Velika: The story of a lover

The medic on the helicopter took out the bullet for her and wrapped the wound up. She was lucky that it wasn't very serious, probably the least throughout her career. After they made sure she was fine, Daniel Heinrich went to sit beside her. He was silent for a few moments before he finally spoke:

"I'm sorry, O'Sullivan, I zoned out."

"You don't need to apologize." She said softly, looked into his eyes before quickly looked away, "I've through worse, don't worry."

"But…"

"No, it's fine." Velika O'Sullivan laughed gauntly, "When I say I'm fine, I am fine. And I should thank you for not shooting Griff. If you killed him, then we'd lost our only lead."

"He pisses me off." Daniel Heinrich raised his voice, "I hate people who went behind my back."

"Heinrich, sometimes I think if we didn't have a past, we can probably be friends," Velika O'Sullivan was still laughing and patted him on the shoulder, "And take that as a compliment."

"Well, we are forced to stay in the same boat now," Daniel Heinrich shrugged, "Perhaps we can try to trust each other since we have to make the boat stay afloat."

Velika O'Sullivan's smile froze. She squinted and then stared into Daniel Heinrich's eyes thoughtfully. And so did him. They were trying to see through each other's mind, wondering whether they were just using each other for their profit, or sincerely wanted to team up.

Both of them were the best of their kind. Daniel Heinrich believed they could lead to a brighter future if they chose to work together as a team, or at least they would be able to stay alive.

Now the only barrier stood between Daniel Heinrich and his success was Velika O'Sullivan. He knew she didn't trust him, and he wasn't sure how to win her over. He also knew that whatever her past was, it built her a wall to separate her from others. Though she was aware of how she had issues that needed to be dealt with, she chose to be oblivious about them. Instead, she held herself back from others and vowed not to be emotionally attached.

Somehow the bizarre incidence of Velika O'Sullivan being shot left a positive impact. It miraculously brought them closer, which was a typical sign of the beginning to build a companionship. Daniel Heinrich wasn't' sure how many percents an act and how many percents was genuine, but he tried his best to show some level of concern for her. He believed showing how he cared about her touched her heart a little, but even a little was enough.

"Is it possible to uncuff me, please? I'm not with Griff." Dean O'Sullivan interrupted politely.

"Yes, sure." Velika O'Sullivan sighed. She knelt and uncuffed him. She didn't stand up and sat back right away. Instead, she paused for a second. Since she was back facing Daniel Heinrich, he didn't know her expression. But from the look on Dean O'Sullivan's face, he knew something was falling into pieces in her heart.

She finally sat back, as if nothing had happened. Daniel Heinrich was observing her expressions, which made her feel uncomfortable. She seemed like she was debating on what to say, then slowly and hesitantly, she said:

"Okay, I'll satisfy your curiosities later. It's time for you to know something about me."

"Alright." He rose his eyebrow but made sure he sounded kind, "And thank you."

"You are welcome." She smiled symbolically and looked outside of the window. She remained silent for the rest of the journey.

###

They were flown back to Los Angeles and arrived at Velika O'Sullivan's house later in the night. While Daniel Heinrich was taking Griff down to the basement, Velika O'Sullivan poured Dean O'Sullivan a cup of wine. Dean O'Sullivan took over the cup with concern in his green eyes and Velika O'Sullivan avoided eye contact with him.

"Make yourself at home. I'll be back for you." She said gently as Daniel Heinrich was standing near the staircase, waiting for her to come down. It was hard to tell what was on her complicated mind from her voice, but Daniel Heinrich knew she was trying her best to hold it all in.

Dean O'Sullivan nodded. This Irishman had a similar appearance as Daniel Heinrich, both had green eyes and dark brown hair, he wondered if there were times he reminded Velika O'Sullivan of Dean O'Sullivan.

They tied Griff on a chair, ensured he couldn't escape. Velika O'Sullivan took out her pistol and aimed it right at Griff's head. She exchanged look with Daniel Heinrich, implying him that he should begin now.

"Who do you work with?" He asked, sat in front of Griff, "If I were you, I will answer all the questions, because this woman here, who you messed with is pointing her gun at you. And believe me, you don't want to fool with her."

Griff stared at Velika O'Sullivan with fear, he swallowed, then licked his dry lips, seemed he finally decided to cooperate.

"With Companion." He answered in nervousness.

"Impress us by telling us something we don't know." Daniel Heinrich leaned forward. When he heard the name Companion, he felt his heart began pounding faster. Even though he was aware of it already, he was excited to be assured, since the man sitting opposite of him might be able to provide some information that could potentially be useful for his future.

"Up to you." Said Velika O'Sullivan after she returned to her seat.

"Fine, fine." Griff coughed, "I also work for another company, but I don't know its name."

"Have you ever met anyone who's in charge of those companies, for example, Brian Braddock?"

Said Daniel Heinrich with the stereotypical interrogation tone, kept Velika O'Sullivan away from their target. He wasn't sure if she had accessed all his records and knew all about him. But for now, he wasn't that worried about her being aware of his old side business since he was certain it wasn't on any written files.

"Yes, I've met him." Griff said, fear took over his heart, "And I have met a lady from the other company, Braddock introduced her to me as his ally."