8 Necessary Evil

Lisa was broken. After she heard what Sunny said, quickly left the room, went downstairs and ran almost all the way home. As soon as she got home, she locked to doors behind her and collapsed on the floor. Her world was crumbling around her and the walls were closing in fast.

Al wasn't gone, he was dead. The love of her life was dead. Just thinking of the word "dead" tore her heart into smaller and smaller pieces. Not only was Al dead, he was murdered. Not just murdered, but murdered on the order of Sunny Morella. She had seen first-hand what happened to those who Sunny gave an order to kill. Empress only knew what horrors her beloved had experienced. But who did it? Surely not Luke or Vicky, they wouldn't do that to her, right? But surely they must have at least known about it. Would sunny keep that from them? Who knew what she was capable of.

The horror began to set in deeper. That good-for-nothing bitch Sunny tried to placate her and take her under her wing after it was all over. It was unreal. She wanted to rage and cry and scream all at the same time. There was no other choice. Sunny had to die. There was no second option. She couldn't continue to exist after what she had done to Al.

Then Lisa started thinking. If she brought down Sunny, someone else would take her place, and the circle would just keep going. She had to take them all down. She couldn't play how they played; she wasn't good enough or strong enough. She had to do something else. Something that could end up getting her killed if she wasn't lucky. She didn't care. Her life was forfeit without Al in it. She would start in the morning. She decided then that it was time to cry herself to sleep, and hope to dream some kind of escape from the horrible nightmare that she found herself in.

Across town, Luke sat up at her apartment, smoking a cigarette on his balcony and looking down on the city below. He felt like he could never sleep anymore; the pills had seen to that. He also wasn't ever hungry anymore, either. Good for his figure if nothing else, he supposed. He had come to really appreciate the magic that opiates could bring. Maybe they made him a little more irritable than before, but there was nothing especially wrong with that.

The re-opening of the club was set for Friday night, and he was worried. Not just if anyone would come, but if something else would happen. Sunny told them that April was dead, and they didn't have the proof that they needed that Neon was behind the shooting. He was sure that while, at least for now, a full-out war would be postponed, it was only a matter of time before it kicked off. The last war left nearly a hundred people dead over the course of two years and wiped out an entire tribe that had been around for hundreds of years. Sunny managed to come out on top, and he was sure that if it came down to it, she would again.

She was the best at what she did, and all of the other families knew it. Anyone who had dared to even consider hitting her operation since the last war was quickly reminded of that power. Until then, no one inside the tribes would have ever dared to strike out against her, unless they had some kind of hidden ace up their sleeves. That was what had him worried. Just because he was certain that Sunny would come out on top, it didn't mean that he and Vicky would live to see it.

Sunny told him and Vicky that she was going to meet them at the club on opening night to plot their next move. He was ready for whatever Sunny had to say, he just hoped they didn't have to go to war. There was just too much money to be made, and his brush with potential death was a good reminder that he wasn't ready to give up everything he'd worked so hard for. They were just starting to make it, and he wasn't going to give it up if he didn't have to. He thought, just for a second, that it might be a good idea to come up with some kind of an exit strategy if it came down to it, but tried to push that out of his mind.

He looked over to the living room at Vicky and Rose, cuddled up and sleeping on the couch with the TV still on. It was another unfortunate situation staring him in the face. He'd have to keep a close eye on it, but keep it on the back burner for the time being. For now, there was business to be done, and very possibly bloody days on the horizon. There was no time to waste.

He lit another cigarette and swallowed two more pills. He was up to the 80-milligram ones and they felt like they had barely any effect. Another problem that would need solving soon, and another one that could wait. Instead of thinking about that, he just sat back and let the cold and bitter wind blow through his hair. At least for now he could have some peace.

The sun came up on a bitter cold Friday morning. Sunny was already up, dressed in a thick black coat and walking towards the uptown location of Rick's Donuts. She had a very important meeting to attend, and was going over exactly what she was going to say. She stepped through the door, giving a slight nod to the man behind the counter and continuing past the other customers into the back of the room.

In the back room there, was an old man with a gruff look and thin, gray hair. He was eating a doughnut and smoking a fat cigar, reading the morning newspaper. He looked up and gave a smile to Sunny.

"Sunny," he said in a deep voice, raising his cigar to her. "It's good to see ya kid. It's been too long. What's the urgent business?"

She smiled back to him and took a seat at the small table across from him. "Sam. It's good to see you too. You haven't aged a day since we last met."

Sam Lowenthal, or Big Sam as people so affectionately called him, gave out a chuckle as deep as his voice. "No need to flatter me anymore kid, your one of the bosses now. What's on your mind?"

Sunny sighed, "it's Neon. I found out that he was the one behind the attack on my club. His people made off with most of my product and over ten thousand credits. Something has to be done about this."

Sam's smile had quickly turned into a frown. "Are you sure it was him?" He asked, his eyes focusing hard on her.

"One hundred percent," she answered. "I was in the process of getting the proof from the dearly departed April Haywood. Unfortunately, he was able to get to her before I could."

He leaned forward and put both hands on the table. "So, you don't have any solid proof then?"

"If I did that fucking prick would have been dead already." she said, darting her eyes at him. He gave her a stern look and she relaxed.

"Listen," she started. "I know he's Arnie's nephew, but he's out of control. Aside from all that he stole from me, his men put Vicky in the hospital and almost got her killed. His actions are inexcusable, and I will not tolerate them."

"Look, Sunny," Sam started as he took a long puff from his cigar. "I believe you, but you have no proof. Like it or not he's a member, just like us. You can't just kill him without the council approving."

She scoffed loudly. "You and I both know that the only reason he was ever made was because Arnie stacked the coffers of the other tribe leaders. He's an incompetent coward. I made that fucking punk, and I didn't say one word when they told me he was getting his own crew. I should have spoken up then, and that was my mistake, but this can't be allowed to continue. He and his crew can't earn for themselves, so they've started coming after me. He crossed a line when he put Vicky and Luke in danger. One way or another, Sam, I'm putting him in the ground."

Sam sat up straight and extinguished his cigar. "You can't do that without council approval, and they won't approve it without proof. Unless you want to go to war with everyone in the city, you need to think about what you are saying here. I know it's a bitter pill to swallow, but we've got rules and systems in place, and they've been keeping this whole machine running for centuries. They were there before us and they'll be there long after us."

She shook her head. "That's why I'm here, Sam. I need to know that if it comes down to it, you'll be in my corner. You were my father's right hand, and he gave you your crew. I've known you since I was a kid for Empress' sake. I can't do this without you."

He sat for a few seconds without responding and took a drink of his coffee. "I'm sorry Sunny. If a war comes, I can't take your side without proof that he was behind it. It'll likely get us all killed. You know that I respect you and that I believe you, but I can't take the chance."

She was about to speak up when he continued. "However, if you are able to get some solid proof and get it to me, I'll take it to the council myself. No one in the south likes him, and I'm sure Rachel and Stony would be happy to split up his little piece of the pie between all of us if given the chance, but Arnie's got a lot of pull. If we don't do this right, they'll come after all of us."

She let out a deep sigh. "I really hoped you would get behind this with me Sam, but I understand. I won't do anything until I get proof. He knows that I'm on to him though, so he might strike again. If that happens, I'm coming for him and everyone who works for him. If Arnie's got a problem with that, I'll kill that old pompous fuck too. He might be a noble, but that hasn't stopped me yet."

She paused for a second before continuing. "With that said, I need you to know that I won't forgive anyone who doesn't side with me if that time comes. Anyone who stands between me and him will end up in the ground. I hope you choose wisely."

Sam chuckled again. "I don't doubt it, kid. Don't worry. I'll always be on your side. I just need to make sure our asses are covered before we go too deep. Also, there's something you might be forgetting." He finished, cracking a wry smile.

She sat up. "I'm listening." She said.

"Well," He started. "just because Neon's made, doesn't mean that everyone in his outfit is protected. Really, it's only him. His crew hasn't been around long enough for him to make anyone else official. Why don't you just find one of his top guys and catch him with his pants down. That would send a message, and at least get him to back off for a little bit. You just have to make sure that there's nothing linking it back to you."

Sunny smiled. She loved the idea and couldn't believe that she hadn't thought of it herself first. She knew that his childhood friend, some scrawny little fucker they all called Skag, was his most trusted adviser. If she could take him out of the picture, then she would either force him into his place or get him to strike out again, and then she could justify taking him down.

"Thanks for the advice Sam. I'll certainly take it into consideration."

She stood up and pushed in her chair and Sam smiled at her, taking a sip of his coffee. "Just be careful, kid. He's as dangerous as he is stupid. If you botch this it could be bad for all of us. You've gotta handle this thing delicately."

She turned to him as she was walking out of the room. "Sam, please," she started with a smile, "delicate is my middle name."

This got an actual laugh out of the old man and he sputtered on his coffee. Sunny left him with that and started to plan her next move. She needed to put someone on Skag so they could follow him until the time was ready. She needed someone who she could rely on and wasn't directly related to her outfit. She knew exactly who to call.

That person, as it turned out, was already out and about on that cold morning. She was heading towards the back end of the palace where the Becaon Royal Guard Command was located, intent on starting a grand plan of her own. She entered the door to find a guard in a black suit seemingly napping behind the front desk.

"Excuse me, sir?" She asked, tapping his shoulder. He awoke and shuffled around, looking like he had been caught by his boss. When he finally came to attention, he stared her down.

"Can I help you miss?" He asked, straightening his suit.

"I sure hope so. I need to report some information on organized crime in the city. I think I can help put these people away for good."

He chuckled. "Sounds like you have something useful. Just give me your name and I'll have an agent out to see you as soon as we get a chance."

She gave him a serious look. "No names, not for now. I don't know who I can trust or how deep this goes."

He looked confused. "That's not really how this works, Miss. How can we know you're telling the truth if we don't even know who you are?"

She stared him in the eyes. "You're just going to have to trust me. Now, who can I speak with about this?"

As Lisa prepared to spill her guts and Sunny plotted, Vicky and Rose arrived at the club, meeting with Max and Vanessa to get ready for their grand re-opening. They had another shipment in that Sunny had fronted from her suppliers. They had a big night planned, and they were expecting a full house. Whether it was from return customers, or just people looking to check out the scene of the largest massacre in over a decade in Beacon, they would be coming in droves.

She felt better, well, mostly better that is. Her chest still hurt like hell when she would try and smoke or do any serious stretching, but her stitches had healed, so that was something. She was more than excited to get things back in business. Getting shot had actually worked out pretty well for her, all things considered. She got to relax for a bit, found a new relationship and maybe, dare she say it, love, from a beautiful woman, and managed to get herself basically sober from drugs and alcohol, outside of the occasional painkiller, which was something that she was actually enjoying a bit.

It was the first time she had been to the club since the shooting, and looking around from the front door sent a chill down her spine. There was no blood, and the bullet holes had all been sealed and painted over, but something just seemed off about the place. It didn't matter though, a job was a job, and she had work to do. She gave Rose a peck on the cheek and headed into the office.

When she was alone again, she scanned around, hoping they hadn't found her stash. She lifted a panel off the side of her desk, and found her small safe still in the place it was before. A huge smile crossed her lips. She put in the combination so fast that she got it wrong the first time. As soon as the door cracked open, she pulled the large bag of white powder out and placed it on the desk. She grabbed the phone and called downstairs, calling Rose, Max and Vanessa up to meet her.

They came in and closed the door behind them. She gave them all a big smile. "Big bro, Vanessa, Rosie, it's good to be back. We've got a lot of work to do before tonight and I've got something here that should help us out. Now, the doctor said too much of this stuff is going to fuck over my recovery, so I'm just doing a bit, but you're welcome to as much as you want."

She motioned to the table where eight lines were cut from the powder, two for each of them. Vanessa and Max instantly lit up, but Rose gave Vicky an apprehensive glance. Vicky just shrugged, looking for approval, a first for her. Rose smiled and nodded.

"I'm going to hold you to that," Rose said as they all stepped around the table.

Vicky smiled back. "I sure hope you do."

She gave them each a piece of a straw and raised hers into the air.

"Here's to a good night and endless more to come. Let's make some money and have some fun!" She said, moving the straw at them to accentuate her point.

"Here, here!" they cheered, and bent their heads down to the table. Two quick sniffs later and they had all the energy that they needed to get things ready for the night and then some. They left the room and quickly got to their respective tasks. It was going to be a big night, and everything had to be on point.

Back at the Royal Guard Command, it was starting to get dark. Lisa had been there almost all day. She was talking with the head of the Special Investigations Unit, a short and stocky man named Benson. They were already hours into their conversation, and it was finally coming to a close, with Lisa happy with the results.

"So here is how this is going to work Misses Goldstein," he started. He picked up a small gold chain that had a pendant in the shape of a lyre on it. It had just been delivered from the lab only minutes before. He held up the chain and she grabbed it.

"One of our guys is going to teach you how turn this on. As soon as the chain is activated it will record everything it hears to a database that we have here in our office. Once you turn it off again, it stops. It's all pretty straightforward."

She put the chain on. "How long do I need to do this for exactly?" She asked.

Benson pulled some paperwork from his desk and placed it in front of her. "That can be hard to say. Months, maybe years even. You are the closest person we've had to the inside of the tribes in decades. We need you to sew yourself into their inner circle and do whatever they ask. If one day you can get yourself in deep enough we can get information on their leaders and bring them all down. Is this something that you think you can do?"

She thought for a second. Years were a long time. Years that she would have to look Sunny in the face and smile. Years that she would have to continue in the business that got her husband killed. She pushed those thoughts away. It would be worth it, just to bring them all down.

She hardened her face. "Yes sir. I do have one question though."

He smiled. "Go on."

"What if I have to beat, or even kill other people? If I disobey Sunny there is no way I will get anywhere near the inner circle, aside from the fact that she wouldn't trust me for long after that."

His face turned cold. "Unfortunately, that is what we in this department have deemed as a necessary evil. We will try and intervene if we have to later, especially if any serious damage is to be done. That being said, we won't intervene or make any real contact with you otherwise to keep your cover intact. Is this something that you can do? You are the best chance we have of bringing these scumbags down for good."

She thought long and hard on this. People would have to die for her to get her revenge. Of course, they wouldn't exactly be innocent people, and if she didn't do the job, someone else would. She took those words he said, necessary evil, to heart, and made her decision.

She took a deep breath. "Yes sir."

Benson's face brightened. "Thank you, Misses Goldstein. You have no idea how much good you will be doing for your Empress and your city. From now on, you can't be seen anywhere near this area and, as I mentioned before, we will only contact you if it is absolutely necessary. We look forward to your reports. Good luck, you will be doing great work out there."

She smiled in return and shook his hand. She went out to the main hall, and in a few minutes, she had learned the simple trick to activate her necklace, and was on her way. When she got home, she saw that she had fifteen missed calls and three messages on her answering machine. She was needed by Sunny for a big meeting that night at the club. Everyone in her inner circle was coming, and they were going to be some big announcements made. There was no better time than to test out her new gadget. She went off and brushed her hair and then headed for the club.

Just two hours later, the sun was down and, just as they had hoped, the grand re-opening of the club was proving to be a massive success. The entire place was full, and there was a line outside all the way to the end of the street. Lisa made her way past it and walked straight in the front door, hearing some commotion from some of the people in line behind her.

The music was pumping, and the dance floor was packed from wall to wall as it always was when Vicky's friends were playing a set. Rose waved her over. They smiled and hugged across the bar.

"Lisa! It's good to see you!" Rose shouted over the blaring music.

"You too!" Lisa shouted back with an actual smile on her face. She knew Rose was innocent in all of this and had no ill will towards her.

"Where is everyone?" She asked.

Rose didn't hear so she asked again louder. "Oh!" She replied. "I was supposed to tell you. They're all upstairs, they have been waiting for you for something. Sunny and Fran are here too and a couple other people I didn't recognize."

"Okay," Lisa shouted. "Thanks Rosie."

Before she made her way up to the office, she headed to the bathroom and washed her face. "Okay Lisa," she said to her reflection as she turned on the recording necklace. "It's go time." She gave herself the most determined look that she could muster and went back out, heading for the office.

When she opened the door, she saw Vicky and Luke's desks pushed together and people all sitting around the table, with Sunny at the head. Along with her was Fran, Vicky, Luke, a shorter woman with curly brown hair that she had met before but couldn't remember, and a tall, skinny yet somehow muscular man with deep red hair that was starting to gray, and a scowl on his face that she had never seen before. They both looked to be around Sunny's age, maybe late 40's or early 50's.

"Sweet Empress, Liz," Vicky called as soon as she opened the door. "Where in the ever-loving fuck have you been all day? I've been trying to call you."

Lisa smiled sheepishly and took a seat at the empty space between Luke and Fran. "Sorry about that. I was checking up on some people who thought they had Al recently when they were in Endlane."

Sunny spoke up then. "It's not a problem. How did it go dear?" She finished with a smile.

Lisa's rage grew deep inside her, but she did her best to keep it together and put on a disappointed face. "Unfortunately, they were mistaken. They showed me some vacation photos and the man in them didn't have the little scar that Al had on his chin. No worries though. I'm sure I'll find him eventually, wherever he is."

Sunny frowned. "That's too bad dear. Well for now, we have business to attend to." She motioned to the other woman. "I believe you have met my associate Jenny Sharp here. She runs my restaurant front on the east side of the docks."

Lisa shook her head in agreement. "Nice to see you again."

Sunny continued. "This handsome fellow is Moe F. Let's just say he takes care of my money handling and assets. He can move credits around like nobody's business."

Moe nodded to Lisa. "It's nice to meet you ma'am"

Lisa smiled back. "You as well."

Sunny then faced the rest of the group. "Now that introductions are out of the way, let's get to it."

They all nodded and she started.

"I'm sure by now all of you know what the situation is with Neon. I'm also sure you know that the evidence that I tried to get the dearly departed April Haywood to gather didn't exactly pan out. I went and met with Sam Lowenthal today. I'm sure most of you are familiar with him. He's a dear family friend and, was with my father during his tenure as leader of this crew."

She pulled out a cigarette from her pack and lit it, taking a slow drag. "He informed me that, without proof that Neon hit us, any attempt on his life would ultimately lead to war, and we would be on our own against the other three families in the South and face the wrath of the uptown crews that are connected with Neon's uncle Arnie. It would most likely end with all of our deaths."

Vicky put her fist down on the table. "That's bullshit, Auntie! That filthy little weasel doesn't just get to walk away from this. He almost killed Luke, Lisa and me! There has to be some way to get around this, and if there's not then I say we hit the mattresses and go to war. Fuck them! We can't be disrespected like this!"

Moe nodded. "I fully agree with Vicky. If we appear weak, then it's only a matter of time before the other crews think they can get away with hitting us. Sanctioned or not, something must be done about this."

Sunny spoke up. "If you two would let me finish, I was going to say that I have a solution."

Vicky blushed slightly. "Sorry, Auntie. You know how I get sometimes."

Sunny smiled at her. "Don't worry about it, we've all been tense this last month. Anyway, as I was saying, our friend Sam gave me a good idea. Neon only got his badge recently, which means that he has no right to appoint anyone else as full members. An attack against them technically doesn't violate the rules, as long as no one can prove that it was us. We're going to play the game that he's playing."

She had their full attention now.

"Here's what we're gonna do. I made some calls today, and found out the location of the home of his second in command, Skag."

Fran chuckled. "Who in their right mind would want to be called something like Skag?"

Vicky looked over to her. "We can't all control the nicknames people give us, can we, White Widow?" She started laughing.

Fran huffed. "Point taken, I guess. You wouldn't want to know the nicknames some people have for you."

Before Vicky could say anything back Sunny started again. "Stupid name or no, I know where he is. He's hiding out on the southeast side of town on Liberty Avenue in a small apartment complex. From the information I received, he lives in 27B. We are going to get him, and we are going to do it tonight."

They all stared at her.

"So, what's the plan then?" Luke asked, lighting a cigarette of his own.

"The plan," Jenny started, "is that one of us is going to go out there and wait for him to come out of his house. We have a person on the inside who is going to call him from a payphone and ask to meet him. When he comes out, we'll have someone waiting across the street. They will then walk up behind him and hit him with this."

She picked up a small sawed-off shotgun from under the table and set it down on it.

"That's not all," Sunny continued. "After the job is done, we are going to leave this on his body." She held up a small microphone with wires coming out of it.

"What's that?" Lisa asked.

"It's a phone tap," Sunny said, putting the microphone on the table next to the shotgun. "It's similar to the one he knew April put in her phone to get to him. I'm sure he'll get the message."

"Then what?" Luke asked, putting his cigarette out.

"Then," Sunny started, doing the same with hers, "we wait. He'll either get the picture and know that he needs to set things right and give us what he stole, or he'll try to come at us again, but this time we'll be ready and have proof to bring to the council. After that it's only a matter of time before he is in the ground."

"So, who is going to be the one to do it?" Fran asked, looking around the room.

Sunny trained her eyes on Lisa. "It needs to be someone that Skag would never notice. Not only that but it needs to be someone that isn't already much of a well-known associate of ours, that way we have deniability if anyone sees the shooter. So, with that in mind, the job falls to you Lisa."

Lisa's heart sank. She desperately wanted to say no, but in her mind she kept repeating those words again, necessary evil. Over and over like a mantra inside her head. She took a deep breath.

"Okay," she said, looking at Sunny.

"That's my girl!" Sunny said. "I'm very proud of you, Lisa. Al would be proud too."

Lisa was sick to her stomach just hearing her say those words. She wanted to reach across the table at that moment and put the barrel of the shotgun in Sunny's face, damn the consequences, but her logical side got the better of her and she just smiled back in return.

"Are you sure you can do this, Lisa?" Luke asked, giving her a concerned look.

"Of course I can. Those bastards almost killed me too. I want to see them in the ground as much as anyone else. I'm willing to do my part around here, like the rest of you."

Sunny smiled wide at her. "That's what I love to hear. Don't worry, I'll make sure you are paid well for this. I won't forget this favor either."

She slid a piece of paper across the table to Lisa. "Here's the address. Put on a hoodie and wait for him outside. He'll be getting the call in about an hour. As soon as he goes down, drop the wires on him and run to the next intersection. I'm going to send Moe with you to pick you up."

Lisa grabbed the piece of paper and put it in her pocket, trying not to shake at the thought of the task ahead.

"I won't let you down, Sunny," she said as she stood up.

Sunny smiled once more to her. "I know you won't. Call me when it's done."

She went to leave, with Moe behind her, putting the gun and wire in a briefcase and carrying it out of the door with them.

"One last thing, dear," she heard Sunny call out. She turned to the room to look at her. "I want you to tell him that Sunny Morella says hello just before you pull the trigger. I want him to realize just how bad Neon fucked up right at the end."

She nodded and they left. As they walked out, she could hear the meeting continuing without them. She had no idea if she was going to be able to do this right, but she was going to try as best as she could. This was her way to get inside her inner circle. She was ready.

They walked out of the club and down the snowy street to a black car parked in the alley. They got in, and after a few attempts at starting it, the car sputtered to life and took them out into the city. There was a hoodie in the backseat, Lisa took off her coat and scarf and put it on.

Just over forty minutes later, they were at their destination. The street was pretty much empty, and they were in the middle of quite a few apartment complexes. She got out of the car, carrying the briefcase with her and went down the street to wait out near his door. It was easy to spot, so she got herself settled in and started waiting.

She didn't talk much with Moe on the way over. Mostly just pleasantries, until he asked her if she had ever killed anyone before. She told him about the man in the warehouse, but how that had been different. He reassured her that it was easy. All she had to do was take a deep breath before she pulled the trigger, and make sure that when he went down, he wasn't getting back up. It wasn't the thought of that that disturbed her as much as what came next, when he told her that every time gets a little easier.

She got out of the car and walked over to the building, lighting a cigarette and staring intently, waiting for the door to open. She thought about what Moe said. She didn't want to be that person, but she had no choice, she had to avenge Al, and this was the best way she knew how. If some other scumbags had to die on the way, then so be it. At least that's what she kept telling herself as the minutes passed by. The anticipation was the worst part, she just wanted to do it and get it over with. Her mind began to race at all the things that could go wrong, but before she could focus on any one of them she saw his door open.

She took a deep breath. It was go time. She kept repeating her mantra nonstop in her head. She pulled the hood of her hoodie up, opened the briefcase and grabbed the shotgun while stuffing the microphone wire in her hoodie's pocket. She walked quickly up behind him and as soon as he got out of the glow of the streetlight, she shakily raised the shotgun.

She froze. Her mantra wasn't working anymore. She didn't think she could do it. Suddenly she pictured Al's face. She knew what had to be done. Nothing would stand in her way.

"Skag!" She called out, her voice shaking.

He turned towards her, staring her straight in the eyes. It was the moment of truth. She raised the barrel of the shotgun.

"Sunny Morella says hello."

Once the words left her lips, she could see his eyes widen with the realization of what was about to happen. Then she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and pulled the trigger. The bang was massive, and the gun shook in her hands as her ears started ringing.

She opened her eyes to see Skag convulsing on the ground with a good chunk of the left side of his face missing. He was choking on his own blood and trying to stand up, flailing his legs around. She put the barrel of the shotgun to his forehead almost instinctively and squeezed the other trigger. What was left after his face after that was something horrible and unrecognizable. There would be no way he was getting up after that.

She sat stunned, looking at the blood pouring into the snow, until she snapped back to what reality. She quickly dropped the wire on his corpse and started sprinting towards Moe's car. Slipping in the process and almost dropping the gun. She turned the corner to see him already coming towards her. He stopped quickly, and she hopped in the back seat. She threw the gun down and exhaled for what seemed like the first time since she pulled the second trigger.

"It's done," she said louder than she had realized. Her ears were still ringing. Then they took off into the dark, bitter night.

Half an hour later they were back at her apartment where Moe dropped her off. She had been visibly shaken and silent the entire ride there. Only answering the one question Moe had about how sure she was that he was dead. After she stepped out of the car, Moe rolled down his window and looked at her.

"You did a good job tonight kid. Sunny'll be proud. I'll let her know it's taken care of, you just get some rest."

She thanked him without even realizing it and turned to unlock her door. As soon as she was safely inside her own house, she quickly locked the door behind her. She turned off the recorder and sat down hard against the door, sliding down to the floor.

"Necessary evil. Necessary evil. Necessary evil." She started saying to herself, no louder than a whisper.

"Necessary evil. Necessary evil. Necessary..."

She couldn't continue. She broke down sobbing, thinking about what she had done, picturing Skag's final seconds alive and how it was her that did that to him. She got up and ran to the kitchen, barely making it to the sink in time to throw up. She fell down to the floor again and continued to cry until she fell asleep, hoping that somewhere out there, Al was looking down on her and understood that she was only doing what she had to.