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The purpose as to why our employer wanted everyone present becomes clear: this has to be a joint decision. Cash plucks off the financial sheet and studies it, eyebrows pinched together as though the details are going to magically reveal an income vs. risk scenario. Kio separates the location’s blueprint from the stack.
“We got people on the inside turning a blind eye? Rooting for the underdogs?” Coty asks, addressing our hidden employer as he studies the specifics.
“Of course. This started as a normal job, but a couple people stepped in, and the law got to him first. Just a small timeline and location change is all.”
Small timeline and location change!?
The hit is within the hour at a goddamn police department!
My eyes bug so hard it causes an instant headache to throb at my temple.
Our employer continues. “Strings have already been pulled; he has been in a holding cell for over seventy-two hours. I want him taken care of before those strings snap and they have to transfer him downtown.”
I nearly draw blood biting my tongue. My unease was not unwarranted. This assignment is a fucking personal one. Thankfully, Kio speaks up and confirms that exact conclusion: “So, not only is the assignment at a cop shop in the middle of the day, but this is a personal vendetta, too? That crosses lines we pledged to never cross.”
Shadows shift. Our employer’s voice takes on a darker edge. “The only lines being crossed here is your understanding of how these jobs work.” If I didn’t already know what the many circles of Hell were like, I might have pissed myself.
Turning to Kal and Coty, I unnecessarily remind them, “The first assignment of the week always defaults to an initiate! We have never made an exception to that rule regardless of the liability.” Unlike how long the rest of us prepped, Zane has only been training for this moment for a few months. And they’re okay with his initiation assignment being at a police department? If he screws up, we will all suffer the consequences. Dire ones.
“We are all well aware whose responsibility this is. No need to relay the fine print.” Coty angles a silvery side-glare in my direction, silencing me.
Kio speaks up again, glancing at our Prez for approval. “The initiate is ready. I will personally partner with him to make sure things go smoothly.”
Kal gives him a subtle nod then returns his focus toward the shadows. With a chilling dispassionate tone, he binds the contract, adding his own stipulation: “We accept. But the remaining six of us are staying here… with you. If something goes sour while my men are gone, you are our next assignment.”
