Episode 12 — Vantage Point
DIMITRI’s POV
I was inside one of Astrid’s hummer legs spread, surrounded by laptops and food.
“Man you are such a slob.” Kale shakes his head in disgust.
Astrid decided to let him lose already, with the condition that she’ll be visiting his mom tonight if he even tries to escape.
Kale agreed instantly, he was one of the best in the business, that’s why he can get away with a lot of things, such as having a mother nearby, but she doesn’t know that he regularly visits her. All she knows is that he died in the war that he was supposed to be in. After he faked his death at the age of 22, he asked for refuge in the Jetson house, his military training was made well used off there. He and Astrid use to challenge and fight each other to see who the best is. Of course, Astrid, being who she is, never gave him a chance to even get a punch.
Kale admired and respected her for that. She’s a girl in a man’s world, what do you expect? I remembered him saying.
We were good friends until Tenshi came into the scene. She was 12 years old when 14-year-old Astrid handed her to a 26-year-old Kale. You would have thought he was man enough to say no to her, but he couldn’t refuse, she made a point, and it will indeed be better if it was him who take her since Astrid was still making a name for herself that time in the assassin industry. That meant, she’d be eyed by other houses, one toe across the line means death to her and they will use her weakness, at that time that was Tenshi. She hid her family well, only father and I knew.
I was tapping along on the laptop hacking into the security and surveillance cameras.
“Darn it!” I snapped, “I can only go as far as the cameras.”
“Well, you wouldn’t have problems there.” Kale said, “Astrid is quite a star in there.”
I glanced at the monitor I hooked inside the car where the footages of the hotel’s surveillance cameras were flashed in eight different angles. They just needed the eagle eye by the pool, balcony, and dining hall. For a five-star hotel, their security was pretty lame. I thought.
That’s why I was getting frustrated as to why I can’t get through the lame security!
We see Astrid walking around the pool area attracting attention to herself as planned, and probably scanning the place no doubt. She was in a red string bikini that goes well with her skin and her red wig. She dropped her bag beside a lounge chair spread out her towel before lying down Every camera was following her, zooming in on her chest, butt, face, and legs. One lucky shot was one directly across her.
I caught some of the boys who were walking around stopping to drool at her. I grinned; Damien will be having a heart attack if not going to jail for murder. I thought.
“You are such a tease, princess.” I chuckled as I speak through my mouthpiece that was linked to the other’s earpiece, “the guys in the security have every camera on you, your ass and your chest.”
She sighed, “That sounds comforting.” she mumbled, “the security feasting on me, nice.”
“Well that was the purpose of you wearing that, isn’t it?” Allana says.
Astrid sighed again, pulled down her shades over her eyes, and spread out her arms on the armrest. “Somehow, these two-way radios aren’t as quiet as they use to be.”
That earned a couple of laughs.
“Hey guys, c’mon, focus,” I said, someone had to be the authority right now, that will be me. “Jared, are the undercover guards marked?”
I went back to hacking the system. I went through it carefully but as fast as I could.
“I only have sixteen,” Jared says, he was on waiter duty with Damien.
“One is the chef and the front desk lady,” Ash said. Ash was in the lobby.
“Two are the lifeguards.” Astrid says, not a second later she took a sharp breath, “Shit...”
I looked up at the monitor and two guys walking toward Astrid. She looked around with her eyes and sees the lifeguards before walking up to her.
“Calm down, you’re no rookie,” Kale says.
“Good day miss.” One says.
Astrid smiled, “Hello.”
“We’re just here to tell you that our shift has ended and that those two over there will be relieving for us.” I looked him over, he had a good body and he was handsome, I’d give him that much. I know it sounds gay, but when we choose to invite new recruits, we also consider face you know. Besides, it was one of the qualifications of being a help in this five-star hotel.
“So if you need anything feels free to approach any of us.” The other one, who was equally good looking, says.
Astrid glanced at the two lifeguards who waved at her. She waved back then looked back at the two men in front of her.
“Thank you so much, but I think it’ll be fine.” She said. “My boyfriend will be here soon anyway; he works here too.”
“Oh, I see.” One forces a grin, “Well, until he isn’t here, we just would like to assure you that you are incapable hands…”
“That is so sweet of you boys, thank you.” She gives them one of her smiles that just radiates her beauty. They nodded and left. She rolled her eyes and sat back, “Perverts.”
“You are attracting too much attention, Angel,” Kale says.
“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” Astrid mumbled again.
“I swear, you will be the death of Damien.” I stopped and looked up the monitor wanting to see her reaction, as expected she wasn’t happy about it. Astrid dropped the book on her lap, frustrated that she can’t hit anything.
“I’d pretend that I didn’t hear that.” Astrid mumbled, “But I can’t promise that I’ll never bring it up again.”
She relaxed again and sat back returning to her book. Kale and I exchanged look, amused.
Then three SUV passed by our Hummer and stopped in front of the hotel.
“That’s them,” Kale said.
“They’re here,” Dimitri says. “Everyone in place?”
“Yup,” Derek says.
“Yes.” Collin and Allana said in unison making me roll my eyes, don’t they disagree or anything?
“Ready,” Ash says.
“Jared?” I asked, “Damien?”
“We’re almost done with the drinks; we’ll be out serving in a sec.” Jared answers.
“Well, respond to questions so we know you are alive,” I said as I continue to work on the security system.
“We’re alive Dimitri, I didn’t know you care so much,” Damien says, note the sarcasm.
I still couldn’t get it, we’ve been friends, or I like to believe that we are, far longer than he and Kale and yet, they hit it off the moment Kale said he’d help us.
“Then let’s get this show on the road,” Astrid says, a hint of amusement in her voice. I smirked, someone’s excited.
“We’ll make a show to remember,” Derek says, hearing that, I can just see the smirk on his face.
DEREK’s POV
Dimitri’s message was right on cue, a car stopped right in front of the hotel, I was behind the valet table. A man stepped out of the car, walked toward me. Men filed out of the cars that followed them, but the cars left.
“You American?” he asks me.
“Yes, part-time job. I’m an exchange stu-“
“Quiet.” He said, “You know where to park Mr. Jetson’s car?”
“Yes sir.” I bowed my head, just like how the drivers at home do.
“Good.” He handed me the keys and I walked with him as he opened the door at the backside and let a man step out.
“All cleared?” the man asked.
“Yes, Mr. Jetson.” The driver says.
“Good,” then he reached inside the car and held out his hand, “Tenshi come.”
I see a hand take him and a girl stepped out of the car, and it wasn’t a little girl like what Astrid said. She was probably fifteen or sixteen years old. Her long black hair falls up to her waist in loose curls, and her eyes were brown and warm.
“Good afternoon sir,” I bowed and caught the girl’s eyes, “young miss.”
“Good afternoon.” The girl whispered.
“Tenshi, do not talk with help.” Mikael Jetson snapped and put her hand in the crook of his arms and led her inside.
She gave me a weak smile, extending her apologies. I tipped my head sideward and took a step back before tearing my eyes away from her.
“Keep your eyes to yourself American boy.” I hear the driver say.
“Sorry, I can’t help appreciate the beauty that graces me,” I said and walked to the driver’s side and put on the shades as Kale said there were probably cameras inside the car.
I drove to the entrance of the basement parking. I parked where the manager told me to. It was behind the wall in front of the door that led to the elevator going to the main hall. I stepped out and dropped a few nails underneath the back wheels of the car and walked toward the entrance. I walked toward the stairs that will lead me to the kitchen.
“Car parked and spikes planted,” I said near the mouthpiece, as I was halfway up.
“Good work, now go join Jared.” Dimitri says, “Jared, have you spiked the drink?”
“She’s throwing up as we speak,” Jared answered.
And as if on cue, I entered the kitchen and saw a woman throwing up on a bucket in the corner of the room. The manager’s eyes fell on me.
“You.” He said. “Relieve her in kitchen duties.” He looked back at the man and shook his head in frustration and said something in Russian. I looked across the room and caught Jared wink at me before stepping out of the kitchen.
“Here’s your uniform, newcomer.” the chef tossed me a white long sleeve, an apron, and a toque. Then he gave me a glare, “You know how to cook?”
“A little?” I answered.
“Chop?”
“Yes,” I said, it was true, our adopted mom made us learn to at least fry and chop when we were at home so we wouldn’t be so dependent on the help, boys or not we should know how to cook.
“Good, chop me ten celeries and carrots.” He snapped, “three onions and a clove of garlic.”
“Yes sir,” I said and changed into the uniform he tossed me and began working.
Phase 1 cleared.
JARED’s POV
“We’re alive, Dimitri.” Damien says beside me, we were inside the changing room, “I didn’t know you cared.”
I chuckled and shook my head. I guess Damien hasn’t fully forgiven Dimitri with the incident at school of him touching Astrid.
“Then let’s get this show on the road,” Astrid says, sounding as if she said that with a smile.
Derek shares her enthusiasm hearing him respond, “We’ll make a show to remember.”
I can just imagine him smirking and his eyes gleaming with mischief. The wheels and clogs are starting to turn. I was shaking the vile on my hand, making sure it doesn’t fail, or we’re all dead. But then again, I needed to calm myself, and right now I only know one way to do so, and that’s to tease Damien.
“Short-tempered much?” I teased.
He shrugged and tugged on his collar, he was covering his mouthpiece, “I just don’t want to give him an opportunity to boss me around.”
“Well, we can’t really avoid that right now,” I said, muffling my mouthpiece as well. “He’s our eyes, he’ll be running the show for the next hour or so.”
He rolled his eyes, “Exactly.” he whined. “Anyway, you got it?”
I grinned, “Yup!” I raised two small vials, “This one’s for the accident at the kitchen and this is for the massacre in the dining hall.”
Damien laughs, “Whoah, lower down your grudge there, killer.”
I rolled my eyes this time. I’m pretty used to the boys teasing me, I like science and studying, while Derek and Ash like sports and Damien is the quiet and mysterious one. So among the four, I was supposed to be the nerd. A hot nerd if I might say so myself. We never really compared on who’s the smartest, since we all get good and almost the same grades when Derek isn’t fooling around so much. And they knew my fascination with chemistry, so Astrid volunteered me to create a homemade puke drug and poison.
Poison was easy, you can pretty much find poisonous chemicals at home, but the puking drug? I’m no Weasley twins, but I pulled it off, I think. Basically, I targeted to cause nausea- that will cause puking, right?
U- huh…
“I just don’t want to fail you guys,” I admitted.
“And you won’t.” Damien said, “You are the top student in Advance chemistry, and seeing that all regular subjects in NSA are advance you are way more advance compared to regular students, so chill.”
I grinned and extended my hands out for our handshake. “Thanks, man.”
“No problem.” He says, amused. Then he stretched out his other hand, “Poison.”
“Why will you be taking out the 20 guys?” I asked.
“Sixteen.” He corrected. “Plus, that poison isn’t your masterpiece is it?”
I grinned, getting what he was driving at. I obviously can’t be at two places at the same time, plus when the poison takes effect, they’ll just be slipping into sleep than death, uneventful. But seeing a man suffer nausea intentionally? Now there’s something inviting and intriguing about that. I know there’s a drug already for causing headaches, but I wonder if I can sell mine as a drug for nausea. Hm…
Damien’s right, I have to lower down my killer mode.
“Thanks, I’ll be out in a minute. So just put a drop in their drink and they’ll do the rest.” I said. He raised a brow at me, “It’s that fast.”
“Ok, ok…” Damien chuckled, and I handed him the poison. “One drop, you sure?”
“That’s all you need, trust me,” I said.
“You know I do,” he said, “just remind me never to get on your bad side before dinner.”
I laughed and saw him slid the very small vile in a transparent holder around his pointy finger.
“Hey, make sure you don’t get any of that on your skin, ok?” I said, “It’s transferable.”
“Yes sir.” Then he stifles a laugh, “You know what this reminds me?”
“What?”
“The poison that Juliet bought to kill herself.”
I chuckled, “Don’t kill yourself just so your Juliet will kiss you and taste the transferable poison from your lips.”
He laughed, “Oh, I don’t need to poison her.” He was never smug before, but then again, he finally has Astrid with him, and a lot of the boys at the academy wants her, and from the sound of the conversation a while ago between her and Dimitri, boys here wants her as well. “I’m thinking of slipping some of the poison to those perverts outside though.”
“Oh, yeah, go do that.” I teased, “Let’s see if Astrid ever kisses you again much more forgives you.”
“She’s just too kind for an assassin.” He says and fixed his collar in front of the mirror, I can hear him again on my earpiece. “Such a troublemaker.”
I laughed and we both stepped out of the changing room and we separated ways as if we weren’t in the middle of a conversation. Damien quickly went to get some orders of an old couple, though we clearly agreed none of us needed to actually wait on actual customers.
You’re just as kind to Damien.
I scanned the dining hall first when I caught Ash’s eyes and he signaled to the lady with him, I gave a weak nod and picked up a glass and walked toward them.
“Good afternoon.” I greeted, then I placed the glass of juice that Damien concocted- he was pretty good at it since he hardly drinks alcohol during our parties, but this one has a kick the bucket effect- on top of the counter. “It's hot today, so we’re serving everyone this, the manager said no one’s allowed to drop dehydrated, we need people.”
“Thank you,” Ash says and handed the glass to the lady.
“Oh, no thank you- “
“Oh, I insist, I had one glass a while ago, and it’s simply remarkable,” Ash says, pulling off his player mode on her.
The poor girl didn’t have a chance. She smiled and took the glass, “Thank you.” She says to both of us and she took a sip, “Mm, it is good, what’s in it?”
“That’s the maker’s secret.” I winked at her and went on my way.
I stepped into the now loud kitchen, far from the calm and homey halls of the hotel. I quickly look around and saw the sushi chef and the chef conversing. I need to pick one who is part of the working crew for the Jetson crew but has a minimal job, Lord knows Derek can’t sauté to save his life.
“I also need celeries and carrots…”
“Yeah, yeah!” a girl answer.
She looked perfect, and she’s a girl- in case you haven’t noticed- I can just flirt my way around her. She just finished butchering a piece of meat and was now cleaning fish. Ok so maybe I should let her finish with that seeing as my brother would go panic mode if he’s asked to put a finger inside a dead fish’s mouth.
So I walked up to her, sweetest smile present, and player mode. I grabbed a glass of water and poured some in it. Then I walked toward her, “Hi.”
She looked up at me, annoyed, but then she did a double back. “Who are you?”
“Oh, um, I’m John,” I grinned, remembering the names we all thought for ourselves, names that would only be used when we were asked. “John Kennedy.”
She raised a brow, “Aren’t you supposed to be dead Mr. President?” she continued to work.
I smiled, initiating the flirting, good signs for me. “I think you’ve mistaken me for the less popular Kennedy.”
She stifled a laugh, “Humor,” she noted, then she frowned “something that isn’t allowed in the kitchen, now move.”
I stepped aside, bipolar much? I thought. Nevertheless, I like a challenge.
“Well, obviously beauty isn’t allowed here either.” I was acting as if I was offended, “Maybe I should leave before they kick out the gorgeous people, but I guess I’m the last one here.”
I turned and carefully put a few drops of the drug in the glass of water.
“What did you just say?” She snapped.
I turned and gave a fake smile, “You know what, I was hoping I could take you out after work, I’m new and I wanted to make friends, but I change my mind.” I set the glass beside her, “Here, this was supposed to be for you anyway, you look pale. Bye.”
I turned to leave when the manager stopped me, “You, American boy.” He said.
“Yes, Mr. Russian, sir?” I teased back.
He brushed aside my remark. “You’re supposed to be in the dining area, aren’t you?”
“Yes sir, I just needed to get a glass of water, and I didn’t know if we were allowed to drink with the glasses at the dining hall, so I thought it will be safer here.” I explained, “I’m on my way back, do not worry.”
“Car parked and spikes planted.” I heard Derek report. And at the same time, there was slamming on the table from where I came from.
“Good work now goes join Jared,” Dimitri says. She ran into the washroom inside the kitchen and barfed. I stopped myself from smiling, “Jared, have you spiked the drink?”
“What’s going on Gen?” The manager walks passed me and saw the girl barfing and moved away. So it’s Gen… I thought.
“She’s throwing up as we speak,” I mumbled.
The manager was going hysterical, shouting something in Russian. And right on cue, Jared burst into the door that led to the worker’s entrance/exit from the basement parking.
“You.” The manager pointed at Derek. “Relieve her in kitchen duties.” Derek glanced at me and smirked and gave him a wink and stepped out of the kitchen and off to the dining hall to help to kill the undercover guards.
That was epic! I thought, Ash smiled back at me as he was ushering Mikael Jetson and a very beautiful young girl upstairs. Wait, young girl?
I looked in my peripheral view, I thought Tenshi was like 5 or something.
But who cares? She’s beautiful.
Then I saw Damien offering one of the guards the complimentary drinks. He glanced my way as I reached the bar and gave a weak nod, he smiled in approval. Then I pointed at the remaining drinks on the bar and he nodded.
I guess my scene isn’t done yet, I picked up the tray, looked around and tried to look around on who among the guards haven’t quenched their thirst yet. I smiled as I approached one of them.
“Complimentary drinks,” I explained before he can ask.
Damien and I made sure that the other visitors got the clean complimentary drinks so no suspicion will arise. And soon, we were standing behind the bar, waiting for the poison to take effect.
ASH’s POV
Derek was already speaking with the target and Jared has just left for the kitchen, I knew I’d be seeing the infamous Mikael Jetson soon. I scanned the logbook that was in front of me, acting as if I was busy.
“You, American boy.” I looked up, hearing my new nickname, and saw the manager walking toward me.
“Yes sir?” I asked “Mr. Jetson has arrived; I need you to usher him to the balcony upstairs.” He said.
I smiled, “Yes sir, and I have taken it into liberty to have it cleared off of other guests as well.”
He nods, giving me a look of admiration, “Finally someone with brains,” he glanced at the door, “he’s here. Go.” He walked toward the kitchen.
I left my post from behind the front desk and stood in front instead and saw a man step inside with a young woman in his arms. Is this her? I thought, I thought we were dealing with a toddler?
I tore my eyes away from her and smiled at the man, “Mr. Mikael Jetson?”
“Yes.” He asked exasperated.
“I will be ushering you to your table.” I said, “The usual I presume?”
“Of course.” He said with a snort as if I was crazy in thinking the latter.
“Then you’d be glad to know that we have cleared it of other guests and tables, so you will have the privacy and luxury that you very well deserve,” I said.
With that he smiled, “I think I like the sound of that.” He smiled, “What’s your name boy? I seem to not remember you from last week.”
“James sir, James Bond.” He raised a brow, and I had to stop a laugh myself, “It isn’t a joke sir.” I tapped my finger on my nameplate. “My father was lucky enough to have the surname, and he and my mom thought it would be funny to name me James. I guess they never thought that I’ll be growing up.”
He laughs again, and pat me on the shoulder, “Very well, James Bond, me and my daughter here are to meet up with my friends,” he says, showing off the girl with him, she gave me a smile which I returned. “And if you’d kindly show us to our usual?”
“Of course, we shouldn’t keep the lady up on her feet.” I said, “This way sir.”
I walked toward the stairs and in my peripheral view saw Jared step out of the kitchen with a smile on his face. Phase one is done. I thought to myself.
The guards bowed as we passed by and the people inside looked our way as if wondering who was the man I was ushered to the now private balcony. An asshole, that’s who.
The guards opened the door for us, I stepped outside and aside to give way for them. His guests were already there, who looked like Americans as well, they stood up.
“Have a good afternoon sir, young miss.” I bowed, but I felt a hand on my shoulder, Mikael smiled at me, and reached for my hand and shook it.
“It’s not every day that I meet James Bond.” He whispered.
I laughed and shook his hand, and I felt him slipping something in my hand before he let go and walked toward the table. A 100 ruble. He is pretty rich for a Russian, but 3 dollars and 4o cents isn’t that much now, is it? But it was still money, the first I earned that isn’t under the family business.
I smiled at the guard and left.
I saw Allana standing by the bar in her waitress costume. I grinned and raised a brow at her. She sighed and tugged what seem like a skirt down.
Collin’s probably having a heart attack. I thought. Allana never shows off much skin except when she’s wearing shorts or a bathing suit.
I climbed down the stairs and back to the front desk.
“Package delivered,” I mumbled to my earpiece as I smiled at a guest who was on her way to the dining hall.
Phase two, cleared.
ALLANA’s POV
Ash passed by and gave me a look.
I shrugged and squirmed in my skirt as I try to tug it lower. It was practically just hiding my ass, and I know Collin wouldn’t agree to it, assignment or not.
“Not helping Allana.” I heard him say behind me as he was working behind the bar. Apparently, Mikael Jetsons likes to have a couple of glass of vodka before dinner, gross choice if you ask me. But nonetheless, it was an order and he was to serve it. It isn’t surprising that we were chosen to serve the Jetsons, Kale says they choose beautiful and handsome servers as a front of perfection to Mikael, and I guess it works, he became a regular here, didn’t he?
“I can’t help it if I’m not comfortable in a slut size uniform.” I snapped at him, earning a few chuckles from the others who obviously heard me through my mouthpiece.
“At least you have clothes on you.” I heard Astrid say.
“That’s your choice, princess.” I mumbled, “And it’s appropriate where you are.” I heard her chuckle again.
“You Americans.” I snapped up and saw the manager wiggle his finger at us, motioning us to go to him.
I turned to Collin and raised a brow, how rude. I thought. But Collin tipped his head telling me to get a move one. While he fixes the drinks and shot glasses on a tray and slipped out of the bar. I walked toward the manager, Collin hot on my trail, probably covering my back.
“Yes sir?” I asked, smiling and perky, a waiter behind him was carrying a tray of food with him.
“Serve this to them, the red meat goes to Mr. Jetson, the fish goes to the little lady.” He says handing me the tray, then he turns to Collin, “Are those his usual?”
“Yes sir.” He said, “Vodka for Mr. Jetson, Martini for the guests.”
“Very good.” He says with a nod, “Go serve them, Mr. Jetson doesn’t like to wait longer than five minutes.”
We nodded and walked toward the now private balcony.
The guards opened the door and let us through. I moved beside Mr. Jetson and smiled, then I move to his other side and served Tenshi her food. I did a double back when I saw her. Astrid never mentioned a teenager. I vaguely remembered she said that Tenshi is a child.
“Thank you.” I heard the girl say.
“You’re welcome,” I said.
Collin was across the table glaring at the men in the table who were probably eye raping me. So I turned to leave.
“Wait.”
I stopped and turned to see Mikael Jetson with a smirk on his face and ran his eyes on me, then waved me to come over, I glanced at Collin who stepped back from the table and had his eyes on me.
“Yes sir?” I asked, keeping a respectful distance between a servant and the master. Something I learned from my mother, thank goodness.
But I guess Mikael Jetson doesn’t know about it, “I’m a very important man,” he starts, “There had been a number of attempts on my life.”
“Well, I’m sad to hear that Mr. Jetson,” I said.
“Yes, well, since you are sad to hear it.” He gave me another smirk, “How about tasting my food.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, surprised.
“Taste my food.” He said.
I gathered back my manners and tipped my head, “Of course.” I step up and reached for the utensils in front of him, never once did I leaned over.
I’d have to die first before you even get a glimpse of my cleavage, asshole. I thought.
I sliced a part of the meat and put it into my mouth. I turned to him and chewed in front of him. “I think it’s safe to say that the butter and the pepper on your food of choice will not kill you, Mr. Jetson unless you have a high cholesterol count.”
He smiled and stifled a laugh. “You Americans are so serious.” He glanced at Collin who was as stiff as a plank of wood at the other side of the table, “I’m surprised there are a lot of you today here, though.”
“Yes, well, we came from the university and are exchange students. We needed a part-time job and were told there were openings here.” I ran through him our cover story.
“Hm, if you want a more decent job,” he glanced at my nameplate, “Crystal, I make a damn good offer.”
I smiled and stepped back. “I think I am good here with my friends and fiancé.”
He glanced at Collin again. “Fiancé huh?” he asked, “You American kids marry too early.”
“We just would like to make sure a perfect catch don’t escape again,” I said. “Is there any more I can help you with sir?”
“No, thank you, Crystal.” He said, “And thank you for checking my food.”
“It was no problem at all sir, I’m glad I prevented somebody else’s death today, in exchange for my probable death.”
The man he was meeting with laughed along with him this time. And I caught Tenshi smiled.
“Not many dare to speak that way to me, quite entertaining for a change.” He said, “It’s a shame you are already engaged, Crystal, you would have had a good time in my workplace.”
“Again, Mr. Jetson, thank you for the offer, but I have to decline,” I said. “Enjoy your meal.”
I turn around to leave, and I was sure Collin was following me.
“Wait.” I hear another man called. I rolled my eyes and turned around, hiding my frustration with a smile.
“Yes sir?”
My job is done, why don’t these idiots just choke on their last meal and die? I thought.
COLLIN’s POV
As much as I like seeing Allana wearing almost nothing, I’d prefer it when we’re out swimming or in the privacy of our bedroom, not in the presence of thugs like these guys who had been drooling over my fiancée since we stepped out to serve Mikael Jetson’s last meal.
Selfish as it may sound, I wish that they already notice Astrid lying by the poolside, wearing almost nothing.
I glanced at the girl beside our target again and I’m sure Allana was thinking of the same thing, this can’t be Tenshi. The way Astrid spoke about her had given me the impression that she was a child.
I served the men’s drinks and was now watching as Mikael Jetson fool with Allana, who was probably getting pissed off now. But as always, she was the perfect lady; not showing off anything not needed to be shown and keeping her distance.
“I think it’s safe to say that the butter and the pepper on your food of choice will not kill you, Mr. Jetson.” I caught a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, “Unless you have a high cholesterol count.”
I felt the edge of my lips curl and caught Tenshi shaking her head.
Jetson laughed. “You Americans are so serious.” I caught him glance at me as I wait in the corner of the table, I was supposed to be waiting for orders. But it looks more like I’m waiting to pull Allana out of here if this guy even tries to touch a single strand of hair on her. “I’m surprised there are a lot of you today here, though.”
“Yes, well, we came from the university and are exchange students. We needed a part-time job and were told there were openings here.” She says calmly, you couldn’t have thought that it was a lie.
Good girl, I thought proudly. To some that may have caused worry seeing their fiancé lie easily, but I knew Allana too well, she can never lie to me.
“Hm, if you want a more decent job, Crystal,” he said seductively, “I make a damn good offer.”
Doesn’t this guy ever give up? I thought. No wonder Astrid tied him up on the bed, probably to shut him up.
“I think I am good here with my friends and my fiancé.” I hear Allana say proudly and caught her wiggle her fingers even. She was of course wearing our engagement ring.
“I’ll be damned before I ever take this off,” I remembered her saying.
“You mean, you’d be wed to me before taking that off.” I teased her that she just compared being condemned to damnation to our soon marriage.
I smiled at Allana and caught Jetson glance at me. “Fiancé huh?” his tone with a sound of doubt, “You American kids marry too early.”
“We just would like to make sure a perfect catch don’t escape again,” Allana remarked. “Is there any more I can help you with sir?”
“No, thank you, Crystal.” He said, “And thank you for checking my food.”
“It was no problem at all sir, I’m glad I prevented somebody else’s death today, in exchange for my probable death.”
Jetson and his guests laughed again. And this time Tenshi smiled.
“Not many dare to speak that way to me, quite entertaining for a change,” Jetson says, I frowned and glanced at the guards, they still haven’t moved, nor did Jetson made a sign of such. Being trained to be Astrid’ guard, I was taught that often times there were underlying meaning in movements or words of the master to the guard. Unfortunately, it differs, I wouldn’t know if that’s how it is with Jetson. “It’s a shame you are already engaged, Crystal, you would have had a good time in my workplace.”
And I wonder what kind of work that will be. I scowled.
“Again, Mr. Jetson, thank you for the offer, but I have to decline.” Allana gave another smile, “Enjoy your meal.”
With that she turns to leave, I turned to follow her not wanting these men looking at her behind.
“Wait.” Another of the guests says, I turned around and saw him turn to Tenshi. “We have our drinks, would you like anything young miss?” he raised his glass when he saw the confused look on Tenshi’s face. “Drink? You?”
I rolled my eyes in the pathetic scene unfolding in front of me. Tenshi looked up at the man, surprised.
“茶就很好，谢谢你。(Tea would be nice, thank you.)”
Then I caught Jetson put a hand at her back and ran it in a circle. “I’m sorry Keith, she doesn’t speak English, we usually have her translator with us, but she can’t make it today.”
I wonder why. I thought sarcastically. The man jiggled his glass, only then I realized that he seems to be familiar.
I stepped up, “She said tea would be nice, thank you.”
“Oh,” they all turned to me.
“You speak Chinese?” the man named Keith asked me.
“Yes,” I said. “Would you want me to translate anything for you?”
“Uhm, yes…” he said. “Can you just take her order? Is that ok Mikael?”
“Of course.” He said, “I think I can trust the man who Crystal is trusting her life with.”
I forced a smile, “Thank you, sir.” Then I turned to Tenshi who was looking up at me, awed.
“Tell her I’m here.” I heard Astrid's order.
“No, Mikael will grow suspicious.” Dimitri snapped.
“Please!” probably with a roll of her eyes. “ Mikael knows no squat about language, that’s why he can’t kill outside Russia and America,” Astrid says.
That was enough for me.
"好中午女士 Tenshi，你说你会喜欢茶吗？(Good noon Ms. Tenshi, you said you’d like tea?)”
She nodded.
“您有任何具体的茶，你想吗？(Do you have any specific tea you desire?)”
She made a face and tapped a finger on her chin. Keith watched her with a smile.
“柠檬绿茶。(Green tea with lemon.)”
“这将是所有吗？(Will that be all?)” I asked.
She nodded again, “你的中文是很好，一名美国人。(Your Chinese is very good for an American.)”
I chuckled and tipped my head, “我去你，准备，不要害怕，你的监护人看着你。她说你很快就会安全和她在一起。 (Thank you. I’ll go prepare it for you, and don’t be scared, your guardian is watching for you. She says you’ll be safe with her soon.)”
Her eyes widened with delight.
“What did you just tell her?” Jetson asked with a frown.
I smiled up at him, “She said I speak very good Chinese for an American. I said I should since I was brought up by a Chinese nanny who taught me curses.”
He gave me another look, but then Keith laughs.
“My daughter is the same.” He says, “Since she learned to curse our conversation seems to be filled with it.”
I caught Mikael relaxed and ran his hand through her hair, “Well, I don’t think I’d have to worry about that since I barely understand her.” He says with a laugh. “Benefits of having a foreign adopted daughter.”
His guests laughed along with him, but I noticed Keith half meant his. He might have a bone of decency in him. I thought.
“Very well, sir. I will go get your foreign adopted daughter’s Green tea with lemon.” I said and turned to leave.
“Make sure Allana serves it this time.” He says.
“I doubt that that will possible as she is asked to stay here until you call for her again for more orders from the menu,” I said.
With that, I walked toward the door where Allana was and she gave me one of her mischievous smile, one which I returned.
I knew she understands every word I told Tenshi, and what I told Jetson was hardly a lie either, I just decided to keep the last part to myself.
Halfway down the dining hall, a couple gestured for me, I smiled at them and called another waiter who assisted them instantly. I was under strict orders to be only available to the Jetson’s party, and I can’t have it any other way. I didn’t want to miss a beat of it.
I covered my mouth with my fist pretending to clear my throat and mumbled, “Message relayed and spy planted.”
Allana was supposed to keep an eye on them now; I would of course be joining her shortly. But we had decided that it would be Allana who would have constant contact with Jetson, seeing as he seems to have a weakness for women.
Phase four on the go. I smirked.
DAMIEN’s POV
I heard Collin clear their phase it was just a matter of time before hell broke loose. I glanced out at the pool area where Astrid was chilling near the pool, with about every man’s eyes on her. She had already gotten the attention of Mikael Jetson’s guards, it’s only a matter of time before Jetson himself sees her. And if we assumed right, and if Astrid, Dimitri, and Kale do know Mikael like they think they do, everything will be smooth sailing.
“Is there anything else you’d like sir?” I asked the old couple who I was serving.
The man smiled and shook his head. “Thank you.” I bowed my head and left them with their meal. I reached the bar where the food was being taken out of the kitchen.
“Hey, new boy.”
I turned and saw Justine, a British dude who was backpacking to who knows where. He stopped over town to look for work to make money that will help him get to his next destination.
“You are one lucky fellah.” He says with a grin.
“Why is that?” I gave him a questioned look.
“The manager just gave out the assignment and you, my friend, are assigned in the pool area.”
“And how does that make me a lucky fellah?” I asked.
“See that hot piece of fuck right there?” he pointed at Astrid, “She just ordered a sandwich and four seasons juice, and guess who’s going to serve?”
I shook my head with a grin, “This lucky fellah?” I pointed at myself.
“And the order didn’t even come from her, just some random boy saying he’s her boyfriend.”
“Really?” I just ordered Astrid her favorite tuna with a cheese sandwich and four-season juice about five minutes ago directly to the chef saying my girlfriend’s visiting and is lounging at the poolside waiting for me. He did warn me that it isn’t allowed to have guests lounging at the pool waiting for workers, but when I mentioned that she got a room and when he saw her he got a different idea, he nodded and made the order.
“Yeah, but then again, a piece of ass like that, hard to believe wouldn’t be owned.” He says still checking on Astrid, who looks like was stretching out her legs, while her nose was in a book.
“Hey, Romeo, here’s your order.” The chef says, then he grins and glanced at Astrid, “She’s the talk of the town.”
Tragic as the Shakespearean couple maybe they still got together in some morbid sort of way. Besides, Astrid wanted us to have the tragic couple’s name. I glanced at Justine, who had dropped his mouth open, making me grin, “So I’ve noticed.”
“You better be careful though,” he says, “Jetson is here,” he glanced at the other chef and dropped his voice, “I’m pretty sure he already saw her by now.”
“Thanks, Viktor,” I said, “but she’s a tough girl; she won’t let a rude remark pass.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He said and went back to work. I put the plate on my tray and was about to leave and when Justine grabbed me by the shoulder.
“So that’s your hot piece of fuck?” he asked.
“No,” I said, he sighed looking relieved. “That’s my girlfriend.”
His mouth dropped open again as I walked away and headed to the poolside.
“Man, Astrid, you are the talk of the town.” I hear Derek say.
“Well, I hope it had reached the person I’m targeting for.” She said, sounding bored.
“And I’m guessing that isn’t Damien right now?” Derek teased.
I grinned, as I walked up to her and gave her a look, daring her to answer that.
She smiled at me, “For a change, surprisingly, it’s not.”
I stifled a laugh, “I got you a sandwich and juice.”
“Aw, sweet.” She sat up as I put the plate on the table beside her.
“I heard you’ve already reached the upstairs,” I whispered.
She shook her head, and I caught her glance behind me to the balcony.
“Almost.” She said. “Allana, any news?” she mumbled as she took a bite off the sandwich I gave her.
“Watching.”
Astrid puts down the sandwich and drank the juice. “Hm, this is pretty good.”
Then a guy passes by giving her a once over and wolf-whistled. She gave him a disgusted look and look up at me with a frown.
“You wanted this.” I reminded her, not happy with it either.
“Well, I thought I was going to a five-star hotel and not a pigsty.” She whined.
I chuckled and gave the man a glare who was hanging around near us, still checking Astrid out. “I’ll keep them straight if you want.”
She smiled and sat up, and reached for my shirt and pulled me down. “After the job baby.” Then she gave me a long deep kiss, which I returned. Then she pulled away and smiled, “For now that will do.”
“Focus guys!” Derek yelled- whispered, “No making out.”
Astrid and I laughed.
“Don’t you have chopping to do, kitchen boy?” Astrid teased as she sat back and glanced inside the hotel, looking frustrated.
“Is it your break yet?” she asked loud enough for the others to hear. This was the plan. “I’m bored already.”
“In a while, babe.” I said and gave her another kiss on the forehead and whispered, “I still need to kill those two lifeguards for drooling over you.” She giggled and mouthed hot, so the others won’t hear, making me laugh. “Just enjoy yourself and wait for me here alright?”
She smiled and nodded.
Then I walked toward the lifeguards, “Boys, it's pretty hot today.” I handed them a glass of juice, which Derek and I especially made for them.
“Oh, thank you.” One lifeguard says.
“If it’ll bring more woman like the one you have there, I don’t mind it if it’s this hot every day.” The other says.
I glanced back at Astrid who was reading again, then she glanced at me and waved, I waved back, “Yeah, pretty hot.”
“You lucky lad.” The second guard nudged me on the chest, “so you hit that already?”
I hear someone clear his throat, while Astrid covered her mouth, probably to stop herself from laughing. “Could you resist not to?”
“No.” they answered unison.
“Well, there you go,” I said and walked back.
“Wait, is that a no you haven’t or yes ‘cause you can’t resist?”
I laughed and was halfway to the entrance when I heard a whistle from above. I looked up and saw a man, probably a guard, looking at me. “You, up here, now.”
“Coming sir.” I then glanced back at Astrid who was reading her book and caught her smile in satisfaction without looking my way.
I never really thought that the plan would go this smoothly, I just thought it only happens in movies, that no one is this easy to read. But I guess Mikael Jetson proved me wrong.
I jogged my way to the stairs along the way I saw Ash talking with a couple of girls, probably guests. And with the looks of things he had already mesmerized them to take one of the big expensive bedrooms.
When I reached the top of the stairs I saw Collin nod my way and I nodded back. But then a guard stopped me. “Куда вы собираетесь? (Where are you going?)”
“I’m sorry I don’t speak-“
“Лука, босс, под названием для мальчика, пусть (Luka, the boss called for the boy, let him through.)” The guard who called me said quickly.
He eyed me and finally let me through.
Note to self: ask Astrid to teach me basic Russian.
It was like in the movies with gangsters and mobsters, these men mean business.
I stepped out into the balcony and was met by men who were looking down at the pool area, no doubt ogling Astrid.
“And there is the man of the hour.” From the looks of the people here, this man was Mikael Jetson. “You are one lucky boy, aren’t you?”
“Thank you sir, but,” I gave him a questioned look, “may I know why you say so?”
“Well, that is your girl right there isn’t it?” he asked, he leads me to the edge of the balcony and pointed Astrid at me. And saw a girl step out into the poolside wearing a white dress and was followed by two guards.
“Oh, yes.” I smiled, “That is my girlfriend, Juliet.” I hear a different kind of snicker from the earpiece and saw Astrid stifle a laugh, but if I didn’t know better she was laughing at something she read.
“Hm, Juliet, and by any chance, you aren’t Romeo are you?” he says.
He laughed along with his guests.
I smirked and tap on my nameplate, “I actually am sir.”
They all looked at my nameplate and chuckled, Mikael gave me a look. “My golly, I’ve been meeting famous people, star-cross lovers are you then?”
“Oh, far from it.” I said, “Almost a fairy tale, actually.”
“Well, with a body like that, you’d probably wake up the sleeping beauty very often.” He says as he looks at Astrid with lust.
I had to keep my focus and not lose my anger now, or I’ll endanger everyone. Then I stepped back, I glanced at Allana who was standing by the door a few feet away.
“May I help you with something sir?” I asked.
“Yes, actually you may.” Jetson walked up to me again. “I’m pretty sure that you are friends with Crystal and her fiancé.”
“Yes.”
“And that boy James Bond.” He said.
“Yes.”
“Well, if you haven’t noticed, we are surrounded by my guards in a very luxurious hotel.” He says, and glanced back at the balcony, “And well, my daughter seemed to have taken into liking your girlfriend and wanted to make friends.”
Below the girl was already talking with Astrid.
“She asked me if she can invite her to join us.” He said, “You can ask your friend in the bar, he translated for us. So I said yes to my daughter,” he chuckled, “haven’t learned to say no to her actually.”
“And this concerns me and my friends why?” I asked, trying not to sound rude.
“Well, I am inviting your girlfriend to join us, I didn’t want to offend you or anything.“ his voice was oozing with sarcasm.
“When you meet my girlfriend you will find out that she is a strong-willed woman.” I said, “If she sees no problem of joining you here, which I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t mind, then I have no problem with that. You don’t need to blackmail me into letting her join you, I don’t mind. I know where her heart is, and I know she can protect herself if needed.”
They exchanged looks, amused, making them laugh again, this time, at me. I glanced at Astrid who was now picking up her things, one arm around the girl’s shoulder, and was on their way up.
“Well, you are a confident boy, aren’t you Romeo? One who, obviously, don’t know anything about women.” He stepped forward and poked me on the chest. “Listen to me boy, this is a man to man talk, so try to keep up.” I restrain myself from rolling my eyes and laugh, so I just look at him silently telling him to continue. “This type of girl will easily go for someone…” he looked me up and down, “better. You know, someone who can take care of her. Can buy her the world, she’s obviously beautiful and I’m pretty sure she had used that on her advantage many times over you. So maybe,” he reached for my collar with his free hand as if straightening it out, on his other hand he was holding his drink, “you should go for ladies who are more of, how should I say it… Ah,” he chuckled, “Go for women more on your league.” He then pats me on the cheek, “I mean no offense, just looking after my people, you know?”
I chuckled, “Thank you for the concern, Mr. Jetson.” He had a brow raised at me. Obviously not used to being laughed at, “But if you mean by better is being rich and luxurious, then you’ll have to leave my girlfriend out of it.” I said. “You see, she is already having that life but is in need of a simple life. She’d rather have someone who knows how to rough it.”
“Aw, so cute, puppy love.” He laughs again, “You have a lot more to learn, my boy. Maybe I should take you under my wing, with your guts and face, you have a lot of potentials.”
“I think I know enough.” I can still hear the others fooling around. “For instance, I know when Juliet likes me to be sweet and just listen to her, I know when she wants me to hug or kiss her,” then I chuckled, “And I know when she likes it rough and when I should go bottom.” I smirked at him and dropped my voice, “Most of the time she likes to go on top, with me tied on the bed.”
I instantly saw his reaction and I gave him a smirk and stepped away, wanting to etch in my memory that reaction that I have put in his face.
Priceless. I thought. “Besides, I don’t think my pride can take it if I’m being hired because of good looks and the possible potential.”
His once pale face now was turning to red, amusing me more. I could hear the others talking in my earpiece, fooling around now?
“Move back Damien.” I heard Dimitri say.
“Relax, baby, I’m here,” Astrid said.
“I am not so dumb or selfish to say that my girlfriend is not, like what my workmate said, a hot piece of fuck,” I gave each of them a look. “But she still is a lady, and I treat her like one. And I hope you gentlemen will as well.” Then I stepped back and smirked again. “That is if she lets you live to do so.”
Then I heard a muffled gunshot from behind me and another one followed by bodies dropping on the ground, no doubt.
“Good work baby…” I heard Astrid say. Then she stood beside me, “Hi Mikael…”
ASTRID’s POV
“You, up here, now.” I heard one of the guards say to Damien.
Wow, four words, impressive. I joked to myself making me smile.
Mikael has fallen for the bait, as we had expected. A man as cocky as Mikael cannot resist temptation and a chance to show off his manly seductive ways.
“Heating up” I hear Allana mumble through my earpiece.
“On my way,” Collin answered.
Then on my peripheral view, I see Tenshi and some of the guards walking toward me.
“I’m up,” I mumbled not looking up from my book until Tenshi was standing in front of me and I looked up at her with a smile. “Hello, can I help you?” I asked, faking a British accent.
I caught her eyes widen, glad she still recognize me. I thought.
I look at the guards behind her, “I would be asking if you are lost but I see you have guards.” She still doesn’t answer, “你好吗？ (How are you doing?)”
“我很好，谢谢你 (I’m fine, thank you.)” she frowned. “你在这儿干什么？(What are you doing here?)”
“我要带你回家。(I’m taking you home.)” I simply said.
“Hey, no speaking with her.” One of the guards said.
I rolled my eyes, “Well you aren’t telling me what you’re doing here, are you?”
“我想他想让我在那儿呢？( I’m thinking he wants me up there?)” I looked back at Tenshi.
She glanced up at the balcony, “爸爸问我请你吃饭。它不安全，你在这里。 (Daddy, asked me to invite you for dinner. It isn’t safe for you here.)”
I grinned and nodded, “在您的右后卫。(Right back at you.)” I picked up my things and a towel. “Well, let’s go then. We don’t want to make your daddy wait, do we?”
I put an arm around her shoulder and we walked past her guards, I kept my shades on, in case one of them recognizes me in my red wig.
“附近住宿、 党的开始。(Stay near, the party’s starting.)” I whispered, earning a look from the guard but I know he didn’t hear me.
“Tenshi.” She answered, making it look like I asked her name.
I smiled. “Tenshi, I like it…” I said looking towards Jared and Ash was just outside the door, saying goodbye to the last of the guests, I scanned the room and saw that the only people there were mostly the guards. When the last of the guests were out, Ash closed the door and locked it.
“What’s going on?” one of the guards asked.
“Just a little privacy sir, no need to worry,” Ash says. “Now, can I interest you, boys, for a place to rest?”
“We’re working, idiot.” The guard snapped.
Ash smirked. “Oh, I don’t think your boss would mind once he’s dead.” He raised his gun, a silencer at the end, and shot the man in the middle of his eyes.
And with just that hell broke loose.
One of the guards grabbed Tenshi, but I grabbed him by the wrist, a slight pressure cracked his bone and made him let go of Tenshi, who now kicked away another of the guards, hit him on the spine, he dropped on the floor, dead. I grabbed the guard I was holding and broke his neck and pushed him away. While Jared and Ash shot at the remaining guards.
I looked around and saw some of the guards still weren’t moving. I smiled, Jared had been busy. I thought. Jared has always been interested in chemistry and drugs, Mikael’s men didn’t even saw it coming.
“Who are they, Angel?” Tenshi asked.
I stopped Ash and Jared from introducing themselves, a little too enthusiastically if you ask me. “They’re reinforcements.” I took off my shades and toss it inside my bag that was now on the floor by my feet. That’s the only time a lady may drop her bag when she is killing someone.
“Oh…” then she gave one of her signature smiles and bowed, “thank you.”
“Our pleasure.” The two said. Suddenly the door that leads to the kitchen opened. We turned and saw Derek enter with a tray that has a cover.
He looked around and shrugged.
“You were supposed to lock that,” Jared said, “half a minute ago.”
“Well, the chef wasn’t actually an easy sparring partner was he?” then she glanced at Tenshi and smiled, “Hi, I’m-“
“Reinforcement,” Tenshi said, he gave her a questioned look, which Jared and Ash gave me. “You aren’t allowed to give out your name during assignments.”
I smiled and ruffled her hair. “Good girl.” Then I turned to Derek, “You have something for me?”
He smiled again and presented the tray and took off the cover.
“What the-“ I glared, “Dimitri?!”
“Try it out first.”
“Damn you, Dimitri.” I picked up the girl guns and grabbed the clothes along with it and start to put it on over the bikini I had on.
“Any minute now guys?” we heard Collin say.
“The second floor cleaned?” Jared asked.
“Yup.” Collin says, “You guys want a drink or something?”
“Yeah, rum with coke would be good now,” Ash says looking at the man he shot at point zero, causing his face to explode and the residue of blood, brains, and the eyeball was oozing out of his face. “Make that two.”
“Urgh,” Derek says, reaching for his stomach, “Whisky on the rocks.”
I grinned as I tucked the gun at the back of my short and strap on my blades. I half-listened to the conversation Damien was having with Mikael, and I was glad that the boy seems to be preoccupied with their nausea to hearing him.
“Focus on people.” Dimitri reminded us, then I heard Damien mumbling.
“There are only the guards outside to take,” Collin said.
“How did you manage not to make them see that the guards are missing?” Ash asked.
“You know how I like Zombies and how artistic I am…” Collin answered amused.
“Got to go,” I turned to Tenshi, “You helping me?”
“Definitely.” She grinned, reached underneath her skirt, and cocked the gun she had with her.
“That’s my baby girl.”
“That was so hot…” Derek says as we walked up the stairs. I casually walked across the room and saw the guards propped up the wall, and from the view from the outside, they would look like they are standing.
“About time,” Collin says from behind the bar, and fixing the drinks the guys asked for, while he took a shot of vodka. I glanced and saw the damage he caused, some were stabbed, one had an obviously broken neck, one even had a shard of bottle poking on his side.
Maybe I should start my own house. I thought. Of course, I’ll never do that.
I smiled and walked with Tenshi beside me. I pulled my blades. I can still hear Damien taunting Mikael, and from the sound of his voice, he was enjoying this psychological torture.
“Besides, I don’t think my pride can take it if I’m being hired because of good looks and possible potential,” Damien says.
“I’ll take care of those near us you take care of those at the corners,” I said.
“Got it,” Tenshi says.
“Back away Damien.” I hear Dimitri says. I saw Damien does as told as I reached the door.
“Relax baby, I’m here,” I said and opened the door Tenshi stepped inside first walking a little ahead, I step inside and pulled out my blades and hit the first guard on my right with the hilt, then I move to the guard on my left and stab him on the neck, through and through. Allana dropped her tray. Tenshi shot a guard behind Allana.
Shit. I forgot Allana was there.
But I quickly moved back to the guard I hit and slit his throat. I saw the guard on the corners making there move and I felt Tenshi reach behind me, grab the girly gun I hid, and shot the remaining guards at the same time, while I grabbed a dagger underneath my short and chucked it toward one of the guys hitting him between the eyes. Yeah, I’m pretty much geared up now, the clothes given to assassins were always made to hide every possible gadget or weapon. The hit on the man I stabbed was a sure kill like we were taught.
Tenshi now stood behind the remaining two guards and had guns pointed at there nape, they were the bodyguards, the ones who stayed beside the boss. That happened all too fast that none of them have even pulled out a weapon.
I smiled, I can’t help but be proud of Tenshi, she might actually beat me up someday. One of the guards tried to move to Damien but he was easily shot. I looked back, Tenshi moved his eyes sideward and shook her head. Only then did I notice that it was Allana who made the shot.
“I wanted the girl guns.” She whined.
I chuckled and moved to Damien and stood behind him, my blades still out.
“Good work baby…” I whispered and giving him a peck on the cheek. Then I glanced at Mikael whose eyes were about to pop out, then I faced him with a smile.
“Hi, Mikael.” I greeted.
“E-e-Angel…” he gasped.
I smirked, “You haven’t changed a bit.” I stepped forward, moving toward the table.
His guests were looking at me and Damien then at Tenshi and Allana.
“May I?” I asked, gesturing for the chair. They all nodded with mouth open. “Tenshi, come join us.”
I heard two guns go off and footsteps, Tenshi then sat beside me and set the guns on the table putting the girly guns between us. I rolled my eyes at the sight of it.
“I’ll be by the door love,” Damien whispered, and gave me a kiss on the top of my head, I gave him a smile and nodded.
“Gentlemen,” I said gesturing to the seat across us. “Have a seat, you have requested for my company, am I right?”
They clumsily sat across us, but Mikael doesn’t move.
“Mikael, sit-“
“Sh-shouldn’t you be hiding?” he asked.
“From whom? You?” I stifled a laugh. “I don’t think so. Now can you please-”
“No.” he snapped and reached behind his coat for a gun, most likely. I quickly reached for the gun on the table and shot him on the leg, he dropped on his knees and I shot him again this time aiming for his palms.
I felt the table shake as the men across us jumped, surprised.
Mikael dropped on his knees in pain and screaming curses.
“You should know better than piss me off Mikael.” I shrugged and set the gun back on the table, keeping hold of my blade and dangling over the armrest.
“Ok, so I’m guessing that Mikael had set an example for everyone?” I ran my eyes over the three American across me as they nodded.
“You bitch, I should have had Kale kill you when he found your location.” Mikael sneered.
“Oh, well, that won’t make a difference as I’m pretty sure I’ll be killing him first.” I spat back to him.
“What do you want Angel?” he sneered. “I know you wouldn’t be here for no reason at all. You are being hunted by every bounty Ash in the world.”
“Which reminds me…” I stood up and walked toward him, I raised my sword up to his neck and pushed it making him lean back, then I reached into his coat’s inside pocket and pulled out a palm tap.
Then I heard a gun being cocked back in the table. “Sit down, before I blow your head off,” Tenshi says.
In my peripheral view, I can see the man sit back down, still eyeing the gun.
I stifled a laugh and squatted in front of Mikael, using my blade I made him face me. “Сейчас она как раз как я Микаэль? Все, что вы хотели? (Is she just like me now Mikael? Everything you wanted?)” I whispered.
“Она лучше, чем вы. (She’s better than you are.)” He sneered.
“Если она даже половину пути, как хорошо, как я она не думать о предательстве меня. (If she is even half way as good as I am she wouldn’t be thinking of betraying me.)”
He smirked, “Вы сомневаетесь ее? (You doubt her?)” I didn’t answer, “Боитесь ли вы, что эта маленькая девочка будет вашей смерти? (Are you afraid that that little girl will be your death?)”
This time, I smiled. “Нет, я не сомневаясь, её, я уверен, ставя под сомнение ее чувства. То, что вы обещали ее Микаэль? Свобода? Дома? Семья и Луны? (No, I am not doubting her, I am doubting her feelings. What have you promised her Mikael? Freedom? Home? A family and the moon?)” I asked. I pressed my blade on his throat, a little more pressure I’ll be scarring him.
“Kale сказал мне, что вы сделали, свинья. Она является потомком, не у вас есть какие-либо порядочность в вас? (Kale told me what you did, pig. She’s a child, don’t you have any decency in you?)”
“Я не знаю, что вы говорите. (I don’t know what you are talking about.)” He mumbles, trying to keep his eyes on mine.
I raised a brow and smirked. “Ну возможно я должен спросить ее. (Well, maybe I should ask her.)” His eyes widened and that was all the answer I needed but I still wanted to know, “Tenshi, что написано на Микаэль его туловища? (Tenshi, what’s written on Mikael’s torso?)”
She didn’t answer.
“Tenshi-“
“I pay men to do things for me,” she said.
I glared back at Mikael but he shook his head carefully raising his arms, “N- no… sh- she didn’t-“
“You worthless piece of hell!” I shouted and hit him on the cheek with my blade’s hilt. He fell down the ground and I raised my blade up, wanting to chop a piece of him off when I heard a chair drop behind me.
“Don’t Angel!” I knew she had her gun pointed at me, “Don’t kill him, Angel.”
I still had my blade, ready to kill Mikael. “Give me a reason not to.”
“I… I love him…” she said in almost a whisper.
Mikael’s face was that of surprise. “Surprise Mikael?” I asked. “What do you say about that?”
“I- I…”
“Angel, please…” she says again, taking a step forward. “I will not hesitate to kill you.”
“I know baby girl,” I said, still not taking my eyes away from Mikael, nor facing her. “I just want to hear why?”
“Why?”
“Why do you love him?” I asked.
“H-he promised me freedom. He promised me a home that I can happily go to, without worries or fear, a family that is-“
“Away from all this chaos? A future with only you and your children? Will you also be living by the beach and walk hand in hand during the sunset?”
“H- how did…”
“He promised me the same things when I was your age.” I said, “You have really not changed at all haven’t you Mikael?”
“T- Tenshi, sh- she’s lying, she’s an assassin she-“
“No,” Tenshi says, “She’s Angel. She saved me and helped my mother.” Her voice was shaking, which meant she was crying.
“Tenshi listen to me-“
“No!” she shouted. “Angel thought me all the things I know, one thing I never perfected was to not listen to you.”
“Please Tenshi…” he begged, “please, I’m sorry, I didn’t know-“
“Shut up!” she shouted again.
Then I stifled a laugh. “Funny isn’t it?” I said, as I again squat in front of him, pointing the end of the blade on his forehead. “The one you have wanted to kill me will be your own nightmare.”
Then he glared at me and was about to lunge, “You bi-
But he never got to finish his sentence as she was shot on the head. I had to move aside, I already had enough blood on me from the guards that I’ve sliced open. But that only gave Tenshi a wider view of her target. She continued shooting him until he was just a bleeding mess and until there was no bullet left.
I stood beside her, she was shaking all over. I ran my hand down her arm and pulled the gun out of her grip. “Calm down, baby girl, everything’s fine…” I wrapped my arms around her shoulder, as she wrapped her arms around my waist on hid her face on my chest, crying and shaking.
I hear a chair move behind us, and I made a quick move toward the table and pierced my blade on the table, I still had Tenshi in my arms. The persistent man who tried to grab the gun earlier was shouting. I grinned seeing I pierced his hand on the table. Lucky shot, I thought.
“Seriously?” I asked, “If you want to get out of here alive at least hold a man’s gun.” I said, as I picked up the gun and pulled my blade back, making him scream more.
“Idiot.” I heard the man near me says under his breath. He was shaking his head and was calm. I turned to him and he stood up raising his hand for a shake.
“Keith Griffith, “he said, “Master of the Gold Lions.”
“Angel, of White Tigers,” I said.
“I know.” He said, “I saw your necklace and the boy’s tattoo. And the boy who served us our drinks, I’ve seen him with your grandfather before.”
“Ah, grandfather…” I said and made a hissing sound.
He laughed, “He doesn’t know that you are here?”
“Nope,” I said.
He nods with an amused look, “I’ll make sure that that this remains a secret then.”
“Thank you,” I said. Golden Lion, I thought, have to research about them.
“I’m glad to be serving an honorable lady, though your style is,” he glanced at Mikael’s body, “well, the men back home might need to get used to it first.”
I laughed and nodded. “Well, I’m hoping that this kind of measure isn’t necessary there, especially if they are like you.”
“Thank you for the compliment.” He said.
“Why are you here, Mr. Griffith?”
“Well, Mikael here had been selling some artifacts from a site we are studying, he had paid some of the local workers we hired to steal from us and he’ll sell it in the black market.”
I shook my head, “And I hope you had a blessing of a kill from grandfather.”
“Yes,” he says, “no need to worry princess. The people inside are my men as well so no need to kill any of them, and we’ve tampered with security as well.”
“Oh, so you’re the hacker,” I said out loud, he gave me a look but I shook my head. “We’ve dealt with security.”
“Then let me handle the cleaning, the crew is just around the corner anyway.” I nodded, a bit thankful, I’ve never really handled cleaning up after an assignment, and I have no plans of throwing all fifty-one bodies all around town.
“Thank you, Mr. Griffith, it seems like luck is on my side,” I said.
“Just a question though Ms. Matthews.” He said. “How do you know Mikael?”
I smirked, “He was a stalker and a courter, ass hole raped women as a hobby, it was a mistake that he messed with Tenshi here.”
“And where will Tenshi be going now?” he asked “Home.” I smiled at her, Tenshi looked up at me, surprised, “With me.”
Tenshi smiled and wrapped her arms around my waist and I returned the hug.