“Okay, maybe you were right, but you were still being paranoid! This is a complete … at least one in one hundred chance!”

“Considering the state of affairs since Behemoth, and that this is the third bank robbery this month…”

“That just means they’re idiots. Look at the scrawny shit over there – that rifle is going to knock him onto his ass the first time he fires it. Must have a small dick.”

“Impeccable observational skills, as usual, Miss K.”

“And why are you calling me that-“

“[i]Quiet![/i]” The barking command of one of the [i]thugs[/i] watching over the hostages caused Zoey’s gaze to darken, quite literally as black cracks began to web out from her pupils. The redhead’s muscles coiled as though to spring, but before she could so much as twitch a hand was grasping onto the sunglasses hanging from her white shirt collar and yanking her down, keeping her considerable frame hunched over. 

“I could take them out right now,” Zoey hissed between her teeth, shoulders rolling with pent up aggression and jaw clenched. Jasper merely shook her head subtly, even as the weight tucked into a holster at her side weighed heavily. It was too risky. It was too risky in the first place to even come here. The hostages, themselves included, were herded like cattle in a far corner of the main bank floor hidden from sight of the front glass doors of the bank – or more accurately, like fish in a barrel. At first sign of trouble the loyal bodyguard had nudged and herded Zoey to the back, keeping the young billionaire away from prying eyes that might take advantage of the situation. So far it seemed to be working, the whimpers of their fellow hostages covering up the details of their whispered conversation.

The situation wouldn’t last, however. The flashing lights of the police were obvious outside, and more than that the pacing and growled conversations between the half dozen men angry and panicked. Occasionally one of the hostages was taken from the group – the apparent speaker for the group seemed to have a fascination with using a pretty brunette teller as a meat shield during negotiations. Every time he came back angrier, and the men’s movements became antsier. One wrong move on either side could lead to-

Was that explosions?

No, not quite. More flashes joined the police outside, brighter and more colorful. From the higher windows it could be seen as… fireworks. Someone was setting off fireworks. A very specific someone, who’s name proceeded them, the announcement almost unnecessary. Zoey closed her eyes and tried to fight off the rising headache on top of her hangover - and the reason for coming in here.

"All I wanted was smaller bills for a kebab..." She muttered under her breath, it drowned out quickly by the now panic fueled robbers.

“It’s one of the freaks!”

“Fuck me, I am not getting into a fire fight with one of them.”

“Then make him back off – fuck, make them all back off, the swat team is probably incoming too!”

“How?”

“Show them we’re serious.” With that sudden proclamation the scrawny man of the group turned to the group of hostages, eliciting screams as he hefted the heavy weapon in his hands to point at one of the men. Near the back of the group Jasper grabbed onto Zoey’s arm, but the redhead’s eyes already flashed to pure black and with a twist of her wrist the man’s shadow rose up just enough to strike out against his ankle, tossing him to his back with a startled yelp as his semi-automatic weapon went off, creating a line of holes in the ceiling.

Jasper could only silently curse, even as Zoey ducked her head to slide the sunglasses on and hide her eyes amidst the commotion. Sobs, the burglar wheezing, the others wound up and looking for threats – though luckily no one was really paying attention to their feet. Jasper glared darkly at Zoey, even as she knew that she’d never be able to stop her from heroics. Even playing the hostage. Zoey just gave a little grim smile back.

“I told you the rifle was going to knock him on his ass.”