“Why don’t you take a look to see if I aimed correctly. You tell me if I’m worthy and proved myself to be more effective than my father.” I hand the Sergeant Major the rifle and take astep back.
I watch him carefully as he raises and looks through the scope. His chest tightens as he moves from each target taking in my mark. He lowers the weapon and hands it over to the commander. He does the same mimicking the Sergeant's reactions.
“She hit the damn bullseye on every single target. Holy hell.” The commander is the first to speak. “Where did you learn to shoot like that?”
His eyes widen and he looks back and forth with disbelief. This makes me feel even more powerful, holding the upper hand.
“I told you, I’m better than my father. Now, are you interested?” I cross my hands in front of me with aI’m a bad bitchsmile on my face.
I can hear my boys muffle their laughter as they just witnessed the five-star general, the highest-ranking officer in the Army, look like a total fool.
“I will say yes after that performance. Would you consider joining us? We could use a good shot like yours. How many are you willing to supply us?” He looks over the rifle, examining it for the first time.
How cute. He actually thinks I’ll work and become a pawn for the feds.
“No, I don’t work for anyone but myself. But if you ever need something taken care of discreetly, you know who to call. With a good price, that is. We have about two hundred with us, which does not include your shipment. How many would you like?”
“We’ll take them all. I’ll also speak with the different bases to see how many they’ll need and contact you for a shipment and payment,” he confirms.
It’s like taking candy from a baby. This is why my father always sent me overseas to close big deals. I show them whatthey’re lacking and provide a solid solution. They take the bait every time.
“Very well. It was nice doing business with you boys. Larson over here will collect your payment. We will speak soon.” I turn on my heels and walk back towards the SUV.
I don’t spare them any more time. I came, they saw, I delivered. Now I get to leave with a fat check.
“Way to make the five-star general, the big boss in the fucking military, look like a damn bitch.” Antonio catches up to me, laughing so hard he almost trips over his feet.
Dumbass.
“Act like a bitch, I’ll make you feel like one. They now know who’s boss. Not only do I know how to work their very weapons, but I also have better aim than their trained killers. Now they know, I’m the one to fear and the one who makes the orders.” Opening the door, I step inside the backseat, getting comfortable before pulling out my phone.
“Your father would be proud of you, cuz. You represent him well,” Antonio says as he slides into the driver seat looking into the rearview mirror.
“I know. Let’s head to the office. I have paperwork to do and also want to see if my father’s results came in yet.” I look down at my phone reading a text from Alaric without responding to it like a jealous idiot.
The trunk opens and bags full of money are loaded inside before we leave. Larson decides to join us and gets into the passenger seat before we head out. Two black SUVs lead the way and two follow behind making sure we’re protected from front to back. Once we hit the main road, the street turns into two lanes and the vehicles move into position making sure each side is guarded. I chuckle to myself as I have more protection than the damn President. I could get used to this. A text chimes in breaking my thoughts.
Melodie: Samantha didn’t show up to work last night due to her daughter Gabby not feeling well but now she hasn’t shown up for her shift this afternoon. I’ve tried calling her but she's not picking up.
Me: Maybe her phone died or she has had an emergency. Has Charlie spoken with her?
Melodie: No. I just got to her house.
Melodie: Her door is busted open and the living room is trashed.
Me: Don’t go inside, I’m on my way.
“Antonio, head to Samantha’s house, something’s wrong.” I quickly send a text to the drivers in the other vehicles to change course and when we get there to swap cars and take this one back to the mansion.
Samantha is one of our dancers and a single mom just trying to make it by to take care of her and her daughter. My hands are shaking nervously to see what we find when we get there. She and her sweet baby better be unharmed or I swear to fuck, I will lose my shit.
CHAPTER TWELVE
ALARIC
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” - William Shakespeare, Hamlet
“What are ya’ll doing here?” I came from my room approaching behind Celeste when I heard multiple people talking. Beckett and Monroe stand in the doorway staring right at Celeste.
