Double Standards (Part 1)

R.I.P

Wetness woke me. I had water on my face.

Tears.

I had been crying in my sleep. But why?

Swiping the tears off my face, I cracked my eyes open. I was in London's apartment, in his bed. Then it all came back to me in a rush, but I was in London's bed, not the den. It must have all been one horrible nightmare. London was home.

Jumping out of bed, I raced to the bedroom door calling "London, London. Where are you?"

I entered the living room but was  greeted by somber, sympathetic eye's. London's parents were seated on the couch, Conner and Marcus standing by the window, ELa in the arm chair, and several other men standing about.

Gino, London's father stood and approached me. I started shaking my head not wanting to hear it or except anyone's sympathy. Gino pulled me to him and held me tight. I felt London's mother, Lena, rubbing my back, offering soothing words. I broke like a dam. Everything came out until I could only release ragged breaths.

"Come" Lena said, ushering me to the kitchen. "You've been under for two days. Your body needs nourished. Lena placed some dry toast and coffee in front of me.

Gino, Conner, ELa, and Marcus joined us but no one said a word. Everyone was walking on eggshells around me. Taking a nibble from the toast, I locked eye's on Conner. I seen remorse, guilt, and sadness gathered in his stare.

"How did it happen?" I asked barely audible.

Conner shook his head. "Laney".

It was more of a plee than a question.

"Spit it out Conner now".

Conner fidgeted a bit an eyed Gino for permission. Gino gave a nod of approval.

"All was going good. We was taking out the Latino's fairly quick. Ela was rescued without a problem. We was all headed out when we encountered more gun fire. London took a bullet to the arm but wasn't down. He was still going and yelled for me to get ELa to safety. Once ELa was safe, I headed back in to help him. Before I could get back in, there was this horrendous explosion. It blew me back several feet. The Latino's had rigged a bomb. London didn't make it out"

Lena let out a muffled sob and I grabbed her hand giving it a squeeze and continued.

"Was the premises searched afterwards?"

"Yes, thoroughly".

"Was a body recovered?"

"No. We found no signs of London. Just his watch".

"So how are you so sure he's dead?"

Conner ran a hand through his hair. "Laney, there was hardly anything left after the explosion. I wish it wasn't so, but no one would have survived that".

"London would have". I said jutting my chin out.

"Laney, I'm so, so sorry. I blame myself as well. I should've stayed back and sent ELa with the others".

"Ya figure?"

Everyone remained silent after that for a second. Yes, I know it was stupid of me to blame Conner, but my pain needed a outlet and he was it right now.

"So, since no body was found your assuming London is dead, am I  right?"

Conner nodded.

"Let me ask you this then? Did Alfonso perish as well?

"No, we saw him leave out moments before the explosion".

"Okay, so could there be any possible chance that London was captured and is with them?"