บท 17: Mission Reboot
As dawn approached, the crisp morning air offered a refreshing escape from the chaotic bar scene, the bartender, Jacky and his duo exited the bar through the rear door, emerging into a narrow alleyway, where the crisp morning air revitalized their senses. With their minds locked on the mission, they faced the daunting task of retrieving the young man, shielded by his highly skilled and deadly female protectors. The dimly lit narrow alleyway, lined with damaged and intact crates, boxes, and assorted bar stock, functioned as a cramped storage space for the bar's eclectic stock. The alleyway's pungent mix of stale beer, sweat, and smoke clung to their clothes as they navigated the cramped passage.
Jacky's eyes narrowed, recalling their prized Cadillac Escalade, still parked out front instead of the bar as he growled, but the bartender, ignored him, dialling a number on her phone.
A sleek black Jeep Cherokee pulled up, and a suited young male attendant emerged, handing the bartender a set of keys. But before the bartender could collect the keys, Jacky swiftly snatched them, claiming the driver's seat. The duo slid into the passenger seats, oblivious to the tension.
The Bartender's eyes flashed anger, but she knew just ignored the situation not going far with it. She settled into the next seat opposite the driver's seat, her gaze fixed on Jacky's reflection in the rearview mirror.
Jacky's piercing gaze met the rearview mirror as he fired up the Jeep. The engine's roar echoed through the alleyway as he sped away, shedding the bar's chaos, police, CTIU, and detectives discreetly behind.
As the bartender focused her gaze at her door side mirror. Jacky fired up the Jeep's engine and skillfully navigated the remaining cramped alleyway, dodging damaged and undamaged crates, boxes etc and left fallen debris with ease. The narrow passage threatened to scratch the vehicle, but Jacky's expertise shone through. He shifted gears smoothly, his hands moving with precision on the steering wheel.
The bartender her gaze leaving her door side mirror focused on Jacky as she watched him, secretly impressed. She admired not his chiseled features, which could disarm any man, but his exceptional driving skills. Jacky's focus remained on the road, oblivious to the bartender's silent praise.
The duo, seated in the back, exchanged a knowing glance, accustomed to Jacky's exceptional driving. He had, after all, evaded such situations even more crucial than this one more times than they could count.
As Jacky expertly maneuvered the Jeep onto the main road, the bartender's gaze still lingered on him. His rugged profile, illuminated by the dashboard lights, seemed chiseled from the shadows themselves.
Jacky, now clear of the alleyway, asked the duo, "We've lost visual on the young man and his highly skilled and deadly female protectors.,' Jacky said, his tone pressing. 'How do we reestablish contact? They're already gone in their car But his gaze drifted to the bartender, whose smirk caught his attention.
As they left the chaos behind, Jacky took in the bartender's youthful appearance, likely early twenties. Her fitted jeans and off-the-shoulder top revealed a hint of her stomach and a delicate bra strap. Minimal makeup accentuated her features, while multiple piercings on her nose and ears added an edgy touch. A heart-shaped tattoo with a Cupid's arrow on her side neck, and her intricately braided hair, typical of African styles, framed her petite, athletic build.
Despite her small stature, the bartender exuded a quiet strength, which can be seen if involved with exercise and the earlier bar chose, her toned slim athletic physique hinting at a fierce determination. Jacky's lingering gaze didn't go unnoticed. The bartender noticing his gaze, her cheeks flushed rosy as she bowed her head, her hair falling like a curtain. She coughed softly, dispelling the tension.
The duo exchanged knowing glances, their faces approving. Jacky's smirk returned as he focused on the road, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Now Jacky, gripping the steering wheel, glanced at the bartender, who gazed out her door side mirror. He cleared his throat and asked, "What's your name?"
The bartender jerked away from her door side mirror, surprise etched on her face. After a brief silence, she turned back to the door side mirror and said, "So you want to know my name?"
Jacky chuckled amiably. "Come on, we need to know. As currently you're now on the same mission as us. It's only right we know the name of our... ally. Even though it seemed you want to take over the mission" He winked. "I'm Jacky, and these are my troublesome brothers, Kadu 'The Thane' and Ben 'The Riven'."
Kadu and Ben exchanged excited glances, thrilled to learn her name. But the bartender's expression remain neutral devoid of any emotion.
"My name is Tellie," she said, her voice soothing. "Some call me Tell."
Kadu clutched his heart, feigning dramatic flair, while Ben mimed catching something in the air. Tellie's eyes widened, startled by their antics.
Jacky laughed, still driving. "Don't mind them, Tell. They're just enthusiastic.
"Tellie, that name..." Jacky trailed off, intrigued.
Tellie rolled her eyes discreetly. "Yeah, I know. My color, right? As you can see, I'm African. But, ehm..." She turned, hand on her waist, pouting playfully. "Do you want my code name?"
Jacky's eyes widened in surprise, accompanied by a low chuckle. Kadu's jaw dropped, while Ben leaned in, smitten, prompting Tellie to recoil, dodging his advance.
Jacky intervened, nudging Ben away. "Easy, Ben." Tellie settled back, shaking her head, and gazed into the rearview mirror.
The tension dissipated as Jacky's laughter resonated, followed by Kadu and Ben's chuckles. Tellie, still surprised, joined in, her laughter harmonizing with the group's.
The laughter subsided, and Jacky cleared his throat. "Back to the mission—"
Tellie preempted him, her eyes locked on her phone. "Don't worry, I've tracked them." With a few swift taps, Tellie brought up the map showing a moving red arrow and a distant green arrow on her phone, the screen illuminating her focused expression.
Jacky nodded, impressed, and Ben gave a thumbs-up.
Tellie continued, "The young male attendant who gave us the key and our ride also helped us bug their vehicle. A little extra cash and...favors put the tracking device on their car."
Ben's eyes sparkled with interest. "Favors, huh? What kind?"
Tellie's gaze met Jacky's, her emtion changed to small scowling, a smirk and later a smile. "Let's just say some things remained unsaid." Making Ben to become sad as he actions showed how it affected him as his body kind of dropped and queitly fell back to his seat as kadu tried rubbing him showing some kind of ridicule pity towards him drawing an abashed and angry look from Ben.
Jacky's smile hinted at understanding. "Good work, Tell. Now, let's catch up to them."
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