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It took a few minutes for my legs to quit shaking, my heart to return to normal, and my breathing to even out. When I felt stable, I focused on the wall and moved one foot in front of the other. Slowly, inch by inch, I crept closer to the other side. My head spun toward the end, but I kept my gaze locked.
The last few inches came into view, and I jumped, sliding down to the flat surface as I caught my breath. Naomi and Karma clapped below, reminding me they were there. I waved once I could move my arms again. It was another twenty minutes before my muscles allowed me to budge from my spot, and I rappelled down the wall, eager to touch down on the solid ground again.
“Ravioli, that never gets easier,” I mumbled as I unhooked the harness.
“Just imagine if you were taller. The ground would be further away,” Karma teased.
“Ha! My shortness is good for something.”
“You headed out?” Karma asked as they stretched, her brown hair touching the ground.
“Yep. Might be a while. It’s a three-in-one.”
“Nice. Catch ya later, Raven.” Naomi and Karma waved as they exited, and I collapsed against the wall, wiping the sweat from my face as I debated crawling back to my room or inventing a flying disk that could carry me.
My watch beeped, alerting me to how much time I had left. Groaning, I rolled over to the ground and pushed up, my thighs screaming at me. I’d need to stretch later, or I wouldn’t be doing any climbing any time soon.
Each step up was torturous, my body yelling as I ascended the nine million flights. People were up and bustling around the house, but they left me to my grumblings and nonsensical words. Stopping in the kitchen, I grabbed the last of Karma’s cookies, a sports drink, and a banana, hoping to appease my muscles with some nutrients.
The second-floor landing came into view, and I practically wept as I shuffled down the hallway to my room. Face-planting on my bed, I groaned as I lay there, knowing I couldn’t waste too much time. Rolling on my back, I peeled the banana, attempting to eat on my back without choking myself.
“Practicing how to give a blow job?” Darcy asked from the hallway. I lifted my middle finger, too tired to do anything else. She laughed but left me to my misery.
Ten minutes later, my watch beeped again, and I groaned, rolling over and pushing up with my arms. Shutting my door, I undressed and headed to the shower, the jets and hot water calling my name.
The aches lessened as the water ran over my body, and I perked up, thinking about the new job on the horizon. Twisting my hair into a bun on my head, I dressed in my standard attire of a nerdy t-shirt, skirt, and stockings with my favorite pair of Converse. I changed out my eyebrow and nose ring, going with something smaller and less conspicuous than the hoops I usually wore.
I fell into a rhythm as I packed my bag, tossing in all the things I’d need on this trip: black clothing, makeup, my chemical goodies, medical bag, computer, and surveillance gadgets. Grabbing a random passport, I glanced at the name I’d be for the trip and chuckled.
Robyn Banks.
I swear, Darcy picked names for Man to use just to mess with me. Oh well, I couldn’t do much since forging an ID was not in my wheelhouse.
Double checking everything was secure and that I hadn’t forgotten an item, I zipped my suitcase closed and grabbed my backpack. I peered around the room at all the things I’d collected over the years, the items I’d bought online, and the souvenirs I’d stolen as a memento of my job. I took them all in, knowing that it was always possible I wouldn’t return if I failed my mission.
With a flick of the switch, the room descended into darkness, and I shut the door, hoping it wouldn’t be the last time I stepped foot in there.
The mansion was livelier as I walked through, waving at the other girls as they went about their days. When it was busy like this, it made me miss the ones not here more. Royal and Harlow arguing over the best place for things, Ivory laughing with her twin, and Selena trying to one-up Darcy in the hacker department.
Stepping out the front doors, a sleek black car waited for me. Pierce, the new driver, opened the door as I neared. I placed my suitcase in first, sliding across the soft leather before the door shut and sealed me in. The space smelled of brandy, a crystal tumbler sitting next to a decanter on the drink cart, and made me curious about who was the last one in here.
I’d given up long ago on tracking everyone. Each girl had their own life and way of doing things. Our diverse skills made the Belladonnas one of the world’s best and deadliest assassin guilds. While the girls had become my sisters and friends, and I’d do anything for them, they’d never fully fill that hole I had where Otto’s memory lived.
Perhaps it was due to the fact I’d never let him go, so there was no space for anyone else. Or maybe because we were all orphans, plucked from the streets at a young age, and we never truly healed that initial wound. Whatever the reasoning, I still yearned for a family, one I’d make of my own someday.
“We’ll be arriving at the airfield momentarily, Miss Raven,” Pierce said, interrupting my thoughts. I appreciated how he didn’t feel the need to chat, letting me zone out while he took the reins to ensure my safety.
“Thank you.” I cleared my throat, sounding sad even to my own ears and straightening my spine. Now wasn’t the time to think about needing a best friend. I had some turdnuggets to kill.
* * *
Stepping off my plane,I stretched my arms and twisted side to side. I waved goodbye to Phillip, my pilot. My jet had been my first big purchase. While it might seem extreme to have your own plane when you didn’t leave the house a lot, it made things easier for me. I didn’t drive, and avoiding highly populated places helped reduce my chance of accidentally seeing blood. So yeah, the moment I could afford it, I bought one.
Nothing beat having your own space, and the nap I’d taken while on board proved it. It was the last chance I could let my guard down until I returned. My mood had improved; my usual pep restored as I pulled my hair into a ponytail and donned some fake glasses. The small details played bigger tricks on people’s minds in recognition because they weren’t looking for them.
Strolling through the small office, I didn’t stop to chat, knowing there would be a car for me. Man always took care of the details, allowing us to focus on the job. The wind blew my hair as I stepped through the door; the weather had changed from Colorado to Kentucky. Just one time, I’d like to be sent somewhere warm to kill someone. Hopefully, the next stop would be warmer.
Tugging on a leather jacket, I spotted the car as it neared the office. The car service tag hung from the rearview, and I eyed the driver. Typically, I’d be picked up in something nicer, but this was small-town America. Doubtful that there was much to choose from to begin with in ride-shares.
