Chapter 1
MELANIE
SOMEONE was in my house. It didn’t take a genius to know that, seeing as the intruder had oh–so–kindly obeyed the instructions on my cream and black doormat and removed their boots.
Am I seriously about to be accosted by a well–mannered burglar! I paused, lowering my hand which was still in my bag where I’d been reaching for my keys, my instincts on high alert.
I bent down, took off my shoes, palmed the Swiss knife I always kept at my ankle and entered my house.
It was dark in the hallway where I quietly discarded my bag and umbrella but light shone from the living room doorway.
“What kind of burglar leaves the lights on?” I thought to myself.
Perhaps when I’m done with him, I could give him a few tips and tricks. From one thief to another.
I walked softly to the living room and peered around the corner, spotting two men walking around and going through my
stuff.
One was taller and more built than the other and from his gait, I could tell he was a bodyguard or once was.
Not that the gun strapped to his hip wasn’t a big clue on its own.
When he spoke, his voice was deep and clear. “I think we should have contacted her first. What if this turns out to be some other poor woman’s house?” The first guy said.
The other one holding a briefcase replied saying he was sure they were in the right place and blah blah.
“Enough talk“, I thought to myself I moved swiftly toward the bodyguard type dude, jabbing a hand into a point in the side of his neck that was sure to render him unconscious. I didn’t wait to see his body crumple before I spun the other guy, kicked the back of his knees out and held my knife to his throat.
“Talk“, I said calmly.
He had the balls to laugh as he laid his briefcase gently on my carpeted floor “Well, hello there…He started in a pleasant tone like he didn’t have a very sharp object pressed to his jugular.
“It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, even in such…deplorable circumstances“, he said.
I was shocked at how much effrontery he had to be talking as calmly as he is right now considering he broke into my house
I pushed my knife in a little deeper, pricking his skin.
A thin trickle of blood started to flow, making its way to his pristine cream shirt.
“How did you find me?” I asked.
“I’d be careful with that thing if I were you. There’s a sniper across the street with instructions to shoot if you attempt
to kill me. It would be a shame to do that before we got down to business, but you know how it is. And to answer your earlier question, you really are a slippery little thing, but there’s nowhere you could go in this world that I wouldn’t find you.” His smile never wavered.
I stiffened, more at the familiar words than at the threat. I backed away from him slowly, anger making its way to my chest.
Offucking course!!!
“What does he want now?” I hit out angrily. I was supposed to never hear from him again.
Cream Shirt got up and dusted his outfit lightly, barely sparing a glance at the unconscious man lying a few feet away.
guess you’ve realized who sent me, Good. That’ll speed things up. He wants you to do another job for him.”
I
A delighted smule lit up his face. “He did say you’d be difficult. I hate it when he’s right. He said to remind you that you are in no position to refuse, seeing as you’re still indebted to him“.
Cream Shirt reached for the previously discarded briefcase and retrieved a document, holding it out to me. I took it and
1478
Chapter 1
examined it. It looked old, the corners yellowed and curling, suggesting authenticity but I wouldn’t put it past him to fake
- it.
I studied its contents, muttering curses under my breath.
“As you can see with your own eyes, you are, in fact, still under his control“.
I set the document aside and took a deep breath, wrestling the rage gathering within me and locking it in a mental box.
Silence reigned as we stared each other down.
I repeated my question.
“He wants you to do one job. It’ll be the last one.” I scoffed.
“No, really. It’s bigger than anything he’s asked you to do before“.
“Bigger than Germany?” I asked, certain he knew what I was referring to.
“Bigger than Germany“, He confirmed.
I sighed, holding my hand out for the dossier he retrieved and handed to me. It was full and quite heavy. “Summary“. I ordered.
Cream Shirt bristled at the order and I felt a hint of pleasure for taking that smile off his face. It was beginning to get on my
nerves.
“Enrico Giraldo will be moving a set of very rare jewels from his current location in Switzerland. He’ll be taking the train to Milan Malpensa in an attempt to shake off any threats and flying from there to Puerto Rico. Enclosed is all the information you need, a credit card and tickets. I don’t mean to teach you your job, but be very careful. We only get one shot at this, and you know how he is about incompetence.
It was my turn to bristle, “I’m perfect at what I do.”
“Well aware, or he wouldn’t have sent me here. He’ll be expecting your call. Don’t keep him waiting“, he said.
He closed his briefcase and glanced at the bodyguard guy who was just starting to come around.
“Perfect timing, we’re leaving“. He walked towards the door with the other one trailing behind him, and paused “Ah.One more thing. Should you refuse to take it, he’ll be in touch. Can’t have you floating around with classified information now, can we?” he searched my face to be sure I understood, then nodded.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening, miss.” He walked out, shutting the door.
Fucking well–mannered bastard.
I fought the urge to scream or throw something and closed my eyes. Running confidence games requires charisma, boldness and control. I did not get to where I am by losing my shit when backed into a tight corner.
