Watford

The only memory of our childhood was us running away from something... someone. My twin brother Derek, was taking us far away. These memories are pretty much dark and faint as we were in the streets after our 'escape'. I still don't know what to make out from these memories nor who we were prior to the chase.

The most clear memories began with us on the streets struggling in hunger and thirst as we roamed looking for a shelter. A young man noticed us and saved us from this devastating life and took us to a foster home. Derek was sceptical of him at first but soon we realised that he really wanted to help us. Afterwards, our parents, James and Rebecca adopted us. My mom didn't have children due to an accident and thus, we became their own.

We grew up receiving all the love and affection of the world. They gave us our names, Derek and Diana. Our dad was an excellent detective and taught us everything he knew. But our family broke after he died in a crossfire...my brother and I were 19 years old. A few years later at the age of 24, my mother also died after being in constant grief of my father's death. By that time, we both had chosen to become police officers following our father's footsteps to work for the government.

We were inseparable ever since the time we roamed the streets. My repeating nightmares may try to bring in lost memories but we were content to shut them out for our own happiness. Moving forward with nothing holding us back was something we yearned to do.

A year later, Derek was promoted to the position of captain and I, Diana am the new lieutenant working under his command. He was being transferred to the city of Watford and I too, applied for one to go with him. It was approved very easily because of the cases we handled successfully in the past. The major reason for Derek's transfer was our new mission. Although I was assigned to the mission too, I needed a formal approval to transfer there with Derek.

Looking into the mirror, I tidied up and pulled on my jacket. My long black hair fell freely past my shoulders. James and Rebecca had blonde hair unlike me and Derek. Derek and I had black hair and matching chocolate brown eyes. When we were little, it used to be a constant reminder that we were adopted but our parents made sure to give us the sense of belonging that those feelings faded away after a few years of meeting them.

The ride to Watford was more than just pleasant. We stopped a lot and took in the natural scenery plus goofing around with each other. This was an usual errand of our's, take account of the surroundings before facing the enemy, just like dad taught us. Random surveillance is very informative and gives crucial clues.

"Derek, did you see that report about the territorial split up of Watford?" I asked pulling my hair back from the flowing winds.

"Yeah, a small city split up to act as a central hub for their dealing of weapons,drugs and women. And none of the mafia gangs has completely taken over. It's four gangs fighting for control with one in each direction." he summarized.

Our savings helped us buy a house right in the heart of the city and get our vehicles moved. Yes, we were planning on settling here. All the pollution and noise of traffic in bigger cities made us feel that this was an opportunity to get away. Work was always noisy but atleast the surroundings were calmer here. There was more forest cover making the air cooler and smell fresh. Birds chirped in the place of loud horns blaring all the time. Another reason for choosing the center of the city was for easy mobilization to any direction.

Unpacking was such a pain in the ass. Half way through, I sunk into the couch while my brother was still moving things.

"Hey Diana, come on!!"

My eyes closed ignoring his words. He was such a clean freak.

"Shut up."

Good thing we decided to bring in the furniture before we arrived. The boxes were strewn over with all the household stuff. The couch felt so comfortable until Derek,the mischief decided to do his signature scream into my ear.

"DIANAAAA!!"

"Ahhh! What the f-"

Our banter was interrupted by the doorbell. It was one of the officers who had stopped by to give details on our mission and also gave a short welcome message from all the officers. We were to start our duties tomorrow but we had requested reports to know better.

Derek read through the reports grimly and passed it to me. The reports were not elaborate as expected.

The north, south, west and east had the lead of families of Terranova, Lansky, Gravano and Salvatore respectively. They were the mafia gangs fighting for control over this city, powerful gangs accumulating in one place earned the name 'Lion's Den' for Watford. The boss and underboss were mostly not seen in public. It was mostly the underlings or associates who did the work on the frontline while the orders came from above.

Many witnesses who tried to report about transactions of goods or on members of the gangs, died mysteriously or disappeared. Slowly, witnesses stopped coming forward to report crimes in Watford. Many officers were bribed or silenced with threats, but not us.

Our discretion is the key, we indirectly strike our enemies down. Our strategy has never failed before because by the time our enemy knew of our involvement, they were behind bars or dead. Directly striking one of the gangs scared even the government. That is where we come in. Just like a predator watching it's prey, we watch and wait until the right moment. And the final deafening blow is fatal that they will not be able to stand back up again.

"Strike from the shadows, are you ready D?"

My lips twisted to a smile.

"Whenever you are, twinnie"