Chapter 09: At What Price?

“Hey, hey, good, you’re back!” Kasper said as Alexa stepped in the front door. She dropped a couple of grocery bags to the counter and started over towards him, smiling at the way he was eagerly waving her over. “Come here I wanna show you something.”

“What is it?”

“Well, I think I may have found a way to get the cash we need right here and now.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. We use blackmail.”

“Blackmail?”

“Exactly. It’s perfect.  We can get the money we need to get our asses to Dubai or wherever you want to go.”

Chapter 09: Uninvited

Alexa stared out the window of their location across from WET Headquarters. Her thoughts wandered to Randy, the hapless security guard who’d made the mistake of getting in their way on their first excursion into the building. She hadn’t wanted to take his life, but the alternative was out of the question.

Her teeth worried at her bottom lip as she continued watching the men and women pile inside the large office. So many threats. So many ways this mission could fail. “Penny for your thoughts,” Kasper said, announcing himself behind her.

“It’s a strange thing being hunted. You can never look at the lights; only the darkness between them. Like a living shadow reaching ever closer to pull you in,” she replied, still focused on the comings and goings of the employees below.

Chapter 09: The Art of War

“Mother Superior,” Alexa bowed her head as the elderly woman approached her. Expecting a formal greeting bereft of emotion, Alexa was surprised when the woman wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close.

“My child. It’s so good to see you again.”

“I’ve missed you so much, Mother Mary.” Alexa encircled her, hugging her tighter and closing her eyes as she reveled in the familiar smells of mint and ginger.

Chapter 09: Story of a Girl

“You’re a lawyer?” Ashley asked, gently stroking Tobias’ arm. “Do you find your job interesting?”

“I do. I have a real appreciation for law and justice in general. Although, the public at large can be a bit critical.”

“You’re talking to a blonde, trust me, I understand. In fact, I’ll bet you there are more blonde jokes than lawyer jokes.”

“Oh yeah? You really think so?” Tobias challenged. Ashley grinned and shook her head as she sipped from the fruity cocktail in front of her. “Alright, you’re on. What’s the difference between a lawyer and a leech? After you die, a leech stops bleeding you dry.”

“Why do blondes wear underwear? To keep their ankles warm,” Ashley retorted.

“What’s the difference between a lawyer and God? God doesn't think he’s a lawyer.”

“How do you make a blonde laugh on Saturday? Tell her a joke on Wednesday.”

Chapter 09: Spies Like Her

“Don’t shoot!” The frightened man shrunk lower to the floor with his hands up, hoping to keep Alexa from using the weapon she had aimed at his head. “Please! Just…p-put the gun down.”

“No chance. Who are you?”

“I’m a-a friend.”

“Wrong answer!” the sound of the gun cocking rattled him and he squealed and shook nearly dropping the bag in his hand.

“No, no wait p-please! A!”

“What did you just call me?”