I ended up rewriting the entirety of what I had previously written. I'd like to think that my writing now far surpasses what I put out four years ago(but who knows my opinion is pretty bias.) Anyway hope you like it:3 I always enjoy reviews and suggestions.

Airplanes never really bothered me. The only thing I found terribly intolerable was the scent of the air fresheners mingled with the cigarette smoke. The source of said cigarette smoke, the woman sitting next to me, was even less tolerable. But all the normal stuff like, the prospect of one of the engines going out, or the cabin losing air pressure, has never scared me. Maybe I just have a skewed view on mortality. Apparently my brother does not, seeing as how those tragic possibilities were from a very large list he had given me over the phone. His way of trying to make an excuse. But I think I got the point across: not making that flight is going to unmake his marriage.

The woman to my right turned to me to tell for the fourth time to tell me how she always rides first class. She reminded me of Cruella Deville. White hair, black coat, taunt jaw. She also told me all about her five houses, her husband's very important job, and her brand new mercedes. Anytime I divulged any information about myself she'd twitch her lip and exhale hard out of her nose. In response I got up to find myself a flight attendant.

"Excuse me, hi, um do you know when we'll be landing?" I asked.

"We still have a couple hours ma'am" the young blonde informed.

"Is there anyway I could move seats?" I tilted my head towards Ms. Deville, "I mean if it's not too much trouble of course"

Which was nicer than me saying that I could no longer stand being next to that pompous bitch.

"That shouldn't be a problem"

She lead me a few rows over.

"Excuse me, sir?" she said to the man next to my new seat, "Would you mind company?"

He shook his head and moved his carry on bag between his feet

"Thanks, I really appreciate it" I smiled taking the seat before he could change his mind, "Clarissa" I extended my hand.

"Hans Gruber" he introduced accepting my hand.

His accent took her aback a bit. He turned her hand over in his as if he were searching for something.

"You're an artist" he noted before releasing my hand.

"You can tell from my hands?" I asked somewhat surprised gingerly holding my own hand.

"Soft, delicate, shorter fingers not to mention I believe you have gesso on the your skin"

I turned a bit red,"Here I thought you were about to tell me you were a palmist" I smiled scratching the paint of my skin.

"Not exactly. Just observant. The way you've chosen to dress, the way you sit, could be interpreted as artistic"

He wasn't wrong. Perhaps I lack an appropriate amount of modesty, but I knew I looked fantastic in heels and a pencil skirt. Not to mention my friend was kind enough to curl and style my hair before my flight. It was probably the most dressed up I'd been in more than a year.

I was initially a bit taken aback by how forward he was. I was observant too. I could see that he was meticulous. You could tell by his well kept hair, and he'd even taken care to manicure his beard. His suit was expensive and just as well tailored as every other aspect of him, but I didn't feel the need to inform him.

"You have art related business in California?" he asked

"No, I'm actually just visiting family? You here for business?"

"I am" he nodded and raised his hand to flag down the flight attendant, "Do you drink?"

"I do"

The attendant must have anticipated his request and brought over a couple of glasses and some liquor.

"I actually flew in from Germany yesterday morning" he explained as she poured our drinks.

"Willkommen"

"Ahh, Sprechen Sie auch Deutsch?" he raised his eyebrows in interest

"No, no not at all I just know a few words. My mother was born in Germany, so I have a bit of an understanding. Forming grammatically and structurally correct sentences is a bit beyond me" I changed the subject, "Feeling jetlagged?"

"A bit. I did take all yesterday just to sleep though. Cheers" he said tapping his glass against mine, "A few associates of mine have flown in as well. Where was your mother from?"

"Kaufungen. This your first time in America? I personally have yet to leave the country" I confessed.

"It is not. I've been to New York quite a few times. I assume that's where you live now"

"Now and my whole life" I said sipping at my drink

"Ah, a New Yorker I believe you're called" he seemed to find the term amusing, "I've never actually vacationed in the states. Strictly business. I hear it is quite a spectacle this time of year"

I told him all about Christmas as I had experienced it in America. The commercialized Christmas and our traditional foods and what not. He told me all about their Christmas food markets, and how they'd open their gifts on Christmas eve. Even got a bit personal and told me about how his mother would always make goose for Christmas dinner. He hadn't had Christmas with his family in years.

Eventually we discussed politics, sharing some very similar views. Even shared a distaste for religion and it's effect it has on social policies. He was actually quite culture in regards to art as well. Someone who could talk about it for hours, like myself.

By the time they told us to return to our seats to arrive I was a bit tipsy. We landed and I grabbed my carry on bag, and we all filed into the terminal. I turned to say goodbye to my new friend, but he spoke before I could.

"Clarissa"

"Call me Clara"

"Clara, I do hope you don't find that I'm not being too forward with you, but it'd be my pleasure to see you again"

Maybe it was the alcohol but I blushed and couldn't stop myself from smiling like an idiot, "I'd like that"

He handed me his card, "Sadly tomorrow I will be leaving for Germany again. So give me a call sometime next week, and I'll show you Germany"

"Oh Hans, I really can't afford that" I blushed again.

"Money isn't an object. Auf Wiedersehen Clara"

I looked down at the card. It bared only his name and a phone number. I began to say something but when I looked back up he was gone. I stuck my the card in my bag and headed over to the taxis. I couldn't stop smiling I was a bit drunk and charmed, which was a dangerous combination. Did I suddenly had a free trip to Germany with a handsome and potentially well off business man?

"McClane" read the sign being held by a skinny black kid. Not a kid exactly probably around the same age as myself.

"McClane?" he questioned when I approached.

"Guilty"

"Alright right this way Miss McClane" he said taking my bag.

The guy had a lot of attitude in his walk, especially for a chauffeur. He lead me out to a limo parked by the curb. I had never rode in the back of a limo. I was both excited and dubious. He opened to door for me.

I hesitated, "I know this is an odd request, but you don't mind if I sit up front do you?"

Based on the way he furrowed his brow I knew the question was just as odd as I expected, but he agreed. When I got in he turned on some tunes.

"So not too many people sit in the front" he yelled over the R&B as we got onto the highway.

"Yeah, I thought not"

"It's all good though" he assured bobbing his head to the music, "Did you know that you're one of the two McClanes I'll be picking up tonight"

"You must be picking up my brother too" I assumed.

"Yeah, you both be going to this Nakitomi Plaza party I guess. Seems like you did a little preparting on the plane?" he asked offering me a mint.

I accepted it, "Ha yeah, I had a couple drinks, thanks"

"Thought I'd say something since you going to this big party and all. Don't want to be looking all disheveled. I didnt offend you right?"

"Not at all" I said pulling my make up out of my bag, "I'm happy you said something. I'm meeting family and I'd rather them not think that I'm an alcoholic mess"

"Yeah, we've all been there. The name is Argyle by the way" he gave me his hand then returned it to the steering wheel.

"Clarissa"

"So Clarissa, where you from?"

This guy was not your average limo driver. Probably had a career as a cab driver before this seeing as how much he loved the conversations. He'd actually been to New York too, but he has a girl out in California.

"That's it" he said pointing out the windshield.

A the end of the road stood an impressive piece of architecture. It towered over the surrounding buildings and made them look cheap and outdated in comparison.

"Wow, it's huge"

"It sure is. The news covered its grand opening and all. It's actually not done being built, I hear.

"Looks like my relatives are going to be pretty well off, if the company is taking off like that"

"Here we are" he said as we pulled up.

"Thanks Argyle. It was nice to meet you"

"No problem, Miss Clara. See ya around"

I stepped out and looked up at this immense building. It definitely had an architectural appeal.

"Clara!"

I looked up to see Holly coming out of the building to greet me.

"How was your flight?" she beamed throwing her arms around me.

"It was actually pretty great. Remind me to tell you about it then. I missed you. How you doing? Liking the new job?" I questioned as she walked me into the building.

"Honestly its been going great. They gave me a position with quite a bit of power here" she explained, "Much nicer than what I was doing in New York"

She approached a tiny computer at the front desk and paged through the screen to find her name.

"Oh, Genero" I read off her maiden name from the list, "You are mad. Not that I blame you"

Recently, I had found out that John's wife had taken the kids and moved to the other half of the country for a position. Perhaps he was intimidated by moving or not being the main breadwinner. Either way this caused a bit of tension between them.

She gave me a little smile, "It's not quite like that"

I returned the statement with raised eyebrows as we approached the elevators.

"Alright it's a little like that. I'm not looking for a new husband or anything. I'm just making a statement. That statement being I'm not going back to New York" she pressed the elevator button, "Besides the Japanese seem to prefer unmarried women"

"I bet they do" I winked, "maybe I'll get a job here" I joked.

"Did you get ahold of John before the flight?"

"Yeah I did" I replied as we exited the elevator.

The party looked like it was just starting. A little bit of music playing, but the room was steadily filling up. The room itself was pretty impressive. Large, very nice flooring and light fixtures. Not to mention the fantastic food and drink bar they had lined up.

"It sounds like he might be coming, but it's so hard to say with him ya know. He's always been flakey"

She sighed, "Let me show you my office"

We crossed the floor and she opened the door for me. It was actually pretty big and had quite a large window. Holly introduced me to her secretary and had me sit my luggage down.

"You really are quite a big shot here aren't you" I complimented checking out the room.

"Something like that"

"How are the kids doing?" I said taking the seat in front of her desk.

"Good, really good. John has been getting into this boy scouts thing, and Lucy just started dance last week. They got so excited when I told them you might be coming. I figure if dad doesn't show up they'll still be thrilled to see you. Now, what is it you were saying about your flight earlier?" she asked taking a seat behind her desk.

"Oh yeah, I met this foreign man on the flight" I practically bragged.

"Ohh?"

"He was terribly charming and he invited me to visit him in Germany"

"Oh, to be young and childless" she smiled, "Be sure to tell someone all the details before you leave. You never know you could've been talking to some nut"

"Point taken. I don't know maybe it was because I was a little drunk, but he gave me a good vibe. Speaking of alcohol and good vibes, you want to grab a drink and mingle?"

"You go ahead. I have a few things to I need to finish up on"

"Alright but if you're not out here soon, I'll be coming back for you" I threatened with a smile.

I wasn't too used to social situations like these, and I'm not exactly an extrovert. I mean I am pretty outgoing in most situations, but I didn't have a cubicle job to talk about. Though I had a feeling I'd do alright. In an effort to instill a little more courage I found my way to the drink bar and had the bartender mix me something lighter than what I had on the plane.

"Hello there" said a man with a blatant egocentric complex.

His self confidence rang through every syllable he spoke. Apparently, even makeshift bar were still like bars.

"I don't recognize you, are you a guest to our lovely company?" he asked putting on what I'm sure the thought were, 'the moves'.

"I'm Holly's guest"

"Oh, oh of course. Holly is a great gal. You from around here?"

"New York" I said suddenly wishing for a heavier beverage.

"Oh the big NYC? The name is Ellis" he said shaking my hand, "I close deals around here, if ya know what I mean. What did you say your name was?"

"Clarissa" I reluctantly confessed.

"Pleasure. Speaking of pleasure, what is yours?" he asked leaning against the bar.

I almost spat out my drink, "Excuse me?"

"What are you drinking I mean. Unless of course..." he stroked his beard and had the audacity to eye me up, "You do this sort of thing for a living? Office work I mean"

"I don't"

"Oh really, how old are you? You've got to be at least nineteen right?"

I thought about saying seventeen for half a second, "Twentythree"

"You ever been to California before? Because if you're looking for a tour guide I'm the guy" he said with two thumbs pointing at himself.

"I have to take a drink to Holly" I excused myself and practically ran for her office.

I stood by doorway for a moment when I saw she was on the phone.

"Are you talking to the kids?" I whispered peeking my head in her door.

She smiled at me, "Hey Paulina can you put the kids back on?"

I ran across the room to take the receiver and the seat at her desk. Holly gave me a nod and stepped out of the room.

"Hello" two voices said to me in unison.

"Hi there hellions" I smiled looking at their pictures Holly had behind her desk.

"Auntie!" they both said back to me.

"You're mom told me that the two of you are getting coal for Christmas" I playfully chided, "I thought I told you to be good the last time I saw you"

"No" John giggled, "We've been good"

"Are you coming to Christmas with us?" Lucy asked trying to sound as sweet as possible.

"I don't know, maybe I'll see you in the morning" I teased noting that one Holly's picture frames was face down, "I heard your daddy is coming to visit"

He'd better come to visit.

"Maybe" said Lucy, "My mommy said she'd talk to Santa for us"

"Your mom is smart woman. I'll see you guys later, I have to go back to the party and pretend to be an adult"

"If daddy doesn't come home mommy and you will right?"

I laughed, "Of course, I'll make sure both of your parents get home safely"

"Promise?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, I promise. And you know the rules: Get to sleep soon, or Santa won't come and you will be getting coal"

They giggled, "Okay bye auntie"

"Bye" I smiled hanging up the phone.

Holly walked back in carrying a new set of papers.

"I'm sorry I've been rushing back and forth since you got here" Holly apologized dropping the papers on her desk.

"It's no problem" I assured.

"It always surprises me when I see you so clean cut" she said sitting behind her desk to file the papers, "Your hair looks especially nice"

"Thanks" I said twirling a brown curl, "Despite how stressed you seem you look very nice yourself"

"I'm whatever the step up from stressed is" Holly sighed but kept busy with the papers.

"Don't worry" I affirmed, "I'm sure John will come through"

She stood up with a piece of paper, "I got to go make copies of this. Get out to the party. I'll be there"

I raised a brow at her.

"I'll be out in a second. Go on. shoo"

I sighed heading back to the party which was now in full swing. Or really whatever full swing is for these business types. I tried to make talk with a few people. It was a little hard seeing as how my job wasn't as revered, and I didn't have pictures of my new yacht to share. It had been over thirty minutes now and I could see Holly through the office window. Still working through paper and making calls. Holly's boss was a gentleman though. Mr Takagi was his name, and he was kind enough to pick me out of the crowd and introduce himself to me.

As I got back to mingling I saw underdressed man come out of the elevator and begin to make his way through the crowd, sticking out like a sore thumb. I smiled a bit surprised to see him. I walked right beside him, but he didn't even notice. Probably just as stressed out as Holly was.

"Hey asshole" I smirked.

John turned around quickly to see me, "Hey sis" he said pulling me into a hug "You look nice. How ya been doing? I can't believe it you're a wearing a skirt"

"Yeah I wear those now and alright I suppose. Just got off the phone with your offspring, I guess Santa came through. I hear you pissed Holly off" I grinned.

"She told you that?" he said raising his eyebrows awkwardly, which was a nervous habit he had since a child.

"Nah, but it's a little obvious isn't it? Genero"I said repeating her maiden name I knew he must've seen on the list as well.

"Ha ha" he said dryly, "Yeah, I guess you could say I've been fucking up"

"Not that the fact that you were living 2000 miles away from each other wasn't a hint or anything. I suppose tonight is your night to smooth things over" I said with an encouraging smile.

"That's the plan. Haven't seen Holly then have you?"

"I did for a bit but she is still working on a few things. Copying papers, being an independent business woman, and what not.

"Hey did you meet.." I pointed to the Holly's boss off to the side of the party, "Mr…uh…"

"Mr. Takagi" he filled in for me.

"Yeah him. Really nice guy"

"Not yet. I better get that over with though"

"Good luck. Hey I'm gonna be leaving soon this is party crowd isn't my kind of people, but I'm gonna be in California for a few days since I'm already here. Call the hotel down the road and tell me how it all goes"

"Will do" he said walking off, "take care of yourself sis"

I watched him walk over and make nice with the boss. Then snuck passed Holly while she was on the phone to grab my bags. One of the women I was talking to earlier stopped me and asked me for my business card. Apparently she was really into collecting art and wanted to stop by next time she was in New York to see my pieces. I thanked her and turned to leave.

"Heeeey"

I turned to see Ellis then I turned and began to walk the opposite direction. He ran in front of me.

"Come on now why the cold shoulder?" his constant business tone was obnoxious, "Looks like you're heading out for the night. I'm about to head out myself. Maybe I could take you back to my place. Get the fire going. I could help get you into the Christmas spirit"

"I'm really not interested" I answered honestly.

"Why don't you stay a little longer? I'm a fun guy I bet I can change your mind"

I responded with ignoring his presence and just kept walking.

"You can't ignore me forever babe" he smiled a smile that I assume he thought was charming but I found it nauseating.

Ellis laid his hands on my shoulders to stop me, "Just let me get you a drink"

He'd obviously been drinking since the last we spoke. Or was that cocaine on his nose?

"Sure" I said with a smile and as soon as he turned away I walked the other direction to the elevators.

The doors closed and I leaned back against the cool metal wall. I couldn't help but smile at my cunning. What a moron. I was also rather pleased with myself, knowing that'd I'd be having a couple people come check out my art. Not to mention, I had a fully paid vacation. Mr. Takagi not only paid for my trip but also for the hotel I was going to be checking into.

The door dinged open. I went to step out, but then what I saw stopped me in my tracks. In front me laid a security guard in a pool of blood. I quickly fell to my knee to check if he was still alive. As soon as I saw his dead blue eyes I knew he was gone. Footsteps coming towards me caught my attention. At first I didn't recognize him among the group. And then for another second I didn't put things together. One of them pointed a gun at me.