cream colored knit sweater.

I grabbed my laptop and got to work. That’s where Kol found me the next morning when he came by with Breakfast and my dose of painkillers.

“Did you get any sleep last night?” He asked.

“It’s morning.” I said crying out in pain as I stood up.

“You’re not going to get any better by over working yourself. You also need to rest that wrist.” Kol said.

“No time. We’re on a deadline.” I said.

“Does this mean you have a plan?” Kol asked.

“I do. I didn’t want it to come to this but desperate times desperate measures. Look through these files and tell me who’s the worst one.” I said handing him my tablet.

“Human traffickers, drug lords, mass murderers, war lords, terrorists. Hales what is this?” Kol said.

“There’s no way in hell we’re turning Rebekah over, that’s not an option that’s open for discussion. So we’re going to pull one of my mom’s old moves.” I said.

“Which is what exactly?” Kol asked.

“We need a scapegoat. So which one of these horrible people are we sending to their death?” I asked.