They say the worst thing that can happen to any parent is to bury a son or daughter before he or she passes away. Justine experienced a much worse twist of fate one regular night where the promising future decided to take its toll for her Justice's character displayed during rehearsals.

As the young ascendant stage actress began noticing a new life inside her womb, the secret kept until her husband's birthday rose up suddenly as the best present ever to receive on such a special day.

Two months after the growing fetus chanted present in her lifetime, a big storm isolated her in an unknown bar near her acting theatre space. Her husband Milton on the other side of town prevented her from trying to get home until his approach in order to pick her up from the dreadful weather tormenting the surroundings.

As stubborn as her bravery, Justine insisted on returning by her own means. Her decision would take her to face Ivan and the gang of ruthless friends wishing to get to know her in a carnal manner according to their leader's craving when kidnapping the lady walking alone way past midnight.

The chaotic incident of inner debauchery provoked the young woman the ending of her unborn child's life blooming inside. Insistent penetrations, dildos, even a cockroach used to intimidate her and a lighter as a threaten utensil to create more desperation around her became the additional elements to impose a punishment undeserved for any human being.

The beating up plus depicting the whole situation with a tape's footage recorded live and direct finalized the conjunction of horrendous choices made by the group of sub-humans misfits.

After heading to a hospital nearby to find out the saddest news of her existence, she decided to continue a life on her own, moving the man of her dreams out of the present. One night immersed in loneliness under the quietness of her room, a phone call from a long time no seen sister stepped in as a sign of making amends due to a rough past between them concerning the responsibility of their parent's car accident.

Without strength to carry on a conversation and even less to tell her about the recent lost and raping, a familiar male background voice heard and the exact same name as the perpetrator ornamented the conversation as a background sound and trigger effect: Ivan.

Justine's insights revolt against her depression to immediately stand tall against the situation, moving forward and planning a weekend afternoon with her sibling, a smart and dedicated politician named Megan. The idea to catch up after more than ten years of mutual absence was the right excuse to reunite them and start an unexpected investigation.

After changing her looks to remain unrecognizable and discovering her nephew as the leader of the rapists that destroyed her, the vengeful lady decided to prepare a plan where the usual cliché payback was not even close to her goals. Following each of them separately, making them fall in love with her and attacking their very souls individually was the perfect assessment to equal the earthly scales of an absent justice. And that was barely the beginning.

Since part of my previous years are related to the movie industry, I tend to be very cinematic when it comes to developing this new side of my creativity: literature.

Sample Chapters

Chapter IV

THE DAY AFTER

Once back home, Justine stayed in bed practically all day during the first week where Milton called the theater informing what have happened. Callie visited her twice after the dreadful incident suffered, keeping her company and ditching a couple rehearsals as the premiere night was getting nearer.

Milton thought of calling Justine's sister to inform her about the recent events, but his sixth sense told him to wait a bit in order to see how his wife's recovery developed during the following days.

It was not a good time to bring that subject up, especially under her actual condition. After almost forty eight hours of utter silence among them, the first conversation appeared outside the bedroom where she practically lived.

- I need some time on my own. -she said before his husband concerned frowning.

- What do you mean?

- What you heard.

- I want to be near you. I won't leave.

- I'm asking you to help me. And part of that aid is giving me a few days alone.

- Where should I go?

- To your mother's.

- I have to be here. Not only for you, but for my work.

- Do you trust me?

- Of course.

- Then do it.

- OK. But only on one condition.

- I'm listening. -she said, barely having the necessary breath to express her point of view.

- You let me know once a day you're safe. I don't want anything happening to you during my forced absence.

- Deal.

- What is going on inside that mind of yours?

- You will know in due time.

- I will always be here for you.

- I know. But I need to do something alone.

- I'm scared.

- Me too.

- If you need any help, call me.

- I will.

- I can leave tomorrow. Is one week OK?

- I don't know. More like a month maybe.

- That's a long time. But we'll be in touch, right?

- Sure.

Milton got up from his comfortable position over the living room couch, heading towards his bedroom.

- Honey?

- What?

- Thank you for your cooperation.

- But remember: one call. Each day.

- You have my word on that. But I prefer a text instead of speaking. And you'll make sure I'm still alive.

- Don't do anything stupid.

- I won't.

- It would be too much for me to lose you after what just happened.

- No worries. God is an asshole, but not that kind of schmuck. -she concluded, becoming the biggest atheist all of a sudden under the current circumstances.

The man left the ended conversation, entering his bedroom and starting to prepare his suitcase for the imminent departure. He called his mother giving he

the future visit, putting a smile on her face without still telling her the atrocious real events behind the unexpected call.

They slept apart from each other the following nights. Justine couldn't bare the touch of another human body, including the man of her life. Nightmares came and went duplicated each time she tried to get some rest. She used the big bed, leaving her husband alone over the couch.

The bathroom shower was visited by her three times a day minimum. The feeling of dirt inside started to cause a vicious behavior of cleansing as often as needed. Sometimes she stood below the hot water and steamy environment more than half an hour, forcing Milton to get less hot water upon his turn.

His patience was enormous after the dismal events, but at the same time he was very well aware of how to proceed when facing a problem of this magnitude. Swimming against the current would have the same repercussions of calling Megan in order to bring the two sisters closer.

And this was neither the time nor the place to do proceed according that direction. Milton was an avid reader of psychology, a subject that interested him since forever. Despite working as an accountant, he considered himself a decent scholar in that matter.

Callie was in charge of spreading the bad news at the theater company, which was received with utter shock from the whole cast. She asked everyone to avoid calling her friend for support or any other cause, petition respected for the receptors of said message.

The play went on without major delays due to the unexpected setback thanks to the professionalism of the surrogate actress playing the main role of Justice. Arthur held himself back from doing the forbidden communication requested by the cast member under his direction.

He chose only to send a text message that was never replied, whishing a speedy recovery and offering his help and assistance whenever needed, even during the wee hours if necessary, ending up being a kind gesture that was never not even seen from the other side of the cyberspace.

Chapter V

MEGAN'S CALL

The first day in solitude was as lonely as predicted, except for an unexpected phone conversation. Her husband had already left early morning after a cold and distant farewell. Justine picked up the phone on the third attempt believing it was Milton to tell him that the deal was using text messages and not long verbal conversations.

To her surprise, one familiar voice not heard in quite some time approached her listening skills, welcoming to her world.

- Hello, Sister.

- Megan.

- How are you? Still angry after the last discussion?

- No, of course not. Long time.

- Yes, indeed.

- That's water under the bridge.

- You sound weird. Are you ok? Is this a bad time?

- I'm fine.

- Can you talk now?

- Yes.

- Wow! Really not mad at me? Your limited speech says the opposite.

- I'm just tired.

- I 'm calling you to get together eventually. Last time was not a good experience to portray in our memory lane.

- I agree.

- Well, I won't make an extra effort to get more words out of your mouth. Just tell me the time and date and I'll be there.

- Let me see. -replied Justine, feeling awkward speaking to her own blood.

- My son just came. Excuse me for a second.

Justine kept listening as her sibling left the cell phone over the counter for a few seconds to greet her offspring.

- Ivan, honey! There's leftovers in the microwaves.

- Who are you talking to?-replied the youngster's voice.

Upon hearing the name and male voice tone, Justine decided to cut off the conversation out of scare. Megan called back after a couple minutes.

- Hello again.

- Hi, sorry! My phone fell and it was shut off.

- No worries.

- So, up for a get together with your long time sister partner to make amends?

- Sure. But I can go over to your place.

- That would be great.

- So I can get out of my neighborhood and see new environments.

- Sure, suit yourself.

- Next weekend. Sunday afternoon.

- 3 pm?

- I'll be there.

- Bye, sis. Take care.

- You too.

The voice of the male son as a background sound kept drawing Justine's attention. Something inside spoke to her of preparing the proper revenge for what just ruined her present life. And the first step was changing her aspect so no one could recognize those beautiful face traits in case fate was in charge of another accidental encounter with any of those sub-human beings that recently humiliated her.

She cut the hair on her own, creating an unbalanced look compared to the previous one. The bruises over her face were healing fast and in seven days would be even better for her first post trauma encounter.

The night came at the designated time. As precise as a clock mechanism, Milton's message appeared full of concern and love. She read it with her weary eyes whilst sleeping in the couch that evening.

- "Praying for you here, honey. Mom loves you. I told her everything. She sends her support and wants to see you when you feel it's the right time to meet her. Stay safe"

A simple reply with a kiss and a thumb up finger was more than enough for her. She turned off the dim light, getting used to the dark more and more each passing hour.

Chapter VI

THE CHANGES BEFORE SEEING MEGAN

Apart from a manly really short haircut, she decided to cover up her right side of vision with a bandage and an eye-patch. The first week living alone flew by as fast as her darkest desires coming alive, and those depicted images of herself finding and tormenting the perpetrators of the worst day during her present lifetime.

Black sunglasses to hide even more her face traits were also considered as part of the disguise to drop a visit anytime soon. She left the house for the first time after seven days of confinement. Her worst fears arose as she kept moving forward towards the bus stop only a couple blocks away from her abode.

Midday passed by about sixty minutes ago, leaving two hours ahead to reach her next destination at the agreed time. The suburbs where her sister lived the adult life were the perfect place she always wanted to end up her last days on this planet, but the

local Broadway area of theatres and cinemas were nearer her current building, reason why that decision was more possible to take place once retired.

During the public transport ride, she thought of Milton and his proper behavior regarding her unexpected decision of being apart from each other for an undetermined time. He deserved to know the truth eventually of the ideas mobilizing within her wicked thoughts of revenge. And she was going to tell him, but maybe later than sooner.

Her mind also flew back in time, remembering her parents and the last discussion with Megan. And last but not least, the thought about the leading man commanding the group cause her fists to clench both at unison.

The bus stop came nearer at the same time her expectations regarding the imminent encounter increased considerably. She remembered the name mentioned by the mother of Ivan on the other side of the phone line and couldn't pull her head away from that obsessive thought during the subsequent days.

At this point, her destroyed insights firmly believed that everything was attached as a serendipity puzzle where she had to move the pieces to create a new image in the name of something lost recently according to her spirit: fairness.

Even the name given to her both onstage and in this lifetime was practically the same, except for one letter. But to her broad way of thinking inspired in her own artistic side, the n could be a c or vice versa according to the eye of the beholder.

And in this case, Justine was about to do the honors when thinking of her fictional name indoors the main entrance of the theatre company she had to abandon. Her pacing was calmed compared to the disturbance of mixed feelings over her chest.

The main issue here was to keep her temperance no matter what the outcome of the gathering might be. And she was willing to fulfill that in the name of the recent life lost within her womb.

The bell rang and a familiar voice spoke through the buzzer, glimpsing at her not so beloved sister on camera.

- Justine?

- Yes, it's me. -she replied, extracting from her handbag some cookies brought to accompany the tea or coffee time.

- Come in.

The lavish house minimized the presence of the newcomer. Megan all dressed up welcomed her sister, hugging her effusively.

- Long time, sis.

- Indeed.

- How are you? What happened to your eye?

- Long story short, just some dirt that entered the cornea and gave me a hard time, apart from lots of pain and ardor.

- So sorry to hear that. Please, give me your coat. And make yourself comfortable. This is your home, too.

- Thanks.-replied Justine, looking to the four cardinal points in order to get a glimpse of her son.

- So glad to see you.

- Likewise. And you have a really beautiful place here. Congrats!

- It comes with the territory.

- Which is?

- Politics. You know that.

- You could have changed. It's been what ... like 10 years since last time we saw each other?

- Twelve, actually. After the funeral we went to see the lawyers for Dad's will. Remember?

- Now I do. I forgot it somehow.

- Tea or coffee?

- I'll take both.

- First time I get both options accepted.

- Welcome to the freaks world.

- How's Milton?

- He's great. Now visiting his mother.

- Is she ok?

- Yes. He only wanted some quality time with his second love.

- Good to hear that.

- And you?

- What about me?

- Boyfriend? Girlfriend?

- Why not both?

- Congrats for you if that's real. A broaden mind always thinks better than the ordinary.

- Sorry to disappoint you. No love life across my whereabouts.

- Work always comes first, right?

- Exactly. Now running for senator next year, so with less time than before the great news.

- So happy for you.

- Thanks, sis. And what about your acting career?-asked Megan, finally bringing the coffee to the living room table.

- Still struggling. More independent than big shot movies as usual. Theater for me is the real thing. Films are second tier jobs. -replied Justine, placing her bag of cookies next to the coffees and tea served.

- I see certain things don't change.

- Essence remains untouched. My eatable souvenir for the afternoon. -the guest added, showing the sweet biscuits brought.

- How's Ivan? Last time I saw him he was about seven maybe.

- Nine to be precise. Now he's twenty one years old.

- Years young, actually.

- Good way of putting it.

- Is he around?

- He might be coming home any minute now. He 's out with his friends. College 's break until next semester. He deserves to have fun.

- I bet he does. What are his next steps regarding education?

- Politics.

- Like mother, like son.

- And what about the father?

- He has an average relationship with him. In fact, Ron has been always busy. Even when I was pregnant. So you already know the story basics. Not much details to tell either.

- So sorry to hear that.

- Certain things are better off that way. I believe in fate. Whatever will be, will be.

- Touché.

The front door was opened. The fast footsteps of the young adult expected by her mother came closer during an impasse of the conversation, letting it be the only sound audible over the wooden surface.

- And speaking of the devil, Rome is here.-added the proud mother, kissing her son more than warmly.

- Hi Mom-said Ivan, deviating his attention to the guest in front of his attentive gaze.

Justine remained immobile for an instant, believing her visit accomplished her first goal: getting closer to a still unplanned revenge.

- Say hello to my dear sister, Justine.-asked the host, standing up and pointing at the female visitor hidden behind a peculiar look.

- My aunt. Nice to meet you. Again I guess- said Ivan, extending his right hand for a proper greeting which was never accepted.

- Nice to meet you, nephew. -replied the surprised woman, given the circumstances of unpredicted consequences.

The speaking was paused for a while, letting both gazes meet mutely but not fully recognizing each other. Ivan didn't realize his last raping victim was in front of him x-raying each and every move he would make from now on until reaching the deserved payback considered suitable after the catastrophe suffered.

- Care to join us?-asked the mother, looking at her sister askance.

- I have to study. One summer exam before back to college next semester. Sorry!

- No worries. Go and do your thing.-added Justine, sounding more calmed and relaxed than her interiors.

- Nice to meet you, auntie.

- Same here.

The rapist with the chin tattoo depicting the Sixth Roman Number disappeared of the vision radius at plain sight, letting both ladies go back to their previous conversational topics.

- He's so dedicated and organized.

- A leaf doesn't fall far away from the tree branch I guess.

- Couldn't agree more. He got that from me, actually. His father is totally different. A night addict: bars, clubs, friends, strippers. Reason why after discovering more than one infidelity I decided to split.

- Thank God he 's got more of your genes. So glad to see you got over everything, sis.

- It wasn't easy. But what doesn't kill you ... .

- Makes you not only stronger. But weirder.

- In your case. I feel pretty normal. So don't push me to your side of the darkness.

- I won't. Don't worry.

The rest of the afternoon developed smoothly thanks to a great acting lesson developed by the concentrated performer during the whole visiting hours. The approach to the only member alive of her family had a hidden motive for the beguiled mother flabbergasted by her son's alleged scholar skills.

On her way out, Justine hugged Megan in a tender manner, receiving the proper reply not in words but in an endearment feeling displayed through her affectionate look.

- So glad we could reunite and catch up.-she initiated as the farewell was reaching its end.

- Still lots to know about each other.-replied the younger sister, feeling again the young male presence in the area.

When the evening waved goodbye to the precedent afternoon, Ivan's time to reunite with his friends was around the corner and coincidentally nearby Justine's whereabouts.

- You're leaving, honey?

- Yes, Mom. I forgot I had a play to catch.

- A what?

- Theater. I bought this ticket a couple of weeks ago and totally forgot.

- You know your aunt is a stage actress. She could teach you a lot about it if you care to take her home.

- Wouldn't want to impose. He has his own schedule and don't want to interfere with it. I can catch a bus. No biggie.

- But you leave near The Broadway area, right?-Megan queried, expecting a reply she already knew the answer.

- Yes, I do.

- And he's going near your neighborhood, right honey?

- I can give her a ride home. No problem!-added Ivan, heading towards the bathroom before departure.

- OK, you win. Thanks for everything. Sister-said Justine, hugging the house host one more time before leaving with certain reluctance due to the problem still experienced when it came to touching others.

- Take care. We have to repeat this.

- For sure. We will.

A last one-eyed glance at the beautiful abode was glimpsed by the actress, walking behind her fast paced younger nephew.

- So happy to see the two of you sharing a ride. Drive safely, Ivan.

- Of course not. You already know me.

- Son, please.

- I will, Mom. Just kidding-said the undisclosed rapist.

The car' s engine started revving as the wheels rolled at the desired velocity of the pushed gas pedal. Justine looked out the window preventing from speaking at first and waiting to hear the driver initiate the conversation.

- So where you've been all these years, Aunt? Can I call you Auntie?

- Sure. No problem, nephew.

- Life can be weird. Don't you think?

- I surely do.

- We don't see each other for over ... what ... ten years maybe?

- Roughly.

- And now I'm taking you home.

- It can also be as small as a paper tissue sometimes. Believe you me.

- So you're an actress. Movies?

- No.

- Porn?

- Hell no.

- Snuff?

- Theater.

- Not much of a savvy in the area. This was bought by my girlfriend. She loves the corny romantic stuff. -he said, showing both tickets.

- Ladies. Guilty as charged for being devoted to love stories.

- Yikes! I prefer fast cars and disco nights with my homes.

- But tonight you dedicate the whole date to her.

- Partially.

- After the play, disco dancing with the gang.

- The Gang? What are you? Mobsters?

- We're nice kids. Except when we drink.

- Never do that while driving. Someone wants you back home safe and not dismembered.

- You already sound like my mother.

- I almost was. Once.

- What?

- A Mom.

- What happened?

- I lost it.

- Sorry to hear that.

- It was meant to be. Like this car ride.

- You want to join us with my friends afterwards? You look like you could use some fun.

- No, thanks. I have work to do.

- Acting stuff?

- Sure. We could say that.

- OK.

The rest of the car ride was mostly silent despite Ivan's constant intentions to create new conversational topics. Justine responded limitedly and using barely a few words. This didn't catch the young man's attention, immersed in his thoughts of the imminent theatrical date and the posterior gathering with the boys.

A pregnant woman was crossing the street and touching her incipient belly while the vehicle was first in line stopped at a traffic light. Ivan looked at her with complete interest. Justine followed his eyes tracking without saying a word. All of a sudden, his inner thoughts came alive regarding the sensual mother to be.

- So sexy!

- What?

- Pregnant ladies.

- You like them?

- More than that. They excite me.

- Most men don't. They prefer us flat and with big boobs.

- That too. But that bloated balloon full of life is damn sexy.

- I agree.

In order to avoid the incipient highway transit, the driver decided to follow a detour using inner and deserted streets compared to the ones chosen during rush hours at the weekend.

- People are amazing.-he commented.

- Not all of them. Some are assholes.

- I mean regarding traffic.

- And why's that?

- They all choose the same roads to reach wherever they're going.

- So lucky me.

- Why?

- Because I chose the best designated driver ever.

- You like that, right?

- What?

- Sarcasm.

- It's my main language most of the times.

- You sound upset about something.

- Many things, actually.

- Want to share with me? Marital problems?

- Not even close.

- Alcoholism?

- I'm as healthy as a priest that loathes pedophilia.

- Then I give up.

- A fast quitter. You seemed to me more as a go getter.

- I don't really know what your problem is and frankly I don't care. But one thing's for sure.

- Explain me. I'm all ears.

- You should be happier about life.

- Give me three reasons.

- You're beautiful.

- Don't agree with that, but it all depends on the eye of the beholder.

- You are healthy. Or at least you look like it.

- Touché.

- And last but not least, you have someone to love.

- So you win two to one.

- Game ends, I guess.

Ivan kept talking to himself as they passed the hospital visited by Justine after the dreadful raping suffered by the man behind the wheel days ago. Her attention was drawn away from the words eloquently spoken by the youngster.

- Are you following what I 'm saying or am I just speaking to myself?

- Sorry, where are we?

- I don't know. Near the theatre I guess. Fifteen minutes to get there according to my GPS.

The abandoned factory nearby was glimpsed after a few blocks. The scary memories emanated from the old and gloomy construction reached Justine deep inside, causing her goose bumps and a sudden chill in the back of her nape.

- That place.

- Which one?

- I know it. Do you?

- Never been around here. Sorry! It's just an alternative road I use when going to the big city and the motorway is packed.

After almost an hour, they reached the destined neighborhood. Justine swallowed each and every of her most disgusting feelings of reject towards the young driver, acting polite and pretending to be friendly in order to get closer.

- Thank you for the ride, Ivan.

- You live near here? I can take you home. Still early for the premiere.

- No, thanks. I want to walk. I need some air. And your girlfriend must be waiting for you. Do her a favor and be punctual.

- Yes, Mom.

- What theater are you going?

- The Odeon I guess. Yes, that one. Name's right here on the ticket. Why the question? You want to join us later? You're already invited, by the way. Come or not. It's up to you. -said the man eloquently, with an energy totally exacerbated.

- Just curiosity that almost killed the cat. And as stated before, no thanks.

- You know the place?

- Oh, I do. My last rehearsal was there.

He extended his right upper limb for a handshake, receiving nothing but a cold waving at a distance after the passenger got of the shotgun seat.

- See you around I guess.

- That depends.

- On what?

- It's called fate.

Justine wickedly smiled, sensually passing her tongue around her lips and causing a deep surprise in her nephew's attentive look. He drove off speaking to himself as he disappeared from plain sight.

- A total freak. But a sexy one. I could make an exemption with her -he said as the cell phone with the incoming call from his girlfriend stroke the current moment.

The lady hurried home, changing her outfit and disguising as a short red haired woman with a crimson wig and baggy clothing to seem fatter than her attractive body silhouette. She took off her eye patch, placing some hipster blue glasses over her sad but eager eyes.

It was her first night out since the terrible incident suffered barely a few days ago. She thanked God in silence for the causality of the events leading her goal to a deserved revenge. The idea developed within her vengeful thoughts swirled around investigating their moves, schedules, timetables and the people they frequented. Also getting to know the places chosen to drink, dance and party was a parallel task that should be considered to gather the proper information before acting.

Something told Justine that the very night ahead of her was going to become the paradigmatic change of events she needed to feel more alive. And she was not going to restrain from missing it. Her prosthetics faking an incipient belly below her clothing was the additional special feature added to gain attention from the desired future male victims.

For many people, revenge was not the cure for the gloomy grieving reluctant to leave after losing someone in a delicate situation like the one she suffered, but at that point she didn't care. According to her broken heart, she needed to become her own judge and executioner at the same time.

She wandered outside the Broadway area nearby waiting for the play to end. The starry night helped her to make it more possible to walk around without worrying regarding an imminent rain or a windy day like the one experienced hours before she was broken up inside by an unknown pack of sexually sick individuals.

She paced slowly holding her fake pregnancy added to the costumes to dissimulate her real identity. She got near The Odeon, checking the second performance scheduled in about an hour from the current time displayed by her wristwatch needles.

She grabbed a plastic small mineral water from her backpack. The snickers chosen to replace the previously used shoes to visit her sister were as comfortable as needed in case of the necessity of running or chasing someone at a fast speed pace.

A bar inside the theater company was opened way past midnight, roughly the time when the current play will end according to the checked schedule. She sat down on a chair near the exit, ordering an apple juice. She saw Milton's daily message minutes before making sure she was fine as prearranged before his leaving.

She replied shortly and without much enthusiasm given the circumstances where all her energy was channeled towards the unwritten future events about to take place. Almost half an hour later, her eyes posed upon Ivan's steps out on the streets.

Holding hands while breathing out words of sheer endearment next to his girl was the first picture taken from behind by his new stalker, thanks to a new cell phone also used as a modern camera. She didn't approach too much and used her mobile device to pretend a conversation with someone inexistent on the other side of the line.

At a medium distance, the heavy voice of her nephew allowed Justine to properly listen the plans for the rest of the weekend's night.

- Amy, come with us. -he insisted, receiving a negative reply as the brunette before his eyes shook her head no.

- I need to go home. My mom's not feeling well. I already told you the story. I just didn't want to lose the ticket's money.

- OK. Your loss. My gain!

- Go on your own with the guys. You deserved a bachelor 's stag before we get married sooner than later. Eventually, that would happen. You're not getting away from me that easily!-she joked, touching his blushed cheek.

- Thank you, my future wife soon to be mother of my kids and aunt of my nephews. But that needs to be organized first. Baby steps at a time, please!

- Whatever! Enjoy.

- Send my greetings to the future mother in law. And my wishes for her speedy recovery.

- Of course. I will. Bye!

The girt caught a taxi despite her boyfriend insisting on taking her home. Justine could see the need of the young man to convince everyone all the time regarding his point of view of every action, discussion or thought.

That was something to use in her favor and against him when getting the chance to be nearer under the disguise of a beautiful stranger. She imagined herself as a submissive pregnant lady opposing no comment to contradict the man about to enter her payback plan. Or maybe even better: the sexy aunt totally lost in love by his handsome younger nephew with no need to conceal any real facial traits due to their wasted state of sobriety when performing such atrocious act to her.

The next footsteps paced right behind Megan's only son. He texted the rest of the gang and walked towards the future destination: a pub only a few blocks away from his location. Justine followed him with no second thoughts of entering the joint.

She stayed at the bar, covering her front bumped belly with a thick coat whilst ordering a drink. Ivan headed to the back after speaking to an unfamiliar face to

Justine's retina POV. She tried not to lose track of him despite the even more crowded place as minutes drifted apart from midnight.

The packed environment gathered people of all ages, something considered positive for Justine in order to feel not so out of place given the almost fifteen years of distance that separated her from her nephew.

Out of the blue, two of the gang members appeared in the middle of the crowd outback. The guy in charge of filming and the one using a sleeveless shirt that fatidic night were instantly recognized by the victim under their claws.

One of them glimpsed Justine among the people around, looking at her in respond to her fixed gaze towards him. Her attention momentarily took a detour as her feelings dipped in a mix of fright and anxiety for the velocity of the changes taking place.

She thought of waiting outside. Eventually, they would return home and speeding up the process was something negative according to her assessment of the situation. It didn't differ much from acting and the creative process of a character: working it slowly and building up the momentums for the four of them was way better than stalking at close range.

So she did leave after heading to the ladies room. On her way out, she accidentally bumped to the tall blonde man that desecrated the purity inside her womb no longer there.

- Sorry!-she said, looking down as evading at all cost the eye contact.

- No worries!-he replied, screaming the name of the leader of the pack spotted on a few steps away from him.

- Ivan, my man!-said the lead individual of the human pack.

- Oliver! Come over here! No more waiting on this cold beer, mate.

Justine went outside to catch some air. She had a small notepad in her coat inner pocket and decided to use it to start writing down names and needful data for her subsequent course of action.

She took notes of the name just heard, dividing the first page in four parts: one for each sub-human being that inflicted the most atrocious pain ever received during the worst night of her lifetime.

Ivan and Oliver leaded the organization chart, adding the name of the bar: Purr. She also wrote its address and the name of Ivan's girlfriend remembered: Amy. After crossing the street to gain some distance and perspective of the situation, she awaited minutes for what became the next step: the exiting of the three men inside maybe joining the remaining one at the gates of a strip club near the surrounding area.

Ivan's car parked was smoothly followed by a taxi where the vengeful lady kept track of her future preys. She stayed inside the vehicle giving directions and instructions to the man behind the wheel.

- What are you, lady? A spy?

- More like a detective.

- I don't give a damn. As long as you pay me.

- Then don't ask.

- Where to now?

- Nowhere but here.

- For how long?

- Wouldn't know.

- I need to go back home. It's the end of my shift in half an hour.

- But it's your lucky night. Don't waste it.

- And why 's that?

- You will be my designated driver for the next couple months.

- What an honor.

- Are we following bank robbers?

- Worst. Rapists.

The flabbergasted look of the old man leading the steering wheel preceded an extensive silence during the following minutes as he decided to turn the engine off.

- Are you for real?

- Yes.

- Not about the guys you're after. I mean regarding your job offer.

- Sure. You have my word on that.

- Actions are more trustworthy than a simple promise.

- Then consider this an upfront payment.-she said, giving the man three hundred dollars.

- Wow! Hold your horses.

- Now you see I'm not kidding.

- You can call me Justice. If you're going to work for me, knowing how to call each other is for sure the first step.

- Malcolm. Nice to meet you.-added the cab driver, extending his left hand over to the backseat in order to share a proper salutation.

- Skip the formalities, please. And enjoy the ride.

- Why are we outside this strip joint?

- Waiting for the gang to return home.

- Want to share the whole or part of the story? The more info the better.

- Not actually.

- A muted moment, please. Part of the payment is also for the sake of silence.

- You're the boss, Miss.

Two hours went by before Ivan's was seen at the door followed by the three musketeers following his every move almost at a close up range. Justine decided to divide the follow up into two vehicles, giving the proper instructions to his new driving assistance.

- There they are. This is what we'll do now: you go after the tall blonde guy. Find out where he lives and call me once you have his address. Here is my cell phone number. -she swiftly commented, organizing everything at the speed of the blink of an eye.

- And if I don't?-he replied, still a bit reluctant to collaborate with the new customer.

- Here's an extra hundred and when I get off I can call your car company and mention your license plate claiming something that might not be good for your sexual reputation. I don't like to lie, so don't force me. If you know what I mean.-she said, extending another green dollar bill over to the front seat man.

- No worries. I'll do it. But only for the money.

- And there will be more if you cooperate.

- OK. I will. And where are you going?-Malcolm inquired, surprised when seeing her getting off the backseat.

- None of your business, but doing something not much different to your future task.

The boss lady descended the vehicle, crossing the street and following the male quartet. The blonde member of the gang took a taxi nearby and headed somewhere still unknown, tailed by Malcolm's cab. The remaining trio divided waters regarding their respective geographic disposition, parting ways and heading home after a long and funny night according to their broad smiles and laughter shown over their happy faces.

The shortest member of the pack always holding a small camera in hand was left all alone and continued to be followed up by his new female shadow at a medium distance. Justine suddenly turned around to check the taxi driver was gone behind the blonde member footsteps. She thanked God everything was moving even better than the plans developed within her tormented soul.

Looking back ahead, the youngster being followed turned around to realize someone was behind him checking his itinerary footfalls. The deserted street after Ivan's departure and the rest of the teenage fleeing crowd around the area left each and every move sounding as loud as the muted silence around permitted it to give an immense contrast of audio levels.

The rapist speeded up his pace, causing the same effect to the hooded follower 's footsteps. His fear arose to the point of commencing a fast run till reaching the desired destination: the building he inhabited. Justine stood at the corner and didn't approach more than needed. The main thing was to see the address, information written down instantly afterwards.

As she moved away from the theater area surrounded by pubs and bars, his cell phone received an incoming call. An unknown number was displayed over the small screen, catching her attention.

She instantly picked up, hearing the recent familiar voice incorporated to her lifetime: the driver now helping her out to speed up her chasing plan.

- Lady Justice, it's me.

- Yes, Malcolm.

- I have the address. Do you have a pen?

- Sure, tell me.

- It's 311 Lafayette street.

- Floor?

- It's a house.

- Great. Thank you.

- Don't mention it. It's your money anyway.

- Much appreciated for not disappearing.

- Wherever 's work, I'm there. I will be waiting for your next trips. And succulent tips, too.

- I love you too. Have a good night.

The inner strength earned by the displayed of cards that fate have put over the table made Justine surprised of her speedy recovery regarding the first couple of days after the raping suffered.

Her face injures have healed after almost a week since the incident, like her genital area as well. She felt new but in a sad and angry way. The partially positive energy running up and down her blood stream motivated her to walk home fearless of the rest of her life and eager to move on towards whatever might come her way, no matter the consequences.