"She told me a lot about you."

☆

It was only a short time in the darkness of the van, but time enough to think about the unavoidable meeting. No words had been exchanged between Carlos and Rio, maybe because since the first time they had encountered each other they had not seen eye to eye. Carlos knew his time was up. To give up his dreams of starting a new life for himself. But Rio had different ideas. He had told him already that he wasn't with Carlos by force. It was his choice, their choice. Didn't he get a say in how this was going to be played?

As the van grinds to a halt. The moment kicks in. “Leave this to me.” Carlos says before the door opens, not giving Rio a chance to reply as he gets out of the vehicle,  ropes are instantly being bound around his wrists, with Rio receiving the same treatment. 

It's then they both see it. The sleek black car. Unmistakable in Carlos’ eyes. The driver's door opens to reveal Anders, obedient as ever as he heads around to the back door closest to them. “Forever the diva.” Carlos utters under his breath as the door opens to reveal two legs, finished off with black stilettos,  followed by the woman herself. Chanelle Matheson, his big sister. She allows the man to close the door behind her before taking a step towards her brother and the other male, still chaperoned by her men. 

She looks down at her brother.  Her 4 inch heels helping the cause. “Well well. You have caused quite the scene. Aren't you a little too old to play chase? You knew I would catch you in the end.”

“Just say what you want to say Chanelle. I messed up, I'm stupid. I've put the family name to shame. It's not like I haven't heard it all before. Why not just let me leave?”

“I'm not your keeper, you could have left any time.  The perks of being second born. I am the heir, you the spare.” Chanelle takes a step closer to her brother. “But both you and I know that you need money, you have been born into luxury. You wouldn't survive if you cut ties completely and one thing I hate,  is a leech.” She holds out the palm of her hand. “Just return what you stole and we don't have to see eachother again.” 

Carlos looks at the hand, then looks at Chanelle, who is urging the exchange. He knew at this point he should produce the diamonds. He swallows hard. “What…. What if I don't want to? They are technically mine too.” 

“They belong to the family. They are all that we have of our mother and father. They are our insurance.”

“You're so shallow.” Carlos shakes his head. “Our parents gave us much more than diamonds.” 

“That's the difference between you and me Carlos. You only saw the nice side of our parents. The golden child, the son. They doted on you. I had to work twice as hard just to get noticed. I deserve the diamonds!” She stamps a foot, making everyone around her tense up, even the hench men. 

“What if he doesn't have them?” Both Chanelle and Carlos turn to look at Rio with surprise. “You said he could go if he has nothing. If he cuts ties…”

“I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself.  Chanelle Matheson. You are Rio right?” She holds out a hand for him to shake, before chucking to herself that of course he couldn't return the gesture. “She told me a lot about you.” She looks at the interaction between the pair. “Aren't you meant to be in fear of my brother? You seem to be quite taken by him. Or is it the other way around?”  Chanelle smiles. It was unnerving how she evaded the question and at the same time revealed something else in the play on her words. The drip feed of information. Just enough to get a reaction. 

“Remi? You've seen Remi?”

“All of her in fact.” Chanelle laughs at her own joke. “A smart one she is. But sadly not smart enough. But she would know the answer to your question at least “ 

“What have you done with her?” 

“Now now Rio. One thing at a time. We are talking about the question.” 

“What question?” Rio asks, as he feels his mind overfill with too much information. 

“About the diamonds sweetie.” she rolls her eyes. “Lost diamonds are no good to me. “He must pay.” She raises her gun,  pointing at her brother. Carlos doesn't even flinch as he closes his eyes. Knowing this is how it would play out, on some level always knowing, but he was at some kind of peace with it, if it meant Rio would be safe. 

“No!” Rio shouts, pulling at his bound wrists, but being kept in place by the suited man. It causes Chanelle to pull the gun back. 

“Yes you're quite right. He's my brother. I can't be shooting my own flesh and blood now can I…. But yours…”  Chanelle looks back at Anders, who heads to the passenger side opposite the one she had exited. He pulls open the door, dragging Remi from the vehicle, her hands bound in the same fashion as her brother's. 

Remi continues to wriggle and writhe as the strong grip clamps around her upper arm. “Get off me!” Remi says through clenched teeth but to no effect.

“Chanelle. Just shoot me already.” Carlos shouts as he sees the madness unfolding before him. 

“I think it will be more fun if Rio decides.” She laughs as she once again holds up the gun, ready to aim at any given victim. "Let's see how loyal he is to you."

“Chanelle. This had nothing to do with them. This is between you and me.” Carlos shouts, but the woman isn't swayed. 

“You brought others into our family affairs the moment you decided to steal from me and get into a taxi.” She again turns her attention to Rio. “So who is it to be? Blood or water?” 

Rio looks at his sister. Remi had never looked so helpless in that moment. His sister,  always so clever, so strong. Always the smarter one of the two of them. But she had trusted him. She had kept quiet. Not gone to the police as requested and now she was here against her will. 

Then there was Carlos. A man he hadn't known just a short time ago, but the bond they had forged had been strong. Made more intense by their common goals to break free, but not like this. How could he choose?

“Ticktock Rio.” Chanelle holds the gun a little tighter in her hand. “Do I need to decide for you? How about a countdown. Three…”

“No… wait ‘ 

“Two.”

“Me..  shoot me.   Please!” Rio pulls as hard as he can, still not managing to get free.

“One…..”

BANG!