Twisted Loyalties… Ch-17

Ch-17

Adler mansion — underground training room. Dim lighting. The low hum of silence is broken only by the sound of fists hitting a punching bag. Ethan is working out, shirt off, sweat glistening. Georgie enters quietly, arms crossed, watching from the doorway.

Georgie May Adler (fl)

Didn’t know you lived down here now.

Ethan Aviel (ml)

Ethan Aviel (ml)

(Without turning) Didn’t know you were keeping tabs on where I live.

Georgie May Adler (fl)

I don’t. You’re just loud.

Ethan Aviel (ml)

(Smirks, finally turning to face her) Or maybe you were just looking for an excuse to come see me.

Georgie May Adler (fl)

Don’t flatter yourself. I wanted to talk.

Ethan Aviel (ml)

(Takes a towel, wipes his face) About?

Georgie May Adler (fl)

About retaliation. You killed the man who pulled the trigger, but we still don’t know who ordered the hit.

Ethan Aviel (ml)

You think your traitor’s still breathing?

Georgie May Adler (fl)

I think they’re getting cocky.

Ethan Aviel (ml)

(Steps closer) Then we make them nervous. Start knocking on doors until one slams shut in our face.

Georgie May Adler (fl)

You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?

Ethan Aviel (ml)

Not the game. The clarity. There’s a difference.

Georgie May Adler (fl)

(Steps closer too, barely a breath between them now) You keep saying things like that… makes me wonder what else is clear in your head.

Ethan Aviel (ml)

(Voice low, dangerous) That you don’t trust easily. That when you do… it’ll be for a damn good reason. And that whoever earns it better not f*** it up.

Georgie May Adler (fl)

(Quietly) And what if no one earns it?

Ethan Aviel (ml)

Then you’ll still survive. But it’ll be a lonely f***ing war.