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The driver asked a few questions on the trip but mostly left me alone as I peered out the window. The houses became further apart as we neared the mansion that John Mathis, or JohnDukeas he was known here, resided in. Trees lined the road, disappearing when an iron fence came into view. It spanned a few blocks before we arrived at the gate where a security guard stepped out, walking toward the car.
“State your business,” the man said. The driver motioned toward me, so I rolled down my window and handed him my badge.
“Hello, I’m here to shadow Rebecca today.” He looked over my badge with the agency name on it, then back at me. The guard stepped back to pick up a phone in the booth and pressed a button. He spoke with someone before hanging up and handing me my badge.
“You’ll have to get out here. Only cars that have been inspected are allowed to pass.”
Sighing, I nodded and grabbed my bag. “Thanks for the lift.” The driver nodded, their knuckles tight on the steering wheel, their eyes not meeting mine in the rearview.
Whelp, it looked like they wouldn’t be accepting any more jobs from me.
Closing the door, I stepped out, and not a second later, the car reversed out of the driveway and sped off. Rolling my eyes, I walked toward the gate, noticing how long the drive was. Yay. More cardio.
“I’ll need to inspect your bag, Miss.”
“Of course… I’m sorry; what’s your name?” I asked with a smile. Seduction had never been my skill, but being friendly and kind were. People relaxed around me, my unassuming appearance and height making me seem like a non-threat. And since people naturally tended to ignore anyone who didn’t meet the beauty standards of size and weight, I became invisible, fading into the background.
Which was funny when you thought about it. The chubby girl being invisible. But I was most often. I didn’t let it bother me, using it as a strength instead.
“It’s Mark,” the guard answered as he peeked through my bag. I held in my laugh at the fact a guard named Mark was guarding my mark. He handed me back my bag, stepping toward me with a wand. “Lift your arms.”
I did as he asked, spinning in a circle when he needed me to. And this was why I handled these jobs. My murder weapons were inconspicuous and easily explained with my role.
“You’re really good at your job. I can tell you take it seriously, Mark.” His chest puffed out at the compliment, some of his earlier hardness melting away.
“You’re clear, Molly. Sorry about the hike. I’ll try to remember to bring the golf cart down here tomorrow. If you call the guard box at the end of your shift, I’ll have someone bring you back.”
I touched his arm, smiling brightly. “That’s really kind of you, Mark. Thank you. I appreciate that so much.” His cheeks tinged a little red, and I dialed it back a little. I didn’t want to accidentally send him a flirt.
“Have a good day, Miss Molly.” He cleared his throat and dipped his head like he was from a country-western. Mark opened the gate from his stand, and I waved, hoping my camera had gotten the controls.
I’d have to try to get a clearer view later in case we couldn’t get a car through and needed to open it ourselves. Strolling, I took in my surroundings, making sure to get the gate and fence to show how expansive it was. The walk to the house wasn’t bad, despite the forced cardio. I had on comfortable shoes, and the weather was pleasant for this time of night, lacking the earlier humidity the south was known for. As I strolled, I spotted a few men patrolling the grounds ensuring to capture them. It might suck to walk, but it gave me a great view of the perimeter.
“This place is bonkers,” I muttered as I approached the front of the house. The dark brick appeared obsidian in the night, expanding as far as I could see with a driveway that wrapped around to a garage. Windows covered the front, only a few lights visible from the outside. It stood three stories high with no trees close by.
This would be difficult for Loxley Crew to breach. They’d need to get past Mark and all the guards on the grounds. Not to mention the fact if they checked vehicles, stealing anything would be impossible. My mind plotted out differing scenarios and escape routes over the last few steps, listing the risks. When I made it to the door, a guard nodded at me. I smiled, hoping to make another friend.
“Hello, sir. Are you having a good evening?” He grunted, opening the door without a word.
Okay, so he wasn’t much of a talker. But unlike my Ruebear, who spoke mostly with his heart and eyes, this man’s were dark and hollow. He’d take out another person without hesitation. I labeled him as a threat in my head. We’d all need to be wary of him.
A frazzled nurse met me a few feet inside, her red hair frizzy and out of its clip, a grimace on her face. Despite her messy appearance, she had a kind face and didn’t give off any predator vibes.
“I’m sorry about the walk. I told the agency about the car thing,” she said, motioning for me to follow her. “I’m Rebecca, by the way.”
“Molly. It’s nice to meet you. And the walk was fine. It’s a nice evening.” I ignored the sweat that had developed under my boobs, knees, and arms. Gross.
She gave me a tight smile, and I hoped Rebecca would lighten up a bit on her vacation, especially since she wouldn’t have to return to this home. I felt slightly bad about that, but the agency would find her a new place. Maybe she would be happy to be rid of this evil bastard.
I tried to swivel as much as I could as I followed her, trying to capture the room layouts. We climbed the stairs, my legs groaning by the time I reached the top floor. I really did need to think about increasing my cardio because there was no way I was cutting out donuts. An image of a donut hanging in front of a treadmill had me snorting out loud. Rebecca turned, lifting her eyebrow at my odd behavior. I coughed. Hoping she’d think the first one had been one too.
“So, how long have you worked here?” I asked, trying to soften her a bit.
“About a year at this house, but I’ve been with the agency for about five years. This is actually the first vacation I’ve taken since then.” She relaxed a little with that news, making me happy we’d thought to do that. Everyone needed a vacation—especially in the medical field.
“Very exciting. Are you traveling with anyone?” I asked as we walked into a room. She paused, a slight smile gracing her lips.
“I kind of have a thing going with one of the guards. He’s hoping he can get off work. He’s put his request in and is waiting to hear if it’s approved.”
