when bullets fly: chaper 1:art for sale

Wentir ducked as a plate flew toward his head. He shouted “stop throwing plates you’ll break them” while catching the next plate and placing it on the table.
Shemlin shouted “then get out of here before one hits you.” While yelling Shemlin threw three more plates, which to her dismay where then caught by her annoying partner and placed atop the first one.
Wentir was already feeling distraught because he had just come into the home of his partner after a very long day of fighting against many mindless henchmen. He shouted “stop throwing knew that Shemlin didn’t care at the moment because once again he had differed from the plan and got them both nearly killed.
These two sides of a very strange coin are actually two people from about half the world away from each other. They meet as soldiers on different sides of the same war. They literally stopped in the middle of a battle field and started talking. Well actually Shemlin might as well have been standing still because she was strolling through the battle field like she was in a park.
Wentir on the other hand was just about to lose his head and kill everyone on his side and the other. Wentir had been demoted and turn into the laughing stock of pretty much his entire army in a couple of days because of a stupid subordinate he had on a simple mission to infiltrate a military facility in the middle of the jungle and the plan went horribly wrong because his subordinate got himself caught and killed. It was blamed on Wentir because he was in charge.
Shemlin on the other hand had no inclination to go anywhere in the army, but she was a criminal of epic proportions and had planned to steal priceless military secrets from her own government and sell them to the highest bidder. The problem was that a couple nights ago her plan was foiled as the alarms where raised at her military base and it turned out to be some spies from the opposing army.
The two stopped in the middle of the field because they recognized each other from the other night when Wentir was smacked on the back of the head by someone unknown to him and then yelled at by a woman who then explained she was in the middle of selling her own government out when she was nearly caught because of him.
The two left the battle field because neither of them wanted very much to be there, but ignored the buzzing and heat that continuously flowed past their ears. They talked and Shemlin explain how she was a genius of epic proportions and a criminal to boot. Wentir explain that he was ranked as the world’s number one martial arts expert and trained to use, dismantle, reassemble, and break thousands of weapons, a few that where still not known by the military to actually be out on the market. Wentir also explain that he could drive any vehicle known to man.
Shemlin explain that she could break into any vault and hack any computer system also she was known to the world as “the S virus”, the famous hacker that completely shut down Russia’s entire computer and communications network, They both where fluent in 27 different languages some that are very popular and some that are more than likely completely dead to the world.
Shemlin and Wentir made a packed right then and there that they would be partners until the day one of them died. Wentir has been getting Shemlin into trouble ever since, but they have hardly slept in different rooms since that day.
Shemlin threw more plates with increasing violence and Wentir caught all of them with incredible skill and grace. Wentir knew that it was better that Shemlin express her anger, but did not know that Shemlin was getting even more angered because Wentir was not affected by her rage, but why would he be. He had faced a bear before and barely blinked before getting angry and punching it in the nose (the pour creature).
Shemlin was angry because the night before they had been breaking and entering into a well known criminal’s humble abode, though it was hardly humble. Shemlin planned to steal a priceless painting from the 1700’s, she didn’t know who painted it or for that matter cared. The only thing Shemlin cared about was money. The operation had been simple she would be her usual cunning self and sneak into the room with the painting, hack the alarm system, turn it off, snatch the painting, replace it with a clever note, and they would be sipping on tea in their limousine on the way to Paris within the hour.
Wentir of course strayed from the plain and tripped an alarm on his way to the safe room he had found on the blue prints. Shemlin of course got out without worrying if Wentir could handle himself because, of course he could, after all he was Wentir. This brings us to the scene now. Shemlin has enraged that Wentir was so obliviously unconcerned that he always ruined things that otherwise would have went smoothly. Shemlin was still throwing plates, but decided to throw knifes because she was seriously pissed. Wentir of course caught everything that was thrown and preceded to set them in a neat line on the table in front of him.
“Now would be a good time to calm down Shemlin.” Wentir said in a not so assuring way.
Shemlin shouted “why should I calm down when you’re always calm enough for the both of us and don’t realize that you could have gotten us killed last night!”
Wentir was a little confused now because Shemlin sat down and started to cry. Wentir walked over to his partner and knelt beside her and said in a low, smooth tone “I’m sorry I tripped the alarm, but I thought I could use the extra money to buy you a diamond necklace. I know how much you love diamonds.”
Shemlin said “you never stick to the plain Wentir. I just wanted the painting and you ruined my plan to get it.”
Wentir pulled a three foot tube from inside his suit jacket and said “you want the surprise now or should I go give this back?”
Shemlin took the tube in disbelief and whispered “how… how did you get this?”
“Well you left the alarm in the painting room off and I just snuck around the guards. I grabbed it and fought my way out.”
Wentir smiled as soon as he saw Shemlin’s expression change from sadness to one of joy. Wentir was then surprised because he was wrapped in a hug. Shemlin who was on the other end of that hug couldn’t hold herself back and said “I love you Wentir, you’re the best.”
Wentir was dumbfounded when he said “I… love you… too…”
Wentir of course only knew one interpretation of “love” and that was the literal one, which obviously meant he thought that Shemlin really loved him, but he decided to deal with that later.
Shemlin got up from her chair, wiped the tears from her face and proceeded to the next room to examine the painting. She came out of the room smiling an hour later and said “it’s the real deal and we’re on the line for nine hundred thousand dollars.”
Wentir was already dressed in his suit and Armani tie when Shemlin entered the room. He was sipping on a very fancy and expensive champagne, which he had purchased two weeks earlier and placed in his wine carrier which was currently filled with twenty different selections of champagne. Wentir had only been introduced to the greatness of champagne and suits three years previous to his and Shemlin’s first big job. Wentir now loved wine and was renowned in the champagne industry as an expert in the field of wine and champagne tasting and judging.
Wentir placed a secondary glass on the table poured some champagne into it and gestured to the next room and said “your dress is in the bedroom and I have picked some very expensive champagne to accompany our trip to… where are we delivering the painting?”
Shemlin gingerly picked up her glass of champagne and proceeded into the next room and right before closing the door said “to a warehouse in down town. We deliver the painting and then we head to Paris, but bring your weapons in case there is trouble with our little art-loving friends.”
Wentir smiled he always liked trouble whenever he could find it. He took a sip and called an associate of his which owned twelve limos and could often spare a driver or two.
Wentir’s associate picked up the phone (he speaks French but I will translate) “hello, who is calling at such a fine time in the evening.”
Wentir spoke with a very snobbish tone that his friend had gotten accustomed to him having “hello, old friend I need a limo and a driver to be sent to Shemlin’s estate. I will send the money for the limo and please do not expect the driver back on your pay roll any time soon.”
“Of course and would you like caviar in the limo or perhaps some gold trimmed glasses for your champagne. I feel sure you will have some of the best already so I do not intend on insulting you with a lower quality.”
“It is alright old friend no add-ons are necessary, but it would be nice if the limo where white. You know how much I hate black.”
“Yes, yes, of course, nothing less for the man who saved my business, but are you sure you who not like something a little extra in the limo. Maybe a television and I still offer the caviar.”
“Very well, if you insist put the caviar in, but I only except it so you will be happy and not offer anything else. Please instruct your drive of my rules. I will have Miss Shemlin with me as well. Thank you old friend I appreciate your hospitality.”
“It is not worth your breath to thank me old friend it is the least I could do for you. Good bye I hope you will contact me soon. I will arrange a dinner for you next time.”
“Good bye my friend, be well.” with that they hung up and Wentir went back to his velvet chair and waited quietly for Shemlin to get ready for their trip.
Shemlin told Wentir to get his weapons ready for their trip, but of course they already were. Wentir never left home without a full arsenal of the finest weapons in Europe, from handguns, to grenades, to semi and fully automatic machine guns, and even as far as small time bombs and stun grenades. Most of these items were kept on his person, but not even Shemlin knew exactly how he hid everything.
Shemlin walked from the bedroom with her hair up and looking stunning. She was still putting an earring in and said “ready?”
Wentir smirked and said “I was twenty minutes ago. I might wrinkle my suit if I wait any longer.”
Shemlin said “so, where’s our ride Wentir?” while setting her glass back on the table.
“Outside, he’s been waiting too.”
“Well, I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but I wanted to look good.”
“By the way, you look really good.”
Shemlin halfway smiled, that was the second compliment he ever said to her. Wentir smiled in a way he felt was not too big and not too small either. He thought he needed to start caring or he might mess up again and make Shemlin mad.
They walked down to the limo, bringing the champagne, Wentir offered his arm and Shemlin interlocked it with hers and they walked side by side. Wentir tucked the painting further into his jacket as they walked.
Wentir took minutes before to admire Shemlin, but still could not stop starring. Shemlin was after all a woman that looked to be a model even on a bad day. Shemlin is naturally good looking, but she seems to lack confidence. She dressed in a snug fitting dress that only went to six inches below her waist, high heels, make-up that made her look like the most attractive woman on earth, and a diamond necklace hung from her elegant neck.
Wentir himself did not look bad. He got most of his looks from his father, a handsome man, and his mother had contributed a lot herself. Wentir hoped Shemlin thought he looked good in this suit. He found himself craving her opinion. “No time for this now” he thought.
He said “Shemlin do you like this suit? I bought it yesterday in anticipation of the trade off.”
Shemlin turned around and smiled, to Wentir it seemed she glowed when she said “yes, you look very handsome Wentir. Though I think you make the suit look good not the other way around.”
Shemlin walked down a few stairs and Wentir just stared. Shemlin turned and said “are you coming with me or are you going to said there and gawk?”
Wentir laughed and said “I’m coming, just taking a minute to admire the view.”
Shemlin said “thanks, now hurry, don’t want to be late.”
Wentir is very good at being cool without being cool if you can understand that. He tries of course, but he stumbles a lot, and has as many satisfying results as catastrophic ones. He of course is one of the best soldiers in the world and is very popular with women, but he got this way not on a bumpy road, no much worse, his road had giant cracks that he had to jump over. Bad kid, bad home, military at eighteen, best friend killed next to him, hardly ever had a real relationship; you know that kind of stuff.
Wentir caught up with Shemlin just as they got to the bottom of the stairs. Wentir opened the downstairs door for Shemlin and she walked out with a “thank you” as Wentir followed.
Wentir also opened the limousine door and allowed Shemlin to settle and went to the other side of the vehicle and got in. Wentir told the driver where to go and then preceded to poor two more glasses of champagne. Shemlin took a sip of the golden liquid and said “I have to say, you really do know your champagne, Wentir. if I am the one who started this I’m happy.”
Wentir smiled and said “I would never have even tasted champagne if it wasn’t for you.”
Shemlin smiled and looked at Wentir like a girl in middle school looks at a long time crush. Wentir scooted closer to Shemlin and stared back into her eyes with the same affection. Wentir leaned closer at a slow rate until they were about three inches from a kiss.
“We are here Mr. W” announced the driver.
Shemlin pulled away and said “we’ve got to go Wentir.”
Wentir said “I suppose we do.” Wentir steeped from the car shyly.
Wentir walked around to shemlin and stared at the enormous building in front of them.
Shemlin said “big warehouse… very impressive wouldn’t you say Wentir?”
“quite” Wentir muttered.
Shemlin started walking towards the building as Wentir was still in a daze from astonishment.
Wentir snapped out of it as he realized the clacks of Shemlin’s heels were heading toward what could possibly be danger… Without him. Wentir jogged to catch up to Shemlin. He grab he arm mid-step and pulled her to him in an overly dramatic way and said “stay close to me, you don’t know what’s in there.”
“Wow, you should go to Hollywood, that was very dramatic.”
“I’m serious, Shemlin. This place could be dangerous.”
“please, please protect me, you, big macho man, you. Oh , please Wentir, I can handle myself. Even in a dress I’m still a cat burglar.”
“Yeah I forgot, but if you break a nail it’s not my fault.”
They walked slowly to the door and as Wentir was reaching for the handle a blow-dart came flying at them… and flying right back to the assailants surprise, when Wentir caught it and flung it back it the exact direction it came from the culprit had exactly a millisecond window to react correctly, which he did not and was immediately a victim of his own crime.
Wentir opened the door quickly and pulled Shemlin along as he quietly went into the warehouse. Wentir slammed the door as another blow-dart flew through it a split second before it shut.
Shemlin held her free hand up. Wentir looked and laughed as he saw ten darts in the palm of her hand.
“guess you win.”
“well, we need to have a word with our buyer about this.”
Wentir turned around and saw the three cars that occupied the front of the warehouse. “which one do you think he is in?”
“how about we check them all?”
“We could wait for him to come out.”
“do you really want to risk another sneak attack?”
Wentir shrugged and said “true. Let’s start with the one on the right.”
Wentir ushered for shemlin to go first and said “ladies first.”
Shemlin flipped her hair and walked quickly to the first black Mercedes c-class on the right side. Wentir followed her with his brief-case of tricks that he brought just incase. It looked like they were going to need it too.
Shemiln knock on the driver’s side window and waited. Wentir brushed Shemlin aside gently and cocked his elbow back bringing it forward and smashing the window.
Shemlin barely batted an eyelash and said “The door was probably unlocked.”
“more fun this way” wentir said and looked at the person in the driver’s seat holding a gun.
“this isn’t the buyer. Hey, buddy is the buyer in this car?”
The person in the driver’s seat shakily pointed the gun at Wentir and Wentir said “that’s not very polite. Is the boss or whatever you call him in this car or not?”
The man continued to point the gun at Wentir and went opened the door and pulled him to the ground, taking his gun and shoving it in the man’s face as close as possible asking “were is the buyer?”
Shemlin tapped him on the shoulder and said “we could just check ourselves.”
“do you have to ruin my fun?”
“well, I’d rather be in Paris tonight rather than tomorrow.”
Wentir knock the driver out and quickly searched the car for passengers which he found none.
They moved to the next car and Wentir again, broke the window. The driver was calmer then the last and when asked about the buyer replayed “he is in the back.”
The back door was opened and a man of around six feet in height steeped from the vehicle holding two boxes.
Wentir said “hello, are you the one who contacted us about the painting?”
The man said “yes, you may call me MR. O”
Shemlin said “ok, MR.O. why were we attacked in front of the warehouse?”
“I’d prefer my business partners have a little bit of skill and class, rather than be a couple of common thieves.”
Wentir said “understandable, but I am still curious about the mysterious way you have presented yourself. The three cars I mean. also the boxes, what is in them?”
MR.O replied “well, I have body guard who travel with me and a lot of people who would like to see me dead. So, I have three identical cars that insure my safety. The boxes are a present from me to you as a sorry for the blow-darts out front.”
Shemlin asked “what are they?”
MR.O said “well, for you, Miss Shemlin, I have a diamond necklace. I am not a big fan of diamonds but it cost me a pretty penny and I hear you are a bit obsessed with jewels.”
Shemlin took the box from him and MR.O looked at Wentir and said “For you MR. Wentir. I have this hundred year old wine made in the finest French winery in Paris. It is supposed to be a delicacy. However, I have no interest in this.
‘ Wentir absent mindedly widened his eyes in spectical of the hundred year old wine, but quickly regained his senses and took the box while saying “thank you.”
“to business then?” MR.O said while walking to the rear of the car and straightening his jacket as he tapped the back window to signal his driver to open the trunk.

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