Speak Easy

[ceridwen]

This fic is great!!!

Somehow im sure Tara wont mind Willow being a woman

Can hardly wait for the next update


ETA:

How does Tara know where Willow lives? She never went to her place... did she?

[pipsberg]

Hey Sara, another great update! I loved the scene of Tara in the shadows, watching the murder unfold. I also loved that Tara went right to 'Will'. I look forward to seeing where you take the plot, it's very fun to follow.

[tazraven]

I’d like to apologize for my recent lack of updating. School has been hectic, and unfortunately, it will continue to be so until mid-December. I haven’t had a chance to write feedback responses, but instead of making everyone wait for an update for another two weeks, I’ve just decided to post anyway. So, here’s the next chapter. I will try and update again next week, and seriously try and respond to feedback, but once again, I’m sorry if I don’t get the chance. I hope everyone enjoys the update.



Title: Speak Easy
Author: TazRaven (Sara)
Distribution: The Kitten Board, Through the Looking Glass, anyone else just ask.
Rating: PG-13 for language
Disclaimer: I do not own Willow or Tara, but you all know that.
Feedback: Yes, please, I love it.
Summary: Willow meets a woman and falls into a different world. How far will she go to save her life?
Notes: Special thanks to Elizabeth, my fiancé, for dealing with my writing obsession.



Chapter 7- February 9, 1931
11:42 pm


To say that I was surprised with what Tara had told me would have been a severe understatement. For almost the entirety of the story, I sat with my jaw hanging open. It was only after Tara softly closed my mouth with the tip of her finger to my chin that I realized the story was over. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to dwell on the small touch, instead choosing to think about a way out of this mess. I just hoped she would agree with my decision, considering who was involved.


“Tara,” I began, and then paused, unsure what her reaction would be to the information I was about to deliver. “Tara, you said you’d heard that name before, Mr. Malone.”


Tara nodded an affirmation. “Yes, but I told you, I don’t know who he is.”


I sighed deeply. “Tara, Mr. Malone is the boss of Chicago. That’s where you heard his name before.” Her eyes grew wide with recognition. “He’s in the papers all the time.”


If Tara hadn’t been sitting down already, I think she would have needed to take a seat. I could see the worry lines form on her face as she realized the position she was in. She moved her eyes downwards, focusing on twisting her hands in her lap, rather than meeting my concerned gaze. I looked down at her lap and reached my hand towards hers, not realizing what I’d done until I felt the warmth of her skin on mine.


I’d read a great many books while enrolled in school, and in many of the stories, there was passion, romance, attraction, love. I know that earlier in my own story, I spoke of loving Tara since the moment I saw her. That wasn’t true. What I’d felt before this moment held attraction, passion; the semblance of love, but something not nearly as powerful and real. But in just that small moment, holding her hand, offering comfort in the most trying of times; she brought her eyes to mine, and what was most likely seconds stretched onwards. I didn’t know what she was feeling beyond the most platonic feelings of friendship, but I could see a hint of something in her eyes. So many emotions, swirling in the blue of her gaze. Fear, obviously, trepidation, horror, disbelief, appreciativeness, but above all, courage. Her eyes locked on mine, and I could see her steely resolve. So, what she asked next held no surprise.


“What do we need to do?”


God, I loved that woman.


I took a deep breath to steady myself, light-headed from the newly formed feelings and general terror from the situation I was in. “We have to tell the police what you saw. No one has ever been able to bring any evidence against Malone. As of right now, you’re the only person who can bring him to justice.”


She nodded her head, and I could once again see the resolve I was beginning to not only love, but admire.


“There’s something else we need to consider.” I didn’t want to frighten her anymore than she already was, but she needed to know the danger she would be in. “You said you dropped your dress.”


She started to nod, but stopped almost immediately as her jaw dropped. “Oh God, you think he knows I saw him too, don’t you?”


I tried to turn my eyes away from hers, unable to meet her gaze, but found myself unable to do so. Her hand was there on my cheek, her eyes silently begging me to tell her the truth. “Yes,” I whispered. “I think he knows.”


She took a breath. “Well then, we’ll just have to make sure he can’t find me. Pack some clothes. I know a place we can hide once we tell the police.”


I nodded my head in agreement and we both stood up from the couch. I headed towards my room, with Tara in tow. “I’ll pack some clothes for myself, and I have some women’s clothes you can wear.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.


“Women’s clothes? Why would you have-?”


“Girlfriend!” She gave me a confused look as I tried to lie convincingly. “I mean, uh, this girl I used to go around with, she left some of her stuff here.”


Tara raised an eyebrow. “You had a girlfriend? Why didn’t you tell me about her?”


I fought to keep a disinterested look on my face. “What’s the big deal? It’s just this dame I used to go with. I mean, it’s not like you told me about any guys you were with.” I turned back towards the direction of my room, determined to not look at the glare I knew she was giving me.


“What?!” I heard her sigh loudly. “That’s because I haven’t gone with-”


“Look, let’s just forget it, alright?” I walked into my room and grabbed the only traveling bag I had from under the bed. “She was just this girl, and uh, they were her clothes. She’s, well, she’s a bit smaller than you are, especially in certain places-”


She gaped at me and huffed exasperatedly.


“-but some of it should fit.” Why couldn’t I stop acting like an ass? “Why don’t you go to the bathroom while I pack, and then we can get out of here.”


She glared at me once more before silently agreeing and entering the small bathroom connected to my bedroom. I took the opportunity to quickly bind my chest, all the while thanking God that she hadn’t noticed and berating myself for acting the way I had. Before leaving the room, I grabbed the few dollars I had and stuffed them in my front pocket, then took the suitcase and clothes to the living room, throwing the clothes on the couch and the suitcase on the floor. The light in my room was out and I didn’t feel like packing in the dark.


I began to hastily fold clothes as I reviewed my situation. I know that most people at this point would wonder why I was placing myself in almost certain danger just to help Tara. But that hesitation never happened. It never happened for the same reason I didn’t hesitate to open the door when she’d first appeared, for the same reason I made her tea and patiently listened to one of the most gruesome tales I’d ever heard. It was simple.


She was Tara.


I threw the clothes I’d folded into the suitcase and picked up a dress. It was then that I heard the knock on my door.


The bathroom door creaked open with the knock and I jerked my eyes toward it. Tara cautiously entered the living room. We both silently made our way to the door. I looked through the peep hole first, not recognizing the people standing outside. I motioned for Tara to look, and heard her gasp.


“Malone’s people,” she whispered. She pointed to my room and mouthed, “Window.”


I nodded my head and pointed to her. She shook her head vehemently, but I pointed again. “You wait in there. I’ll throw them off our plan,” I whispered as quietly as I could. She nodded her head once, and her eyes locked with mine. And then she kissed me on the cheek, her lips leaving my skin before I could even register the touch.


“Thank you,” she whispered.


I turned towards the door as soon as I saw her enter my room. I just hoped I could get through the next few minutes without getting us shot.

[dlline]

Dibs....yay!

Sara, Dude! This just gets more and more complicated and I think it's great.

I love Will's quiet strength and the way that she turns it on when Tara needs her help. The little interchange about the women's clothing is funny, though it's really pretty uncomfortable at the same time. Nicely done. I sense that Tara is not gonna be terribly thrilled when she finds out the truth (judging from her reaction about the clothes), but I still can't wait to see it. I know, I know...just be patient and wait. There's a lot of that going on around here lately.

Great update, kiddo. Great way to keep the story moving along. Hang in there, the semester is almost over.

Diane

[JustSkipIt]

Oh what a great update. I love the way Willow is so committed to Tara even without knowing what is going on with Tara's feelings for her. So adorable and brave. The interchange about the clothes was appropriately horrifying and awkward. How hard for both of them. And scary.

Can't wait.

[pipsberg]

Hey Sara, nice work. I like the update a lot. I know what its like to be distracted from your writing, but even getting a shorter update out keeps the flow going and helps with inspiration. I hope your school life is going well. I really liked the interaction between W&T when they each got jealous over the misunderstanding of exes... very cute. I look forward to seeing how this plays out and I hope Will is safe from Malone's thugs!!

[whatmakesyouhappy]

Willow on the run with Tara good things to come ! except for that whole someone trying to kill them thing. I wish Willow had handed the suitcase over to Tara since she packed in the living room the wise guys might notice and think something is up.Can't wait for more but understand when RL gets in the way so waiting as patiently as I can.

[taraslove]

Wow. I just got caught up with this story, and I really, really like. First, I absolutely love first person POV, and you are doing Willow's (I mean, uh, Will's) thoughts and POV wonderfully. The way you've had her describe and see Tara is breathtaking. I loved the blue speakeasy dress! Great choice not having Tara go drag. I'm thinking that Willow's clothes are gonna be too small in certain areas. *prays, please let them be too small in certain areas!* Interesting to see how both girls will deal with the new closeness: only being able to trust each other, both of them not having a job, running from big bads who want to kill them. Great idea. I'm really loving where you're going.

I am confused about one teeny thing. When did Willow get an apartment? Wasn't she living in a dumpy abandoned building? And how did Tara know where she lived, if she hadn't been there before? I'll go back and reread - maybe I missed it...

Anyway, hang in there. It's hard to update when you're busy, I know, but we love it when you do! Can't wait to see how Tara finds out that her William is actually a Willow. Yum.

[wimpy0729]

Wow, even more action.

Loved the W/T interaction and Will knowing she had to help her just because "it's Tara". The clothes part was interesting. I'm curious why Willow just didn't go ahead and out herself to Tara here though, except for the fact that you're evil and want to tease us along with the not knowing part for as long as possible.

Now, the bad guys are already at the door. EEP! Can't wait to see what Will's going to do here, and I sure hope she can hide the suitcase fast.

More soon please, when you're able of course.


Wimpy

[diamondforever]

I wish Willow would just come clean with her identity, but I guess it would be vital for Tara to trust her completely in this moment. She's making a really courageous move -- odds are that she's going to end up dead, but thankfully she's in your capable hands.

Waiting nervously for the next chapter. Take your time, and don't stress out too much! We know you'll deliver quality when it does come.

[taralicious]

Oh the actions one is compelled to take when enthralled by the voice of Tara Maclay.
The variation of Willow having to engage in a spot of gender misdirection as to her identity to avail herself of employment in the bootleg liquor trade is an ingenious plot device and takes full advantage of the societal norms of the time.
Your attention to period detail is also impressive as you convey the hoplessness and despair of Depression-era Chicago.
It was a great era for women's fashion as well since who doesn't like to visualize Tara in a flapper dress or a long brown skirt and peasant top as you have dressed her in.
That was one of the parts of writing my own novel that I enjoyed the most; living vicariously through my hero who fell in love with Katie Molloy, my heroine based upon Amber, whom I got to dress in the fashions of the 20's.
Flapper dresses, fishnet stockings, suspender belts, thigh high boots, and lots of the fashions that were all the rage in the great fashion houses of London and Paris which were imported to the States for the rich to afford.
Then, it's just so damn much fun writing a underground crime boss as the villain because you have a license to be as mean, cruel, and violent as you can envision.
Organized Crime was, and still is, the mirror of all of the brutality and homicidal rage which exists in the dark side of Man's nature.
Anxiously awaiting the next edifying installment of your story.

[Zampsa1975]

Great update-y goodness... The "girlfirend" part was fun to read... I hope that W&T manage to get out of there as soon as possible and without injuries...

[Alcy]

Hi there Sara, thanks for updating even in the midst of your busy RL, it’s hard to get your mind to think in terms of writing fan fic when it’s so choked it with other things. I find the words definitely don’t flow as easily if I’m worrying about other things.
Anyway, on to the update! So our girls realise that they are in the middle of something big here, swimming with the sharks whereas they are just little guppies.

God, I loved that woman.

Ahh, perfect, what a great way to sum up all of the myriad of little thoughts running through Willow’s head as she is in Tara’s presence.

Ah, Will, almost making a huge slip up with the woman’s clothes line, and then proceeds to dig an even bigger hole for herself…seriously Willow, how are you gong to win her over if you keep making silly little comments? I love it!
I really hope Willow doesn’t get shot in the next chapter either, because that would ruin the story! I can’t wait to find out what she says to Malone’s people!

[Tara the Phoenix]

Sara,

I am really loving your writing style. It rolls along the tongue with a certain taste, and the first person tense, while at times restrictive, is nailed perfectly. I really enjoy how you use very short sentences to make a point; it is a powerful literary device that you use very well, such as this:

It never happened for the same reason I didn’t hesitate to open the door when she’d first appeared, for the same reason I made her tea and patiently listened to one of the most gruesome tales I’d ever heard. It was simple.


She was Tara.

Sorry to get all technical. I wonder if you even know that you're doing it, but you're doing it well. The story is wondrous, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next update, to find out how exactly they get out of this little mess that they're in.

Also, Tara needs to find out sometime about Will, and I'm definitely looking forward to that part.

Alas, I understand RL. So take care, work hard, and update when you can, okay?

Phoenix

[db]

Eee. They're at the door! Crap! Crap crap crap!

So, yeah. It was good for Willow to listen and be support-o-girl, but why is she continuing to hide who she is? She doesn't know Tara is interested and she's acting like an ass so that she can make sure that Tara knows *she's* not interested.

Bad Willow. No lie to Tara. Tell Tara the truth.

...and stop being an ass.

(Oh, and yeah. Think of something quick to throw the bad guys off the scent... and then *run*)

db

[taralicious]

Chapter Seven,
Ah WIillow, what a conundrum.
Too bad she can't heed the instructive words of Angel when he took over control of Wolfram&Hart at the end of Season Four.
"Oh there's no way this can end well."
It is always harder and more complicated to extricate oneself from the tangle of false personas that one weaves around themself in order to live, thrive, and survive in the Underworld environment of gangland Chicago.
WIllow plying the Victor/Victoria routine will only have to keep a scorecard to tally up the web of lies she increasingly must tell Tara when all she really needs to do is trust her heart and know that Tara will understand and not betray her or think any the less of her.

[whatmakesyouhappy]

Has it been two weeks yet!!!! I need to find out what happens next

[tazraven]

Hey, everyone! I’m back, and here with feedback responses and then an update. The responses are going to be short and sweet, since I want to get an update in as soon as possible, so here are a few general things first. Yes, we all want Willow to reveal herself to Tara, but she’s a dumbass. All good things in time, I promise. And yes, the suitcase is definitely of the bad, but that will be handled in this chapter. Alright, feedback responses.


Alcy: No worries about missed feedback. God knows I’ve been late as heck this time. And I’m glad that you agree that the shock for Tara would have been a little much if Willow had revealed herself at that time.

I really enjoyed hearing about Tara’s perspective regarding her relationship with Will, they’re both operating on a different wavelength at the moment but I hope they will soon realise that they actually want to be on the same one.

Good that you enjoyed that. I wanted a way to put Tara’s feelings in without it being too confusing with the POV change, so glad you liked it. And yeah, brutal story on Tara’s part, but in all honesty, one of my favorite parts to write. But I’m sick like that
On to the next chapter’s feedback. It is difficult to update when there’s so much going on in real life, but now that it’s done, I promise things will be more regular for the remainder.

Ah, Will, almost making a huge slip up with the woman’s clothes line, and then proceeds to dig an even bigger hole for herself…seriously Willow, how are you gong to win her over if you keep making silly little comments? I love it!

Yeah, she does that. I honestly think I made my Willow a bit of a dumb kid, sort of blinded by Tara sometimes, but hey, it makes the story more fun. Thanks so much for reading and leaving feedback.

whatmakesyouhappy: Hey.

I have to ask I have been wondering sice I read the story. What the hell was Willow wearing if she was washing all her clothes?

Well, I did say in the story that she was watching her clothes for the next day, not all of them. Sorry for the confusion. I’m glad you like them on the run, but as for this:

I wish Willow had handed the suitcase over to Tara since she packed in the living room the wise guys might notice and think something is up.

Good prediction, is all I can say. You’ll find out what happens with that in the next update. Thanks for reading and sticking with me.

katjetson: Lol, no worries on the mistake. I was slightly confused, but am now over it.

Your words brought all-too vivid images, and that's a really, really good thing.

Thank you. I like knowing that people are seeing my story and not just reading it. Thanks for reading.

dlline: Diane! Look at me, all catching up with the feedback. Told you I would.

You did it again. Another tight update filled with some really nasty images. You know I love it because the composition of gory descriptions can be difficult to write without them coming off as silly or clichéd. You did a great job of it, from the busting of Warren's kneecaps to the loss of Tara's dinner, and I'm enjoying all of it immensely.

Yeah, I had to quote all that cause, let’s be honest, I like compliments, much as they may embarrass me sometimes. Thank you. Yay, dibs for you on the next chapter.

I sense that Tara is not gonna be terribly thrilled when she finds out the truth (judging from her reaction about the clothes), but I still can't wait to see it.

Good guess. I wouldn’t be terribly happy either. Or rather, I would because I’m a lesbian, but not with the lying thing, and you get what I mean so I’ll just shut up. Thanks for helping me and leaving me awesome feedback.

wimpy0729: Hey.

Man, you described his torture and murder so well I almost lost my turkey leftovers too.

Nice! Sorry. I just really like when I get a reaction out of someone. Sorry for the turkey thing, though.

I have a feeling Tara is so upset she won't notice Willow's lil boobs, as Katjetson so cutely put it (made me chuckle too). Well, maybe if there's a cool breeze and the lil nips stand at full attention, they'd be hard not to notice. Oh, and there could be hugs, you know, for comfort, and who wouldn't notice them then. Now my mind's gone to a naughty place that it really shouldn't with this update full of blood and gore and terror. Okay, I felt it all, and it's all good.

Lmao. Seriously, lmao. Funny ramble.

but I'm thinking she would need one heavy duty binder for them bodacious ta-ta's.

Well, they are pretty bodacious. When I first started writing this story, I thought about reversing the roles, but let’s be honest, Tara would be so obvious. Next chapter’s stuff.

I'm curious why Willow just didn't go ahead and out herself to Tara here though, except for the fact that you're evil and want to tease us along with the not knowing part for as long as possible.

Okay, that is part of the reason. As for other reasons, I guess Willow just doesn’t want Tara to hate her. But who knows. Thanks for reading and leaving feedback.

diamondforever: Yeah, Willow will be hard-pressed to protect Tara, and seems to be at the moment.

I wish Willow would just come clean with her identity, but I guess it would be vital for Tara to trust her completely in this moment.

I wish Willow would come clean, too, but I’m sure she will when the time is right, or wrong, or sometime. Thanks for reading.

db: Hey.

Your story does not lack for dramatic tension, I tell you what! You totally had me on the edge of my seat!

Thank you. As I was writing, I seriously was hoping that things wouldn’t be too obvious or easily revealed. Glad it isn’t.

Kudos, also, on the Warren thing. It was horrifying, and was exactly the right amount of detail to make me feel really appalled. You know? That's hard to do and you did a great job with it! I fear this is not coming out correctly. How does one tell a writer that they did a really good job of disgusting you?

Your writing disgusts me, but in a very impressive and good way ?

Lol, believe me. I definitely take that as a very big compliment. You said it right for me.

but why is she continuing to hide who she is? She doesn't know Tara is interested and she's acting like an ass so that she can make sure that Tara knows *she's* not interested.

Bad Willow. No lie to Tara. Tell Tara the truth.

...and stop being an ass.

My thoughts exactly. And believe me, I tried to make her not an ass. But then I started writing her, and she just came out that way. This Willow is a dumb ass, bo ifs and or buts about it. It’s alright though, since she’ll redeem herself eventually. Thanks so much for reading.

JustSkipIt: Hey, Deb.

Maybe they'll both go drag? Tee hee: it's a funny picture in my mind.

Lol, maybe. It’s a funny picture in my mind too, Tara’s boobs too big to hide under a binding and the bad guys figuring it out anyways. Hehe.
[/quote]How interesting that Tara's been intentionally flirting with Willow and doesn't know why he doesn't respond. Of course, it seems that Tara thinks knowing/believing that Will is a man as opposed to having always liked women and now being surprised that she's so attracted to a man.[/quote]
Yeah. In my head she hasn’t always been attracted to woman and suddenly Will comes along. She just likes Will, I’ll leave it at that.
[/quote]The interchange about the clothes was appropriately horrifying and awkward.[/quote]
Hehe, thank you. Horrifying and awkward I can deal with. Thanks so much for reading and leaving feedback.

Zampsa1975: Hey. Definitely not the prettiest thing for Tara to witness. Thanks for reading.

Tara the Phoenix: Hey, Phoenix. Forgive me for not reading your stuff lately. I promise though, now that school is done, I’ll be catching up. And thanks for the alliteration on my name. I could call you fantastic Phoenix, or something cooler, like… um, fantastic Phoenix? Eh, whatever.

At this point they don't know enough about each other, they are crushing on fantasies and moonbeams, will they be able to forge a strong enough relationship in time? How far do you go for someone you barely know?

And I guess that’s the point, isn’t it? Will thinks she’s in love with Tara, and Tara seems to have a bit of a crush, but they don’t know each other at all. Maybe that’ll change soon.

I am really loving your writing style. It rolls along the tongue with a certain taste, and the first person tense, while at times restrictive, is nailed perfectly. I really enjoy how you use very short sentences to make a point; it is a powerful literary device that you use very well… Sorry to get all technical. I wonder if you even know that you're doing it, but you're doing it well.

Please don’t be sorry to get technical. Thank you for the compliments, and I am aware that I do it. It’s actually a habit from writing my short stories, but I’m glad to hear that it works here, too. Thank you so much and thanks for reading and for the awesome feedback.

spells42: Hey.

The brutality and the fear is palpable.

Good to hear that. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what Willow can help with. Thank you and thanks for reading.

ceridwen: Thank you for the compliments.

[How does Tara know where Willow lives? She never went to her place... did she?

Actually, Willow told Tara where she lived in a previous update, but sorry if that confused you. Thanks for reading.

pipsberg: Hey.

I loved the scene of Tara in the shadows, watching the murder unfold.

Glad you liked that scene. As I told Alcy, that really was one of my favorite parts to write.

I know what its like to be distracted from your writing, but even getting a shorter update out keeps the flow going and helps with inspiration.

It definitely does, but I’m sorry that I couldn’t update more. Hopefully tonight’s update will make up for it partly. Thanks so much for reading and leaving feedback.

taraslove: Hey. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story.

I'm thinking that Willow's clothes are gonna be too small in certain areas. *prays, please let them be too small in certain areas!*

Lol, don’t we all wish that Amber would wear clothes 2 sizes too small. Or maybe it’s just me, in which cause, naughty Sara, don’t think like that. Hehe.

I am confused about one teeny thing. When did Willow get an apartment? Wasn't she living in a dumpy abandoned building? And how did Tara know where she lived, if she hadn't been there before? I'll go back and reread - maybe I missed it...

Actually, in a previous chapter I wrote about Willow getting an apartment with the money she’s making, and Tara knew where she lived from that same chapter. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for reading.

taralicious: Hey.

Your attention to period detail is also impressive as you convey the hoplessness and despair of Depression-era Chicago.

Thank you. I tried to be as accurate as possible, since in my opinion, if it happened in history, it’s pretty much set in stone.

It is always harder and more complicated to extricate oneself from the tangle of false personas that one weaves around themself in order to live, thrive, and survive in the Underworld environment of gangland Chicago.

Ain’t that the truth. And yeah, the Victor/Victoria routine. Hehe. I love that movie. Which I guess shows. Thanks so much for reading.


I’ll have two updates ready for everyone in a few minutes, cause I was a jerk and didn’t update enough these past couple weeks. Thanks for reading!

[tazraven]

Title: Speak Easy
Author: TazRaven (Sara)
Distribution: The Kitten Board, Through the Looking Glass, anyone else just ask.
Rating: PG-13 for language
Disclaimer: I do not own Willow or Tara, but you all know that.
Feedback: Yes, please, I love it.
Summary: Willow meets a woman and falls into a different world. How far will she go to save her life?
Notes: Special thanks to Elizabeth, my fiancé, for dealing with my writing obsession.
Notes 2: Thank you to everyone who’s still reading. I know the past three weeks have been very lacking in updates, and I hope that you enjoy this one. Thanks for sticking with me.



Chapter 8- February 10, 1931
12:03 am


My heart was racing as I prepared myself to answer the door. I knew this was the best chance at keeping Tara safe, but all I could see in my mind was a picture of Warren, kneecap shattered, his face beaten to a pulp, and a bullet through his head. Steeling my stomach and my nerve, I unlatched the door and opened it slowly. Two brutish men waited outside the threshold. They both stood over six feet tall, one maybe four inches taller than the other, with huge barrel chests and arms that looked as though they would burst from the plain black suits they wore. Inside I trembled, but on the outside I stood firm. It wouldn’t have done to show my fear.


My left hand rested on the door knob, my right arm blocking the gap between the door and the jam with my hand resting on the wall. “Well, hello gentlemen. What can I do for you two?”


The larger of the two looked at his partner for a moment before turning back to me. “Will Rosenberg?”


I nodded. “Yep, that’s me. Why?”


“You know a Tara Maclay?” He asked, his face stoic.


My chest tightened as he asked me. Some small part of me had been hoping they hadn’t found the dress. I silently swore, and then answered his question. “Ya, I know her. She’s the dame that sings down at the club I work at. Got a voice like glass-” I winked at him, “-and not too bad on the eyes neither.”


The taller man smiled tightly, and for a moment I wondered if they would shoot me for talking too much. “You wouldn’t happen to know where she is, would you?”


I paused a moment, in an attempt to look as though I was thinking about the question, then shook my head. “Can’t say I do. Don’t really talk to her much.” Knowing they were liable to catch me in a lie if I talked about Tara, I tried to shift the conversation to them. “Say, I didn’t catch your guys’ names.”


The taller man once again looked to his companion. The smaller man shook his head. “That’s not really important Mr. Rosenberg. We just want to-”


He stopped talking, his eyes fixated on a point behind me. My stomach jumped into my throat at the thought of him being able to see Tara. As nonchalantly as I could, I followed his eyes. There was no one there. And then I realized what he was looking at. The women’s clothes on my couch. Without a word, they both stepped over the threshold, pushing my arm out of the way.


“Women’s clothes?” the taller man asked me.


My mind frantically searched for a reason. I answered as quickly as I could with my newly formed lie. “Ya, women’s clothes. You two didn’t exactly come at the best time.”


They looked at each other for a moment before turning back to me.


“I’m not exactly alone, you get me?” I nudged my head toward my room, and smiled lecherously, silently thanking the men at the bar from which I’d learned my behavior.


They both smiled back at me and laughed. “We get you, pal. Nice skirt?” The larger man asked.


I laughed again. “Do I look like the kind of guy who would settle for a bad looker?”


They both smiled once more before backing up slightly. “So, no ideas about that Maclay broad, right?”


I breathed a silent sigh of relief at the question. They were going to leave. “None at all. Now get out of here. I got a woman in the back who’s not the type to wait around.”


The taller man nodded and turned to leave.


“Wait a minute.”


My stomach once again jumped into my throat. Now the shorter man was looking behind me, and this time, I didn’t have a quick answer. “Why do you have a suitcase, Mac?”


Had I been able to think quickly enough, I could have told them it was a woman visiting me. Unfortunately, lady luck had left my side. I stuttered out a few syllables before the shorter man strode back into the apartment and picked up the suitcase, while the taller man shut the door behind them.


It wasn’t until the larger man pulled a gun from the inside of his jacket that I realized the situation I was in. “Let’s go. I wanna see the bedroom.” He pointed the muzzle at my head and waved it toward the room. I could only hope that Tara had been listening to the conversation and slipped out the window. I nodded mutely, turned around, and walked towards the room as slowly as I could, only quickening my pace when I felt the pistol press into the back of my head.


I opened the door and stepped into the room. He asked me where the light was, and I told him it was broken. He grunted and then quickly searched the room as best he could. I could feel myself growing light-headed with the thought of Tara being found. The muzzle of the pistol once again pressed against my head as he urged me toward the bathroom door.


“Open it,” I heard him say. Without a word, I pushed open the door, and silently cheered. Tara was gone.


“I told you, no Maclay.” I knew my voice was trembling, but having a gun pointed at my head had taken away any false bravado.


He pushed me out of the bathroom and into the living room once more. His partner looked up and shook his head. “What do we do with this guy?”


The smaller man looked at me for a moment before speaking. “Let’s take him. He might be willing to talk after meeting Mr. Malone.”


As a last ditch effort, I tried to talk my way out of going. “Look fellas, I really don’t know where that Maclay girl is.”


They disregarded my words as the muzzle once again pushed me, this time in the direction of the front door. The smaller man followed and closed the door behind us. We walked down the two flights of stairs and stepped into the chilly night. No more words were spoken as they lead me across the street. I shivered, partly from the cold, but mostly from sheer terror. Frantically, I tried to think of a way out of the mess I was in. The only thing I could think to do was yell.


“Help!” I yelled as loudly as I could. The word had barely escaped my mouth when I felt a hard punch to my stomach. I doubled over in pain, gasping for breath as tears formed in my eyes. Falling to my knees, I fought the urge to vomit.


When I looked up, I saw the larger man smiling. “You try that again, Mac, and you’ll find your stomach ain’t gonna be the only thing that’s hurting.” I nodded as best I could and felt him pull me up into a standing position again. He opened the back door of a black Dodge Sedan and pushed me in, following closely after with the gun once again pointed at my head.


As I sat in the backseat of the car trying to regain some semblance of normal breathing, my mind reeled with the possibilities of what they would do to me. Once again, the image of Warren flashed in front of me. Only this time, it was my knee that was shattered into a million pieces, my face purple and black, and my forehead bleeding from the gun shot. The smaller man got into the driver’s seat and started the car.


As we passed the alleyway next to my apartment, I gasped as quietly as I could. Tara, hidden in the dark, was looking straight at me. Her face held a fearful expression, and as I passed by, I tried to smile. And then she was gone as the car turned a corner. I turned my head immediately toward the man next to me, and breathed a silent sigh of relief. He had been looking the other direction as we’d passed. My heart soared with the knowledge that she’d gotten away, and then dropped like a brick as I realized the hopelessness of my situation. I sent out a silent prayer that Tara would get to the police in time to help me, and not get killed in the process.



Chapter 9- February 10, 1931
12:15 am


Tara trembled. She blinked as tears fell from her eyes and down her face, the hot liquid a stark contrast to the cold night. In just a few short hours, her life had gone from manageable and mostly happy to chaotic and beyond dangerous. She cursed herself for going out the back door, and filling not only her life, but Will’s with more trouble than they could deal with. Now Will was gone, taken by the men she had been trying so desperately to avoid, and she felt like a coward, sneaking out the fire escape as soon as she heard things go badly. Who would have ever guessed that by trying to leave early all hell would break lose. A few more tears escaped. She took a shuddered breath and shivered, her breaths coming out in clouds. The urge to give up was so strong; it felt like a weight crushing her more with every second she stood there.


But that was the problem. She was just standing there. Will was in a car headed God knows where, and she was just standing there. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, and in the next second she was running, sprinting toward the police station. Her best chance of helping Will and herself came with getting to the precinct as soon as possible. She ran until her legs ached and her lungs burned, until the breaths she took felt like daggers to her chest.


The distance must have been miles, but upon finally seeing the steps leading up to the building, Tara pushed herself even harder. She ran up the steps and threw open the door, collapsing on the floor as soon as she entered. Her dress was damp and torn, her hair was knotted and disheveled, and her feet were bare, the high heels now in her hand having proven to be too much trouble to run in. Her chest felt like it was on fire as she pulled in oxygen, her throat sore from harshly breathing. Even so, with what felt like a dying gasp, Tara yelled for an officer.


Her request was answered as a dark-haired man helped her up from the floor and into a chair. He left and returned a few moments later with a glass of water. Tara gratefully accepted the drink and took a large sip, only to cough most of it back up. She tried again, this time taking a smaller sip to ensure the liquid would go down.


“Ma’am, are you alright?”


Tara nodded. “I’m fine, but I need help.” Her voice came out hoarse, and every word burned her throat, but she knew she didn’t have the time to recuperate. “My friend, he’s been kidnapped. He’s been taken and-” Tara stopped as she began to cough.


“Alright, I’m going to need you to tell me exactly what happened. Do you think you can do that?”


“Of course I can!” Tara yelled, forcing another cough from her chest. She wasn’t going to be treated like a helpless woman just because her throat was hurting. “Just tell me who to talk to about Mr. Malone.”


His eyes grew wide. “Malone? You mean the Mr. Malone?”


Tara rolled her eyes. “Yes, the Mr. Malone. Are you going to help me, or just sit there?”


The officer gave her a surprised look before nodding and springing from his chair. Tara took the moment to breathe deeply and try and control her temper. It wouldn’t do to delay police action just because she was frustrated. Her anger under control, she finished the rest of her water and waited for another policeman, taking the another moment to slip her shoes back on.


A man about six feet high with dirty blonde hair, dressed identically to the other officers in the room in a blue police uniform, showed up a few minutes later. He spoke with a deep voice as he asked for her to follow him. Tara stood up immediately.


He began speaking as he led her through the building, not turning around to talk. “I’m Officer Flannigan. Officer Hazlett said you needed to talk to someone about Mr. Malone?”


“Yes,” Tara said, sighing with relief that she finally found someone to talk to, but still anxious beyond belief. “I need to tell you what’s going on, and you need to help my friend!”


Officer Flannigan stopped immediately and turned around, placing his hands on her shoulders. “You need to calm down, alright? I’m gonna help you, I just need you to calm down.”


Tara nodded and took another deep breath. He took his hands off her shoulders, turned around, and continued walking. “Where are we going?” Tara asked.


“A holding room. Just a quiet place where we can talk.”


She nodded again. The pressure that she’d been feeling all night was starting to dissipate. Malone was going to be brought to justice, and Will was going to be just fine. Officer Flannigan stopped in front of a large wooden door and opened it to reveal a sterile-looking room. The walls were white and bare, and a single wooden table stood in the center with four wooden chairs surrounding it. He motioned for Tara to sit down, before taking a seat across from her and removing a notepad and pen from his belt.


“Ok, can you tell me what happened?”


Tara proceeded to tell Officer Flannigan the events of the past few hours, not omitting details, but just covering the bare minimum so as to be able to help Will faster. When she finished, the officer quickly looked over his notes before excusing himself to make a phone call. Tara laid her head down on the table and thought about everything she’d been through. Never would she have expected for all of what had happened to be a part of her life. Her breathing slowed and her eyes closed as her body succumbed to exhaustion.


She awoke to the sound of the door creaking open. Rubbing her eyes, Tara opened her mouth to apologize for sleeping, only to have the words die in her throat. There, in the doorway, stood the two men she’d seen assisting Malone. The same ones who’d taken Will. They smiled at her obvious recognition as she realized that the officer she’d entrusted her safety to had betrayed her. The larger man pulled a gun from the inside of his jacket, waving in her direction, silently telling her to get up.


Knowing that there was no way to avoid the situation she was in, Tara complied. She walked toward the two men, and didn’t struggle as they each grabbed onto her arms. As they left the room, she saw Officer Flannigan smile at her, and in that moment she didn’t care what happened to her. She ripped her arms away from their vice-like holds, just enough to slap him across the face. His expression turned to blind rage as he lunged for Tara, only to be stopped by the larger of the two henchmen.


“You don’t get to hurt this one Flannigan,” he explained in a gruff voice. “She’s Malone’s.”


The threatening words stopped the officer from moving forward any further, but the rage was still evident on his face. As Tara was once again taken between the two men, Officer Flannigan leaned toward her, as if he was going to kiss her. “You bitch,” he sneered. Tara could smell booze on his breath. “I hope Malone cuts off that pretty little hand of yours.”


And with that, Tara was hustled out of the precinct and thrown into the same car Will had been driven away in. She just hoped that she’d see Will one more time before they were both killed.

[db]

Dibs? Really? Rock n Roll!

Holy cr@p.

This is bad. Really bad! I hate Flannigan. I wish him exreme testicle damage and a deforming rash and also slow impalement on a blunt instrument. *glower*. He was supposed to help and he was a betraying betrayer! I was afraid of this.

*shiver*

Willow's smart... but she's not physically strong, and I can't imagine that it will take too long before they figure out she's a she... and then *shiver*. Ack. They've got Tara too. This is bad.



Um. Can we get a break and uh have something happen and they get rescued or something? ... 'cos the alternative is not acceptable. Thanks n' stuff.

db

[whatmakesyouhappy]

dibs

[whatmakesyouhappy]

oh nice db your trigger finger is quicker then mine lol.Nice update I have been waiting the best I could for your update then SUPRISE ! update and what an update I didn't think they would get caught! wow no matter how many days it takes for your next update it's going to seem weeks longer, if there was an awarde for cliff hangers the oscar would go to you. GREAT JOB

[wimpy0729]

Well shit shit and Double Shit!! Stupid dirty cops. I should've known it wasn't going to be that easy.

Now the bad guys have them both, but at least Tara got in a good slap first. I was hoping she'd go for a knee to the groin, but oh well.

Well, what are they gonna do now? Such torture for us readers, but not for the girls, I hope. Please update soon to calm my frazzled nerves.


Wimpy

[katjetson]

Oh nos! (Bloody pulp) fiction, indeed! All things went to hell in a hand basket in one big swoosh, didn't they? Willow getting that punch in the stomach! -- that had to've smarted. She's just li'l Will... These cronies and thugs are just... unpleasant. And kinda worse than most of Buffy's Big Bads. All I can say is, Willow better get some sa-weet lovin' after all's said and done. Tara's slap ruled. Kinda like Willow's resolve face, but you know... with a hand.

This is good stuff! Thanks a bunch for the updates.

[diamondforever]

Whoa, a bad situation to a worse one in just two short scenes. Malone's get his fingers into every place of Chicago...no way they can trust anybody in the city.

Willow nearly DID talk herself out of it, though. Smooth job on her part. But she was lucky that she only got carted off once the cat got out of the bag. Where exactly had Tara disappeared to? Just out the window?

[Zampsa1975]

Great update-y goodness... they are in really big trouble... I hope that the goons don't find out that Willow is a she...

[pipsberg]

Holy batman! They both have gotten themselves into quite the pickle. I look forward to seeing how you extracate tham from this mess! I like the dark story you are weaving here, it's definitely suspenseful. I look forward to more!

[dlline]

Hey Sara!

Sorry that this is going to be short, but I just wanted to chime in and offer that you've created some really top-notch suspense here. I know what's going on with you now, and I just wanted to offer here, for everyone to see, that this story rocks and the heck with everything else. And yes, I'm listening to that too.

TZ, Kiddo, and keep up the good work.

Diane

[Alcy]

Hi there, woohoo, two updates in one, it’s like Christmas and a birthday.
And what great chapters they were, I could feel Willow’s very palpable fear as she faced the goons. I know I’d be running the opposite way if I had to stand up to such thugs but she’s protecting the woman she loves…and that’s hot, not to mention noble and heart-warming.
I love Willow’s conversation, I almost thought she was going to get away with her little ploy with all her blustering about her conquests etc until her mind has a mini blank and she’s stuck…eeek! That’s where bravery often leads…

Tara’s pain was just as palpable, having to watch the thugs drive Willow away, knowing that she is the cause of his/her capture and if anything happens to Will, its because she came to her for help, that can’t be an easy thing to have hanging over you.

Still, this Is Tara we’re talking about and she’s not just going to sit idly while someone gets beaten up and/or killed on her behalf.

The pressure that she’d been feeling all night was starting to dissipate. Malone was going to be brought to justice, and Will was going to be just fine….

I think Tara’s relaxing a little too soon…
and of course, crooked cops…bastards! How on earth are our heroines going to get themselves out of this one? It’s a little unnerving how they’ve got no one else but themselves to rely on, in a lot of fics you’ve got other Scoobies, Faith etc to come and help them out but in this fic there’s no one but Willow and Tara, they’re on their own and it’s very exciting!

[taraslove]

dammit.

I can't believe the bloody cops are working for Malone, too. The bastards. Tara and Will really only need each other anyway. So, piss on all the men! (Present company excluded, of course.)

Can't wait to see how the girls get out of it. Preferrably with maximum embarrassment to Malone and his goons.