The next morning, the usual hum of Purgatory life seeped into our hideout. Dripping water, distant clangs of machinery, and the occasional muffled shout painted the backdrop of our lives.
I was up early, tinkering with a busted radio id found the other day. My hands moved on autopilot, twisting wires and adjusting dials, but my thoughts were far from focused. I can't believe I get to be a part of one of Frankie’s jobs. The excitement was clearly expressed on my face.
Across the room, Mae sat cross-legged on the floor, her attention buried in her combat manual. She hummed to herself, off-key but blissfully unaware of the tension hanging over us. She paused, looking up at me. “Jack, why did Ev get so mad last night? Are we in trouble?”
My fingers slipped, sending a faint spark from the radio. “Uh…I don't know,” I mumbled, not meeting her eyes.
Mae frowned, but before she could press further, Senna entered, his boots scuffing against the stone floor. He was carrying a bag of something that looked suspiciously like food from the market—rare, but not unheard of when Frankie was involved.
“Mae,” he said, his voice steady but with an edge that suggested he wasn’t in the mood for her usual questions. “Go wake Ev.”
Mae looked at him for a moment, her pout forming. “Why do i always have to—”
“Just do it,” Senna interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Grumbling, Mae skipped off toward the sleeping area.
Senna dropped the bag on the table and glanced at me. “You look way too chipper for someone about to walk into danger.”
I shrugged, barely hiding my grin. “Is it that obvious? This could be huge right? One job and maybe we can finally get a decent meal, hell maybe Frankie sees what I can really do and will take me on some of the jobs you guys do.”
Senna raised an eyebrow, his lips pulling into a lopsided smirk. “Careful what you wish for Jack. Frankie doesn't forget talent, and he doesnt let it walk away either.”
I paused mid-twist of a wire, his words sinking in for a moment before I shook them off. No, this is a good thing. “Still, it's better than being stuck here forever.”
Senna didn't respond, just leaned back on the old wooden box we used as chairs, the faint creak of wood breaking the silence as he eyed me like he knew something I didn't.
When Ev finally emerged, her hair a tangled mess and her expression sharper than daggers. She didn't look at me—didn't even acknowledge me as he grabbed a piece of the stale bread senna had brought. Mae trailed in behind her, humming something that sounded vaguely like a victory march.“Evs awake!” she declared unnecessarily, plopping down beside her.
“About time,” Senna muttered, pushing the bag toward Ev. “Eat. We're meeting Franke in two hours.”
Ev froze mid-bite, her jaw tightening as she set the bread down with deliberate slowness. “And then what?” she asked, her voice flat. “We just go along with his plan and hope Jack doesn't screw it up?”
I blinked, startled. “What's that supposed to mean?”
“It means,” she said, finally turning to glare at me, “that this isn't a game, Jack. You mess up, and it's not just you who pays for it.”
The sting of her words caught me off guard, but I forced a smile, refusing to let her kill my buzz. “Relax. I've got this.”
Ev didn't look convinced. She muttered something under her breath before standing abruptly walking back toward the sleeping area.
Mae, ever the peacemaker, poked my arm. “Don't worry, jack. You're good at stuff! You'll do awesome.”
Soon after leaving Mae at home, we set off for Frankie’s place. The Burge. No one really knew where the name came from; it sounded like something someone muttered once, and it just stuck.
The walk stretched on in heavy silence. Senna and Ev walked ahead of me, their footsteps falling in uneven rhythm. The tension between them was almost suffocating. Ev’s arms were crossed, her head slightly turned away, while Senna occasionally glanced at her, as if trying to figure out what to say. Every time one of them spoke, it fizzled into curt, one-word replies that only deepened the awkwardness.
I trailed a few steps behind, my hands shoved into my pockets. I hated being left out, especially when it came to whatever invisible war they were waging, but I wasn’t about to stick my neck out by asking.
Before we left, Ev demanded she get her favorite drink as compensation for “having ruined her weekend.”
Senna let out a quiet sigh, clearly unimpressed, but before he could argue, she was already holding out her hand expectantly. With a grumble, he dug a few coins from his pocket, forking them over.
She took a long, deliberate sip, then waved us off with a flick of her wrist. “Go on ahead. I want to enjoy this in peace.”
Senna and I exchanged a glance, but neither of us argued. We continued down the street, the faint murmur of activity in Purgatory filling the gaps in conversation. The smells of fried meat and engine oil clung to the air, mingling with the occasional burst of laughter or a shouted argument.
We turned a corner, and a shout cut through the air like a warning shot. A man hurled a shoe with all the force he could muster, his target ducking just in time. The shoe whizzed past and clattered to the ground, narrowly missing senna, who sidestepped it with practiced ease.
“Careful,” he muttered, glancing at the offender, but his words were drowned out by the eruption that followed.
The man who dodged the shoe lunged forward, tackling his assailant with a feral growl. Dust swirled in the dim light as the two men collided in a flurry of fists and wild, brutal movements.
“Don’t worry, Jack,” Senna said, his voice calm and distracted as though the scene barely registered to him. He stepped aside as the brawl got more aggressive, a few bystanders started forming around him “We’ll sort it out eventually.”
“Sort what out?”
The voice was unmistakable, pulling my attention away from the chaos. Serrani stood just behind us, her figure glowing softly under the warm halo of a nearby streetlamp. Her guards flanked her on either side, their gazes sharp and unyielding, though their postures suggested they were more interested in the fight than anything else.
“Haven’t seen you in a month, Senna,” Serrani said, her face making a disappointing look. “If it weren’t for Jack, I’d have thought you were all dead.”
Senna chuckled lightly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Well, you know Ev isn’t your biggest fan, and I’d rather not deal with one of her lectures. Plus, I’ve been busy doing jobs for Frankie again.”
Serrani groaned, rolling her eyes. “You guys wouldn’t be starving if you worked for my parents. I don’t understand why Ev is so against it.”
“That’s easy,” Senna replied, leaning against a rusted post. “She thinks your parents are murderous criminals in a murderous criminal organization, and us joining would corrupt our ‘moral compass.’ Whatever that means.”
I frowned, glancing between them. Sure, Serrani’s parents were dangerous, but I honestly think Ev’s real issue is that Serrani is prettier than her. Not that I’d ever say that.
It’s strange to see her outside the Lock & Key bar. I usually find her in the backrooms talking to Don or sitting alone. “Whaddya doin out here in the middle of the street?”
Serrani gestured at the ongoing fight, “I was supposed to oversee a small time deal sanctioned by Mom and Dad’s bosses, but as you can see….”
Senna cleared his throat, his tone shifting to mock seriousness. “Right. Can I talk to you in private? I have a few questions about your intentions with my younger brother. Marriage isn’t off the table, but I need to confirm a few things.”
Stolen story; please report.
Heat rushed to my face. “Senna!” I hissed, mortified, but it was too late. Serrani’s composure cracked, her face turning as red as mine.
She glanced away quickly, and my embarrassment melted into smug satisfaction. Serrani blushing? That was perfect. I couldn’t help the grin spreading across my face as my thoughts started to wander.
For a moment, the world around me faded. I imagined a future where things were simple. Where Serrani and I were something more. Laughter in the quiet moments. The way her hand might feel brushing against mine. The warmth of her voice, just for me.
I tried to snap out of it, but the grin wouldn’t leave my face.
Serrani had turned to Senna, and they exchanged a few words before stepping aside. Their voices like they didn’t want anyone overhearing. dipped low, whispering in hushed tonesI tried not to look, but curiosity tugged at my focus. What were they talking And why the secrecy again?
about?I kicked a loose stone at my feet, trying to act casual. A small cloud of dust puffed up where it landed, filling the air as I waited for them to come back. My thoughts circled back to Serrani’s reaction, replaying her quick glance and the faint color rising in her cheeks.
It wasn’t long before Senna returned, breaking whatever trance I’d been in. He nudged my arm, his expression unreadable.
“C’mon,” he said, “Let’s go check on Ev.”
I followed him without question, catching one last glance at Serrani. She didn’t meet my eyes.
It didn’t take long to find Ev. She was sitting on a stool in front of the vendor we left her at, staring at the chaos that had unfolded in the street. The fight had seemingly grown into a brawl.
“You look too pleased with yourself,” Ev said, her eyes flicking up at me before returning to the fight.
“It’s not everyday a boy becomes a man.” I said, leaning back with a smug grin
She didn't miss a beat. “And what do you know about becoming a man?
“A girl like you wouldn’t get it if I told you.” I shot back, trying to sound cool.
Ev snorted. “Right, because you’re a man now?”
Senna clapped his hands together, drawing our attention. “Alright, let’s go. No distractions.”
The three of us set off toward the Burge. It sat near the middle of Purgatory, nestled close to the massive support structure that loomed like a dark mountain in the distance. Above it, the central stalagmite towered, its peak hidden in the haze of smoke and light from the city’s upper tiers. The wealthy or Purgatory lived up there, untouchable, like they didn’t even breathe the same air as the rest of us. Ungrateful of where they came from.
The Burge itself was smaller than I’d expected, its stone walls weathered and dark. Despite its size, it seemed to pulse with life. “It’s owned by Josiah Wright, an information broker.” Senna said as we approached, his voice low but steady. “Just keep your head low”
I nodded, even though my nerves were starting to buzz. I’d never been inside before. The Burge had always been a place Senna refused to talk about. Now that I was here, I wasn’t sure if my curiosity or unease was stronger.
I stuck close to Senna, the rough edges of my confidence fraying as we neared the entrance. My eyes flicked to Ev, who seemed entirely unbothered, and then to Senna, who strode forward with confidence.
“Just stick with me,” Senna said over his shoulder, not breaking stride. His voice was calm, but it held that unspoken edge of authority I’d come to rely on.
Taking a steadying breath, I followed him inside.
From the outside, the Burge didn’t look like much. Seemed like just another tall building owned by some guy with power. Inside, though, was another story. The air was thick with smoke, perfume, and something else I couldn’t quite place—a heady mixture that clung to my skin. This was a place for adults with... peculiar tastes. Men tangled with men, women bound in strange positions, and there was even a woman folded entirely in half, pleasuring herself. I couldn’t help but wonder why someone like her even needed to be here.
Ev’s reaction wasn’t much better. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene, her face twisting between confusion and disgust. Noticing my gaze, she shot me a sharp look before clamping a hand over my eyes.
“Don’t look at that,” she muttered, dragging me through the maze of depravity while keeping her other hand tightly wrapped around mine.
We weaved through the dimly lit corridors, slipping past half-naked bodies and the muffled sounds of laughter and moans. The air seemed heavier here, charged with something I didn’t fully understand. After a few moments, Ev finally removed her hand from my eyes.
The first thing I saw was a large, reinforced metal door at the end of the hall. Senna approached it confidently, raising his fist to knock. Two sharp taps, then three, followed by a final one for good measure.
For a moment, nothing happened. The muffled chaos of the Burge buzzed behind us: the distant shouts, clinking glass, and occasional burst of laughter. I shifted uneasily, half-expecting something to go wrong. Metal locks clicked and clattered, the sound sharp and mechanical as they were undone. The door creaked open, just enough for Frankie to poke his head out.
His sharp eyes swept the hallway, scanning us and the space behind us with the precision of someone who trusted no one. Satisfied, he pushed the door wider and jerked his head toward the interior. “Get in.”
The room beyond was a stark contrast to the rest of the Burge. It was dimly lit but quiet, almost serene compared to the cacophony outside. A woman sat on a worn sofa, puffing on a long pipe. She was heavyset, dressed in a garish yellow gown that barely contained her ample figure.
“Who the fuck are these kids?” she asked, her voice as rough as the smoke curling from her lips.
Frankie strolled over, casually snatching the pipe from her hand and taking a puff himself. “Time to skedaddle Big Ma.”
Ma? My brow furrowed. She didn’t look anything like him—and, honestly, she didn’t even seem much older.
The woman huffed, standing up with surprising grace for someone her size. “And what’s to be done about Tommy’s boys? They’ve been messing up my girls and ruining profits.”
Frankie waved her off, guiding her toward the door. “Ol’ Tommy’s about to learn what happens when you mess with the merchandise. They’ll be out of your hair soon enough.”
He paused at the threshold, glancing back at her. “Oh, and don’t worry. Josiah won’t ask for payment this month, considering your... circumstances.”
Big Ma gave him a curt nod, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Give the boss my thanks.”
“Will do,” Frankie said, ushering her out and closing the door firmly behind her. The locks clicked back into place, the sound carrying an odd sense of finality.
He turned to us with a long, exaggerated sigh before breaking into a broad grin. “Now then, what can I do you for?”
Senna stepped forward, running through the details of the heist and explaining why Ev and I needed to be added to the plan. Frankie listened intently, his sharp eyes narrowing in thought as he stroked his chin. Without a word, he crossed the room to a rusty cabinet, pulling open drawer after drawer as he rifled through stacks of papers.
Finally, he pulled out a bundle of yellowed documents, spreading them across a wooden table. He gestured for us to gather around. “Alright,” he said, his voice low and serious. “Let’s get to it.”
The three of us exchanged looks before walking over and taking a seat. Frankie leaned back in his chair, his large frame casting round shadows in the dim light from the hanging lamp above.
“So, here’s the plan,” Frankie began, slapping a creased map down onto the desk. “Once you get off the train, follow this map to the letter. It’ll take you straight into the sewers. From there, you pop out right next to the vent.” He tapped a circle on the map, glancing at me. “Jackie boy, that’s where you come in.”
I leaned forward eagerly, “What do I do?”
Frankie smirked. “The vent should have an opening here. Crawl through, then open the first panel you see—it’ll drop you into the elevator shaft. Look for the ladder on the wall and climb until you hit the top.”
“Then what?” Senna asked, calmly.
“There’s another vent at the end of the ladder,” Frankie continued, pointing to a marked path on the map. “Open that up, stick to the right, and you’ll find another opening. Meanwhile”—he looked up at Senna and Ev—“you two are taking the adjacent building. Go up the stairwell, jump across to the balcony, and wait for Jack to unlock the door. Then you’re in.”
Senna nodded slowly, studying the map. “And once we’re inside?”
Frankie shrugged, spreading his hands. “That’s where it gets fun. We don’t have much intel on the interior. You’ll have to locate the schematics on your own.”
Ev’s jaw tightened, her fingers drumming against her crossed arms. “You mean to tell me we’re going in blind?”
“Not totally blind,” Frankie said, leaning back with a grin. “We’ve got a man on the guard, so the vent should be clear when Jack gets there. After that, it’s all on you. But hey, I’ve got faith.”
Ev’s glare could’ve melted steel. “That makes one of us.”
Frankie ignored her, turning back to Senna. “Exit plan’s simple—back through the sewers or the way you came in. Your choice.”
“And if something goes wrong?” I asked, trying to sound calm but feeling the weight of the question.
Frankie’s grin widened. “Well, then you improvise. That’s what makes it fun, right?”
Fun wasn’t exactly the word I’d use, but I nodded anyway.
Senna studied the map a moment longer before rolling it up and tucking it into his jacket. “We’ll ride the train back if everything goes well.”
“If,” Ev muttered under her breath, shooting him a hard look.
Excited, I focused on Frankie. “So, what do I need to bring?”
“Just yourself, your tools, and that big ol’ brain of yours,” Frankie said, standing up and stretching. “The three of you know your parts now, eh?”
I glanced at Senna, who looked confident, and Ev, who was glaring daggers.
Frankie stood, his shadow stretching across the room. “So, we agreed then? You all know your parts?”
I glanced at Ev, whose eyes burned with frustration, and at Senna, who seemed resigned. Then nodded. “I won’t let you down.”