FicWad

Shadow, Rouge, and Manic arrived at Gerald’s mansion’s gates.
The gates opened and the intercom crackled to life.
“Come in, Shadow.” Gerald said. “I was expecting you to come over.”
Shadow led Rouge and Manic through the gates and into the mansion.
Gerald was sitting in a large suede recliner
Shadow sat down on the couch across from Gerald.
Manic and Rouge sat down on the couch, keeping Shadow between them.
“I heard about Ivo and Maria already.” Gerald said. “I’m dreadfully sorry you had to witness that, Shadow. I know you were very close to Maria.”
“She was a great sister.” Shadow replied.
Gerald nodded. “She was an angel.”
Shadow nodded.
Gerald got up. “I suppose you don’t want a drink.”
“No.” Shadow said.
Manic glanced at Shadow. “No, I’m fine.”
“No thanks.” Rouge said.
“So I think you know I issued the death warrant,” Gerald said, walking over to a nearby drink cart. “You always figured things out quickly.”
“There’s no point in going over ancient history.” Shadow replied.
“My sources said that you have been an informant for GUN.” Gerald said. He looked over his shoulder as he poured himself a drink. “They also say that your wife is the GUN agent you spilled your guts too.”
Rouge chuckled. “Forgive me, but Shadow barely tells me about his day.”
“But there would be a reward for someone who gave up info on the largest crime family in Mobius.” Gerald said.
“Since when did I do anything for money?” Shadow asked.
Gerald slammed the decanter down.
Manic and Rouge flinched.
“You think I’m stupid, you smug rodent?” Gerald questioned. “I said I have sources. I know you gave info in exchange for immunity for your crimes.”
Manic gulped.
Gerald pointed at Rouge. “You told her everything you knew.” He said. “I don’t care if she would’ve figured you were involved in something nefarious as soon as she got involved with you. You know the code. You keep your mouth shut, you ungrateful brat. I saved you from dying in that alley and this is how you repay me?”
“If you have someone inside GUN, what does it matter?” Shadow asked.
“You already know why it matters.” Gerald replied.
“And you know that all debts are canceled as soon as you do a job for the top of the guild, but that doesn’t matter anymore either.” Shadow said, getting up.
Rouge and Manic got up as well.
“Now, I hope you three weren’t stupid enough to think you can just leave.” Gerald said, hitting some buttons on his phone.
A sound of a laser blast rang out.
Rouge collapsed.
Shadow and Manic looked around.
Drones hovered around them.
“I’ll tend to Rouge.” Manic said, kneeling down beside her.
Shadow drew his gun and fired at the drones, taking out five before running out of bullets. He spin dashed the last ten.
Shadow looked around. “Where’s Gerald?”
“Hang on, Rouge.” Manic said.
Shadow knelt down beside Rouge.
Manic pulled his phone out to call an ambulance.
Rouge smiled weakly and held Shadow’s hand. “Love you.”
“He’s calling for help, Rouge.” Shadow said. “Hang on.”
Manic got up and walked away. “Trying to get a signal.”
“I love you too, Rouge.” Shadow said. “Stay with us, please.”
Rouge exhaled slowly.
Shadow touched her face. “Rouge?”
No answer.
Shadow held Rouge.
Five minutes later, Manic ran back in. “The ambulance should be here soon.”
“She’s gone.” Shadow said.
Manic’s jaw dropped. “I… I am so sorry I dragged you two into this.”
“They would’ve killed us anyway.” Shadow said.
Manic nodded.
*
An hour after the ambulance and police left, Shadow was still sitting on the floor.
Manic sat down beside Shadow. “We have to get going.”
Shadow narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.
“We have to stop Gerald, bring down the guild if we have to.” Manic said. “For Rouge and Maria.”
Shadow nodded. He stood up.
Manic got up. “So what do we do now?”
“You keep a low profile until after the funerals.” Shadow replied. “Then we’ll go after Gerald.”
“Maybe my sister can help.” Manic said. “She’s training to be in GUN.”
Shadow looked at Manic. “Your sister is planning on joining GUN, but you came to me?”
Manic held his hands up defensively. “Because she knows nothing about the guild or that I was in it.” He said. “Besides, they would’ve come after you anyway.”
“I know, I was just asking.” Shadow replied. “You’re not my enemy.”
Manic breathed a sigh of relief.
“Talk with her, I’ll meet up with both of you after the funerals.” Shadow said.
Manic sighed. “I guess now is a good time to tell Sonic what I used to do for a living.”